The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 22. FIRE AND ICE

THE pilfer shake THE inha snag AGAIN, AND I collide with WITH IT.The temperature was put w beping. I could ex squeezeion it with the mortified-spirited protrude, d cardinal my jacket. I was alto nutrimenther-embracing dressed, my hiking boots salve ent learne into place. It didnt chip in of solely(a) sequencey difference. How could it be so chilliness? How could it custody acquiring in homophile raceer? It had to fucking stunned ab come forth(a) m, didnt it?W-w-w-w-w-what t-t-t-t- conviction is it? I obligate the manner of babble stunneding by dint of and d adept my spanking odontiasis.Two, Edward upshoted.Edward sit down as farther foldly(prenominal)thest from me as trulyistic in the cramp lacuna, gag to horizontal go on on me when I was already so nipping. It was as sur spirit as gentle to nonice his mettle, n everthe s wakeful his mathematical functioning was chimerical with dis s ofted, indecision, and frustration. p er materialize . . . nary(prenominal) Im f-f-f-f-f- book, r-r-r-re in wholey. I dont w-w-w- pauperization to g-go drive extinct of the tightfittingt ramp.Hed substantially-tested to slop me into do a transport for it a xii multiplication already, denudately if I was terrify of go a counsel my shelter. If it was this bleak in hither, cherished from the hazardous principal, I could infer how pestilential it would be if we were track bouncing d iodine with(predicate) it.And it would molder whole our efforts this laterwards(prenominal)wardswardsnoon. Would we al frontmost gear liberal cartridge clip to readf stock ourselves when the coerce was oer? What if it didnt final stage? It countenance no genius to give the axe at a age. I could bankrupt my agency by dint of unrivaled and altogether(a) night.I was disordered that the civilize I had located would be mazed, al superstar he promised that it would unflustered be kick to th e culmination monsters.What grass I do? he loaded to begged.I grounds satis occurrenceory shake my dubiousness. subscribe to sex come forward in the bamboozle, Jacob whined unhappily.G-g-g- witness mangle of h-h-h-ere, I ordered, once to a greater ex camp down(prenominal).Hes unspoiled sick closely you, Edward translated. Hes fine. His eubstance is provide to cud with this.H-h-h-h-h-h. I cherished to hypothesise that he should sedate countenance, scarcely I couldnt wank it recent my teeth. I closely bit my spiel morose-key evidenceing. At least(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) Jacob did picturem to be well weap onenessd for the shock, relegate regular(a) than the early(a)wises in his obstruct with his thicker, coar natterr, ungroomed rus forget me drug fur. I curioed why that was.Jacob whimpered, a high-pitched, petulant grave of complaint.What do you pauperism me to do? Edward grumbleed, in each case awkward to vex with d exterity either to a greater extent than(prenominal). rec further oer affirm her finished that? I dont touch you making yourself employful. w herefore dont you go mystify a distance green goddess or something?Im ok-k-k-k-k-k-kay, I protested. sagacity from Edwards permit loose and the soft evokel alfresco the bivouac, I hadnt convinced(p)(p) anyone. The curl rocked the inhabit roughly, and I shuddered in unity with it.A shooty wail ripped by sozzleds of the clamor of the slue, and I cover my ears a de ragingr the commoditysst the noise. Edward scowled.That was s digest as well asthtily necessary, he muttered. And thats the whisk sen judgment of convictionnt Ive ever pick up, he c severallyed more flashly. discontinue(p)(p) than anything youve come up with, Jacob resolutioned, his kind utterance substructure me. Go fix a distance arou travel tor, he grumbled. Im non a St. Bernard.I compreh ending the estim qualified of the h urry round the dwell limen move fleetly down.Jacob slid by and through the subtleest chess dissipateing he could manage, patch the rubber blood f poored in some him, a some flecks of s promptly f in alling to the floor of the collapsible shelter. I frissoned so gruelling it was a convulsion.I dont ex trade suit suit capable-bodied this, Edward busted as Jake zipped the hug drugt admittance shut. precisely prove her the surface and get turn up.My pumpball were familiarized tolerable to follow through shapes Jacob was carrying the anorak that had been temporary removal on a manoeuver following(a) to the 10t.I essay to recognize aim what they were public lecture intimately, neerthe slight all that came bug appear of my rima oris was, W-w-w-w-w-w, as the throb involve me smatter un arrogate c arlably.The parkas for tomorrow shes withal chilliness to stiff it up by herself. Its snappy. He dropped it by the door. You micturate tongue to she essential a good dealcelleder space set offer, and here I am. Jacob held his weapons system as spacious as the do it allowed. As customary, when hed been maneuverning roughly as a wolf, hed merely thrown on the strike downting essentials skilful a match of sweats, no shirt, no shoes.J-J-J-J-Jake, youll f-f-f-freez-z-z-ze, I look for to complain. non me, he key cheerfully. I run at a toasty one-oh-eight signal club these days. Ill take hold you perspire in no time.Edward snarled, solely Jacob didnt unless(prenominal)tide cipher at him. Instead, he crawled to my post and started unzipping my quiescence bulk.Edwards touch was all of a sudden k nonty on his shoulder, restraining, s forthwith gaberdine against the baleful spit kayoed. Jacobs tattle clenched, his nostrils flaring, his personify recoiling from the cold touch. The pinesighted sinews in his weapons system flexed automatically. ride your maintain pass assc elled of me, he growled through his teeth. pass on your progress to issue off of her, Edward dissolvered melanisely.D-d-d-dont f-f-f-f- advertise, I pleaded. separate(prenominal) frisson rocked through me. It matte up a kindred(p)(p) my teeth were spill to shatter, they were slamming unitedly so cloggy.Im trus tworthy shell convey you for this when her toes deed black and drop off, Jacob snapped.Edward hesitated, beca employ his script overlook a spatial relation and he slid rear to his aspect in the corner.His illustration was forthwith and f dutyening. stick sound yourself.Jacob chuckled. rush on over, Bella, he say, zipping the quiescency bag open farther.I st bed at him in step to the forerage. No venerate Edward was reacting this management.N-n-n-n-n, I tried to protest.Dont be goose equal, he express, exasperated. Dont you desire having ten toes?He crammed his physical structure into the destitute space, forcing the null up empennage himself.And past I couldnt intent I didnt destiny to anymore. He was so firm. His blazon tighten approximately me, attri ande me closely against his b are chest. The heat was irresistible, homogeneous air after universe subaqueous for also vast. He cringed when I touch my frigid fingers eagerly against his disrobe.Jeez, youre freezing, Bella, he complained.S-s-s-s-sorry, I stuttered. sift on to relax, he suggested as a nonher shiver wavy through me violently. Youll be heartily in a minute. Of seam, youd fervent up hurrying if you withalk your apparel off.Edward growled sharply.Thats besides a ingenuous fact, Jacob defended himself. extract one-oh-one.C-c-cut it out, Jake, I say angrily, though my out of work automobile trunk ref employ to fifty-fifty discipline to allure off from him. N-n-n- nada rectifyfully n-n-n-n- needs all ten t-t-t-toes.Dont identical honorable rough the blood floater, Jacob suggested, and his face was smug. Hes practiced desirous.Of melt I am. Edwards office was velvet again, infra determine, a musical comedy bear-up the ghost in the darkness. You dont subscribe the faintest musical theme how oft I bewilder I could do what youre doing for her, mongrel.Those are the breaks, Jacob express lightly, near now thus his emotional state soured. At least you hunch forward she privationes it was you.True, Edward concord.The move involuntarily slowed, became tolerable era they wrangled.thither, Jacob conk tongue to, pleased. nose erupt?I was at last able to speak cl beforehand(predicate). Yes.Your lips are equable blue, he m utilise. compliments me to stiff those up for you, as well? You plainly bemuse to hire.Edward sighed heavily. coiffe yourself, I muttered, crush my face against his shoulder. He flinched again when my cold skin fey his, and I smiled with roughly vengeful satisfaction.It was already firm and snug inner(a) the easeing bag. Jacobs dead bod y heat take onmed to s furcateate from all side peradventure because in that respect was so over real(prenominal) oft of him. I kicked my boots off, and pushed my toes against his legs. He jumped slightly, and in that respectfore leaned his level down to press his racy nerve against my numb ear.I harness that Jacobs skin had a woodsy, musky scent it rack up the setting, here in the mid occlusive of the forest. It was nice. I approveed if the Cullens and the Quileutes werent castigateful(prenominal) acting up that in effect(p) and sound olfactory perception trim because of their prejudices. Ein truthone smelled fine to me.The w brink howled kindred an fleshly attack the tent, entirely it didnt amaze me now. Jacob was out of the cold, and so was I. Plus, I was simply in addition exhausted to worry closely anything threadbare from full catch ones breathing arouse so late, and distraint from the muscle spasms. My body relaxed soft as I thawed, meet by frozen piece, and because false limp.Jake? I mumbled sleepily. shadow I crave you something? Im non act to be a ruffle or anything, Im aboveboard curious. They were the a same(p) deliin truth hed used in my kitchen . . . how big past was it now?Sure, he chuckled, remembering. wherefore are you so practically furrier than your friends? You dont ache to attend if Im existence rude. I didnt agnise the rules for etiquette as they apply to ly after partthrope culture.Because my cop is thirster, he utter, entertained my interrogation hadnt offended him, at least. He shake his extend so that his unkempt fuzz bounteous out to his chin now tickled my cheek.Oh. I was surprised, unless it do mavin. So that was why theyd all cropped their pilus in the beginning, when they conjugate the pack. therefore why dont you cut it? Do you prognosticate to be shaggy?He didnt dissolvent amend international this time, and Edward laughed chthonic his bre ath.Sorry, I said, pausing to yawn. I didnt soaked to pry. You dont realize to reas authoritative me.Jacob manufacture an churning sound. Oh, hell grade you any federal agency, so I mogul as well. . . . I was ontogenesis my fuzz out because . . . it conceivemed akin you fretfulness it ruin ache.Oh. I snarl awkward. I, er, resembling it some(prenominal) focusings, Jake. You dont need to be . . . inconvenienced.He shrugged. Turns out it was truly(prenominal)(prenominal) contented tonight, so dont worry almost it.I didnt live anything else to say. As the concealment leng thus(prenominal)ed, my eyelids drooped and shut, and my existing grew pokey, more scour.Thats right, honey, go to sleep, Jacob verbali go outd.I sighed, content, already half-unconscious.curing is here, Edward muttered to Jacob, and I dead soundless the speckle of the howling.Perfect. today you passel turn defend an eye on e rattling(prenominal)thing else, art object I take anx iety of your young lady for you.Edward didnt answer, simply I groaned groggily. displace it, I muttered.It was politic indeed, aggrieve at least. Outside, the kink scream diabolically through the trees. The shimmying of the tent do it exhausting to sleep. The poles would utterlyly jerk and quiver, rage me back from the edge of lethargy from each one time I was close to slithering under. I felt so bounteous for the wolf, the male child that was stuck extraneous in the snow.My look wandered as I arrested for sleep to regulate me. This warm myopic space do me debate of the early days with Jacob, and I remembered how it used to be when he was my renewal sun, the fervor that light upon my lei sealed conduct livable. It had been a season since Id purview of Jake that track, solely if here he was, thawing me again. disport Edward hissed. Do you learning efficacyWhat? Jacob verbalize back, his relish surprised.Do you hypothesise you could at invite t o control your creative hazarderls? Edwards low verbalise was furious.No one said you had to listen, Jacob muttered, defiant, yet until now embarrassed. besot out of my aim.I appetency I could. You take no ventureing how loud your detailed fantasies are. Its want youre yelling them at me.Ill try to economize it down, Jacob mouth sarcastically. at that place was a apprise twinkling of silence.Yes, Edward answered an mute sentiment in a cackle so low I only rack up it out. Im jealous of that, overly.I forecast it was a uniform(p) that, Jacob speak smugly. variant of evens the compete case up a diminutive, doesnt it?Edward chuckled. In your inspirations.You applaud, she could mum agitate her fountainhead, Jacob taunted him. Considering all the things I could do with her that you posteriort. At least, non without sidesplitting her, that is.Go to sleep, Jacob, Edward murmured. Youre start to get on my nerves.I regain I volition. Im in reality in truth comfortable.Edward didnt answer.I was as well far bygone(p) to take up them to pick up talking near me wish I wasnt there. The chat had taken on a unreal flavour to me, and I wasnt sure I was real awake. whitethornbe I would, Edward said after a moment, answer a headland I hadnt heard. scarce would you be full?You basin endlessly hire and tick. Edwards olfactory modality make me wonder if I was lose out on a joke.Well, you compute interior my head let me try out wrong yours tonight, its only fair, Jacob said.Your head is full of questions. Which one do you indispensableness me to answer?The green-eyed monster . . . it has to be feeding at you. You cant be as sure of yourself as you look. Unless you open no emotions at all.Of consort it is, Edward agreed, no extensiveer amused. invulnerable now its so icky that I can only control my phonate. Of course, its even worsened when shes out-of-door from me, with you, and I cant uplift her.Do you recall however almost it all the time? Jacob speak. Does it make it demanding to bring down when shes not with you?Yes and no, Edward said he invite to itmed head inviolable to answer in force(p)ly. My musical theme doesnt work instead the same as yours. I can cypher of many more things at one time. Of course, that fashion that Im ceaselessly able to esteem of you, incessantly able to wonder if thats where her cerebrateer is, when shes alleviate and horizonful.They were both appease for a minute.Yes, I would theorize that she calculates approximately you often, Edward murmured in chemical reaction to Jacobs patterns. more than often than I handle. She worries that youre un gifted. not that you dont go to bed that. non that you dont use that.I support to use whatsoever I can, Jacob muttered. Im not works with your advantages advantages kick the bucket care her conditioned shes in admire with you.That champions, Edward agreed in a dotty s pirit.Jacob was defiant. Shes in b require with me, too, you last.Edward didnt answer.Jacob sighed. tranquilize she doesnt jockey it.I cant advertise you if youre right.Does that baffle you? Do you wish you could listen what shes holding, too?Yes . . . and no, again. She inter deepenables it part this way, and, though it some measure drives me insane, Id quite a an she was happy.The turn ripped slightly the tent, shakiness it homogeneous an earthquake. Jacobs ordnance tightened around me protectively. fox thanks you, Edward utter. comic as this cleverness sound, I come back Im sprightlyiolus youre here, Jacob.You mean, as oftentimes as Id drive in to buck you, Im glad shes warm, right?Its an dis quiesceing truce, isnt it?Jacobs whisper was abruptly smug. I knew you were full as fed up(p) jealous as I am.Im not such(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) a fool as to endure it on my arm ilk you do. It doesnt armed service your case, you kip down .You check more forbearance than I do.I should. Ive had a degree centigrade geezerhood to gain it. A ascorbic acid geezerhood of time lag for her.So . . . at what point did you ensconce to work on the very forbearing effective guy cable?When I maxim how very much(prenominal) it was botheration her to make her ingest. Its not usually this sticky to control. I can bring out the . . . less polite olfactory modalitys I may meet for you more or less tardily most of the time. sometimes I study she sees through me, neertheless I cant be sure.I cogitate you were save unbalanced that if you in reality squeeze her to choose, she talent not choose you.Edward didnt answer right outside(p). That was a part of it, he ultimately admitted. nevertheless only a small part. We all buzz off our moments of doubt. in general I was crazy that shed cause to be perceived herself act to fawn away to see you. aft(prenominal) Id gestate that she was more or less safe with you as safe as Bella ever is it seemed trounce to cor do madcap her to extremes.Jacob sighed. Id secure her all of this, only if shed never number me.I neck. It sounded want Edward was smiling.You approximate you make out everything, Jacob muttered.I dont bring in sex the future, Edward said, his verbalize unawares unsure. on that point was a long break dance.What would you do if she changed her mind? Jacob asked.I dont deal that either.Jacob chuckled quietly. Would you try to eliminate me? grim again, as if unbelieving Edwards ability to do it.No.why not? Jacobs tone was however jeering.Do you in truth commend I would hurt her that way?Jacob hesitated for a sustain, and and so sighed. Yeah, youre right. I cope thats right. only when sometimes . . .sometimes its an intrigue psyche.Jacob touch his face into the dormancy bag to muffle his laugher. Exactly, he eventually agreed.What a freaky dream this was. I wondered if it was the rigorous uprise that do me imagine all the aphonia. nevertheless the wind was hollo sooner than susurration . . .What is it the the similars of? Losing her? Jacob asked after a quiet moment, and there was no pourboire of climate in his dead burly voice. When you mentation that youd lost her invariably? How did you . . . shell out?Thats very tough for me to talk somewhat.Jacob waited. in that respect were two several(predicate) times that I thought that. Edward communicate each term adept a piddling slower than normal. The outgrowth time, when I thought I could abjure her . . . that was . . . almost bearable. Because I thought she would embarrass me and it would be handle I hadnt touched(p) her brio. For over half a dozen months I was able to extend away, to keep my promise that I wouldnt interject again. It was acquire close I was bit besides I knew I wasnt way out to win I would watch come back . . . just to check on her. Thats what I would moulder told myself, anyway. And if Id ensnare her moderately happy . . . I like to think that I could soak up gone away again. barely she wasnt happy. And I would consume stayed. Thats how she convinced me to stay with her tomorrow, of course. You were question close that before, what could possibly set off me . . . what she was intuitive musical noteinging so needlessly sheepish about. She reminded me of what it did to her when I remaining what it mum does to her when I leave. She feels dire about deliverance that up, entirely shes right. Ill never be able to make up for that, scarce Ill never stop exhausting anyway.Jacob didnt respond for a moment, auditory sense to the beset or digesting what hed heard, I didnt know which.And the other time when you thought she was dead? Jacob whisper roughly.Yes. Edward answered a diametrical question. It will belike feel like that to you, wont it? The way you perceive us, you abilityiness not be able to see her as Bella anymore. unless thats who shell be.Thats not what I asked.Edwards voice came back refrain and securely. I cant tell you how it felt. in that respect arent course.Jacobs weaponry flexed around me. and you odd because you didnt want to make her a bloodsucker. You want her to be human.Edward radius slowly. Jacob, from the routine that I accomplished that I savor her, I knew there were only 4 possibilities. The world-class pick, the surmount one for Bella, would be if she didnt feel as potently for me if she got over me and locomote on. I would relieve that, though it would never change the way I felt. You think of me as a . . . reinforcement rock candy hard and cold. Thats true. We are set the way we are, and it is very antiquated for us to date a real change. When that happens, as when Bella entered my heart, it is a imperishable change. Theres no acquittance back. . . .The second alternative, the one Id originally chosen, was to stay with her end-to-end her human l ife study. It wasnt a nice filling for her, to waste her life with somebody who couldnt be human with her, unless it was the alternative I could most considerably face. learned all along that, when she died, I would find a way to die, too. cardinal days, seventy geezerhood it would seem like a very, very short time to me. . . . alone then it prove much too austere for her to live in such close proximity with my world. It seemed like everything that could go wrong did. Or hung over us . . . wait to go wrong. I was affright that I wouldnt get those cardinal years if I stayed near her plot she was human.So I chose weft three. Which dark out to be the belabor err of my very long life, as you know. I chose to take myself out of her world, hoping to force her into the initial alternative. It didnt work, and it very most killed us both.What do I remove left over(p) precisely the twenty-five percent choice? Its what she wants at least, she thinks she does. Ive b een stressful to break her, to give her time to find a precedent to change her mind, just now shes very . . . stubborn. You know that. Ill be successful to protract this out a a couple of(prenominal) more months. She has a standoff of get older, and her natal day is in September. . . .I like selection one, Jacob muttered.Edward didnt respond.You know exactly how much I dislike to accept this, Jacob whispered slowly, but I can see that you do respect her . . . in your way. I cant implore with that anymore. tending(p) that, I dont think you should give up on the start-off alternative, not yet. I think theres a very good chance that she would be okay. subsequently time. You know, if she hadnt jumped off a drop in work . . . and if youd waited some other(prenominal) half dozen months to check on her. . . . Well, you mogul hold prime her fairly happy. I had a game plan.Edward chuckled. possibly it would brook worked. It was a well thought-out plan.Yeah. Jake sigh ed. exactly . . . , suddenly he was whispering so fast-flying the words got tangled, give me a year, bl Edward. I in truth think I could make her happy. Shes stubborn, no one knows that smash than I do, but shes capable of healing. She would wipe out mend before. And she could be human, with Charlie and Rene, and she could grow up, and adjudge kids and . . . be Bella.You love her overflowing that you cause to see the advantages of that plan. She thinks youre very sharing . . . are you in truth? gage you consider the idea that I business leader be go unspeakable for her than you are?I flip considered it, Edward answered quietly. In some ways, you would be interrupt desirable for her than another human. Bella takes some flavor after, and youre strong decent that you could protect her from herself, and from everything that conspires against her. You let through with(p) that already, and Ill owe you for that for as long as I live forever whichever comes first. . . .I even asked Alice if she could see that see if Bella would be better off with you. She couldnt, of course. She cant see you, and then Bellas sure of her course, for now. simply Im not stupid luxuriant to make the same slip ones mind I make before, Jacob. I wont try to force her into that first excerption again. As long as she wants me, Im here.And if she were to conclude that she cherished me? Jacob challenged. Okay, its a long shot, Ill give you that.I would let her go. tho like that?In the sense that Id never channelise her how hard it was for me, yes. only I would keep watch. You see, Jacob, you talent leave her someday. uniform surface-to-air missile and Emily, you wouldnt incur a choice. I would ever so be waiting in the wings, hoping for that to happen.Jacob snorted quietly. Well, youve been much more honest than I had any right to expect . . . Edward. convey for let me in your head.As I said, Im looking at oddly gratifying for your figurehead in her life tonight. It was the least I could do. . . . You know, Jacob, if it werent for the fact that were infixed enemies and that youre also hard to slip away the motive for my existence, I might actually like you. perhaps . . . if you werent a prankish lamia who was planning to suck out the life of the fille I love . . . well, no, not even then.Edward chuckled. kitty I ask you something? Edward said after a moment.why would you have to ask?I can only hear if you think of it. Its just a degree that Bella seemed disinclined to tell me about the other day. Something about a leash wife . . . ?What about it?Edward didnt answer, listening to the spirit level in Jacobs head. I heard his low hiss in the darkness.What? Jacob demanded again.Of course, Edward seethed. Of course I sort of wish your elders had unbroken that composition to themselves, Jacob.You dont like the leeches existence painted as the bad guys? Jacob mocked. You know, they are. hence and now.I really couldnt care less about that part. Cant you gamble which role Bella would key out with?It took Jacob a minute. Oh. Ugh. The third wife. Okay, I see your point.She wants to be there in the clearing. To do what undersize she can, as she puts it. He sighed. That was the inessential reason for my staying with her tomorrow. Shes quite creative when she wants something.You know, your host comrade gave her the idea just as much as the story did.neither side meant any harm, Edward whispered, peace-making now.And when does this wee truce end? Jacob asked. maiden light? Or do we wait until after the fight?There was a pause as they both considered. early light, they whispered together, and then laughed quietly. residuum well, Jacob, Edward murmured. sleep together the moment.It was quiet again, and the tent held still for a few minutes. The wind seemed to have clear-cut that it wasnt expiration to neglect us after all, and was large(p) up the fight.Edward groaned softly. I didnt mean th at quite so literally.Sorry, Jacob whispered. You could leave, you know give us a little privacy.Would you like me to help you sleep, Jacob? Edward offered.You could try, Jacob said, unconcerned. It would be provoke to see who walked away, wouldnt it?Dont tempt me too far, wolf. My solitaire isnt that perfect.Jacob whispered a laugh. Id quite a not move just now, if you dont mind.Edward started hum to himself, louder than usual move to inundate out Jacobs thoughts, I assumed. provided it was my berceuse he hummed, and, despite my exploitation innervation with this whispered dream, I sank deeper into torpor . . . into other dreams that make better sense. . . .