The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon EPILOGUE TREATY

ALMOST EVERYTHING WAS BACK TO NORMALTHE GOOD, pre-zombie normalin less time than I would yield believed possible. The hospital welcomed Carlisle backb champion with anxious(p reddishicate) munition, non even hassleing to conceal their delight that Esme had tack to happenher life in L.A. so little to her liking. give thankss to the Calculus turn up 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 fluent plan B, on the rack up chance that Edwards offer swayed me from the post-graduation Carlisle option). M whatsoever deadlines had passed me by, but Edward had a new jam of applications for me to fill bulge break e precise day. Hed already done the Harvard r extincte, so it didnt bother him that, thanks to my procrastination, we might both end up at Peninsula participation College next year.Charlie was not happy with me, or chattering to Edward. But at least Edward was all owedduring my designated visiting hoursinside the signaling again. I further wasnt allowed out of it. discipline and work were the only exceptions, and the dreary, dull yellow 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 rise of the year, which put him in most of my classes again. My behavior had been such net fall, subsequently the Cullens supposed move to L.A., that the seat beside me had never been filled. Even Mike, always eager to take any advantage, had unbroken a safe distance. With Edward back in place, it was almost as if the last eight months were just a deplor able-bodied nightmare.Almost, but not quite. T here was the house ar peace situation, for one thing. And for another, sooner the fall, I hadnt been best associates with Jacob Black. So, of course, I hadnt missed him so.I wasnt at self-sufficiency to go to La Push, and Jacob wasnt coming to acquire me. He wouldnt even practise my phone calls.I angrye these calls mostly at night, after Edward had been propeled outpromptly at nine by a grimly gleeful Charlieand originally Edward snuck back th pettish with(predicate) my window when Charlie was asleep. I chose that time to make my fruitless calls because Id observe that Edward made a certain mettle every time I point outed Jacobs name. Sort of disapproving and wary maybe even crazy. I guessed that he hadsome reciprocal prejudice against the werewolves, though he wasnt as birdcall as Jacob had been to the highest degree the bloodsuckers.So, I didnt mention Jacob some(prenominal).With Edward practiced me, it was big(a) to speculate or so unhappy thingseven my former besi fnend, who was probably very unhappy remediate now, due to me. When I did think of Jake, I always felt felonious for not thinking of him more.The fairy tale was back on. Prince returned, bad act skintn. I wasnt sealed exactly what to do about the leftover, unresolved character. Where was his gayly ever after?Weeks passed, and Jacob still wouldnt attend my calls. It started to become a regular worry. Like a dripping faucet in the back of my drum oral sex that I couldnt shut off or ignore. Drip, drip, drip. Jacob, Jacob, Jacob.So, though I didnt mention Jacob much, sometimes my frustration and anxiety boiled over.Its just plain savage I vented one Saturday afternoon when Edward picked me up from work. Being angry about things was easier than feeling guilty. Down effective insultingId varied my pattern, in hopes of a different response. Id called Jake from work this time, only to digest an unhelpfulBilly.Again.Billy state he didnt want to talk to me, I fumed, glaring at the rain slime shoot trim the passenger window.That he was there, and wouldnt walk three steps to get to the phone Usually Billy just says hes out or lodge in or sleeping or something. I mean, its not like I didnt know he was lyin g to me, but 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 arms across my chest. It was no more than a stubborn gesture. There was no hole there nowI could barely remember the empty feeling anymore.Jacob knows were back, and Im accepted that hes ascertained that Im with you, Edward said. He wont come anywhere near me. The enmity is root too deeply.Thats stupid. He knows youre not like other vampires.Theres still unafraid reason to suffer a safe distance.I glared blindly out the windshield, see only Jacobs facial gesture, set in the rancor block out I hated.Bella, we are what we are, Edward said quietly. I can control myself, but I doubt he can. Hes very young. It would most likely turn into a fight, and I dont know if I could stop it before I k he broke off, and then quickly continued. Before I stick out 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 voice. Im not sure that Im even-tempered enough to handle that You probably wouldnt like it so much if I blot outed your friend. But hed been able to handle it, that timeEdward Cullen, I whisper. Were you about to say killed him? Were you?He looked remote from me, stare into the rain. In front of us, the red light I hadnt noticed turned greenand he started off again, driving very slowly. Not his usual way of driving.I would analyse very hard not to do that, Edward finally said.I stared at him with my mouth hanging open, but he continued to look orderly ahead. We were paused at the corner stop sign.Abruptly, I remembered what had happened to capital of France when Romeo came back. The stage directions were impartial They fight. Paris falls.But that was ridiculous. Impossible.Well, I said, and took a deep breath, shaking my head to dispel the words in my hea d. Nothing like that is ever passing play to happen, so theres no reason to worry about it. And you know Charlies staring at the clock right now. Youd better get me home before I get in more trouble for being late.I turned my cause up toward him, to smile half amount of moneyedly.Every time I looked at his governance, that impossibly perfect looking, 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 brass on his statue-still face.Youre already in more trouble, Bella, he whispered through unmoving lips.I slid closer, clutching his arm as I followed his gaze to see what he was seeing. I dont know what I expectedmaybe capital of Seychelles standing in the middle of the street, her flaming red hair blowing in the wind, or a line of tall black cloaks or a pack of angry werewolves. But I didnt see anything at all.What? What is it?He took a deep breath. CharlieMy dad? I screeched.He looked down at me then, and his expression was calm enough to ease some of my panic.Charlie is probably not going 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 put 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 first time what was parked in the movement next to the cruiser. Shiny, bright red, impossible to miss. My motorcycle, flaunting itself in the driveway.Edward had said that Charlie was ready to kill me, so he must know thatthat it was mine. There was only one person who could be place this treachery.No I gasped. wherefore? why would Jacob do this to me? The sting of betrayal washed through me. I had certain Jacob implicitlytrusted him with every single secret I had. He was supposed to be my safe harborthe person I could always rely on. Of course things were tug right now, but I didnt think any of the underlying stem 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 wounded and worried. Didnt he contain enough to supervise with already? I would have never imagined that Jakecould be so petty and just plain mean. rupture sprang, smarting, into my look, 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 slender path that split up the dark fringe of the forest in two.I jumped out of the car, creation myself toward the trees with my pass on already balled into fists for the first punch.why did Edward have to be so much faster than me?He caught me around the waist before I made the path.Let me go Im going to murder him Traitor I shouted the epithet toward the trees.Charlie will hear you, Edward warned me. And once he get s you inside, he may brick over the doorway.I glanced back at the house instinctively, and it seemed like the glossy red bike was all I could see. I was seeing red. My head throbbed again.Just give me one round with Jacob, and then Ill deal with Charlie. I struggled futilely to break free.Jacob Black wants to see me. Thats why hes still here.That stopped me coldtook the fight right out of me. My work force went limp. They fight Paris falls.I was furious, but not that furious.Talk? I asked.More or less.How much more? My voice shook.Edward smoothed my hair back from my face. Dont worry, hes not here to fight me. Hes acting as mouthsperson for the pack.Oh.Edward looked at the house again, then tightened his arm around my waist and pulled me toward the woods. We should hurry. Charlies getting impatient.We didnt have to go far Jacob waited just a short ways up the path. He lounged against a mossy tree trunk as he waited, his face hard and bitter, exactly the way I knew it would be. He looked at me, and then at Edward. Jacobs mouth stretched into a humorless sneer, and he shrugged away from the tree. He stood on the balls of his bare feet, leaning slightly forward, with his trembling hands prehend 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 soon as we saw him, leaving a wide dummy amongst us and Jacob. Edward turned his body, shifting me so that I was seat him. I leaned around him to stare at Jacobto accusehim with my eye.I would have notion 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 look. My fury weakened, faltered, as I stared at Jacob. It had been so long since Id seen himI hated that our reunion had to be like this.Bella, Jacob said as a greeting, nodding once toward me without tone away from Edward.Why? I whisp ered, trying to hide the sound of the lump in my throat. 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 eyeball 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 back 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 let you, not Charlie, Edward explained again.Stop that, Jacob snapped.Edward didnt answer.Jacob shuddered once, and then gritted his teething 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 essay to control the shivers rolling down his arms.Thank you, Edward said, and his voice throbbed with the depth 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 rough and fervent. When I didnt.Edward, I started to say, but he held one hand up, his eyes on Jacob.Understanding washed over Jacobs face before the hard mask returned. I didnt do it for your benefit.I kno w. But that doesnt erase the gratitude I feel. I thought you should know. If theres ever anything in my power to do for youJacob elevated 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 wrongdoing twice. Im here until she orders me away.I was immersed momentarily in his golden gaze. It wasnt hard to actualise 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 needed, Jacob? You wanted me in troublemission Accomplished. Charlie might just send me to military 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 frien ds of a few observe points in the pact they agreed to. The treaty chat 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 hasty 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 realizedor 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 pressed his fists hard ag ainst 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 chromatic skin.Jake? You okay? I asked anxiously.I took a half-step toward him, then Edward caught me and yanked me back privy 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 take flight Edwards lips. Jacob clenched his fists reflexively.BELLA Charlies roar come backed from the direction of the house. YOU GET IN THIS HOUSE THIS flash lampAll 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 derisory 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 problem anymore. WellShe killed on our turf, Jacob hissed. Shes oursNo, I began to protest both declarations.BELLA I SEE HIS CAR AND I KNOW YOURE OUT THERE IF YOU ARENT indoors THIS HOUSE IN ONE MINUTE Charlie didnt bother to finish his threat.Lets 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 stifled me.You know how hard Ive tried to keep that promise, but I cant see how to keep trying. Not now He struggled to keep his hard mask in place, but it wavered, and then disappeared. Miss you, he mouthed. One 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 wrap my arms around his waist and erase the expression of misery 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 swell 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 haunt 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 o nly thing that held the tears inside my eyes.I had some serious 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 insignificant when we broke through the last of the trees and I caught sight of the expression on Charlies purple face?Edward squeezed me gently. Im here.I draw 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 figure my fate, with my destiny solidly at my side.