Try to relax, he suggested as another shiver rippled through me violently. Youll be warm in a minute. Of course, youd warm up faster if you took your clothes off.

Edward growled sharply.

Thats just a simple fact, Jacob defended himself. Survival one-oh-one.

C-c-cut it out, Jake, I said angrily, though my body refused to even try to pull away from him. N-n-n-nobody really n-n-n-n-needs all ten t-t-t-toes.

Dont worry about the bloodsucker, Jacob suggested, and his tone was smug. Hes just jealous.

Of course I am. Edwards voice was velvet again, under control, a musical murmur in the darkness. You dont have the faintest idea how much I wish I could do what youre doing for her, mongrel.

Those are the breaks, Jacob said lightly, but then his tone soured. At least you know she wishes it was you.

True, Edward agreed.

The shuddering slowed, became bearable while they wrangled.

There, Jacob said, pleased. Feeling better?

I was finally able to speak clearly. Yes.

Your lips are still blue, he mused. Want me to warm those up for you, too? You only have to ask.

Edward sighed heavily.

Behave yourself, I muttered, pressing my face against his shoulder. He flinched again when my cold skin touched his, and I smiled with slightly vindictive satisfaction.

It was already warm and snug inside the sleeping bag. Jacobs body heat seemed to radiate from every side  maybe because there was somuch of him. I kicked my boots off, and pushed my toes against his legs. He jumped slightly, and then leaned his head down to press his hot cheek against my numb ear.

I noticed that Jacobs skin had a woodsy, musky scent  it fit the setting, here in the middle of the forest. It was nice. I wondered if the Cullens and the Quileutes werent just playing up that whole odor issue because of their prejudices. Everyone smelled fine to me.

The storm howled like an animal attacking the tent, but it didnt worry me now. Jacob was out of the cold, and so was I. Plus, I was simply too exhausted to worry about anything  tired from just staying awake so late, and aching from the muscle spasms. My body relaxed slowly as I thawed, piece by frozen piece, and then turned limp.

Jake? I mumbled sleepily. Can I ask you something? Im not trying to be a jerk or anything, Im honestly curious. They were the same words hed used in my kitchen . . . how long ago was it now?

Sure, he chuckled, remembering.

Why are you so much furrier than your friends? You dont have to answer if Im being rude. I didnt know the rules for etiquette as they applied to werewolf culture.

Because my hair is longer, he said, amused  my question hadnt offended him, at least. He shook his head so that his unkempt hair  grown out to his chin now  tickled my cheek.

Oh. I was surprised, but it made sense. So that was why theyd all cropped their hair in the beginning, when they joined the pack. Then why dont you cut it? Do you like to be shaggy?

He didnt answer right away this time, and Edward laughed under his breath.

Sorry, I said, pausing to yawn. I didnt mean to pry. You dont have to tell me.

Jacob made an annoyed sound. Oh, hell tell you anyway, so I might as well. . . . I was growing my hair out because . . . it seemed like you liked it better long.

Oh. I felt awkward. I, er, like it both ways, Jake. You dont need to be . . . inconvenienced.

He shrugged. Turns out it was very convenient tonight, so dont worry about it.

I didnt have anything else to say. As the silence lengthened, my eyelids drooped and shut, and my breathing grew slower, more even.

Thats right, honey, go to sleep, Jacob whispered.

I sighed, content, already half-unconscious.

Seth is here, Edward muttered to Jacob, and I suddenly understood the point of the howling.

Perfect. Now you can keep an eye on everything else, while I take care of your girlfriend for you.

Edward didnt answer, but I groaned groggily. Stop it, I muttered.

It was quiet then, inside at least. Outside, the wind shrieked insanely through the trees. The shimmying of the tent made it hard to sleep. The poles would suddenly jerk and quiver, pulling me back from the edge of unconsciousness each time I was close to slipping under. I felt so bad for the wolf, the boy that was stuck outside in the snow.

My mind wandered as I waited for sleep to find me. This warm little space made me think of the early days with Jacob, and I remembered how it used to be when he was my replacement sun, the warmth that made my empty life livable. It had been a while since Id thought of Jake that way, but here he was, warming me again.

Please! Edward hissed. Do youmind !

What? Jacob whispered back, his tone surprised.

Do you think you couldattempt to control your thoughts? Edwards low whisper was furious.

No one said you had to listen, Jacob muttered, defiant, yet still embarrassed. Get out of my head.

I wish Icould. You have no idea how loud your little fantasies are. Its like youre shouting them at me.

Ill try to keep it down, Jacob whispered sarcastically.

There was a brief moment of silence.

Yes, Edward answered an unspoken thought in a murmur so low I barely made it out. Im jealous of that, too.

I figured it was like that, Jacob whispered smugly. Sort of evens the playing field up a little, doesnt it?

Edward chuckled. In your dreams.

You know, she could still change her mind, Jacob taunted him. Consideringall the things I could do with her that you cant. At least, not without killing her, that is.

Go to sleep, Jacob, Edward murmured. Youre starting to get on my nerves.

I think I will. Im really very comfortable.

Edward didnt answer.

I was too far gone to ask them to stop talking about me like I wasnt there. The conversation had taken on a dreamlike quality to me, and I wasnt sure I was really awake.

Maybe I would, Edward said after a moment, answering a question I hadnt heard.

But would you be honest?

You can always ask and see. Edwards tone made me wonder if I was missing out on a joke.

Well, you see inside my head  let me see inside yours tonight, its only fair, Jacob said.

Your head is full of questions. Which one do you want me to answer?

The jealousy . . . ithas to be eating at you. You cant be as sure of yourself as you seem. Unless you have no emotions at all.

Of course it is, Edward agreed, no longer amused. Right now its so bad that I can barely control my voice. Of course, its even worse when shes away from me, with you, and I cant see her.

Do you think about it all the time? Jacob whispered. Does it make it hard to concentrate when shes not with you?

Yes and no, Edward said; he seemed determined to answer honestly. My mind doesnt work quite the same as yours. I can think of many more things at one time. Of course, that means that Imalways able to think of you, always able to wonder if thats where her mind is, when shes quiet and thoughtful.

They were both still for a minute.

Yes, I would guess that she thinks about you often, Edward murmured in response to Jacobs thoughts. More often than I like. She worries that youre unhappy. Not that you dont know that. Not that you dontuse that.

I have to use whatever I can, Jacob muttered. Im not working with your advantages  advantages like her knowing shes in love with you.

That helps, Edward agreed in a mild tone.

Jacob was defiant. Shes in love with me, too, you know.

Edward didnt answer.

Jacob sighed. But shedoesnt know it.

I cant tell you if youre right.

Does that bother you? Do you wish you could see what shes thinking, too?

Yes . . . and no, again. She likes it better this way, and, though it sometimes drives me insane, Id rather she was happy.

The wind ripped around the tent, shaking it like an earthquake. Jacobs arms tightened around me protectively.

Thank you, Edward whispered. Odd as this might sound, I suppose Im glad yo