The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon EPILOGUE TREATY

ALMOST EVERYTHING WAS BACK TO NORMALTHE GOOD, pre-zombie normalin less season than I would gravel believed possible. The hospital wel rised Carlisle indorse with aegir mail, non even issueing to c onceal their de light source that Esme had engraft life in L.A. so footling to her liking. give thanks to the Calculus test Id missed while abroad, Alice and Edward were in better to shape to graduate than I was at the moment. Suddenly, college was a priority (college was hush up plan B, on the off chance that Edwards offer swayed me from the post-graduation Carlisle option). Mevery deadlines had passed me by, save Edward had a new stack of applications for me to fill forbidden each day. Hed al give d wholeness the Harvard r breake, so it didnt bformer(a) him that, thanks to my procrastination, we might both end up at Peninsula Community College fol small(a)ing year.Charlie was not glad with me, or speaking to Edward. that at least Edward was anyowedduring my designated visiting hoursinside the house again. I just wasnt allowed out of it.School and massage were the l isome(prenominal) exceptions, and the dreary, dull icteric walls of my classrooms had become oddly inviting to me of late. That had a lot to do with the person who sat in the desk beside me.Edward had resumed his schedule from the stemma of the year, which put him in most of my classes again. My behavior had been such last fall, aft(prenominal) the Cullens avow move to L.A., that the potty beside me had n invariably been filled. Even Mike, unceasingly eager to baffle any advantage, had unplowed a true(p) distance. With Edward bum in place, it was almost as if the last 8 months were just a disturbing nightm are.Almost, precisely not quite. in that location was the house arrest situation, for one social occasion. And for another, forrader the fall, I hadnt been best friends with Jacob Black. So, of note, I hadnt missed him because.I wasnt at liberty to go to La Push, and Jacob wasnt feeler to turn corroborate me. He wouldnt even settle my border calls.I make these calls mostly at night, after Edward had been kicked outpromptly at nine by a grimly gleeful Charlieand in the scratch line place Edward snuck back finished my windowpane when Charlie was asleep. I chose that term to make my fruitless calls because Id spy that Edward make a certain face every conviction I observeed Jacobs name. Sort of disapproving and mis assertionful maybe even angry. I stabed that he had some reciprocal prejudice against the werewolves, though he wasnt as vocal as Jacob had been about the bloodsuckers.So, I didnt mention Jacob oftentimes.With Edward near me, it was backbreaking to theorize about lovesick thingseven my former besi fnend, who was in all bidlihood very unhappy proficient without delay, due to me. When I did re atom of Jake, I al slipway felt guilty for not cerebration of him more.The ottoman tale was back on. Prince re appriz ecelled, bad spell broken. I wasnt sure exactly what to do about the leftover, overt character. W present was his happily ever after?Weeks passed, and Jacob still wouldnt answer my calls. It started to become a constant worry. Like a dripping faucet in the back of my gaffer that I couldnt shut off or ignore. Drip, drip, drip. Jacob, Jacob, Jacob.So, though I didnt mention Jacob lots, sometimes my frustration and foreboding boiled over.Its just field of tosstle rude I vented one Saturday afternoon when Edward picked me up from work. world angry about things was easier than feeling guilty. D knowledgeright insultingId varied my pattern, in hopes of a different response. Id called Jake from work this time, only to fall an unhelpfulBilly.Again.Billy state he didnt demand to talk to me, I fumed, glaring at the rain oozing down the passenger window.That he was in that respect, and wouldnt walk three steps to energise to the knell Usually Billy just says hes out or busy or slee ping or something. I mean, its not kindred I didnt realize he was lying to me, provided at least it was a polite way to handle it. I guess Billy hates me now, too. Its not fairIts not you, Bella, Edward said quietly. Nobody hates you.Feels that way, I muttered, folding my weaponry crossways my chest. It was no more than a stubborn gesture. There was no hole there nowI could airly come back the empty feeling anymore.Jacob knows were back, and Im sure that hes ascertained that Im with you, Edward said. He wont come anywhere near me. The enmity is grow too deeply.Thats stupid. He knows youre not like other vampires.Theres still good reason to keep a safe distance.I glared blindly out the windshield, comprehend only Jacobs face, set in the sharp sham I hated.Bella, we are what we are, Edward said quietly. I discharge ascertain myself, but I doubt he can. Hes very young. It would most likely turn into a fight, and I dont know if I could continue it before I k he broke off, a nd because quickly go on. Before I hurt him. You would be unhappy. I dont want that to happen.I remembered what Jacob had said in the kitchen, hearing the words with perfect recall in his husky congresswoman. Im not sure that Im even-tempered copious to handle that You probably wouldnt like it so much if I killed your friend. besides hed been commensurate to handle it, that timeEdward Cullen, I whispered. Were you about to say killed him? Were you?He looked onward from me, look into the rain. In front of us, the red light I hadnt noticed turned gullibleand he started forrad again, driving very slowly. Not his frequent way of driving.I would try very herculean not to do that, Edward finally said.I stared at him with my mouth hanging open, but he continued to look straight a soul. We were paused at the corner stop sign.Abruptly, I remembered what had happened to genus Paris when Romeo came back. The stage sleeveorial bearings were simple They fight. Paris falls. besides that was ridiculous. Impossible.Well, I said, and took a deep breath, shakiness my thinker to dispel the words in my head. nobody like that is ever exhalation to happen, so theres no reason to worry about it. And you know Charlies staring at the clock right now. Youd better kick the bucket me home before I get in more trouble for being late.I turned my face up toward him, to smile half magnetic coreedly.Every time I looked at his face, that impossibly perfect face, my heart pounded strong and healthy and very there in my chest. This time, the pounding raced ahead of its usual besotted pace. I recognized the port on his statue-still face.Youre al raise in more trouble, Bella, he whispered through sitting lips.I slid closer, clutching his arm as I followed his discern to see what he was seeing. I dont know what I expectedmaybe capital of Seychelles standing in the middle of the s directt, her ardor red hair blowing in the wind, or a line of tall black cloaks or a pack of angr y werewolves. But I didnt see anything at all.What? What is it?He took a deep breath. CharlieMy pop music? I screeched.He looked down at me then, and his expression was calm ample to ease some of my panic.Charlie is probably not aimon to kill you, but hes thinking about it, he told me. He started to drive forward again, down my street, but he passed the house and lay by the edge of the trees.What did I do? I gasped.Edward glanced back at Charlies house. I followed his gaze, and noticed for the maiden time what was parked in the driveway close to the cruiser. Shiny, bright red, impossible to miss. My motorcycle, flaunting itself in the driveway.Edward had said that Charlie was exhibity to kill me, so he must know thatthat it was mine. There was only one person who could be behind this treachery.No I gasped. wherefore? Why would Jacob do this to me? The sting of betrayal washed through me. I had trusted Jacob implicitlytrusted him with every single sequestered I had. He was supposed to be my safe harborthe person I could ever so rely on. Of course things were strained right now, but I didnt think any of the underlying foundation had changed. I didnt think that was changeableWhat had I done to deserve this? Charlie was going to be so madand worse than that, he was going to be hurt and worried. Didnt he have adequacy to deal with already? I would have never imagined that Jakecould be so petty and just plain mean. Tears sprang, smarting, into my eye, but they were not tears of sadness. I had been betrayed. I was suddenly so angry that my head throbbed like it was going to explode.Is he still here? I hissed.Yes. Hes waiting for us there. Edward told me, nodding toward the tenuous path that divided the dark fringe of the wood in two.I jumped out of the car, launching myself toward the trees with my give already balled into fists for the offshoot punch.Why did Edward have to be so much faster than me?He caught me near the waist before I made the pat h. permit me go Im going to murder him Traitor I shouted the epithet toward the trees.Charlie ordain hear you, Edward warned me. And once he gets you inside, he may brick over the doorway.I glanced back at the house instinctively, and it seemed like the slip red bike was all I could see. I was seeing red. My head throbbed again. dear give me one round with Jacob, and then Ill deal with Charlie. I struggled futilely to break put out.Jacob Black wants to see me. Thats why hes still here.That stopped me coldtook the fight right out of me. My hand went limp. They fight Paris falls.I was furious, but not that furious.Talk? I asked.More or less.How much more? My contribution shook.Edward smoothed my hair back from my face. Dont worry, hes not here to fight me. Hes acting as verbalisesperson for the pack.Oh.Edward looked at the house again, then tightened his arm virtually my waist and pulled me toward the woods. We should hurry. Charlies getting impatient.We didnt have to go far Ja cob waited just a short ways up the path. He lounged against a mossy tree trunk as he waited, his face lumbering and bitter, exactly the way I knew it would be. He looked at me, and then at Edward. Jacobs mouth stretched into a unfunny sneer, and he shrugged away from the tree. He stood on the balls of his bare feet, leaning slightly forward, with his trembling hands clinch into fists. He looked bigger than the last time Id seen him. Somehow, impossibly, he was still growing. He would tower over Edward, if they stood next to each other.But Edward stopped as curtly as we saw him, leaving a bulky space between us and Jacob. Edward turned his body, displacement me so that I was behind him. I leaned around him to stare at Jacobto accusehim with my eyes.I would have thought that seeing his resentful, cynical expression would only make me angrier. Instead, it reminded me of the last time Id seen him, with tears in his eyes. My fury weakened, faltered, as I stared at Jacob. It had be en so considerable since Id seen himI hated that our reunion had to be like this.Bella, Jacob said as a greeting, nodding once toward me without looking away from Edward.Why? I whispered, move to hide the sound of the lump in my pharynx. How could you do this to me, Jacob?The sneer vanished, but his face stayed hard and rigid. Its for the best.What is that supposed to mean? Do you want Charlie to strangle me? Or did you want him to have a heart attack, like Harry? No matter how mad you are at me, how could you do this to him?Jacob winced, and his eyebrows pulled together, but he didnt answer.He didnt want to hurt anyonehe just wanted to get you grounded, so that you wouldnt be allowed to spend time with me, Edward murmured, explaining the thoughts Jacob wouldnt say.Jacobs eyes sparked with hate as he glowered at Edward again. Aw, Jake I groaned. Im already grounded Why do you think I havent been down to La Push to kick your butt for avoiding my phone calls?Jacobs eyes flashed ba ck to me, confused for the first time. Thats why? he asked, and then locked his jaw, like he was sorry hed said anything.He thought I wouldnt allow you, not Charlie, Edward explained again.Stop that, Jacob snapped.Edward didnt answer.Jacob shuddered once, and then gritted his odontiasis as hard as his fists. Bella wasnt exaggerating about your abilities, he said through his teeth. So you must already know why Im here.Yes, Edward agreed in a soft voice. But, before you begin, I need to say something.Jacob waited, clenching and unclenching his hands as he time-tested to control the shivers rolling down his weaponry.Thank you, Edward said, and his voice throbbed with the enlightenment of his sincerity. I will never be able to tell you how grateful I am. I will owe you for the rest of my existence.Jacob stared at him blankly, his shudders stilled by surprise. He exchanged a quick glance with me, but my face was just as mystified.For keeping Bella alive, Edward clarified, his voice r ough and fervent. When I didnt.Edward, I started to say, but he held one hand up, his eyes on Jacob. instinct washed over Jacobs face before the hard mask returned. I didnt do it for your benefit.I know. But that doesnt erase the gratitude I feel. I thought you should know. If theres ever anything in my power to do for youJacob raised one black brow.Edward shook his head. Thats not in my power.Whose, then? Jacob growled.Edward looked down at me. Hers. Im a quick learner, Jacob Black, and I dont make the same(p) mistake twice. Im here until she orders me away.I was immersed momentarily in his golden gaze. It wasnt hard to regard what Id missed in the conversation. The only thing that Jacob would want from Edward would be his absence.Never, I whispered, still locked in Edwards eyes.Jacob made a gagging sound.I unwillingly broke free from Edwards gaze to frown at Jacob. Was there something else you needful, Jacob? You wanted me in troublemission Accomplished. Charlie might just send me to forces school. But that wont keep me away from Edward. Theres nothing that can do that. What more do you want?Jacob kept his eyes on Edward I just needed to remind your bloodsucking friends of a few primeval points in the treaty they agreed to. The treaty palaver is the only thing stopping me from ripping his throat out right this minute.We havent forgotten, Edward said at the same time that I demanded, What key points?Jacob still glowered at Edward, but he answered me. The treaty is quite specific. If any of them bite a human, the truce is over. Bite, not kill, he emphasized. Finally, he looked at me. His eyes were cold.It only took me a second to grasp the distinction, and then my face was as cold as his.Thats none of your business.The hell it was all he managed to choke out.I didnt expect my abrupt words to bring on such a strong response. Despite the warning hed come to give, he must not have known. He must have thought the warning was just a precaution. He hadnt reali zedor didnt want to believethat I had already made my choice. That I was really intending to become a member of the Cullen family.My answer sent Jacob into near convulsions. He press his fists hard against his temples, closing his eyes tight and curling in on himself as he tried to control the spasms. His face turned sallow green under the russet skin.Jake? You okay? I asked anxiously.I took a half-step toward him, then Edward caught me and yanked me back behind his own body. Careful Hes not under control, he warned me.But Jacob was already somewhat himself again only his arms were shaking now. He scowled at Edward with pure hate. Ugh. I would never hurt her.Neither Edward or I missed the inflection, or the accusation it contained. A low hiss escaped Edwards lips. Jacob clenched his fists reflexively.BELLA Charlies roar called from the direction of the house. YOU GET IN THIS HOUSE THIS INSTANT completely of us froze, listening to the silence that followed.I was the first to speak my voice trembled. Crap.Jacobs furious expression faltered. I am sorry about that, he muttered. I had to do what I couldI had to tryThanks. The tremor in my voice ruined the sarcasm. I stared up the path, half-expecting Charlie to come barreling through the wet ferns like an enraged bull. I would be the red flag in that scenario.Just one more thing, Edward said to me, and then he looked at Jacob. Weve found no trace of Victoria on our side of the linehave you?He knew the answer as soon as Jacob thought it, but Jacob spoke the answer anyway. Trie last time was while Bella was away. We let her think she was slipping throughwe were tightening the circle, getting ready to ambush herIce shot down my spine.But then she took off like a bat out of hell. Near as we can tell, she caught your little females scent and bailed. She hasnt come near our lands since.Edward nodded. When she comes back, shes not your bother anymore. WellShe killed on our turf, Jacob hissed. Shes oursNo, I began to pr otest both declarations.BELLA I SEE HIS CAR AND I KNOW YOURE kayoed THERE IF YOU ARENT INSIDE THIS HOUSE IN bingle MINUTE Charlie didnt bother to finish his threat. permits go, Edward said.I looked back at Jacob, torn. Would I see him again?Sorry, he whispered so low that I had to read his lips to understand. Bye, Bells.You promised, I reminded him desperately. Still friends, right?Jacob shook his head slowly, and the lump in my throat nearly smothered me.You know how hard Ive tried to keep that promise, but I cant see how to keep essay. Not now He struggled to keep his hard mask in place, but it wavered, and then disappeared. Miss you, he mouthed. wizard of his hands reached toward me, his fingers outstretched, like he wished they were long enough to cross the distance between us.Me, too, I choked out. My hand reached toward his across the wide space.Like we were connected, the echo of his pain twisted inside me. His pain, my pain.Jake I took a step toward him. I wanted to w rap my arms around his waist and erase the expression of trial on his face.Edward pulled me back again, his arms restraining instead of defending.Its okay, I promised him, looking up to read his face with trust in my eyes. He would understand.His eyes were unreadable, his face expressionless. Cold. No, its not.Let her go, Jacob snarled, furious again. She wants to He took two long strides forward. A glint of anticipation flashed in his eyes. His chest seemed to tribal sheikh as it shuddered.Edward pushed me behind himself, wheeling to face Jacob.No EdwardISABELLA SWANCome on Charlies mad My voice was panicked, but not because of Charlie now. HurryI tugged on him and he relaxed a little. He pulled me back slowly, always keeping his eyes on Jacob as we retreated.Jacob watched us with a dark scowl on his bitter face. The anticipation drained from his eyes, and then, just before the forest came between us, his face suddenly crumpled in pain.I knew that last glimpse of his face would mending me until I saw him smile again.And right there I vowed that I would see him smile, and soon. I would find a way to keep my friend.Edward kept his arm tight around my waist, holding me close. That was the only thing that held the tears inside my eyes.I had some serious-minded problems.My best friend counted me with his enemies.Victoria was still on the loose, putting everyone I loved in danger.If I didnt become a vampire soon, the Volturi would kill me.And now it seemed that if I did, the Quileute werewolves would try to do the job themselvesalong with trying to kill my future family. I didnt think they had any chance really, but would my best friend get himself killed in the attempt?Very serious problems. So why did they all suddenly seem undistinguished when we broke through the last of the trees and I caught survey of the expression on Charlies purple face?Edward squeezed me gently. Im here.I drew in a deep breath.That was true. Edward was here, with his arms around me. I could face anything as long as that was true.I squared my shoulders and walked forward to comely my fate, with my destiny solidly at my side.