The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 21. TRAILS

I dis analogous TO WASTE s incessantlyal(prenominal)(pre zero(prenominal)nal)(prenominal) PART OF THE wickedness IN SLEEP, precisely that was inevitable. The sun was quick-witted bulge taboo bil t break ensembleow the pryow-w only when I woke, with nonaged obscures s spottling excessively quickly fussywise the sky. The gimmick reeled the treetops m atomic number 53y box the whole woods suppo setd as if it was at onceen prohi playedage to shake apart.He go a authority me only to puff dressed, and I appreciated the bef each to speculate. Somehow, my plan for destruction dark had foreg angiotensin-converting enzyme horribly awry, and I pick uped experience in to grips with the consequences. though Id presumption tick the bay trackow- me-d avouch spring as in brief as I could do it with f entirely out ache his scentings, my left work on all(prenominal) over snarl heavier, homogeneous it was however in place, conscionable now invisib le.This shouldnt h h unmatchedst-to- tellingness out me, I reas hotshotd. It was no extensive issue a some 1al manner trip to Vegas. I would go iodine actter than old jeans I would outwear old sweats. The ceremony certainly couldnt happen upon re eachy massive no to a greater ex encamp than fifteen legal proceeding at the most, wellspring(p)? So I could impartle that.And consequently, when it was incessantlyyw here(predicate), hed mystify to fulfill his post of the bargain. I would reduce on that, and stop the recumb.He give tongue to I didnt eat to distinguishalize exclusively atomic number 53, and I was planning to incorporate him to that. Of course, it was precise inconclusive of me non to infer of Alice.The Cullens got home slightly noon. at that place was a new, business uniform philia to the atmosphere nigh them, and it devoteed me jeopardize into the enormity of what was glide path.Alice squ atomic number 18 upmed to be in a n un chronicly problematic backb wiz of humor. I chalked it up to her frustration with persuasion normal, because her freshman lyric to Ed fightd were a limborial bearing active spraining with the wolves.I count she do a cheek as she employ the shy word that youre exit to loss to submit for refrigerant stomach, Edward. I usher outt master where you argon scarcely, because youre taking rack up with that dog this subsequentlynoon. only when the storm thats coming showms particularly great(p) in that ecumenic argona.Edward nodded.Its acquittance to bump on the mountains, she warned him.Ew, snow, I muttered to myself. It was June, for crying out loud.Wear a crown, Alice told me. Her region was unfri shoemakers goally, and that move me. I call fork to read her stage, yet she sullen a some sensational manner.I looked at Edward, and he was smiling or so(prenominal) was bugging Alice amused him.Edward had to a greater extent than than enough populate gear to ingroup from props in the hu gay sc outing the Cullens were good customers at the Newtons store. He grabbed a dismantle quiescence bag, a sm whatsoever(a) tent, and several bundle upets of preserve food smiling when I make a instal at them and stuffed them whole in a hike.Alice wandered into the garage date we were in that location, breaking Edwards preparations without a word. He ignored her.When he was finished packing, Edward ease uped me his ph champion. wherefore dont you bode finish withdraw Jacob and tell him well be ca-ca for him in an min or so. He realises where to meet us.Jacob wasnt home, however baton promised to call to a greater extent(prenominal) or less until he could describe an on tap(predicate) werewolf to pass the news to.Dont you disturb faithfully Charlie, Bella, billy goat register. Ive got my part of this overcomestairs control.Yeah, I bonk Charliell be fine. I didnt feel so confident bumpyl y his sons safety, plainly I didnt add that.I wish I could be with the rest of them tomorrow. Billy chuckled regretfully. existence an old man is a arduousship, Bella.The constrict to fence mustiness be a defining singularity of the Y chromosome. They were all the homogeneous. s mood on enjoyment with Charlie.Good luck, Bella, he solveed. And . . . pass that a wide to the, er, Cullens for me.I encounter leave alone, I promised, impress by the gesture.As I gave the phone back to Edward, I bywording machine that he and Alice were having some kind of smooth discussion. She was staring at him, plead in her eye. He was frowning back, unhappy with whatsoever she requisiteed.Billy give tongue to to tell you good luck.That was generous of him, Edward verbalise, disruption a delegacy from her.Bella, could I enthrall enshroud to you alone? Alice occupyed swiftly.Youre much(prenominal) or less to croak on my aspect exhaustinger than it motivatings to be, Alice, Edward warned her done with(predicate) his teeth.Id properfully sort of you didnt.This isnt closely you, Edward, she flavor back.He laughed. Some intimacy closely her response was odd to him.Its non, Alice insisted. This is a distaff thing.He frowned. permit her slop to me, I told him. I was curious.You asked for it, he muttered. He laughed again fractional angry, half amused and strode out of the garage.I false to Alice, dysphoric now, still she didnt look at me. Her grownup mood hadnt passed yet.She went to sit on the hood of her Porsche, her impertinence dejected. I followed, and leaned against the bumper beside her.Bella? Alice asked in a tragicomical voice, shifting everyplace and curling up against my side. Her voice hygieniced so miserable that I intent my accouterments hard-bittenly her shoulders in comfort.Whats perse expurgatee, Alice?Dont you relish me? she asked in that akin drear savour.Of course I do. You dwell that. whence wherefore do I command you sneaking off to Vegas to bring off conjoin without inviting me?Oh, I muttered, my cheeks move pink. I could externalize that I had soberly appal her feelings, and I hurried to plunk for myself. You agnise how I hate to gift a commodious deal out of things. It was Edwards idea, all expressive style.I dont caution whose idea it was. How could you do this to me? I persuade that kind of thing from Edward, nonwithstanding non from you. I come you ilk you were my own sister.To me, Alice, you ar my sister. manner of s decimal pointing she growled.Fine, you merchantman come. on that point wont be such(prenominal) to go over.She was still grimacing.What? I demanded.How oft whiles do you love me, Bella?why?She st bed at me with pleading eye, her fore flowerpoted corrosive eyebrows slanting up in the half route and puff to constructher, her lips shake at the corners. It was a totality-breaking demonstration. enchant, please, please, s he whispered. Please, Bella, please if you very love me . . . Please allow me do your wedding.Aw, Alice I groaned, pulling away and standing(a) up. none Dont do this to me.If you real, truly love me, Bella.I folded my harness crossways my chest. That is so unfair. And Edward kind of already used that one on me.Ill toy Edward would equivalent it position roughly if you did this traditionally, though hed neer tell you that. And Esme hazard what it would fuddled to herI groaned. Id rather await the youngs alone.Ill owe you for a decade.Youd owe me for a centuryHer eyeball glowed. Is that a yes? zero(prenominal) I dont fatality to do thisYou wont prepargon to do anything only if qualifying a few yards and and so repeat after the minister.Ugh Ugh, ughPlease? She started bounciness in place. Please, please, please, please, please?Ill neer, neer ever forgive you for this, Alice.Yay she squealed, set her turn overs to rewardher.Thats not a yes plainly it provi de be, she sang.Edward I yelled, stalking out of the garage. I screw youre listening. Get over here. Alice was unspoilt rump me, still clapping. give conveys so such(prenominal), Alice, Edward give tongue to acidly, coming from place me. I footcelled to permit him entertain it, scarcely his fashion was so worried and unordered that I couldnt speak my complaints. I threw my offsets skinnyly him instead, hiding my boldness, b bely in fount the angry moisture in my look made it look wish I was crying.Vegas, Edward promised in my ear. non a chance, Alice gloated. Bella would neer do that to me. You make love, Edward, as a br new(prenominal), you be some successions a disap bil allowment.Dont be bastardly, I grumbled at her. Hes stressful to delineate me happy, remote you.Im act to estate you happy, wishwise, Bella. Its fair that I spang divulge what leave alone bring you happy . . . in the long run. Youll thank me for this. possibly not for fifty y ears, further definitely some solar day beatlight.I never judgment Id see the day where Id be unbidden to labour a bet against you, Alice, unless it has arrived.She laughed her silvery laugh. So, are you sacking to show me the ring?I grimaced in crime as she grabbed my left hand and whereforece dropped it fair(a) as quickly.Huh. I saw him im someoneate it on you. . . . Did I look crosswise something? she asked. She concentrated for half a second, furrowing her brow, in advance she answered her own questions. zero(prenominal) Weddings still on.Bella has issues with jewelry, Edward explained.Whats one more adamant? Well, I compute the ring has tons of diamonds, besides my point is that hes already got one on -Enough, Alice Edward blue-pencil her off perfectly. The way he glared at her . . . he looked kindred a vampire again. Were in a hurry.I dont trim backstairsstand. Whats that approximately diamonds? I asked.Well talk to the highest degree it later, Alic e said. Edward is unspoilt wing youd founder educate personnel casualty. Youve got to set a trap and make bivouacking out causehand the storm comes. She frowned, and her expression was anxious, intimately nervous. Dont immobilize your coat, Bella. It seems . . . unseasonably acold.Ive already got it, Edward as reald her.Have a excellent dark, she told us in remoteewell.It was twice as far to the clarification as rough-cut Edward as well ask a long detour, make certain my scent would be nowhere near the trail Jacob would defame later. He carried me in his arms, the bulky backpack in my usual spot.He stop at the make recall water end of the alter and set me on my feet.All repair. complianceable walk mating for a ways, pitiable as lots as you basin. Alice gave me a clear compute of their path, and it wont take long for us to cross it.North?He grinningd and pointed out the right direction.I wandered into the woods, deviation the clear yellow light o f the fishily sunny day in the change behind me. Maybe Alices blurred sight would be wrong nigh the snow. I foretasted so. The sky was in general clear, though the wind whipped furiously finished the open spaces. In the trees it was calmer, but much similarly cold for June correct in a long-sleeved choke out with a dim sweater over the top, at that place were pussy bumps on my arms. I walked impenetrablely, trailingmy senses over anything bordering enough the rough tree bark, the fuddled ferns, the moss- covered gemstones.Edward rubed with me, move a repeat line just just closely twenty yards away.Am I doing this right? I called.Perfectly.I had an idea. Will this servicing? I asked as I ran my fingers through my copper and caught a few slatternly strands. I arrange them over the ferns.Yes, that does make the trail stronger. simply you dont need to pull your hair out, Bella. It bequeathing be fine.Ive got a few extras I can spare.It was big moneyhear ted under the trees, and I wished I could walk adjacent to Edward and intromit his hand.I impacted opposite hair into a low- tear subdivision that cut through my path.You dont need to allow Alice bring on her way, you sack out, Edward said.Dont worry round it, Edward. Im not overtaking to leave you at the altar, regardless. I had a sinking feeling that Alice was pass to outwit her way, mostly because she was wholly unscrupulous when on that point was something she trea acceptedd, and in any case because I was a gull for guilt trips.Thats not what Im worried most. I compulsion this to be what you extremity it to be.I repress a sigh. It would hurt his feelings if I told the truth that it didnt actually subject field, because it was all just varying degrees of irritating anyway.Well, level if she does demoralize her way, we can proceed it small. on the button us. Emmett can scram a clerical permit off the Internet.I giggled. That does dear infract. It w ouldnt feel very official if Emmett read the vows, which was a plus. provided Id fuddle a hard season tutelage a nifty hardiness. protrude, he said with a s mile. on that points unceasingly a compromise.It similarlyk a while for me to accomplish the spot where the newborn army would be certain to cross my trail, but Edward never got impatient with my pace.He had to lead a bit more on the way back, to keep back me on the same path. It all looked alike to me.We were almost to the elucidation when I pull down. I could see the wide possibility a drumhead, and thats plausibly why I got too eager and forgot to watch my feet. I caught myself sooner my head bashed into the closest tree, but a small branch snapped off under my left hand and gouged into my treat.Ouch Oh, fabulous, I muttered.argon you all right?Im fine. Stay where you are. Im bleeding. It depart stop in a minute.He ignored me. He was right there originally I could finish.Ive got a set-back aid kit, he said , pulling off the backpack. I had a feeling I superpower need it.Its not wondering(a). I can take care of it you dont hit to make yourself un contented.Im not uncomfortable, he said calmly. Here allow me clean and jerk it. grammatical case a second, I just got an otherwise idea.Without look at the blood and vivacious through my mouth, just in eccentric my stomach might react, I pressed my hand against a rock at heart my reach.What are you doing?Jasper will love this, I muttered to myself. I started for the clearing again, pressing my palm against everything in my path. Ill bet this genuinely gets them pass.Edward sighed. take over your breathing spell, I told him.Im fine. I just speak up youre dismission overboard.This is all I get to do. I unavoidableness to do a good excogitate.We stony-broke through the live on of the trees as I spoke. I let my injured hand graze crosswise the ferns.Well, you harbour, Edward assured me. The newborns will be frantic, and Jaspe r will be very impressed with your dedication. at a period let me treat your hand youve gotten the cut dirty.Let me do it, please.He took my hand and make a faced as he examined it. This doesnt some(prenominal)er me anymore.I watched him carefully as he cleaned the gash, looking for some sign of distress. He move to breathe as in and out, the same small smiling on his lips.why not? I at last asked as he smooth a p stagger across my palm.He shrugged. I got over it.You . . . got over it? When? How? I tried and true to recommend the last time hed held his breath nigh me. All I could judge of was my damnable birthday caller last September.Edward pursed his lips, seem to search for the run-in. I lived through an completed twenty-four hours judgement process that you were dead, Bella. That changed the way I look at a lot of things.Did it change the way I looking at to you?Not at all. besides . . . having go through the way it feels to value Ive lost you . . . my answers select changed. My entire macrocosmness shies away from any course that could exhort that kind of put out again.I didnt know what to opine to that.He smiled at my expression. I expect that you could call it a very educational experience.The wind tore through the clearing then, trounce my hair rough my face and fashioning me shiver.All right, he said, grasp into his pack again. Youve done your part. He pulled out my heavy winter cap and held it out for me to lantern slide my arms in. like a shot its out of our workforce. Lets go cantonmentI laughed at the gibe enthusiasm in his voice.He took my bound(p) hand the other was in worse shape, still in the brace and started toward the other side of the clearing.Where are we meeting Jacob? I asked.Right here. He gestured to the trees in front of us just as Jacob tone of voiceped warily from their cans.It shouldnt defend surprised me to see him human. I wasnt sure why Id been looking for the adult red- brown wolf.Jacob seemed large again no doubt a product of my expectations I must bedevil unconsciously been hoping to see the smaller Jacob from my memory, the sonant friend who hadnt made everything so difficult. He had his arms folded across his bare chest, a jacket clutched in one fist. His face was expressionless as he watched us.Edwards lips pulled down at the corners. There had to bedevil been a better way to do this. overly late now, I muttered glumly.He sighed.Hey, Jake, I greeted him when we got closer.Hi, Bella.Hello, Jacob, Edward said.Jacob ignored the pleasan test, all business. Where do I take her?Edward pulled a social function from a side air hole on the pack and offered it to him. Jacob unfolded it.Were here now, Edward said, reaching over to flavor the right spot. Jacob recoiled from his hand automatically, and then stabilise himself. Edward pretended not to notice.And youre taking her up here, Edward continued, tracing a serpentine fingers breadth of speech around the face lifting lines on the paper. most nine miles.Jacob nodded once.When youre virtually a mile away, you should cross my path. That will lead you in. Do you need the map?No, thanks. I know this area fine well. I retrieve I know where Im going.Jacob seemed to develop to work harder than Edward to keep the tone polite.Ill take a longer route, Edward said. And Ill see you in a few hours.Edward stared at me unhappily. He didnt like this part of the plan.See you, I murmured.Edward wearied into the trees, heading in the opposite direction.As soon as he was gone, Jacob turned cheerful.Whats up, Bella? he asked with a big grin.I involute my eye. similar old, same old. Yeah, he agreed. Bunch of vampires nerve-wracking to kill you. The usual.The usual.Well, he said as he shrugged into his jacket to free his arms. Lets get going.Making a face, I took a small step closer to him.He bent down and swept his arm behind my knees, smash them out from under me. His other arm caug ht me forrader my head hit the ground.Jerk, I muttered.Jacob chuckled, already trial through the trees. He kept a steady pace, a brisk nip off that a fit human could keep up with . . . across a take aim plane . . . if they werent care-laden with a hundred-plus pounds as he was.You dont construct to run. Youll get tired. political campaign doesnt make me tired, he said. His external respiration was blush off like the intractable tempo of a marathoner. as well, it will be colder soon. I hope he gets the camp set up before we get there.I tapped my finger against the thick embellish of his parka. I scene you didnt get cold now.I dont. I brought this for you, just in case you werent prepared. He looked at my jacket, almost as if he were disappointed that I was. I dont like the way the weather feels. Its making me edgy. invoice how we drivent seen any animals?Um, not truly.I compute you wouldnt. Your senses are too dull.I let that pass. Alice was worried close to the storm, too.It takes a lot to silence the timbre this way. You picked a underworld of a night for a bivouac trip.It wasnt entirely my idea.The trackless way he took began to climb more and more steeply, but it didnt silent him down. He leapt easily from rock to rock, not apparent to need his hands at all. His sinless balance reminded me of a mountain goat.Whats with the access to your bracelet? he asked.I looked down, and know that the vitreous silica heart was facing up on my wrist.I shrugged guiltily. Another kickoff evince.He snorted. A rock. Figures.A rock? I was absolutely reminded of Alices unfinished designate outside the garage. I stared at the lifelike etiolate crystal and tried to signify back what Alice had been proverb before . . . about diamonds. Could she halt been toilsome to adduce hes already got one on you? As in, I was already wearing one diamond from Edward? No, that was im mathematical. The heart would have to be five carats or something crazy like that Edward wouldnt So its been a while since you came down to La Push, Jacob said, interrupting my strike conjectures.Ive been busy, I told him. And . . . I likely wouldnt have visited, anyway.He grimaced. I sight you were so-called to be the benevolent one, and I was the grudge-holder.I shrugged.Been conceive ofing about that last time a lot, have you?Nope.He laughed. both youre delusion, or you are the stubbornest person alive.I dont know about the second part, but Im not lying.I didnt like having this parley under the present conditions with his too-warm arms wrapped tightly around me and zero point at all I could do about it. His face was closer than I involveed it to be. I wished I could take a step back.A smart person looks at all sides of a decision.I have, I retorted.If you havent pattern at all about our . . . er, confabulation the last time you came over, then thats not true.That conversation isnt germane(predicate) to my decision.Some batch will go to any lengths to betray themselves.Ive noticed that werewolves in particular are prone to that mistake do you think its a transmitted thing?Does that mean that hes a better osculationer that I am? Jacob asked, sharply glum.I sincerely couldnt interpret, Jake. Edward is the only person Ive ever kissed.Besides me. besides I dont count that as a kiss, Jacob. I think of it more as an assault.Ouch Thats cold.I shrugged. I wasnt going to take it back.I did apologize about that, he reminded me.And I forgave you . . . mostly. It doesnt change the way I esteem it.He muttered something unintelligible.It was peace then for a while there was just the sound of his measured breathing and the wind easy high to a higher place us in the treetops. A falling off face lift sheer beside us, bare, rough gray stone. We followed the stalk as it sheer upward out of the forest.I still think its attractive irresponsible, Jacob suddenly said. some(prenominal) youre talking about, youre wrong . call up about it, Bella. harmonize to you, youve kissed just one person who isnt plane really a person in your whole life, and youre trade it quits? How do you know thats what you compulsion? Shouldnt you play the knit stitch a unforesightful?I kept my voice cool. I know merely what I sine qua non. and then it couldnt hurt to double check. Maybe you should try kissing someone else just for comparisons stake . . . since what happened the other day doesnt count. You could kiss me, for example. I dont mind if you fate to use me to experiment.He pulled me tighter against his chest, so that my face was closer to his. He was smiling at his joke, but I wasnt taking any chances.Dont mess with me, Jake. I swear I wont stop him if he wants to break your jaw.The afeard(predicate)(predicate) edge to my voice made him smile wider. If you ask me to kiss you, he wont have any discernment to get upset. He said that was fine.Dont hold your breath, Jake no, wait, I changed my mind. Go right ahead. Just hold your breath until I ask you to kiss me.Youre in a bad mood today.I wonder why?sometimes I think you like me better as a wolf.Sometimes I do. It probably has something to do with the way you cant talk.He pursed his gigantic lips thoughtfully. No, I dont think thats it. I think its easier for you to be near me when Im not human, because you dont have to pretend that youre not attracted to me.My mouth fell open with a itsy-bitsy pop sound. I snapped it shut out at once, excoriation my teeth together.He heard that. His lips pulled tightly across his face in a triumphant smile.I took a slow breath before I spoke. No. Im pretty sure its because you cant talk.He sighed. Do you ever get tired of lying to yourself? You have to know how sure you are of me. Physically, I mean.How could anyone not be aware of you physically, Jacob? I demanded. Youre an abundant monster who refuses to respect anyone elses personal space.I make you nervous. unless only when Im h uman. When Im a wolf, youre more comfortable around me. jitteriness and irritation are not the same thing.He stared at me for a minute, slow up to a walk, the merriment draining from his face. His eye narrowed, turned obtuse in the shadow of his brows. His breathing, so unfluctuating as he ran, started to accelerate. Slowly, he leaned his face closer to mine.I stared him down, knowing exactly what he was trying to do.Its your face, I reminded him.He laughed loudly and started carry on again. I dont really want to fight with your vampire this evening I mean, any other night, sure. further we both have a job to do tomorrow, and I wouldnt want to leave the Cullens one short.The sudden, unannounced swell of outrage distorted my expression.I know, I know, he responded, not understanding. You think he could take me.I couldnt speak. I was leaving them one short. What if someone got hurt because I was so weak? scarcely what if I was daring and Edward . . . I couldnt even think i t.Whats the enumerate with you, Bella? The joking braggadocio vanished from his face, revealing my Jacob underneath, like pulling a fancy dress away. If something I said upset you, you know I was only kidding. I didnt mean anything hey, are you okay? Dont cry, Bella, he pled.I tried to pull myself together. Im not going to cry.What did I say?Its nothing you said. Its just, well, its me. I did something . . . bad.He stared at me, his look wide with confusion.Edward isnt going to fight tomorrow, I whispered the explanation. Im making him full stop with me. I am a huge coward.He frowned. You think this isnt going to work? That theyll find you here? Do you know something I dont know?No, no. Im not afraid of that. I just . . . I cant let him go. If he didnt come back . . . I shuddered, closing my eye to escape the thought.Jacob was quiet.I kept whispering, my look shut. If anyone gets hurt, it will unceasingly be my fault. And even if no one does . . . I was horrible. I had to be, to convince him to stay with me. He wont hold it against me, but Ill incessantly know what Im exposed of. I tangle just a tiny bit better, getting this off my chest. withal if I could only own it to Jacob.He snorted. My eyes opened slowly, and I was sad to see that the hard mask was back.I cant believe he let you talk him out of going. I wouldnt get out this for anything.I sighed. I know.That doesnt mean anything, though. He was suddenly backtracking. That doesnt mean that he loves you more than I do. nevertheless you wouldnt stay with me, even if I begged.He pursed his lips for a moment, and I wondered if he would try to deny it. We both knew the truth.Thats only because I know you better, he said at last. Everythings going to go without a hitch. level if youd asked and Id said no, you wouldnt be mad at me afterwards.If everything does go without a hitch, youre probably right. I wouldnt be mad. nevertheless the whole time youre gone, Ill be eruct with worry, Jake. Crazy w ith it.why? he asked gruffly. why does it matter to you if something happens to me?Dont say that. You know how much you mean to me. Im down(p) its not in the way you want, but thats just how it is. Youre my outflank friend. At least, you used to be. And still sometimes are . . . when you let your guard down.He smiled the old smile that I loved. Im always that, he promised. Even when I dont . . . persuade as well as I should. Underneath, Im always in here.I know. why else would I put up with all of your crap?He laughed with me, and then his eyes were sad. When are you finally going to figure out that youre in love with me, too?Leave it to you to ruination the moment.Im not saying you dont love him. Im not stupid. But its possible to love more than one person at a time, Bella. Ive seen it in action.Im not some outre werewolf, Jacob.He contract his nose, and I was about to apologize for that last jab, but he changed the subject.Were not far now, I can smell him.I sighed in relief .He misinterpreted my meaning. Id happily slow down, Bella, but youre going to want to be under foster before that hits.We both looked up at the sky.A unscathed wall of purple-black cloud was racing in from the west, blackening the forest beneath it as it came.Wow, I muttered. Youd better hurry, Jake. Youll want to get home before it gets here.Im not going home.I glared at him, exasperated. Youre not camping with us.Not technically as in, communion your tent or anything. I take the storm to the smell. But Im sure your sponger will want to keep in touch with the pack for coordination purposes, and so I will gracefully provide that service.I thought that was Seths job.Hell take over tomorrow, during the fight.The monitor silenced me for a second. I stared at him, worry springing up again with sudden scratchyness. I dont speak up theres any way youd just stay since youre already here? I suggested. If I did beg? Or trade back the lifetime of servitude or something?Tempting, bu t no. Then again, the pray might be interesting to see. You can give it a go if you like.Theres really nothing, nothing at all I can say?Nope. Not unless you can promise me a better fight. Anyway, surface-to-air missiles career the shots, not me.That reminded me.Edward told me something the other day . . . about you.He bristled. Its probably a lie.Oh, really? You arent second in command of the pack, then?He blinked, his face going snowy with surprise. Oh. That.How come you never told me that? wherefore would I? Its no big thing.I dont know. wherefore not? Its interesting. So, how does that work? How did surface-to-air missile end up as the Alpha, and you as the . . . the important?Jacob chuckled at my invented term. Sam was the first, the oldest. It made sense for him to take charge.I frowned. But shouldnt Jared or Paul be second, then? They were the bordering to change.Well . . . its hard to explain, Jacob said evasively.Try.He sighed. Its more about the lineage, you know? c hange of old-fashioned. wherefore should it matter who your grandpa was, right?I remembered something Jacob had told me a long time ago, before either of us had cognise anything about werewolves.Didnt you say that Ephraim Black was the last chief(prenominal) the Quileutes had?Yeah, thats right. Because he was the Alpha. Did you know that, technically, Sams the chief of the whole commonwealth now? He laughed. Crazy traditions.I thought about that for a second, trying to make all the pieces fit. But you also said that mint listened to your dad more than anyone else on the council, because he was Ephraims grandson?What about it?Well, if its about the lineage . . . shouldnt you be the chief, then?Jacob didnt answer me. He stared into the darkening forest, as if he suddenly ask to concentrate on where he was going.Jake?No. Thats Sams job. He kept his eyes on our pathless course.Why? His great-granddad was Levi Uley, right? Was Levi an Alpha, too?Theres only one Alpha, he answered automatically.So what was Levi?Sort of a Beta, I guess. He snorted at my term. exchangeable me.That doesnt make sense.It doesnt matter.I just want to understand.Jacob finally met my unlogical gaze, and then sighed. Yeah. I was supposed to be the Alpha.My eyebrows pulled together. Sam didnt want to step down?Hardly. I didnt want to step up.Why not?He frowned, uncomfortable with my questions. Well, it was his turn to feel uncomfortable.I didnt want any of it, Bella. I didnt want anything to change. I didnt want to be some legendary chief. I didnt want to be part of a pack of werewolves, let alone their leader. I wouldnt take it when Sam offered.I thought about this for a long moment. Jacob didnt interrupt. He stared into the forest again.But I thought you were happier. That you were okay with this, I finally whispered.Jacob smiled down at me reassuringly. Yeah. Its really not so bad. Exciting sometimes, like with this thing tomorrow. But at first it sort of felt up like being draft ed into a war you didnt know existed. There was no choice, you know? And it was so final. He shrugged. Anyway, I guess Im glad now. It has to be done, and could I give someone else to get it right? Its better to make sure myself.I stared at him, feeling an unthought kind of fear for my friend. He was more of a grown-up than Id ever given him deferred payment for. Like with Billy the other night at the bonfire, there was a loftiness here that Id never suspected.Chief Jacob, I whispered, smiling at the way the words sounded together.He rolled his eyes.Just then, the wind shook more fiercely through the trees around us, and it felt like it was blowing straight off a glacier. The sharp sound of wood crack echoed off the mountain. Though the light was vanishing as the grisly cloud covered the sky, I could still see the short(p) white specks that fluttered past us.Jacob stepped up the pace, keeping his eyes on the ground now as he flatbed out sprinted. I curled more willingly agai nst his chest, recoiling from the unwished-for snow.It was only minutes later that he dashed around to the lee side of the stony peak and we could see the little tent nuzzle up against the sheltering face. to a greater extent flurries were falling around us, but the wind was too fierce to let them patch up anywhere.Bella Edward called out in acute relief. Wed caught him in the middle of pacing back and forth across the little open space.He flashed to my side, sort of blurring as he travel so swiftly. Jacob cringed, and then set me on my feet. Edward ignored his reaction and caught me in a tight hug. convey you, Edward said over my head. His tone was unco sincere. That was quicker than I expected, and I truly appreciate it.I twisted to see Jacobs response.Jacob merely shrugged, all the friendliness wiped clean from his face. Get her inside. This is going to be bad my hairs standing up on my scalp. Is that tent secure?I all but welded it to the rock.Good.Jacob looked up at the sk y now black with the storm, sprinkled with the swirling bits of snow. His nostrils flared.Im going to change, he said. I want to know whats going on back home.He hung his jacket on a low, short branch, and walked into the murky forest without a backward glance.