her expression managed to look impatient.

Jasper's eyes were tight, focused. I knew he was taking in my emotional climate, and I worked on
settling into a steady calm. I felt Edward free my arms as he read Jasper's assessment. But, though Jasper
was getting it firsthand, he didn't seem as certain.

When she heard my voice, the too-aware child struggled in Rosalie's arms, reaching toward me.

Somehow, her expression managed to look impatient.

"Jazz, Em, let us through. Bella's got this."

"Edward, the risk—," Jasper said.

"Minimal. Listen, Jasper—on the hunt she caught the scent of some hikers who were in the wrong place
at the wrong time___"

I heard Carlisle suck in a shocked breath. Esme's face was suddenly full of concern mingled with
compassion. Jasper's eyes widened, but he nodded just a tiny bit, as if Edward's words answered some
question in his head. Jacob's mouth screwed up into a disgusted grimace. Emmett shrugged. Rosalie
seemed even less concerned than Emmett as she tried to hold on to the struggling child in her arms.

Alice's expression told me that she was not fooled. Her narrowed eyes, focused with burning intensity on
my borrowed shirt, seemed more worried about what I'd done to my dress than anything else.

"Edward!" Carlisle chastened. "How could you be so irresponsible?"

"I know, Carlisle, I know. I was just plain stupid. I should have taken the time to make sure we were in
a safe

zone before I set her loose."

"Edward," I mumbled, embarrassed by the way they stared at me. It was like they were trying to see a
brighter red in my eyes.