Eclipse (Twilight, #3)

by Stephenie Meyer

“I love him. Not because he’s beautiful or because he’s rich!” I spat the word at Jacob. “I’d much rather he weren’t either one. It would even out the gap between us just a little bit—because he’d still be the most loving and unselfish and brilliant and decent person I’ve ever met. Of course I love him. How hard is that to understand?” “It’s impossible to understand.” “Please enlighten me, then, Jacob.” I let the sarcasm flow thick. “What is a valid reason for someone to love someone else? Since apparently I’m doing it wrong.” “I think the best place to start would be to look within your own species. That usually works.” “Well, that just sucks!” I snapped. “I guess I’m stuck with Mike Newton after all.” Jacob flinched back and bit his lip. I could see that my words had hurt him, but I was too mad to feel bad about that yet. He dropped my wrist and folded his arms across his chest, turning from me to glare toward the ocean. “I’m human,” he muttered, his voice almost inaudible. “You’re not as human as Mike,” I continued ruthlessly. “Do you still think that’s the most important consideration?” “It’s not the same thing.” Jacob didn’t look away from the gray waves. “I didn’t choose this.” I laughed once in disbelief. “Do you think Edward did? He didn’t know what was happening to him any more than you did. He didn’t exactly sign up for this.”