"She had to be lying…. had to be!" I said.
Edward gulped and shook his head. A lock of his hair landed in his eye and I reached up to brush it away. I left my hand on his cheek.
"It doesn't look like it, love," he said.
Jasper sent a shower of serenity over us and I sighed. I was glad he was here to use his gift. I could almost feel my nerves fraying, like Renesmee and Jacob themselves were slicing the ends with scissors themselves. I wished Alice could use her gift but, of course, it didn't work on them. We were taking a major chance.
We all turned at the door opening. Carlisle stood in the frame, seeming unsure and cautious. He gnawed on his lip.
"Yes?" Edward asked.
"Uh, I am aware of the situation at hand and, what I'm about to show you will not help, but I figured you had a right to now." He dug around in his pocket.
I groaned internally. Now there was more to add to my heap of frustration and worry. How wonderful!
In Carlisle's pale hand was a crumpled piece of notebook paper. On it in black ink was a time, location, and Jacob and Renesmee's names. An invitation.
"Jacob delivered it to me."
"No!" Edward roared. "This has gone far enough!"
He ripped away from us and out the door. I ran after him and found that in the yard was a mangy dog, sitting on his haunches. There was a distinct grin on his face.
"I do not deserve this, Jacob, and you know it!" he roared at the dog. This was the angriest I'd seen him in a long time.
Edward lunged forward, pinning himself on top of Jacob. Jacob wriggled and snarled at him, not intending to fight.
"I dare you!" Edward shrieked.
Jacob snapped at Edward's arm, making us jump. We knew neither would go down easily but still, the thought of it…
"Stop it!" I roared.
"He stole our child from us Bella! He manipulated her and now she hates us. Don't you hate him?"
I closed my eyes tight. I didn't know the answer to that question. Even so, I disliked seeing them fighting.
The air around us seemed to shake and then Jacob stood before us; he slid on the khaki shorts that had been tied around his ankle.
"You did this to her and you know it! This is your fault!" he accused.
"Calm down," Jasper commanded, using his gift again. "Solve this like mature adults."
Edward took a deep breath through his nose. "We will get her back; the best man wins?"
"Right, because you're not a man, bloodsucker. She's staying at La Push until after we are married."
While Jacob talked, Edward took his chance and sprinted, the fastest he'd probably ever gone, towards wolf territory.