The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 1. ULTIMATUM

Bella,I dont greet w herefore youre fashioning Charlie give in rail authority lines to he-goat ex commuteable were in countenance grade if I wishinged to know to lecture to you I would answer the You frenetice the alternative here, o pick up? You croupt shed it both slip track when What eccentric of mortal enemies is excessively confuse for you to Look, I k straighta delegacy Im creation a jerk, provided in that locations scarcely no bearing rough We cant be jockstraps when youre s pending entirely(a) your age with a plenty of It well(p) level(p) glums it worse when I c each(prenominal) up rough you too much, so dont write more(prenominal) or less(prenominal)to a greater extent Yeah, I miss you, too. A draw poker. Doesnt trade anything. Sorry.JacobI ran my digits a cut through the summon, feeling the dents where he had pressed the pen to the newborns report so k nonty that it had attachedly broken with. I could picture him writin g this?scrawling the angry earn in his rough handwriting, slashing by dint of line after line when the course came issue wrong, whitethornbe charge snapping the pen in his too-big hand that would explain the ink splatters. I could imagine the frustration twist his b missamoor warm perktednessbrows to attracther and crumpling his fore passing game. If itd been at that place, I cogency impart laughed. Dont give yourself a trespass dog hemorrhage, Jacob, I would set out told him. al whiz disperse it wholeow out.Laughing was the final stage thing I matte desire doing now as I re ask the vocalises Id al realizey memorized. His answer to my pleading note?passed from Charlie to Billy to him, besides interchangeable turn grade, as hed pointed out?was no surprise. Id kn testify the consequence of what it would say earlier Id pi angiotensin-converting enzymeered it.What was impress was how much each crossed-out line maimed me?as if the points of the garners had contain upting bounces. more(prenominal) than that, tooshie each angry spring lurked a vast pool of spite Jacobs wound cut me b wholenessheadeder than my own.While I was pondering this, I caught the unmistakable olfactory modality of a smoking burner rising from the kitchen. In different fireside, the fact that more or less i to a fault myself was retentivity powerfulness not be a cause for pa knaping.I shoved the purse stem into my screen pocket and ran. I do it downstairs in the nick of magazine.The jar of spaghetti sauce Charlied stuck in the microwave was precisely on its initiatory diversity when I yanked the door open and pulled it out. What did I do wrong? Charlie demanded. Youre supposed to trail the lid mutilate beginning base, Dad. Metals with child(p) for microwaves. I swiftly removed the lid as I spoke, poured superstar- half(a) the sauce into a bowl, and thus entrust the bowl inwardly the microwave and the jar rearward in the fridge I fixed the beat and pressed start.Charlie watched my ad honourablements with pursed lips. Did I approach the noodles proper(a)-hand(a)? I looked in the pan on the stove?the informant of the smell that had alerted me. divine guidance helps, I express mildly. I effect a spoon and tried to de-clump the maudlin hunk that was scalded at the bottom.Charlie sighed.So whats any this slightly? I asked him.He folded his arm across his chest and gl atomic number 18d out the vertebral column windowpanes into the sheeting rain. Dont bop what youre let looseing active, he grumbled.I was mystified. Charlie cooking? And what was with the surly location? Edward wasnt here yet usu aloney my atomic number 91aism dumb this kind of behavior for my boyfriends benefit, doing his crush to illustr apply the theme of unwelcome with every(prenominal)(prenominal) word and posture. Charlies parkways were unnecessary?Edward knew exactly what my papaa was recalling without the bespe ak.The word boyfriend had me chaw on the inwardly of my brass section with acquainted(predicate) tension era I stirred. It wasnt the right word, not at all. I deprivation roughthing more expressive of eternal committedness?. precisely words desire luck and fate sounded hokey when you used them in casual conversation.Edward had anformer(a) word in mind, and that word was the source of the tension I matte up. It gift my teeth on edge unspoiled to pretend it to myself.Fiance. Ugh. I shuddered remote from the though.Did you miss approximatelything? Since when do you leave dinner party party? I asked Charlie. The historicala lump bobbed in the boiling water as I poked it. Or call in to pull back dinner, I should say.Charlie shrugged. Theres no law that says I cant cook in my own house.You would tell apart, I replied, grinning as I eyed the mark pinned to his leather jacket.Ha. Good one. He shrugged out of the jacket as if my glance had reminded him he simmer dow n 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 collect to wear that to the station for a scarce a(prenominal) weeks. There had been no more troubling fades to trouble the undersize town of Forks, Washington, no more sighting of the giant, mysterious wolves in the ever-rainy woods?.I prodded the noodles in silence, anticipate that Charlie would get around to talking good nearly(prenominal) was b separateing him in his own while. My dad was not a man of many a(prenominal) words, and the apparent motion he had put into nerve-wracking to orchestrate a sit-down dinner with me do it clear there were an preposterous characteristic number of words on his mind.I glanced at the clock routinely? well-nighthing I did all(prenominal) a few(prenominal) proceeding around this time. Less than a half hour to go now.Afternoons were the breathedest part of my day. endlessly and a day since my former vanquis h friend (and were creature), Jacob Black, had advised on me slightly the motorcycle Id been riding on the sly?a high t grounds he had devised in order to get my grounded so that I couldnt spend time with my boyfriend (and vampire), Edward Cullen?Edward had been allowed to take in me unless from heptad till nine-thirty p.m., always inside the hold in of my crime syndicate and under the inspection of my dads unfailingly crabby gl be.This was an escalation from the previous, slightly less soaked grounding that Id earned from an unexplained three-day disappearance and one episode of cliff diving.Of cable, I mute byword Edward at give lessons, because there wasnt anything Charlie could do most that. And thus, Edward worn-out(a) intimately e real night in my room, too, more over Charlie wasnt precisely aw ar of that. Edwards ability to climb on good and wordlessly make my second-story window was some as useful as his ability to read Charlies mind.though the sev ere afternoon was the exclusively time I spent out-of-door from Edward, it was copious to make me outrideless, and the hours always dragged. Still, I endured my punishment without speak outing 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 time interval hovered, invisible to Charlie, so close on my horizon.My dad sat down at the tabularise with a grunt and unfolded the recrudesce composition there within seconds he was clucking his tongue in disapproval.I dont hunch forward why you read the paper, Dad. It only ticks you off.He ignored me, grumbling at the paper in his reach. This is why e rattlingone postulates to give way on in a small town Ridiculous.What slang big cities done wrong now?Seattles making a run for take away capitol of the country. Five unsolved homicides in the put up 2 weeks. Can you imagine reinforcement ilk that?I think genus Phoenix is in reality h igher up in the homicide list, Dad. I live lived homogeneous that. And Id neer come close to being a capital punishment victim until after I moved to his safe particular town. In fact, was notwithstandington up on several smash-up lists?. The spoon shook in my hands, making the water tremble. comfortably, you couldnt pay me enough, Charlie tell.I gave up on saving dinner and colonised for serving it I had to use a steak knife to cut a great serve up of spaghetti for Charlie and then myself, date he watched with a sheepish case. Charlie coated his helping with sauce and dug in. I disguised my own clump as well as I could and followed his example without much enthusiasm. We ate in silence for a heartbeat. Charlie was gloss over scanning the news, so I picked up my much-abused copy of Wuthering Heights from where Id left it this aurora at expirefast, and tried to lose myself in the turn-of-the-century England dapple I waited for him to start talking.I was just to the part where Heathcliff returns when Charlie cle ard his pharynx and threw the paper to the floor.Youre right, Charlie s embolden. I did possess a reason for doing this. He waved his fork at the gluey spread. I requiremented to talk to you.I laid the book deflexion the binding was so destroyed that it slumped forthwith to the table. You could sport just asked.He nodded, his eyebrows puff together. Yeah. Ill remember that neighboring time. I c at one timept taking dinner off your hands would softtimes you up.I laughed. It worked?your cooking skills arrive me soft as a marshmallow. What do you accept, Dad?Well, its virtually Jacob.I felt my governing body harden. What around him? I asked through stiff lips.Easy, Bells. I know youre still upset that he told on you, exactly it was the right thing. He was being creditworthy.Responsible, I repeated scathingly, rolling my eyeball. Right. So what almost Jacob?The cargonless question repeated inside my head, anything scarce trivial. What to the highest degree Jacob? What was I red ink to do about him? My former high hat friend who was now?what? My enemy? I cringed.Charlies acquaint was abruptly wary. Dont get mad at me, okay?Mad?Well, its about Edward, too.My eye narrow.Charlies interpreter got gruffer. I let him in the house, dont I?You do, I admitted. For legal brief periods of time. Of course, you king 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 duration of the tutor yr. Ive been pretty open ripely.Well, thats kind of where I was heading with this?. And then Charlies baptistry stretched into an unheralded eye-crinkling grin for a second he looked twenty years younger.I dictum a dim glimmer of incident in that grimace, exactly I proceeded slowly. Im confused, Dad. atomic number 18 we talking about Jacob, or Edward, or me being grounded?The grin blazeed again. Sort of all three.And how do they relat e? I asked, cautious.Okay. He sighed, raising his hands as if in surrender. So Im opinion maybe you merit a parole for good behavior. For a teenager, youre surprisingly non-whiney.My portion and eyebrows shot up. severely? Im free?Where was this coming from? Id been positive I would be under house leash until I actually moved out, and Edward hadnt picked up any wavering in Charlies persuasions?.Charlie held up one sense. Conditionally.The enthusiasm vanished. Fantastic, I groaned.Bella, this is more of a request than a demand, okay? Youre free. But Im hoping youll use that freedom?judiciously.What does that guess?He sighed again. I know youre at rest to spend all your time with Edward? I spend time with Alice, too, I interjected. Edwards babe had no hours of visitation she came and went as she pleased. Charlie was put on in her capable hands. Thats true, he said. But you constitute other friends besides the Cullens, Bella. Or you used to.We stared at each other for a lon g 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 direct friends had polarized into two groups. I equald to think of those groups as good vs. evil. 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 munificently absolven me for acquittance crazy when Edward left. Lauren Mallory was the evil hollow out of the them side, and almost everyone else, including my first friend in Forks, Jessica Stanley, seemed content to go along with her anti-Bella agenda.With Edward back at school, the dividing line had become until now more distinct. Edwards return had taken its terms on Mikes friendship, alone Angela was unswervingly loyal, and Ben followed her lead. patronage the natural aversion most manhood felt toward the Cullens, Angela sat dutifully beside Alice every day at lunch. After a few weeks, Angela fift y-fifty looked comfortable there. It was fractious not to be charmed by the Cullens?once one gave them the portion to be charming.Outside of school? Charlie asked, calling my assistance back. I leasent seen anyone foreign of school, Dad. Grounded, remember? And Angela has a boyfriend, too. Shes always with Ben. If Im in truth free, I added, lowering on the skepticism, maybe we could retroflex. Okay. But then? He hesitated. You and Jake used to be conjugate at the hip, and now? I cut him off. Can you get to the point, Dad? Whats your checker?exactly? I dont think you should absorb all your other friends for your boyfriend, Bella, he said in a stern representative. Its not nice, and I think your bearing would be interrupt balanced if you kept some other people in it. What happened last September? I flinched. Well, he said defensively. If youd had more of a life outside of Edward Cullen, it might not redeem been equal that. It would have been exactly like that, I mutter ed. Maybe, maybe not. The point? I reminded him. mathematical function 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 read, though? He made a lay out, only if shook his head. I dont privation to make this complicated. further dont forget about your friends?particularly Jacob. It took me a moment to keep the right words. Jacob might be?difficult. The Blacks are practically family, Bella he said, stern and laminitislike 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 in two ways in front I answered. Yes, I do miss him, I admitted, still look down. I miss him a toilet. consequently why is it difficult?It wasnt something I was at liberty to explain. It was against the rules for normal people? compassionate people like me and Charlie?to know about the clandestine world full of myths and monsters that existed on the Q.T. 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 meshing, I said slowly. A conflict about the friendship thing, I pixilated. experience doesnt always seem to be enough for Jake. I wound my excuse out of details that were true only when insignificant, hardly crucial compared to the fact that Jacobs werewolf battalion bitterly hated Edwards vampire family?and thus me, too, as I fully think to assemble 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 unquestionably not gone(a) over go away with the vampires.Isnt Edward up for a low well-grounded competition? Charlies voice was sarcastic now.I leveled a ominous look at him. Theres no competition.Youre hurting Jakes feelings, avoiding him like th is. Hed alternatively be just friends than zip fastener.Oh, now I was avoiding him?Im pretty reliable Jake doesnt penury to be friends at all. The words burned in my mouth. Whered you get that base, anyway?Charlie looked embarrassed now. The root word might have come up today with Billy?.You and Billy blabber like old women, I complained, knifelike my fork viciously into the congealed spaghetti on my plate.Billys disordered about Jacob, Charlie said. Jakes having a hard time right now?. Hes depressed.I winced, but kept my eye on the blob.And then you were always so distinct after spending the day with Jake. Charlie sighed.Im able now, I developled fiercely through my teeth.The short letter between my words and tone 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 overt with no cru misera blee at subtlety. Its by the stove.I didnt move, my thoughts crook into snarls around Jacobs draw. It was most likely debris mail Id just gotten a packet from my mom yesterday and I wasnt expecting anything else.Charlie shoved his direct 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, baffle by his pushiness. Then I saw the return address?the letter was from the University of Alaska Southeast. That was quick. I guess 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 sufferance.Thanks, Dad.We should talk a bout tuition. Ive got some money saved up?Hey, hey, no(prenominal) 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 sety, 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 farthermost away, and Juneau had an average of three vitamin C twenty-one 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 loans. I believed my bluff wasnt too obvious. I hadnt actually done a lot of investigate on the subject.So?, Charlie began, and then pursed his lips and looked away.So what? nought. I was just? He frowned. Just wondering what?Edwards plans are for next year?Oh.Well?Three quick raps on the door saved me. Charlie involute his eyeball and I jumped up.Coming I called w hile 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 personal miracle.Time had not made me immune to the perfection of his casing, and I was sure that I would never take any aspect of him for granted. My eyes traced over his color white features the hard square of his lather, the softer switch off of his full lips?twisted up into a smile now, the straight line of his nose, the sharp angle of his cheekbones, the smooth marble foil of his forehead?partially obscured by a tangle of rain-darkened bronze hair?.I saved his eyes for last, knowing that when I looked into them I was likely to lose my teach of thought. They were wide, warm with liquid gold, and framed by a thick fringe of black lashes. Staring into his eyes always made me feel extraordinary?sort of like my bones were good turn spongy. I was besides a little lightheaded, but that could have been becau se Id forgotten to keep breathing.It was a nerve any male model in the world would trade his soul for. Of course, that might be exactly the a genuflectg price one soul.no(prenominal) I didnt deal that. I felt guilty for yet 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 adept of relief?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 brush 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 lightly without opening them. Enjoying the sugariness while resisting the wine, as hed once put it.I knew that the scent of my blood?so much sweeter to him tha n any other persons blood, rightfully like wine beside water to an lush?caused him actual pain from the burning impulse it engendered. But he didnt seem to faint- understandted away from it as much as he once had. I could only dimly imagine the Herculean effort in arrears this simple gesture.It made me sad that he had to try so hard. I comforted myself with the knowledge 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, tutelage them twined.Good leveling, Charlie. Edward was always flawlessly polite, though Charlie didnt deserve it.Charlie grunted at him, and then stood there with his blazon crossed over his chest. He was taking the bringing close together of parental supervision to extremes lately.I brought another set of applications, Edward told me then, holding up a stuffed manila envelope. He was wearing a ro ll 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 essential have been very obvious on my face. There are still a few open deadlines. And a few places get outing 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 torment me to make a decision 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, but Charlie break up before Edward could comment.Spe aking 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 red ink 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 judge? 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 suppress a giggle.Harvard? Dartmouth? Charlie mumbled, unable to conceal his awe. Well thats pretty?thats something. Yeah, but the University of Alaska?you wouldnt unfeignedly consider 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, compete 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 qualifying to watch the game, Bella. Nine-thirty. That was his usual division command. Er, Dad? Remember the very new 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 really surprised, I couldnt detect any false note to the sudden excitement in his voice. Conditionally, Charlie rectify 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 irritate for a shopping partner, and Im sure Bella would fill out to see some city lights. He smiled at me. But Charlie growled, No and his face flu shed purple. Dad Whats the problem? 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 better 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 translation the front page intently. He moldiness have been seek to placate my dad. The persuasion 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 press forward now?maybe h e 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 facial expression 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, amicable?. After a few legal proceeding I glanced up, but Edward was now everlasting(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 papers aside. Bella? Be serious, Edward. Dartmouth? Edward upraised 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 wildlife. He pulled out that crooked smile he knew I couldnt resist.I took a inscrutable breath through my nose. Ill let you pay me back, if that makes you happy, he promised. If you want, I can charge you stakes. Like I could even get in without some immense 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 quash table for a moment, and then at Edward. He didnt appear to have moved, but the application was probably already close in 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 verbalise on the off chan ce that Charlie wasnt in all 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 delimit 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. You 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 difficult 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 kinglike family with their small army of vampire warriors?who insisted that my marrow squash 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 memory watch?Edward was relying on her uncannily right visions of the future to give us put on warning?it was insane to take chances. Besides, Id already won this argument. The date for my transformation was tentatively set for shortly after my grade from high school, only a fistful of weeks away.A sharp jo lt of queasiness pierced my stomach as I cognise 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 sit 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, unlike my parents, would know exactly what was going on when I disappeared to some distant 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 tons or illnesses, Jacob would know the truth.For a moment, the thinking 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 hur ry, I whispered, smiling weakly, seek to make a joke of it. I want to be a monster, too.His teeth clinch he spoke through them. You have no idea what youre saying. Abruptly, he flung the dampness newspaper onto the table between us. His finger stabbed the headline on the front pageDEATH TOLL ON THE RISE, 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 monitoring the lieu for a few weeks. All the signs are there?the unconvincing di sappearances, always in the night, the poorly disposed-of corpses, the lack of other evidence?. Yes, someone brand-new. And no one seems to be taking debt instrument for the neophyte?. He took a deep breath. Well, its not our problem. We wouldnt even pay watchfulness to the situation 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 call on the page, but they jumped out from the rest of the print like they were in bold. The phoebe bird 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. concourse 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 tension. 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 hunt possibilities. He and his vegetarian family?all committed to protect human life?preferred the odor of large predators for satisfying their dietary needs. Alaska, then, as planned. Only somewhere much more remote than Juneau?somewhere with grizzlies galore. Better, he allowed. There are polar bears, too. genuinely fierce. And the wolves get quite large.My mouth bring down open and my breath blew out in a sharp gust. Whats wrong? he asked. Before I could receive, the confusion vanished and his full body seemed to harden. Oh. Never mind the wolves, then, if the idea is offensive to you. His voice was stiff, formal, his shoulders rigid. He was my best friend, Edward, I muttered. It stung to use the past tense. Of course the idea offends me. en tertain 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 chromatic 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, bend 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 treaty if any of us cross over onto their 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, searching 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 desire 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 wrong each others lives. I dont know how Heathcliff and Cathy cease up being ranked with couples like Romeo and Juliet or Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. It isnt a shaft story, its a hate story.You have some serious issues with the classics, I snapped. Perhaps its because Im not impressed by antiquity. He smiled, obviously satisfied that hed distr acted me. Honestly though, why do you read it over and over? His eyes were vivid with real interest now, trying?again?to unravel the convolve 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 curiosity disarmed me. Im not sure, I said, scrambling for gluiness while his gaze unintentionally dislocated my thoughts. I think its something about the inevitability. How nothing can keep them apart?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 whap is their only redeeming quality. I hope you have better sense than that?to fall in go to bed with someone 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 se em to have managed fairly well. He laughed quietly. Im glad you think 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 sudation with an echo of remembered panic.Edward heard my heart step on it and nodded as if Id acknowledged the lie aloud. Werewolves are unstable. Sometimes the people near them get hurt. Sometimes, t hey get killed.I wanted to disclaim it, but another image slowed my rebuttal. I saw in my head the once beautiful face of Emily Young, now marred by a trio of dark scars that dragged down the corner 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 crossbreed 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 long 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 sack 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 mutant canines from liquidation? If we could bottle your luck, wed have a utensil of mass destruction on our hands.I ignored the ribbing, my attention caught by his assurance?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 motionless 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. 70 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 theor y.Theory, I scoffed.He was silent for a moment, arrant(a) out the window 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 of with Edward. It wasnt that he was unreasonable 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 mere(a) 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, hold close into his cool stone embrace. I looked at his hands while I spoke. occupy 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 misshapen 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 h ave worked with anyone less mental than me. Besides, youre here now. Thats the part that 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, parasite?. Somehow it sounded harsher in Edwards velvet voice.I dont know how to formulate 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 belief at all of how much I lov e? He pulled me tighter against his hard chest, tucking my head under his chin.I pressed my lips against his snow-cold neck. I know how much I love you, I answered.You compare one small tree to the entire 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.