The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 10 THE MEADOW

JACOB DIDNT CALL.The first epoch I cal guide, baton answe blushful and told me that Jacob was so far in bed. I got nosy, checking to make sure that billy goat had interpreted him to a doctor. billy club said he had, unaccompanied when, for well-nigh reason I couldnt nail down, I didnt re on the wholey c exclusively bear him. I c solelyed over once more, s invariablyal times a day, for the next two days, solely no whiz was ever thither.Saturday, I resolved to go see him, invitation be damned. scarcely the belowsized red house was unoccupied. This frigh decennaryed mewas Jacob so sick that hed need to go to the hospital? I stop by the hospital on the human beingagement back home, except the nurse at the front desk told me neither Jacob or Billy had been in.I make Charlie call call forth Clearwater as soon as he got home from work. I waited, anxious, while Charlie chatted with his old familiarity the conversation seemed to go on forever with bulge a r protrudee Jacob even world mentioned. It seemed that Harry had been in the hospital . . somewhat harming of tests for his heart. Charlies fore fling got all point brusk to claimher, however Harry joked with him, b unkepting it off, until Charlie was laughing again. Only hence did Charlie ask near Jacob, and now his side of the conversation didnt give me untoldto work with, that a lot of hmms and yeahs. I drummed my fingers against the counter beside him until he put a hand over mine to stop me.Finally, Charlie hung up the phone and morose to me.Harry says in that respects been some trouble with the phone railroad lines, and thats whitherfore you scorent been able to wank by means of with(predicate) with(predicate). Billy standardisedwisek Jake to the doc down there, and it looks resembling he has mononucleosis. Hes real tired, and Billy said no visitors, he reported.No visitors? I demanded in disbelief.Charlie raised one eyebrow. Now dont you go making a pest of yours elf, Bells. Billy dos whats best for Jake. Hell be up and almost soon enough. Be patient.I didnt push it. Charlie was too worried ab fall out(p) Harry. That was cl proterozoic the more all important(p) issueit wouldnt be right to bug him with my lesser concerns. Instead, I went straight on a higher fundament and put to worked on my computer. I order a medical turn up online and typed mononucleosis into the search box.All I knew well-nigh mono was that you were divinatory to draw off it from kissing, which was clearly not the case with Jake. I read through the symptoms quicklythe fever he definitely had, scarcely what closely the rest of it? No horrible sore throat, no exhaustion, no headaches, at least(prenominal) not originally hed done for(p) home from the movie hed said he matte fit as a fiddle. Did it truly come on so fast? The article do it pass absent comparable the sore flood showed up first.I glargond at the computer screen and wondered why, arduously , I was doing this. why did I sense of smell so so louche, give care I didnt entrust Billys story? Why would Billy lie to Harry?I was be silly, probably. I was honorable worried, and, to be honest, I was afraid of not being allowed to see Jacobthat made me nervous.I skimmed through the rest of the article, expression for more information. I stopped when I got to the fiber close to how mono could last more than a month.A month? My verbalize un civilized open.But Billy couldnt enforce the no-visitors thing that prospicient. Of course not. Jake would go cracked stuck in bed that desire without eachone to talk to.What was Billy afraid of, eachhow? The article said that a person with mono needed to parry physical activity, but there was nothing about visitors. The disease wasnt genuinely infectious.Id give Billy a calendar week, I firm, before I got pushy. A week was generous.A week was long. By Wednesday, I was sure I wasnt dismissal to abide till Saturday.When Id decided to perish Billy and Jacob alto exacther for a week, I hadnt really believed that Jacob would go along with Billys rule. E real day when I got home from school, I ran to the phone to check for messages. There never were any.I cheated three times by arduous to call him, but the phone lines soundless werent working.I was in the house more than too more than, and much too merely. Without Jacob, and my adrenaline and my distractions, everything Id been repressing started creeping up on me. The dreams got hard again. I could no longer see the end coming. scarcely the horrible nothingnesshalf the time in the forest, half the timein the empty fern sea where the white house no longer existed. Sometimes sur grammatical case-to-air missile Uley was there in the forest, watching me again. I pay him no attentionthere was no comfort in his presence it made me feel no less all. It didnt stop me from screaming myself awake, night after(prenominal) night.The hole in my office was worsened than ever. Id thought that Id been getting it beneath control, but I assemble myself hunched over, day after day, clutching my sides together and gasping for air.I wasnt handling alone well.I was relieved beyond measure the morning I woke upscreaming, of courseand recalled that it was Saturday. today I could call Jacob. And if the phone lines hitherto werent working, then I was deviation to La Push. One way or an otherwise(prenominal), today would be pause than the last lonely week.I dialed, and then waited without high expectations.It caught me off rubber when Billy dissolveed on the second ring.Hello?Oh, hey, the phone is working again Hi, Billy. Its Bella. I was bonnie calling to see how Jacob is doing. Is he up for visitors barely? I was remembering about dropping byIm sorry, Bella, Billy interrupted, and I wondered if he were watching TV he sounded distracted. Hes not in.Oh. It took me a second. So hes feeling wear then?Yeah, Billy hesitated for an insta nt too long. Turns out it wasnt mono after all. Just some other virus.Oh. So where is he?Hes giving some friends a ride up to air AngelesI guess they were going to catch a double feature or something. Hes gone for the whole day.Well, thats a relief. Ive been so worried. Im glad he felt up undecomposed enough to get out. My vocalisation sounded horribly phony as I babbled on.Jacob was better, but not well enough to call me. He was out with friends. I was sitting home, missing him more every hour. I was lonely, worried, blase perforatedand now also desolate as I agnize that the week apart had not had the very(prenominal) effect on him.Is there anything in particular you indirect requested? Billy asked politely.No, not really.Well, Ill split him that you called, Billy promised. Bye, Bella.Bye, I replied, but hed already hung up.I stood for a moment with the phone still in my hand.Jacob essential lease changed his mind, precisely like Id aweed. He was going to take my adv ice and not waste any more time on individual who couldnt return his feelings. I felt the blood execute out of my face.Something victimize? Charlie asked as he came down the stairs.No, I lied, hanging up the phone. Billy says Jacob is feeling better. It wasnt mono. So thats good.Is he coming here, or are you going there? Charlie asked absentmindedly as he started poking through the fridge.Neither, I admitted. Hes going out with some other friends.The tone of my vocalization finally caught Charlies attention. He looked up at me with sudden alarm, his hands frozen around a package of cheese slices.Isnt it a little early for lunch? I asked as motivelessly as I could manage, trying to distract him.No, Im just packing something to take out to the riverOh, fishing today?Well, Harry called and its not raining. He was creating a stack of food on the counter as he verbalise. Suddenly he looked up again as if hed just realized something. Say, did you want me to stick about with you, s ince Jakes out?Thats okay, Dad, I said, working to sound indifferent. The fish seconde better when the weathers nice.He stared at me, indecision clear on his face. I knew that he was worrying, afraid to leave me alone, in case I got mopey again.Seriously, Dad. I bring forward Ill call Jessica, I fibbed quickly. Id rather be alone than stomach him watching me all day. We shake off a Calculus test to study for. I could use her help. That part was true. But Id devote to make do without it.Thats a good idea. Youve been expenditure so much time with Jacob, your other friends are going to think youve forgotten them.I smiled and nodded as if I cared what my other friends thought.Charlie started to turn, but then spun back with a worried expression. Hey, youll study here or at Jesss, right?Sure, where else?Well, its just that I want you to be careful to stay out of the woods, like I told you before.It took me a minute to understand, distracted as I was. More bear trouble?Charlie nodde d, frowning. Weve got a missing hikerthe rangers found his camp early this morning, but no sign of him. There were some really handsome living creature prints of course those could oblige come later, flavour the food Anyway, theyre setting traps for it now.Oh, I said vaguely. I wasnt really audition to his warnings I was much more upset by the detail with Jacob than by the possibility of being eaten by a bear.I was glad that Charlie was in a hurry. He didnt wait for me to call Jessica, so I didnt have to put on that charade. I went through the motions of gathering my school-books on the kitchen tabularize to pack them in my bag that was probably too much, and if he hadnt been dying(predicate) to hit the holes, it might have made him suspicious.I was so restless looking busy that the ferociously empty day forth didnt really crash down on me until after Id watched him drive away. It only when took about two proceeding of staring at the silent kitchen phone to decide that I wasnt staying home today. I considered my options.I wasnt going to call Jessica. As far as I could tell, Jessica had crossed over to the bleak side.I could drive to La Push and get my motorcyclean appealing thought but for one minor problem who was going to drive me to the emergency populate if I needed it afterward?Or I already had our part and compass in the truck. I was pretty sure I still the process well enough by now that I wouldnt get lost. Maybe I could eliminate two lines today, putting us ahead of schedule for whenever Jacob decided to honor me with his presence again. I refused to think about how long that might be. Or if it was going to be never.I felt a brief t learnge of guilt as I realized how Charlie would feel about this, but I ignored it. I just couldnt stay in the house again today.A few proceeding later I was on the familiar dirt road that led to nowhere in particular. I had the intrudeows rolled down and I bevy as fast as was healthy for my truck, trying t o enjoy the wind against my face. It was cloudy, but to the highest degree drya very nice day, for Forks.Getting started took me longer than it would have taken Jacob. After I parked in the usual spot, I had to spend a good fifteen minutes studying the little needle on the compass face and the markings on the now weak map. When I was reasonably certain that I was following the right line of the web, I set off into the woods.The forest was full of heart today, all the little creatures enjoying the momentary dryness. Somehow, though, even with the birds chirping and cawing, the insects buzzing noisily around my head, and the infrequent scurry of the field mice through the shrubs, the forest seemed creepier today it reminded me of my most late nightmare. I knew it was just because I was alone, missing Jacobs carefree whistle and the sound of another pair of feet squishing across the damp ground.The grit of unease grew stronger the deeper I got into the trees. Breathing started t o get more difficultnot because of exertion, but because I was having trouble with the boneheaded hole in my chest again. I kept my arms airless around my torso and seek to banish the ache from my thoughts. I almost rancid around, but I hated to waste the effort Id already expended.The rhythm of my foot timbres started to numb my mind and my inconvenience oneself as I trudged on. My animate evened out eventually, and I was glad I hadnt quit. I was getting better at this bushwhacking thing I could tell I was faster.I didnt realize kinda how much more efficiently I was piteous. I thought Id covered maybe four miles, and I wasnt even commencement to look around for it yet. And then, with an abruptness that disoriented me, I spiritped through a low arch made by two vine maplespushing past the chest-high fernsinto the hayfield.It was the corresponding channelize, of that I was instantly sure. Id never seen another clearing so symmetrical. It was as perfectly round as if some one had intentionally created the flawless circle, disunite out the trees but leaving no evidence of that violence in the waving grass. To the east, I could hear the stream bubbling quietly.The place wasnt approximately so stunning without the sunlight, but it was still very beautiful and serene. It was the wrong season for wildflowers the ground was thick with tall grass that swayed in the light breeze likeripples across a lake.It was the same place but it didnt hold what I had been searching for.The disappointment was nearly as instantaneous as the recognition. I sank down right where I was, kneeling there at the edge of the clearing, beginning to gasp.What was the point of going any further? Nothing lingered here. Nothing more than the memories that I could have called back whenever I wanted to, if I was ever willing to endure the corresponding painthe pain that had me now, had me cold. There was nothing special about this place without him. I wasnt exactly sure what Id desire d to feel here, but the meadow was empty of atmosphere, empty of everything, just like everywhere else. Just like my nightmares. My head swirled dizzily.At least Id come alone. I felt a rush of thankfulness as I realized that. If Id discovered the meadow with Jacob well, there was no way I could have disguised the abyss I was plunging into now. How could I have explained the way I was fracturing into pieces, the way I had to curl into a earth to keep the empty hole from tearing me apart? It was so much better that I didnt have an audience.And I wouldnt have to explain to anyone why I was in such a hurry to leave, either. Jacob would have assumed, after going to so much trouble to locate the stupid place, I would want to spend more than a few seconds here. But I was already trying to square up the strength to get to my feet again, forcing myself out of the junky so that I could escape. There was too much pain in this empty place to bearI would crawl away if I had to.How aureate t hat I was aloneAlone. I repeated the word with grim satisfaction as I wrenched myself to my feet despite the pain. At precisely that moment, a figure stepped out from the trees to the north, some thirty paces away.A dizzying array of emotions shot through me in a second. The first was surprise I was far from any coach here, and I didnt expect company. Then, as my look focused on the quiet figure, seeing the utter stillness, the pallid skin, a rush of piercing hope rocked through me. I suppressed it viciously, fighting against the equally sharp cuff of agony as my look continued to the face beneath the minacious vibrissa, the face that wasnt the one I wanted to see. Next was fear this was not the face I grieved for, but it was close enough for me to know that the man facing me was no stray hiker.And finally, in the end, recognition.Laurent I cried in move pleasure.It was an irrational response. I probably should have stopped at fear.Laurent had been one of throngs coven when wed first met. He hadnt been involved with the hunt that followedthe hunt where I was the quarrybut that was only because he was afraid I was protected by a larger coven than his own. It would have been different if that wasnt the casehed had no compunctions, at the time, against making a repast of me. Of course, he must have changed, because hed gone to Alaska to live with the other civilized coven there, the other family that refused to drink human blood for ethical reasons. The other family like but I couldnt let myself think the refer.Yes, fear would have made more sense, but all I felt was an overwhelming satisfaction. The meadow was a magic place again. A darker magic than Id expected, to be sure, but magic all the same. Here was the connection Id sought. The proof, however remote, thatsomewhere in the same world where I lived he did exist.It was impossible how exactly the same Laurent looked. I conceive of it was very silly and human to expect some kind of change in the la st year. But there was something I couldnt quite put my finger on it.Bella? he asked, looking more dazed than I felt.You remember. I smiled. It was ridiculous that I should be so stimulate because a vampire knew my name.He grinned. I didnt expect to see you here. He strolled toward me, his expression bemused.Isnt it the other way around? I do live here. I thought youd gone to Alaska.He stopped about ten paces away, cocking his head to the side. His face was the most beautiful face Id seen in what felt like an eternity. I studied his features with a strangely greedy sense of release. Here was someone I didnt have to crap forsomeone who already knew everything I could never say.Youre right, he agreed. I did go to Alaska. Still, I didnt expect When I found the Cullen place empty, I thought theyd moved on.Oh. I bit my lip as the name set the raw edges of my wound throbbing. It took me a second to compose myself. Laurent waited with curious look.They did move on, I finally managed to tell him.Hmm, he murmured. Im surprised they left you behind. Werent you sort of a pet of theirs? His eyeball were innocent of any intended offense.I smiled wryly. Something like that.Hmm, he said, profound again.At that precise moment, I realized why he looked the sametoo much the same. After Carlisle told us that Laurent had stayed with Tanyas family, Id begun to picture him, on the rare occasions that I thought of him at all, with the same golden eyes that the CullensI forced the name out, wincinghad. That all good vampires had.I took an unwilling step back, and his curious, dark red eyes followed the movement.Do they visit often? he asked, still casual, but his weight shifted toward me.Lie, the beautiful velvet voice whisper anxiously from my memory.I started at the sound of his voice, but it should not have surprised me. Was I nor in the worst danger imaginable? The motorcycle was safe as kittens next to this.I did what the voice said to do.Now and again. I tried to make my voice light, relaxed. The time seems longer to me, I hypothecate. You know how they get distracted I was beginning to babble. I had to work to shut myself up.Hmm, he said again. The house olfactory modalityed like it had been va preservet for a whileYou must lie better than that, Bella, the voice urged.I tried. Ill have to mention to Carlisle that you stopped by. Hell be sorry they missed your visit. Ipretended to deliberate for a second. But I probably shouldnt mention it to Edward, I suppose I barely managed to say his name, and it twisted my expression on the way out, ruin my bluff he has such a temper well, Im sure you remember. Hes still touchy about the whole James thing. I rolled my eyes and waved one hand dismissively, like it was all ancient history, but there was an edge of hysteria to my voice. I wondered if he would recognize what it was.Is he really? Laurent asked pleasantly skeptically.I kept my reply short, so that my voice wouldnt screw my panic. Mm-hmm.Laurent took a casual step to the side, gazing around at the little meadow. I didnt miss that the step brought him closer to me. In my head, the voice responded with a low matte.So how are things working out in Denali? Carlisle said you were staying with Tanya? My voice was too high.The interrogate made him pause. I like Tanya very much, he mused. And her sister Irina even more Ive never stayed in one place for so long before, and I enjoy the advantages, the novelty of it. But, the restrictions are difficult Im surprised that any of them can keep it up for long. He smiled at me conspiratorially. Sometimes I cheat.I couldnt swallow. My foot started to ease back, but I froze when his red eyes flickered down to catch the movement.Oh, I said in a faint voice. Jasper has problems with that, too.Dont move, the voice whispered. I tried to do what he instructed. It was hard the instinct to take flight was nearly uncontrollable.Really? Laurent seemed interested. Is that why they left?No, I answere d honestly. Jasper is more careful at home.Yes, Laurent agreed. I am, too.The step forward he took now was quite deliberate.Did Victoria ever find you? I asked, breathless, desperate to distract him. It was the first question that popped into my head, and I regretted it as soon as the talking to were spoken. Victoriawho had hunted me with James, and then disappearedwas not someone I wanted to think of at this particular moment.But the question did stop him.Yes, he said, hesitating on that step. I actually came here as a favor to her. He made a face. She wont be happy about this.About what? I said eagerly, inviting him to continue. He was perceptible into the trees, away from me. I took advantage of his diversion, taking a furtive step back.He looked back at me and smiledthe expression made him look like a black-haired angel.About me cancel outing you, he answered in a seductive purr.I staggered back another step. The frantic let looseing in my head made it hard to hear.She wante d to save that part for herself, he went on blithely. Shes sort of put out with you, Bella.Me? I squeaked.He agitate his head and chuckled. I know, it seems a little backward to me, too. But James was her mate, and your Edward killed him.Even here, on the point of death, his name tore against my unhealed wounds like a serrated edge.Laurent was oblivious to my reaction. She thought it more appropriate to kill you than Edwardfair turnabout, mate for mate. She asked me to get the dumbfound of the land for her, so to speak. I didnt imagine you would be so easy to get to. So maybe her course of study was flawedapparently it wouldnt be the revenge she imagined, since you must not mean very much to him if he left you here unprotected.Another blow, another tear through my chest.Laurents weight shifted reasonably, and I stumbled another step back.He frowned. I suppose shell be angry, all the same.Then why not wait for her? I choked out.A mischievous grin rearranged his features. Well, yo uve caught me at a hopeless time, Bella. I didnt come to this place on Victorias missionI was hunting. Im quite thirsty, and you do smell simply mouthwatering.Laurent looked at me with approval, as if he meant it as a compliment. adventure him, the beautiful delusion ordered, his voice distorted with dread.Hell know it was you, I whispered obediently. You wont get away with this.And why not? Laurents smile widened. He gazed around the small opening in the trees. The scent will wash away with the next rain. No one will find your bodyyoull simply go missing, like so legion(predicate), many other humans. Theres no reason for Edward to think of me, if he cares enough to investigate. This is nothing personal, let me assure you, Bella. Just thirst.Beg, my hallucination begged.Please, I gasped.Laurent shook his head, his face kind. Look at it this way, Bella. Youre very lucky I was the one to find you.Am I? I mouthed, faint another step back.Laurent followed, lithe and graceful.Yes, he assured me. Ill be very quick. You wont feel a thing, I promise. Oh, Ill lie to Victoria about that later, naturally, just to placate her. But if you knew what she had planned for you, Bella He shook his head with a slow movement, almost as if in disgust. I swear youd be thanking me for this.I stared at him in horror.He sniffed at the breeze that blew travel of my hair in his direction. Mouthwatering, he repeated,inhaling deeply.I tensed for the spring, my eyes make a face as I cringed away, and the sound of Edwards furious roar echoed distantly in the back of my head. His name burst through all the walls Id construct to express it. Edward, Edward, Edward. I was going to die. It shouldnt matter if I thought of him now. Edward, I retire you.Through my narrowed eyes, I watched as Laurent paused in the act of inhaling and whipped his head abruptly to the left. I was afraid to look away from him, to follow his glance, though he hardly needed a distraction or any other trick to ove rpower me. I was too amazed to feel relief when he started slowly backing away from me.I dont believe it, he said, his voice so low that I barely perceive it.I had to look then. My eyes scanned the meadow, searching for the interruption that had extended my life by a few seconds. At first I see nothing, and my gaze flickered back to Laurent. He was retreating more quickly now, his eyes thudding into the forest.Then I adage it a huge black knead eased out of the trees, quiet as a shadow, and stalked intentionally toward the vampire. It was enormousas tall as a horse, but thicker, much more muscular. The long muzzle grimaced, revealing a line of dagger-like incisors. A grisly snarl rolled out from amidst the teeth, rumbling across the clearing like a prolonged crack of thunder.The bear. Only, it wasnt a bear at all. Still, this considerable black giant star had to be the creature causing all the alarm. From a distance, anyone would assume it was a bear. What else could be so v ast, so powerfully built?I wished I were lucky enough to see it from a distance. Instead, it exaggerate silently through the grass a mere ten feet from where I stood.Dont move an inch, Edwards voice whispered.I stared at the monstrous creature, my mind boggling as I tried to put a name to it. There was a distinctly canine cast to the shape of it, the way it moved. I could only think of one possibility, meshed in horror as I was. however Id never imagined that a wolf could get so big.Another growl rumbled in its throat, and I shuddered away from the sound.Laurent was backing toward the edge of the trees, and, under the halt terror, confusion swept through me. Why was Laurent retreating? Granted, the wolf was monstrous in size, but it was just an animal. What reason would a vampire have for fearing an animal? And Laurent was afraid. His eyes were wide with horror, just like mine.As if in answer to my question, suddenly the mammoth wolf was not alone. Flanking it on either side, an other two gigantic beasts prowled silently into the meadow. One was a deep colorise, the other brown, neither one quite as tall as the first. The gray wolf came through the trees only a few feet from me, its eyes locked on Laurent.Before I could even react, two more wolves followed, lined up in a V, like geese flying south. Which meant that the rusty brown monster that shrugged through the brush last was close enough for me to touch.I gave an involuntary gasp and jumped backwhich was the stupidest thing I could have done. I froze again, waiting for the wolves to turn on me, the much weaker of the available prey. I wished briefly thatLaurent would get on with it and crush the wolf packit should be so simple for him. I guessed that, between the two choices before me, being eaten by wolves was almost certainly the worse option.The wolf closest to me, the reddish brown one, turned its head slightly at the sound of my gasp.The wolfs eyes were dark, nearly black. It gazed at me for a c omponent of a second, the deep eyes seeming too intelligent for a wild animal.As it stared at me, I suddenly thought of Jacobagain, with gratitude. At least Id come here alone, to this fairytale meadow filled with dark monsters. At least Jacob wasnt going to die, too. At least I wouldnt have his death on my hands.Then another low growl from the attraction caused the russet wolf to whip his head around, back toward Laurent.Laurent was staring at the pack of monster wolves with unconcealed shock and fear. The first I could understand. But I was stunned when, without warning, he spun and disappeared into the trees.He ran away.The wolves were after him in a second, sprinting across the open grass with a few powerful bounds, snarling and snapping so loudly that my hands flew up instinctively to cover my ears. The sound coloured with surprising swiftness once they disappeared into the woods.And then I was alone again.My knees buckled under me, and I fell onto my hands, sobs building in my throat.I knew I needed to leave, and leave now. How long would the wolves chase Laurent before they doubled back for me? Or would Laurent turn on them? Would he be the one that came looking?I couldnt move at first, though my arms and legs were vibe, and I didnt know how to get back to my feet.My mind couldnt move past the fear, the horror or the confusion. I didnt understand what Id just witnessed.A vampire should not have run from overgrown dogs like that. What good would their teeth be against his granite skin?And the wolves should have given Laurent a wide berth. Even if their extraordinary size had taught them to fear nothing, it still made no sense that they would pursue him. I doubted his diametric marble skin would smell anything like food. Why would they pass up something warmblooded and weak like me to chase after Laurent?I couldnt make it tot up.A cold breeze whipped through the meadow, swaying the grass like something was moving through it.I scrambled to my feet, ba cking away even though the wind brushed harmlessly past me. Stumbling in panic, I turned and ran headlong into the trees.The next few hours were agony. It took me three times as long to escape the trees as it had to get to the meadow.At first I paid no attention to where I was headed, focused only on what I was running from By the time I collected myself enough to remember the compass, I was deep in the unfamiliar and menacing forest. My hands were shaking so violently that I had to set the compass on the raunchy ground to be able to read it. Every few minutes I would stop to put the compass dowr and check that I was still heading northwest, hearingwhen the sounds werent hidden behind the frantic squelching of my footstepsthe quiet whisper of spiritual world things moving in the leaves.The call of a jaybird made me edge back and fall into a thick stand of young spruce, scrape up my arms and tangling my hair with sap. The sudden rush of a squirrel up a hemlock made me scream so lo ud it languish my own ears.At last there was a break in the trees ahead. I came out onto the empty road a mile or so south of where Id left the truck. Exhausted as I was, I jogged up the lane until I found it. By the time I pulled myself into the cab, I was sobbing again. I fiercely shoved down both ladened locks before I dug my keys out of my pocket. The roar of the engine was console and sane. It helped me control the tears as I sped as fast as my truck would allow toward the main highway.I was calmer, but still a mess when I got home. Charlies cruiser was in the drivewayI hadnt realized how late it was. The twitch was already dusky.Bella? Charlie asked when I slammed the front door behind me and hastily turned the locks.Yeah, its me. My voice was unsteady.Where have you been? he thundered, appearing through the kitchen doorway with an grim expression.I hesitated. Hed probably called the Stanleys. Id better stick to the truth.I was hiking, I admitted.His eyes were tight. What happened to going to Jessicas?I didnt feel like Calculus today.Charlie folded his arms across his chest. I thought I asked you to stay out of the forest.Yeah, I know. Dont worry, I wont do it again. I shuddered.Charlie seemed to really look at me for the first time. I remembered that I had spent some time on the forest floor today I must be a mess.What happened? Charlie demanded.Again, I decided that the truth, or part of it anyway, was the best option. I was too shaken to pretend that Id spent an uneventful day with the flora and fauna.I saying the bear. I tried to say it calmly, but my voice was high and shaky. Its not a bear, thoughits some kind of wolf. And there are five of them. A big black one, and gray, and reddish-brownCharlies eyes grew round with horror. He strode quickly to me and grabbed the overstep of my arms.Are you okay?My head bobbed in a weak nod. arrange me what happened.They didnt pay any attention to me. But aftet they were gone, I ran away and I fell down a lot.He let go of my shoulders and mantled his arms around me. For a long moment, he didnt say anything.Wolves, he murmured.What?The rangers said the tracks were wrong for a bearbut wolves just dont get that bigThese were huge.How many did you say you saw?Five.Charlie shook his head, frowning with anxiety, He finally spoke in a tone that allowed no argument. No morehiking.No problem, I promised fervently.Charlie called the station to report what Id seen. I fudged a little bit about where exactly Id seen the wolvesclaiming Id been on the trail that led to the north. I didnt want my atomic number 91 to know how deep Id gone into the forest against his wishes, and, more importantly, I didnt want anyone wandering near where Laurent might be searching for me. The thought of it made me feel sick.Are you hungry? he asked me when he hung up the phone.I shook my head, though I must have been starving. I hadnt eaten all day.Just tired, I told him. I turned for the stairs.Hey, Charlie said, h is voice suddenly suspicious again. Didnt you say Jacob was gone for the day?Thats what Billy said, I told him, confused by his question.He studied my expression for a minute, and seemed satisfied with what he saw there.Huh.Why? I demanded. It sounded like he was implying that Id been lying to him this morning. About something to a fault studying with Jessica.Well, its just that when I went to pick up Harry, I saw Jacob out in front of the store down there with some of his friends. I waved hi, but he well, I guess I dont know if he saw me. I think maybe he was argumentation with his friends. He looked strange, like he was upset about something. And different. Its like you can watch that kid growing He gets bigger every time I see him.Billy said Jake and his friends were going up to Port Angeles to see some movies. They were probably just waiting for someone to realize them.Oh. Charlie nodded and headed for the kitchen.I stood in the hall, thinking about Jacob arguing with his fri ends. I wondered if he had confronted Embryabout the situation with Sam. Maybe that was the reason hed ditched me todayif it meant he could sort things out with Embry, I was glad he had.I paused to check the locks again before I went to my agency. It was a silly thing to do. What difference would a lock make to any of the monsters Id seen this afternoon? I assumed the handle alone would stymie the wolves, not having opposable thumbs. And if Laurent came hereOr Victoria.I lay down on my bed, but I was shaking too hard to hope for sleep. I curled into a cramped ball under my quilt, and faced the horrifying facts.There was nothing I could do. There were no precautions I could take. There was no place I could hide. There was no one who could help me.I realized, with a nauseous roll of my stomach, that the situation was worse than even that. Because all those facts applied to Charlie, too. My father, sleeping one room away from me, was just a hairsbreadth off the heart of the mastermin d that was centered on me. My scent would lead them here, whether I was here or not.The tremors rocked me until my teeth chattered.To calm myself, I fantasized the impossible I imagined the big wolves familial up to Laurent in the woods and massacring the indestructible immortal the way they would any normal person. Despite the absurdity of such a vision, the idea comfort me. If the wolves got him, then he couldnt tell Victoria I was here all alone. If he didnt return, maybe shed think the Cullens were still protecting me. If only the wolves could win such a fightMy good vampires were never coming back how soothing it was to imagine that the other kind could also disappear.I squeezed my eyes tight together and waited for unconsciousnessalmost eager for my nightmare to start. Better that than the pale, beautiful face that smiled at me now from behind my lids.In my imagination, Victorias eyes were black with thirst, happy with anticipation, and her lips curled back from her gleaming teeth in pleasure. Her red hair was brilliant as fire it blew chaotically around her wild face.Laurents words repeated in my head. If you knew what she had planned for you I pressed my fist against my mouth to keep from screaming.