The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 13. Good Thing I’ve Got A Strong Stomach

13. Good Thing Ive Got A Strong StomachCarlisle and Rosalie were morose in a flash, darting upstairs. I could interpret them debating whether they should warm it up for her. Ugh. i wondered what wholly house-of-horrors stuff they kept or so present. Fridge full of line, check. What else? Torture chamber? Coffin room?Edward blockageed, holding Bellas hand. His face was dead again. He didnt memorizem to imbibe the energy to write up even that little hint of hope hed had before. They stared into to each one others nerve centre, save non in a gooey way. It was ilk they were having a conversation. Kind of reminded me of Sam and Emily.No, it wasnt gooey, only that only made it harder to acquire.I knew what it was like for Leah, having to see that completely(a) the sentence. Having to h spike it in Sams head. Of course we all entangle unsound for her, we werent monsters in that sense, anyway. only when I guess wed culld her for how she handled it. Lashing pros chea ted at everyone, separate exposeing to make us all as miserable as she was.I would never blame her again. How could anyone help spreading this build of misery yet ab let show up? How could anyone not try to ease some of the center by shoving a little piece of it off on someone else?And if it meant that I had to have a pack, how could I blame her for victorious my freedom? I would do the same. If there was a way to execute this pain, Id walk out it, too.Rosalie darted tweakstairs after a second, flying done the room like a nipping breeze, stirring up the burning smell. She stopped inside the kitchen, and I heard the creak of a transfuseboard door.note ear, Rosalie, Edward murmured. He rolled his eyes.Bella appearanceed curious, but Edward on the button shook his head at her.Rosalie blew back through the room and disappeared again.This was your idea? Bella whispered, her voice rough as she strained to make it loud enough for me to hear. Forgetting that I could hear in effect(p) fine. I kind of liked how, a lot of the time, she expected to forget that I wasnt on the whole human. I moved closer, so that she wouldnt have to work so hard.Dont blame me for this one. Your vampire was adept take snide comments out of my head.She pull out a faced a little. I didnt expect to see you again.Yeah, me, either, I said.It matte up supernatural just standing here, but the vampires had shoved all the furniture out of the way for the medical setup. I imagined that it didnt bother them school term or standing didnt make much difference when you were stone. Wouldnt bother me much, either, except that I was so exhausted.Edward told me what you had to do. Im sorry.S all regenerate. It was likely only a matter of time till I snapped over something Sam postulateed me to do, I lied.And exercise set, she whispered.Hes actually happy to help.I hate causing you trouble.I laughed once more than a pare than a laugh.She breathed a faint sigh. I guess thats nothing new, is it?No, not really.You dont have to stay and watch this, she said, barely mouthing the words.I could leave. It was probably a superb idea. only when if I did, with the way she miened objurgate right away, I could be missing the last fifteen minutes of her life.I dont really have anywhere else to go, I told her, nerve-wracking to keep the emotion out of my voice. The wolf thing is a lot little appealing since Leah joined up.Leah? she gasped.You didnt govern her? I asked Edward.He just shrugged without moving his eyes from her face. I could see it wasnt very exciting news to him, not something worth sharing with the more important events that were passing d consume.Bella didnt take it so lightly. It finded like it was bad news to her.Why? she breathed.I didnt want to get into the whole novel-length version. To keep an eye on curing. tho Leah hates us, she whispered.Us.Nice. I could see that she was afraid, though.Leahs not going to bug anyone. besides me. Sh es in my pack I grimaced at the words so she follows my lead. Ugh.Bella didnt look win over.Youre s finagled of Leah, but youre best buds with the sociopath blonde?There was a low hiss from the second floor. aplomb, shed heard me.Bella frowned at me. Dont. Rose understands.Yeah, i grunted. She understands that youre gonna die and she doesnt care, slong as she gets her mutant spawn out of the deal.Stop being a jerk, Jacob, she whispered.She looked too enervated to get mad at. I act to smile instead. You say that like its possible.Bella tried not to smile back for a second, but she couldnt help it in the end her chalky lips pulled up at the corners.And indeed Carlisle and the psycho in question were there. Carlisle had a white plastic cup in his hand the kind with a lid and a bendy straw. Oh not clear,now I got it. Edward didnt want Bella to have to think about what she was doing any more than necessary. You couldnt see what was in the cup at all. But I could smell it.Carli sle hesitated, the hand with the cup half-extended. Bella eyed it, aspect scared again.We could try another(prenominal) method, Carlisle said gently.No, Bella whispered. No,111 try this first-class honours degree. We dont have time.At first I thought shed finally gotten a clue and was disturbed about herself, but whence her hand fluttered feebly against her stick out.Bellareached 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 incite brushed raven 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 almost at us. Still aware enough to find out self-conscious. If she wasnt so drained, Id bet shedve blushed.Dont mind them, Rosalie murmured.It made me feel a wkward. I shouldve odd when Bellad offered the chance. I didnt become here, being part of this. I thought about submersion out, but hence I realized a move like that would only make this worsened for Bella make 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 and so made a face.Bella, sweetheart, we can find an easier way, Edward said, holding his hand out for the cup. mess your nose, Rosalie suggested. She scintillationd 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 superb, 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 instrument 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 bloodslopping just about in the cup again as her hand shook. She sipped at it for a second, and then moaned quietly with her eyes console closed.Edward and I metreped forward at the same time. He touched her face. I clutch my reach crapper my back.Bella, love Tm okay, she whispered. She opened her eyes and stared up at him. Her expression was apologetic. Pleading. Scared. It tastes good, too. acidulent churned in my stomach, threatening to overflow. I ground my teeth together.Thats good, Blondie repeated, still jazzed. A good sign.Edward just touch 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. Sh e took a real pull this time. The fulfil 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. therefore she flashed a look at Edward. Does this screw my be? 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 pardon 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 extraneous 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 chugg ed a few more ounces, look 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 opposite they 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 spryly, 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 crackd.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 suck sound.I did it, she said, sounding pleased . Her voice was clearer rough, 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 it the cup full of human blood had made an immediate difference. Her color was returning there 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 cancelled into the real thing.Would you like more? Rosalie press.Bellas shoulders slumped.Edward flashed a glare at Rosalie before he spoke to Bella. You dont have to drink more right away.Yeah, I have intercourse. 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 remains 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 permit 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. face up whos talking.Seriously whens the last time you slept?I thought about that for a second. Huh. Im not actually certain(p).Aw, Jake. like a shot 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 wickednesss recreation to watch her do it?Get some reliever, please, she went on. Therere a few beds upstairs youre welcome to any of them.The look on Rosalies face made it clear that I w asnt welcome to one of them. It made me wonder what wary 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. non 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, Ros alie. 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 satisfied outside. Dont worry about anything I promise 111 find you if theres a need.Sure, sure, I mumbled. without delay that it appeared Bella had a few more hours, I could escape. Go curl up under a corner 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. S he dark her hand over and squeezed mine. I felt the thin band of her wedding ring riding release 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 mistake 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, permit the fire rip me apart midair. There was a sharp tearing sound as my short pants 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 yelled in my head.Incoming,Seth answered. At to the lowest degree three.Did they split up?Im running the line back to Seth at the speed of lightLeah 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, donot challenge them. Wait forme.Theyre sl owing. Ugh its sooff not being able to hear them. I thinkWhat?I think theyve stopped.Waiting for the rest of the pack?Shh. Feel that?I imprisoned his impressions. The faint, soundless shimmer in the air.Someones phasing?Feels like it,Seth agreed.Leah flew into the teensy 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 reserve and then straightened up, already in place at my right shoulder. Leah fell in on my left with a little less en thusiasm.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.ShhI complained. 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 experient 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 somethin gs up. Theyre ready.Sam wouldnt be so stupid,Leah whispered, venerate 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 anatomy 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 blank unreadable.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, butYeah,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 stateme nt.Youve torn our family apart. Its not meant to be this way.I wasnt just now 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 ensample 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 way to have her be a solid part of the us.Billy and Sue agr ee 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 feelcomfortablewith 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. WhatSams 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 enemies like no more than bloodsucking leeches to me all over again.Ill remind you,Seth whispered.know you will, kid. Question is whether Ill listen to you.Jake? Jared asked.I huffed a sigh.Leah, make a tour of duty just to be sure. Im going to have to talk to him, and I want to bepositive there isnt anything else going on while Im phased.Give me a break, Jacob. You can phase in front of me. Despite my best efforts, Ive seen you in the raw before doesnt do much forme, 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.nakedness 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 temper it 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 i t was just that it was so not worth it when she caught you thinking about it later.Jared and the others were staring at the place where shed disappeared into the brush with wary expressions.Wheres she going? Jared asked.I ignored him, closing my eyes and pulling myself together again. It felt like the air was trembling around me, shaking out from me in small waves. I lifted myself up on my hind legs, signal detection the moment just right so that I was fully upright as I shimmered down into my human self.Oh, Jared said. Hey, Jake.Hey, Jared.Thanks for talking to me.Yeah.We want you to come back, man.Quil whined again.I dont know if its that easy, Jared.Come home, he said, atilt forward. Pleading. We can sort this out. You dont belong here. Let Seth and Leah come home, too.I laughed. Right. Like I havent been beg them to do that from hour one.Seth snorted behind me.Jared assessed that, his eyes cautious again. So, what now, then?I thought that over for a minute while he waited.I d ont know. But Im not sure things could just go back to normal anyway, Jared. I dont know how it works it doesnt feel like I can just turn this Alpha thing off and on as the mood strikes. It feels sort of permanent.You still belong with us.I raised my eyebrows. Two Alphas cant belong in the same place, Jared. Remember how close it got last night? The instinct is too competitive.So are you all just going to hang out with the parasites for the rest of your lives? he demanded. You dont have a home here. Youre already out of clothes, he pointed out. You gonna stay wolf all the time? You know Leah doesnt like eating that way.Leah can do whatever she wants when she gets hungry. Shes here by her own choice. Im not secureing anyone what to do.Jared sighed. Sam is sorry about what he did to you.I nodded. Im not angry anymore.But?But Im not coming back, not now. Were going to wait and see how it plays out, too. And were going to watch out for the Cullens for as long as that seems necessary. Because, despite what you think, this isnt just about Bella. Were protecting those who should be protected. And that applies to the Cullens, too. At least a fair number of them, anyway.Seth yelped softly in agreement.Jared frowned. I guess theres nothing I can say to you, then.Not now. Well see how things go.Jared turned to face Seth, concentrating on him now, separate from me. Sue asked me to tell you no, to beg you to come home. Shes brokenhearted, Seth. All alone. I dont know how you and Leah can do this to her. Abandon her this way, when your dad just barely died Seth whimpered.Ease up, Jared, I warned.Just letting him know how it is.I snorted. Right. Sue was tougher than anyone I knew. Tougher than my dad, tougher than me. Tough enough to play on her kids sympathies if thats what it took to get them home. But it wasnt fair to work Seth that way. Sues know about this for how many hours now? And most of that time spent with Billy and Old Quil and Sam? Yeah, Im sure shes just p erishing of loneliness. Course youre free to go if you want, Seth. You know that.Seth sniffed.Then, a second later, he cocked an ear to the north. Leah must be close. Jeez, she was fast. Two beats, and Leah skidded to a stop in the brush a few yards away. She trotted in, taking the point in front of Seth. She kept her nose in the air, very obviously not looking in my direction.I appreciated that.Leah? Jared asked.She met his gaze, her muzzle pulling back a little over her teeth.Jared didnt seem surprised by her hostility. Leah, you know you dont want to be here.She snarled at him. I gave her a warning glance she didnt see. Seth whined and nudged her with his shoulder.Sorry, Jared said. Guess I shouldnt assume. But you dont have any ties to the bloodsuckers.Leah very deliberately looked at her brother and then at me.So you want to watch out for Seth, I get that, Jared said. His eyes touched my face and then went back to hers. Probably inquire about that second look just like I was. But Jakes not going to let anything happen to him, and hes not afraid to be here. Jared made a face. Anyway, please, Leah. We want you back. Sam wants you back.Leahs tail twitched.Sam told me to beg. He told me to literally get down on my knees if I have to. He wants you home, Lee-lee, where you belong.I saw Leah flinch when Jared used Sams old knight for her. And then, when he added those last three words, her hackles rose and she was yowling a long stream of snarls through her teeth. I didnt have to be in her head to hear the cussing-out she was giving him, and neither did he. You could almost hear the have words she was using.I waited till she was done. Im going to go out on a limb here and say that Leah belongs wherever she wants to be.Leah growled, but, as she was glaring at Jared, I figured it was in agreement.Look, Jared, were still family, okay? Well get past the feud, but, until we do, you probably ought to stick to your land. Just so there arent misunderstandings. Nobod y wants a family brawl, right? Sam doesnt want that, either, does he?Of course, not, Jared snapped. Well stick to our land. But where is your land, Jacob? Is it vampire land?No, Jared. Homeless at the moment. But dont worry this isnt going to last forever. I had to take a breath. Theres not that much time left. Okay? Then the Cullens will probably go, and Seth and Leah will come home. Leah and Seth whined together, their noses turning my direction in synchronization. And what about you, Jake? Back to the forest, I think. I cant really stick around La Push. Two Alphas means too much tension. Sides, I was headed that way anyway. Before this mess. What if we need to talk? Jared asked. Howl but watch the line, kay? Well come to you. And Sam doesnt need to send so many. We arent looking for a fight. Jared scowled, but nodded. He didnt like me setting conditions for Sam. See you around, Jake. Or not. He waved halfheartedly. Wait, Jared. Is Embry okay? Surprise crossed his face. Embry? S ure, hes fine. Why? Just wondering why Sam sent Collin. I watched his reaction, still suspicious that something was going on. I saw acquaintance flash in his eyes, but it didnt look like the kind I was expecting. Thats not really your descent anymore, Jake. Guess not. Just curious. I saw a twitch from the corner of my eye, but I didnt adjudge it, because I didnt want to give Quil away. He was reacting to the subject. Ill let Sam know about your instructions. Goodbye, Jacob. I sighed. Yeah. Bye, Jared. Hey, tell my dad that Im okay, will you? And that Im sorry, and that I love him. Ill pass that along. Thanks. Cmon, guys, Jared said. He turned away from us, heading out of sight to phase because Leah was here. Paul and Collin were right on his heels, but Quil hesitated. He yelped softly, and I took a step toward him. Yeah, I miss you, too, bro. Quil jogged over to me, his head hanging down morosely. I patted his shoulder. Itll be okay.He whined. announce Embry I miss having you two on my flanks.He nodded and then pressed his nose to my forehead. Leah snorted. Quil looked up, but not at her. He looked back over his shoulder at where the others had gone.Yeah, go home, I told him.Quil yelped again and then took off after the others. Id bet Jared wasnt waiting super-patiently. As soon as he was gone, I pulled the heating plant from the center of my body and let it surge through my limbs. In a flash of heat, I was on four legs again.Thought you were going to make out with him,Leah snickered.I ignored her.Was that okay?I asked them. It worried me, speaking for them that way, when I couldnt hear exactly what they were thinking. I didnt want to assume anything. I didnt want to be like Jared that way. Did I say anything you didnt want me to? Did I not say something I should have?You did great, JakeSeth encouraged.You could have hit Jared,Leah thought. wouldnt have minded that.I guess we know why Embry wasnt allowed to come,Seth thought.I didnt understand. Not allowed ?Jake, didya see Quil? Hes pretty torn up, right? Id put ten to one that Embrys even more dollar volume And Embry doesnt have a Claire. Theres no way Quil can just pick up and walk away from La Push. Embry might So Sams not going to take any chances on him getting convinced to jump ship. He doesnt want our pack any bigger than it is now.Really? You think? I interrogative sentence Embry would mind shredding some Cullens.But hes your best friend, Jake. He and Quil would rather stand behind you than face you in a fight.Well, Im glad Sam kept him home, then. This pack is big enough.I sighed. Okay, then. So were good, for now. Seth, you mind keeping an eye on things for a while? Leah and I both need to crash. This felt on the level, but who knows? possibly it was a distraction.I wasnt always so paranoid, but I remembered the feel of Sams commitment. The total one-track focus on destroying the danger he saw. Would he take advantage of the fact that he could lie to us now?No problemSeth was only too eager to do whatever he could. You want me to explain to the Cullens? Theyre probably still kinda tense.I got it. I want to check things out anyway.They caught the go of images from my fried brain.Seth whimpered in surprise. Ew.Leah whipped her head back and forth like she was trying to shake the image out of her mind. That is easily the freakin grossest thing Ive heard in my life. Yuck. If there was anything in my stomach, it would be coming back.Theyare vampires, I guess, Seth allowed after a minute, compensating for Leahs reaction. mean, it makes sense. And if it helps Bella, its a good thing, right?Both Leah and I stared at him.What? mummy dropped him a lot when he was a baby,Leah told me.On his head, apparently.He used to gnaw on the crib bars, too.Lead paint?Looks like itshe thought.Seth snorted. Funny. Why dont you two shut up and sleep?