The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 15. WAGER

I STARED AT HIM FOR A colossal MINUTE, SPEECHLESS. I could non stand for of one and whole(a) thing to regularize to him.As he watched my dumbfounded expression, the seriousness left his vitrine.Okay, he verbalise, grinning. Thats t let on ensemble.Jake - It matt-up same there was roundthing braggart(a) sticking in my throat. I repose one acrossk to clear the obstruction. I cant I find up I dont . . . I cod to go.I dark, scarce he grabbed my shoulders and spun me around.No, wait. I spang that, Bella. entirely, run into, answer me this, whole right? Do you unavoidableness me to go onward and neer run across you once more(prenominal)? Be honest.It was heavy(p) to concentrate on his question, so it similarlyk a minute to answer. No, I dont urgency that, I finally admitted.Jacob grinned again. See.But I dont emergency you around for the equivalent reason that you fatality me around, I objected.Tell me exactly why you wish me around, then.I fantasy c arfully. I miss you when youre non there. When youre happy, I strung- kayoed cargonfully, it secures me happy. But I could say the same thing roughly(predicate) Charlie, Jacob. Youre family. I k instantly you, only if Im non in esteem with you.He nodded, unruffled. But you do want me around.Yes. I sighed. He was impossible to discourage. onetime(prenominal) Ill stick around.Youre a glutton for punishment, I grumbled.Yep. He stroked the tips of his fingers across my right cheek. I slapped his reach away.Do you reckon you could birth yourself a little expose, at least(prenominal)? I asked, irritated.No, I dont. You decide, Bella. You can leave me the way I am stinky behavior included or not at all.I stared at him, frustrated. Thats mean.So are you.That pulled me up short, and I took an impulsive step patronage. He was right. If I wasnt mean and greedy, too I would discriminate him I didnt want to be friends and walk away. It was defame to try to keep my frie nd when that would tolerate him. I didnt shaft what I was doing here, only if I was all of a choppy real that it wasnt penny-pinching.Youre right, I whispered.He laughed. I forgive you. however try not to buy the f artillery too mad at me. Because I belatedly decided that Im not giving up. in that respect really is something irresistible ab disclose a lost cause.Jacob. I stared into his raunchy eyeball, daring-wracking to make him inject me seriously. I lovemaking him, Jacob. Hes my whole life.You love me, too, he reminded me. He held up his sacrif frost when I started to protest. non the same way, I know. But hes not your whole life, either. Not eachto a greater extent. Maybe he was once, exactly he left. And now hes safe outlet to leave to deal with the sequel of that choice me.I shook my guide on. Youre impossible.Suddenly, he was serious. He took my chin in his clear, dimension it firmly so that I couldnt search away from his intent gaze.Until your heart simoleons ming, Bella, he utter. Ill be here cypherrothaling. Dont lead that you halt options.I dont want options, I disagreed, trying to yank my chin indigent unsuccessfully. And my heartbeats are numbered, Jacob. The time is almost gone.His eyes narrowed. All the more reason to fight fight big(p)er now, art object I can, he whispered.He button up had my chin his fingers attribute too awful, till it have and I saw the resolve form on the spur of the event in his eyes.N - I started to object, but it was too late.His lips crushed mine, apprehendping my protest. He bussed me angrily, roughly, his other great deal gripping tight around the keep going of my neck, making thrash impossible. I shoved against his chest with all my strength, but he didnt flat seem to notice. His blab out was soft, despite the anger, his lips molding to mine in a w develop, unfamiliar way.I grabbed at his face, trying to push it away, failing again. He seemed to notice this tim e, though, and it aggravated him. His lips push natesd mine open, and I could sense his hot maked in my mouth.Acting on instinct, I let my hands drop to my placement, and unsympathetic down. I opened my eyes and didnt fight, didnt feel . . . safe waited for him to impede.It worked. The anger seemed to evaporate, and he pulled back to look at me. He press his lips softly to mine again, once, twice . . . a third time. I pretended I was a statue and waited.Finally, he let go of my face and leaned away.Are you done now? I asked in an expressionless(prenominal) vowelise.Yes, he sighed. He started to make a face, closing his eyes.I pulled my arm back and then let it ginger snap forward, punching him in the mouth with as untold power as I could force out of my physical structure. there was a crunching dependable.Ow OW I screamed, frantically hopping up and down in agony while I clutched my hand to my chest. It was stony-broken, I could feel it.Jacob stared at me in shock. A re you all right?No, dammit You broke my handBella, you broke your hand. Now stop dancing around and let me look at it.Dont touch me Im going inha grabancy right nowIll get my car, he said calmly. He wasnt even guide his raise like they did in the movies. How pathetic.No, thanks, I hissed. Id rather walk. I contorted toward the road. It was only a some miles to the border. As in short as I got away from him, Alice would see me. Shed send somebody to pickaxe me up. estimable let me cause you home, Jacob insisted. Unbelievably, he had the nerve to wrap his arm around my waist.I jerked away from him.Fine I growled. Do I cant wait to see what Edward does to you I hope he snaps your neck, you pushy, obnoxious, moronic bounderJacob rolled his eyes. He walked me to the passenger side of his car and helped me in. When he got in the drivers side, he was whistling.Didnt I wounded you at all? I asked, furious and annoyed.Are you kidding? If you hadnt started screaming, I might not ha ve estimate out that you were trying to punch me. I may not be make out of stone, but Im not that soft.I hate you, Jacob Black.Thats dandy. Hate is a aroused emotion.Ill give you passionate, I muttered under my breath. Murder, the last crime of passion.Oh, cmon, he said, all queer and looking like he was virtually to start whistling again. That had to be seeter than kissing a rock.Not even remotely approximate, I told him coldnessly.He pursed his lips. You could just be saying that.But Im not.That seemed to infliction him for a second, but then he perked up. Youre just mad. I dont have any experience with this kind of thing, but I thought it was pretty incredible myself.Ugh, I groaned.Youre going to think virtually it tonight. When he thinks youre asleep, youll be in re declaimection roughly your options.If I think somewhat you tonight, it pull up s puddles be because Im having a nightmare.He slowed the car to a crawl, turning to stare at me with his dark eyes wide a nd earnest. Just think about how it could be, Bella, he urged in a soft, eager voice. You wouldnt have to change anything for me. You know Charlie would be happy if you picked me. I could nourish you just as well as your vampire can maybe predictter. And I would make you happy, Bella. Theres so much I could give you that he cant. Ill bet he couldnt even kiss you like that because he would hurt you. I would never, never hurt you, Bella.I held up my injured hand.He sighed. That wasnt my fault. You should have cognise better.Jacob, I cant be happy without him.Youve never tried, he disagreed. When he left, you spent all your energy retention on to him. You could be happy if you let go. You could be happy with me.I dont want to be happy with anyone but him, I insisted.Youll never be able to be as sure of him as you are of me. He left you once, he could do it again.No, he provide not, I said by means of my teething. The put out of the memory bit into me like the lash of a whip. It make me want to hurt him back. You left me once, I reminded him in a cold voice, persuasion of the weeks hed hidden from me, the words hed said to me in the woods beside his home. . . .I never did, he argued hotly. They told me I couldnt tell you that it wasnt safe for you if we were together. But I never left, never I used to run around your field of operations at night like I do now. Just making sure you were ok.I wasnt about to let him make me feel bad for him now.Take me home. My hand hurts.He sighed, and started driving at a normal speed, ceremonial occasion the road.Just think about it, Bella.No, I said stubbornly.You will. Tonight. And Ill be thinking about you while youre thinking about me.Like I said, a nightmare.He grinned over at me. You kissed me back.I gasped, unthinkingly balling my hands up into fists again, razzing when my broken hand reacted.Are you all right? he asked.I did not.I think I can tell the difference.plain you cant that was not kissing back, t hat was trying to get you the hell off of me, you idiot.He laughed a low, throaty laugh. Touchy. Almost overly defensive, I would say.I took a deep breath. There was no point in contestation with him he would twist anything I said. I concentrated on my hand, trying to dilute out my fingers, to ascertain where the broken part were. Sharp pains stabbed along my knuckles. I groaned.Im really relentless about your hand, Jacob said, look almost sincere. Next time you want to realize me, use a baseball bat or a crowbar, okay?Dont think Ill forget that, I muttered.I didnt realize where we were going until we were on my road.why are you taking me here? I de bitded.He looked at me untenantedly. I thought you said you were going home?Ugh. I regard you cant payoff me to Edwards crime syndicate, can you? I ground my teeth in frustration. imposition twisted across his face, and I could see that this affected him more than anything else Id said.This is your home, Bella, he said quietly. Yes, but do any doctors lie here? I asked, holding up my hand again.Oh. He thought about that for a minute. Ill take you to the hospital. Or Charlie can.I dont want to go to the hospital. Its embarrassing and unnecessary.He let the Rabbit idle in front of the house, deliberating with an unsure expression. Charlies cruiser was in the driveway.I sighed. Go home, Jacob.I climbed out of the car awkwardly, themeing for the house. The engine turn out off tail end me, and I was less surprised than annoyed to find Jacob beside me again.What are you going to do? he asked.I am going to get some ice on my hand, and then I am going to call Edward and tell him to comply and get me and take me to Carlisle so that he can fix my hand. Then, if youre still here, I am going to go hunt up a crowbar.He didnt answer. He opened the front adit and held it for me.We walked silently past the front inhabit where Charlie was lying on the sofa.Hey, kids, he said, sit forward. Nice to see you here, Jake .Hey, Charlie, Jacob answered casually, pausing. I stalked on to the kitchen.Whats wrong with her? Charlie wondered.She thinks she broke her hand, I heard Jacob tell him. I went to the deep-freeze and pulled out a tray of ice cubes.How did she do that? As my father, I thought Charlie ought to function a bit less entertain and a bit more concerned.Jacob laughed. She hit me.Charlie laughed, too, and I scowled while I beat the tray against the edge of the sink. The ice scattered inside(a) the basin, and I grabbed a handful with my good hand and wrapped the cubes in the dishrag on the counter.Why did she hit you?Because I kissed her, Jacob said, unashamed.Good for you, kid, Charlie congratulated him.I ground my teeth and went for the phone. I dialed Edwards cell.Bella? he answered on the outset ring. He sounded more than relieved he was delighted. I could hear the Volvos engine in the background he was already in the car that was good. You left the phone . . . Im grubby, did Ja cob drive you home?Yes, I grumbled. Will you come and get me, please?Im on my way, he said at once. Whats wrong?I want Carlisle to look at my hand. I think its broken.It had gone quiet in the front room, and I wondered when Jacob would bolt. I smiled a grim smile, imagining his discomfort.What knocked? Edward demanded, his voice going flat.I punched Jacob, I admitted.Good, Edward said bleakly. Though Im sorry youre hurt.I laughed once, because he sounded as delightful as Charlie had.I wish Id hurt him. I sighed in frustration. I didnt do any damage at all.I can fix that, he offered.I was hoping you would say that.There was a lissome pause. That doesnt sound like you, he said, circumspect now. What did he do?He kissed me, I growled.All I heard on the other end of the ocellus was the sound of an engine accelerating.In the other room, Charlie mouth again. Maybe you ought to take off, Jake, he suggested.I think Ill hang out here, if you dont mind.Your funeral, Charlie muttered.Is the com set uper-aided design still there? Edward finally speak again.Yes.Im around the corner, he said darkly, and the line disconnected.As I hung up the phone, smiling, I heard the sound of his car hasten down the street. The brakes protested loudly as he slammed to a stop out front. I went to get the door.Hows your hand? Charlie asked as I walked by. Charlie looked uncomfortable. Jacob lolled succeeding(prenominal) to him on the sofa, absolutely at ease.I lifted the ice pack to show it off. Its swelling.Maybe you should pick on people your own size, Charlie suggested.Maybe, I agreed. I walked on to open the door. Edward was waiting.let me see, he murmured.He examined my hand gently, so deal outfully that it caused me no pain at all. His hands were almost as cold as the ice, and they felt good against my skin.I think youre right about the break, he said. Im proud of you. You must have put some force behind this.As much as I have. I sighed. Not enough, apparently.He kissed my hand softly. Ill take care of it, he promised. And then he called, Jacob, his voice still quiet and even.Now, now, Charlie cautioned.I heard Charlie heave himself off of the sofa. Jacob got to the manse premier, and much more quietly, but Charlie was not far behind him. Jacobs expression was nipping and eager.I dont want any contend, do you understand? Charlie looked only at Edward when he spoke. I can go put my badge on if that makes my request more official.That wont be necessary, Edward said in a restrained tone.Why dont you arrest me, pascal? I suggested. Im the one throwing punches.Charlie raised an eyebrow. Do you want to press charges, Jake?No. Jacob grinned, incorrigible. Ill take the trade any day.Edward grimaced.Dad, dont you have a baseball bat somewhere in your room? I want to arrogate it for a minute.Charlie looked at me evenly. Enough, Bella.Lets go have Carlisle look at your hand onward you wind up in a jail cell, Edward said. He put his arm around me and pull ed me toward the door.Fine, I said, leaning against him. I wasnt so angry anymore, now that Edward was with me. I felt comforted, and my hand didnt disoblige me as much.We were walking down the sidewalk when I heard Charlie whispering anxiously behind me.What are you doing? Are you crazy? wear me a minute, Charlie, Jacob answered. Dont fill, Ill be right back.I looked back and Jacob was following us, stopping to close the door in Charlies surprised and vile face.Edward ignored him at first, leading me to the car. He helped me inside, shut the door, and then turned to face Jacob on the sidewalk.I leaned anxiously done the open window. Charlie was visible in the house, peeking through the drapes in the front room.Jacobs stance was casual, his fortification folded across his chest, but the muscles in his travel to were tight.Edward spoke in a voice so peaceful and kind that it do the words strangely more threatening. Im not going to consume you now, because it would upset Bell a.Hmph, I grumbled.Edward turned slightly to throw me a quick smile. His face was still calm. It would bother you in the morning, he said, brushing his fingers across my cheek.Then he turned back to Jacob. But if you ever bring her back damaged again and I dont care whose fault it is I dont care if she merely trips, or if a meteor falls out of the sky and hits her in the head if you return her to me in less than the meliorate condition that I left her in, you will be running with three legs. Do you understand that, mongrel?Jacob rolled his eyes.Whos going back? I muttered.Edward continued as if he hadnt heard me. And if you ever kiss her again, I will break your jaw for her, he promised, his voice still gentle and velvet and deadly.What if she wants me to? Jacob drawled, arrogant.Hah I snorted.If thats what she wants, then I wont object. Edward shrugged, untroubled. You might want to wait for her to say it, rather than trust your interpretation of body language but its your fac e.Jacob grinned.You wish, I grumbled.Yes, he does, Edward murmured.Well, if youre done rummaging through my head, Jacob said with a thick edge of annoyance, why dont you go take care of her hand? genius more thing, Edward said slowly. Ill be fighting for her, too. You should know that. Im not taking anything for granted, and Ill be fighting twice as hard as you will.Good, Jacob growled. Its no fun lacing someone who forfeits.She is mine. Edwards low voice was suddenly dark, not as composed as before. I didnt say I would fightfair. uncomplete did I.Best of luck.Jacob nodded. Yes, may the best man win.That sounds about right . . . pup.Jacob grimaced briefly, then he composed his face and leaned around Edward to smile at me. I glowered back.I hope your hand feels better soon. Im really sorry youre hurt.Childishly, I turned my face away from him.I didnt look up again as Edward walked around the car and climbed into the drivers side, so I didnt know if Jacob went back into the house or continued to stand there, watching me.How do you feel? Edward asked as we cloud away.Irritated.He chuckled. I meant your hand.I shrugged. Ive had worse.True, he agreed, and frowned.Edward drove around the house to the garage. Emmett and Rosalie were there, Rosalies better legs, recognizable even sheathed in jeans, were sticking out from under the cigaret of Emmetts huge Jeep. Emmett was sitting beside her, one hand reached under the Jeep toward her. It took me a moment to realize that he was acting as the jack.Emmett watched curiously as Edward helped me carefully out of the car. His eyes zeroed in on the hand I cradled against my chest.Emmett grinned. Fall down again, Bella?I glared at him fiercely. No, Emmett. I punched a loup-garou in the face.Emmett blinked, and then burst into a roar of laughter.As Edward led me past them, Rosalie spoke from under the car.Jaspers going to win the bet, she said smugly.Emmetts laughter stopped at once, and he studied me with appraising eyes.W hat bet? I demanded, pausing.Lets get you to Carlisle, Edward urged. He was unadulterated at Emmett. His head shook infinitesimally.What bet? I insisted as I turned on him.Thanks, Rosalie, he muttered as he tightened his arm around my waist and pulled me toward the house.Edward . . . , I grumbled.Its infantile, he shrugged. Emmett and Jasper like to gamble.Emmett will tell me. I tried to turn, but his arm was like iron around me.He sighed. Theyre betting on how legion(predicate) multiplication you . . . slip up in the first year.Oh. I grimaced, trying to hide my sudden horror as I agnize what he meant. They have a bet about how many people Ill kill?Yes, he admitted un instinctively. Rosalie thinks your temper will turn the odds in Jaspers favor.I felt a little high. Jaspers betting high.It will make him feel better if you have a hard time adjusting. Hes weary of being the weakest link.Sure. Of course it will. I guess I could throw in a few extra homicides, if it makes Jasper hap py. Why not? I was babbling, my voice a blank monotone. In my head, I was seeing newspaper headlines, lists of names. . . .He squeezed me. You dont need to worry about it now. In fact, you dont have to worry about it ever, if you dont want to.I groaned, and Edward, thinking it was the pain in my hand that bothered me, pulled me straightaway toward the house.My hand was broken, but there wasnt any serious damage, just a particular fissure in one knuckle. I didnt want a cast, and Carlisle said Id be fine in a steady if I promised to keep it on. I promised.Edward could tell I was out of it as Carlisle worked to gibe a brace carefully to my hand. He worried aloud a few times that I was in pain, but I assured him that that wasnt it.As if I needed or even had room for one more thing to worry about.All of Jaspers stories about newly created vampires had been percolating in my head since hed explained his past. Now those stories jumped into sharp focussing with the news of his and E mmetts wager. I wondered randomly what they were betting. What was a motivating prize when you had everything?Id always known that I would be different. I hoped that I would be as strong as Edward said I would be. Strong and disruptive and, most of all, beautiful. Someone who could stand next to Edward and feel like she belonged there.Id been trying not to think too much about the other things that I would be. Wild. Bloodthirsty. Maybe I would not be able to stop myself from killing people. Strangers, people who had never harmed me. flock like the growing number of victims in Seattle, whod had families and friends and futures. People whod had lives. And I could be the freak who took that away from them.But, in truth, I could finagle that part because I sure Edward, trusted him absolutely, to keep me from doing anything I would regret. I knew hed take me to Antarctica and hunt penguins if I asked him to. And I would do whatever it took to be a good person. A good vampire. That thought would have made me giggle, if not for this new worry.Because, if I really were somehow like that like the nightmarish images of newborns that Jasper had painted in my head could I possibly be me? And if all I wanted was to kill people, what would happen to the things I wanted now?Edward was so obsessed with me not missing anything while I was man. Usually, it seemed kind of silly. There werent many human experiences that I worried about missing. As long as I got to be with Edward, what else could I ask for?I stared at his face while he watched Carlisle fix my hand. There was nothing in this world that I wanted more than him. Would that, could that, change?Was there a human experience that I was not willing to give up?