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Goddamned obnoxious vile smelling interfering flea infested mongrel…
Curses peppered my thoughts as I hurled myself over the river, catching up to Bella easily driven by my anger. I landed a tenth of a second after she did, clenching my hands onto her upper arms. Her body was already tight – she'd sensed him.
"Don't breathe," I whispered.
Sorry, Edward! A chorus of minds called to me from inside the house.
He insisted, thought Emmett. He's one tricky bastard.
I gathered the story in bits and pieces from my family's racing minds. Jacob had told my family that he was going out to fill in Leah and Seth, who had been relegated earlier to the edge of the property line near the road, far from the river, since we had planned to take Bella out hunting that way. They had heard him phase, during which time, unbeknownst to them he had shared his plan with his pack. It had only been as my family was gathering, hearing our distant return, that Jacob had burst into the house, telling them to stay inside and protect Renesmee, he was going to "test" Bella's control on himself before she came near Renesmee.
A short, but heated argument followed. Carlisle and Esme vehemently disagreed with the plan, thinking Jacob should not be putting himself in harm's way. Alice was upset because he was completely scrambling the future, Emmett thought they didn't need his help but had no problem it, and Jasper and Rosalie had actually thought it was a good idea.
I've got no problem with it, Rosalie thought. Either Bella proves him wrong, or we get rid of the dog permanently. Win-win.
Emmett and I can be there in a second, Edward, Jasper thought. He and Emmett were standing right at the back door. Nessie is safe in the house. Just give the word.
Leah and Seth were prowling behind him, Leah's thoughts venomous as she trained her eyes on Bella, watching every move. I was beyond furious that Jacob had put Bella into this situation. Tempting Bella to kill him, prompting Leah to attack Bella, and my brothers to tear her to shreds. In front of her little brother. Brilliant plan.
Don't try to stop me, Edward. I already went through this with the good doctor. This is the best way to see if she can be trusted – let her go.
I bristled. He didn't know how much Bella had already proven her control in the forest earlier. He'd just taken it on himself that he should be the one to make the decisions regarding Bella's safety to see her daughter.
I worked to keep my hands and voice steady, not revealing the fury I was feeling. "Carefully, Jacob," I said quietly, my voice not betraying the fact that I wanted to tear his head from his shoulders. Leah snarled in agreement. "Maybe this isn't the best way…"
"You think it would be better to let her near the baby first?" Jacob snapped. "It's safer to see how Bella does with me. I heal fast."
Bella's face was twisted with horror and anxiety. Jacob continued to stare at me, pleading but defiant.
I want to do this, Edward. This is to protect Bella as much as Renesmee.
Right, I thought. His insinuation that his plans had been made at all with Bella's interests in mind angered me even further. If he wants to play the martyr, fine. I won't stop him.
I shrugged. "It's your neck, I guess," I growled. Bella was watching me, her eyes growing wide with surprise.
Leah snarled furiously from the forest. God damned bloodsucker, you know she could kill him easily. I won't let her.
I stiffened, concerned about Leah. I stepped just slightly to angle myself better between her and Bella. While Bella's eyes were still on me, I realized Jacob's eyes were frozen on her now, involuntarily captivated, seeing her truly for the first time since she awoke.
Oh god, Bells, he thought despairingly, searching and not finding the girl he had so long loved in the still, silent creature before him. His nostrils filled with her scent, sickly sweet to him, and he groaned internally. She's gone. She's really gone.
And then Bella turned her eyes to him, her gaze inquisitive, her brows slightly furrowed, an expression he had seen so many times before, and in that expression, he found her again. Hovering behind the unfamiliar features he saw the light and life, the friend, that he knew so well, and he exhaled, relaxing.
Still here, he thought, surprised, smiling.
He looked her over more carefully, taking in the torn, blood stained clothes under the white shirt, the dirt matted onto her limbs, and finally, the flaming red eyes. He shuddered, thinking of Victoria's newborns.
"I gotta say it Bella," he said, grinning widely. "You're a freak show." Straight out of a b-grade horror movie - Night of the Filthy Vampire.
"Watch yourself, mongrel," I growled, but Bella just smiled. Clean air gusted past us, and I felt Bella take a breath.
"No, he's right," she said, nodding. "The eyes are really something, aren't they?"
"Super-creepy. But it's not as bad as I thought it would be."
"Gee - thanks for the amazing compliment!"
Jacob rolled his eyes. Same old Bella. "You know what I mean. You still look like you - sort of. Maybe it's not the look so much as…you are Bella. I didn't think it would feel like you were still here." He smiled, chuckling. "Anyway, I guess I'll get used to the eyes soon enough."
"You will?" Bella asked, sounding confused.
Oops. The smile dropped from his face and he glanced at me. She doesn't know yet.
"Thanks," he said. "I didn't know if you'd be able to keep it from her, promise or not. Usually, you just give her everything she wants.
My eyes narrowed slightly. I couldn't believe he was pulling out the attitude now.
"Maybe I'm hoping she'll get irritated and rip your head off," I said calmly.
Jacob laughed once. You'd like that, wouldn't you? I raised my eyebrows, not disagreeing.
"What's going on?" Bella demanded, her face shocked. "Are you two keeping secrets from me?"
"I'll explain later," Jacob said quickly, glancing at me. One thing at a time, 'kay?
I rolled my eyes. Coward.
He looked back to Bella. "First, let's get this show on the road." He grinned, starting to take slow, even, steps closer.
Jake, no, Leah thought desperately, whining in protest. This is ridiculous. Stop him, you damn bloodsucker. She weaved out of the forest, Seth at her heals. He glanced nervously from Bella to Jacob.
"Cool it, guys," Jacob said. I told them to keep back, in the forest, he fumed. "Stay out of this."
Jacob continued to move forward slowly, his scent growing stronger as the wind grew still. The air around him almost shimmered with his heat, his heart pounding fast. The scent of his blood, though, mingled with the reek of dog, rendered him mostly unappealing. For a newborn that would usually not be enough to deter a kill anyways, but with Bella's control, I truly didn't think, unfortunately, that she would strike. Not yet, anyways.
Hope you've got a good grip on her, Edward, Jacob thought as he made one final step, stopping inches from Bella's body. Not really looking to die today, if I'm being honest. She was tense beneath my hands, stock still, not breathing.
"C'mon Bells. Do your worst."
Leah hissed, and I watched her with a hard expression. I won't let her hurt him, she thought again, her emotions getting desperate.
"I'm getting older here, Bella," Jacob taunted. "Okay, not technically, but you get the idea. Go on, take a whiff."
I turned my glare from Leah to him. He really had no idea how hard this was for Bella, how even his filthy scent would scorch her throat, even if it wasn't enough for her to kill him. How horrible she would feel if she hurt her friend.
He caught my expression. Lighten up, bloodsucker. Then he cringed slightly, his eyes flickering back to Bella has he realized that term now applied to her as well. He searched again for the familiar remnants in her new face. No, he thought. Not her.
Bella pressed backwards into my chest. "Hold onto me," she pleaded. I tightened my hands reassuringly around her arms. I was certain, if she lunged, I could hold her back long enough for Jacob to make an escape before she threw me off. Well, a head start, at least.
In the house, most of my family was watching with keen interest. Rosalie was further back in the house, shielding Renesmee from the scene below. Nessie was flashing images into Rose's mind. There were assorted pictures of my face, interspersed with images of Bella, painful flashes of her ravaged face, as well as memories Jacob leaving, kissing her on the cheek and bounding out the door, assumedly to come down and wait to play out his little plan. She seemed to know we were out here, together.
I felt Bella's body stiffen, her muscles tight, controlled, and then the slight movement of breath into her mouth. I prepared to wrap my body around her, throw us to the ground if necessary.
But then Bella took another, deeper breath, and I felt the tension pour out of her.
"Huh," she said, her voice relaxed. "I can see what everyone's been going on about. You stink, Jacob."
Only Bella, Seth thought, huffing with amusement.
My family laughed. Classic, thought Emmett.
"Look who's talking" said Jacob, holding his nose, looking like an idiot. I smiled and laughed with unexpected amusement, and endless relief. Bella was never going to cease amazing me. I hugged her close, whispering "I love you" into her ear.
"Okay," said Bella. "So I passed, right?" She looked speculatively from me to Jacob. "Now are you going to tell me what this big secret is?"
Damn. Jacob's face became very tight. Please don't say it, Edward. Not yet. "It's nothing you need to worry about this second…"
I heard Emmett laugh inside the house. This is going to be excellent, he thought, rubbing his hands together. I rolled my eyes, turning to smile at Bella only to find her face completely still, a mirror of want, and fear, and stress.
"Renesmee," she choked out, emotion clouding her voice. She seemed almost afraid to breathe, as if Renesmee was already in front of her.
"Come and see," I said quietly. The time had definitely come. I had seen Bella demonstrate her control beyond anything that could have been imagined – it was time for her to meet her daughter.
"You'll help me?" she whispered, anxiety in her eyes.
"Of course I will."
"And Emmett and Jasper – just in case?"
"We'll take care of you, Bella. Don't worry, we'll be ready. None of us would risk Renesmee. I think you'll be surprised at how entirely she's already wrapped us all around her little fingers. She'll be perfectly safe, no matter what."
Bella looked up towards the house for a moment, her eye's yearning, and then she took a tentative step towards the house.
No way. Jacob was in front of her, blocking her path, his faced strained. "Are you sure, bloodsucker?" Is this just you, giving her what she wants, like always? "I don't like this. Maybe she should wait-"
I ground my teeth. Did he think I had no consideration for Renesmee's safety as well as Bella's happiness? That he was the only one capable of protecting her?
"You had your test, Jacob," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
Maybe he's right, Edward? Jasper thought in the house, glancing with worried eyes at Nessie in Rosalie's arms. I realized Renesmee was now only showing her images of Bella's face after her birth, an insistent quality to the thoughts now. She was asking to see Bella. This, above everything else, made my decision for me. My family would understand when I explained about what had happened in the forest.
"But--," Jacob sputtered.
"But nothing," I spat, beyond sick of his continued interference. "Bella needs to see our daughter." Ours, not yours. "Get out of her way."
Jacob shot a look at Bella, at her blood stained clothes, at her bright crimson eyes. This is crazy. He turned and bolted towards the house. This is crazy. I won't let Nessie get hurt…
I growled after him, and then glanced at Bella. She looked confused and worried. Damn him.
I tried to smooth my features. I didn't want to let Jacob's antics interfere with this moment for Bella. "Shall we?" I asked gently. Bella nodded, looking anxious. I grabbed her hand, holding it tight, her skin barely giving at all under mine, and pulled her towards the house.
Inside, my family was moving swiftly, gathering in a formation that had been discussed while we were in the forest. Jasper, in something of an unusual panic for him, was pointing silent instructions. Rosalie stood by the front door, holding Nessie, ready to leave the room at the slightest hint of aggression from Bella. This was for safety as well as the hope that Renesmee would not have to see Bella violently restrained, if it came to that. My stomach sickened at the thought. That won't happen. Several feet in front of her, Jasper and Emmett waited, with Carlisle on one side and Esme and Alice on the other.
Jasper and Emmett were there to restrain, the rest of my family to protect. Offense and defense. As always, Jasper was thorough.
As we approached the house, Jacob paused for a moment at the door, but as soon as we neared he darted to the back of the room next to Rosalie. She glared distastefully at him. I was hoping you'd be dead next time I saw you, mutt, she grumbled to herself.
Jacob eyed her, as if he knew what she was thinking, and then stood in front of them.
My family was smiling calmly, but their thoughts and the emotions seeping into Jasper betrayed their anxiety. Surprisingly, none of them seemed to know what had occurred during the hunt, with the humans. I had assumed Alice would have told them. I searched her mind, but it was fully occupied with the image of Bella. She was nearly choking in horror at the sight of Bella's dress.
Dear god, it's even worse in reality!
Renesmee was straining to see around the line of my family. She caught sight of me first. Daddy!! Then her luminous eyes focused on Bella, as I drew her carefully forward.
Bella froze as Renesmee came into her view. "I was out just two days?" she gasped, obviously taking in Renesmee's enormous growth over the last few days. Jasper's muscles tensed as he read her obvious shock. Too much, Edward. It's too much to ask.
Renesmee started at the sound of Bella's voice, her eyes widening slightly. She grasped onto the sound, replaying it in her head several times while her eyes scoured Bella's face. She brought up an image of Bella, of a human Bella, in the moments of her birth. Renesmee. So…beautiful. The light, airy quality of Bella's human voice was in stark comparison to the singing phrase we had all just heard leave her lips. Renesmee grew slightly anxious with confusion, and Jasper shifted, worried about her, resisting the urge to glance back.
Renesmee lifted a small hand to Rose's throat. Bella? Her mind still held the picture of Bella after her birth, but there was a new, questioning tone to the image. Her eyes never left Bella's.
"Yes, that's her," Rose said softly, brushing her fingers over Nessie's hand. That's your mother. I caught the slightly bittersweet inflection of Rosalie's thoughts in this moment.
Bella. Renesmee's mind turned the dueling images and sounds around for a moment, surrounded by the tumbling memories of before her birth, of the voice, caressing and adoring, that had then been her world, her whole world. Then it all melded together into a distinct, dazzling form, a singular love, and suddenly her small heart sang with unparalleled joy, and a brilliant smile broke out across her face. Bella. Mommy.
And at that moment, Bella moved towards her. Stop her, Edward!! Jasper thought. I gripped the top of her arms, hard, propelled by his panic. Emmet and Jasper moved swiftly to form a solid wall between Bella and Renesmee, the other's dropping back to create a second barrier.
Rose moved several feet back so that she was pressed to the wall next to the door. Should I go, should I go?? Jacob stepped with her, keeping his body between Nessie and Bella.
I knew it, he growled.
Jasper's eyes were cool, alert. Hold her. I can calm her as much as possible so we can get her out of here.
Alice hadn't moved. She glanced at my grip on Bella disapprovingly. You know she's fine, Edward, she chided me. I came slightly back to my senses, trying to disentangle myself from Jasper's worry. She was right - Bella's movement had been a tentative step, not an aggressive move. I shook my head slightly at Jasper, and he frowned. I knew first-hand Bella's immaculate control, and I sensed it was still tightly in place. Looking at Alice's mind now, I realized she had seen what had happened in the forest, and the incredible feat Bella had accomplished.
No, I didn't tell them, she thought. She looked back at the tense lines of my family. But you better, if you want them to relax.
"Oh, give her some credit," she said. "She wasn't going to do anything. You'd want a closer look, too."
Everyone glanced around skeptically.
Bella was breathing steadily now. "I'm okay," she said quietly, touching one of my hands, still clamped on her upper arm. "Keep close, though, just in case."
Bella! Mommy! Nessie, blocked by Jacob from her view of Bella, was struggling now in Rose's arms. Bella's new face filled her mind, the emphasis demanding.
I looked at Jasper, and his face tightened with anxiety. Concentrating on Bella, Jasper could feel the intense want, the need, for Bella to see her child rolling off her. And he could also sense her anxiety. Her emotions are strong, Edward. It doesn't matter if they are good, or bad, appropriate or inappropriate. In a newborn, strong emotions of any kind equals trouble. You know this! She won't be able to keep herself in hand.
But I knew Bella could do this. She was not the typical newborn Jasper imagined. "Jazz, Em, let us through. Bella's got this."
Emmett relaxed. Okay, Edward, your call. But Jasper didn't move. He was unhappy with the volatility of the situation. He carried a very heavy burden, feeling responsible for the safety of everyone involved. He couldn't stand the idea of Nessie being hurt, and I realized he was also extremely concerned about Alice being hurt trying to intercede on Bella's part in some sort of scuffle.
Jasper's thoughts became laced with panic. The baby is so small. We don't know how badly Bella could hurt her! "Edward, the risk--"
"Minimal," I said. I needed to explain to him exactly why we could trust Bella, so he could relax. "Listen, Jasper – on the hunt she caught the scent of some hikers who were in the wrong place at the wrong time…"
Carlisle gasped. Oh, no, he thought in horror. I glanced over in surprise and then immediately realized he had misunderstood what I was going to say. His eyes flared with shock. You should not have insisted on going alone!
Ahh, thought Jasper, with a little too much satisfaction. That explains the lack of thirst.
Esme eyed me with alarm, searching my eyes. Oh, dear, I hope Edward didn't as well! She realized, rightfully so, the nearly impossible temptation such a scene would entail, even for us.
Disgusting! Jacob thought, eyeing the blood on Bella's dress in horror. No way she's coming near Nessie now!
Alice rolled her eyes internally. Oh, yea of little faith. Tell them, Edward. She was still much more concerned about the state of Bella's dress.
"Edward!" Carlisle admonished. I'm disappointed in you. "How could you be so irresponsible?"
"I know, Carlisle, I know." He was right. Although, miraculously, everything had been fine, my actions had been reprehensible given my promise to Bella. "I was just plain stupid. I should have taken the time to make sure we were in a safe zone before I set her loose."
How many did she get, man? Emmett thought excitedly, thinking of his wager with Jasper. This is sweet – I am so going to win this bet! He shut his eyes briefly, imagining himself riding on the back of Jasper's, formerly my, motorcycle, Rose's long arms and legs wrapped around him. All mine, for a whole year.
"Edward," said Bella, her voice pained with embarrassment.
Poor thing, she didn't want us to know, thought Esme. I hope she doesn't feel she let us down.
"He's absolutely right to rebuke me, Bella," I said, smiling. This was actually kind of fun. Even Carlisle, the eternal optimist, was buying into it. "I made a huge mistake. The fact that you are stronger than anyone I've ever known doesn't change that."
Alice was the only one who caught my play on the word stronger. She knew I didn't mean physically stronger. She rolled her eyes. "Tasteful joke, Edward." Tell them, you're upsetting my sister!
You are being very flippant about this, Edward, Carlisle thought disapprovingly. This is no time for joking.
"I wasn't making a joke." I smiled. "I was explaining to Jasper why I know Bella can handle this. It's not my fault everyone jumped to conclusions."
"Wait," said Jasper suddenly. What did you mean by stronger? "She didn't hunt the humans?" Impossible.
"She started to," I said slowly, trying to draw out the suspense a little longer. I heard Bella's teeth grind together, and Jasper glanced at her, sensing frustration. "She was entirely focused on the hunt."
"What happened?" Carlisle asked suddenly, realization starting to fill his eyes.
I felt a flush of pride and excitement suddenly. "She heard me behind her and reacted defensively. As soon as my pursuit broke into her concentration, she snapped right out of it. I've never seen anything to equal her. She realized at once what was happening and then…" I paused dramatically, most of my family stock still with anticipation, except for Rosalie, who was struggling in the back to contain Renesmee. For god's sake, spit it out, Edward, she thought irritably.
I grinned and continued, speaking each word slowly and carefully. "She held her breath and ran away."
"Whoa," said Emmett. Are you screwing with us, Eddie? "Seriously?"
Carlisle clapped his hands together. Wonderful. Amazing. She's one of a kind. Always has been. He smiled down at relief at Esme, who was beaming at Bella.
I don't believe it, Jasper thought, utterly stunned.
Okay, great, thought Rose. No dead human. Now can we get on with this! Jacob just stared silently, still looking suspicious.
Bella huffed in irritation. "He's not telling it right," she grumbled. "He left out the part where I growled at him."
Ooh, now we're talking, Emmett thought with glee. "Did ya get in a couple of good swipes?" he asked, glancing at me and looking for signs of a struggle. Is that what happened to the dress? You guys have something of a tussle? His grin widened.
"No!" Bella said, shocked. "Of course not."
Emmett's eyes shot back to her. "No, not really? You really didn't attack him?" She's not just saying that to protect your wounded pride, is she?
"Emmett!" Bella said desperately.
"Aw, what a waste," Emmett groaned. He glared at me and I grinned with delight. You're such a wuss, he thought. "And here you're probably the one person who could take him – since he can't get into your head to cheat – and you had a perfect excuse, too," he said, sighing. "I've been dying to see how he'd do without that advantage."
Bella looked affronted. "I would never."
She broke off the hunt, didn't attack you, didn't take the humans but actually left of her own volition. Jasper's thought was not a question but rather an unbelieving restatement of the facts. His expression was clouded.
I mocked punched his shoulder in an attempt to get him out of his continued bad spirits. "You see what I mean?"
"It's not natural," he muttered, unsmiling. Abnormal. And that means unpredictable.
I sighed. Esme was realizing with horror exactly how close Bella must have been to attacking me. You know you should never have gotten that close to someone on the hunt, Edward! "She could have turned on you – she's only hours old!" Better to have let her go after the humans than risk injury to either one of you. "Oh, we should have gone with you."
"I was careful, Esme," I said reassuringly.
"She's right, though, Edward. We should have come," said Carlisle. "Still it all worked out."
"That it did," I said, smiling down at Bella. My hands were still on her shoulders, my grip loose now, and she leaned suddenly to the side, trying to see around Jasper's form.
"Edward," she whispered. "Please." And that one word cut right through me, piercing with its emotion, holding an inextricable power over me, as it always did. I glanced up at Jasper, nodding for him to move aside.
Jasper's teeth clenched. It's not right. It doesn't feel right.
"Jazz, this isn't anything you've seen before. Trust me." Alice spoke quietly, drawing in his gaze, her eyes saying much more than the words. She channeled her confidence, the confidence she had gained watching how Bella had reacted in the forest, and her love, reminding him she would never lead him wrong.
Jasper nodded. I trust you, Alice. Always. Looking back, he moved aside slightly, putting a hand on Bella's shoulder, holding it as a restraint as well as a conduit for emotion. Be ready, Edward. Regardless of whatever you think is going on here, always be ready. I nodded at him reassuringly, keeping my hands on Bella's upper arms. Alice stood next to Jasper, and as Bella took her first step forward, Carlisle and Esme turned, walking a couple steps in front of us, their bodies angled so they could watch Bella carefully.
Bella! Mommy! Renesmee was increasingly frustrated by our slow progress towards her. As we neared, her sweet, lilting scent began to fill the space around us. Her heart hammered with her efforts to get out of Rose's grasp. I sense some thirst, thought Jasper in alarm, and I brought my attention back to Bella, firming up my grip slightly.
Suddenly, Renesmee let out a high, piercing wail, like nothing I had never heard from her before. It shot quickly to the forefront of everything else, panic spiraling instantly inside me. Is she hurt? I whirled in alarm, my feet propelling me to her side, my only thought making sure she was all right.
"Is she okay?" I asked Rose, checking Renesmee over anxiously, my hands running quickly over her arms and legs and head. I looked carefully into her eyes. She seemed perfect.
"What's happened?" Jacob demanded, his shoulder pressed against mine as he pushed in to see her.
"What's the matter?" asked Esme, touching her cheek. Carlisle was trying to get by Jacob so he could look more closely. Alice had her hands on my arm while Emmett peered over both of us. Only Jasper had remained at Bella's side, although he had taken a step forward in concern.
"Is she hurt?" Jacob reached out, placing his hands under Renesmee's arms. Rosalie sighed, but let him take her. All right, you try containing her!
"She's fine," she said to Jacob. Jacob glanced up at me with worried eyes, and then looked down, searching Renesmee for signs of injury. Renesmee lifted up her hand and placed her palm against his cheek, keeping her eyes on Bella. Jacob's head filled with Bella's face, the tone of the thought insistent.
"See?" Rose said. "She just wants Bella."
"She wants me?" Bella whispered. We glanced quickly back – her body was leaning forward slightly, as if drawn to Nessie.
Edward, Jasper thought sharply, afraid she was going to move forward.
I moved swiftly back to Bella's side, but not to restrain her as Jazz wanted, but to bring her forward, to meet her daughter. I got behind her again and put my hands on her arms, pressing her forward. They had been lost to each other for too long - now it was time for them to be together.
"She's been waiting for you for almost three days," I whispered in her ear. As we moved closer, Emmett came to stand at Bella's side again, Jasper never taking his hand from her shoulder. Carlisle, Esme and Alice had remained at their places next to Jacob, Rosalie just behind at his shoulder.
Jacob's hands were shaking, but it was out of sheer anxiety, not the tremors that precipitated phasing. Still, I saw Bella glance nervously at his hands.
"Jake – I'm fine," she said.
For how long? He stared into her eyes, trying to gauge her mood. I can't tell anything from those damn red eyes! Renesmee was straining in his arms, her hands reaching and grasping for Bella. As we came within a step of them, Bella suddenly froze. We all stilled with her, no one breathing except Jacob and Nessie, no sounds but the interlocking melody of their hearts.
And then, suddenly, the anxiety drained from Bella's face. Jasper blinked in surprise. Her shoulders relaxed, and her expression changed to one of confident expectation. In one smooth movement she stepped forward, and reaching out with her hand, and took Renesmee from Jacob's arms as naturally as if she had been holding her since the moment she was born.
Oh, god. Panic ratcheted up exponentially in Jacob's mind as he refused to let the baby go, instead keeping his hands on her even as she settled into Bella's arms. I glared meaningfully at him, but he didn't look away from Nessie.
Nessie sighed contentedly, drinking in Bella's face. Bella. She smiled and began to very slowly reach towards her face with her hand.
Watch it, now, thought Jasper in alarm. Renesmee's gift might be extremely unsetting for Bella. I tightened my hold slightly, as Nessie's pink fingers came to rest on Bella's cheek, and the familiar vision of Bella, human Bella, arose again. How shocking that image must be for her. We waited, still, all eyes on her face except for Jacob, who looked only at Renesmee.
"What…was…that?" Bella said finally, her voice rough with confusion.
"What did you see?" Rosalie asked. "What did she show you?"
"She showed me that?" Bella gasped.
"I told you it was hard to explain," I said softly. "But effective as a means of communications go."
"What was it?" Jacob demanded.
"Um." Bella shook her head slightly, as if clearing her thoughts. "Me, I think. But I looked terrible."
Terrible. Yes. For it had been only seconds later that Bella's heart had stopped. Before the world had begun to spiral into blackness. I shuddered at the memory of those dark moments, forever etched into my mind.
"It was the only memory she had of you," I said. "She's letting you know that she's made the connection, that she knows who you are."
"But how does she do it?"
"How do I hear thoughts? How does Alice see the future?" I shrugged. "She's gifted."
"It's an interesting twist," Carlisle said, looking at me. The gift of giving thoughts. "Like she's doing the exact opposite of what you can."
Exactly as I had thought. "Interesting," I mused. "I wonder if there could possibly be some sort of genetic connection?"
"That's entirely possible," Carlisle mused. "Still, I think the gifts come from our own innate possibilities. Although, since she is your daughter, some of her genetic predisposition…"
As Carlisle spoke, I found myself impossibly distracted from his words by the vision of Renesmee in Bella's arms. The way Bella's arms curved around Renesmee's small body. How their heads inclined naturally towards each other as their eyes latched, Bella's dark tresses intermingling in Renesmee's copper curls, creating a mixture of mahogany streaked with bronze rays of sunshine. A new light seemed to enter Bella's eyes, a fierce and protective tenderness, as she gazed down at Renesmee. The love of a mother.
Bella leaned down gently, pressing her lips to Renesmee's forehead, and inhaled deeply, closing her eyes.
Jasper tensed. She's burning. I don't like this.
Alice, sensing his stiff muscles, came around and rubbed his arm reassuringly. "She's fine," she said softly. Look at her expression.
"Haven't we experimented enough for one day?" Jacob said uncomfortably. He was practically bouncing with stress, watching Bella's face so close to Renesmee. Her teeth, he thought anxiously. "Okay, Bella's doing great, but let's not push it."
Bella stiffened, her eyes swinging up towards him. Her anger shot through Jasper, and he tensed.
"What is your problem, Jacob?" Bella snarled. She pulled on Renesmee, but Jacob refused to give her up. My family crowded closer, Emmett posing his hands over Bella while Carlisle and Esme readied themselves to snatch Renesmee.
Got to say I agree with the dog on this one, Edward, thought Emmett. This is getting ugly.
I was furious. Bella's time with her daughter shouldn't be cut short because Jacob was agitating her, undermining how incredible she was doing. I glared at him and he looked up, feeling my wrath.
It's not safe, Edward! You're too biased to think this through!!
Biased against my own daughter! I hissed. "Just because I understand, doesn't mean I won't throw you out, Jacob," I growled. "Bella's doing extraordinarily well. Don't ruin the moment for her."
Finally, thought Rosalie. "I'll help him toss you, dog," she snarled. "I owe you a good kick in the gut."
Jacob ignored her, his eyes trained on Renesmee now, his thoughts snarled and panicked his face a flashing mosaic of fear and adoration. She's everything to me. She can't get hurt. I won't let her be in danger. I can't. She's everything, everything…
"No!" Bella cried.
Jasper was hit with a blast of uncontrolled shock and horror. Jesus! Get the baby! He tried to send a wave of calm into Bella as he threw his other arm back protectively in front of Alice. I wrapped my arms firmly around Bella's body, grasping my wrists tightly on either side. I knew I wouldn't be able to maintain this hold against her strength, and was glad that Emmett pressed up close as well. Jacob had grabbed Nessie immediately, stumbling back several feet, Carlisle and Esme on his sides.
Damn Jacob and this imprinting business to hell! I fumed.
"Rose," said Bella, her voice seething, but steady. "Take Renesmee."
Oh, crap, Jacob thought, handing Nessie to Rose. As soon as the baby was in her arms, Rose backed away from both Bella and Jacob. Jacob backed off in the opposite direction, drawing Bella's gaze with him.
"Edward," Bella said quietly. "I don't want to hurt you, so please let go of me."
I wasn't worried about her hurting me. But I didn't know if she would go for Jacob. Had she truly figured it out?
I don't know if that's a good idea, Edward, thought Carlisle.
Emmett glanced at me. Just let them have it out, bro. It's bound to happen.
"Go stand in front of Renesmee," Bella snapped. I hesitated for another moment, torn.
Let her go, Edward, Jacob thought. This is between me and her. I'll take the consequences.
Fine. I released my hands from her shoulders, and she immediately crouched, taking two deliberate steps toward Jacob.
"You didn't," she growled, her face hard and angry. Oh, she had definitely figured it out. I had spent many, many minutes during the last couple days imagining what Bella's response might be when she found out about the imprint. Clearly, it turned out, we were on the same page about it. And, while I hated to see her angry, I felt oddly gratified by the obvious fury of her reaction. For once, Jacob's not going to get off easy.
Okay, let's remain calm. Jacob held up his hands and started to move backwards. "You know it's not something I can control."
"You stupid mutt!! How could you? My baby!!" Bella yelled as she tracked Jacob, moving forward slowly while I trailed carefully behind. Jasper and Emmett circled on either side, but did not interfere. Not as long as her wrath was pointed only at Jacob.
Don't let this get out of hand, thought Carlisle warningly. He stepped backwards carefully, pulling Esme with him, moving until they were in front of Rose, who had backed all the way up to the far wall with Renesmee clutched to her. Alice went with them.
Bella followed Jacob as he backed out the door, down the stairs and started jogging backwards across the front lawn, drawing her further from the house, and Renesmee. "It wasn't my idea, Bella!"
"I've held her all of one time, and already you think you have some moronic wolfy claim to her?" Bella's voice seethed. She continued to follow, stalking, still crouched low to the ground. Jasper and I trailed at a careful distance, Emmett lingering at the bottom of the stairs. "She's mine."
I smiled. That's right, love, you tell him.
"I can share," Jacob said desperately.
Carlisle, Esme and Alice came out onto the porch. "Pay up," I heard Emmett mutter to Alice. Apparently during our earlier absence, unable to get any other takers, he had managed to convince Alice to bet him that Bella would take down Jacob when she found out about the imprinting. He had been very pleased with himself, figuring that Alice couldn't see the future, at least not that one, for once.
However, Alice had already seen Bella's feat of self-control in the forest, and had had no qualms about using that info to her advantage. They'd bet one month's use of her Porsche, since motor vehicles was Em's preferred wager, against a month of Emmett accompanying Alice shopping on demand, and carrying her bags. He held out his hand now for her keys, while Alice glared. I can't believe Bella's letting that dog get to her, she mused in disbelief.
"How dare you imprint on my baby?" Bella was yelling. "Have you lost your mind?"
"It was involuntary," he pleaded, edging toward the forest. Leah and Seth appeared on either side of him.
Leah snapped her teeth towards Bella. Back off, bitch, she growled. I gritted my teeth, finding her choice of words ironic, and moved to intercede between them, but then Bella bared her teeth at Leah, letting out a formidable snarl, and I paused.
I think the girl can handle herself, Emmett thought, impressed. Rosalie had now come out of the house and was standing on the porch with the others, Renesmee watching with curious confusion from her arms.
"Bella, would you try to listen for just a second? Please?" Jacob pleaded. "Leah, back off," he snapped.
Leah bared her teeth. Bite me, Jacob.
Come on, Leah, Seth thought, worried.
Bella hissed. "Why should I listen?" she growled.
"Because you're the one who told me this. Do you remember?" Jacob asked as his voice lowered, holding her gaze, his eyes intense. "You said we belonged in each other's lives, right? That we were family. You said that was how you and I were supposed to be. So…now we are." He noticed Bella's stare turn slightly speculative. Come on Bella, please understand this. Please. I want you to. I need you to. I need us to be okay. "It's what you wanted," he whispered, hoping to get through.
But Bella's face quickly hardened with fury. "You think you'll be a part of my family as my son-in-law!" she shrieked, her voice echoing through the forest.
Emmett laughed. Nice one, Bella.
"Stop her, Edward," Esme said. "She'll be unhappy if she hurts him."
Actually, Jasper thought, she's still in control, although she's angry. He was far less concerned now that Renesmee wasn't in danger, although he was eyeing Leah suspiciously.
I stayed back a comfortable distance. If she hadn't snapped at this point, I didn't think she would. But I was taking a rather sadistic pleasure in watching Jacob incur a justifiable wrath. Those sad puppy-dog eyes aren't going to get you out of it this time, I thought with satisfaction. God, it was so good to see her get really angry with him!
"No," Jacob was yelling in protest. "How can you even look at it that way? She's just a baby, for crying out loud!"
"That's my point," yelled Bella.
"You know I don't think of her that way! Do you think Edward would have let me live this long if I did? All I want is for her to be safe and happy – is that so bad? So different from what you want?" Jacob was riled up now.
Bella's face glowed brilliant with fury. The long lines of her body were tensed, poised, her hair a dark cascade around her shoulder. She threw her head back slightly, emitting a growl that spiraled up several octaves into a furious shriek. Jasper and I tensed, our hands coming up, but, incredibly, Bella remained still. She didn't attack.
I relaxed and glanced over at Jasper. "Amazing, isn't she?" He shook his head at me, speechless.
"She hasn't gone for his throat even once," I heard Carlisle say from the porch. I've never witnessed such self-control in a newborn.
I heard Alice clear her throat. She was looking at Emmett with her eyebrow raised.
"Fine, you win this one," Emmett muttered. Ugh, shopping.
"You're going to stay away from her," Bella hissed at Jacob.
No, Bells! "I can't do that!" Don't do this to me! Edward, say something! I know you understand.
I raised my eyebrows in disbelief. There was no way I was stepping in on this one – understand or not, I had told him from the start the situation was temporary until Bella woke, and we discussed things. Not that I would call this a discussion, but, well…it was fun to watch.
Bella's teeth snapped together. "Try," she snarled. "Starting now."
Thank you, Bella! Rosalie was crowing with pleasure on the porch.
"It's not possible," pleaded Jacob. "Do you remember how much you wanted me around three days ago? How hard it was to be apart from each other? That's gone for you now, isn't it?"
Bella stared at him, silent.
"That was her," he said, his voice growing softer. "From the very beginning. We had to be together, even then."
Bella was quiet, the burn in her eyes dimming slightly. Her expression was searching, as she seemed to contemplate his words. I actually took some relief in her apparent acceptance that his thoughts might be true. I hoped it meant that her feelings towards him had now tempered, back to the more comfortable realm of friendship, instead of the intense, needfulness that had been very hard to bear, at least for me.
Jasper cocked an eye at me. She's buying it. She's calming down.
"Run away while you still can," Bella said, her voice still angry, but a little calmer.
"C'mon, Bells," Jacob said, sensing an in. "Nessie likes me, too."
Instantly, Bella's whole body stiffened as the word "Nessie" left his lips. Jasper whipped his head back to her, concern flashing across his face.
Oh, I think that was a mistake, dog-boy, thought Emmett.
"What did you call her," Bella hissed, her body moving just imperceptibly further down into a crouch.
Time to move in? Jasper wondered.
I cocked my head to the side, considering. If she hadn't attacked about the imprint, I didn't think this would do it. It was only a nickname. I was so used to hearing it I didn't even give it any thought.
Jacob took a step back. "Well, that name you came up with is kind of a mouthful and –"
Bella's voice pierced through the entire surrounding forest, probably reaching the highway. "You nicknamed my daughter after the Loch Ness Monster?"
Later, I would realize, because Jasper felt the snap a moment before it registered in his mind, and made its way into mine, he reacted a fraction of a second before I did. A fraction of a second before I felt the blistering tempest of fury that circled and then consumed Bella, just a moment before I saw her press her weight onto her back foot and realized that all control had been swept into that storm, and was being launched at the cowering half human in front of her.
In gruesome slow motion I watched Bella's body launch off the ground, arcing like an arrow towards Jacob, who stumbled backwards, hands up. As I hurled myself towards her I could see Jasper's body out of the corner of my eye, just ahead of mine, arms wide to catch and wrap around her. And with sickening certainty I realized we were not going to make it in time. The trajectory and speed of Bella's body towards Jacob would guarantee she would reach her target before we reached ours.
And in that awful moment, I realized she was going to kill Jacob. And with horrible dread, I realized that no matter how many times I had dreamed, and laughed, and threatened such a thing, I didn't actually want it to happen.
Suddenly, there was a flash of sandy-colored fur. No! Seth cried as he flung his body in front of Jacob.
Seth! Leah screamed.
"Seth, stop!" Jacob cried.
Seth's body was just coming between Jacob and Bella when she slammed into him from the force of her jump, hitting his shoulder. I heard the audible snap of a bone breaking. Seth was flung several feet next Jacob by the impact. Bella's leap was halted by the collision with Seth, her feet hitting the ground, but she bent her knees as if she might launch forward again. Almost there, I thought.
No! Leah shrieked, and I turned my head slightly to see her leaping towards Bella. Jasper reached Bella as Leah did, ramming into Bella's side and grabbing her with one arm while swinging to kick Leah off course. She hit the grass snarling several feet away.
Bella twisted, automatically throwing out an arm in defense and knocking Jasper away, slamming him down hard onto the ground behind to her.
Christ, that hurts, he thought as he jumped up, moving into a crouch in front of Leah. She's all yours, Edward.
I struck her from behind, quickly wrapping my arms around her body and grabbing my wrists with each hand. As she pulled, about to wrench away from me, I bent close to her ear and said quietly, "Bella."
She froze at the sound of my voice. There was a long moment of silence, broken only by the panting of the wolves, and the pounding of their hearts. Jacob pulled in a long, ragged breath, staring at Bella with wide eyes. Geez, remind me not to get her mad again. Keeping a careful watch on Bella, he moved swiftly over and knelt next to Seth, who was lying prone on the ground. He touched him gently, and Seth whined and rolled over slightly.
Seth! Seth! Leah was shrieking desperately in her head. Jasper was still crouched in front of her, Emmett next to him having arrived a half second after me. She glared at the two of them, shaking her head, and then moved in a wide circle around them to her brother's side.
I'm okay, Leah, Seth thought. He turned his head to look at me, wincing slightly. I'm fine, Edward. Just a bruise. I rolled my eyes. We had all heard the bone break.
"Carlisle," I called. Carlisle sprang off the porch, leaving the protective position he had taken in front of Rose and Nessie, and headed over to us. He knelt down next to Jacob, and began carefully prodding Seth through his fur with his fingers.
Bella, still frozen in my arms, was now staring in horror at Seth on the ground. "Oh, no," she suddenly groaned. She bent her knees, her body sagging slightly with distress. I hugged her tight against me.
"It's okay, love," I whispered in her ear. "He's going to be fine, everything turned out all right." Inside I was seething with fury and disappointment in myself. Bella had only been awake a couple of hours, and twice already my lapses in judgment had let her down. And now Seth had gotten hurt in the process.
Leah, who was pacing back and forth next to Seth, stopped abruptly and looked up at me, huffing. Exactly what part of this is all right, you idiot?
Carlisle glanced up at us. Why don't you take Bella away from here, Edward? Let her calm down. I'm going to bring Seth into the house – looks like a broken collarbone.
I nodded, glancing at Jasper first. He stared intently at Bella, sensing only remorse. I released my grip from around Bella's body, wrapping just one arm firmly around her shoulders. I turned us around and she followed numbly. As we started towards the house I heard a quiet hiss. I glanced up quickly and saw Rosalie, eyes wide, pressed against the house, Renesmee's face turned towards her. Esme stood next to her, a hand on her shoulder.
Don't bring her near Nessie! Rose thought in alarm. Not in that state. Esme's face was sad, but I could tell she agreed with Rosalie.
I sighed, but changed the direction of our course so that we were heading around the back of the house. Emmett jogged up next to us, clapping a hand on Bella's shoulder.
"Now that's what we like to see," he bellowed approvingly. Bella looked up at him in horror, and I glared over her head. He looked slightly taken aback for a second, and then his face furrowed with concern. He bent down slightly, bringing his eyes level with Bella's and keeping his hand on her shoulder.
"It's okay, Bella," he said in a low voice. "We've all been there." Bella nodded a little, giving him a slight smile. Alice appeared at his side, pushing him with both hands.
"Go away, Emmett," she muttered. Emmett shrugged, giving Bella another pat on the shoulder and then moving swiftly up onto the porch with Rose.
Alice put an arm around Bella. "Let's take a walk, sweetie," she said. Bella glanced down, her shoulders slightly stiff. I could tell she wanted to be alone – she was embarrassed.
"I'll take her, Alice," I murmured. Alice looked slightly pouty, but nodded. Okay, I guess I understand. She kissed Bella's cheek before skipping up onto the porch after Emmett.
We walked in silence around the house, pausing about halfway down the lawn towards the river. The sun had set, and whatever remnants of glow that might be visible on the horizon were obscured by the dark, dense spread of the forest. I remembered the night we danced out here, at our wedding. Only that night, there had been stars. Tonight was cloudy, but not the dark, distinct black clouds of a storm, but a cool, gray cover, consistent, encompassing, seemingly never-ending.
Bella stared out at the forest for a while, her eyes their own burning red orbs of sun, while I watched her, holding her hand. We didn't speak for a while, and I didn't push her. I knew that sometimes Bella just needed time, and space, to work through her own thoughts. She had always been that way. And so far, she'd been given very little opportunity to process everything that had happened. Bella has always been so careful and methodical in her decision making, and actions. In her life in general. How overwhelming this all must be, the sudden, immense power of her senses, a hallmark of our kind, and impulsive nature of her responses.
Finally, Bella turned to me. "Edward, I'm so, so…"
"No, Bella," I said quickly, knowing already that this would be an apology. "It's not your fault. Please. I'm the one who should be apologizing to you."
"What do you have to apologize for?" she muttered.
"Because I should have been closer. And before that, because I should have made sure the forest was safe before we hunted." I sighed in frustration. "I promised you that I wouldn't let you hurt anyone. And I'm mad at myself, because I thought I was done with breaking promises, and letting you down."
"You've never let me down, Edward," Bella said, concern in her voice.
I shook my head. If only that were true, I thought bitterly. That was another thing about Bella that did not, and would never, change. Her capacity for seeing the best in people, even when they didn't deserve it.
Bella sighed, looking back out over the forest. Finally, she blew a long breath out and shook her head. "I can't believe this." She turned to look at me. "You get how twisted this is, right? Jacob imprinting on Renesmee. My baby. Our daughter. I mean – she's half-vampire. Is that even possible?"
"Apparently," I grumbled.
"What are we going to do?" she asked, her voice slightly desperate.
"I don't know," I said, laughing. "I've been waiting for you to wake up, hoping you would know!"
She shook her head, smiling. "Well, I'm sorry to tell you I have no idea." Her expression faltered slightly. "Why did you let him stay?" she asked quietly.
I sighed, thinking back over my conversation with Jacob, and then my family. Bella, of course, understood quite a bit more about the imprinting than they did, from her familiarity with the pack. But this was entirely different, of course, since it was our baby.
"What he says is true," I admitted. "He loves Renesmee, and he just wants her to be safe and happy. At the time, as much as I didn't like it, I didn't think it would be of any harm for her to have him around. And he wanted to stay." He really wanted to stay.
"And so he's been here every since?"
"Basically."
Bella shook her head. "But…but he can't be here all the time, practically living with us." Her face grew increasingly anxious. "I mean, when Renesmee's older, she…how can he…"
I reached up quickly and pressed a hand to her cheek. God knew I understood how she felt. "Bella, we don't have to figure this all out right now." I slid my fingers down her cheek, and her expression relaxed, her eyes growing hotter. I reached down and took her hand. "We'll work it out as we go. Together."
"You know," Bella said, cocking her head and eyeing me, "you're in an awfully good place about all this. When did you find out?"
"Find out?"
"About Jacob…and Renesmee," she said.
"Ah," I murmured. "A few minutes after your, uh…" For a moment, my throat felt too tight to speak. "After your heart started beating again," I whispered. I shook myself, and then laughed harshly. "Anyway, don't feel bad. I almost killed him too, when I found out."
"Oh," said Bella in a small voice. "How long was I…?" Her voice trailed off.
I looked down at her. An eternity.
"A few minutes," I said softly. "We…I…performed CPR."
Bella was watching me with wide eyes. "I'm so sorry, Edward," she said quietly, her voice rough.
I stared at her. "For what?"
"I almost died," she whispered. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. It must have been terrible for you."
I laughed with disbelief, and then grabbed her with both arms, drawing her close, again relishing the freedom to hug her to me as tightly as I wanted, as I'd always wanted.
"What I went through? Bella, you endured terrible pain, and fear, and even death. What I went through was…well, I would happily to go into the darkest pits of hell and back a million times, Bella, if it meant I would end up with you beside me." I pulled away and brought one hand under her chin, lifting her face up to mine with my finger.
"Beside me, forever," I said quietly. "All that doesn't matter now." And, somehow, it truly didn't. "All that matters is that you, and me, and our daughter, are together."
"I love you, Edward," Bella whispered, curving a hand around my face.
"I love you, too." I smiled. I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. "They're bringing Seth into the house. Why don't we head inside?"
She cringed as we started up towards the house. "I still feel terrible about…"
"Bella," I said in a warning voice. I had a feeling she was going to try to take this all onto herself, no matter what I did.
"Well, I do," she muttered.
We came in through the back door. Seth was sitting on the couch, looking remarkably relaxed. He had phased out front, and, fortunately, thrown on some pants, before coming inside. Jasper was standing behind the couch, but came over to stand next to Bella when she entered the room.
Carlisle glanced at me. Could be the shoulder, too. Might as well get an x-ray.
I walked over, laying a hand on Seth's good shoulder. "Seth, I am so, so sorry."
"No, Edward," Bella protested from across the room. "I should be the one…"
"Don't worry about it, Bella," Seth laughed. "It's not your fault. Jake's just the kind of guy you sometimes want to take a good swipe at."
I couldn't help smiling. Now that Jacob wasn't dead, I realized I still very much enjoyed the memory of Bella shrieking at him and stalking him across the yard.
"All the same…" Bella started.
"No, Bella," Carlisle said kindly. "You have nothing to apologize. You've handled yourself extremely well, considering."
"Where's the baby?" I asked.
Carlisle looked suddenly uncomfortable. "She's on the porch with Rose." I think they thought that was best.
I furrowed my brow and headed over to the front door. Opening it, I looked out to find Rosalie staring at me, her face guarded. Renesmee, still in Rose's arms, smiled widely and held out her arms.
"I'll take her," I said, stepping towards them. Rose quickly took a step back.
"I don't think it's a good idea," she whispered.
I rolled my eyes. "Bella can hear you, you know," I muttered. Hello, she's a vampire, now. Guilt swept across Rose's face.
I'm sorry, I just think it's best until she's calmed down.
Heavy feet pounded up the stairs and Jacob appeared at my side.
"I agree, Edward. Clearly Bella's in no condition to be handling the baby," he said, moving past me without looking, and taking Nessie from Rose with a confidence and possessiveness I didn't quite care for.
"And that is your decision exactly how?" I growled.
Please, be reasonable, Edward, Rosalie pleaded. I want them to be together, too, but… "I just think everyone needs to calm down a little."
Jacob nodded vigorously. "Yes, definitely." I narrowed my eyes at him. Nessie lifted a hand to his throat, filling his mind with a vision of Bella's face looking down at her.
I gritted my teeth. "She's Bella's child and if she wants to see her…"
"Edward, it's okay," Bella said softly from inside the house. "I think maybe I should wait a while."
I sighed. Jacob gave me a weak smile. See, we all agree. I growled softly at him before turning and stepping back into the house. Bella sat on the couch, looking unhappy, and my chest clenched.
Suddenly, the phone rang. We all glanced sharply towards the sound. Alice appeared in the doorway to the dining room. "Charlie," she said softly.
I looked over at Carlisle, who was kneeling next to Seth. "Let it go," he said after a moment, standing up and glancing with a troubled expression at Bella. Her eyes were wide. He turned back to Seth and offered a hand. "Let's get you upstairs for an x-ray."
Edward. I glanced up. Alice was beckoning me through the dining room door. I followed her into the kitchen, where Emmett and Esme waited.
Alice bounced excitedly on the balls of her feet. We are going to do the finishing touches on your cottage. Esme's going to give everything a once-over, Emmett will get a fire going, and I'm going to make a final check on the closet. She clapped her hands with delight. I thought it could be a birthday present.
I looked at her in confusion, and she rolled her eyes. It will be midnight in a few hours, silly. Bella's birthday!
I smiled suddenly, thinking of my ruminations of the night before. It is time to create fresh memories. Esme came up to me and brought out something from behind her back. It was the key to the Ferrari, purchased in what seemed like another lifetime altogether, mostly under the watchful eye of Alice, since I had been far more concerned at the time with finding the safest car in the world for my human Bella. She had tied a small, elegant blue ribbon on it. I thought you might also like to give her this, finally. I took it from her fingers, nodding, and slipped it into my smiled and kissed me on the cheek, then headed into the other room to say goodbye to Carlisle.
Emmett punched me in the shoulder. Do you want me to stock the bedroom for you? Rose and I have a nice set of…"
I clamped my teeth together, glaring as I quickly shut him out. The last thing I needed to see was another memory of his and Rose's varied and creative sexual escapades. He shrugged, grinning even more widely, and headed out after Esme.
Alice smiled. I'm so excited! I know she'll love it. At least, I think… Her eyes faded away for a moment, searching for the future, and suddenly I caught a glimpse in her mind of a rather shocking image of Bella and me on the floor of the cottage. Alice quickly stamped it out, embarrassment flashing briefly across her face before she grinned, shrugging. Oops! Well, that's a good sign! She winked and then darted out of the room. I heard her announce to Bella that they were going hunting as they all flew out the back door and over the river, towards the cottage.
I remained standing where she had left me, the image of Bella and me frozen in my vision. I turned slowly and went back into the living room, pausing at the doorway. I watched Bella for a moment, thinking of the image of the future I had just seen, and drawn back to the times I had put my hands on her body, the moments she had given all of herself to me. A fire, deep inside, began to burn, flaming quickly, searing through everything until in encompassed every part of my body.
And suddenly, I hoped they didn't take too long getting that cottage ready.
Because I couldn't wait to get Bella alone.
We're getting close to the end but SM has so many details in this part of the book it just keeps going on and on – and I'm glad!!
Thanks for your reviews!!