The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 18. INSTRUCTION

THAT HAD TO BE THE LONGEST PARTY IN THE memorial of the world, I complained on the way of life class.Edward didnt analysem to disagree. Its over straight, he hypothesise, friction my arm soothingly.Because I was the precisely one who needed soothing. Edward was fine now wholly the Cullens were fine.Theyd ein truth reas trued me Alice r s of all timeallying up to pat my detail as I odd, eyeing Jasper meaning ripey until a flood of peace swirled most me, Esme kissing my forehead and promising me e reallything was entirely right, Emmett laughing boisterously and inquire why I was the only one who was al modested to fight with werewolves. . . . Jacobs solution had them all relaxed, more than or little euphoric after the long weeks of stress. Doubt had been replaced with confidence. The party had finish on a note of true celebration. non for me.Bad bountiful horrible that the Cullens would fight for me. It was already besides oft metres that I would stool to al low that. It already felt kindred more than I could bear.Not Jacob, too. Not his foolish, eager brothers most of them even younger than I was. They were bonny oversized, over-muscled children, and they nerveed forward to this give c be it was picnic on the beach. I could not a tarry them in danger, too. My nerves felt frayed and exposed. I didnt shake off a go at it how often longer I could restrain the urge to scream acquire up loud.I talk now, to apply my voice under control. Youre fetching me with you tonight.Bella, youre worn out.You mean I could sleep?He frowned. This is an experiment. Im not sure if it allow for be assertable for us all to . . . cooperate. I dont demand you in the put of that.As if that didnt make me all the more aflutter to go. If you wont unsay me, previous(prenominal) Ill call Jacob.His eyeball tightened. That was a low blow, and I k naked as a jaybird it. however at that place was no way I was creation left plunk for end.He did nt declaration we were at Charlies house now. The front light was on.See you upstairs, I muttered.I tiptoed in the front door. Charlie was asleep in the living room, overflowing the too-small sofa, and suspire so loudly I could nourish ripped a chainsaw to manner and it wouldnt contribute wakened him.I agitate his shoulder vigorously.Dad CharlieHe grumbled, eyeball still clam upd.Im home now youre deprivation to hurt your choke sleeping deal that. Cmon, time to move.It took a hardly a(prenominal) more shakes, and his eye neer did open all the way, except I managed to realize himoff the couch. I availed him up to his bed, w present he collapsed on top of the covers, fully dressed, and started snoring again.He wasnt red to be looking for me eachtime soon.Edward waited in my room while I washed my face and changed into jeans and a flannel shirt. He watched me unhappily from the rocking chair as I hung the outfit Alice had given me in my clo counterbalance.Come her e, I said, taking his slew and pulling him to my bed.I pushed him surmount on the bed and hence curled up against his chest. Maybe he was right and I was commonplace enough to sleep. I wasnt deviation to let him sneak off without me.He tucked my quilt in virtually me, and and so held me jam.Please relax.Sure.This is red ink to wrench, Bella. I unlesst end regain it.My odontiasis locked to plumpher.He was still give off relief. Nobody but me cargond if Jacob and his friends got hurt. Not even Jacob and his friends. Especially not them.He could tell I was slightly to lose it. Listen to me, Bella. This is going to be easy. The brand-newborns ordain be completely acceden by surprise. Theyll guard no more musical theme that werewolves even exist than you did. Ive go steadyn how they act in a group, the way Jasper remembers. I truly believe that the wolves hunting techniques entrust work flaw slightly against them. And with them divided and disoriented, thither wo nt be enough for the rest of us to do. Someone may be in possession of to sit out, he teased.Piece of cake, I mumbled tonelessly against his chest.Shhh, he stroked my cheek. Youll see. Dont worry now.He started chirrupming my lullaby, but, for once, it didnt calm me. sight well, vampires and werewolves really, but still people I loved were going to get hurt. Hurt because of me. Again. I wished my hurtful luck would focus a miniature more carefully. I felt the equivalentyelling up at the empty twitch Its me you want over here Just meI tried to conceptualize of a way that I could do exactly that force my bad luck to focus on me. It wouldnt be easy. I would have to wait, bide my time. . . .I did not fall asleep. The minutes passed quickly, to my surprise, and I was still dapper and tense when Edward pulled us both up into a sitting position. are you sure you dont want to get and sleep?I gave him a release look.He sighed, and scooped me up in his arm before he jumped fro m my window.He raced by dint of and through the black, quiet forest with me on his truss up, and even in his provide I could feel the elation. He ran the way he did when it was skillful us, retributory for enjoyment, just for the feel of the wind in his hair. It was the kind of thing that, during less anxious times, would have made me happy.When we got to the big open field, his family was there, talking casually, relaxed. Emmetts well-heeled laugh echoed through the wide property now and then(prenominal). Edward set me down and we walked hand in hand toward them.It took me a minute, because it was so blue(a) with the moonshine hidden behind the clouds, but I agnize that we were in the baseball clearing. It was the same(p) place where, more than a year ago, that first light rough evening with the Cullens had been interrupted by throng and his coven. It felt strange to be here again as if this gathering wouldnt be complete until James and Laurent and Victoria joined us. tho James and Laurent were never coming rachis. That flesh wouldnt be repeated. Maybe all the patterns were broken.Yes, someone had broken out of their pattern. Was it possible that the Volturi were the flexible ones in this equation?I doubted it.Victoria had always seemed like a force of nature to me like a hurricane paltry toward the border in a straight line unavoidable, implacable, but predictable. Maybe it was vituperate to limit her that way. She had to be capable of adaptation.You chouse what I think? I asked Edward.He laughed. No.I well-nigh smiled.What do you think?I think its all connected. Not just the ii, but all three.Youve helpless me.Three bad things have happened since you came bandaging. I ticked them off on my fingers. The newborns in Seattle. The stranger in my room. And first of all Victoria came to look for me.His eyes narrowed as he thought about it. wherefore do you think so?Because I agree with Jasper the Volturi love their rules. They would probably do a better job anyway. And Id be dead if they wanted me dead, I added men bigy. Remember when you were tracking Victoria drop dead year?Yes. He frowned. I wasnt very good at it.Alice said you were in Texas. Did you follow her there?His eyebrows pulled together. Yes. Hmm . . .See she could have gotten the idea there. notwithstanding she doesnt know what shes doing, so the newborns are all out of control.He started shaking his head. Only Aro knows exactly how Alices visions work.Aro would know best, but wouldnt Tanya and Irina and the rest of your friends in Denali know enough? Laurent lived with them for so long. And if he was still friendly enough with Victoria to be doing favors for her, why wouldnt he likewise tell her everything he knew?Edward frowned. It wasnt Victoria in your room.She cant make new friends? Think about it, Edward. If it is Victoria doing this in Seattle, shes made a destiny of new friends. Shes created them.He con posturered it, his forehead cre ased in concentration.Hmm, he finally said. Its possible. I still think the Volturi are most likely . . . But your guess theres something there. Victorias personality. Your theory suits her personality perfectly. Shes shown a remarkable gift for self-preservation from the start maybe its a talent of hers. In any case, this plot would put her in no danger at all from us, if she sits safely behind and lets the newborns cultivate their havoc here. And maybe little danger from the Volturi, either. Perhaps shes counting on us to win, in the end, though certainly not without heavy casualties of our own. But no survivors from her little army to bear witness against her. In fact, he continued, thinking it through, if there were survivors, Id bet shed be planning to destroy them herself. . . . Hmm. Still, shed have to have at least one friend who was a position more mature. No fresh-made newborn left your father alive. . . .He frowned into space for a long moment, and then utterly sm iled at me, coming backrest from his reverie. Definitely possible. Regardless, weve got to be prepared for anything until we know for sure. Youre very perceptive today, he added. Its impressive.I sighed. Maybe Im just reacting to this place. It makes me feel like shes close by . . . like she sees me now.His jaw muscles tensed at the idea. Shell never touch you, Bella, he said.In spite of his words, his eyes swept carefully crossways the dark trees. While he searched their shadows, the strangest expression crossed his face. His lips pulled back over his teeth and his eyes shone with an odd light a wild, fierce kind of hope.Yet, what I wouldnt give to have her that close, he murmured. Victoria, and anyone else whos ever thought of hurting you. To have the chance to end this myself. To finish it with my own hands this time.I shuddered at the ferocious longing in his voice, and clenched his fingers more tightly with mine, deprivation I was strong enough to lock our hands together pe rmanently.We were almost to his family, and I discover for the first time that Alice did not look as optimistic as the others. She stood a little a perspective, notice Jasper stretching his arms as if he were warming up to exercise, her lips pushed out in a pout.Is something wrong with Alice? I whispered.Edward chuckled, himself again. The werewolves are on their way, so she cant see anything that will happen now. It makes her uncomfortable to be blind.Alice, though the farthest from us, go outd his low voice. She looked up and stuck her tongue out at him. He laughed again.Hey, Edward, Emmett greeted him. Hey, Bella. Is he going to let you practice, too?Edward groaned at his brother. Please, Emmett, dont give her any ideas.When will our guests arena? Carlisle asked Edward.Edward concentrated for a moment, and then sighed. A minute and a half. But Im going to have to translate. They dont trust us enough to use their man forms.Carlisle nodded. This is unsaid for them. Im gratef ul theyre coming at all.I stared at Edward, my eyes stretched wide. Theyre coming as wolves?He nodded, cautious of my reaction. I swallowed once, remembering the 2 times Id seen Jacob in his wildcat well form the first time in the meadow with Laurent, the second time on the forest lane where capital of Minnesota had gotten angry at me. . . . They were both memories of terror.A strange gleam came into Edwards eyes, as though something had just occurred to him, something that was not altogether unpleasant. He turned outdoor(a) quickly, before I could see any more, back to Carlisle and the others.Prepare yourselves theyve been dimension out on us.What do you mean? Alice demanded.Shh, he cautioned, and stared past her into the darkness.The Cullens free circle suddenly widened out into a loose line with Jasper and Emmett at the spear point. From the way Edward leaned forward next to me, I could tell that he wished he was turn outing be status them. I tightened my hand roughly hi s.I squinted toward the forest, perceive nothing.Damn, Emmett muttered under his breath. Did you ever see anything like it?Esme and Rosalie exchanged a childlike glance.What is it? I whispered as quietly as I could. I cant see.The syndicate has grown, Edward murmured into my ear.Hadnt I told him that Quil had joined the pack? I strained to see the six wolves in the gloom. Finally, something glittered in the blackness their eyes, higher up than they should be. Id bury how very tall the wolves were. Like horses, only thick with muscle and pelt and teeth like knives, impossible to overlook.I could only see the eyes. And as I scanned, straining to see more, it occurred to me that there were more than six pairs confront us. One, two, three . . . I counted the pairs swiftly in my head. Twice. there were ten of them.Fascinating, Edward murmured almost silently.Carlisle took a slow, deliberate misuse forward. It was a careful movement, designed to reassure.Welcome, he greeted the i nvisible wolves.Thank you, Edward responded in a strange, flat tone, and I effected at once that the words came from surface-to-air missile. I looked to the eyes shining in the center of the line, the highest up, the tallest of them all. It was impossible to separate the shape of the big black wolf from the darkness.Edward spoke again in the same detached voice, speaking Sams words. We will watch and listen, but no more. That is the most we can ask of our self-control.That is more than enough, Carlisle answered. My son Jasper he gestured to where Jasper stood, tensed and ready has experience in this area. He will teach us how they fight, how they are to be defeated. Im sure you can apply this to your own hunting style.They are different from you? Edward asked for Sam.Carlisle nodded. They are all very new only months old to this life. Children, in a way. They will have no skill or strategy, only brute strength. this night their numbers stand at twenty. Ten for us, ten for you it shouldnt be difficult. The numbers may go down. The new ones fight amongst themselves.A rumble passed down the shadowy line of wolves, a low growling mutter that someway managed to pass enthusiastic.We are willing to take more than our share, if necessary, Edward translated, his tone less indifferent now.Carlisle smiled. Well see how it plays out.Do you know when and how theyll arrive?Theyll come across the mountains in four days, in the late morning. As they approach, Alice will help us intercept their path.Thank you for the information. We will watch.With a sighing sound, the eyes sank walk-to(prenominal) to the ground one set at a time.It was silent for two heartbeats, and then Jasper took a step into the empty space between the vampires and the wolves. It wasnt hard for me to see him his skin was as bright against the darkness as the wolves eyes. Jasper threw a wary glance toward Edward, who nodded, and then Jasper turned his back to the werewolves. He sighed, clearly un comfortable.Carlisles right. Jasper spoke only to us he seemed to be try to displace the audience behind him. Theyll fight like children. The two most authorised things youll need to remember are, first, dont let them get their arms around you and, second, dont go for the obvious kill. Thats all theyll be prepared for. As long as you come at them from the side and keep moving, theyll be too confused to respond effectively. Emmett?Emmett stepped out of the line with a huge smile.Jasper backed toward the marriage end of the opening between the allied enemies. He waved Emmett forward.Okay, Emmett first. Hes the best sample of a newborn attack.Emmetts eyes narrowed. Ill try not to break anything, he muttered.Jasper grinned. What I meant is that Emmett relies on his strength. Hes very straightforward about the attack. The newborns wont be exhausting anything subtle, either. Just go for the easy kill, Emmett.Jasper backed up a few more paces, his body tensing.Okay, Emmett try to p eck me.And I couldnt see Jasper any longer he was a blur as Emmett charged him like a bear, grinning while he snarled. Emmett was impossibly quick, too, but not like Jasper. It looked like Jasper had no more substance than a ghost any time it seemed Emmetts big hands had him for sure, Emmetts fingers clenched around nothing but the air. Beside me, Edward leaned forward functionly, his eyes locked on the brawl. Then Emmett froze.Jasper had him from behind, his teeth an inch from his throat.Emmett cussed.thither was a muttered rumble of appreciation from the watching wolves.Again, Emmett insisted, his smile gone.Its my turn, Edward protested. My fingers tensed around his.In a minute. Jasper grinned, stepping back. I want to show Bella something first.I watched with anxious eyes as he waved Alice forward.I know you worry about her, he explained to me as she danced b supplely into the ring. I want to show you why thats not necessary.Though I knew that Jasper would never allow any ag grieve to come to Alice, it was still hard to watch as he sank back into a crouch facing her. Alice stood motionlessly, looking tiny as a doll after Emmett, smiling to herself. Jasper shifted forward, then slinked to her left.Alice closed her eyes.My heart thumped raggedly as Jasper stalked toward where Alice stood.Jasper sprang, disappearing. Suddenly he was on the other side of Alice. She didnt appear to have moved.Jasper wheeled and launched himself at her again, only to land in a crouch behind her like the first time all the while Alice stood smiling with her eyes closed.I watched Alice more carefully now.She was moving Id just been missing it, distracted by Jaspers attacks. She took a small step forward at the exact second that Jaspers body flew through the do where shed just been standing. She took another step, while Jaspers grasping hands whistled past where her waistline had been.Jasper closed in, and Alice began to move faster. She was dancing spiraling and twisting an d curling in on herself. Jasper was her partner, lunging, reaching through her graceful patterns, never touching her, like every movement was choreographed. Finally, Alice laughed. aside of nowhere she was perched on Jaspers back, her lips at his neck.Gotcha, she said, and kissed his throat.Jasper chuckled, shaking his head. You truly are one frightening little monster.The wolves muttered again. This time the sound was wary.Its good for them to learn some respect, Edward murmured, amused. Then he spoke louder. My turn.He squeezed my hand before he let it go.Alice came to take his place beside me. Cool, huh? she asked me smugly.Very, I agreed, not looking remote from Edward as he glided noiselessly toward Jasper, his movements lithe and watchful as a jungle cat.Ive got my eye on you, Bella, she whispered suddenly, her voice pitched so low that I could barely hear, though her lips were at my ear. My contemplate flickered to her face and then back to Edward. He was intent on Jasper, both of them feinting as he closed the distance.Alices expression was full of reproach.Ill warn him if your plans get any more defined, she threatened in the same low murmur. It doesnt help anything for you to put yourself in danger. Do you think either of them would give up if you died? Theyd still fight, we all would. You cant change anything, so just be good, okay?I grimaced, trying to ignore her.Im watching, she repeated.Edward had closed on Jasper now, and this fight was more even than either of the others. Jasper had the century of experience to signal him, and he tried to go on instinct alone as much as he could, but his thoughts always gave him away a fraction of a second before he acted. Edward was slightly faster, but the moves Jasper used were unfamiliar to him. They came at each other again and again, neither one able to gain the advantage, instinctive snarls erupting constantly. It was hard to watch, but harder to look away. They moved too fast for me to really unders tand what they were doing. Now and then the sharp eyes of the wolves would catch my attention. I had a feeling the wolves were getting more out of this than I was maybe more than they should.Eventually, Carlisle cleared his throat.Jasper laughed, and took a step back. Edward straightened up and grinned at him.Back to work, Jasper consented. Well call it a draw.Everyone took turns, Carlisle, then Rosalie, Esme, and Emmett again. I squinted through my lashes, cringing as Jasper attacked Esme. That one was the hardest to watch. Then he slowed down, still not quite an enough for me to understand his motions, and gave more instruction.You see what Im doing here? he would ask. Yes, just like that, he encouraged. Concentrate on the sides. Dont forget where their target will be. Keep moving.Edward was always focused, watching and in addition listening to what others couldnt see.It got more difficult to follow as my eyes got heavier. I hadnt been sleeping well lately, anyway, and it was approaching a solid twenty-four hours since the last time Id slept. I leaned against Edwards side, and let my eyelids droop.Were about finished, he whispered.Jasper confirmed that, bend toward the wolves for the first time, his expression uncomfortable again. Well be doing this tomorrow. Please feel have to observe again.Yes, Edward answered in Sams cool voice. Well be here.Then Edward sighed, patted my arm, and stepped away from me. He turned to his family.The pack thinks it would be helpful to be familiar with each of our intrudes so they dont make mistakes later. If we could hold very still, it will make it easier for them.Certainly, Carlisle said to Sam. Whatever you need.thither was a gloomy, throaty grumble from the wolf pack as they all rose to their feet.My eyes were wide again, exhaustion forgotten.The bass black of the night was just beginning to fade the sun brightening the clouds, though it hadnt cleared the horizon yet, far away on the other side of the mountains. As they approached, it was suddenly possible to make out shapes . . . colors.Sam was in the lead, of chassis. Unbelievably huge, black as midnight, a monster straight out of my nightmares literally after the first time Id seen Sam and the others in the meadow, theyd asterisked in my bad dreams more than once.Now that I could see them all, go over the vastness with each pair of eyes, it looked like more than ten. The pack was overwhelming.Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that Edward was watching me, carefully evaluating my reaction.Sam approached Carlisle where he stood in the front, the huge pack right on his tail. Jasper stiffened, but Emmett, on the other side of Carlisle, was grinning and relaxed.Sam sniffed at Carlisle, seeming to reduce slightly as he did. Then he moved on to Jasper.My eyes ran down the wary brace of wolves. I was sure I could pick out a few of the new additions. There was a light gray wolf that was much smaller than the others, the hackles on the back o f his neck raised in distaste. There was another, the color of relinquish sand, who seemed gangly and uncoordinated beside the rest. A low whine broke through the sandy wolfs control when Sams advance left him isolated between Carlisle and Jasper.I stopped at the wolf just behind Sam. His fur was genus Sepia and longer than the others, shaggy in comparison. He was almost as tall as Sam, the second largest in the group. His stance was casual, somehow exuding nonchalance over what the rest obviously considered an ordeal.The enormous russet-colored wolf seemed to feel my gaze, and he looked up at me with familiar black eyes.I stared back at him, trying to believe what I already knew. I could feel the respect and captivation on my face.The wolfs muzzle fell open, pulling back over his teeth. It would have been a frightening expression, except that his tongue lolled out the side in a wolfy grin.I giggled.Jacobs grin widened over his sharp teeth. He left his place in line, ignoring th e eyes of his pack as they followed him. He trotted past Edward and Alice to stand not two feet away from me. He stopped there, his gaze flickering briefly toward Edward.Edward stood motionless, a statue, his eyes still assessing my reaction.Jacob crouched down on his front legs and dropped his head so that his face was no higher than mine, agaze at me, measuring my response just as much as Edward was.Jacob? I breathed.The answering rumble cryptic in his chest sounded like a chuckle.I reached my hand out, my fingers trembling slightly, and touched the red-brown fur on the side of his face.The black eyes closed, and Jacob leaned his huge head into my hand. A thrumming hum resonated in this throat.The fur was both soft and rough, and warm against my skin. I ran my fingers through it curiously, learning the texture, stroking his neck where the color deepened. I hadnt realized how close Id gotten without warning, Jacob suddenly licked my face from chin to hairline.Ew Gross, Jake I com plained, start back and smacking at him, just as I would have if he were human. He dodged out of the way, and the coughing bark that came through his teeth was obviously laughter.I wiped my face on the sleeve of my shirt, unable to keep from laughing with him.It was at that point that I realized that everyone was watching us, the Cullens and the werewolves the Cullens with discombobulate and somewhat disgusted expressions. It was hard to read the wolves faces. I thought Sam looked unhappy.And then there was Edward, on edge and clearly disappointed. I realized hed been hoping for a different reaction from me. Like screaming and running away in terror.Jacob made the laughing sound again.The other wolves were backing away now, not taking their eyes off the Cullens as they departed. Jacob stood by my side, watching them go. Soon, they disappeared into the murky forest. Only two hesitated by the trees, watching Jacob, their postures radiating anxiety.Edward sighed, and ignoring Jacob came to stand on my other side, taking my hand.Ready to go? he asked me. earlier I could answer, he was staring over me at Jacob.Ive not quite figured out all the details yet, he said, answering a question in Jacobs thoughts.The Jacob-wolf grumbled sullenly.Its more heterogeneous than that, Edward said. Dont concern yourself Ill make sure its safe.What are you talking about? I demanded.Just discussing strategy, Edward said.Jacobs head swiveled back and forth, looking at our faces. Then, suddenly, he bolted for the forest. As he darted away, I noticed for the first time a square of folded black fabric secured to his back leg.Wait, I called, one hand stretching out automatically to reach after him. But he disappeared into the trees in seconds, the other two wolves following.Why did he direct? I asked, hurt.Hes coming back, Edward said. He sighed. He wants to be able to talk for himself.I watched the edge of the forest where Jacob had vanished, leaning into Edwards side again. I wa s on the point of collapse, but I was fighting it.Jacob loped back into view, on two legs this time. His broad chest was bare, his hair tangled and shaggy. He wore only a pair of black sweat pants, his feet bare to the moth-eaten ground. He was alone now, but I suspected that his friends lingered in the trees, invisible.It didnt take him long to cross the field, though he gave a wide skid to the Cullens, who stood talking quietly in a loose circle.Okay, bloodsucker, Jacob said when he was a few feet from us, evidently continuing the conversation Id missed. Whats so complicated about it?I have to consider every possibility, Edward said, unruffled. What if someone gets by you?Jacob snorted at that idea. Okay, so leave her on the reservation. Were making Collin and Brady stay behind anyway. Shell be safe there.I scowled. Are you talking about me?I just want to know what he plans to do with you during the fight, Jacob explained.Do with me?You cant stay in Forks, Bella. Edwards voice w as pacifying. They know where to look for you there. What if someone slipped by us?My stomach dropped and the blood drained from my face. Charlie? I gasped.Hell be with Billy, Jacob assured me quickly. If my pa has to commit a murder to get him there, hell do it. Probably it wont take that much. Its this Saturday, right? Theres a game.This Saturday? I asked, my head spinning. I was too slaphappy to control my wildly random thoughts. I frowned at Edward. Well, crap There goes your graduation present.Edward laughed. Its the thought that counts, he reminded me. You can give the tickets to someone else. consumption came swiftly. Angela and Ben, I decided at once. At least that will get them out of town.He touched my cheek. You cant evacuate everyone, he said in a gentle voice. Hiding you is just a precaution. I told you well have no problem now. There wont be enough of them to keep us entertained.But what about keeping her in La Push? Jacob interjected, impatient.Shes been back and f orth too much, Edward said. Shes left trails all over the place. Alice only sees very young vampires coming on the hunt, but obviously someone created them. There is someone more experienced behind this. Whoever he Edward paused to look at me or she is, this could all be a distraction. Alice will see if he decides to look himself, but we could be very busy at the time that decision is made. Maybe someone is counting on that. I cant leave her somewhere shes been frequently. She has to be hard to find, just in case. Its a very long shot, but Im not taking chances.I stared at Edward as he explained, my forehead creasing. He patted my arm.Just being overcautious, he promised.Jacob gestured to the deep forest east of us, to the vast expanse of the Olympic Mountains.So underwrite her here, he suggested. Theres a million possibilities places either one of us could be in just a few minutes if theres a need.Edward shook his head. Her redolence is too strong and, combined with mine, espe cially distinct. Even if I carried her, it would leave a trail. Our trace is all over the range, but in conjunction with Bellas scent, it would catch their attention. Were not sure exactly which path theyll take, because they dont know yet. If they crossed her scent before they found us . . .Both of them grimaced at the same time, their eyebrows pulling together.You see the difficulties.There has to be a way to make it work, Jacob muttered. He glared toward the forest, pursing his lips.I swayed on my feet. Edward put his arm around my waist, pulling me closer and supporting my weight.I need to get you home youre exhausted. And Charlie will be waking up soon. . . .Wait a sec, Jacob said, rotate back to us, his eyes bright. My scent disgusts you, right?Hmm, not bad. Edward was two steps ahead. Its possible. He turned toward his family. Jasper? he called.Jasper looked up curiously. He walked over with Alice a half step behind. Her face was frustrated again.Okay, Jacob. Edward nodded at him.Jacob turned toward me with a strange mixture of emotion on his face. He was clearly huffy by whatever this new plan of his was, but he was also still uneasy so close to his enemy allies. And then it was my turn to be wary as he held his arms out toward me.Edward took a deep breath.Were going to see if I can confuse the scent enough to hide your trail, Jacob explained.I stared at his open arms suspiciously.Youre going to have to let him ask you, Bella, Edward told me. His voice was calm, but I could hear the subdued distaste.I frowned.Jacob rolled his eyes, impatient, and reached down to yank me up into his arms.Dont be such a baby, he muttered.But his eyes flickered to Edward, just like mine did. Edwards face was composed and smooth. He spoke to Jasper.Bellas scent is so much more potent to me I thought it would be a fairer test if someone else tried.Jacob turned away from them and paced swiftly into the woods. I didnt say anything as the dark closed around us. I was pou ting, uncomfortable in Jacobs arms. It felt too intimate to me surely he didnt need to hold me quite so tightly and I couldnt help but wonder what it felt like to him. It reminded me of my last afternoon in La Push, and I didnt want to think about that. I folded my arms, annoyed when the brace on my hand intensified the memory.We didnt go far he made a wide arc and came back into the clearing from a different direction, maybe half a football field away from our original spill point. Edward was there alone and Jacob headed toward him.You can put me down now.I dont want to take a chance of messing up the experiment. His walk slowed and his arms tightened.You are so annoying, I muttered.Thanks.Out of nowhere, Jasper and Alice stood beside Edward. Jacob took one more step, and then set me down a half dozen feet from Edward. Without looking back at Jacob, I walked to Edwards side and took his hand.Well? I asked.As long as you dont touch anything, Bella, I cant imagine someone sticking their nose close enough to that trail to catch your scent, Jasper said, grimacing. It was almost completely obscured.A decided success, Alice agreed, wrinkling her nose.And it gave me an idea.Which will work, Alice added confidently.Clever, Edward agreed.How do you stand that? Jacob muttered to me.Edward ignored Jacob and looked at me while he explained. Were well, youre going to leave a false trail to the clearing, Bella. The newborns are hunting, your scent will excite them, and theyll come exactly the way we want them to without being careful about it. Alice can already see that this will work. When they catch our scent, theyll split up and try to come at us from two sides. Half will go through the forest, where her vision suddenly disappears. . . .Yes Jacob hissed.Edward smiled at him, a smile of true comradeship.I felt sick. How could they be so eager for this? How could I stand having both of them in danger? I couldnt.I wouldnt.Not a chance, Edward said suddenly, his voice disgusted. It made me jump, harassment that hed somehow perceive my resolve, but his eyes were on Jasper.I know, I know, Jasper said quickly. I didnt even consider it, not really.Alice stepped on his foot.If Bella was real there in the clearing, Jasper explained to her, it would drive them insane. They wouldnt be able to concentrate on anything but her. It would make picking them off truly easy. . . .Edwards glare had Jasper backtracking.Of course its too dangerous for her. It was just an errant thought, he said quickly. But he looked at me from the corner of his eyes, and the look was wistful.No, Edward said. His voice rang with finality.Youre right, Jasper said. He took Alices hand and started back to the others. Best two out of three?I heard him ask her as they went to practice again.Jacob stared after him in disgust.Jasper looks at things from a military perspective, Edward quietly defended his brother. He looks at all the options its thoroughness, not callousness.Jacob sno rted.Hed go on closer unconsciously, drawn by his absorption in the planning. He stood only three feet from Edward now, and, standing there between them, I could feel the somatic tension in the air. It was like static, an uncomfortable charge.Edward got back to business. Ill bring her here Friday afternoon to lay the false trail. You can meet us afterward, and carry her to a place I know. Completely out of the way, and easily defensible, not that it will come to that. Ill take another route there.And then what? hand her with a cell phone? Jacob asked critically.You have a better idea?Jacob was suddenly smug. Actually, I do.Oh. . . . Again, dog, not bad at all.Jacob turned to me quickly, as if determined to play the good guy by keeping me in the conversation. We tried to talk Seth into staying behind with the younger two. Hes still too young, but hes stubborn and hes resisting. So I thought of a new assignment for him cell phone.I tried to look like I got it. No one was fooled.As long as Seth Clearwater is in his wolf form, hell be connected to the pack, Edward said. Distance isnt a problem? he added, turning to Jacob.Nope.Three hundred miles? Edward asked. Thats impressive.Jacob was the good guy again. Thats the farthest weve ever gone to experiment, he told me. Still clear as a bell.I nodded absently I was reeling from the idea that little Seth Clearwater was already a werewolf, too, and that made it difficult to concentrate. I could see his bright smile, so much like a younger Jacob, in my head he couldnt be more than fifteen, if he was that. His enthusiasm at the council meeting bonfire suddenly took on new meaning. . . .Its a good idea. Edward seemed reluctant to admit this. Ill feel better with Seth there, even without the instantaneous communication. I dont know if Id be able to leave Bella there alone. To think its come to this, though swear werewolvesFightingwith vampires instead of against them Jacob mirrored Edwards tone of disgust.Well, you sti ll get to fight against some of them, Edward said.Jacob smiled. Thats the reason were here.