Chapter Twenty-Five
In the weeks that followed, Renesmee looked almost two years older now. Her hair was half-way down her back, and she loved to straighten them and add to their shine. She was taller, and less pale.
She was looking more and more like Bella every day.
And her friendship with Sam and the other were-vampires grew along with her.
"Hey, Nessie! Wanna go out for a ride?"
Jacob ran towards her with a big grin on his face. Renesmee was sitting on the grassy meadow near the Cullens' home, and when she heard his voice, she stood up.
"I got our bikes ready over there," he huffed, taking a breath and pointing to the sidewalk. Two motorcycles, one red and one black, were waiting for them.
Renesmee raised an eyebrow and smiled at him.
"You're asking me this now because..." she said.
"Because we can relax, have fun, after the weird things that's been going on."
"Okay, then, let's go."
Renesmee entwined her fingers in Jacob's and they walked to the bikes.
"Renesmee wait!" a voice called out.
Jacob was already on his black motorcycle, waiting for Renesmee to start hers, but the voice distracted her. She turned around.
"Sam?" she said. "Is there something wrong in La Push? Do you need my dad? I--"
"Renesmee, I was wondering if you'd like to go hunt with me today," Sam asked. "Edward, your father, and his brothers have something to take care of for Esme, and I'm starving..."
His stomach growled. He winced.
Then they both started laughing.
"Okay," said Renesmee, and Sam took her hand, smiling.
Jacob's eyes widened. "Wait, Nessie!" he called. They stopped and looked back at him. "But...we were going to go ride our motorcycles. Sam, I'm sure you can hold on for another hour." He frowned at him.
Sam shook his head. "Come on Jacob, be reasonable." Jacob winced. Those were the same words that Edward sometimes told Bella. "I need to eat."
"I didn't think that hunger was a problem for vampires, and your only half," said Jacob. "You're a werewolf too, and I think hot dogs will hit the spot."
"Look, dude," Sam sighed. "If you're so desperate to be around Renesmee, then come with us."
Jacob leaned over too far, and the bike toppled on top of him.
Sam rolled his eyes.
"Just 'cause you imprinted on her, doesn't mean you have some kind of claim on her," he said.
"Shut up!" Jacob spat, pushing the black heavy motorcycle off of him. He pointed a finger at Sam. "I do claim her, Sam! I imprinted on her and we'll always be together! She's mine, not yours. Why don't you call Emily to come with you instead? Nessie's mine, I own her. I asked her to go ride together!"
I own her. Renesmee winced. "W-What?" she said in a quiet voice.
Sam shook his head.
It took a minute for Jacob to realize what he'd said. His expression softened and he reached out one hand. "Renesmee, I--"
"You own me huh?" Renesmee threw at him. "I knew it! You don't love me for real, you just have feelings for me because I'm your little pet. Imprinting isn't love, Jake. It just changes the way you look at other people....I can't believe I actually thought you--you--loved me!"
She started sobbing. Sam took one look at Jacob, shook his head once more, then put his arm around Renesmee's shoulders, leading her towards the forest.
Jacob stood there, feeling stupid.