Love reunited and facing more challenges than before, Edward and Ana push through and prevail.
Faced with forces that threaten them, their families, and their love for one another, the two must find a way to rise above it all.
Book 1 - Complete.
B...
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XLII. You didn't win
I returned back to the camp and Edward was waiting for me with my blanket in hand. He wrapped it around me as he observed my face. He reached one hand up, brushing it across my cheek. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, eyebrows furrowing in concern.
"Yes," I replied softly as I nodded my head, wrapping the warm blanket tighter around myself. I looked off to the side with a frown tugging at my lips.
Edward stared at me with concern lingering in his golden eyes. He cupped both my cheeks and tilted my head so that I would meet his gaze. "He didn't try anything?" he asked softly as he frowned.
I placed my hands on top of his, offering him an assuring smile as I shook my head. "No, I think he already got that message," I said, referring to me breaking my hand on Jacob's face.
"Not quite," Edward muttered softly as he shook his head. My eyebrows furrowed as my head tilted to the side. "I hear his every thought, Ana." he reminded me softly as his thumb brushed over my skin. "He still loves you. He wants you," he told me. "Even with my ring on your finger, he won't stop."
I sighed softly as my frown grew. "I don't understand," I muttered angrily as I shook my head. "I never did anything to lead him on, to make him think I love him," I said as I pulled away from Edward and turned around. "I just wanted a friend." I insisted softly, hurt evident in my voice.
"Jacob's feelings and actions towards you, are on himself, not you," Edward assured me as he reached out for my shoulder, turning me back to face him.
I shook my head again as I looked down at the snowy ground beneath my feet. "I just hate hurting him," I said softly.
"I know," Edward whispered as he pulled me into his arms, hugging me tightly to his chest as one of his hands cradled the back of my head. I closed my eyes, wrapping my arms around his waist as I basked in his comfort. It was a short-lived moment.
My eyes shot open when Edward tensed up, his hold on me growing slightly tighter and more protective. Seth approached, the hair across the wolf's back raising as he raised his head and let out a howl before turning to look at Edward.
My eyebrows furrowed as I looked at Seth before looking up at Edward. "What's wrong? What's going on?" I asked softly.
Edward silently stared at Seth for a moment before turning his gaze to me. "It's starting," he informed me softly. My stomach knotted and I pulled away from Edward as my body tensed and my face fell. "Hey, it's going to be alright," Edward assured me as he pulled me back into his arms.
"If someone from our side gets hurt today..."I whispered, choking up under the emotions I felt. I rested my head against Edward's hard chest and closed my eyes, clutching onto his blue button-up shirt.
"They won't," he assured me as he petted my hair, holding me safely in his arms. "Stop having so much doubt," he whispered into my hair as he nuzzled against my neck.
