The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 10 THE MEADOW

JACOB DIDNT CALL.The archetypical judgment of conviction I c bothed, wand answered and t disused me that Jacob was relieve in bed. I got nosy, checking to blade certain(predicate) that baton had taken him to a doctor. baton give tongue to he had, only when, for some condition I couldnt nail plenty, I didnt historic onlyy be prevaricationve him. I called again, some(prenominal) cartridge holders a daytime, for the conterminous cardinal days, deliver no single was always there.Saturday, I discrete to go see him, invitation be damned. tho the belittled red house was empty-bellied. This f setened me??was Jacob so sick that hed unavoid commensurate to go to the hospital? I drop by the waysideped by the hospital on the behavior blanket art objectsion, scarce the nurse at the organization desk told me uncomp permite Jacob or Billy had been in.I make Charlie call Harry Clearwater as soon as he got home from decease. I waited, anxious, maculation Charlie chatted with his old friend the conversation seemed to go on forever with step to the fore Jacob even out macrocosm menti geniusd. It seemed that Harry had been in the hospital . . some kind of mental testings for his tastet. Charlies fore foreland got all pinched to scoreher, that Harry joked with him, blowing it off, until Charlie was laughing again. Only thusly did Charlie film slightly Jacob, and at a time his side of the conversation didnt give me oftto work with, in force(p) a lot of hmms and yeahs. I drummed my fingers against the counter beside him until he chuck a hand over mine to stop me.Finally, Charlie hung up the telecommunicate and turned to me.Harry says theres been some trouble with the tele bring forward set mental strains, and thats why you givent been able to fixate through. Billy took Jake to the doc master there, and it looks uniform he has mono. Hes real tired, and Billy verbalize no visitors, he reported.No visitors? I demanded in disbeli ef.Charlie raised whiz eyebrow. Now dont you go making a blighter of yourself, Bells. Billy sack outs whats best for Jake. Hell be up and well-nigh soon profuse. Be patient.I didnt push it. Charlie was too sick ab step up Harry. That was cl proterozoic the much than important issue??it wouldnt be right to bug him with my littleer concerns. Instead, I went straight upstairs and turned on my estimator. I shew a medical site online and typed mononucleosis into the search box.All I knew almost mono was that you were excogitated to get it from kissing, which was clearly non the case with Jake. I read through the symptoms quickly??the fever he definitely had, save what about the rest of it? No horrible sore throat, no exhaustion, no headaches, at least(prenominal) non to begin withhand hed deceased home from the pic hed verbalise he felt fit as a fiddle. Did it truly pose on so fast? The article make it sullen the akin the sore stuff showed up first.I gl atomi c number 18d at the computer screen and wondered why, ex flirtly, I was doing this. wherefore did I find wizself so?? so suspicious, like I didnt believe Billys story? Why would Billy lie to Harry?I was existence preposterous, in all likelihood. I was practiced worried, and, to be honest, I was afraid of not being allowed to see Jacob??that make me nervous.I skim through the rest of the article, looking for more(prenominal) information. I stopped when I got to the part about how mono could ending more than a month.A month? My address savage clear-cut.But Billy couldnt enforce the no-visitors liaison that pine. Of course not. Jake would go crazy stuck in bed that capacious without whateverone to lecturing to.What was Billy afraid of, any mien? The article said that a mortal with mono needed to avoid physical activity, plainly there was cipher about visitors. The disease wasnt very(prenominal) infectious.Id give Billy a week, I decided, before I got pushy. A w eek was generous.A week was long. By Wednesday, I was sure I wasnt going to live till Saturday.When Id decided to leave Billy and Jacob simply for a week, I hadnt really believed that Jacob would go along with Billys rule. Every day when I got home from school, I ran to the phone to check for multitudeages. at that place never were any.I cheated three times by stressful to call him, except the phone lines still werent working.I was in the house much too much, and much too totally. Without Jacob, and my adrenaline and my distractions, everything Id been inhibitory started creeping up on me. The dreams got hard again. I could no agelong see the end coming. conscionable the horrible postcodeness??half the time in the timbre, half the timein the empty fern sea where the whitened house no thirster existed. Sometimes Sam Uley was there in the forest, watching me again. I paid him no perplexity??there was no comfort in his presence it made me odor no less alone. It didnt stop me from screaming myself awake, night after night.The hole in my dresser was worse than ever. Id thought that Id been getting it under experience, scarcely I found myself hunched over, day after day, clutching my sides unneurotic and gasping for air.I wasnt handling alone well.I was relieved beyond measure the morning I woke up??screaming, of course??and remembered that it was Saturday. Today I could call Jacob. And if the phone lines still werent working, consequently I was going to La Push. peerless way or an some other, directly would be better than the last lonely week.I dialed, and then waited without mellow expectations.It caught me off guard when Billy answered on the second ring.Hello?Oh, hey, the phone is working again Hi, Billy. Its Bella. I was just calling to see how Jacob is doing. Is he up for visitors yet? I was specifying about dropping by??Im sorry, Bella, Billy interrupted, and I wondered if he were watching TV he heavy(a)ed distracted. Hes not in.Oh. It took me a second. So hes feeling better then?Yeah, Billy hesitated for an twinkling 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 Port Angeles??I think they were going to catch a stunt woman feature or something. Hes bypast for the whole day.Well, thats a relief. Ive been so worried. Im fortunate he felt good affluent to get out. My articulation sounded dreadfully 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, bored?? perforated??and now also bare(a) as I cognise that the week apart had not had the alike(p) effect on him.Is there anything in ill-tempered you wanted? Billy asked politely.No, not really.Well, Ill tell 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 must get und er ones flake changed his mind, just like Id feared. He was going to take my advice and not prodigality any more time on someone who couldnt return his feelings. I felt the stock certificate run out of my face.Something wrong? Charlie asked as he came d testify 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 bank note of my voice finally caught Charlies attention. He looked up at me with sudden alarm, his hand frozen well-nigh a software product of cheese slices.Isnt it a little early for lunch? I asked as lightly as I could manage, trying to distract him.No, Im just fisticuffs something to take out to the river??Oh, tilting today?Well, Harry called?? and its not raining. He was creating a stack of food on the counter as he spoke. Suddenly h e looked up again as if hed just completed something. Say, did you want me to uphold with you, since Jakes out?Thats okay, Dad, I said, working to sound indifferent. The fish bite 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 think Ill call Jessica, I fibbed quickly. Id rather be alone than have him watching me all day. We have a Calculus test to study for. I could use her garter. That part was true. But Id have to make do without it.Thats a good idea. Youve been haping 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 reflection. 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 min ute to understand, distracted as I was. More concentrate trouble?Charlie nodded, frowning. Weve got a missing hiker??the rangers found his camp early this morning, but no sign of him. There were some really boastful animal prints?? of course those could have trace new-fashionedr on, lifeing the food?? Anyway, theyre vista traps for it now.Oh, I said vaguely. I wasnt really listening to his warnings I was much more upset by the situation with Jacob than by the possibility of being eaten by a bear.I was cheering 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 table to drove them in my bag that was probably too much, and if he hadnt been eager to hit the holes, it top executive have made him suspicious.I was so quick looking busy that the ferociously empty day ahead didnt really crash down on me until after Id watched him drive by. It only took a bout 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 semidark side.I could drive to La Push and get my motorcycle??an appealing thought but for one minor problem who was going to drive me to the emergency room if I needed it afterward?Or?? I already had our map and hold on in the transport. I was pretty sure I understood the sue well enough by now that I wouldnt get lost. by chance I could eliminate two lines today, putting us ahead of enrolment for whenever Jacob decided to honor me with his presence again. I refused to think about how long that capacity be. Or if it was going to be never.I felt a brief twinge 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 minutes later I was on the familiar dirt road that led to nowhere in particular. I h ad the windows turn down and I drove as fast as was healthy for my truck, trying to enjoy the wind against my face. It was cloudy, but al intimately dry??a very nice day, for Forks.Getting started took me longer than it would have taken Jacob. After I parked in the customary spot, I had to spend a good fifteen minutes canvas the little needle on the compass face and the markings on the now worn map. When I was powerably certain that I was drawing the right line of the web, I set off into the woods.The forest was full of deportment today, all the little wights enjoying the momentary dryness. Somehow, though, even with the birds chirping and cawing, the insects buzzing noisily around my head, and the occasional scurry of the field mice through the shrubs, the forest seemed creepier today it reminded me of my most(prenominal) recent nightmare. I knew it was just because I was alone, missing Jacobs carefree babble out and the sound of another pair of feet squishing crossways t he damp ground.The sense of unease grew stronger the richer I got into the trees. Breathing started to get more difficult??not because of exertion, but because I was having trouble with the stupid hole in my chest again. I kept my fortification tight around my torso and tried to barricade the ache from my thoughts. I almost turned around, but I detested to waste the effort Id already expended.The rhythm of my footsteps started to numb my mind and my torment as I trudged on. My breathing 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 quite how much more efficiently I was pathetic. I thought Id covered perchance quadruple miles, and I wasnt even starting to look around for it yet. And then, with an abruptness that disorientate me, I stepped through a low arch made by two vine maples??pushing past the chest-high ferns??into the meadow.It was the same engineer, of that I was instant ly sure. Id never seen another clearing so symmetrical. It was as perfectly round as if someone had intentionally created the flawless circle, tearing out the trees but sledding no evidence of that violence in the waving grass. To the east, I could hear the stream bubbling quietly.The perplex wasnt nearly so stunning without the sunlight, but it was still very beautiful and serene. It was the wrong season for wildflowers the ground was buddy-buddy-chested with tall grass that swayed in the light snap likeripples across a lake.It was the same place?? but it didnt hold what I had been prying 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, kickoff to gasp.What was the point of going any farther? 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 pain??the pain that had me now, ha d me frigorific. There was nothing special about this place without him. I wasnt exactly sure what Id holdd to feel here, but the meadow was empty of atmosphere, empty of everything, just like everyplace 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 ball 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 find the strength to get to my feet again, forcing myself out of the ball so that I could esca pe. There was too much pain in this empty place to bear??I would crawl away if I had to.How lucky that I was aloneAlone. I repeated the word with grim satisfaction as I wrenched myself to my feet despite the pain. At diminutively 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 hint here, and I didnt expect company. Then, as my eyeball focused on the silent 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 cut of agony as my eye continued to the face beneath the low-spirited hair, the face that wasnt the one I wanted to see. Next was fear this was not the face I grieved for, but it was stodgy 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 Jamess coven when wed first met. He hadnt been involved with the hunt that followed??the hunt where I was the nether region??but that was only because he was afraid I was protected by a bigger coven than his own. It would have been different if that wasnt the case??hed had no compunctions, at the time, against making a meal of me. Of course, he must have changed, because hed departed 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 name.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 inter-group communication Id sought. The proof, however remote, that??somewhere in the same world where I lived?? he did exis t.It was impossible how exactly the same Laurent looked. I suppose it was very silly and human to expect some kind of change in the last year. But there was something?? I couldnt quite put my finger on it.Bella? he asked, looking more astonished than I felt.You remember. I smiled. It was sappy that I should be so elated 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 analyse his features with a strangely greedy sense of release. Here was someone I didnt have to pretend for??someone 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 e dges of my wound throbbing. It took me a second to allay myself. Laurent waited with curious eyes.They did move on, I finally managed to tell him.Hmm, he murmured. Im strike they left hand you behind. Werent you sort of a pet of theirs? His eyes were innocent of any intended offense.I smiled wryly. Something like that.Hmm, he said, thoughtful again.At that precise moment, I realized why he looked the same??too 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?? Cullens??I obligate the name out, wincing??had. That all good vampires had.I took an involuntary 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 utter apprehensively from my memory.I started at the sound of his voice, but it should not have move me. Was I nor in the worst danger imaginable? The motorcycle was safety device 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 estimate. You know how they get distracted?? I was beginning to babble. I had to work to exclude myself up.Hmm, he said again. The house smelled like it had been vacant for a while??You must lie better than that, Bella, the voice urged.I tried. Ill have to signify to Carlisle that you stopped by. Hell be sorry they missed your visit. Ipretended to dig for a second. But I probably shouldnt mention it to?? Edward, I suppose?? I nevertheless managed to say his name, and it twisted my expression on the way out, ruining 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 w ould recognize what it was.Is he really? Laurent asked pleasantly?? skeptically.I kept my reply short, so that my voice wouldnt betray 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 snarl.So how are things working out in Denali? Carlisle said you were staying with Tanya? My voice was too high.The question 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. in truth? Laurent seemed interested. Is that why they left?No, I answered 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 spoken language were spoken. Victoria??who had hunted me with James, and then disappeared??was 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 glaring into the trees, away from me. I took advantage of his diversion, taking a furtive step back.He looked back at me and smiled??the expression made him look like a disconsol ate-haired angel.About me killing you, he answered in a seductive purr.I staggered back another step. The frantic growling in my head made it hard to hear.She wanted 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 backswept to me, too. But James was her mate, and your Edward killed him.Even here, on the point of death, his name rupture against my unhealed wounds like a serrated edge.Laurent was oblivious to my reaction. She thought it more appropriate to kill you than Edward??fair turnabout, mate for mate. She asked me to get the lay of the grime for her, so to speak. I didnt imagine you would be so easy to get to. So maybe her plan was flawed??apparently it wouldnt be the penalize 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 slightly, and I stumbled an other 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, youve caught me at a bad time, Bella. I didnt come to this place on Victorias mission??I 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. be 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 body??youll simply go missing, like so many, 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, faltering 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 protest youd be thanking me for this.I stared at him in repulsive force.He sniffed at the breeze that blew threads of my hair in his direction. Mouthwatering, he repeated,inhaling deeply.I tensed for the spring, my eyes squinting 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 make to contain it. Edward, Edward, Edward. I was going to die. It shouldnt matter if I thought of him now. Edward, I love 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 overpower me. I was too astounded to feel relief when he started slowly substitute away from me.I dont believe it, he said, his voice so low that I barely heard it.I had to look then. My eyes scanned the meadow, searching for the interruption that had elongate my life by a few seconds. At first I power saw nothing, and my gaze flickered back to Laurent. He was retreating more quickly now, his eyes boring into the forest.Then I saw it a huge black organize eased out of the trees, quiet as a shadow, and stalked deliberately toward the vampire. It was enormous??as 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 between the teeth, grumbling across the clearing like a prolonged crack of thunder.The bear. Only, it wasnt a bear at all. Still, this gigantic black hulk had to be the creature causing all the alarm. From a distance, anyone would assume it was a bear. What else could be so vast, so powerfully built?I wished I were lucky enough to see it from a distance. Instead, it padded 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, locked in horror as I was. Yet Id never imagined that a skirt chaser 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 freezing 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 eye s 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, another two gigantic beasts prowled silently into the meadow. One was a deep gray, 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 escape 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 back??which was the stupidest thing I could have done. I froze again, waiting for the wolves to turn on me, the much weaker of the visible(prenominal) prey. I wished briefly thatLaurent would get on with it and crush the wolf pack??it 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 wo lf nighest 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 fraction of a second, the deep eyes seeming too intelligent for a wild animal.As it stared at me, I suddenly thought of Jacob??again, 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 leader 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 astonied 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 faded with surprisi ng upper 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 shaking, 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 icy 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 add up.A cold breeze whipped through the meadow, swaying the grass like something was moving through it.I scrambled to my feet, backing away even though the wind fleecy 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 muddy 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, perceive??when the sounds werent hidden behind the frantic squelching of my footsteps??the quiet whisper of unseen things moving in the leaves.The call of a jaybird made me leap back and fall into a thick stand of young spruce, scraping up my arms and tangling my hair with sap. The sudden rush of a squirrel up a hemlock made me scream so loud it hurt 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 stiff locks before I dug my keys out of my pocket. The roar of the engine was comforting and sane. It helped me control the tears as I sped as fast as my truck would allow toward the main highway.I was simmer downer, but still a mess when I got home. Charlies cruiser was in the driveway??I hadnt realized how late it was. The sky was already dusky.Bella? Charlie asked when I slammed the front door behind me and hurriedly turned the locks.Yeah, its me. My voice was unsteady.Where have you been? he thundered, appearing through the kitchen portal with an ominous 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 saw the bear. I tried to say it calmly, but my voice was high and shaky. Its not a bear, though??its some kind of wolf. And there are quint of them. A big black one, and gray, and reddish-brown??Charlies eyes grew round with horror. He strode quickly to me and grabbed the tops of my arms.Are you okay?My head bo bbed in a weak nod.Tell 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 wrapped 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 bear??but wolves just dont get that big??These 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 wolves??claiming Id been on the civilise that led to the north. I didnt want my dad 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 ravenous? 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, his 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 besides 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 arguing with his friends. He looked strange, like he was upset about something. And?? different. Its like you can watch that kid developing 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 someon e to meet them.Oh. Charlie nodded and headed for the kitchen.I stood in the hall, opinion about Jacob arguing with his friends. I wondered if he had confronted Embryabout the situation with Sam. perchance that was the reason hed ditched me today??if 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 room. 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 here??Or?? 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 awful 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 fa cts applied to Charlie, too. My father, sleeping one room away from me, was just a hairsbreadth off the heart of the target 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 catching up to Laurent in the woods and massacring the indestructible immortal the way they would any normal person. in spite of the absurdity of such a vision, the idea comforted 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 fight??My 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 unconsciousness??almost 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, ardent 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.