HUMANITY. ❪ Paul Lahote ❫ ✓

twenty-four

Iris didn't know what happened. She remembered the night of the wedding clearly. Jacob was a "gift" for Bella, but they ended up having an argument.

Iris wasn't surprised by that. She remembered looking toward Edward and sending him her thoughts.

Jacob is an idiot. It's her wedding for God's sake. It's your wedding. Does he always have to make a scene everywhere? People call Paul hotheaded, but I think Jacob is even worse.

By that time, Iris was gripping Paul's hand tightly. She didn't remember if she was full vampire or partly human. She hoped she didn't hurt Paul.

Stop this, Eddie, or I will. You know how much I dislike Jacob. He's such a meanie. I wouldn't mind having another go at him.

Edward had shot her a warning glare, probably to remind her that she had gotten hurt the last time Jacob and her fought.

But now, Bella was pregnant. Iris didn't know if it was human, vampire, or just a plain monstrosity. But Iris was reminded that vampires were monsters, so she didn't want to judge. However, she didn't know where her loyalties stood.

Her family was breaking apart because of Bella. She understood that Edward loved Bella, and Iris didn't have anything against her, but Bella was ruining the melody her family used to tune to.

Edward loved Bella and she loved him. Iris loved Paul and he loved her. Iris didn't want to make a decision that would break her relationship with Paul or her family, but she had to make one.

If she stayed with her family, her relationship with Paul would never be the same. If she left her family for Paul, she probably wouldn't be allowed back into the coven. Even if Carlisle and Esme accepted her, she knew others would not.

Jacob walked closer to Bella, but Rosalie stopped him.

"Close enough."

Jacob looked down at Rosalie. "What's your problem?"

"Rose, it's okay," Bella said.

"You look terrible," Jacob commented.

"Yeah, it's nice to see you, too," Bella said.

"So, are you gonna tell me what's wrong with you?" Jacob asked curiously.

"Rose, you wanna help me up?" Bella asked.

Taking Rosalie's hand, Bella successfully stood up with a small hint of struggle.

Jacob's eyes widened as his anger was fueled. "You did this!" he shouted.

"I didn't know it was even possible," Carlisle said, trying to somehow diffuse Jacob's anger.

"What is it?" Jacob asked.

"I'm not sure. Ultrasounds and needles won't penetrate the embryonic sac."

"I can't see it, either. And I can't see Bella's future anymore," Alice added.

Carlisle nodded. "We've been researching legends, but there isn't much to go on. What we do know is that it's strong and fast-growing."

"Why haven't you done anything? Take it out of her!" Jacob asked.

"This is none of your business, dog," Rosalie growled.

"Rose!" Esme scolded. "All this fighting isn't good for Bella."

"The fetus isn't good for Bella," Alice retorted.

"Say the word, Alice," Rosalie demanded. "Baby. It's just a little baby."

"Possibly," Jasper said.

"Carlisle, you've gotta do something," Jacob begged.

"No. It's not his decision. It's not any of yours," Bella said.

Iris needed time to think to herself. She flashed upstairs, turning off her vampire abilities. She didn't want to hear what was going on in the world around her.

She pulled her knees into her chest as she curled up into a ball in the corner. She hid her face between her knees.

God, she loved Paul. She loved him so much. She never told him that. She never said it out loud before.

But the Cullens were her family. They protected her and loved her, but she realized that they could never love her the way Paul could.

They couldn't brush their fingers through her hair like Paul or compliment her with the same type of love. The Cullens couldn't eat food with her and hold the type of conversations she would with Paul.

Iris turned her hearing back on.

"Jacob, don't go," Bella pleaded.

"I know how this ends, and I'm not sticking around to watch."

Jacob turned around swiftly started walking away. Iris flashed down the stairs.

"Wait," Iris whispered weakly.

Jacob - with his enhanced hearing - turned around.

"I'm coming with you," Iris said.

"What?" Jasper asked. "Iris, you must be joking."

"I... I'm sorry, but I love Paul. And your love is different from his."