tened up and
howled with laughter. I opened my eyes.

We made it, he shouted. Not bad for a prison break, eh?

Good thinking, Jake.

 I remembered what you said about the psychic leech not being about to predict whatIm going to do.
Im gladyou didnt think of this  she wouldnt have let you go to school.

Thats why I didnt consider it.

He laughed triumphantly. What do you want to do today?

Anything! I laughed back. It felt great to be free.




8. TEMPER

 WE ENDED UP ON THE BEACH AGAIN, WANDERING AIMlessly. Jacob was still full of himself
for engineering my escape.

Do you think theyll come looking for you? he asked, sounding hopeful.

No. I was certain about that. Theyre going to be furious with me tonight, though.

He picked up a rock and chucked it into the waves. Dont go back, then, he suggested again.

Charlie would love that, I said sarcastically.

I bet he wouldnt mind.

 I didnt answer. Jacob was probably right, and that made me grind my teeth together. Charlies blatant
preference for my Quileute friends was so unfair. I wondered if he would feel the same if he knew the
choice was really between vampires and werewolves.

So whats the latest pack scandal? I asked lightly.

Jacob skidded to a halt, and he stared down at me with shocked eyes.

What? That was a joke.
Oh. He looked away.

I waited for him to start walking again, but he seemed lost in thought.

Isthere a scandal? I wondered.

Jacob chuckled once. I forget what its like, not having everyone know everything all the time. Having a
quiet, private place inside my head.

We walked along the stony beach quietly for a few minutes.

So what is it? I finally asked. That everyone in your head already knows?

 He hesitated for a moment, as if he werent sure how much he was going to tell me. Then he sighed and
said, Quil imprinted. Thats three now. The rest of us are starting to get worried. Maybe its more
common than the stories say. . . . He frowned, and then turned to stare at me. He gazed into my eyes
without speaking, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration.

What are you staring at? I asked, feeling self-conscious.

He sighed. Nothing.

Jacob started walking again. Without seeming to think about it, he reached out and took my hand. We
paced silently across the rocks.

 I thought of how we must look walking hand and hand down the beach  like a couple, certainly 
and wondered if I should object. But this was the way it had always been with Jacob. . . . No reason to
get worked up about it now.

Why is Quils imprinting such a scandal? I asked when it didnt look like he was going to go on. Is it
because hes the newest one?

That doesnt have anything to do with it.

Then whats the problem?

Its another one of those legend things. I wonder when were going to stop being surprised that theyre
all true? he muttered to himself.

Are you going to tell me? Or do I have to guess?

Youd never get it right. See, Quil hasnt been hanging out with us, you know, until just recently. So he
hadnt been around Emilys place much.

Quil imprinted on Emily, too? I gasped.

No! I told you not to guess. Emily had her two nieces down for a visit . . . and Quil met Claire.

He didnt continue. I thought about that for a moment.

Emily doesnt want her niece with a werewolf? Thats a little hypocritical, I said.
 But I could understand why she of all people might feel that way. I thought again of the long scars that
marred her face and extended all the way down her right arm. Sam had lost control just once when he
was standing too close to her. Once was all it took. . . . Id seen the pain in Sams eyes when he looked
at what hed done to Emily. I could understand why Emily might want to protect her niece from that.

 Would you please stop guessing? Youre way off. Emily doesnt mind that part, its just, well, a little
early.

What do you meanearly ?

Jacob appraised me with narrowed eyes. Try not to be judgmental, okay?

I nodded cautiously.

Claire is two, Jacob told me.

Rain started to fall. I blinked furiously as the drops pelted my face.

Jacob waited in silence. He wore no jacket, as usual; the rain left a spatter of dark spots on his black
T-shirt, and dripped through his shaggy hair. His face was expressionless as he watched mine.

Quil . . . imprinted . . . with atwo-year-old ? I was finally able to ask.

 It happens. Jacob shrugged. He bent to grab another rock and sent it flying out into the bay. Or so
the stories say.

But shes a baby, I protested.

He looked at me with dark amusement. Quils not getting any older, he reminded me, a bit of acid in
his tone. Hell just have to be patient for a few decades.

I . . . dont know what to say.

 I was trying my hardest not to be critical, but, in truth, I was horrified. Until now, nothing about the
werewolves had bothered me since the day Id found out they werent committing the murders Id
suspected them of.

Youre making judgments, he accused. I can see it on your face.

Sorry, I muttered. But it sounds really creepy.

Its not like that; youve got it all wrong, Jacob defended his friend, suddenly vehement. Ive seen
what its like, through his eyes. Theres nothingromantic about it at all, not for Quil, not now. He took a
deep breath, frustrated. Its so hard to describe. Its not like love at first sight, really. Its more like . . .
gravity moves. When you seeher, suddenly its not the earth holding you here anymore. She does. And
nothing matters more than her. And you would do anything for her, be anything for her. . . . You become
whatever she needs you to be, whether thats a protector, or a lover, or a friend, or a brother.

Quil will be the best, kindest big brother any kid ever had. There isnt a toddler on the planet that will
be more carefully looked after than that little girl will be. And then, when shes older and needs a friend,
hell be more understanding, trustworthy, and reliable than anyone else she knows. And then, when shes
grown up, theyll be as happy as Emily and Sam. A strange, bitter edge sharpened his tone at the very
end, when he spoke of Sam.

Doesnt Claire get a choice here?

Of course. But why wouldnt she choose him, in the end? Hell be her perfect match. Like he was
designed for her alone.

 We walked in silence for a moment, till I paused to toss a rock toward the ocean. It fell to the beach
several meters short. Jacob laughed at me.

We cant all be freakishly strong, I muttered.

He sighed.

When do you think it will happen for you? I asked quietly.

His answer was flat and immediate. Never.

Its not something you can control, is it?

He was silent for a few minutes. Unconsciously, we both walked slower, barely moving at all.

Its not supposed to be, he admitted. But you have tosee her  the one thats supposedly meant for
you.

And you think that if you havent seen her yet, then shes not out there? I asked skeptically. Jacob,
you havent really seen much of the world  less than me, even.

No, I havent, he said in a low voice. He looked at my face with suddenly piercing eyes. But Ill
never see anyone else, Bella. I only see you. Even when I close my eyes and try to see something else.
Ask Quil or Embry. It drives them all crazy.

I dropped my eyes to the rocks.

We werent walking anymore. The only sound was of the waves beating against the shore. I couldnt
hear the rain over their roar.

Maybe Id better go home, I whispered.

No! he protested, surprised by this conclusion.

I looked up at him again, and his eyes were anxious now.

You have the whole day off, right? The bloodsucker wont be home yet.

I glared at him.

No offense intended, he said quickly.
Yes, I have the whole day. But, Jake . . .

He held up his hands. Sorry, he apologized. I wont be like that anymore. Ill just be Jacob.

I sighed. But if thats what yourethinking . . .

 Dont worry about me, he insisted, smiling with deliberate cheer, too brightly. I know what Im doing.
Just tell me if Im upsetting you.

I dont know. . . .

 Cmon, Bella. Lets go back to the house and get our bikes. Youve got to ride a motorcycle regularly
to keep it in tune.

I really dont think Im allowed.

By who? Charlie or the blood  orhim ?

Both.

Jacob grinnedmy grin, and he was suddenly the Jacob I missed the most, sunny and warm.

I couldnt help grinning back.

The rain softened, turned to mist.

I wont tell anyone, he promised.

Except every one of your friends.

He shook his head soberly and raised his right hand. I promise not to think about it.

I laughed. If I get hurt, it was because I tripped.

Whatever you say.

 We rode our motorcycles on the back roads around La Push until the rain made them too muddy and
Jacob insisted that he was going to pass out if he didnt eat soon. Billy greeted me easily when we got to
the house, as if my sudden reappearance meant nothing more complicated than that Id wanted to spend
the day with my friend. After we ate the sandwiches Jacob made, we went out to the garage and I helped
him clean up the bikes. I hadnt been here in months  since Edward had returned  but there was no
sense of import to it. It was just another afternoon in the garage.

This is nice, I commented when he pulled the warm sodas from the grocery bag. Ive missed this
place.

 He smiled, looking around at the plastic sheds bolted together over our heads. Yeah, I can understand
that. All the splendor of the Taj Mahal, without the inconvenience and expense of traveling to India.

To Washingtons little Taj Mahal, I toasted, holding up my can.
He touched his can to mine.

Do you remember last Valentines Day? I think that was the last time you were here  the last time
when things were still . . . normal, I mean.

I laughed. Of course I remember. I traded a lifetime of servitude for a box of conversation hearts.
Thats not something Im likely to forget.

 He laughed with me. Thats right. Hmm, servitude. Ill have to think of something good. Then he
sighed. It feels like it was years ago. Another era. A happier one.

I couldnt agree with him. This was my happy era now. But I was surprised to realize how many things I
missed from my own personal dark ages. I stared through the opening at the murky forest. The rain had
picked up again, but it was warm in the little garage, sitting next to Jacob. He was as good as a furnace.

His fingers brushed my hand. Things have really changed.

Yeah, I said, and then I reached out and patted the back tire of my bike. Charlieused to like me. I
hope Billy doesnt say anything about today. . . . I bit my lip.

He wont. He doesnt get worked up about things the way Charlie does. Hey, I never did apologize
officially for that stupid move with the bike. Im real sorry about ratting you out to Charlie. I wish I
hadnt.

I rolled my eyes. Me, too.

Im really, really sorry.

 He looked at me hopefully, his wet, tangled black hair sticking up in every direction around his pleading
face.

Oh, fine! Youre forgiven.

Thanks, Bells!

We grinned at each other for a second, and then his face clouded over.

 You know that day, when I brought the bike over . . . Ive been wanting to ask you something, he said
slowly. But also . . . not wanting to.

I held very still  a reaction to stress. It was a habit Id picked up from Edward.

Were you just being stubborn because you were mad at me, or were you really serious? he
whispered.

About what? I whispered back, though I was sure I knew what he meant.

 He glared at me. You know. When you said it was none of my business . . . if  if he bit you. He
cringed visibly at the end.

Jake . . . My throat felt swollen. I couldnt finish.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Were you serious?

He was trembling just slightly. His eyes stayed closed.

Yes, I whispered.

Jacob inhaled, slow and deep. I guess I knew that.

I stared at his face, waiting for his eyes to open.

You know what this will mean? He demanded suddenly. You do understand that, dont you? What
will happen if they break the treaty?

Well leave first, I said in a small voice.

 His eyes flashed open, their black depths full of anger and pain. There wasnt a geographic limit to the
treaty, Bella. Our great-grandfathers only agreed to keep the peace because the Cullens swore that they
were different, that humans werent in danger from them. They promised they would never kill or change
anyone ever again. If they go back on their word, the treaty is meaningless, and they are no different than
any other vampires. Once thats established, when we find them again 

But, Jake, didnt you break the treaty already? I asked, grasping at straws. Wasnt part of it that you
not tell people about the vampires? And you told me. So isnt the treaty sort of moot, anyhow?

 Jacob didnt like the reminder; the pain in his eyes hardened into animosity. Yeah, I broke the treaty 
back before I believed any of it. And Im sure they were informed of that. He glared sourly at my
forehead, not meeting my shamed gaze. But its not like that gives them a freebie or anything. Theres no
fault for a fault. They have only one option if they object to what I did. The same option well have when
they break the treaty: to attack. To start the war.

He made it sound so inevitable. I shuddered.

Jake, it doesnt have to be that way.

His teeth ground together. Itis that way.

The silence after his declaration felt very loud.

Will you never forgive me, Jacob? I whispered. As soon as I said the words, I wished I hadnt. I
didnt want to hear his answer.

You wont be Bella anymore, he told me. My friend wont exist. Therell be no one to forgive.

That sounds like ano,  I whispered.

We faced each other for an endless moment.

Is this goodbye then, Jake?

He blinked rapidly, his fierce expression melting in surprise. Why? We still have a few years. Cant we
be friends until were out of time?

 Years? No, Jake, not years. I shook my head, and laughed once without humor. Weeksis more
accurate.

I was not expecting his reaction.

 He was suddenly on his feet, and there was a loudpop as the soda can exploded in his hand. Soda flew
everywhere, soaking me, like it was spraying from a hose.

 Jake! I started to complain, but I fell silent when I realized that his whole body was quivering with
anger. He glared at me wildly, a growling sound building in his chest.

I froze in place, too shocked to remember how to move.

The shaking rolled through him, getting faster, until it looked like he was vibrating. His shape blurred. . . .

 And then Jacob gritted his teeth together, and the growling stopped. He squeezed his eyes tight in
concentration; the quivering slowed until only his hands were shaking.

Weeks, Jacob said in a flat monotone.

I couldnt respond; I was still frozen.

He opened his eyes. They were beyond fury now.

Hes going to change you into a filthy bloodsucker in just a fewweeks ! Jacob hissed through his teeth.

Too stunned to take offense at his words, I just nodded mutely.

His face turned green under the russet skin.

 Of course, Jake, I whispered after a long minute of silence. Hesseventeen, Jacob. And I get closer
to nineteen every day. Besides, whats the point in waiting? Hes all I want. What else can I do?

Id meant that as a rhetorical question.

His words cracked like snaps of a whip. Anything. Anything else. Youd be better off dead. Id rather
you were.

I recoiled like hed slapped me. It hurt worse than if he had.

And then, as the pain shot through me, my own temper burst into flame.

Maybe youll get lucky, I said bleakly, lurching to my feet. Maybe Ill get hit by a truck on my way
back.

I grabbed my motorcycle and pushed it out into the rain. He didnt move as I passed him. As soon as I
was on the small, muddy path, I climbed on and kicked the bike to life. The rear tire spit a fountain of
mud toward the garage, and I hoped that it hit him.
 I got absolutely soaked as I sped across the slick highway toward the Cullens house. The wind felt like
it was freezing the rain against my skin, and my teeth were chattering before I was halfway there.

Motorcycles were too impractical for Washington. I would sell the stupid thing first chance I got.

I walked the bike into the Cullens cavernous garage and was unsurprised to find Alice waiting for me,
perched lightly on the hood of her Porsche. Alice stroked the glossy yellow paint.

I havent even had a chance to drive it. She sighed.

Sorry, I spit through my rattling teeth.

You look like you could use a hot shower, she said, offhand, as she sprang lightly to her feet.

Yep.

She pursed her lips, taking in my expression carefully. Do you want to talk about it?

Nope.

She nodded in assent, but her eyes were raging with curiosity.

Do you want to go to Olympia tonight?

Not really. Cant I go home?

She grimaced.

Never mind, Alice, I said. Ill stay if it makes things easier for you.

Thanks, she sighed in relief.

I went to bed early that night, curling up on his sofa again.

 It was still dark when I woke. I was groggy, but I knew it wasnt near morning yet. My eyes closed, and
I stretched, rolling over. It took me a second before I realized that the movement should have dumped
me onto the floor. And that I was much too comfortable.

 I rolled back over, trying to see. It was darker than last night  the clouds were too thick for the moon
to shine through.

Sorry, he murmured so softly that his voice was part of the darkness. I didnt mean to wake you.

 I tensed, waiting for the fury  both his and mine  but it was only quiet and calm in the darkness of
his room. I could almost taste the sweetness of reunion in the air, a separate fragrance from the perfume
of his breath; the emptiness when we were apart left its own bitter aftertaste, something I didnt
consciously notice until it was removed.

 There was no friction in the space between us. The stillness was peaceful  not like the calm before the
tempest, but like a clear night untouched by even the dream of a storm.
 And I didnt care that I was supposed to be angry with him. I didnt care that I was supposed to be
angry with everyone. I reached out for him, found his hands in the darkness, and pulled myself closer to
him. His arms encircled me, cradling me to his chest. My lips searched, hunting along his throat, to his
chin, till I finally found his lips.

Edward kissed me softly for a moment, and then he chuckled.

 I was all braced for the wrath that was going to put grizzlies to shame, and this is what I get? I should
infuriate you more often.

Give me a minute to work up to it, I teased, kissing him again.

Ill wait as long as you want, he whispered against my lips. His fingers knotted in my hair.

My breath was becoming uneven. Maybe in the morning.

Whatever you prefer.

Welcome home, I said while his cold lips pressed under my jaw. Im glad you came back.

Thats a very good thing.

Mmm, I agreed, tightening my arms around his neck.

 His hand curved around my elbow, moving slowly down my arm, across my ribs and over my waist,
tracing along my hip and down my leg, around my knee. He paused there, his hand curling around my
calf. He pulled my leg up suddenly, hitching it around his hip.

 I stopped breathing. This wasnt the kind of thing he usually allowed. Despite his cold hands, I felt
suddenly warm. His lips moved in the hollow at the base of my throat.

 Not to bring on the ire prematurely, he whispered, but do you mind telling me what it is about this bed
that you object to?

 Before I could answer, before I could even concentrate enough to make sense of his words, he rolled to
the side, pulling me on top of him. He held my face in his hands, angling it up so that his mouth could
reach my throat. My breathing was too loud  it was almost embarrassing, but I couldnt care quite
enough to be ashamed.

The bed? he asked again. Ithink its nice.

Its unnecessary, I managed to gasp.

He pulled my face back to his, and my lips shaped themselves around his. Slowly this time, he rolled till
he hovered over me. He held himself carefully so that I felt none of his weight, but I could feel the cool
marble of his body press against mine. My heart was hammering so loudly that it was hard to hear his
quiet laughter.

Thats debatable, he disagreed. This would be difficult on a couch.

Cold as ice, his tongue lightly traced the shape of my lips.
My head was spinning  the air was coming too fast and shallow.

 Did you change your mind? I asked breathlessly. Maybe hed rethought all his careful rules. Maybe
there was more significance to this bed than Id originally guessed. My heart pounded almost painfully as
I waited for his answer.

Edward sighed, rolling back so that we were on our sides again.

 Dont be ridiculous, Bella, he said, disapproval strong in his voice  clearly, he understood what I
meant. I was just trying to illustrate the benefits of the bed you dont seem to like. Dont get carried
away.

Too late, I muttered. And I like the bed, I added.

Good. I could hear the smile in his voice as he kissed my forehead. I do, too.

But I still think its unnecessary, I continued. If were not going to get carried away, whats the
point?

He sighed again. For the hundredth time, Bella  its too dangerous.

I like danger, I insisted.

 I know. There was a sour edge to his voice, and I realized that he would have seen the motorcycle in
the garage.

Ill tell you whats dangerous, I said quickly, before he could move to a new topic of discussion. Im
going to spontaneously combust one of these days  and youll have no one but yourself to blame.

He started to push me away.

What are you doing? I objected, clinging to him.

Protecting you from combustion. If this too much for you. . . .

I can handle it, I insisted.

He let me worm myself back into the circle of his arms.

Im sorry I gave you the wrong impression, he said. I didnt mean to make you unhappy. That wasnt
nice.

Actually, it was very, very nice.

He took a deep breath. Arent you tired? I should let you sleep.

No, Im not. I dont mind if you want to give me the wrong impression again.

Thats probably a bad idea. Youre not the only one who gets carried away.
Yes, I am, I grumbled.

 He chuckled. You have no idea, Bella. It doesnt help that you are so eager to undermine my
self-control, either.

Im not going to apologize for that.

CanI apologize?

For what?

You were angry with me, remember?

Oh, that.

 Im sorry. I was wrong. Its much easier to have the proper perspective when I have you safelyhere .
His arms tightened around me. I go a little berserk when I try to leave you. I dont think Ill go so far
again. Its not worth it.

I smiled. Didnt you find any mountain lions?

Yes, I did, actually. Still not worth the anxiety. Im sorry I had Alice hold you hostage, though. That
was a bad idea.

Yes, I agreed.

I wont do it again.

 Okay, I said easily. He was already forgiven. But slumber parties do have their advantages. . . . I
curled myself closer to him, pressing my lips into the indentation over his collarbone. Youcan hold me
hostage any time you want.

Mmm, he sighed. I may take you up on that.

So is it my turn now?

Your turn? his voice was confused.

To apologize.

What do you have to apologize for?

Arent you mad at me? I asked blankly.

No.

It sounded like he really meant it.

I felt my eyebrows pull together. Didnt you see Alice when you got home?

Yes  why?
Are you going to take her Porsche back?

Of course not. It was a gift.

I wished I could see his expression. His voice sounded as if Id insulted him.

Dont you want to know what I did? I asked, starting to be puzzled by his apparent lack of concern.

I felt him shrug. Im always interested in everything you do  but you dont have to tell me unless you
want to.

But I went to La Push.

I know.

And I ditched school.

So did I.

I stared toward the sound of his voice, tracing his features with my fingers, trying to understand his
mood. Where did all this tolerance come from? I demanded.

He sighed.

 I decided that you were right. My problem before was more about my . . . prejudice against
werewolves than anything else. Im going to try to be more reasonable and trust your judgment. If you
say its safe, then Ill believe you.

Wow.

And . . . most importantly . . . Im not willing to let this drive a wedge between us.

I rested my head against his chest and closed my eyes, totally content.

So, he murmured in a 