“Okay, I’m just going to come out and say it.” He took his hand off my shoulder and folded his hands again in his lap. “My family, and most of the families in La Push, have origins in an ancient tribe called Quiluetes. And we have a lot of legends and dumb superstitions that our families insist on believing. But some of them, the real traditions, aren’t so dumb,” he said, looking me directly in the eye, “and we have to honor them. And one of our most prominent traditions that we all must uphold is a treaty.” I stared at him with interest now. What was he talking about?

“This treaty,” he stated firmly, never breaking my gaze, “is one that forms a boundary between La Push and all outlying land. We agreed with the cold ones living…” he stopped suddenly, and then quickly collected himself before continuing. “…Basically, what it comes down to is that your… kind,” a little sympathy flashed in his eyes as he gazed into mine, “isn’t allowed on our land.”

I froze in shock. “Are you telling me…” I began slowly, lowering my voice to a near whisper, “that vampires aren’t allowed in La Push?”

He nodded sternly. “I can’t believe it,” I snapped, anger building up in my gut. “You’re asking me to leave because of some stupid ancient treaty that probably hasn’t been used for centuries. And you’re the only one who even knows I’m breaking it.”

He simply looked at me with sympathy and nodded. “I’m sorry, Bella. That is what I’m asking.”

My fury got the best of me and I hissed at him, baring my teeth before shooting out of my chair and stomping away. As soon as I was out of sight, I broke into a full sprint, running in no particular direction as my vision clouded red.

I didn’t break my blindingly fast stride for miles, and I wildly tore not just branches, but entire trees from my path as I barreled forward tirelessly in a haze of red. I was frightened by the intensity of my own wrath, but I couldn’t stop now. I had to get it out of my system, because if I didn’t, I feared someone could get hurt.