 possible to make out shapes . . . colors.

Sam was in the lead, of course. Unbelievably huge, black as midnight, a monster straight out of my nightmares  literally; after the first time Id seen Sam and the others in the meadow, theyd starred in my bad dreams more than once.

Now that I could see them all, match the vastness with each pair of eyes, it looked like more than ten. The pack was overwhelming.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that Edward was watching me, carefully evaluating my reaction.

Sam approached Carlisle where he stood in the front, the huge pack right on his tail. Jasper stiffened, but Emmett, on the other side of Carlisle, was grinning and relaxed.

Sam sniffed at Carlisle, seeming to wince slightly as he did. Then he moved on to Jasper.

My eyes ran down the wary brace of wolves. I was sure I could pick out a few of the new additions. There was a light gray wolf that was much smaller than the others, the hackles on the back of his neck raised in distaste. There was another, the color of desert sand, who seemed gangly and uncoordinated beside the rest. A low whine broke through the sandy wolfs control when Sams advance left him isolated between Carlisle and Jasper.

I stopped at the wolf just behind Sam. His fur was reddish-brown and longer than the others, shaggy in comparison. He was almost as tall as Sam, the second largest in the group. His stance was casual, somehow exuding nonchalance over what the rest obviously considered an ordeal.

The enormous russet-colored wolf seemed to feel my gaze, and he looked up at me with familiar black eyes.

I stared back at him, trying to believe what I already knew. I could feel the wonder and fascination on my face.

The wolfs muzzle fell open, pulling back over his teeth. It would have been a frightening expression, except that his tongue lolled out the side in a wolfy grin.

I giggled.

Jacobs grin widened over his sharp teeth. He left his place in line, ignoring the eyes of his pack as they followed him. He trotted past Edward and Alice to stand not two feet away from me. He stopped there, his gaze flickering briefly toward Edward.

Edward stood motionless, a statue, his eyes still assessing my reaction.

Jacob crouched down on his front legs and dropped his head so that his face was no higher than mine, staring at me, measuring my response just as much as Edward was.

Jacob? I breathed.

The answering rumble deep in his chest sounded like a chuckle.

I reached my hand out, my fingers trembling slightly, and touched the red-brown fur on the side of his face.

The black eyes closed, and Jacob leaned his huge head into my hand. A thrumming hum resonated in this throat.

The fur was both soft and rough, and warm against my skin. I ran my fingers through it curiously, learning the texture, stroking his neck where the color deepened. I hadnt realized how close Id gotten; without warning, Jacob suddenly licked my face from chin to hairline.

Ew! Gross, Jake! I complained, jumping back and smacking at him, just as I would have if he were human. He dodged out of the way, and the coughing bark that came through his teeth was obviously laughter.

I wiped my face on the sleeve of my shirt, unable to keep from laughing with him.

It was at that point that I realized that everyone was watching us, the Cullens and the werewolves  the Cullens with perplexed and somewhat disgusted expressions. It was hard to read the wolves faces. I thought Sam looked unhappy.

And then there was Edward, on edge and clearly disappointed. I realized hed been hoping for a different reaction from me. Like screaming and running away in terror.

Jacob made the laughing sound again.

The other wolves were backing away now, not taking their eyes off the Cullens as they departed. Jacob stood by my side, watching them go. Soon, they disappeared into the murky forest. Only two hesitated by the trees, watching Jacob, their postures radiating anxiety.

Edward sighed, and  ignoring Jacob  came to stand on my other side, taking my hand.

Ready to go? he asked me.

Before I could answer, he was staring over me at Jacob.

Ive not quite figured out all the details yet, he said, answering a question in Jacobs thoughts.

The Jacob-wolf grumbled sullenly.

Its more complicated than that, Edward said. Dont concern yourself; Ill make sure its safe.

What are you talking about? I demanded.

Just discussing strategy, Edward said.

Jacobs head swiveled back and forth, looking at our faces. Then, suddenly, he bolted for the forest. As he darted away, I noticed for the first time a square of folded black fabric secured to his back leg.

Wait, I called, one hand stretching out automatically to reach after him. But he disappeared into the trees in seconds, the other two wolves following.

Why did he leave? I asked, hurt.

Hes coming back, Edward said. He sighed. He wants to be able to talk for himself.

I watched the edge of the forest where Jacob had vanished, leaning into Edwards side again. I was on the point of collapse, but I was fighting it.

Jacob loped back into view, on two legs this time. His broad chest was bare, his hair tangled and shaggy. He wore only a pair of black sweat pants, his feet bare to the cold ground. He was alone now, but I suspected that his friends lingered in the trees, invisible.

It didnt take him long to cross the field, though he gave a wide berth to the Cullens, who stood talking quietly in a loose circle.

Okay, bloodsucker, Jacob said when he was a few feet from us, evidently continuing the conversation Id missed. Whats so complicated about it?

I have to consider every possibility, Edward said, unruffled. What if someone gets by you?

Jacob snorted at that idea. Okay, so leave her on the reservation. Were making Collin and Brady stay behind anyway. Shell be safe there.

I scowled. Are you talking about me?

I just want to know what he plans to do with you during the fight, Jacob explained.

Dowith me?

You cant stay in Forks, Bella. Edwards voice was pacifying. They know where to look for you there. What if someone slipped by us?

My stomach dropped and the blood drained from my face. Charlie? I gasped.

Hell be with Billy, Jacob assured me quickly. If my dad has to commit a murder to get him there, hell do it. Probably it wont take that much. Its this Saturday, right? Theres a game.

This Saturday? I asked, my head spinning. I was too lightheaded to control my wildly random thoughts. I frowned at Edward. Well, crap! There goes your graduation present.

Edward laughed. Its the thought that counts, he reminded me. You can give the tickets to someone else.

Inspiration came swiftly. Angela and Ben, I decided at once. At least that will get them out of town.

He touched my cheek. You cant evacuate everyone, he said in a gentle voice. Hiding you is just a precaution. I told you  well have no problem now. There wont be enough of them to keep us entertained.

But what about keeping her in La Push? Jacob interjected, impatient.

Shes been back and forth too much, Edward said. Shes left trails all over the place. Alice only sees very young vampires coming on the hunt, but obviously someone created them. There is someone more experienced behind this. Whoever he  Edward paused to look at me  or she is, thiscould all be a distraction. Alice will see if he decides to look himself, but we could be very busy at the time that decision is made. Maybe someone is counting on that. I cant leave her somewhere shes been frequently. Shehas to be hard to find, just in case. Its a very long shot, but Im not taking chances.

I stared at Edward as he explained, my forehead creasing. He patted my arm.

Just being overcautious, he promised.

Jacob gestured to the deep forest east of us, to the vast expanse of the Olympic Mountains.

So hide her here, he suggested. Theres a million possibilities  places either one of us could be in just a few minutes if theres a need.

Edwar