Can't Stand To See You Cry (Jacob)

Chapter 42

"Are they gonna kill him?"

Embry stared straight ahead, both hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. His expression was tense and he breathed deeply as if he were trying to calm himself down. "I think you already know the answer to that question, Ness."

Renesmee flung her car door open as soon as they pulled up to Jacob's cabin. Embry reached for her waist and pulled her back. "There's nothing you can do! It's already been decided!"

"Sam is really gonna let them do this?"

Embry held her hand and shook his head. "It's not up to Sam. The alpha makes the orders."

"But I thought..."

Embry gave her a knowing look. "Sam said that when Jake phased, he could have the option to be alpha again. He took it this time."

"You don't think they should kill Wyatt, do you?"

Embry narrowed his gaze and shook his head. "That's not it."

Renesmee looked confused. "Then why do you look so mad?"

"Because I didn't get to kill him myself."

"Embry! I don't want this! No one should die over this!"

"He hurt you, Renesmee!" Embry paused to run his finger near the cuts on her neck before he continued. "Jake just can't let that go. Wyatt could have killed you. The pack can't just stand by and let anyone's imprint be harmed. Jake says he has to die, so..."

Renesmee groaned as she pulled away from Embry and opened the passenger door. She noticed the headlights approaching and told him, "Amara's here."

"Nessie, stop!" Embry called as he climbed out of the driver seat and followed her up the porch steps. "Just wait and we'll sit with you."

"I don't want a babysitter," Ness replied angrily, her hand gripping the front door knob.

"Jake's orders," he reminded her, handing her the car keys.

Renesmee whirled around to face him, her scowl disappeared as he smiled down at her. "Thank you for driving me home, but I'm just gonna take a bath and go to bed."

"Ness..."

"I'm fine really."

"Jake said..."

"If Jacob was so concerned, then he would be here," she spat angrily.

Embry hit the door above her head and scowled. "Stop being so damn stubborn. You're putting me in an awful position with Jake."

Amara approached Embry cautiously, eyeing the interaction between her boyfriend and Renesmee. "I'm sure Amara is ready to go home...I'll take the heat for you with Jake. He'll deal," Ness assured him.

Embry glanced back at Amara standing at the bottom of the porch steps. She looked beyond irritated and that was making Renesmee feel terribly guilty. His shoulders slumped as he finally conceded. "Only if you're sure..."

"I am."

"And you promise you won't leave..."

"I won't leave."

"And you'll lock the door?"

"I swear."

"And you'll clean these cuts on your neck?"

"Yes, Dad," she teased as he gathered her in his arms and hugged her tightly.

Amara cleared her throat, reminding him she was still standing there. "Em, come on. She said you can go."