Anything else? I asked.
He wrinkled his nose again. Well . . . I was wondering . . . do you . . . yknow, kiss him?
I laughed. Yes.
He shuddered. Ugh.
To each her own, I murmured.
You dont worry about the fangs?
I smacked his arm, splashing him with dishwater. Shut up, Jacob! You know he doesnt have fangs!
Close enough, he muttered.
I gritted my teeth and scrubbed a boning knife with more force than necessary.
Can I ask another one? he asked softly when I passed the knife to him. Just curious, again.
Fine, I snapped.
He turned the knife over and over in his hands under the stream of water. When he spoke, it was only a whisper. You said a few weeks. . . . When, exactly . . . ? He couldnt finish.
Graduation, I whispered back, watching his face warily. Would this set him off again?
So soon, he breathed, his eyes closing. It didnt sound like a question. It sounded like a lament. The muscles in his arms tightened and his shoulders were stiff.
OW! he shouted; it had gotten so still in the room that I jumped a foot in the air at his outburst.
His right hand had curled into a tense fist around the blade of the knifehe unclenched his hand and the knife clattered onto the counter. Across his palm was a long, deep gash. The blood streamed down his fingers and dripped on the floor.
Damn it! Ouch! he complained.
My head spun and my stomach rolled. I clung to the countertop with one hand, took a deep breath through my mouth, and forced myself to get a grip so that I could take care of him.
Oh, no, Jacob! Oh, crap! Here, wrap this around it! I shoved the dish towel at him, reaching for his hand. He shrugged away from me.
Its nothing, Bella, dont worry about it.
The room started to shimmer a little around the edges.
I took another deep breath. Dont worry?! You sliced your hand open!
He ignored the dish towel I pushed at him. He put his hand under the faucet and let the water wash over the wound. The water ran red. My head whirled.
Bella, he said.
I looked away from the wound, up to his face. He was frowning, but his expression was calm.
What?
You look like youre going to pass out, and youre biting your lip off. Stop it. Relax. Breathe. Im fine.
I inhaled through my mouth and removed my teeth from my lower lip. Dont be brave.
He rolled his eyes.
Lets go. Ill drive you to the ER. I was pretty sure I would be okay to drive. The walls were holding steady now, at least.
Not necessary. Jake turned off the water and took the towel from my hand. He twisted it loosely around his palm.
Wait, I protested. Let me look at it. I clutched the counter more firmly, to hold myself upright if the wound made me woozy again.
Do you have a medical degree that you never told me about?
Just give me the chance to decide whether or not Im going to throw a fit over taking you to the hospital.
He made a face of mock horror. Please, not a fit!
If you dont let me see your hand, a fit is guaranteed.
He inhaled deeply, and then let out a gusty sigh. Fine.
I heal fast.
Ill say, I mouthed.
Sure, sure. Why not?
I pulled the plug, and let the dirty water drain from the sink.
He unwound the towel and, when I reached out to take the cloth, he laid his hand in mine.
It took me a few seconds. I even flipped his hand over, though I was sure hed cut his palm. I turned his hand back up, finally realizing that the angry pink, puckered line was all that was left of his wound.
But . . . you were bleeding . . . so much.
He pulled his hand back, his eyes steady and somber on mine.
Can I ask you something, Bella?
I sighed.
Whats it likehaving a werewolf for a best friend?
The question caught me off guard. I laughed out loud.
Does it creep you out? he pressed before I could answer.
No. When the werewolf is being nice, I qualified, its the best.
He grinned widely, his teeth bright against his russet skin. Thanks, Bella, he said, and then he grabbed my hand and wrenched me into one of his bone-crushing hugs.
Before I had time to react, he dropped his arms and stepped away.
Ugh, he said, his nose wrinkling. Your hair stinks worse than your room.
Sorry, I muttered. I suddenly understood what Edward had been laughing about earlier, after breathing on me.
One of the many hazards of socializing with vampires, Jacob said, shrugging. It makes you smell bad. A minor hazard, comparatively.
I glared at him. I only smell bad to you, Jake.
He grinned. See you around, Bells.
Are you leaving?
Hes waiting for me to go. I can hear him outside.
Oh.
Ill go out the back, he said, and then he paused. Hold up a sechey, do you think you can come to La Push tonight? Were having a bonfire party. Emily will be there, and you could meet Kim . . . And I know Quil wants to see you, too. Hes pretty peeved that you found out before he did.
I grinned at that. I could just imagine how that would have irked QuilJacobs little human gal pal down with the werewolves while he was still clueless. And then I sighed. Yeah, Jake, I dont know about that. See, its a little tense right now. . . .
Cmon, you think somebodys going to get past allall six of us?
There was a strange pause as he stuttered over the end of his question. I wondered if he had trouble saying the word werewolf aloud, the way I often had difficulty with vampire.
His big dark eyes were full of unashamed pleading.
Ill ask, I said doubtfully.
He made a noise in the back of his throat. Is he your warden, now, too? You know, I saw this story on the news last week about controlling, abusive teenage relationships and
Okay! I cut him off, and then shoved his arm. Time for the werewolf to get out!
He grinned. Bye, Bells. Be sure you ask permission.
He ducked out the back door before I could find something to throw at him. I growled incoherently at the empty room.
Seconds after he was gone, Edward walked slowly into the kitchen, raindrops glistening like diamonds set into the bronze of his hair. His eyes were wary.
Did you two get into a fight? he asked.
Edward! I sang, throwing myself at him.
Hi, there. He laughed and wrapped his arms around me. Are you trying to distract me? Its working.
No, I didnt fight with Jacob. Much. Why?
I was just wondering why you stabbed him. Not that I object. With his chin, he gestured to the knife on the counter.
Dang! I thought I got everything.
I pulled away from him and ran to put the knife in the sink before I doused it with bleach.
I didnt stab him, I explained as I worked. He forgot he had a knife in his hand.
Edward chuckled. Thats not nearly as fun as the way I imagined it.
Be nice.
He took a big envelope from his jacket pocket and tossed it on the counter. I got your mail.
Anything good?
I think so.
My eyes narrowed suspiciously at his tone. I went to investigate.
Hed folded the legal-sized envelope in half. I smoothed it open, surprised at the weight of the expensive paper, and read the return address.
Dartmouth? Is this a joke?
Im sure its an acceptance. It looks exactly like mine.
Good grief, Edwardwhat did you do?
I sent in your application, thats all.
I may not be Dartmouth material, but Im not stupid enough to believe that.
Dartmouth seems to think that youre Dartmouth material.
I took a deep breath and counted slowly to ten. Thats very generous of them, I finally said. However, accepted or not, there is still the minor matter of tuition. I cant afford it, and Im not letting you throw away enough money to buy yourself another sports car just so that I can pretend to go to Dartmouth next year.
I dont need another sports car. And you dont have to pretend anything, he murmured. One year of college wouldnt kill you. Maybe youd even like it. Just think about it, Bella. Imagine how excited Charlie and Renée would be. . . .
His velvet voice painted the picture in my head before I could block it. Of course Charlie would explode with prideno one in the town of Forks would be able to escape the fallout from his excitement. And Renée would be hysterical with joy at my triumphthough shed swear she wasnt at all surprised. . . .
I tried to shake the image out of my head. Edward. Im worried about living through graduation, let alone this summer or next fall.
His arms wrapped around me again. No one is going to hurt you. You have all the time in the world.
I sighed. Im mailing the contents of my bank account to Alaska tomorrow. Its all the alibi I need. Its far enough away that Charlie wont expect a visit until Christmas at the earliest. And Im sure Ill think of some excuse by then. You know, I teased halfheartedly, this whole secrecy and deception thing is kind of a pain.
Edwards expression hardened. It gets easier. After a few decades, everyone you know is dead. Problem solved.
I flinched.
Sorry, that was harsh.
I stared down at the big white envelope, not seeing it. But still true.
If I get this resolved, whatever it is were dealing with, will you please consider waiting?
Nope.
Always so stubborn.
Yep.
The washing machine thumped and stuttered to a halt.
Stupid piece of junk, I muttered as I pulled away from him. I moved the one small towel that had unbalanced the otherwise empty machine, and started it again.
This reminds me, I said. Could you ask Alice what she did with my stuff when she cleaned my room? I cant find it anywhere.
He looked at me with confused eyes. Alice cleaned your room?
Yeah, I guess thats what she was doing. When she came to get my pajamas and pillow and stuff to hold me hostage. I glowered at him briefly. She picked up everything that was lying around, my shirts, my socks, and I dont know where she put them.
Edward continued to look confused for one short moment, and then, abruptly, he was rigid.
When did you notice your things were missing?
When I got back from the fake slumber party. Why?
I dont think Alice took anything. Not your clothes, or your pillow. The things that were taken, these were things youd worn . . . and touched . . . and slept on?
Yes. What is it, Edward?
His expression was strained. Things with your scent.
Oh!
We stared into each others eyes for a long moment.
My visitor, I muttered.
He was gathering traces . . . evidence. To prove that hed found you?
Why? I whispered.
I dont know. But, Bella, I swear I will find out. I will.
I know you will, I said, laying my head against his chest. Leaning there, I felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.
He pulled out his phone and glanced at the number. Just the person I need to talk to, he murmured, and then he flipped it open. Carlisle, IHe broke off and listened, his face taut with concentration for a few minutes. Ill check it out. Listen . . .
He explained about my missing things, but from the side I was hearing, it sounded like Carlisle had no insights for us.
Maybe Ill go . . . , Edward said, trailing off as his eyes drifted toward me. Maybe not. Dont let Emmett go alone, you know how he gets. At least ask Alice keep an eye on things. Well figure this out later.
He snapped the phone shut. Wheres the paper? he asked me.
Um, Im not sure. Why?
I need to see something. Did Charlie already throw it out?
Maybe. . . .
Edward disappeared.
He was back in half a second, new diamonds in his hair, a wet newspaper in his hands. He spread it out on the table, his eyes scanning quickly across the headlines. He leaned in, intent on something he was reading, one finger tracing passages that interested him most.
Carlisles right . . . yes . . . very sloppy. Young and crazed? Or a death wish? he muttered to himself.
I went to peek over his shoulder.
The headline of the Seattle Times read: Murder Epidemic ContinuesPolice Have No New Leads.
It was almost the same story Charlie had been complaining about a few weeks agothe big-city violence that was pushing Seattle up the national murder hot-spot list. It wasnt exactly the same story, though. The numbers were a lot higher.
Its getting worse, I murmured.
He frowned. Altogether out of control. This cant be the work of just one newborn vampire. Whats going on? Its as if theyve never heard of the Volturi. Which is possible, I guess. No one has explained the rules to them . . . so who is creating them, then?
The Volturi? I repeated, shuddering.
This is exactly the kind of thing they routinely wipe outimmortals who threaten to expose us. They just cleaned up a mess like this a few years ago in Atlanta, and it hadnt gotten nearly this bad. They will intervene soon, very soon, unless we can find some way to calm the situation. Id really rather they didnt come to Seattle just now. As long as theyre this close . . . they might decide to check on you.
I shuddered again. What can we do?
We need to know more before we can decide that. Perhaps if we can talk to these young ones, explain the rules, it can be resolved peacefully. He frowned, like he didnt think the chances of that were good. Well wait until Alice has an idea of whats going on. . . . We dont want to step in until its absolutely necessary. After all, its not our responsibility. But its good we have Jasper, he added, almost to himself. If we are dealing with newborns, hell be helpful.
Jasper? Why?
Edward smiled darkly. Jasper is sort of an expert on young vampires.
What do you mean, an expert?
Youll have to ask himthe story is involved.
What a mess, I mumbled.
It does feel that way, doesnt it? Like its coming at us from all sides these days. He sighed. Do you ever think that your life might be easier if you werent in love with me?
Maybe. It wouldnt be much of a life, though.
For me, he amended quietly. And now, I suppose, he continued with a wry smile, you have something you want to ask me?
I stared at him blankly. I do?
Or maybe not. He grinned. I was rather under the impression that youd promised to ask my permission to go to some kind of werewolf soirée tonight.
Eavesdropping again?
He grinned. Just a bit, at the very end.
Well, I wasnt going to ask you anyway. I figured you had enough to stress about.
He put his hand under my chin, and held my face so that he could read my eyes. Would you like to go?
Its no big thing. Dont worry about it.
You dont have to ask my permission, Bella. Im not your fatherthank heaven for that. Perhaps you should ask Charlie, though.
But you know Charlie will say yes.
I do have a bit more insight into his probable answer than most people would, its true.
I just stared at him, trying to understand what he wanted, and trying to put out of my mind the yearning I felt to go to La Push so that I wouldnt be swayed by my own wishes. It was stupid to want to go hang out with a bunch of big idiot wolf-boys right now when there was so much that was frightening and unexplained going on. Of course, that was exactly why I wanted to go. I wanted to escape the death threats, for just a few hours . . . to be the less-mature, more-reckless Bella who could laugh it off with Jacob, if only briefly. But that didnt matter.
Bella, Edward said. I told you that I was going to be reasonable and trust your judgment. I meant that. If you trust the werewolves, then Im not going to worry about them.
Wow, I said, as I had last night.
And Jacobs rightabout one thing, anywaya pack of werewolves ought to be enough to protect even you for one evening.
Are you sure?
Of course. Only . . .
I braced myself.
I hope you wont mind taking a few precautions? Allowing me to drive you to the boundary line, for one. And then taking a cell phone, so that Ill know when to pick you up?
That sounds . . . very reasonable.
Excellent.
He smiled at me, and I could see no trace of apprehension in his jewel-like eyes.
To no ones surprise, Charlie had no problem at all with me going to La Push for a bonfire. Jacob crowed with undisguised exultation when I called to give him the news, and he seemed eager enough to embrace Edwards safety measures. He promised to meet us at the line between territories at six.
I had decided, after a short internal debate, that I would not sell my motorcycle. I would take it back to La Push where it belonged and, when I no longer needed it anymore . . . well, then, I would insist that Jacob profit from his work somehow. He could sell it or give it to a friend. It didnt matter to me.
Tonight seemed like a good opportunity to return the bike to Jacobs garage. As gloomy as I was feeling about things lately, every day seemed like a possible last chance. I didnt have time to procrastinate any task, no matter how minor.
Edward only nodded when I explained what I wanted, but I thought I saw a flicker of consternation in his eyes, and I knew he was no happier about the idea of me on a motorcycle than Charlie was.
I followed him back to his house, to the garage where Id left the bike. It wasnt until I pulled the truck in and got out that I realized the consternation might not be entirely about my safety this time.
Next to my little antique motorcycle, overshadowing it, was another vehicle. To call this other vehicle a motorcycle hardly seemed fair, since it didnt seem to belong to the same family as my suddenly shabby-looking bike.
It was big and sleek and silver andeven totally motionlessit looked fast.
What is that?
Nothing, Edward murmured.
It doesnt look like nothing.
Edwards expression was casual; he seemed determined to blow it off. Well, I didnt know if you were going to forgive your friend, or he you, and I wondered if you would still want to ride your bike anyway. It sounded like it was something that you enjoyed. I thought I could go with you, if you wished. He shrugged.
I stared at the beautiful machine. Beside it, my bike looked like a broken tricycle. I felt a sudden wave of sadness when I realized that this was not a bad analogy for the way I probably looked next to Edward.
I wouldnt be able to keep up with you, I whispered.
Edward put his hand under my chin and pulled my face around so that he could see it straight on. With one finger, he tried to push the corner of my mouth up.
Id keep pace with you, Bella.
That wouldnt be much fun for you.
Of course it would, if we were together.
I bit my lip and imagined it for a moment. Edward, if you thought I was going too fast or losing control of the bike or something, what would you do?
He hesitated, obviously trying to find the right answer. I knew the truth: hed find some way to save me before I crashed.
Then he smiled. It looked effortless, except for the tiny defensive tightening of his eyes.
This is something you do with Jacob. I see that now.
Its just that, well, I dont slow him down so much, you know. I could try, I guess. . . .
I eyed the silver motorcycle doubtfully.
Dont worry about it, Edward said, and then he laughed lightly. I saw Jasper admiring it. Perhaps its time he discovered a new way to travel. After all, Alice has her Porsche now.
Edward, I
He interrupted me with a quick kiss. I said not to worry. But would you do something for me?
Whatever you need, I promised quickly.
He dropped my face and leaned over the far side of the big motorcycle, retrieving something he had stashed there.
He came back with one object that was black and shapeless, and another that was red and easily identifiable.
Please? he asked, flashing the crooked smile that always destroyed my resistance.
I took the red helmet, weighing it in my hands. Ill look stupid.
No, youll look smart. Smart enough not to get yourself hurt. He threw the black thing, whatever it was, over his arm and then took my face in his hands. There are things between my hands right now that I cant live without. You could take care of them.
Okay, fine. Whats that other thing? I asked suspiciously.
He laughed and shook out some kind of padded jacket. Its a riding jacket. I hear road rash is quite uncomfortable, not that I would know myself.
He held it out for me. With a deep sigh, I flipped my hair back and stuffed the helmet on my head. Then I shoved my arms through the sleeves of the jacket. He zipped me in, a smile playing around the corners of his lips, and took a step back.
I felt bulky.
Be honest, how hideous do I look?
He took another step back and pursed his lips.
That bad, huh? I muttered.
No, no, Bella. Actually . . . he seemed to be struggling for the right word. You look . . . sexy.
I laughed out loud. Right.
Very sexy, really.
You are just saying that so that Ill wear it, I said. But thats okay. Youre right, its smarter.
He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me against his chest. Youre silly. I suppose thats part of your charm. Though, Ill admit it, this helmet does have its drawbacks.
And then he pulled the helmet off so that he could kiss me.
As Edward drove me toward La Push a little while later, I realized that this unprecedented situation felt oddly familiar. It took me a moment of thought to pinpoint the source of the déjа vu.
You know what this reminds me of? I asked. Its just like when I was a kid and Renée would pass me off to Charlie for the summer. I feel like a seven-year-old.
Edward laughed.
I didnt mention it out loud, but the biggest difference between the two circumstances was that Renée and Charlie had been on better terms.
About halfway to La Push, we rounded the corner and found Jacob leaning against the side of the red Volkswagen hed built for himself out of scraps. Jacobs carefully neutral expression dissolved into a smile when I waved from the front seat.
Edward parked the Volvo thirty yards away.
Call me whenever youre ready to come home, he said. And Ill be here.
I wont be out late, I promised.
Edward pulled the bike and my new gear out of the trunk of his carId been quite impressed that it had all fit. But it wasnt so hard to manage when you were strong enough to juggle full-sized vans, let alone small motorcycles.
Jacob watched, making no move to approach, his smile gone and his dark eyes indecipherable.
I tucked the helmet under my arm and threw the jacket across the seat.
Do you have it all? Edward asked.
No problem, I assured him.
He sighed and leaned toward me. I turned my face up for a goodbye peck, but Edward took me by surprise, fastening his arms tightly around me and kissing me with as much enthusiasm as he had in the garagebefore long, I was gasping for air.
Edward laughed quietly at something, and then let me go.
Goodbye, he said. I really do like the jacket.
As I turned away from him, I thought I saw a flash of something in his eyes that I wasnt supposed to see. I couldnt tell for sure what it was exactly. Worry, maybe. For a second I thought it was panic. But I was probably just making something out of nothing, as usual.
I could feel his eyes on my back as I pushed my bike toward the invisible vampire-werewolf treaty line to meet Jacob.
Whats all that? Jacob called to me, his voice wary, scrutinizing the motorcycle with an enigmatic expression.
I thought I should put this back where it belongs, I told him.
He pondered that for one short second, and then his wide smile stretched across his face.
I knew the exact point that I was in werewolf territory because Jacob shoved away from his car and loped quickly over to me, closing the distance in three long strides. He took the bike from me, balanced it on the kickstand, and grabbed me up in another vice-tight hug.
I heard the Volvos engine growl, and I struggled to get free.
Cut it out, Jake! I gasped breathlessly.
He laughed and set me down. I turned to wave goodbye, but the silver car was already disappearing around the curve in the road.
Nice, I commented, allowing some acid to leak into my voice.
His eyes widened in false innocence. What?
Hes being pretty dang pleasant about this; you dont need to push your luck.
He laughed again, louder than beforehe found what Id said very funny indeed. I tried to see the joke as he walked around the Rabbit to hold my door open for me.
Bella, he finally saidstill chucklingas he shut the door behind me, you cant push what you dont have.
11 LEGENDS
ARE YOU GONNA EAT THAT HOT DOG? PAUL ASKED JAcob, his eyes locked on the last remnant of the huge meal the werewolves had consumed.
Jacob leaned back against my knees and toyed with the hot dog he had spitted on a straightened wire hanger; the flames at the edge of the bonfire licked along its blistered skin. He heaved a sigh and patted his stomach. It was somehow still flat, though Id lost count of how many hot dogs hed eaten after his tenth. Not to mention the super-sized bag of chips or the two-liter bottle of root beer.
I guess, Jake said slowly. Im so full Im about to puke, but I think I can force it down. I wont enjoy it at all, though. He sighed again sadly.
Despite the fact that Paul had eaten at least as much as Jacob, he glowered and his hands balled up into fists.
Sheesh. Jacob laughed. Kidding, Paul. Here.
He flipped the homemade skewer across the circle. I expected it to land hot-dog-first in the sand, but Paul caught it neatly on the right end without difficulty.
Hanging out with no one but extremely dexterous people all the time was going to give me a complex.
Thanks, man, Paul said, already over his brief fit of temper.
The fire crackled, settling lower toward the sand. Sparks blew up in a sudden puff of brilliant orange against the black sky. Funny, I hadnt noticed that the sun had set. For the first time, I wondered how late it had gotten. Id lost track of time completely.
It was easier being with my Quileute friends than Id expected.
While Jacob and I had dropped off my bike at the garageand he had admitted ruefully that the helmet was a good idea that he should have thought of himselfId started to worry about showing up with him at the bonfire, wondering if the werewolves would consider me a traitor now. Would they be angry with Jacob for inviting me? Would I ruin the party?
But when Jacob had towed me out of the forest to the clifftop meeting placewhere the fire already roared brighter than the cloud-obscured sunit had all been very casual and light.
Hey, vampire girl! Embry had greeted me loudly. Quil had jumped up to give me a high five and kiss me on the cheek. Emily had squeezed my hand when wed sat on the cool stone ground beside her and Sam.
Other than a few teasing complaintsmostly by Paulabout keeping the bloodsucker stench downwind, I was treated like someone who belonged.
It wasnt just kids in attendance, either. Billy was here, his wheelchair stationed at what seemed the natural head of the circle. Beside him on a folding lawn chair, looking quite brittle, was Quils ancient, white-haired grandfather, Old Quil. Sue Clearwater, widow of Charlies friend Harry, had a chair on his other side; her two children, Leah and Seth, were also there, sitting on the ground like the rest of us. This surprised me, but all three were clearly in on the secret now. From the way Billy and Old Quil spoke to Sue, it sounded to me like shed taken Harrys place on the council. Did that make her children automatic members of La Pushs most secret society?
I wondered how horrible it was for Leah to sit across the circle from Sam and Emily. Her lovely face betrayed no emotion, but she never looked away from the flames. Looking at the perfection of Leahs features, I couldnt help but compare them to Emilys ruined face. What did Leah think of Emilys scars, now that she knew the truth behind them? Did it seem like justice in her eyes?