t in the group. His stance was casual,
somehow exuding nonchalance over what the rest obviously considered an ordeal.

 The enormous russet-colored wolf seemed to feel my gaze, and he looked up at me with familiar black
eyes.

I stared back at him, trying to believe what I already knew. I could feel the wonder and fascination on
my face.

 The wolfs muzzle fell open, pulling back over his teeth. It would have been a frightening expression,
except that his tongue lolled out the side in a wolfy grin.

I giggled.

 Jacobs grin widened over his sharp teeth. He left his place in line, ignoring the eyes of his pack as they
followed him. He trotted past Edward and Alice to stand not two feet away from me. He stopped there,
his gaze flickering briefly toward Edward.

Edward stood motionless, a statue, his eyes still assessing my reaction.

 Jacob crouched down on his front legs and dropped his head so that his face was no higher than mine,
staring at me, measuring my response just as much as Edward was.

Jacob? I breathed.

The answering rumble deep in his chest sounded like a chuckle.

 I reached my hand out, my fingers trembling slightly, and touched the red-brown fur on the side of his
face.

 The black eyes closed, and Jacob leaned his huge head into my hand. A thrumming hum resonated in
this throat.

 The fur was both soft and rough, and warm against my skin. I ran my fingers through it curiously, learning
the texture, stroking his neck where the color deepened. I hadnt realized how close Id gotten; without
warning, Jacob suddenly licked my face from chin to hairline.

 Ew! Gross, Jake! I complained, jumping back and smacking at him, just as I would have if he were
human. He dodged out of the way, and the coughing bark that came through his teeth was obviously
laughter.

I wiped my face on the sleeve of my shirt, unable to keep from laughing with him.

 It was at that point that I realized that everyone was watching us, the Cullens and the werewolves  the
Cullens with perplexed and somewhat disgusted expressions. It was hard to read the wolves faces. I
thought Sam looked unhappy.
And then there was Edward, on edge and clearly disappointed. I realized hed been hoping for a
different reaction from me. Like screaming and running away in terror.

Jacob made the laughing sound again.

 The other wolves were backing away now, not taking their eyes off the Cullens as they departed. Jacob
stood by my side, watching them go. Soon, they disappeared into the murky forest. Only two hesitated
by the trees, watching Jacob, their postures radiating anxiety.

Edward sighed, and  ignoring Jacob  came to stand on my other side, taking my hand.

Ready to go? he asked me.

Before I could answer, he was staring over me at Jacob.

Ive not quite figured out all the details yet, he said, answering a question in Jacobs thoughts.

The Jacob-wolf grumbled sullenly.

Its more complicated than that, Edward said. Dont concern yourself; Ill make sure its safe.

What are you talking about? I demanded.

Just discussing strategy, Edward said.

Jacobs head swiveled back and forth, looking at our faces. Then, suddenly, he bolted for the forest. As
he darted away, I noticed for the first time a square of folded black fabric secured to his back leg.

 Wait, I called, one hand stretching out automatically to reach after him. But he disappeared into the
trees in seconds, the other two wolves following.

Why did he leave? I asked, hurt.

Hes coming back, Edward said. He sighed. He wants to be able to talk for himself.

 I watched the edge of the forest where Jacob had vanished, leaning into Edwards side again. I was on
the point of collapse, but I was fighting it.

 Jacob loped back into view, on two legs this time. His broad chest was bare, his hair tangled and
shaggy. He wore only a pair of black sweat pants, his feet bare to the cold ground. He was alone now,
but I suspected that his friends lingered in the trees, invisible.

It didnt take him long to cross the field, though he gave a wide berth to the Cullens, who stood talking
quietly in a loose circle.

 Okay, bloodsucker, Jacob said when he was a few feet from us, evidently continuing the conversation
Id missed. Whats so complicated about it?

I have to consider every possibility, Edward said, unruffled. What if someone gets by you?

Jacob snorted at that idea. Okay, so leave her on the reservation. Were making Collin and Brady stay
behind anyway. Shell be safe there.

I scowled. Are you talking about me?

I just want to know what he plans to do with you during the fight, Jacob explained.

Dowith me?

 You cant stay in Forks, Bella. Edwards voice was pacifying. They know where to look for you
there. What if someone slipped by us?

My stomach dropped and the blood drained from my face. Charlie? I gasped.

Hell be with Billy, Jacob assured me quickly. If my dad has to commit a murder to get him there,
hell do it. Probably it wont take that much. Its this Saturday, right? Theres a game.

 This Saturday? I asked, my head spinning. I was too lightheaded to control my wildly random
thoughts. I frowned at Edward. Well, crap! There goes your graduation present.

 Edward laughed. Its the thought that counts, he reminded me. You can give the tickets to someone
else.

Inspiration came swiftly. Angela and Ben, I decided at once. At least that will get them out of town.

 He touched my cheek. You cant evacuate everyone, he said in a gentle voice. Hiding you is just a
precaution. I told you  well have no problem now. There wont be enough of them to keep us
entertained.

But what about keeping her in La Push? Jacob interjected, impatient.

 Shes been back and forth too much, Edward said. Shes left trails all over the place. Alice only sees
very young vampires coming on the hunt, but obviously someone created them. There is someone more
experienced behind this. Whoever he  Edward paused to look at me  or she is, thiscould all be a
distraction. Alice will see if he decides to look himself, but we could be very busy at the time that
decision is made. Maybe someone is counting on that. I cant leave her somewhere shes been
frequently. Shehas to be hard to find, just in case. Its a very long shot, but Im not taking chances.

I stared at Edward as he explained, my forehead creasing. He patted my arm.

Just being overcautious, he promised.

Jacob gestured to the deep forest east of us, to the vast expanse of the Olympic Mountains.

 So hide her here, he suggested. Theres a million possibilities  places either one of us could be in
just a few minutes if theres a need.

 Edward shook his head. Her scent is too strong and, combined with mine, especially distinct. Even if I
carried her, it would leave a trail.Our trace is all over the range, but in conjunction with Bellas scent, it
would catch their attention. Were not sure exactly which path theyll take, becausethey dont know yet.
If they crossed her scent before they found us . . .
Both of them grimaced at the same time, their eyebrows pulling together.

You see the difficulties.

There has to be a way to make it work, Jacob muttered. He glared toward the forest, pursing his lips.

I swayed on my feet. Edward put his arm around my waist, pulling me closer and supporting my weight.

I need to get you home  youre exhausted. And Charlie will be waking up soon. . . .

Wait a sec, Jacob said, wheeling back to us, his eyes bright. My scent disgusts you, right?

Hmm, not bad. Edward was two steps ahead. Its possible. He turned toward his family. Jasper?
he called.

Jasper looked up curiously. He walked over with Alice a half step behind. Her face was frustrated again.

Okay, Jacob. Edward nodded at him.

Jacob turned toward me with a strange mixture of emotion on his face. He was clearly excited by
whatever this new plan of his was, but he was also still uneasy so close to his enemy allies. And then it
was my turn to be wary as he held his arms out toward me.

Edward took a deep breath.

Were going to see if I can confuse the scent enough to hide your trail, Jacob explained.

I stared at his open arms suspiciously.

Youre going to have to let him carry you, Bella, Edward told me. His voice was calm, but I could
hear the subdued distaste.

I frowned.

Jacob rolled his eyes, impatient, and reached down to yank me up into his arms.

Dont be such a baby, he muttered.

 But his eyes flickered to Edward, just like mine did. Edwards face was composed and smooth. He
spoke to Jasper.

Bellas scent is so much more potent to me  I thought it would be a fairer test if someone else tried.

 Jacob turned away from them and paced swiftly into the woods. I didnt say anything as the dark closed
around us. I was pouting, uncomfortable in Jacobs arms. It felt too intimate to me  surely he didnt
need to hold mequite so tightly  and I couldnt help but wonder what it felt like to him. It reminded me
of my last afternoon in La Push, and I didnt want to think about that. I folded my arms, annoyed when
the brace on my hand intensified the memory.

We didnt go far; he made a wide arc and came back into the clearing from a different direction, maybe
half a football field away from our original departure point. Edward was there alone and Jacob headed
toward him.

You can put me down now.

I dont want to take a chance of messing up the experiment. His walk slowed and his arms tightened.

You areso annoying, I muttered.

Thanks.

 Out of nowhere, Jasper and Alice stood beside Edward. Jacob took one more step, and then set me
down a half dozen feet from Edward. Without looking back at Jacob, I walked to Edwards side and
took his hand.

Well? I asked.

 As long as you dont touch anything, Bella, I cantimagine someone sticking their nose close enough to
that trail to catch your scent, Jasper said, grimacing. It was almost completely obscured.

A definite success, Alice agreed, wrinkling her nose.

And it gave me an idea.

Which will work, Alice added confidently.

Clever, Edward agreed.

How do youstand that? Jacob muttered to me.

 Edward ignored Jacob and looked at me while he explained. Were  well,youre  going to leave a
false trail to the clearing, Bella. The newborns are hunting, your scent will excite them, and theyll come
exactly the way we want them to without being careful about it. Alice can already see that this will work.
When they catchour scent, theyll split up and try to come at us from two sides. Half will go through the
forest, where her vision suddenly disappears. . . .

Yes! Jacob hissed.

Edward smiled at him, a smile of true comradeship.

 I felt sick. How could they be so eager for this? How could I stand havingboth of them in danger? I
couldnt.

I wouldnt.

 Not a chance, Edward said suddenly, his voice disgusted. It made me jump, worrying that hed
somehow heard my resolve, but his eyes were on Jasper.

I know, I know, Jasper said quickly. I didnt even consider it, not really.

Alice stepped on his foot.
If Bella was actually there in the clearing, Jasper explained to her, it would drive them insane. They
wouldnt be able to concentrate on anything but her. It would make picking them off truly easy. . . .

Edwards glare had Jasper backtracking.

Of course its too dangerous for her. It was just an errant thought, he said quickly. But he looked at
me from the corner of his eyes, and the look was wistful.

No, Edward said. His voice rang with finality.

 Youre right, Jasper said. He took Alices hand and started back to the others. Best two out of
three? I heard him ask her as they went to practice again.

Jacob stared after him in disgust.

 Jasper looks at things from a military perspective, Edward quietly defended his brother. He looks at
all the options  its thoroughness, not callousness.

Jacob snorted.

 Hed edged closer unconsciously, drawn by his absorption in the planning. He stood only three feet from
Edward now, and, standing there between them, I could feel the physical tension in the air. It was like
static, an uncomfortable charge.

 Edward got back to business. Ill bring her here Friday afternoon to lay the false trail. You can meet us
afterward, and carry her to a place I know. Completely out of the way, and easily defensible, not that it
will come to that. Ill take another route there.

And then what? Leave her with a cell phone? Jacob asked critically.

You have a better idea?

Jacob was suddenly smug. Actually, I do.

Oh. . . . Again, dog, not bad at all.

 Jacob turned to me quickly, as if determined to play the good guy by keeping me in the conversation.
We tried to talk Seth into staying behind with the younger two. Hes still too young, but hes stubborn
and hes resisting. So I thought of a new assignment for him  cell phone.

I tried to look like I got it. No one was fooled.

 As long as Seth Clearwater is in his wolf form, hell be connected to the pack, Edward said. Distance
isnt a problem? he added, turning to Jacob.

Nope.

Three hundred miles? Edward asked. Thats impressive.

 Jacob was the good guy again. Thats the farthest weve ever gone to experiment, he told me. Still
clear as a bell.
 I nodded absently; I was reeling from the idea that little Seth Clearwater was already a werewolf, too,
and that made it difficult to concentrate. I could see his bright smile, so much like a younger Jacob, in my
head; he couldnt be more than fifteen, if he was that. His enthusiasm at the council meeting bonfire
suddenly took on new meaning. . . .

 Its a good idea. Edward seemed reluctant to admit this. Ill feel better with Seth there, even without
the instantaneous communication. I dont know if Id be able to leave Bella there alone. To think its
come to this, though! Trusting werewolves!

Fightingwith vampires instead of against them! Jacob mirrored Edwards tone of disgust.

Well, you still get to fight against some of them, Edward said.

Jacob smiled. Thats the reason were here.



19. SELFISH

EDWARD CARRIED ME HOME IN HIS ARMS, EXPECTINGthat I wouldnt be able to hang on. I
must have fallen asleep on the way.

 When I woke up, I was in my bed and the dull light coming through my windows slanted in from a
strange angle. Almost like it was afternoon.

I yawned and stretched, my fingers searching for him and coming up empty.

Edward? I mumbled.

My seeking fingers encountered something cool and smooth. His hand.

Are you really awake this time? he murmured.

Mmm, I sighed in assent. Have there been a lot of false alarms?

Youve been very restless  talking all day.

Allday ? I blinked and looked at the windows again.

You had a long night, he said reassuringly. Youd earned a day in bed.

I sat up, and my head spun. The lightwas coming in my window from the west. Wow.

Hungry? he guessed. Do you want breakfast in bed?

Ill get it, I groaned, stretching again. I need to get up and move around.

 He held my hand on the way to the kitchen, eyeing me carefully, like I might fall over. Or maybe he
thought I was sleepwalking.
 I kept it simple, throwing a couple of Pop-Tarts in the toaster. I caught a glimpse of myself in the
reflective chrome.

Ugh, Im a mess.

It was a long night, he said again. You should have stayed here and slept.

 Right! And missedeverything . You know, you need to start accepting the fact that Im part of the
family now.

He smiled. I could probably get used to that idea.

I sat down with my breakfast, and he sat next to me. When I lifted the Pop-Tart to take the first bite, I
noticed him staring at my hand. I looked down, and saw that I was still wearing the gift that Jacob had
given me at the party.

May I? he asked, reaching for the tiny wooden wolf.

I swallowed noisily. Um, sure.

 He moved his hand under the charm bracelet and balanced the little figurine in his snowy palm. For a
fleeting moment, I was afraid. Just the slightest twist of his fingers could crush it into splinters.

 But of course Edward wouldnt do that. I was embarrassed Id even had the thought. He only weighed
the wolf in his palm for a moment, and then let it fall. It swung lightly from my wrist.

I tried to read the expression in his eyes. All I could see was thoughtfulness; he kept everything else
hidden, if therewas anything else.

Jacob Black can give you presents.

 It wasnt a question, or an accusation. Just a statement of fact. But I knew he was referring to my last
birthday and the fit Id thrown over gifts; I hadnt wanted any. Especially not from Edward. It wasnt
entirely logical, and, of course, everyone had ignored me anyway. . . .

Youve given me presents, I reminded him. You know I like the homemade kind.

He pursed his lips for a second. How about hand-me-downs? Are those acceptable?

What do you mean?

This bracelet. His finger traced a circle around my wrist. Youll be wearing this a lot?

I shrugged.

Because you wouldnt want to hurt his feelings, he suggested shrewdly.

Sure, I guess so.

 Dont you think its fair, then, he asked, looking down at my hand as he spoke. He turned it palm up,
and ran his finger along the veins in my wrist. If I have a little representation?
Representation?

A charm  something to keepme on your mind.

Youre in every thought I have. I dont need reminders.

If I gave you something, would you wear it? he pressed.

A hand-me-down? I checked.

Yes, something Ive had for a while. He smiled his angels smile.

If this was the only reaction to Jacobs gift, I would take it gladly. Whatever makes you happy.

Have you noticed the inequality? he asked, and his voice turned accusing. Because I certainly have.

What inequality?

 His eyes narrowed. Everyone else is able to get away with giving you things. Everyone but me. I would
have loved to get you a graduation present, but I didnt. I knew it would have upset you more than if
anyone else did. Thats utterly unfair. How do you explain yourself?

 Easy. I shrugged. Youre more important than everyone else. And youve given meyou . Thats
already more than I deserve, and anything else you give me just throws us more out of balance.

He processed that for a moment, and then rolled his eyes. The way you regard me is ludicrous.

I chewed my breakfast calmly. I knew he wouldnt listen if I told him that he had that backward.

Edwards phone buzzed.

He looked at the number before he opened it. What is it, Alice?

He listened, and I waited for his reaction, suddenly nervous. But whatever she said didnt surprise him.
He sighed a few times.

 I sort of guessed as much, he told her, staring into my eyes, a disapproving arch to his brow. She was
talking in her sleep.

I flushed. What had I said now?

Ill take care of it, he promised.

He glared at me as he shut his phone. Is there something youd like to talk to me about?

 I deliberated for a moment. Given Alices warning last night, I could guess why shed called. And then
remembering the troubled dreams Id had as Id slept through the day  dreams where I chased after
Jasper, trying to follow him and find the clearing in the maze-like woods, knowing I would find Edward
there . . . Edward, and the monsters who wanted to kill me, but not caring about them because Id
already made my decision  I could also guess what Edward had overheard while Id slept.
I pursed my lips for a moment, not quite able to meet his gaze. He waited.

I like Jaspers idea, I finally said.

He groaned.

I want to help. I have to dosomething,  I insisted.

It wouldnt help to have you in danger.

Jasper thinks it would. This ishis area of expertise.

Edward glowered at me.

 You cant keep me away, I threatened. Im not going to hide out in the forest while you all take risks
for me.

 Suddenly, he was fighting a smile. Alice doesnt see youin the clearing, Bella. She sees you stumbling
around lost in the woods. You wont be able to find us; youll just make it more time consuming for me
to find you afterward.

I tried to keep as cool as he was. Thats because Alice didnt factor in Seth Clearwater, I said
politely. If she had, of course, she wouldnt have been able to see anything at all. But it sounds like Seth
wants to be there as much as I do. It shouldnt be too hard to persuade him to show me the way.

Anger flickered across his face, and then he took a deep breath and composed himself. That might
have worked . . . if you hadnt told me. Now Ill just ask Sam to give Seth certain orders. Much as he
might want to, Seth wont be able to ignore that kind of injunction.

 I kept my smile pleasant. But why would Sam give those orders? If I tell him how it would help for me
to be there? Ill bet Sam would rather do me a favor than you.

He had to compose himself again. Maybe youre right. But Im sure Jacob would be only too eager to
give those same orders.

I frowned. Jacob?

Jacob is second in command. Did he never tell you that? His orders have to be followed, too.

He had me, and by his smile, he knew it. My forehead crumpled. Jacob would be on his side  in this
one instance  I was sure. And Jacob neverhad told me that.

 Edward took advantage of the fact that I was momentarily stumped, continuing in a suspiciously smooth
and soothing voice.

 I got a fascinating look into the packs mind last night. It was better than a soap opera. I had no idea
how complex the dynamic is with such a large pack. The pull of the individual against the plural psyche . .
. Absolutely fascinating.

He was obviously trying to distract me. I glared at him.
Jacobs been keeping a lot of secrets, he said with a grin.

I didnt answer, I just kept glaring, holding on to my argument and waiting for an opening.

For instance, did you note the smaller gray wolf there last night?

I nodded one stiff nod.

 He chuckled. They take all of their legends so seriously. It turns out there are things that none of their
stories prepared them for.

I sighed. Okay, Ill bite. What are you talking about?

They always accepted without question that it was only the direct grandsons of the original wolf who
had the power to transform.

So someone changed who wasnt a direct descendant?

No. Shes a direct descendant, all right.

I blinked, and my eyes widened.She?

He nodded. She knows you. Her name is Leah Clearwater.

Leahs a werewolf! I shrieked. What? For how long? Why didnt Jacob tell me?

There are things he wasnt allowed to share  their numbers, for instance. Like I said before, when
Sam gives an order, the pack simply isnt able to ignore it. Jacob was very careful to think of other things
when he was near me. Of course, after last night thats all out the window.

 I cant believe it. Leah Clearwater! Suddenly, I remembered Jacob speaking of Leah and Sam, and
the way he acted as if hed said too much  after hed said something about Sam having to look in
Leahs eyesevery day and know that hed broken all his promises. . . . Leah on the cliff, a tear glistening
on her cheek when Old Quil had spoken of the burden and sacrifice the Quileutesons shared. . . . And
Billy, spending time with Sue because she was having trouble with her kids . . . and here the trouble
actually was that both of them were werewolves now!

 I hadnt given much thought to Leah Clearwater, just to grieve for her loss when Harry had passed
away, and then to pity her again when Jacob had told her story, about how the strange imprinting
between Sam and her cousin Emily had broken Leahs heart.

And now she was part of Sams pack, hearing his thoughts . . . and unable to hide her own.

I really hate that part,Jacob had said.Everything youre ashamed of, laid out for everyone to see.

Poor Leah, I whispered.

Edward snorted. Shes making life exceedingly unpleasant for the rest of them. Im not sure she
deserves your sympathy.
What do you mean?

 Its hard enough for them, having to share all their thoughts. Most of them try to cooperate, make it
easier. When even one member is deliberately malicious, its painful for everyone.

She has reason enough, I mumbled, still on her side.

 Oh, I know, he said. The imprinting compulsion is one of the strangest things Ive ever witnessed in
my life, and Ive seen some strange things. He shook his head wonderingly. The way Sam is tied to his
Emily is impossible to describe  or I should sayher Sam . Sam really had no choice. It reminds me ofA
Midsummer Nights Dream with all the chaos caused by the fairies love spells . . . like magic. He
smiled. Its very nearly as strong as the way I feel about you.

Poor Leah, I said again. But what do you mean, malicious?

Shes constantly bringing up things theyd rather not think of, he explained. For 