The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 1. ULTIMATUM

Bella,I dont exit over it off why youre making Charlie carry nones to nightstick interchangeable were in second grade if I wished to talk to you I would answer the You quarter the choice present, beautiful? You cant sp prohibit a penny it twain demeanors when What spokesperson of mortal enemies is too complicated for you to Look, I admit Im macrocosm a jerk, exclusively on that points fitting no room around We cant be friends when youre b confused whole in all(prenominal)placeing all your sequence with a bunch of It skilful makes it worse when I intend ab give away you too over practically, so dont write each much Yeah, I miss you, too. A lot. Doesnt change anything. Sorry.JacobI ran my fingers across the page, impression the dents where he had pressed the pen to the paper so sonorous that it had about broken through. I could picture him writing this?scrawling the violent letters in his rough handwriting, slashing through line after(prenomin al) line when the wr go came out wrong, maybe tied(p) snapping the pen in his too-big hand that would let off the ink splatters. I could imagine the frustration pulling his black eyebrows to sterilizeher and crumpling his fore crack. If itd been there, I magnate suffer laughed. Dont give yourself a brain hemorrhage, Jacob, I would deal told him. Just spit it out.Laughing was the run low thing I felt up handle doing straight off as I re remove the spoken language Id already memorized. His answer to my pleading none?passed from Charlie to Billy to him, just conformationred second grade, as hed pointed out?was no surprise. Id kn take the essence of what it would regularise so angiotensin converting enzymer Id candid it.What was surprising was how much each crossed-out line maimed me?as if the points of the letters had emasculatedting edges. More than that, bottom each angry beginning lurked a vast pool of hurt Jacobs pain cut me mystifyinger than my own.While I w as pondering this, I caught the unmistakable scent of a smoking burner rising from the kitchen. In a nonher house, the fact that some(a) one to a fault myself was cooking top executive not be a cause for junkicking.I shoved the wrinkled paper into my defend pocket and ran. I made it on a lower floor in the nick of cartridge holder.The jar of spaghetti behave Charlied stuck in the cook was solo when on its first revolution when I yanked the gateway open and pulled it out. What did I do wrong? Charlie demanded. Youre supposed to take the lid off first, pa. Metals gr devouring(prenominal) for microwaves. I swiftly re move the lid as I spoke, poured one-half(prenominal) the sauce into a bowl, and and past put the bowl in present the microwave and the jar back in the fridge I fixed the fourth dimension and pressed start.Charlie experienceed my adjustments with pursed lips. Did I overprotect the noodles decently? I verbal expressioned in the pan on the stove?the sour ce of the smell that had alerted me. Stirring helps, I give idiom to mildly. I found a spoon and tried to de-clump the mushy puffiness that was scalded at the bottom.Charlie sighed.So whats all this about? I asked him.He folded his fortification across his chest and glared out the back windowpanes into the sheeting rain. Dont pick out what youre talking about, he grumbled.I was mystified. Charlie cooking? And what was with the surly attitude? Edward wasnt here eventide usually my daddy nearly this kind of behavior for my boyfriends benefit, doing his top hat to decorate the theme of unwelcome with every ledger and posture. Charlies frets were unnecessary?Edward knew exactly what my dad was looking without the show.The word boyfriend had me chewing on the inside of my font with familiar focus while I stirred. It wasnt the right word, not at all. I studyed something much expressive of eternal commitment?. unless words care destiny and fate sounded hokey when you utilize them in casual conversation.Edward had another word in mind, and that word was the source of the tension I felt. It put my teething on edge just to conceptualize it to myself.Fiance. Ugh. I shuddered absent from the though.Did you miss something? Since when do you make dinner? I asked Charlie. The pasta lump bobbed in the boiling water as I poked it. Or stress to make dinner, I should say.Charlie shrugged. in that locations no law that says I cant cook in my own house.You would screw, I replied, grinning as I eyed the lamentablege pinned to his leather treetop.Ha. Good one. He shrugged out of the jacket as if my glance had reminded him he fluent had it on, and hung it on the peg reserved for his gear. His gun belt was already slung in place?he hadnt felt the need to wear that to the station for a fewer weeks. There had been no to a greater extent disturbing slices to trouble the small town of Forks, Washington, no to a greater extent sighting of the fiend, myster ious wolves in the ever-rainy woods?.I prodded the noodles in tranquillise, stab that Charlie would set out around to talking about w hatredver was bothering him in his own conviction. My dad was not a man of many words, and the effort he had put into trying to orchestrate a sit-down dinner with me made it stool there were an unusual characteristic number of words on his mind.I glanced at the clock routinely?something I did every few minutes around this time. Less than a half hour to go now. subsequentlynoons were the gravidest part of my daylight. Ever since my former best friend (and werewolf), Jacob Black, had informed on me about the motorcycle Id been riding on the sly?a perfidiousness he had devised in order to get my grounded so that I couldnt spend time with my boyfriend (and lamia), Edward Cullen?Edward had been allowed to take hold of me only from seven till nine-thirty p.m., ceaselessly inside the confines of my home and under the supervision of my dads unfailin gly grouchy glare.This was an escalation from the previous, slightly less stringent grounding that Id earned from an unexplained three-day dis turn outance and one episode of cliff diving.Of kind, I placid saw Edward at school, because there wasnt anything Charlie could do about that. And consequently, Edward spent almost every nighttime in my room, too, simply Charlie wasnt precisely aware of that. Edwards ability to climb easily and silently through my second-story window was almost as useful as his ability to read Charlies mind.though the afternoon was the only time I spent away from Edward, it was enough to make me restless, and the hours always dragged. Still, I endured my penalization without kicking because?for one thing?I knew Id earned it, and?for another?because I couldnt bear to hurt my dad by moving out now, when a much more permanent separation hovered, invisible to Charlie, so pen up on my horizon.My dad sat down at the mesa with a grunt and unfolded the damp newspaper there within seconds he was clucking his tongue in disapproval.I dont know why you read the paper, Dad. It only ticks you off.He ignored me, grumbling at the paper in his workforce. This is why everyone wants to suffer in a small town Ridiculous.What have big cities make wrong now?Seattles making a run for murder capitol of the country. quintuple unsolved homicides in the last two weeks. dope you imagine sustentation standardized that?I think Phoenix is actually higher up in the homicide list, Dad. I have lived like that. And Id never come exclude to being a murder victim until after I move to his safe little town. In fact, was still on several touch lists?. The spoon shook in my hands, making the water tremble.Well, you couldnt devote me enough, Charlie s assistance.I gave up on saving dinner and colonized for serving it I had to use a steak knife to cut a portion of spaghetti for Charlie and hence myself, while he watched with a sheepish expression. Charl ie coated his helping with sauce and dug in. I disguised my own clump as operate as I could and followed his example without much enthusiasm. We ate in silence for a moment. Charlie was still scanning the news, so I picked up my much-abused sham of Wuthering Heights from where Id left it this morning at breakfast, and tried to lose myself in the turn-of-the-century England while I waited for him to start talking.I was just to the part where Heathcliff returns when Charlie light his throat and threw the paper to the floor.Youre right, Charlie said. I did have a reason for doing this. He waved his fork at the gluey spread. I wanted to talk to you.I laid the book aside the binding was so destroyed that it slumped un setal to the table. You could have just asked.He nodded, his eyebrows pulling together. Yeah. Ill remember that next time. I thought taking dinner off your hands would soften you up.I laughed. It worked?your cooking skills have me soft as a marshmallow. What do you ne ed, Dad?Well, its about Jacob.I felt my face harden. What about him? I asked through stiff lips.Easy, Bells. I know youre still upset that he told on you, but it was the right thing. He was being responsible.Responsible, I repeated scathingly, axial rotation my look. Right. So what about Jacob?The careless question repeated inside my head, anything but trivial. What about Jacob? What was I going to do about him? My former best friend who was now?what? My enemy? I cringed.Charlies face was of a sudden wary. Dont get mad at me, okay?Mad?Well, its about Edward, too.My eye contract.Charlies translator got gruffer. I let him in the house, dont I?You do, I admitted. For brief periods of time. Of course, you might let me out of the house for brief periods of time now and then, too, I continued?only jokingly I knew I was on lockdown for the era of the school year. Ive been pretty unspoiled lately.Well, thats kind of where I was heading with this?. And then Charlies face stretched int o an unexpected eye-crinkling grin for a second he looked cardinal historic period younger.I saw a dim glimmer of fall out in that smile, but I proceeded slowly. Im confused, Dad. Are we talking about Jacob, or Edward, or me being grounded?The grin flare passed once again. Sort of all three.And how do they subsume? I asked, cautious.Okay. He sighed, raising his hands as if in surrender. So Im thinking maybe you deserve a parole for good behavior. For a teenager, youre surprisingly non-whiney.My enunciate and eyebrows shot up. Seriously? Im free?Where was this coming from? Id been positivist I would be under house arrest until I actually moved out, and Edward hadnt picked up any wavering in Charlies thoughts?.Charlie held up one finger. Conditionally.The enthusiasm vanished. Fantastic, I groaned.Bella, this is more of a request than a demand, okay? Youre free. still Im hoping youll use that immunity?judiciously.What does that mean?He sighed again. I know youre satisfied to spend all your time with Edward? I spend time with Alice, too, I interjected. Edwards sister had no hours of visitation she came and went as she pleased. Charlie was putty in her capable hands. Thats true, he said. scarcely you have other friends besides the Cullens, Bella. Or you used to.We stared at each other for a long moment. When was the last time you spoke to Angela Weber? he threw at me.Friday at lunch, I answered immediately. Before Edwards return, my school friends had polarized into two groups. I liked to think of those groups as good vs. nuisance. Us and them worked, too. The good guys were Angela, her steady boyfriend Ben Cheney, and Mike atomic number 7 these three had all very generously forgiven me for going crazy when Edward left. Lauren Mallory was the evil core of the them side, and almost everyone else, including my first friend in Forks, Jessica Stanley, decidemed content to go along with her anti-Bella agenda.With Edward back at school, the dividing line had become even more distinct. Edwards return had taken its toll on Mikes friendship, but Angela was unswervingly loyal, and Ben followed her lead. disdain the natural aversion most tender-hearteds felt toward the Cullens, Angela sat duti skillfuly beside Alice every day at lunch. After a few weeks, Angela even looked hold dearable there. It was difficult not to be charmed by the Cullens? one time one gave them the chance to be charming.Outside of school? Charlie asked, calling my up spare back. I havent suss outn anyone removed of school, Dad. Grounded, remember? And Angela has a boyfriend, too. Shes always with Ben. If Im truly free, I added, heavy on the skepticism, maybe we could double. Okay. only then? He hesitated. You and Jake used to be joined at the hip, and now? I cut him off. Can you get to the point, Dad? Whats your condition?exactly? I dont think you should red cent all your other friends for your boyfriend, Bella, he said in a nookie portion. Its not nice, and I think your life would be infract match if you kept some other people in it. What happened last kinsfolk? I flinched. Well, he said defensively. If youd had more of a life outside of Edward Cullen, it might not have been like that. It would have been exactly like that, I muttered. Maybe, maybe not. The point? I reminded him. Use your new freedom to see your other friends, too. Keep it balanced. I nodded slowly. Balance is good. Do I have specific time quotas to fill, though? He made a face, but shook his head. I dont want to make this complicated. Just dont stymy about your friends?particularly Jacob. It took me a moment to find the right words. Jacob might be?difficult. The Blacks are practically family, Bella he said, stern and fatherly again. And Jacob has been a very, very good friend to you. I know that. Dont you miss him at all? Charlie asked, frustrated. My throat suddenly felt swollen I had to clear it twice before I answered. Yes, I do miss him, I admitted, still l ooking down. I miss him a lot. thus why is it difficult?It wasnt something I was at liberty to explain. It was against the rules for normal people?human people like me and Charlie?to know about the clandestine world full of myths and monsters that existed secretly around us. I knew all about that world?and I was in no small amount of trouble as a result. I wasnt about to get Charlie in the same trouble.With Jacob there is?a conflict, I said slowly. A conflict about the friendship thing, I mean. Friendship doesnt always seem to be enough for Jake. I appall my excuse out of details that were true but insignificant, hardly crucial compared to the fact that Jacobs werewolf pack bitterly hated Edwards vampire family?and and then me, too, as I fully intended to join that family. It just wasnt something I could work out with him in a note, and he wouldnt answer my calls. But my plan to deal with the werewolf in person had definitely not gone over will with the vampires.Isnt Edward up f or a little fit competition? Charlies voice was sarcastic now.I leveled a dark look at him. Theres no competition.Youre hurting Jakes feelings, avoiding him like this. Hed rather be just friends than nothing.Oh, now I was avoiding him?Im pretty veritable Jake doesnt want to be friends at all. The words burned in my mouth. Whered you get that intellection, in any event?Charlie looked embarrassed now. The field of view might have come up today with Billy?.You and Billy gossip like old women, I complained, stabbing my fork brutally into the congealed spaghetti on my plate.Billys worried about Jacob, Charlie said. Jakes having a hard time right now?. Hes depressed.I winced, but kept my eyes on the blob.And then you were always so happy after spending the day with Jake. Charlie sighed.Im happy now, I growled fiercely through my teeth.The contrast between my words and odour broke through the tension. Charlie burst into laughter, and I had to join in.Okay, okay, I agreed. Balance.And Jacob, he insisted.Ill try.Good. Find that balance, Bella. And, oh, yeah, youve got some mail, Charlie said, closing the subject with no elbow grease at subtlety. Its by the stove.I didnt move, my thoughts twisting into snarls around Jacobs name. It was most probable junk mail Id just gotten a package from my mom yesterday and I wasnt expecting anything else.Charlie shoved his chair away from the table stretched as he got to his feet. He took his plate to the sink, but before he turned the water on to rinse it, he paused to toss a thick envelope at me. The letter skidded across the table and thunked into my elbow.Er, thanks, I muttered, puzzled by his pushiness. Then I saw the return address?the letter was from the University of Alaska Southeast. That was quick. I pretend I missed the deadline on that one, too.Charlie chuckled.I flipped the envelope over and then glared up at him. Its open.I was curious.Im shocked, Sheriff. Thats a federal crime.Oh, just read it.I pulled out the letter, and a folded schedule of courses.Congratulations, he said before I could read anything. Your first acceptance.Thanks, Dad.We should talk about tuition. Ive got some cash saved up?Hey, hey, none of that. Im not touching your retirement, Dad. Ive got my college fund. What was left of it?and there hadnt been much to begin with.Charlie frowned. Some of these places are pretty pricey, Bells. I want to help. You dont have to go all the way to Alaska just because its cheaper.It wasnt cheaper, not at all. But it was far away, and capital of Alaska had an average of three hundred blackjack overcast days per year. The first was my prerequisite, the second was Edwards.Ive got it covered. Besides, theres lots of financial aid out there. Its easy to get loanwords. I hoped my bluff wasnt too obvious. I hadnt actually done a lot of research on the subject.So?, Charlie began, and then pursed his lips and looked away.So what?Nothing. I was just? He frowned. Just wonder what?Edwards plans are for next year?Oh.Well?Three quick raps on the door saved me. Charlie bundleed his eyes and I jumped up.Coming I called while Charlie mumbled something that sounded like, Go away. I ignored him and went to let Edward in.I wrenched the door out of my way?ridiculously eager?and there he was, my individualized miracle.Time had not made me immune to the perfection of his face, and I was sure that I would never take any aspect of him for granted. My eyes traced over his pale white features the hard square of his jaw, the softer curve of his full lips? worm up into a smile now, the straight line of his stab, the sharp angle of his cheekbones, the smooth marble span of his forehead?partially obscured by a tangle of rain-darkened bronze hair?.I saved his eyes for last, penetrating that when I looked into them I was likely to lose my train of thought. They were wide, warm with melted gold, and framed by a thick fringe of black lashes. perfect(a) into his eyes always made me feel ext raordinary?sort of like my bones were turning spongy. I was also a little lightheaded, but that could have been because Id forgotten to keep breathing.It was a face any manlike model in the world would trade his soul for. Of course, that might be exactly the asking price one soul.No. I didnt deal that. I felt guilty for even thinking it, and was glad?as I was often glad?that I was the one person whose thoughts were a mystery to Edward.I reached for his hand, and sighed when his cold fingers found mine. His touch brought with it the strangest sense of simpleness?as if Id been in pain and than pain had suddenly ceased.Hey. I smiled a little at my anticlimactic greeting.He raised our interlaced fingers to sail my cheek with the back of his hand. How was your afternoon?Slow.For me, as well.He pulled my wrist up to his face, our hands still twisted together. His eyes closed as his nose skimmed along the skin there, and he smiled gently without opening them. Enjoying the fragrancy wh ile resisting the drink, as hed once put it.I knew that the scent of my broth?so much sweeter to him than any other persons blood, truly like wine beside water to an alcoholic?caused him actual pain from the suntan thirst it engendered. But he didnt seem to shy away from it as much as he once had. I could only dimly imagine the knock-down(a) effort behind this simple gesture.It made me sad that he had to try so hard. I comforted myself with the noesis that I wouldnt be causing him pain much longer.I heard Charlie approaching then, stamping his feet on the way to express his customary displeasure with our guest. Edwards eyes snapped open and let our hands fall, keeping them twined.Good evening, Charlie. Edward was always flawlessly polite, though Charlie didnt deserve it.Charlie grunted at him, and then stood there with his arms crossed over his chest. He was taking the idea of parental supervision to extremes lately.I brought another set of applications, Edward told me then, g uardianship up a stuffed manila envelope. He was wearing a roll of stamps like a ring around his littlest finger.I groaned. How were there any colleges left that he hadnt forced me to apply to already? And how did he keep finding these loophole openings? It was so late in the year.He smiled as if he could read my thoughts they must have been very obvious on my face. There are still a few open deadlines. And a few places willing to make exceptions.I could just imagine the motivations behind such exceptions. And the dollar amounts involved.Edward laughed at my expression.Shall we? he asked, towing me toward the kitchen table.Charlie huffed and followed behind, though he could hardly complain about the activity on tonights agenda. Hed been pestering me to make a ending about college on a daily basis.I cleared the table quickly while Edward organized an intimidating stack of forms. When I moved Wuthering Heights to the counter, Edward raised one eyebrow. I knew what he was thinking, b ut Charlie interrupt before Edward could comment.Speaking of college applications, Edward, Charlie said, his tone even more sullen?he tried to avoid addressing Edward directly, and when he had to, it exacerbated his bad mood. Bella and I were just talking about next year. Have you decided where youre going to school? Edward smiled up at Charlie and his voice was friendly. Not yet. Ive received a few acceptance letters, but Im still weighing my options. Where have you been accepted? Charlie pressed. Syracuse?Harvard?Dartmouth?and I just got accepted to the University of Alaska Southeast today. Edward turned his face slightly to the side so that he could wink at me. I stifled a giggle.Harvard? Dartmouth? Charlie mumbled, unable to conceal his awe. Well thats pretty?thats something. Yeah, but the University of Alaska?you wouldnt sincerely construe that when you could go Ivy League. I mean, your father would want you to? Carlisles always fine with whatever I choose to do, Edward told him serenely. Hmph. Guess what, Edward? I asked in a bright voice, playing along. What, Bella? I pointed to the thick envelope on the counter. I just got my acceptance to the University of Alaska Congratulations He grinned. What a coincidence. Charlies eyes narrowed and he glared back and forth between the two of us. Fine, he muttered after a minute. Im going to watch the game, Bella. Nine-thirty. That was his usual parting command. Er, Dad? recollect the very recent discussion about my freedom He sighed. Right. Okay, ten-thirty. You still have a curfew on school nights. Bellas no longer grounded? Edward asked. Though I knew he wasnt authorizedly surprised, I couldnt detect any dour note to the sudden excitement in his voice. Conditionally, Charlie corrected through his teeth. Whats it to you? I frowned at my dad, but he didnt see. Its just good to know, Edward said. Alice has been itching for a shopping partner, and Im sure Bella would fill in to see some city lights. He smile d at me. But Charlie growled, No and his face flushed purple. Dad Whats the business? He made an effort to unclench his teeth. I dont want you going to Seattle right now. Huh? I told you about that story in the paper?theres some kind of gang on a killing spree in Seattle and I want you to steer clear, okay? I rolled my eyes. Dad, theres a soften chance that Ill get struck by lightning than the one day Im in Seattle? No, thats fine, Charlie, Edward said, interrupting me. I didnt mean Seattle. I was thinking Portland, actually. I wouldnt have Bella in Seattle, either. Of course not. I looked at him in disbelief, but he had Charlies newspaper in his hands and he was reading the front page intently. He must have been trying to placate my dad. The idea of being in danger from even the most deadly of humans while I was with Alice or Edward was downright hilarious.It worked. Charlie stared at Edward for one second more, and then shrugged. Fine. He stalked off toward the living room, in a bit of a hurry now?maybe he didnt want to miss tip-off. I waited till the TV was on, so that Charlie wouldnt be able to hear me. What?, I started to ask. Hold on, Edward said without looking up from the paper. His eyes stayed focused on the page as he pushed the first application toward me across the table. I think you can recycle your essays for this one. Same questions. Charlie must still be listening. I sighed and started to fill out the repetitive information name, address, social?. After a few minutes I glanced up, but Edward was now arrant(a) pensively out the window. As I bent my head back to my work, I noticed for the first time the name of the school. I snorted and shoved the cover aside. Bella? Be serious, Edward. Dartmouth? Edward lifted the discarded application and laid it gently in front of me again. I think youd like New Hampshire, he said. Theres a full complement of night courses for me, and the forests are conveniently located for the avid hiker. Plentiful wildl ife. He pulled out that crooked smile he knew I couldnt resist.I took a deep breath through my nose. Ill let you pay me back, if that makes you happy, he promised. If you want, I can charge you interest. Like I could even get in without some enormous bribe. Or was that part of the loan? The new Cullen wing of the library? Ugh. Why are we having this discussion again? Will you just fill out the application, please, Bella? It wont hurt you to apply. My jaw flexed. You know what? I dont think I will. I reached for the papers, planning to crumple them into a suitable shape for lobbing at the trashcan, but they were already gone. I stared at the empty table for a moment, and then at Edward. He didnt appear to have moved, but the application was probably already tucked away in his jacket. What are you doing? I demanded. I sign your name better than you do yourself. Youve already written the essays. Youre going way overboard with this, you know. I whispered on the off chance that Charlie w asnt completely lost in the game. I really dont need to apply anywhere else. Ive been accepted in Alaska. I can almost afford the first semesters tuition. Its as good an alibi as any. Theres no need to throw away a bunch of money, no matter whose it is.A pained look tightened his face. Bella? Dont start. I agree that I need to go through the motions for Charlies sake, but we both know that Im not going to be in any condition to go to school next fall. To be anywhere near people.My knowledge of those first few years as a new vampire was sketchy. Edward had never gone into details?it wasnt his favorite subject?but I knew it wasnt pretty. Self-control was apparently an acquired skill. Anything more than correspondence school was out of the question. I thought the timing was still undecided, Edward reminded me softly. You might enjoy a semester or two of college. There are a lot of human experiences youve never had. Ill get to those afterward. They wont be human experiences afterward. Y ou dont get a second chance at humanity, Bella. I sighed. Youve got to be reasonable about the timing, Edward. Its just too dangerous to mess around with. Theres no danger yet, he insisted.I glared at him. No danger? Sure. I only had a sadistic vampire trying to avenge her mates death with my own, preferably through some slow and tortuous method. Who was worried about Victoria? And, oh yeah, the Volturi?the vampire lofty family with their small army of vampire warriors?who insisted that my heart stop beating one way or another in the near future, because humans werent allowed to know they existed. Right. No reason at all to panic.Even with Alice keeping watch?Edward was relying on her uncannily accurate visions of the future to give us call up warning?it was insane to take chances. Besides, Id already won this argument. The date for my work shift was tentatively set for shortly after my graduation from high school, only a handful of weeks away.A sharp jolt of unease pierced my sto mach as I realized how short the time really was. Of course this change was necessary?and the key to what I wanted more than everything else in the world put together?but I was deeply conscious of Charlie sitting in the other room enjoying his game, just like every other night. And my mother, Renee, far away in sunny Florida, still pleading with me to spend the summer on the beach with her and her new husband. And Jacob, who, unalike my parents, would know exactly what was going on when I disappeared to some extreme school. Even if my parents didnt grow suspicious for a long time, even if I could put off visits with excuses about travel expenses or sturdy rafts or illnesses, Jacob would know the truth.For a moment, the idea of Jacobs certain revulsion overshadowed every other pain. Bella, Edward murmured, his face twisting when he read the distress in mine. Theres no hurry. I wont let anyone hurt you. You can take all the time you need. I want to hurry, I whispered, smiling weakly , trying to make a joke of it. I want to be a monster, too.His teeth clenched he spoke through them. You have no idea what youre saying. Abruptly, he flung the damp newspaper onto the table between us. His finger stabbed the headline on the front pageDEATH TOLL ON THE RISE, natural law FEAR GANG ACTIVITYWhat does that have to do with anything? Monsters are not a joke, Bella. I stared at the headline again, and then up to his hard expression. A?a vampire is doing this? I whispered. He smiled without humor. His voice was low and cold. Youd be surprised, Bella, at how often my kind are the source behind the horrors in your human news. Its easy to recognize, when you know what to look for. The information here indicates a newborn vampire is loose in Seattle. Bloodthirsty, wild, out of control. The way we all were. I let my gaze drop to the paper again, avoiding his eyes.Weve been monitor the circumstance for a few weeks. All the signs are there?the flimsy disappearances, always in th e night, the poorly disposed-of corpses, the lack of other evidence?. Yes, soul brand-new. And no one seems to be taking responsibility for the neophyte?. He took a deep breath. Well, its not our problem. We wouldnt even pay attention to the daub if it wasnt going on so close to home. Like I said, this happens all the time. The existence of monsters results in monstrous consequences.I tried not to see the names on the page, but they jumped out from the rest of the print like they were in bold. The five people whose lives were over, whose families were mourning now. It was different from considering murder in the abstract, reading those names. Maureen Gardiner, Geoffrey Campbell, Grace Razi, Michelle OConnell, Ronald Albrook. People whod had parents and children and friends and pets and jobs and hopes and plans and memories and futures?. It wont be the same for me, I whispered, half to myself. You wont let me be like that. Well live in Antarctica.Edward snorted, breaking the tensio n. Penguins. Lovely.I laughed a shaky laugh and knocked the paper off the table so I wouldnt have to see those names it hit the linoleum with a thud. Of course Edward would consider the hunting possibilities. He and his vegetarian family?all committed to defend human life?preferred the flavor of large predators for satisfying their dietetical needs. Alaska, then, as planned. Only somewhere much more remote than Juneau?somewhere with grizzlies galore. Better, he allowed. There are polar bears, too. Very fierce. And the wolves get quite large.My mouth fell open and my breath blew out in a sharp gust. Whats wrong? he asked. Before I could recover, the bewilderment vanished and his whole body seemed to harden. Oh. Never mind the wolves, then, if the idea is offensive to you. His voice was stiff, formal, his shoulders frozen. He was my best friend, Edward, I muttered. It stung to use the past tense. Of course the idea offends me. Please forgive my thoughtlessness, he said, still very formal. I shouldnt have suggested that. Dont worry about it. I stared at my hands, clenched into a double fist on the table. We were both silent for a moment, and then his cool finger was under my chin, coaxing my face up. His expression was much softer now. Sorry. Really.I know. I know its not the same thing. I shouldnt have reacted that way. Its just that?well, I was already thinking about Jacob before you came over. I hesitated. His tawny eyes seemed to get a little but darker whenever I said Jacobs name. My voice turned pleading in response. Charlie says Jake is having a hard time. Hes hurting right now, and?its my fault.Youve done nothing wrong, Bella. I took a deep breath. I need to make it better, Edward. I owe him that. And its one of Charlies conditions, anyway? His face changed while I spoke, turning hard again, statue-like. You know its out of the question for you to be around a werewolf unprotected, Bella. And it would break the accord if any of us cross over onto thei r land. Do you want us to start a war? Of course not Then theres really no point in discussing the matter further. He dropped his hand and looked away, search for a subject change. His eyes paused on something behind me, though his eyes stayed wary. Im glad Charlie has decided to let you out?youre sadly in need of a visit to the bookstore. I cant believe youre reading Wuthering Heights again. Dont you know it by heart yet?Not all of us have photographic memories, I said curtly. Photographic memory or not, I dont understand why you like it. The characters are ghastly people who damp each others lives. I dont know how Heathcliff and Cathy ended up being rank with couples like Romeo and Juliet or Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. It isnt a love story, its a hate story.You have some serious issues with the classics, I snapped. Perhaps its because Im not strike by antiquity. He smiled, evidently satisfied that hed distracted me. Honestly though, why do you read it over and over? His ey es were vivid with real interest now, trying?again?to unravel the convoluted workings of my mind. He reached across the table to cradle my face in his hand. What is it that appeals to you?His sincere tenuity disarmed me. Im not sure, I said, scrambling for coherency while his gaze unintentionally fragmented my thoughts. I think its something about the inevitability. How nothing can keep them asunder?not her selfishness, or his evil, or even death, in the end?.His face was thoughtful as he considered my words. After a moment he smiled a teasing smile. I still think it would be a better story if either of them had one redeeming quality. I think that may be the point, I disagreed. Their love is their only redeeming quality. I hope you have better sense than that?to fall in love with individual so?malignant. Its a bit late for me to worry about who I fall in love with, I pointed out. But even without the warning, I seem to have managed fairly well. He laughed quietly. Im glad you th ink so.Well, I hope youre smart enough to stay away from someone so selfish. Catherine is really the source of all the trouble, not Heathcliff. Ill be on my guard, he promised. I sighed. He was so good at distractions. I put my hand over his to hold it to my face. I need to see Jacob. His eyes closed. No.Its truly not dangerous at all, I said, pleading again. I used to spend all day in La Push with the whole lot of them, and nothing every happened.But I made a slip my voice faltered at the end because I realized as I was saying the words that they were a lie. It was not true that nothing had ever happened. A brief flash of memory?an enormous gray wolf crouched to spring, baring his dagger-like teeth at me?had my palms sweating with an echo of remembered panic.Edward heard my heart accelerate and nodded as if Id acknowledge the lie aloud. Werewolves are unstable. Sometimes the people near them get hurt. Sometimes, they get killed.I wanted to deny it, but another image slowed my rebu ttal. I saw in my head the once beautiful face of Emily Young, now marred by a trio of dark scars that dragged down the boxwood of her right eye and left her mouth warped forever into a lopsided scowl. He waited, grimly triumphant, for me to find my voice.You dont know them, I whispered. I know them better than you think, Bella. I was here the last time. The last time? We started crossing paths with the wolves about seventy years ago?. We had just settled near Hoquiam. That was before Alice and Jasper were with us. We outnumbered them, but that wouldnt have stopped it from turning into a fight if not for Carlisle. He managed to convince Ephraim Black that coexisting was possible, and at last we made the truce.Jacobs great-grandfathers name startled me.We thought the line had died out with Ephraim, Edward muttered it sounded like he was talking to himself now. That the genetic quirk which allowed transmutation had been lost?. He broke off and stared at me accusingly. Your bad luck seems to get more potent every day. Do you realize that your insatiable pull for all things deadly was strong enough to recover a pack of sportswoman canines from extinction? If we could bottle your luck, wed have a weapon of mass goal on our hands.I ignored the ribbing, my attention caught by his assumption?was he serious?But I didnt bring them back. Dont you know? Know what? My bad luck has nothing to do with it. The werewolves came back because the vampires did. Edward stared at me, his body noneffervescent with surprise. Jacob told me that your family being here set things in motion. I thought you would already know?. His eyes narrowed. Is that what they think? Edward, look at the facts. Seventy years ago, you came here, and the werewolves showed up. You come back now, and the werewolves show up again. Do you think thats a coincidence? He blinked and his glare relaxed. Carlisle will be interested in that theory.Theory, I scoffed.He was silent for a moment, staring out the win dow into the rain I imagined he was contemplating the fact that his familys presence was turning the locals into giant dogs.Interesting, but not exactly relevant, he murmured after a moment. The situation remains the same. I could translate that easily enough no werewolf friends.I knew I must be patient with Edward. It wasnt that he was stupid it was just that he didnt understand. He had no idea how very much I owed Jacob Black?my life many times over, and possibly my sanity, too.I didnt like to talk about that barren time with anyone, and especially not Edward. He had only been trying to save me when hed left, trying to save my soul. I didnt hold him responsible for all the stupid things Id done in his absence, or the pain I had suffered. He did.So I would have to word my explanation very carefully. I got up and walked around the table. He opened his arms for me and I sat on his lap, nestling into his cool scar embrace. I looked at his hands while I spoke.Please just listen for a minute. This is so much more important than some whim to drop in on an old friend. Jacob is in pain. My voice distorted around the word. I cant not try to help him?I cant give up on him now, when he needs me. Just because hes not human all the time?. Well, he was there for me when I was?not so human myself. You dont know what it was like?. I hesitated. Edwards arms were rigid around me his hands were in fists now, the tendons standing out. If Jacob hadnt helped me?Im not sure what you would have come home to. I have to try and make it better. I owe him better than this, Edward.I looked up at his face warily. His eyes were closed, and his jaw was strained. Ill never forgive myself for leaving you, he whispered. Not if I live a hundred thousand years. I put my hand against his cold face and waited until he sighed and opened his eyes. You were just trying to do the right thing. And Im sure it would have worked with anyone less mental than me. Besides, youre here now. Thats the part th at matters. If itd never left, you wouldnt feel the need to go risk your life to comfort a dog.I flinched. I was used to Jacob and all his derogatory slurs?bloodsucker, leech, quick study?. Somehow it sounded harsher in Edwards velvet voice.I dont know how to phrase this properly, Edward said, and his tone was bleak. Its going to sound cruel, I suppose. But Ive come too close to losing you in the past. I know what it feels like to think I have. I am not going to tolerate anything dangerous. You have to trust me on this. Ill be fine. His face was pained again. Please, Bella, he whispered. I stared into his suddenly burning golden eyes. Please what? Please, for me. Please make a conscious effort to keep yourself safe. Ill do everything I can, but I would appreciate a little help. Ill work on it, I murmured. Do you really have any idea how important you are to me? Any concept at all of how much I love? He pulled me tighter against his hard chest, tucking my head under his chin.I press ed my lips against his snow-cold neck. I know how much I love you, I answered.You compare one small tree to the wide forest. I rolled my eyes, but he couldnt see. Impossible. He kissed the top of my head and sighed. No werewolves. Im not going along with that. I have to see Jacob. Then Ill have to stop you. He sounded utterly confident that this wouldnt be a problem. I was sure he was right. Well see about that, I bluffed anyway. Hes still my friend.I could feel Jacobs note in my pocket, like it suddenly weighed ten pounds. I could hear the words in his voice, and he seemed to be agreeing with Edward?something that would never happen in reality. Doesnt change anything. Sorry.