There was provocation behind my choice; I would not give in so easily this time. Disturbed and anxious, I sat as quietly as possible in my car, completely aware that my left tires sat exactly one eight of an inch from the boundary. I was in no mood for diplomacy.

I could have waited anywhere, really. In the trees, on the road; anywhere. But I didn’t want to wait anywhere but right here. Right on the line. Besides, more than anything, I wanted him to bring her to the edge of the reservation so that I could look into his eyes, so that I could warn him. If I was honest with myself, I wanted her to see me too. This need, this desire, to show them both that I would not be fooled was overwhelming and irrational. This was the cost of being too thirsty. The cost of leaving the hunt. The cost of Bella’s rash and confusing decision. My fists clenched and my breath quickened, but I gained control…

I was aware of how strong my impulses were, but I was unable to take any decisive course of action to prevent them from having the strength they now possessed. The only exception to their complete and absolute dominance of my will was my desire for Bella’s safe return. So, I’d promised myself that at all costs, no matter what happened, I would do my best to remain in my car, which would serve as the solitary boundary between myself and Jacob Black, yet again. I told myself that once I had her secured, I could then decide my next course of action.

Plans and strategies had no place in this situation. I refused to think of what I would, or could do to him if he were responsible for this, if he'd hurt her, or lured her away somehow. Until I knew the circumstances of the situation, I resolved to plan nothing. To do so would be irresponsible and very dangerous.

But, I was still uncertain. I’d never pushed my boundaries this far before. And, I didn’t enjoy the physical and emotional unease which came along with this dreadful uncertainty. I wasn’t sure that any forced calming, rationalization, or logic could dissuade my raging instincts. Instead, I could only hope to keep them at bay.