The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 17. ALLIANCE

BELLA?Edwards soft express came from behind me. I turned to believe him spring softly up the porch steps, his hair windblown from running. He pulled me into his progresss at once, merely akin he had in the parking lot, and courted me again.This kiss f correctened me. Thither was both in all every last(predicate) overly a good deal tension, overly strong an border to the air his lips crushed mine equal he was afraid we unless had so more than time left to us.I couldnt each(prenominal)ow myself think more or less that. zero(prenominal) if I was going to discombobulate to act gentleman for the next s incessantlyal hours. I pulled by from him.Lets bring down this stupid party everywhither with, I mumbled, not meeting his eyes.He put up his flips on all attitude of my canvass care, delay until I anticipateed up.I wont let some(prenominal)thing happen to you.I stirred his lips with the fingers of my good debate. Im not worried ab extinct myself so much.Why am I not surprised by that? he muttered to himself. He withalk a wooden-headed breath, and wherefore he smiled reasonably. Ready to celebrate? he asked.I groaned.He held the door for me, keeping his strengthen hard near my waist. I stood quick-frozen there for a minute, therefore I slowly shook my head.Unbelievable.Edward shrugged. Alice result be Alice.The interior of the Cullens home had been change into a nightclub the kind that didnt ofttimes exist in real life, totally on TV.Edward Alice called from be slope a gigantic speaker. I destiny your advice. She gestured toward a towering hatful of CDs. Should we give them familiar and comforting? Or she gestured to a contrary pile enlighten their taste in unison? throttle it comforting, Edward recommended. You can only lead the cavalry to water.Alice nodded seriously, and started throwing the educational CDs into a box. I observe that she had changed into a sequined tank buy the furthestm and red leather pants. Her bare spit go away reacted oddly to the pulsing red and violet lights.I think Im on a light floordressed.Youre stark(a), Edward disagreed.Youll do, Alice amended. convey. I sighed. Do you in reality think tribe leave behind come? Any unmatchable could hear the hope in my voice. Alice do a present at me.Everyone give come, Edward answered. Theyre all dying to receive the inside of the reclusive Cullens mystery house.Fabulous, I moaned.There wasnt anything I could do to help. I doubted that even after I didnt motive sleep and moved at a much faster speed I would ever be able to arrive things done the counseling Alice did.Edward refused to let me go for a second, dragging me along with him as he hunted up Jasper and therefore Carlisle to rank them of my epiphany. I listened with quiet iniquity as they discussed their attack on the ground forces in Seattle. I could tell that Jasper was not pleased with the way the meter stood, only theyd been unable to contact anyone besides Tanyas loth family. Jasper didnt try to hide his desperation the way Edward would assimilate. It was simplified to see that he didnt like gambling with stakes this high.I couldnt bond behind, waiting and hoping for them to come home. I wouldnt. I would go mad.The chime rang. each at once, everything was sur right(a)fully normal. A perfect smile, genuine and w limb, re issued the direction on Carlisles eccentric. Alice turned the volume of the music up, and then danced to cross the door.It was a Suburban-load of my friends, both too nervous or too intimidated to arrive on their own. Jessica was the stolon one in the door, with microphone dear behind her. Tyler, Conner, Austin, Lee, Samantha . . . even Lauren trailing in last, her critical eyes alight with curiosity. They all were curious, and then overwhelmed as they took in the ample dwell decked step forward like a chic rave. The board wasnt blank all the Cullens had taken their pla ces, engagey to put on their usual perfect human charade. tonight I felt like I was acting every snowflake as much as they were.I went to recognise Jess and Mike, hoping the edge inmy voice failed like the goodly kind of excitement. Before I could draw in to anyone else, the bell rang again. I let Angela and Ben in, passing the door wide, because Eric and Katie were on the only whenton sink ining the steps.I didnt get an different chance to panic. I had to converse to everyone, concentrate on universe upbeat, a hostess. Though the party had been bill as a joint subject for Alice, Edward, and me, there was no denying that I was the virtually popular target for congratulations and thanks. by chance because the Cullens count oned only slightly wrong chthonic Alices party lights. Maybe because those lights left the style dim and mysterious. Not an atmosphere to chance upon your average human feel relaxed when rest next to person like Emmett. I saw Emmett grin a t Mike over the food table, the red lights f square toes off his teeth, and watched Mike take an self-locking step impale.Probably Alice had done this on purpose, to force me into the center of attention a place she thought I should enthral more. She was forever essay to make me be human the way she thought world should be.The party was a clear success, notwithstanding the instinctive edginess cause by the Cullens presence or maybe that simply added a thrill to the atmosphere. The music was infectious, the lights most hypnotic. From the way the food disappeared, that must bedevil been good, too. The room was soon crewed, though never claustrophobic. The entire senior class seemed to be there, along with most of the juniors. Bodies swayed to the beat that rumbled under the soles of their feet, the party constantly on the edge of breaking into a dance.It wasnt as large(p) as Id thought it would be. I make uped Alices lead, alter and chatting for a minute with everyone. They seemed easy becoming to please. I was sure this party was far cooler than anything the town of Forks had experienced in the first place. Alice was closely purring no one here would impart this night.Id circled the room once, and was dressing to Jessica. She babbled excitedly, and it was not infallible to pay strict attention, because the odds were she wouldnt need a response from me anytime soon. Edward was at my side still refusing to let go of me. He kept one bargain securely at my waist, pulling me closer at boon and then in response to thoughts I probably didnt need to hear.So I was immediately suspicious when he dropped his limb and edged away from me.Stay here, he murmured in my ear. Ill be right backrest.He passed gracefully by the crowd with come forward likely to touch any of the close- compressed bodies, at peace(p) too quickly for me to ask why he was leaving. I stared after him with narrow eyes while Jessica shouted over the music eagerly, hanging on to my elbow, incognizant to my distraction.I watched him as he reached the unlit shadow beside the kitchen doorway, where the lights only shone intermittently. He was disposition over someone, nevertheless I couldnt see past all the heads between us.I stretched up on my toes, craning my neck. Right then, a red light flashed crossways his back and glinted off the red sequins of Alices shirt. The light only touched her spunk for half(a) a second, plainly it was bounteous.Excuse me for a minute, Jess, I mumbled, pulling my arm away. I didnt reveal for her reaction, even to see if Id hurt her feelings with my abruptness.I ducked my way through the bodies, getting shoved vertical near a bit. A few people were dancing presently. I hurried to the kitchen door.Edward was gone, but Alice was still there in the dark, her face blank the kind of expressionless go to you see on the face of someone who has unsloped witnessed a horrible accident. unmatched of her hand gripped the door frame, like she require the support.What, Alice, what? What did you see? My hands were clutched in wait of me begging.She didnt look at me, she was staring away. I followed her compliments and watched as she caught Edwards eye across the room. His face was empty as a stone. He turned and disappeared into the shadows under the stair.The doorbell rang just then, hours after the last time, and Alice looked up with a puzzled expression that quickly turned into one of disgust.Who invited the were wildcat? she griped at me.I scowled. Guilty.Id thought Id rescinded that invitation not that Id ever dreamed Jacob would come here, regardless.Well, you go take care of it, then. I have to take to task to Carlisle.No, Alice, wait I tried to reach for her arm, but she was gone and my hand clutched the empty air.Damn it I grumbled.I knew this was it. Alice had seen what shed been waiting for, and I aboveboard didnt feel I could stand the suspense long profuse to answer the door . The doorbell peeled again, too long, someone holding down the button. I turned my back toward the door resolutely, and scanned the darken room for Alice.I couldnt see anything. I started pushing for the stairs.Hey, BellaJacobs deep voice caught a lull in the music, and I looked up in spite of myself at the sound of my name.I made a face.It wasnt just one werewolf, it was iii. Jacob had let himself in, flanked on both side by Quil and Embry. The two of them looked repulsively tense, their eyes flickering around the room like theyd just walked into a follow crypt. Embrys trembling hand still held the door, his soundbox half-turned to run for it.Jacob was waving at me, calmer than the others, though his nose was wrinkled in disgust. I waved back waved goodbye and turned to look for Alice. I squeezed through a outer space between Conners and Laurens backs.He came out of nowhere, his hand on my shoulder pulling me back toward the shadow by the kitchen. I ducked under his grip, b ut he grabbed my good wrist and yanked me from the crowd.Friendly reception, he noted.I pulled my hand free and scowled at him. What are you doing here?You invited me, hark back?In case my right hook was too subtle for you, let me translate that was me uninvitingyou.Dont be a poor people sport. I brought you a graduation present and everything.I folded my arms across my chest. I didnt want to promotewith Jacob right now. I treasured to manage what Alice had seen and what Edward and Carlisle were saying about it. I craned my head around Jacob, searching for them. maintain it back to the store, Jake. Ive got to do something. . . .He stepped into my crimp of sight, demanding my attention.I cant take it back. I didnt get it from the store I made it myself. Took a really long time, too.I leaned around him again, but I couldnt see any of the Cullens. Where had they gone? My eyes scanned the darkened room.Oh, cmon, Bell. Dont pee-pee like Im not hereIm not. I couldnt see them anywh ere. Look, Jake, Ive got a lot on my mind right now.He put his hand under my chin and pulled my face up. Could I please have just a few seconds of your undivided attention, overtop Swan?I jerked away from his touch. suffer your hands to yourself, Jacob, I hissed.Sorry he utter at once, holding his hands up in surrender. I really am sorry. About the other day, I mean, too. I shouldnt have kissed you like that. It was wrong. I guess . . . well, I guess I deluded myself into thinking you wanted me to.Deluded what a perfect descriptionBe nice. You could accept my apology, you get it on.Fine. alibi accepted. Now, if youll just excuse me for a snatch . . .Okay, he mumbled, and his voice was so different from before that I nailpd searching for Alice and scrutinized his face. He was staring at the floor, hiding his eyes. His lower lip jutted out just a little bit.I guess youd earlier be with your real friends, he say in the same defeated tone. I get it.I groaned. Aw, Jake, you kno w thats not fair.Do I?You should. I leaned forward, peering up, trying to look into his eyes. He looked up then, over my head, avoiding my gaze.Jake?He refused to look at me.Hey, you said you made me something, right? I asked. Was that just talk? Wheres my present? My attempt to belie enthusiasm was pretty sad, but it worked. He rolled his eyes and then grimaced at me.I kept up the lame pretense, holding my hand surface in apparent motion of me. Im waiting.Right, he grumbled sarcastically. But he also reached into the back pocket of his jeans and pulled out a small bag of a loose-woven, multi-colored fabric. It was tied shut with leather drawstrings. He set it on my palm.Hey, thats pretty, Jake. ThanksHe sighed. The present is inside, Bella.Oh.I had some difficulty with the strings. He sighed again and took it from me, sliding the ties open with one easy tug of the right cord. I held my hand out for it, but he turned the bag summit down and shook something silver into my hand. metallic element links clinked quietly against each other.I didnt make the bauble, he admitted. adept the charm. fasten to one of the links of the silver bracelet was a tiny wooden carving. I held it between my fingers to look at it closer. It was awed the amount of detail involved in the little figurine the miniature wolf was utterly realistic. It was even carved out of some red-brown wood that matched the color of his struggle.Its beautiful, I whispered. You made this? How?He shrugged. Its something Billy taught me. Hes best(p) at it than I am.Thats hard to believe, I murmured, turning the tiny wolf around and around in my fingers.Do you really like it?Yes Its unbelievable, Jake.He smiled, happily at first, but then the expression soured. Well, I figured that maybe it would make you remember me once in a while. You know how it is, out of sight, out of mind.I do by the attitude. Here, help me put it on.I held out my left wrist, since the right was stuck in the brace. He fast ened the centering easily, though it looked too delicate for his big fingers to manage.Youll wear it? he asked. Of course I will.He grinned at me it was the happy smile that I love to see him wear.I returned it for a moment, but then my eyes shot reflexively around the room again, anxiously scanning the crowd for some sign of Edward or Alice.Whyre you so distracted? Jacob wondered.Its nothing, I lied, trying to concentrate. Thanks for the present, really. I love it.Bella? His brows pulled together, throwing his eyes deep into their shadow. Somethings going on, isnt it?Jake, I . . . no, theres nothing.Dont lie to me, you sidle up at lying. You should tell me whats going on. We want to know these things,he said, slipping into the plural form at the end.He was probably right the wolves would certainly be interested in what was happening. Only I wasnt sure what that was yet. I wouldnt know for sure until I arrange Alice.Jacob, I will tell you. Just let me figure out whats happening , O.K.? I need to talk to Alice. understand lit his expression. The psychical saw something.Yes, just when you showed up.Is this about the bloodsucker in your room? he murmured, pitching his voice to a lower place the thrum of the music.Its related, I admitted.He impact that for a minute, atilt his head to one side while he read my face. You know something youre not telling me . . . something big.What was the pinnacle in lying again? He knew me too well. Yes.Jacob stared at me for one short(p) moment, and then turned to catch his pack brothers eyes where they stood in the entry, awkward and uncomfortable. When they took in his expression, they started moving, weaving their way agilely through the partiers, almost like they were dancing, too. In half a minute, they stood on either side of Jacob, towering over me.Now. Explain, Jacob demanded.Embry and Quil looked back and forth between our faces, confused and wary.Jacob, I dont know everything. I kept searching the room, now for a rescue. They had me backed into a break in every sense.What you do know, then.They all folded their arms across their chests at scarcely the same moment. It was a little bit funny, but mostly menacing.And then I caught sight of Alice descending the stairs, her white skin glowing in the purple light.Alice I squeaked in relief.She looked right at me as soon as I called her name, contempt the thudding bass that should have drowned my voice. I waved eagerly, and watched her face as she took in the collar werewolves leaning over me. Her eyes narrowed.But, before that reaction, her face was full of stress and fear. I bit my lip as she skipped to my side. Jacob, Quil, and Embry all leaned away from her with uneasy expressions. She put her arm around my waist.I need to talk to you, she murmured into my ear.Er, Jake, Ill see you later . . . , I mumbled as we eased around them.Jacob threw his long arm out to block our way, bracing his hand against the wall. Hey, not so fast.Alice stare d up at him, eyes wide and incredulous. Excuse me? herald us whats going on, he demanded in a growl.Jasper appeared quite literally out of nowhere. One second it was just Alice and me against the wall, Jacob occlude our exit, and then Jasper was standing on the other side of Jakes arm, his expression terrifying.Jacob slowly pulled his arm back. It seemed like the best move, going with the given that he wanted to keep that arm.We have a right to know, Jacob muttered, still blinding at Alice.Jasper stepped in between them, and the three werewolves braced themselves.Hey, hey, I said, adding a slightly hysterical chuckle. This is a party, remember? nonexistence paid any attention to me. Jacob glared at Alice while Jasper glowered at Jacob. Alices face was unawares thoughtful.Its okay, Jasper. He actually has a point.Jasper did not relax his position.I was sure the suspense was going to make my head instigate in about one second. What did you see, Alice?She stared at Jacob for one s econd, and then turned to me, manifestly having chosen to let them hear.The decisions been made.Youre going to Seattle?No.I felt the color debilitate out of my face. My stomach lurched. Theyre coming here, I choked out.The Quileute boys watched silently, reading every unconscious(p) play of emotion on our faces. They were root in place, and yet not completely still. All three pairs of hands were trembling.Yes.To Forks, I whispered.Yes.For?She nodded, understanding my question. One carried your red shirt.I tried to swallow.Jaspers expression was disapproving. I could tell he didnt like discussing this in front of the werewolves, but he had something he needed to say. We cant let them come that far. There arent replete of us to protect the town.I know, Alice said, her face suddenly desolate. But it doesnt matter where we stop them. There still wont be enough of us, and some of them will come here to search.No I whispered.The noise of the party overwhelmed the sound of my denial. A ll around us, my friends and neighbors and picayune enemies ate and laughed and swayed to the music, oblivious to the fact that they were about to face horror, danger, maybe death. Because of me.Alice, I mouthed her name. I have to go, I have to get away from here.That wont help. Its not like were dealing with a tracker. Theyll still come aspect here first.Then I have to go to meet them If my voice hadnt been so hoarse and strained, it might have been a shriek. If they find what theyre looking for, maybe theyll go away and not hurt anyone elseBella Alice protested. take a leak it, Jacob ordered in a low, impellent voice. What is coming?Alice turned her icy gaze on him. Our kind. Lots of them.Why?For Bella. Thats all we know.There are too many another(prenominal) for you? he asked.Jasper bridled. We have a few advantages, dog. It will be an even fight.No, Jacob said, and a strange, fierce half-smile spread across his face. It wont be even.Excellent Alice hissed.I stared, still f rozen in horror, at Alices new expression. Her face was alive with exultation, all the despair wiped pretty from her perfect features.She grinned at Jacob, and he grinned back.Everything just disappeared, of course, she told him in a smug voice. Thats inconvenient, but, all things considered, Ill take it.Well have to coordinate, Jacob said. It wont be easy for us. Still, this is our job more than yours.I wouldnt go that far, but we need the help. We arent going to be picky.Wait, wait, wait, wait, I interrupted them.Alice was on her toes, Jacob leaning down toward her, both of their faces lit up with excitement, both of their noses wrinkled against the smell. They looked at me impatiently. get up? I repeated through my teeth.You didnt honestly think you were going to keep us out of this? Jacob asked.You are staying out of thisYour psychic doesnt think so.Alice tell them no I insisted. Theyll get killedJacob, Quil, and Embry all laughed out loud.Bella, Alice said, her voice soothing , placating, separately we all could get killed. in concert -Itll be no problem, Jacob finished her sentence. Quil laughed again.How many? Quil asked eagerly.No I shouted.Alice didnt even look at me. It changes twenty-one today, but the numbers are going down.Why? Jacob asked, curious. abundant story, Alice said, suddenly looking around the room. And this isnt the place for it.Later tonight? Jacob pushed.Yes, Jasper answered him. We were already supplying a . . . strategic meeting. If youre going to fight with us, youll need some instruction.The wolves all made a disgruntled face at the last part.No I moaned.This will be odd, Jasper said thoughtfully. I never considered working together. This has to be a first.No doubt about that, Jacob agreed. He was in a hurry now. Weve got to get back to Sam. What time?Whats too late for you?All three rolled their eyes. What time? Jacob repeated. tercet oclock?Where?About ten miles due trades union of the Hoh Forest ranger station. Come at it from the west and youll be able to follow our scent in.Well be there.They turned to leave.Wait, Jake I called after him. Please Dont do thisHe paused, turning back to grin at me, while Quil and Embry headed impatiently for the door. Dont be ridiculous, Bells. Youre gravid me a much better adorn than the one I gave you.No I shouted again. The sound of an electric guitar drowned my cry.He didnt respond he hurried to catch up with his friends, who were already gone. I watched unable to help as Jacob disappeared.