Jacob carried Bella to the cabin by the sea. Sam didn't want to do it, and for that Jacob was glad. He wasn't sure he trusted Sam not to try to break her neck.
Only once during the trip had she seized in his arms, and Jacob almost wished he'd driven her in the Rabbit. But again, he wasn't sure he trusted Sam with her in such close quarters, and Sam had to stay with them to show them to the cabin. He wasn't sure what Sam could possibly do, but he wasn't comfortable with it regardless.
Besides, there was something soothing about having her in his arms like this. She was freezing cold against his skin, and the smell of her burned his nose, but he welcomed it. She was still warmer than a vampire. He could still pick out that distinct scent of Bella, under the sweet burn.
The cabin was farther south than he'd expected; past First Beach. It was right on the ocean. A short set of steps twisting between two low dunes led to the sand. It was smaller than he'd expected, too. Two big French doors led into the main room, one wall of which served as a kitchen. Two doors on the far wall led into the only bedroom and the only bath.
Sam pointed out which one was which when they came inside. Jacob went immediately to the bedroom to lay Bella down. He flipped the sheets over her quickly, trying fruitlessly to keep her warm, and brushed her hair back from her face. He watched her quietly for a moment, listening to her shallow breathing and her stuttering heartbeat. Then he turned around to face Sam, who was standing in the doorway, watching him watch her.
They stared each other down for a long time. Jake felt defiant and angry at a world in which beautiful Bella could be turned to stone. Sam was worried for the safety and sanity of his second-in-command. He worried that this experience could very well break Jacob Black.
After a tense moment, Sam sighed. "I don't know how long it will take for her to change, but I think you'll be able to tell when it gets close. One of the others will always be here with you, so you won't be alone." And so I'll know when it happens. "For now… I'll get you something to eat."