As always everything belongs to Stephanie Meyers.
9. SCENT
Bella couldn't understand, not that I expected her to. Comprehension was hard for humans as their instincts were to survive… ours were very distinctive. This wasn't as simple as Jacob and I loathing one another –our discontent ran much deeper than that –it was instinctual. Fighting it was complex, going against our natural instincts. It was difficult for Bella to hear and even tougher for her to grasp.
"It's not that I feel any personal antagonism toward him, Bella, it's just easier for both of us," I told her at the door. "I won't be far away. You'll be safe."
"I'm not worried about that."
Smiling, I was overcome by a foolish idea. Truly, it wouldn't hurt anyone as I reached for her pulling her close, burying my face in her hair. A couple of breaths later I pulled back.
"I'll be right back," I said laughing aloud at my childish act.
"What's so funny?"
Grinning, I ran off toward the trees, providing her privacy to visit with Jacob. Standing around watching would be wrong, and would only leave me feel like a heel. I seized the opportunity to pursue the trail left by our visitor this morning.
Emmett was correct in his assessment, the trail went East, then South, and disappeared on a side road, where there was a waiting car. The scent was still not familiar, but it was embedded now. Waiting in anticipation to find it again, I craved this scent very much. I needed to know, which forced this to the top of my priority list. I would have to leave in order to hunt it down. I wasn't capable of doing that –leaving her alone was unbearable –I would be forced to wait for an appropriate time.
With Jacob involved, my opportunity presented itself. Now that he was back, free time would be easier to obtain with her willingness to visit him. Time potentially utilized hunting down our visitor. At this moment, I was grateful to Jacob. He would provide protection for her again, when I was required to leave.
Searching the forest, I ran into Alice.
"What are you doing here?" Alice asked.
"Following the trail, it must be your turn… yes?" I asked.
"Yeah. I've been here for an hour."
She stared at me with a look full of knowledge. Her eyes were wry.
"Yes." I answered.
"Yes, what?" she responded.
"The answer to your question."
"I didn't ask a question," she said.
"He's there with her now. They're going to help us," I explained.
"Wow, Edward. What's with the sudden change of heart?" she asked.
"Anything to help her, Alice. I'll do anything, including using their help. The only thing that matters is her safety and I'll do everything in my power to provide that," I snapped.
"I think it's wonderful, Edward," she announced.
"You would. Where's everyone else?" I asked.
"Emmett and Jasper are out searching around town and the others are at home."
"I'm going to talk to Carlisle before I have to go back. Thanks for all your help. I'll talk to you later," I finished.
"See you later, Edward," Alice said.
"Bye."
Heading in the direction of our house, I needed to notify Carlisle of my conversation with Jacob. He would understand my decision to readjust the boundary lines. This would probably impress him, the arrangements I'd made with Jacob.
Arriving at the house, Esme was waiting for me.
"Edward, can we talk?" she asked.
"Sure, what's up?" I asked.
"I'm concerned about you. How are you holding up?" she asked.
"I'm fine. Stop worrying. I'm not the one you should be worried about," I answered.
"Well, I do… worry about you. I wish there was more I could do," she pleaded.
"Esme, you've always done enough, more than enough in fact, and I'm so grateful you came to us. Now stop all this concern, we'll be fine. I promise," I begged.
"All right, Edward," She leaned toward me squeezing me as tight as she could.
"Is Carlisle in his office?" I asked.
"Yes, he is."
"Thank you. I'll see you later."
Arriving at Carlisle's office door, I walked in unannounced. He was sitting behind his desk peering out the window. He appeared deep in thought.
"Carlisle?" I spoke.
Pulling him from his reverie. "What is it, Edward? Is everything all right?" he asked.
"For now, yes. I just wanted to inform you of a conversation I had with Jacob," I responded.
"You're not fighting with…"
"No, no, nothing like that. We were simply working out some new boundaries for the wolves. I'm sorry and I know I had no right to, but I told them they could stretch the line further out. This way they'll protect the West side and we'll protect the East," I explained.
"That's wonderful, Edward. I have no problem allowing the wolves more space, anything that can help with the situation is welcome," Carlisle said.
"Thank you, Carlisle. You'll let the others know, not to start with the wolves?" I asked.
"Yes, Edward, I will let them know," he answered concerned.
"Did I interrupt something?"
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Well, you appeared to be far away when I entered. Is everything all right?" I asked.
"I was just thinking," he said.
"What about?"
"I was wondering if I did the right thing by you?" he admitted.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well, I wonder if making you what you are was the right decision. For years, I thought I did wrong. Esme and I wondered if you were too young, then when you finally found Bella, I hoped there was a chance. But now… now I wonder… if I wasn't just attempting to justify what I've done."
"Carlisle, I…"
"Edward, the fact that this has caused you so much pain, makes me believe I've done you wrong. If not for me… none of this would be happening. How could I forgive myself?" Carlisle pleaded.
"Carlisle, you're not to blame. Stop this… it's not your fault. It'll work out, I promise," I begged.
"Thank you, Edward," he said.
"Sure. I have to get back. Will you be okay?" I asked worried to leave him.
"Go, go ahead I'll be fine," he answered, staring out the window.
Lingering for a moment, I turned and went back down the stairs to the living room.
"Esme, you might… want to go and talk to Carlisle. He seems upset," I told her.
"I know –I'll talk to him, don't worry he'll be all right. See you later… and Edward…" she called out as I was at the door.
"Yes?" I turned around and asked.
"Be careful, please," she begged.
My family seemed overly concerned, which made me nervous. Worrying was not something my family had to do frequently, so when they did it was vital. Being able to protect our selves from anything, there was no cause for worry. Having Bella around put everyone on edge.
Carlisle had said yes to Bella, for this the exact reason. After admitting he was wrong when he changed me, how could he agree to change her? Although, it would make the situation easier if she were… no, no, no, I wouldn't think that way, I couldn't.
Returning to Bella's house my mind was swirling around the information I'd obtained following the recent occurrence. Wishing the answers were more defined. Confusion set in as I wondered what to do. How would I make this all right?
Arriving back at Bella's in time to see my foolish act taking effect.
"Ugh," he said, wrinkling his nose. "Your hair stinks worse than your room."
Making me smile, knowing it was childish, I'd live with it.
"Sorry," she muttered, I assumed she realized what I'd done.
"One of the many hazards of socializing with vampires," Jacob said. "It makes you smell bad. A minor hazard, comparatively."
Knowing what he was referring to, making my lips curl up over my teeth. He sure was digging the daggers in as deep as he could.
"I only smell bad to you, Jake," she snapped.
He grinned. "See you around, Bells."
"Are you leaving?"
"He's waiting for me to go. I can hear him outside."
That's quite a range for him, making me wonder how much farther it extended.
"Oh," she answered.
"I'll go out the back," he said, and then paused. "Hold up a sec –hey, do you think you can come to La Push tonight? We're having a bonfire party. Emily will be there, and you could meet Kim… And I know Quil wants to see you, too. He's pretty peeved that you found out before he did."
She grinned, thought for a moment, and then sighed. "Yeah, Jake, I don't know about that. See, it's a little tense right now…"
"C'mon, you think somebody's going to get past –all six of us?"
He paused at the end of his statement making wonder what he was hiding. It would be very difficult to hide things from me, leading me to believe it was important. Most likely involving the werewolf thing, so I wouldn't pry too much.
Bella, hesitated when answering, allowing me to think that her life was no longer hers. Not having the ability to decide anything without my permission. Wrong –would be the word I would use –to describe what I've done to Bella, amending the situation became a priority.
"I'll ask," she answered full of doubt.
Jacob grumbled a rather rude statement I couldn't repeat. "Is he your warden, now, too? You know, I saw this story on the news last week about controlling, abusive teenage relationships and…"
"Okay!" Bella cut him off shoving his arm. "Time for the werewolf to get out!"
He grinned. "Bye, Bells. Be sure you ask permission."
His attitude infuriated me, he was aware of the risk here. Using these methods to under mind our relationship was low, even for him. But he was right. She would be safe with him tonight, giving me the opportunity to do some investigating of my own.
Walking slowly into the kitchen, I attempted not to frighten her more than she already was. Immediately, I was overcome by a scent of blood mixed with bleach. Noticing the knife with blood on it, sitting on the counter. My imagination got the best of me, as I envisioned her stabbing him. Stunned, I stood staring at Bella.
"Did you two get into a fight?" I asked.
"Edward!" she sang out throwing herself into my arms.
"Hi, there," I laughed, wrapping my arms around her. "Are you trying to distract me? It's working."
"No, I didn't fight with Jacob. Much. Why?"
"I was just wondering why you stabbed him. Not that I object," With my chin, I gestured to the knife on the counter.
"Dang! I thought I got everything."
She pulled away from me and ran to put the knife in the sink, before dousing it with bleach. She worked hard making my life easier; I would have to return the jester.
"I didn't stab him," she explained as she worked. "He forgot he had a knife in his hand."
I chuckled. "That's not nearly as fun as the way I imagined it."
"Be nice," she warned me.
Taking out a big envelope from my jacket, tossing it on the counter. "I got your mail."
"Anything good?"
"I think so."
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously at my tone. She came to investigate.
I'd folded the legal-sized envelope in half. She smoothed it open, surprised at the weight of the expensive paper, and then read the return address.
"Dartmouth? Is this a joke?"
"I'm sure it's an acceptance. It looks exactly like mine."
"Good grief, Edward –what did you do?"
"I sent your application, that's all," I answered innocently.
"I may not be Dartmouth material, but I'm not stupid enough to believe that," she snapped.
She was right, but I wasn't about to tell her that. If I had any hope of her attending in the fall, the less she knew about how we got there, the better. My hope was that Charlie would get wind of this acceptance, and react as only a father would… excited. If that were to happen, she couldn't refuse going. Somehow, I would make certain Charlie found out.
"Dartmouth seems to think that you're Dartmouth material," I continued.
She took a deep breath and paused for a moment. "That's very generous of them," she finally said. "However, accepted or not, there is still the minor matter of tuition. I can't afford it, and I'm not letting you throw away enough money to buy yourself another sports car just so I can pretend to go to Dartmouth next year."
"I don't need another sports car. And you don't have to pretend anything," I murmured. "One year of college wouldn't kill you. Maybe you'd even like it. Just think about it, Bella. Imagine how excited Charlie and Renee would be…"
She thought about this for quite a while, which gave me hope. Pleading with her in the right manner, could persuade her to delay, for a mere year. Giving me one year was enough time to produce an alternative to ending her life –this I was certain of –time was all I needed.
She shook her head. "Edward, I'm worried about living through graduation, let alone this summer or next fall."
Wrapping my arms around her. "No one is going to hurt you. You have all the time in the world."
She sighed. "I'm mailing the contents of my bank account to Alaska tomorrow. It's all the alibi I need. It's far enough away that Charlie won't expect a visit until Christmas at the earliest. And I'm sure I'll think of some excuse by then. You know," she teased halfheartedly, "this whole secrecy and deception thing is kind of a pain."
She could mail every penny she had to Alaska. She would have to provide a better excuse to persuade me to relinquish Dartmouth. It would take some convincing on my part, but with Charlie's help, I was certain she would come around eventually.
"It gets easier. After a few decades, everyone you know is dead. Problem solved."
Bella flinched, and I'd realized what I said.
"Sorry, that was harsh."
She stared down at the big envelope. "But still true."
"If I get this resolved, whatever it is we're dealing with, will you please consider waiting?"
"Nope."
"Always so stubborn."
"Yep."
The washer machine began jumping and thumping, ending this conversation, for now. Charlie would be my best shot at getting her to reconsider and somehow I would make that happen. Waiting for the perfect opportunity to bring it up in front of him would be difficult. The last time I involved Charlie in one of my plans, she almost moved out of the house. This would take some contemplation on my part.
"Stupid piece of junk," she muttered as she pulled away from me. She moved the clothes in the washer and started it again.
"Could you ask Alice what she did with my stuff when she cleaned my room? I can't find it anywhere."
What was this? Some of her stuff is missing? "Alice cleaned your room?" I asked puzzled, that didn't sound like Alice.
"Yeah, I guess that's what she was doing. When she came to get my pajamas and pillow and stuff to hold me hostage," she glowered at me briefly, still angry. "She picked up everything that was lying around, my shirts, my socks, and I don't know where she put them."
Staring at her for a moment, confusion set in, as none of this was making sense. Alice was certainly helpful, but not this way, she wouldn't do laundry, she would simply buy you new clothes. And we had already done that, purchasing new pajamas and a pillow, why would Alice bring hers? Something was wrong here.
"When did you notice your things were missing?" I asked urgently.
"When I got back from the fake slumber party. Why?"
"I don't think Alice took anything. Not your clothes, or your pillow. The things that were taken, these were things you'd worn… and touched… and slept on?"
"Yes. What is it, Edward?"
Concern written on my face. "Things with your scent."
"Oh!"
Staring at her for a long moment, this new information concerned me. Providing absolute proof, they were for Bella. Now if I could just figure out why? Why now? More importantly, what do they want?
"My visitor?"
"He was gathering traces… evidence. To prove he'd found you?"
"Why?" she whispered.
The million dollar question… why?
"I don't know. But, Bella, I swear I will find out. I will."
"I know you will," she said leaning her head against my chest.
My phone began to vibrate… pulling it out I glanced at the number.
"Just the person I need to talk to," I murmured flipping open the phone. "Carlisle I…" Breaking off I listened intently. "I'll check it out. Listen…"
Explaining my latest findings quickly, Carlisle had no insights.
"Maybe I'll go…" I said trailing off, my eyes drifted to Bella. "Maybe not. Don't let Emmett go alone… you know how he gets. At least ask Alice to keep an eye on things. We'll figure this out later."
Snapping the phone shut. "Where's the paper?" I asked her.
Needing to see first hand what Carlisle was talking about.
"Um, I'm not sure. Why?"
"I need to see something. Did Charlie already throw it out?"
"Maybe…"
Disappearing out the back door to the recycle bin, I acquired the newspaper. Coming back in with the wet newspaper in hand, I spread it out on the table, my eyes quickly scanning the headlines. Leaning in as I found the story I was looking for, one finger tracing the passage that held my interest.
"Carlisle's right… yes… very sloppy. Young and crazed? Or a death wish?" I muttered to myself.
She peered over my shoulder to see what held my interest. The headline read: "Murder Epidemic Continues –Police Have No New Leads."
The stories were almost the same –as the stories from week's ago –only the numbers appeared to be climbing. The mayhem in Seattle was demanding our attention. Probably having nothing to do with us, it was certain to bring other problems in our direction.
"It's getting worse," she murmured.
I frowned. "Although out of control. This can't be the work of just one newborn vampire. What's going on? It's as if they've never heard of the Volturi. Which is possible, I guess. No one has explained the rules to them… so who is creating them, then?"
"The Volturi?" she repeated, shuddering.
"This is exactly the kind of thing they routinely wipe out –immortals who threaten to expose us. They just cleaned up a mess like this a few years ago in Atlanta, and it hadn't gotten nearly this bad. They will intervene soon, very soon, unless we can find some way to calm the situation. I'd really rather they didn't come to Seattle just now. As long as they're this close… they might decide to check on you."
Bella shuddered again. "What can we do?"
"We need to know more before we can decide that. Perhaps if we can talk to these young ones, explain the rules, it can be resolved peacefully," frowning I didn't think the chances were good. "We'll wait until Alice has an idea of what's going on… We don't want to step in until it's absolutely necessary. After all, it's not our responsibility. But it's good we have Jasper," I added to myself. "If were dealing with newborns, he'll be helpful."
"Jasper? Why?"
I smiled darkly. "Jasper is sort of an expert on young vampires."
"What do you mean, an expert?"
"You'll have to ask him –the story is involved."
Jasper's story was his to share –as I've said before –I wouldn't feel right about telling other people's stories. That was their prerogative if they felt it was necessary.
"What a mess," she mumbled.
"It does feel that way, doesn't it? Like it's coming at us from all sides these days," I sighed. "Do you ever think that your life might be easier if you weren't in love with me?"
Was this my payment for what I've done? Is this happening because of my selfishness? How would I make this right? With so many problems piling up, I was growing uncertain with my ability to make the situation right again.
"Maybe. It wouldn't be much of a life, though."
"For me," I amended quietly. "And now, I suppose," I continued with a wry smile, "you have something you want to ask me?"
I needed to change the subject, she shouldn't know all the details of what was happening. Being my problems, I felt inclined to deal with them, hopefully involving her as little as possible.
She stared at me blankly. "I do?"
Perhaps I was wrong, maybe, she didn't want to attend tonight. That appeared to be wrong… she looked glum when she told him she couldn't go.
"Or maybe not," I grinned. "I was rather under the impression that you'd promised to ask my permission to go to some kind of werewolf soiree tonight."
"Eavesdropping again?"
I grinned. "Just a bit, at the very end."
"Well, I wasn't going to ask you anyway. I figured you had enough to stress about."
Putting my hand under her chin, I held her face so that I could read her eyes. "Would you like to go?"
"It's no big thing. Don't worry about it."
Always an angel –down playing her desire to attend –for my sake. That's why I loved her so.
"You don't have to ask my permission, Bella. I'm not your father –thank heaven for that. Perhaps you should ask Charlie, though."
"But you know Charlie will say yes."
"I do have a bit more insight into his probable answer than most people would, it's true."
She stood staring at me attempting to figure out what I wished for her. It's true –at this given moment –having an ulterior motive for wanting her to attend the soiree at La Push tonight. I wanted her to feel free to do as she wishes also. She could remain friends with Jacob, that was no longer a problem, I wasn't joking when I explained that to her. I didn't want Bella to feel as though I was her warden –as he referred to it –she should do what makes her happy.
Needing her to be occupied tonight, the wolf soiree seemed the perfect solution, in my mind. My concern for her would reduce knowing she was safe with them, while I tended to my troubles. I wanted to go to Seattle with Emmett and Jasper, we had to assess the situation there, compare it to our circumstances here. Hopefully, we'll have the ability to settle this before anything else could occur.
"Bella," I said. "I told you that I was going to be reasonable and trust your judgment. I meant that. If you trust the werewolves, then I'm not going to worry about them."
"Wow," she said.
"And Jacob's right –about one thing, anyway –a pack of werewolves ought to be enough to protect even you for one evening."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course. Only…"
She braced herself for my suggestion. There were a few, but necessary things to arrange, in order to allow her to leave. Knowing her the way I did, she would agree.
"I hope you won't mind taking a few precautions? Allowing me to drive you to the boundary line, for one. And then taking a cell phone, so that I'll know when to pick you up?"
"That sounds… very reasonable."
"Excellent," smiling at her, I could definitely handle this plan.
Never failing, Charlie had no problem with Bella going to La Push for the evening. Bella called Jacob with the news, which he was elated. He seemed to embrace my safety measures, putting me at ease, as that meant he realized the danger she faced. He'd promised to meet us at the line between territories at six.
With the evening planned and everything in place, we were ready to leave. Bella indicated to me her wishes to return her motorcycle to it's home in La Push. Knowing she could ride it anytime was unnerving, but what could I say? So when she asked I only nodded. No, I was not happy with this decision for two reasons, one was that motorcycles tended to be dangerous for regular people and Bella was anything but regular. But, the second reason, and more important at the present moment, was that I had acquired one too, and I knew this would make her feel bad. Not wanting her to be unhappy, there was no way she wouldn't notice it in my garage.
She followed me to my house in her truck, back to the garage where she'd left her bike. Getting out of the car, I glanced at her pulling up in the truck. She jumped out of the truck immediately gazing at the motorcycle in the garage, that was not hers.
"What is that?"
"Nothing," I murmured, attempting to brush her off.
"It doesn't look like nothing."
Remaining casual. "Well, I didn't know if you were going to forgive your friend, or he you, and I wondered if you would still want to ride your bike anyway. It sounded like it was something that you enjoyed. I thought I could go with you, if you wished," I shrugged.
She stood staring at my bike, awe-struck.
"I wouldn't be able to keep up with you," She whispered.
Putting my hand under her chin, I pulled her face around so I could see it straight on. With one finger, I tried to push the corner of her mouth up.
"I'd keep pace with you, Bella."
"That wouldn't be fun for you."
"Of course it would, if we were together."
She bit her lip and thought for a moment. "Edward, if you thought I was going too fast or losing control of the bike or something, what would you do?"
Hesitating, I attempted to find the right answer. I smiled.
"This is something you do with Jacob. I see that now."
"It's just that, well, I don't slow him down so much, you know. I could try, I guess…"
She eyed the motorcycle doubtfully.
"Don't worry about it," I said laughing lightly. "I saw Jasper admiring it. Perhaps it's time he discovered a new way to travel. After all, Alice has her Porsche now."
"Edward, I…"
She was unhappy with me, I knew this would happen. I never should have purchased it. Needing to change the subject.
Interrupting her with a quick kiss. "I said not to worry. But would you do something for me?"
"Whatever you need," she promised quickly.
Dropping her face, I leaned over the far side of my motorcycle, retrieving something I had stashed there. Coming back up with a black jacket and a red helmet.
"Please?" I asked, flashing a smile to fight the resistance.
She took the helmet, weighting it in her hands. "I'll look stupid."
She could never look stupid, well unless she wiped out on that thing without this safety gear on. She would look worse then stupid if that were to happen.
"No, you'll look smart. Smart enough not to get yourself hurt," throwing the jacket over my arm, I took her face in my hands. "There are things between my hands right now that I can't live without. You could take care of them."
"Okay, fine. What's the other thing?" she asked suspiciously.
Laughing I shook out the padded jacket. "It's a riding jacket. I hear road rash is quite uncomfortable, not that I would know myself."
Holding it out for her, she sighed deeply, flipping her hair back, she stuffed the helmet on her head. She shoved her arms through the sleeves of the jacket. I zipped her in, a smile spreading across my face, I stepped back.
"Be honest, how hideous do I look?"
Taking another step back, I pursed my lips. Wow, was the only word that came to mind. She looked great in anything she wore. Yes, some things were better then others, but this looked good.
"That bad, huh?" she muttered.
"No, no, Bella. Actually…" struggling for the right word. "You look… sexy."
She laughed out loudly. "Right."
"Very sexy, really."
"You're just saying that so that I'll wear it," she said. "But that's okay. You're right, it's smarter."
Wrapping my arms around her I pulled her against my chest. "You're silly. I suppose that's part of your charm. Though, I'll admit it, this helmet does have its drawbacks."
I pulled the helmet off so I was able to kiss her.
As I drove her toward La Push, a little while later, the sense of indecision overwhelmed me. Was this right? Letting her go off with my mortal enemy, it felt very wrong. Driving toward the very land I was banished from was excruciating. Knowing I was required to leave her here, it suddenly occurred to me I had no way of being certain she was safe. Turning the car around and speeding away felt like the right choice to me.
No, no, no… I couldn't do that. Putting my prejudices aside, I had to trust her. If anything were to happen, she would call me, that's what I provided the cell phone for. Trusting her was all I needed to endure this evening… and I did trust her. Putting that at the front of my brain would make this night pass by quickly.
Bella pulled me from my thoughts.
"You know what this reminds me of?" she asked. "It's just like when I was a kid and Renee would pass me off to Charlie for the summer. I feel like a seven-year-old."
I laughed.
About halfway to La Push I rounded the corner and found Jacob leaning against the side of his car. He smiled when he saw Bella.
Parking my car thirty yards away. Keeping my distance was for his benefit. Having much more experience with control, he didn't bother me, except for that dreadful smell. For now, I would give him the space he required.
"Call me whenever you're ready to come home," I said. "And I'll be here."
"I won't be out late," she promised.
Pulling her bike and the new gear out of the trunk of my car. She tucked the helmet under her arm and threw the jacket across the seat.
"Do you have it all?" I asked.
"No problem," she assured me.
Sighing I leaned toward her. She turned to face me as I suddenly threw my arms around her tightly, kissing her vigorously, until she was gasping for air. Not being able to help myself, I'd thought I'd lived through the worst moments of my existence, but none of them seemed as difficult as this moment was.
Jacob's thoughts were shouting in my head. He felt the need to inform me that he would be fighting for her, warning me that he didn't intend to fight fair. His thoughts were amusing making me laugh quietly, as I let Bella go.
"Goodbye," I said. "I really do like the jacket."
Standing there, I watched her push the bike toward Jacob, who didn't move a muscle until Bella had passed over the treaty boundary.
"What's all that?" Jacob called to her.
"I thought I should put this back where it belongs," she told him.
Jumping into my car I continued to watch for a moment. Not sure if I was punishing myself, lingering to watch, or if I was being childish, knowing exactly what he was thinking and knowing Bella would never fall for it. But, I insisted on sticking around to watch anyway.
The moment she crossed the line, he shoved away from his car, and went to her. He took the bike from her, balanced it on the kickstand, and grabbed her up into a hug. His thoughts came shooting for me.
I'll do anything to save her from you, and I told you I don't fight fair, he announced as he hugged her tight, staring straight at me. This wolf was pushing his luck.
Growling the engine to life, I took off rounding the corner. If I witnessed anymore of this… it would not end well. Leaving would best at this moment, I wouldn't want to kill Bella's best friend in front of her. Besides, the better man would win, and since I was a man and he was a dog, the winner was obvious.
Driving away went against every instinct I had. It was tougher than I had anticipated it would be. Perhaps, it would have been a better idea to have Alice drop her off. Then again, if I had done that, she probably would have refused to go, finding an excuse to remain at home. That was something I could no longer tolerate, for her to miss out on life because of who I was. Needing to change that part of her life, I would do everything in my power to be certain her life was restored to normal as possible. If that meant being a little uncomfortable, then so be it. What was my comfort compared to her happiness? Comparing the two was impossible… everything was supposed to be for her happiness. If she were not happy, if I somehow kept her from what she really wanted, then all of my efforts here would be for nothing. I couldn't exist if that's what was going on. If she valued my happiness over hers, then we were domed.
Returning her to a somewhat normal life –as normal as it could be –was at the top of my list. That would mean she would need to have other friends, and other things to do, besides being with me all the time. That would work both ways, of course. If she had to do other things, then so would I. It would be easier to convince her, if I were suddenly busy with other things, too.
That would please Jasper and Emmett, as they were missing the things we used to do. The harassment I've taken over missing ball games and hunting would finally come to an end. Could I really do that? Leave her more often, yes, the answer was always, yes. If that's what she desired, then I would. But for now, I could only leave her with Jacob. I would not tolerate having her other friends in danger along side of her. So until, I figured out who was behind all of this, she would have to settle for being with Jacob. That did nothing for my sanity, but as long as she was happy, I would not harm him.
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