part 19

After some hesitation and haggling about curfews, Edward and Bella agreed to let their daughter go. Bella pulled me aside "You might want to talk to Carlisle before you go to make sure your ribs will be alright." Carlisle said that he didn't anticipate any problems. He also placed a small silver cell phone into my hand. "If there's any problem: call me. I might know enough to help" He seemed to realize how unpredictable my werewolf default was.

In the end, Jacob drove with Renesmee in the front seat. Seth and I sat in the back. "Oh" Jacob said suddenly "Sam's wife, Emily... just don't stare OK?" I nodded. Renesmee reached over and showed me Emily. I kept my expression smooth, but found myself inching into a corner: away from the wolves. Sam had violent tendencies? He was a man in his prime. He could turn into a giant wolf. He could crush me. He had violent tendencies. I was so dead.

A bonfire with werewolves. Why hadn't I tried to get out of it? Fighting wouldn't have helped, but I could have feigned illness. Very non-confrontational.

All the wolves except for Leah were there. There were also a few objects of imprintation (was that the right term?) Renesmee and Emily, Claire, Rebbecca and Kim. Then there were a few adults Jacob's dad Billy, Sue and a man called "Old Quil". They were a very accepting bunch. I couldn't just keep my distance without someone coming to talk with me. Seth seemed content to talk calmly with me. That was nice. Although they were all extremely threatening, some of them also made for awkward conversations. I simply had no idea what to say to a werewolf. Seth talked just enough to keep things from getting awkward without talking too much.

I studied the two packs intently, trying to identify the biggest threats. Who would lose their temper? Who would make a calculated strike? Was there anyone who would be on my side? Despite what he did to Emily, Sam didn't seemed inclined to encourage fights. He was the voice of reason. The practical one. He seemed older than he was.

I managed not to phase the entire night. It helped that they were all so relaxed. How could they be? Everyone was so threatening, yet even I found myself relaxing from time to time. What was this deception?

The objects of imprintation felt like the safest companions. I talked a little with Emily and played with Renesmee and Claire from time to time. I overheard a conversation between Jacob and Seth. Jacob was talking quietly, but I could hear "How do you think the leeches feel about Juliet? I think they're starting to get attached." Seth grinned "Of course they are. How could they not? Look around. She's just so likable." My first thought was that he was being sarcastic, but further observation showed that he was indeed sincere. I wasn't used to being likable. I wasn't hateable either. Most people were indifferent to me. In my lifetime, I could count on one hand the groups of close friends I'd had.

I felt a shiver go through me. I wasn't particularly close to any of the boys and my werewolf default had disappeared. I hadn't even thought to bring a sweatshirt like the other girls. I tentatively leaned toward Jacob and Seth. No change. Then a beautiful warmth as Seth gently placed his hand on my arm. I cringed. Every bit of conman sense I had told me to run away, but I didn't.