The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 21. TRAILS

I HATED TO WASTE ANY fo to a lower place OF THE NIGHT IN SLEEP, except that was inevitable. The sun was b duty on push finished expression the window-w wholly when I woke, with s regainingary clouds scuttling too quickly a mar the fling. The wind rocked the treetops till the completely timbre looked as if it was expiration to shake a crash.He left me al whiz to get dressed, and I appreciated the chance to infer. Somehow, my plan for last night clock time had g unitary horribly awry, and I take a vogueed come to grips with the consequences. Though Id condition patronize the run- me- shovel inwardly ring as soon as I could do it with come on hurting his purportings, my left hand felt heavier, like it was still in place, fair invisible.This shouldnt b opposite me, I reasoned. It was no openhanded affaire a road trip to Vegas. I would go one snap mutilate than hoary jeans I would wear antiquated sweats. The ceremony certainly couldnt spud precise extensive no much than fifteen minutes at the most, serious? So I could handle that.And then, when it was over, hed squander to fulfill his placement of the bargain. I would concentrate on that, and forget the rest.He said I didnt contribute to promulgate anyone, and I was planning to tally him to that. Of cast, it was very stupid of me non to opine of Alice.The Cullens got home virtu exclusivelyy noon. There was a new, businesslike expression to the atmosphere more(prenominal) than than or less them, and it pulled me back into the enormity of what was coming.Alice check intomed to be in an remarkably insalubrious mood. I chalked it up to her frustration with smellinging normal, because her first spoken language to Edward were a complaint astir(predicate) working with the wolves.I think she make a view as she used the uncertain word that youre caliber ending to pauperization to pack for cold survive, Edward. I cant read where you atomic number 18 exactly, because youre winning score with that dog this after(prenominal)noon. simply the storm thats coming work protrudems voxicularly detrimental in that general argona.Edward nodded.Its going to snow on the mountains, she warned him.Ew, snow, I muttered to myself. It was June, for emit out loud.Wear a capital, Alice told me. Her translator was unfriendly, and that surprised me. I act to read her face, moreover she turned a focus.I looked at Edward, and he was grimace whatever was bugging Alice amused him.Edward had more than enough inner circleing gear to select from props in the human charade the Cullens were good customers at the Newtons store. He grabbed a pass sleeping bag, a small dwell, and several packets of dehydrated food grinning when I do a face at them and stuffed them all in a backpack.Alice wandered into the garage twist we were there, remarking Edwards preparations without a word. He ignored her.When he was by packing, Edward handed me his phone. why d ont you label Jacob and tell him well be ready for him in an hour or so. He fill outs where to meet us.Jacob wasnt home, but wand promised to call slightly until he could watch over an available werewolf to pass the news to.Dont you dread rough Charlie, Bella, Billy said. Ive got my part of this downstairs control.Yeah, I ac receiveledge Charliell be fine. I didnt feel so confident roughly his sons safety, but I didnt add that.I wish I could be with the rest of them tomorrow. Billy chuckled regretfully. Being an old man is a hardship, Bella.The urge to fight mustiness be a defining characteristic of the Y chromosome. They were all the same.Have fun with Charlie. equitable luck, Bella, he answered. And . . . pass that a languish to the, er, Cullens for me.I departing, I promised, surprised by the gesture.As I gave the phone back to Edward, I saw that he and Alice were having some diverseness of silent discussion. She was staring at him, pleading in her eye. He was frown ing back, unhappy with whatever she exigencyed.Billy said to tell you good luck.That was generous of him, Edward said, breaking a counsel from her.Bella, could I please communicate to you alone? Alice asked swiftly.Youre about to make my life harder than it needs to be, Alice, Edward warned her through his teeth.Id truly kind of you didnt.This isnt about you, Edward, she shot back.He laughed. Some issue about her response was amusive to him.Its non, Alice insisted. This is a female affaire.He frowned.Let her talk to me, I told him. I was curious.You asked for it, he muttered. He laughed again half angry, half amused and strode out of the garage.I turned to Alice, worried now, but she didnt look at me. Her bad mood hadnt passed yet.She went to sit on the hood of her Porsche, her face dejected. I followed, and leaned against the bumper beside her.Bella? Alice asked in a sad voice, shifting over and curling up against my side. Her voice sounded so miserable that I wrapped my a rms around her shoulders in comfort.Whats wrong, Alice?Dont you cut me? she asked in that same sad tone.Of course I do. You discern that.Then why do I make you sneaking off to Vegas to get married without inviting me?Oh, I muttered, my cheeks turning pink. I could see that I had seriously hurt her feelings, and I hurried to defend myself. You know how I hate to make a big deal out of things. It was Edwards idea, anyway.I dont c atomic number 18 whose idea it was. How could you do this to me? I expect that kind of thing from Edward, but non from you. I recognise you like you were my own sister.To me, Alice, you are my sister.Words she growled.Fine, you can come. There wont be such(prenominal) to see.She was still grimacing.What? I demanded.How much do you love me, Bella?Why?She stared at me with pleading eyeball, her long black eyebrows slanting up in the middle and pulling together, her lips quivering at the corners. It was a heart-breaking expression.Please, please, please , she whispered. Please, Bella, please if you genuinely love me . . . Please let me do your wedding.Aw, Alice I groaned, pulling away and standing up. No Dont do this to me.If you really, truly love me, Bella.I folded my arms a transversal my chest. That is so unfair. And Edward kind of already used that one on me.Ill estimate Edward would like it go against if you did this traditionally, though hed never tell you that. And Esme think what it would conceive to herI groaned. Id rather face the newborns alone.Ill owe you for a decade.Youd owe me for a centuryHer look glowed. Is that a yes?No I dont want to do thisYou wont halt to do anything but walk a few yards and then repeat after the minister.Ugh Ugh, ughPlease? She started bouncing in place. Please, please, please, please, please?Ill never, never ever yield you for this, Alice.Yay she squealed, clapping her hands together.Thats non a yes exclusively it leave alone be, she sang.Edward I yelled, stalking out of the garag e. I know youre listening. pick up over here. Alice was accountability foot me, still clapping.Thanks so much, Alice, Edward said acidly, coming from female genitalia me. I turned to let him have it, but his expression was so worried and up fixed that I couldnt speak my complaints. I threw my arms around him instead, hiding my face, good in case the angry moisture in my eyes made it look like I was crying.Vegas, Edward promised in my ear. non a chance, Alice gloated. Bella would never do that to me. You know, Edward, as a brformer(a), you are sometimes a disappointment.Dont be mean, I grumbled at her. Hes onerous to make me happy, unlike you.Im trying to make you happy, too, Bella. Its just that I know better what will make you happy . . . in the long run. Youll thank me for this. Maybe not for fifty years, but definitely someday.I never prospect Id see the day where Id be willing to take a bet against you, Alice, but it has arrived.She laughed her silvery laugh. So, are yo u going to show me the ring?I grimaced in horror as she grabbed my left hand and then dropped it just as quickly.Huh. I saw him put it on you. . . . Did I miss something? she asked. She laborious for half a second, furrowing her brow, forward she answered her own questions. No. Weddings still on.Bella has issues with jewelry, Edward explained.Whats one more diamond? Well, I guess the ring has toilets of diamonds, but my point is that hes already got one on -Enough, Alice Edward cut her off un mindfuls. The way he glared at her . . . he looked like a lamia again. Were in a hurry.I dont understand. Whats that about diamonds? I asked.Well talk about it later, Alice said. Edward is right youd better get going. Youve got to set a trap and make mob before the storm comes. She frowned, and her expression was anxious, almost nervous. Dont forget your coat, Bella. It seems . . . unseasonably cold.Ive already got it, Edward assured her.Have a nice night, she told us in fare hearty.It w as twice as far to the clearing as coarse Edward took a long detour, reservation sure my scent would be nowhere near the scuff Jacob would hide later. He carried me in his arms, the bulky backpack in my usual spot.He stopped at the farthest end of the clearing and set me on my feet.All right. alone walk north for a ways, soupcon as much as you can. Alice gave me a clear picture of their path, and it wont take long for us to intersect it.North?He smiled and pointed out the right direction.I wandered into the woods, going away the clear yellow light of the strangely bright day in the clearing behind me. Maybe Alices blurred tummy would be wrong about the snow. I hoped so. The sky was mostly clear, though the wind whipped furiously through the open spaces. In the trees it was calmer, but much too cold for June notwithstanding in a long-sleeved shirt with a broad sweater over the top, there were goose bumps on my arms. I walked slowly, trailingmy fingers over anything close e nough the rough tree bark, the wet ferns, the moss- cover rocks.Edward persisted with me, walking a parallel line about twenty yards away.Am I doing this right? I called.Perfectly.I had an idea. Will this help? I asked as I ran my fingers through my hair and caught a few slow down strands. I draped them over the ferns.Yes, that does make the trail stronger. precisely you dont need to pull your hair out, Bella. It will be fine.Ive got a few extras I can spare.It was gloomy under the trees, and I wished I could walk surrounding(prenominal) to Edward and hold his hand.I wedged an different hair into a gloomy branch that cut through my path.You dont need to let Alice have her way, you know, Edward said.Dont worry about it, Edward. Im not going to leave you at the altar, regardless. I had a sinking feeling that Alice was going to get her way, mostly because she was totally unscrupulous when there was something she wanted, and withal because I was a sucker for guilt trips.Thats not what Im worried about. I want this to be what you want it to be.I adjudge down a sigh. It would hurt his feelings if I told the truth that it didnt really matter, because it was all just varying degrees of awful anyway.Well, even if she does get her way, we can keep it small. Just us. Emmett can get a clerical license off the Internet.I giggled. That does sound better. It wouldnt feel very official if Emmett read the vows, which was a plus. But Id have a hard time keeping a clean face.See, he said with a smile. Theres always a compromise.It took a while for me to reach 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 me on the same path. It all looked alike to me.We were almost to the clearing when I drip. I could see the wide opening a whirl, and thats probably why I got too eager and forgot to watch my feet. I caught myself before my head bashed into the nearest t ree, but a small branch snapped off under my left hand and gouged into my palm.Ouch Oh, fabulous, I muttered. atomic number 18 you all right?Im fine. Stay where you are. Im bleeding. It will stop in a minute.He ignored me. He was right there before I could finish.Ive got a first aid kit, he said, pulling off the backpack. I had a feeling I energy need it.Its not bad. I can take care of it you dont have to make yourself uncomfortable.Im not uncomfortable, he said calmly. Here let me clean it.Wait a second, I just got another idea.Without looking at the blood and leading through my mouth, just in case my stomach might react, I press my hand against a rock within 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 really gets them going.Edward sighed.Hold your breath, I told him.Im fine. I just think youre going overboard.This is all I get to do. I want to do a good j ob.We broke through the last of the trees as I spoke. I let my injured hand graze across the ferns.Well, you have, Edward assured me. The newborns will be frantic, and Jasper will be very impressed with your dedication. Now let me treat your hand youve gotten the cut dirty.Let me do it, please.He took my hand and smiled as he examined it. This doesnt bother me anymore.I watched him carefully as he cleaned the gash, looking for some sign of distress. He continued to breathe equally in and out, the same small smile on his lips.Why not? I finally asked as he smoothed a bind across my palm.He shrugged. I got over it.You . . . got over it? When? How? I es formulate to come back the last time hed held his breath around me. All I could think of was my wretched birthday party last September.Edward pursed his lips, seeming to look for for the words. I lived through an entire twenty-four hours thinking that you were dead, Bella. That changed the way I look at a lot of things.Did it chan ge the way I smell to you? non at all. But . . . having experienced the way it feels to think Ive lost you . . . my answers have changed. My entire being shies away from any course that could inspire that kind of pain again.I didnt know what to say to that.He smiled at my expression. I guess that you could call it a very educational experience.The wind tore through the clearing then, lashing my hair around my face and making me shiver.All right, he said, reaching into his pack again. Youve done your part. He pulled out my heavy winter jacket and held it out for me to lantern slide my arms in. Now its out of our hands. Lets go campingI laughed at the mock enthusiasm in his voice.He took my bandaged 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 preceding of us just as Jacob blackguardped warily from their prats.It shouldnt have surprised me to s ee him human. I wasnt sure why Id been looking for the big red- brown wolf.Jacob seemed large again no doubt a product of my expectations I must have unconsciously been hoping to see the smaller Jacob from my memory, the easygoing 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 have been a better way to do this.Too late now, I muttered glumly.He sighed.Hey, Jake, I greeted him when we got impendent.Hi, Bella.Hello, Jacob, Edward said.Jacob ignored the pleasantry, all business. Where do I take her?Edward pulled a map from a side pocket on the pack and offered it to him. Jacob unfolded it.Were here now, Edward said, reaching over to place the right spot. Jacob recoiled from his hand automatically, and then steadied himself. Edward pretended not to notice.And youre taking her up here, Edward continued, tracing a serpentine pattern around the prime lines on the paper. Roughly nine miles.Jacob nodded once.When youre about a mile away, you should cross my path. That will lead you in. Do you need the map?No, thanks. I know this area pretty well. I think I know where Im going.Jacob seemed to have 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 faded 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 rolled my eyes. surface-to-air missilee old, same old. Yeah, he agreed. Bunch of vampires trying to kill you. The usual.The usual.Well, he said as he shrugged into his jacket to forego 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, knocking them out from under me. His oth er arm caught me before my head hit the territory.Jerk, I muttered.Jacob chuckled, already running through the trees. He kept a steady pace, a brisk jog that a conciliate human could keep up with . . . across a level savourless . . . if they werent burdened with a hundred-plus pounds as he was.You dont have to run. Youll get tired. rivulet doesnt make me tired, he said. His breathing was even like the fixed tempo of a marathoner. Besides, it will be colder soon. I hope he gets the camp set up before we get there.I tapped my finger against the thick padding of his parka. I thought 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. notice how we havent seen any animals?Um, not really.I guess you wouldnt. Your senses are too dull.I let that pass. Alice was worried about the storm, too.It takes a lot to silence the f orest this way. You picked a hell of a night for a camping trip.It wasnt entirely my idea.The pathless way he took began to climb more and more steeply, but it didnt slow him down. He leapt easily from rock to rock, not seeming to need his hands at all. His perfect balance re spirited me of a mountain goat.Whats with the addition to your bracelet? he asked.I looked down, and realized that the crystallisation heart was facing up on my wrist.I shrugged guiltily. Another commencement present.He snorted. A rock. Figures.A rock? I was suddenly reminded of Alices unsanded sentence outside the garage. I stared at the bright white crystal and tried to remember what Alice had been saying before . . . about diamonds. Could she have been trying to say hes already got one on you? As in, I was already wearing one diamond from Edward? No, that was impossible. The heart would have to be tailfin carats or something crazy like that Edward wouldnt So its been a while since you came down to La Pu sh, Jacob said, interrupting my disturbing conjectures.Ive been busy, I told him. And . . . I probably wouldnt have visited, anyway.He grimaced. I thought you were supposititious to be the forgiving one, and I was the grudge-holder.I shrugged.Been thinking about that last time a lot, have you?Nope.He laughed. Either youre lying, or you are the stubbornest person alive.I dont know about the second part, but Im not lying.I didnt like having this conversation under the present conditions with his too-warm arms wrapped tightly around me and nothing at all I could do about it. His face was closer than I wanted 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 thought at all about our . . . er, conversation the last time you came over, then thats not true.That conversation isnt relevant to my decision.Some people will go to any lengths to delude themselves.Ive noticed that werewolves in particular are prone to th at mistake do you think its a genetic thing?Does that mean that hes a better kisser that I am? Jacob asked, suddenly glum.I really couldnt say, Jake. Edward is the further person Ive ever kissed.Besides me.But 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 free about that, he reminded me.And I forgave you . . . mostly. It doesnt change the way I remember it.He muttered something unintelligible.It was quiet then for a while there was just the sound of his measured breathing and the wind roaring high to a higher place us in the treetops. A cliff face rose ignore beside us, bare, rough gray stone. We followed the base as it curved upward out of the forest.I still think its pretty irresponsible, Jacob suddenly said.Whatever youre talking about, youre wrong.Think about it, Bella. According to you, youve kissed just one person who isnt even really a person in your whole life, and youre calling it quit? How do you know thats what you want? Shouldnt you play the field a midget?I kept my voice cool. I know exactly what I want.Then it couldnt hurt to double check. Maybe you should try kissing someone else just for comparisons sake . . . since what happened the other day doesnt count. You could kiss me, for example. I dont mind if you want 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 heap with me, Jake. I swear I wont stop him if he wants to break your jaw.The panic-struck edge to my voice made him smile wider. If you ask me to kiss you, he wont have any reason 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 broad 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 dinky popping sound. I snapped it shut at once, grinding 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 aware you are of me. Physically, I mean.How could anyone not be aware of you physically, Jacob? I demanded. Youre an rattling(a) monster who refuses to respect anyone elses personal space.I make you nervous. But only when Im human. When Im a wolf, youre more comfortable around me.Nervousness and irritation are not the same thing.He stared at me for a minute, slowing to a walk, the amusement draining from his face. His eyes narrowed, turned black i n the shadow of his brows. His breathing, so regular 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 jogging again. I dont really want to fight with your vampire tonight I mean, any other night, sure. But we both have a job to do tomorrow, and I wouldnt want to leave the Cullens one short.The sudden, unexpected swell of shame 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? But what if I was brave and Edward . . . I couldnt even think it.Whats the matter with you, Bella? The jocular bravado vanished from his face, revealing my Jacob underneath, like pulling a mask 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 pl ed.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 eyes wide with confusion.Edward isnt going to fight tomorrow, I whispered the explanation. Im making him stay 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 eyes to escape the thought.Jacob was quiet.I kept whispering, my eyes shut. If anyone gets hurt, it will always 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 always know what Im capable of. I felt just a tiny bit better, getting this off my chest. Even if I could only confess it to Jacob.He snorted. My eyes candid slowly, and I was sad to see that the hard mask was back.I c ant suppose he let you talk him out of going. I wouldnt miss 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.But 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. Even 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. But the whole time youre gone, Ill be sick with worry, Jake. Crazy with 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 sorry its not in the way you want, but thats just how it is. Youre my best friend. At least, you used to be. And still sometimes are . . . when you let your guard down.He smiled the old smil e that I loved. Im always that, he promised. Even when I dont . . . behave 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 ruin 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 freaky werewolf, Jacob.He wrinkled 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 shelter before that hits.We both looked up at the sky.A substantiality wall of purple-black cloud was racing in from the west, blackening the forest below 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, sharing your tent or anything. I like the storm to the smell. But Im sure your bloodsucker will want to keep in touch with the pack for coordination purposes, and so I will graciously provide that service.I thought that was Seths job.Hell take over tomorrow, during the fight.The reminder curb me for a second. I stared at him, worry springing up again with sudden fierceness. I dont suppose 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, but no. Then again, the begging 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, Sams calling 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 blank with surprise. Oh. That.How come you never told me that?Why would I? Its no big thing.I dont know. Why not? Its interesting. So, how does that work? How did Sam end up as the Alpha, and you as the . . . the Beta?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 adjoining to change.Well . . . its hard to explain, Jacob said evasively.Try.He sighed. Its more about the lineage, you know? fall apart of old-fashioned. Why should it matter who your grandpa was, right?I remembered something Jacob had told me a long time ago, before either of us had known anything about werewolves.Didnt you say that Ephraim Black was the last captain the Quileutes had?Yeah, thats right. Because he was the Alpha. Did you know that, technically, Sams the chief of the whole tribe now? He laughed. Crazy tradi tions.I thought about that for a second, trying to make all the pieces fit. But you also said that people 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 needed 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. Like me.That doesnt make sense.It doesnt matter.I just want to understand.Jacob finally met my confused 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 uncomfort able.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 like being drafted 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 rely someone else to get it right? Its better to make sure myself.I stared at him, feeling an unexpected kind of awe for my friend. He was more of a grown-up than Id ever given him credit for. Like with Billy the other night at the bonfire, there was a majesty here that Id n ever 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 terse sound of wood cracking echoed off the mountain. Though the light was vanishing as the grisly cloud covered the sky, I could still see the little white specks that fluttered past us.Jacob stepped up the pace, keeping his eyes on the ground now as he flat out sprinted. I curled more willingly against his chest, recoiling from the unwelcome 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 nestled up against the sheltering face. More flurries were falling around us, but the wind was too fierce to let them settle anywhere.Bella Edward called out in acute relief. Wed caught him in the middle of pacing back and fore across the little open space.He flashed to my side, sort of blurri ng as he moved so swiftly. Jacob cringed, and then set me on my feet. Edward ignored his reaction and caught me in a tight hug.Thank you, Edward said over my head. His tone was unmistakably 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 sky 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, stubby branch, and walked into the murky forest without a backward glance.