wasn't exaggerating about
your abilities；〃 he said through his teeth。 〃So you must already know why
I'm here。〃
〃Yes；〃 Edward agreed in a soft voice。 〃But； before you begin； I need to say
something。〃
Jacob waited； clenching and unclenching his hands as he tried to control the
shivers rolling down his arms。
〃Thank you；〃 Edward said； and his voice throbbed with the depth of his
sincerity。 〃I will never be able to
tell you how grateful I am。 I will owe you for the rest of my existence。〃
Jacob stared at him blankly； his shudders stilled by surprise。 He exchanged a
quick glance with me； but
my face was just as mystified。
〃For keeping Bella alive；〃 Edward clarified； his voice rough and fervent。
〃When I didn't。〃
〃Edward—；〃 I started to say； but he held one hand up； his eyes on Jacob。
Understanding washed over Jacob's face before the hard mask returned。 〃I
didn't do it for your benefit。〃
〃I know。 But that doesn't erase the gratitude I feel。 I thought you should
know。 If there's ever anything in
my power to do for you〃
Jacob raised one black brow。
Edward shook his head。 〃That's not in my power。〃
〃Whose； then？〃 Jacob growled。
Edward looked down at me。 〃Hers。 I'm a quick learner； Jacob Black； and I don't
make the same mistake
twice。 I'm here until she orders me away。〃
I was immersed momentarily in his golden gaze。 It wasn't hard to understand
what I'd missed in the
conversation。 The only thing that Jacob would want from Edward would be his
absence。
〃Never；〃 I whispered； still locked in Edward's eyes。
Jacob made a gagging sound。
I unwillingly broke fre