The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 10. SCENT

IT WAS ALL VERY CHILDISH. WHY ON EARTH SHOULD EDward defecate to leave for Jacob to come over? Werent we past this kind of immaturity?Its not that I feel any personal antagonism toward him, Bella, its safe easier for twain of us, Edward told me at the portal. I wont be off the beaten track(predicate) ab displace. Youll be safe.Im not unbalanced or so that.He smiled, and whencece a sly confront came into his eye. He pulled me close, burying his impudence in my hair. I could feel his cool breather saturate the demonstrates as he exhaled it raised goose bumps on my neck.Ill be make up post, he said, and then he laughed aloud as if Id practiced told a good drollery.Whats so funny? exclusively Edward notwithstanding grinned and loped onward toward the trees withtaboo answering.Grumbling to myself, I went to clean up the kitchen. Before I eve had the sink full of water, the doorbell rang. It was hard to take in used to how more than than faster Jacob was withtaboo his railcar. How e rattlingone t from each onemed to be so much faster than me. . . .Come in, Jake I sh fall outed.I was concentrating on piling the dishes into the bubbly water, and Id forgotten that Jacob moved uniform a ghost these days. So it do me jump when his juncture was on the spur of the moment there behind me.Should you re wholey leave your door unlocked deal that? Oh, sorry.Id slopped myself with the dishwater when hed startled me.Im not worried close anyone who would be deterred by a locked door, I said while I disinfectd the front of my dress with a dishtowel.Good engineer, he agreed.I glum to look at him, eyeing him critically. Is it really so impossible to wear clothes, Jacob? I gather uped. Once again, Jacob was b ar-chested, tiring goose egg moreover a pair of old path- perish with jeans. Secretly, I wondered if he was just so proud of his new muscles that he couldnt stand to multiply them up. I had to admit, they were impressive but Id neer opinion of him as vain. I mean, I feel you dont get cold anymore, but still.He ran a throw through his wet hair it was falling in his eyes.Its just easier, he explained.Whats easier?He smiled condescendingly. Its enough of a pain to carry the gip rough with me, permit unaccompanied a comp allowe out lodge. What do I look wish well, a pack mule?I frowned. What are you public lecture almost, Jacob?His expression was superior, akin I was absent several(prenominal)thing obvious. My clothes dont just soda in and out of existence when I change I dedicate to carry them with me while I run. Pardon me for keeping my burden light.I changed color. I guess I didnt venture most that, I muttered.He laughed and pointed to a black leather cord, thin as a strand of yarn, that was wound three times below his go a federal agency calf exchangeable an anklet. I hadnt noticed in the beginning that his feet were bare, be grimaces. Thats more than just a mood statement it sucks to ca rry jeans in your gumshield.I didnt k without delay what to separate to that.He grinned. Does my being half(prenominal)-naked b new(prenominal) you?No.Jacob laughed again, and I turned my back on him to focus on the dishes. I hoped he realized my blush was left over from embarrassment at my own stupidity, and had nothing to do with his head.Well, I suppose I should get to work. He sighed. I wouldnt want to wee him an excuse to say Im slacking on my side.Jacob, its not your job -He raised a batch to cut me collide with. Im working on a volunteer basis here. Now, where is the intruders scent the worst?My bed direction, I think.His eyes narrowed. He didnt like that any more than Edward had.Ill just be a minute.I methodically scrubbed the plate I was holding. The scarce sound was the brushs malleable bristles scraping round and round on the ceramic. I listened for roughlything from above, a whine of the floorboard, the click of a door. There was nothing. I realized Id been cl eaning the identical plate far dourer than necessary, and I tried to pay upkeep to what I was doing.Whew Jacob said, inches behind me, scaring me again.Yeesh, Jake, cut that outSorry. Here - Jacob took the towel and mopped up my new spill. Ill make it up to you. You lap, Ill rinse and dry.Fine. I gave him the plate.Well, the scent was voiced enough to catch. By the way, your room reeks.Ill taint or so air freshener.He laughed.I washed and he dried in companionable privacy for a a a couple of(prenominal)(prenominal) minutes.Can I ask you something?I turn over him another plate. That depends on what you want to hit the hay.Im not hard to be a jerk or anything Im honestly curious, Jacob as undis chargeabled me.Fine. Go ahead.He paused for half a second. Whats it like having a vampire for a boyfriend?I rolled my eyes. Its the best.Im serious. The idea doesnt bother you it never creeps you out?Never.He was silent as he reached for the bowl in my hands. I peeked up at his looking at he was frowning, his lower lip jutting out.Anything else? I asked.He wrinkled his nose again. Well . . . I was inquire . . . do you . . . yknow, kiss him?I laughed. Yes.He shuddered. Ugh.To each her own, I murmured.You dont difficulty slightly the fangs?I smacked his arm, splashing him with dishwater. Shut up, Jacob You know he doesnt prolong fangs approximate enough, he muttered.I gritted my teeth and scrubbed a boning lingua with more force than necessary.Can I ask another one? he asked softly when I plyed the knife to him. Just curious, again.Fine, I snapped.He turned the knife over and over in his hands under the electric current of water. When he spoke, it was only a whisper. You said a some weeks. . . . When, simply . . . ? He couldnt finish.Graduation, I whispered back, watching his face warily. Would this set him turned again?So soon, he breathed, his eyes closing. It didnt sound like a question. It sounded like a lament. The muscles in his munition tightened and his shoulders were stiff.OW he shouted it had gotten so still in the room that I jumped a foot in the air at his outburst.His right hand had curled into a puree fist rough the blade of the knife he unclenched his hand and the knife clattered onto the counter. Across his palm was a long, inscrutable gash. The blood streamed down his fingers and dripped on the floor.Damn it Ouch he complained.My head spun and my stomach rolled. I clung to the countertop with one hand, took a deep breath through my mouth, and forced myself to get a becharm so that I could take care of him.Oh, no, Jacob Oh, crap Here, wrap this around it I shoved the dish towel at him, reaching for his hand. He shrugged forward from me.Its nothing, Bella, dont worry about it.The room started to shimmer a petite around the edges.I took another deep breath. Dont worry? You sliced your hand abruptHe ignored the dish towel I pushed at him. He put his hand under the faucet and let the water wash over th e wound. The water ran red. My head whirled.Bella, he said.I looked away from the wound, up to his face. He was frowning, but his expression was calm.What?You look like youre handout to cash in ones chips out, and youre secondmenting your lip off. Stop it. Relax. Breathe. Im fine.I inhaled through my mouth and removed(p) my teeth from my lower lip. Dont be brave.He rolled his eyes.Lets go. Ill coerce you to the ER. I was delightful sure I would be okay to drive. The walls were holding looker now, at least.Not necessary. Jake turned off the water and took the towel from my hand. He twisted it loosely around his palm.Wait, I protested. Let me look at it. I clutched the counter more firmly, to hold myself upright if the wound made me woozy again.Do you have a medical degree that you never told me about?Just give me the chance to decide whether or not Im dismissal to throw a fit over taking you to the hospital.He made a face of mock horror. Please, not a fitIf you dont let me d eal your hand, a fit is guaranteed.He inhaled deeply, and then let out a gusty sigh. Fine.He unwound the towel and, when I reached out to take the cloth, he laid his hand in mine.It took me a few seconds. I crimson flipped his hand over, though I was sure hed cut his palm. I turned his hand back up, finally realizing that the angry pink, puckered greenback was all that was left of his wound. simply . . . you were bleeding . . . so much.He pulled his hand back, his eyes steady and somber on mine.I heal fast.Ill say, I mouthed.Id come overn the long gash clearly, seen the blood that flowed into the sink. The rust-and-salt smell of it had almost pulled me under. It should have necessitate stitches. It should have taken days to scab over and then weeks to authorise into the shiny pink scar that marked his skin now.He screwed his mouth up into half a smile and thumped his fist once against his chest. Werewolf, think?His eyes held mine for an immeasurable moment.Right, I finally sai d.He laughed at my expression. I told you this. You truism Pauls scar.I shook my head to clear it. Its a little different, seeing the action sequence firsthand.I kneeled down and remove the decolorize out of the cabinet under the sink. thusly I poured some on a dusting rag and started scrubbing the floor. The burning scent of the bleach cleared the last of the dizziness from my head.Let me clean up, Jacob said.I got this. keep that towel in the wash, will you?When I was sure the floor smelled of nothing but bleach, I got up and rinsed the right side of the sink with bleach, too. indeed I went to the laundry closet beside the pantry, and poured a cupful into the washing utensil before starting it. Jacob watched me with a disapproving look on his face.Do you have obsessive-compulsive disorder? he asked when I was done.Huh. Maybe. But at least I had a good excuse this time. Were a bit sensitive to blood around here. Im sure you hatful understand that.Oh. He wrinkled his nose ag ain.why not make it as elementary as possible for him? What hes doing is hard enough.Sure, sure. Why not?I pulled the plug, and let the dirty water drain from the sink.Can I ask you something, Bella?I sighed.Whats it like having a werewolf for a best friend?The question caught me off guard. I laughed out loud.Does it creep you out? he press before I could answer.No. When the werewolf is being nice, I qualified, its the best.He grinned widely, his teeth bright against his russet skin. Thanks, Bella, he said, and then he grabbed my hand and wrenched me into one of his bone-crushing hugs.Before I had time to react, he dropped his arms and ill-treatped away.Ugh, he said, his nose wrinkling. Your hair stinks worse than your room.Sorry, I muttered. I suddenly silent what Edward had been laughing about earlier, after breathing on me.One of the some(prenominal) hazards of socializing with vampires, Jacob said, shrugging. It makes you smell bad. A minor hazard, comparatively.I glared at him. I only smell bad to you, Jake.He grinned. See you around, Bells.Are you going away?Hes resting for me to go. I send packing hear him outside.Oh.Ill go out the back, he said, and then he paused. Hold up a sec hey, do you think you can come to La tote tonight? Were having a bonfire partitioningy. Emily will be there, and you could meet Kim . . . And I know Quil wants to see you, too. Hes pretty peeved that you found out before he did.I grinned at that. I could just imagine how that would have irked Quil Jacobs little humans gal pal down with the werewolves while he was still clueless. And then I sighed. Yeah, Jake, I dont know about that. See, its a little puree right now. . . .Cmon, you think somebodys going to get past all all six of us?There was a strange pause as he stuttered over the end of his question. I wondered if he had trouble expression the word werewolf aloud, the way I often had difficulty with vampire.His spacious apart(p) eyes were full of unashamed p leading.Ill ask, I said doubtfully.He made a noise in the back of his throat. Is he your warden, now, too? You know, I saw this story on the news last week about controlling, abusive teenage relationships and -Okay I cut him off, and then shoved his arm. Time for the werewolf to get outHe grinned. Bye, Bells. Be sure you ask permission.He ducked out the back door before I could find something to throw at him. I growled incoherently at the waste room.Seconds after he was gone, Edward walked slowly into the kitchen, raindrops glistening like diamonds set into the bronzy of his hair. His eyes were wary.Did you two get into a fight? he asked.Edward I sang, throwing myself at him.Hi, there. He laughed and wrapped his arms around me. Are you trying to distract me? Its working.No, I didnt fight with Jacob. Much. Why?I was just wondering why you stabbed him. Not that I aim. With his chin, he gestured to the knife on the counter.Dang I thought I got everything.I pulled away from him and r an to put the knife in the sink before I doused it with bleach.I didnt stab him, I explained as I worked. He forgot he had a knife in his hand.Edward chuckled. Thats not most as fun as the way I imagined it.Be nice.He took a bombastic envelope from his jacket pocket and tossed it on the counter. I got your mail.Anything good?I think so.My eyes narrowed suspiciously at his tone. I went to investigate.Hed folded the legal-sized envelope in half. I smoothed it open, affect at the weight of the expensive paper, and read the proceeds address.Dartmouth? Is this a joke?Im sure its an acceptance. It looks exactly like mine.Good grief, Edward what did you do?I sent in your application, thats all.I may not be Dartmouth material, but Im not stupid enough to believe that.Dartmouth seems to think that youre Dartmouth material.I took a deep breath and counted slowly to ten. Thats very generous of them, I finally said. However, authoritative or not, there is still the minor matter of tuition . I cant permit it, and Im not letting you throw away enough money to buy yourself another sports car just so that I can cook to go to Dartmouth next year.I dont need another sports car. And you dont have to take anything, he murmured. One year of college wouldnt kill you. Maybe youd even like it. Just think about it, Bella. Imagine how excited Charlie and Rene would be. . . .His velvet voice painted the picture in my head before I could fold it. Of of course Charlie would explode with pride no one in the township of Forks would be able to chip off the fallout from his excitement. And Rene would be hysterical with joyfulness at my triumph though shed swear she wasnt at all surprised. . . .I tried to shake the image out of my head. Edward. Im worried about financial support through graduation, let alone this summer or next fall.His arms wrapped around me again. No one is going to hurt you. You have all the time in the world.I sighed. Im mailing the contents of my banking concern account to Alaska tomorrow. Its all the alibi I need. Its far enough away that Charlie wont expect a visit until Christmas at the earliest. And Im sure Ill think of some excuse by then. You know, I teased halfheartedly, this whole secrecy and deceit thing is kind of a pain.Edwards expression hardened. It gets easier. subsequently a few decades, everyone you know is dead. Problem solved.I flinched.Sorry, that was harsh.I stared down at the striking white envelope, not seeing it. But still true.If I get this resolved, whatever it is were dealing with, will you please consider waiting?Nope. always so stubborn.Yep.The washing machine thumped and stuttered to a halt.Stupid piece of junk, I muttered as I pulled away from him. I moved the one diminutive towel that had unbalanced the otherwise empty machine, and started it again.This re approximations me, I said. Could you ask Alice what she did with my stuff when she cleaned my room? I cant find it anywhere.He looked at me wi th confused eyes. Alice cleaned your room?Yeah, I guess thats what she was doing. When she came to get my pajamas and pillow and stuff to hold me hostage. I glowered at him briefly. She picked up everything that was lying around, my shirts, my socks, and I dont know where she put them.Edward act to look confused for one short moment, and then, abruptly, he was rigid.When did you notice your things were missing?When I got back from the fake slumber party. Why?I dont think Alice took anything. Not your clothes, or your pillow. The things that were taken, these were things youd worn . . . and touched . . . and slept on?Yes. What is it, Edward?His expression was strained. Things with your scent.OhWe stared into each others eyes for a long moment.My visitor, I muttered.He was gathering traces . . . evidence. To take the stand that hed found you?Why? I whispered.I dont know. But, Bella, I swear I will find out. I will.I know you will, I said, place my head against his chest. Leaning th ere, I mat his phone vibrate in his pocket.He pulled out his phone and glanced at the number. Just the person I need to talk to, he murmured, and then he flipped it open. Carlisle, I - He broke off and listened, his face taut with concentration for a few minutes. Ill check it out. Listen . . .He explained about my missing things, but from the side I was hearing, it sounded like Carlisle had no clevernesss for us.Maybe Ill go . . . , Edward said, trailing off as his eyes drifted toward me. Maybe not. Dont let Emmett go alone, you know how he gets. At least ask Alice keep an eye on things. Well hear this out later.He snapped the phone shut. Wheres the paper? he asked me.Um, Im not sure. Why?I need to see something. Did Charlie already throw it out?Maybe. . . .Edward disappeared.He was back in half a second, new diamonds in his hair, a wet newspaper in his hands. He spread it out on the table, his eyes scanning apace across the headcourses. He leaned in, intent on something he was reading, one finger tracing passages that interested him most.Carlisles right . . . yes . . . very sloppy. Young and crazed? Or a death wish? he muttered to himself.I went to peek over his shoulder.The headline of the Seattle Times read collide with Epidemic Continues Police Have No New Leads.It was almost the afore have-to doe withed(prenominal) story Charlie had been complaining about a few weeks ago the big-city forcefulness that was pushing Seattle up the national murder hot-spot list. It wasnt exactly the like story, though. The numbers were a lot higher.Its getting worse, I murmured.He frowned. Altogether out of control. This cant be the work of just one newborn vampire. Whats going on? Its as if theyve 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? I repeated, shuddering.This is exactly the kind of thing they routinely wipe out immortals who threaten to expose us. They ju st cleaned up a crush like this a few years ago in Atlanta, and it hadnt gotten nearly this bad. They will intervene soon, very soon, unless we can find some way to calm the situation. Id really rather they didnt come to Seattle just now. As long as theyre this close . . . they might decide to check on you.I shuddered again. What can we do?We need to know more before we can decide that. Perhaps if we can talk to these issue ones, explain the rules, it can be resolved peacefully. He frowned, like he didnt think the chances of that were good. Well wait until Alice has an idea of whats going on. . . . We dont want to step in until its absolutely necessary. After all, its not our responsibility. But its good we have Jasper, he added, almost to himself. If we are dealing with newborns, hell be helpful.Jasper? Why?Edward smiled darkly. Jasper is sort of an expert on young vampires.What do you mean, an expert?Youll have to ask him the story is involved.What a mess, I mumbled.It does fee l that way, doesnt it? Like its coming at us from all sides these days. He sighed. Do you ever think that your life might be easier if you werent in love with me?Maybe. It wouldnt be much of a life, though.For me, he amended quietly. And now, I suppose, he continued with a wry smile, you have something you want to ask me?I stared at him blankly. I do?Or maybe not. He grinned. I was rather under the impression that youd promised to ask my permission to go to some kind of werewolf soire tonight.Eavesdropping again?He grinned. Just a bit, at the very end.Well, I wasnt going to ask you anyway. I reckon you had enough to stress about.He put his hand under my chin, and held my face so that he could read my eyes. Would you like to go?Its no big thing. Dont worry about it.You dont have to ask my permission, Bella. Im 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 mos t people would, its true.I just stared at him, trying to understand what he wanted, and trying to put out of my mind the yearning I felt to go to La Push so that I wouldnt be swayed by my own wishes. It was stupid to want to go hang out with a bunch of big idiot wolf-boys right now when there was so much that was frightening and unexplained going on. Of course, that was exactly why I wanted to go. I wanted to escape the death threats, for just a few hours . . . to be the less-mature, more-reckless Bella who could laugh it off with Jacob, if only briefly. But that didnt matter.Bella, Edward said. I told you that I was going to be fair and trust your judgment. I meant that. If you trust the werewolves, then Im not going to worry about them.Wow, I said, as I had last night.And Jacobs right about one thing, anyway a pack of werewolves ought to be enough to encourage even you for one evening.Are you sure?Of course. Only . . .I ready myself.I hope you wont mind taking a few precaution s? Allowing me to drive you to the boundary line, for one. And then taking a cell phone, so that Ill know when to pick you up?That sounds . . . very reasonable.Excellent.He smiled at me, and I could see no trace of apprehension in his jewel-like eyes.To no ones surprise, Charlie had no problem at all with me going to La Push for a bonfire. Jacob crowed with open exultation when I called to give him the news, and he seemed eager enough to compensate Edwards safety measures. He promised to meet us at the line in the midst of territories at six.I had decided, after a short internal debate, that I would not sell my motorcycle. I would take it back to La Push where it belonged and, when I no longer needed it anymore . . . well, then, I would assert that Jacob profit from his work somehow. He could sell it or give it to a friend. It didnt matter to me.Tonight seemed like a good opportunity to return the bike to Jacobs garage. As gloomy as I was feeling about things lately, every day s eemed like a possible last chance. I didnt have time to procrastinate any task, no matter how minor.Edward only nodded when I explained what I wanted, but I thought I saw a flicker of consternation in his eyes, and I knew he was no happier about the idea of me on a motorcycle than Charlie was.I followed him back to his house, to the garage where Id left the bike. It wasnt until I pulled the truck in and got out that I realized the consternation might not be entirely about my safety this time.Next to my little antique motorcycle, overshadowing it, was another vehicle. To call this other vehicle a motorcycle hardly seemed fair, since it didnt seem to belong to the same family as my suddenly shabby- looking bike.It was big and sleek and silver and even totally motionless it looked fast.What is that?Nothing, Edward murmured.It doesnt look like nothing.Edwards expression was casual he seemed determined to blow it off. Well, I didnt know if you were going to forgive your friend, or he y ou, 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. He shrugged.I stared at the beautiful machine. Beside it, my bike looked like a broken tricycle. I felt a sudden wave of sadness when I realized that this was not a bad analogy for the way I probably looked next to Edward.I wouldnt be able to keep up with you, I whispered.Edward put his hand under my chin and pulled my face around so that he could see it straight on. With one finger, he tried to push the time out of my mouth up.Id keep pace with you, Bella.That wouldnt be much fun for you.Of course it would, if we were together.I bit my lip and imagined it for a moment. Edward, if you thought I was going too fast or losing control of the bike or something, what would you do?He hesitated, obviously trying to find the right answer. I knew the impartiality hed find some way to save me before I crashed.Then he smiled. It looked effortless, except for the tiny defensive tightening of his eyes.This is something you do with Jacob. I see that now.Its just that, well, I dont slow him down so much, you know. I could try, I guess. . . .I eyed the silver motorcycle doubtfully.Dont worry about it, Edward said, and then he laughed lightly. I saw Jasper admiring it. Perhaps its time he discovered a new way to travel. After all, Alice has her Porsche now.Edward, I -He interrupted me with a quick kiss. I said not to worry. But would you do something for me?Whatever you need, I promised quickly.He dropped my face and leaned over the far side of the big motorcycle, retrieving something he had stashed there.He came back with one object that was black and shapeless, and another that was red and easily identifiable.Please? he asked, winkle the crooked smile that always destroyed my resistance.I took the red helmet, weighing it in my hands. Ill look stupid.No, youll look smart. Smart enough not to get yourself hurt. He threw the black thing, whatever it was, over his arm and then took my face in his hands. There are things between my hands right now that I cant live without. You could take care of them.Okay, fine. Whats that other thing? I asked suspiciously.He laughed and shook out some kind of padded jacket. Its a riding jacket. I hear road rash is quite uncomfortable, not that I would know myself.He held it out for me. With a deep sigh, I flipped my hair back and stuffed the helmet on my head. Then I shoved my arms through the sleeves of the jacket. He zipped me in, a smile playing around the corners of his lips, and took a step back.I felt bulky.Be honest, how hideous do I look?He took another step back and pursed his lips.That bad, huh? I muttered.No, no, Bella. Actually . . . he seemed to be struggling for the right word. You look . . . sexy.I laughed out loud. Right. actually sexy, really.You are just saying that so that Ill wear it, I said. But thats okay. Youre right, its smarter.He w rapped his arms around me and pulled me against his chest. Youre silly. I suppose thats part of your charm. Though, Ill admit it, this helmet does have its drawbacks.And then he pulled the helmet off so that he could kiss me.As Edward drove me toward La Push a little while later, I realized that this unprecedented situation felt fishily familiar. It took me a moment of thought to pinpoint the source of the dj vu.You know what this reminds me of? I asked. Its just like when I was a kid and Rene would pass me off to Charlie for the summer. I feel like a seven-year-old.Edward laughed.I didnt mention it out loud, but the biggest difference between the two circumstances was that Rene and Charlie had been on better terms.About halfway to La Push, we rounded the corner and found Jacob leaning against the side of the red Volkswagen hed built for himself out of scraps. Jacobs carefully indifferent(p) expression dissolved into a smile when I waved from the front seat.Edward place the Volvo thirty yards away.Call me whenever youre ready to come home, he said. And Ill be here.I wont be out late, I promised.Edward pulled the bike and my new gear out of the trunk of his car Id been quite impressed that it had all fit. But it wasnt so hard to manage when you were strong enough to juggle full-sized vans, let alone small motorcycles.Jacob watched, making no move to approach, his smile gone and his dark eyes indecipherable.I tucked the helmet under my arm and threw the jacket across the seat.Do you have it all? Edward asked.No problem, I assured him.He sighed and leaned toward me. I turned my face up for a goodbye peck, but Edward took me bysurprise, fastening his arms tightly around me and kissing me with as much enthusiasm as he had in the garage before long, I was gasping for air.Edward laughed quietly at something, and then let me go.Goodbye, he said. I really do like the jacket.As I turned away from him, I thought I saw a flash of something in his eyes that I wasnt su pposed to see. I couldnt tell for sure what it was exactly. Worry, maybe. For a second I thought it was panic. But I was probably just making something out of nothing, as usual.I could feel his eyes on my back as I pushed my bike toward the invisible vampire-werewolf treaty line to meet Jacob.Whats all that? Jacob called to me, his voice wary, scrutinizing the motorcycle with an enigmatic expression.I thought I should put this back where it belongs, I told him.He pondered that for one short second, and then his wide smile stretched across his face.I knew the exact point that I was in werewolf territory because Jacob shoved away from his car and loped quickly over to me, closing the distance in three long strides. He took the bike from me, balanced it on the kickstand, and grabbed me up in another vice-tight hug.I heard the Volvos engine growl, and I struggled to get free.Cut it out, Jake I gasped breathlessly.He laughed and set me down. I turned to wave goodbye, but the silver car w as already disappearing around the curve in the road.Nice, I commented, allowing some acid to leak into my voice.His eyes widened in false innocence. What?Hes being pretty dang pleasant about this you dont need to push your luck.He laughed again, louder than before he found what Id said very funny indeed. I tried to see the joke as he walked around the Rabbit to hold my door open for me.Bella, he finally said still chuckling as he shut the door behind me, you cant push what you dont have.