Carlisle hesitated, the hand with the cup half-extended. Bella eyed it, looking scared again.
We could try another method, Carlisle said quietly.
No, Bella whispered. No, Ill try this first. We dont have time. . . .
At first I thought shed finally gotten a clue and was worried about herself, but then her hand fluttered feebly against her stomach.
Bella reached out and took the cup from him. Her hand shook a little, and I could hear the sloshing from inside. She tried to prop herself up on one elbow, but she could barely lift her head. A whisper of heat brushed down my spine as I saw how frail shed gotten in less than a day.
Rosalie put her arm under Bellas shoulders, supporting her head, too, like you did with a newborn. Blondie was all about the babies.
Thanks, Bella whispered. Her eyes flickered around at us. Still aware enough to feel self-conscious. If she wasnt so drained, Id bet shedve blushed.
Dont mind them, Rosalie murmured.
It made me feel awkward. I shouldve left when Bellad offered the chance. I didnt belong here, being part of this. I thought about ducking out, but then I realized a move like that would only make this worse for Bellamake it harder for her to go through with it. Shed figure I was too disgusted to stay. Which was almost true.
Still. While I wasnt going to claim responsibility for this idea, I didnt want to jinx it, either.
Bella lifted the cup to her face and sniffed at the end of the straw. She flinched, and then made a face.
Bella, sweetheart, we can find an easier way, Edward said, holding his hand out for the cup.
Plug your nose, Rosalie suggested. She glared at Edwards hand like she might take a snap at it. I wished she would. I bet Edward wouldnt take that sitting down, and Id love to see Blondie lose a limb.
No, thats not it. Its just that it Bella sucked in a deep breath. It smells good, she admitted in a tiny voice.
I swallowed hard, fighting to keep the disgust off my face.
Thats a good thing, Rosalie told Bella eagerly. That means were on the right track. Give it a try. Given Blondies new expression, I was surprised she didnt break into a touchdown dance.
Bella shoved the straw between her lips, squeezed her eyes shut, and wrinkled her nose. I could hear the blood slopping around in the cup again as her hand shook. She sipped at it for a second, and then moaned quietly with her eyes still closed.
Edward and I stepped forward at the same time. He touched her face. I clenched my hands behind my back.
Bella, love
Im okay, she whispered. She opened her eyes and stared up at him. Her expression was apologetic. Pleading. Scared. It tastes good, too.
Acid churned in my stomach, threatening to overflow. I ground my teeth together.
Thats good, Blondie repeated, still jazzed. A good sign.
Edward just pressed his hand to her cheek, curling his fingers around the shape of her fragile bones.
Bella sighed and put her lips to the straw again. She took a real pull this time. The action wasnt as weak as everything else about her. Like some instinct was taking over.
Hows your stomach? Do you feel nauseated? Carlisle asked.
Bella shook her head. No, I dont feel sick, she whispered. Theres a first, eh?
Rosalie beamed. Excellent.
I think its a bit early for that, Rose, Carlisle murmured.
Bella gulped another mouthful of blood. Then she flashed a look at Edward. Does this screw my total? she whispered. Or do we start counting after Im a vampire?
No one is counting, Bella. In any case, no one died for this. He smiled a lifeless smile. Your record is still clean.
Theyd lost me.
Ill explain later, Edward said, so low the words were just a breath.
What? Bella whispered.
Just talking to myself, he lied smoothly.
If he succeeded with this, if Bella lived, Edward wasnt going to be able to get away with so much when her senses were as sharp as his. Hed have to work on the honesty thing.
Edwards lips twitched, fighting a smile.
Bella chugged a few more ounces, staring past us toward the window. Probably pretending we werent here. Or maybe just me. No one else in this group would be disgusted by what she was doing. Just the oppositethey were probably having a tough time not ripping the cup away from her.
Edward rolled his eyes.
Jeez, how did anyone stand living with him? It was really too bad he couldnt hear Bellas thoughts. Then hed annoy the crap out of her, too, and shed get tired of him.
Edward chuckled once. Bellas eyes flicked to him immediately, and she half-smiled at the humor in his face. I would guess that wasnt something shed seen in a while.
Something funny? she breathed.
Jacob, he answered.
She looked over with another weary smile for me. Jakes a crack-up, she agreed.
Great, now I was the court jester. Bada bing, I mumbled in weak rim-shot impression.
She smiled again, and then took another swig from the cup. I flinched when the straw pulled at empty air, making a loud sucking sound.
I did it, she said, sounding pleased. Her voice was clearerrough, but not a whisper for the first time today. If I keep this down, Carlisle, will you take the needles out of me?
As soon as possible, he promised. Honestly, they arent doing that much good where they are.
Rosalie patted Bellas forehead, and they exchanged a hopeful glance.
And anyone could see itthe cup full of human blood had made an immediate difference. Her color was returningthere was a tiny hint of pink in her waxy cheeks. Already she didnt seem to need Rosalies support so much anymore. Her breathing was easier, and I would swear her heartbeat was stronger, more even.
Everything accelerated.
That ghost of hope in Edwards eyes had turned into the real thing.
Would you like more? Rosalie pressed.
Bellas shoulders slumped.
Edward flashed a glare at Rosalie before he spoke to Bella. You dont have to drink more right away.
Yeah, I know. But I want to, she admitted glumly.
Rosalie pulled her thin, sharp fingers through Bellas lank hair. You dont need to be embarrassed about that, Bella. Your body has cravings. We all understand that. Her tone was soothing at first, but then she added harshly, Anyone who doesnt understand shouldnt be here.
Meant for me, obviously, but I wasnt going to let Blondie get to me. I was glad Bella felt better. So what if the means grossed me out? It wasnt like Id said anything.
Carlisle took the cup from Bellas hand. Ill be right back.
Bella stared at me while he disappeared.
Jake, you look awful, she croaked.
Look whos talking.
Seriouslywhens the last time you slept?
I thought about that for a second. Huh. Im not actually sure.
Aw, Jake. Now Im messing with your health, too. Dont be stupid.
I gritted my teeth. She was allowed to kill herself for a monster, but I wasnt allowed to miss a few nights sleep to watch her do it?
Get some rest, please, she went on. Therere a few beds upstairsyoure welcome to any of them.
The look on Rosalies face made it clear that I wasnt welcome to one of them. It made me wonder what Sleepless Beauty needed a bed for anyway. Was she that possessive of her props?
Thanks, Bells, but Id rather sleep on the ground. Away from the stench, you know.
She grimaced. Right.
Carlisle was back then, and Bella reached out for the blood, absentminded, like she was thinking of something else. With the same distracted expression, she started sucking it down.
She really was looking better. She pulled herself forward, being careful of the tubes, and scooted into a sitting position. Rosalie hovered, her hands ready to catch Bella if she sagged. But Bella didnt need her. Taking deep breaths in between swallows, Bella finished the second cup quickly.
How do you feel now? Carlisle asked.
Not sick. Sort of hungry only Im not sure if Im hungry or thirsty, you know?
Carlisle, just look at her, Rosalie murmured, so smug she should have canary feathers on her lips. This is obviously what her body wants. She should drink more.
Shes still human, Rosalie. She needs food, too. Lets give her a little while to see how this affects her, and then maybe we can try some food again. Does anything sound particularly good to you, Bella?
Eggs, she said immediately, and then she exchanged a look and a smile with Edward. His smile was brittle, but there was more life on his face than before.
I blinked then, and almost forgot how to open my eyes again.
Jacob, Edward murmured. You really should sleep. As Bella said, youre certainly welcome to the accommodations here, though youd probably be more comfortable outside. Dont worry about anythingI promise Ill find you if theres a need.
Sure, sure, I mumbled. Now that it appeared Bella had a few more hours, I could escape. Go curl up under a tree somewhere. Far enough away that the smell couldnt reach me. The bloodsucker would wake me up if something went wrong. He owed me.
I do, Edward agreed.
I nodded and then put my hand on Bellas. Hers was icy cold.
Feel better, I said.
Thanks, Jacob. She turned her hand over and squeezed mine. I felt the thin band of her wedding ring riding loose on her skinny finger.
Get her a blanket or something, I muttered as I turned for the door.
Before I made it, two howls pierced the still morning air. There was no mistaking the urgency of the tone. No misunderstanding this time.
Dammit, I snarled, and I threw myself through the door. I hurled my body off the porch, letting the fire rip me apart midair. There was a sharp tearing sound as my shorts shredded. Crap. Those were the only clothes I had. Didnt matter now. I landed on paws and took off toward the west.
What is it? I shouted in my head.
Incoming, Seth answered. At least three.
Did they split up?
Im running the line back to Seth at the speed of light, Leah promised. I could feel the air huffing through her lungs as she pushed herself to an incredible velocity. The forest whipped around her. So far, no other point of attack.
Seth, do not challenge them. Wait for me.
Theyre slowing. Ughits so off not being able to hear them. I think
What?
I think theyve stopped.
Waiting for the rest of the pack?
Shh. Feel that?
I absorbed his impressions. The faint, soundless shimmer in the air.
Someones phasing?
Feels like it, Seth agreed.
Leah flew into the small open space where Seth waited. She raked her claws into the dirt, spinning out like a race car.
Got your back, bro.
Theyre coming, Seth said nervously. Slow. Walking.
Almost there, I told them. I tried to fly like Leah. It felt horrible being separated from Seth and Leah with potential danger closer to their end than mine. Wrong. I should be with them, between them and whatever was coming.
Look whos getting all paternal, Leah thought wryly.
Head in the game, Leah.
Four, Seth decided. Kid had good ears. Three wolves, one man.
I made the little clearing then, moving immediately to the point. Seth sighed with relief and then straightened up, already in place at my right shoulder. Leah fell in on my left with a little less enthusiasm.
So now I rank under Seth, she grumbled to herself.
First come, first served, Seth thought smugly. Sides, you were never an Alphas Third before. Still an upgrade.
Under my baby brother is not an upgrade.
Shh! I complained. I dont care where you stand. Shut up and get ready.
They came into view a few seconds later, walking, as Seth had thought. Jared in the front, human, hands up. Paul and Quil and Collin on four legs behind him. There was no aggression in their postures. They hung back behind Jared, ears up, alert but calm.
But it was weird that Sam would send Collin rather than Embry. That wasnt what I would do if I were sending a diplomacy party into enemy territory. I wouldnt send a kid. Id send the experienced fighter.
A diversion? Leah thought.
Were Sam, Embry, and Brady making a move alone? That didnt seem likely.
Want me to check? I can run the line and be back in two minutes.
Should I warn the Cullens? Seth wondered.
What if the point was to divide us? I asked. The Cullens know somethings up. Theyre ready.
Sam wouldnt be so stupid, Leah whispered, fear jagged in her mind. She was imagining Sam attacking the Cullens with only the two others beside him.
No, he wouldnt, I assured her, though I felt a little sick at the image in her head, too.
All the while, Jared and the three wolves stared at us, waiting. It was eerie not to hear what Quil and Paul and Collin were saying to one another. Their expressions were blankunreadable.
Jared cleared his throat, and then he nodded to me. White flag of truce, Jake. Were here to talk.
Think its true? Seth asked.
Makes sense, but
Yeah, Leah agreed. But.
We didnt relax.
Jared frowned. It would be easier to talk if I could hear you, too.
I stared him down. I wasnt going to phase back until I felt better about this situation. Until it made sense. Why Collin? That was the part that had me most worried.
Okay. I guess Ill just talk, then, Jared said. Jake, we want you to come back.
Quil let out a soft whine behind him. Seconding the statement.
Youve torn our family apart. Its not meant to be this way.
I wasnt exactly in disagreement with that, but it was hardly the point. There were a few unresolved differences of opinion between me and Sam at the moment.
We know that you feel strongly about the situation with the Cullens. We know thats a problem. But this is an overreaction.
Seth growled. Overreaction? And attacking our allies without warning isnt?
Seth, you ever heard of a poker face? Cool it.
Sorry.
Jareds eyes flickered to Seth and back to me. Sam is willing to take this slowly, Jacob. Hes calmed down, talked to the other Elders. Theyve decided that immediate action is in no ones best interest at this point.
Translation: Theyve already lost the element of surprise, Leah thought.
It was weird how distinct our joint thinking was. The pack was already Sams pack, was already them to us. Something outside and other. It was especially weird to have Leah thinking that wayto have her be a solid part of the us.
Billy and Sue agree with you, Jacob, that we can wait for Bella to be separated from the problem. Killing her is not something any of us feel comfortable with.
Though Id just given Seth crap for it, I couldnt hold back a small snarl of my own. So they didnt quite feel comfortable with murder, huh?
Jared raised his hands again. Easy, Jake. You know what I mean. The point is, were going to wait and reassess the situation. Decide later if theres a problem with the thing.
Ha, Leah thought. What a load.
You dont buy it?
I know what theyre thinking, Jake. What Sams thinking. Theyre betting on Bella dying anyway. And then they figure youll be so mad
That Ill lead the attack myself. My ears pressed against my skull. What Leah was guessing sounded pretty spot-on. And very possible, too. When if that thing killed Bella, it was going to be easy to forget how I felt about Carlisles family right now. They would probably look like enemieslike no more than bloodsucking leechesto me all over again.
Ill remind you, Seth whispered.
I know you will, kid. Question is whether Ill listen to you.
Jake? Jared asked.
I huffed a sigh.
Leah, make a circuitjust to be sure. Im going to have to talk to him, and I want to be positive there isnt anything else goin
g on while Im phased.
Give me a break, Jacob. You can phase in front of me. Despite my best efforts, Ive seen you naked beforedoesnt do much for me, so no worries.
Im not trying to protect the innocence of your eyes, Im trying to protect our backs. Get out of here.
Leah snorted once and then launched herself into the forest. I could hear her claws cutting into the soil, pushing her faster.
Nudity was an inconvenient but unavoidable part of pack life. Wed all thought nothing of it before Leah came along. Then it got awkward. Leah had average control when it came to her temperit took her the usual length of time to stop exploding out of her clothes every time she got pissed. Wed all caught a glimpse. And it wasnt like she wasnt worth looking at; it was just that it was so not worth it when she caught you thinking about it later.