“I miss you alreadyI don’t need to leave. I can stay. . . .Mmmm.”

“It’s not fair!” Sunny wailed. “Why do you get to stay? Why can’t I stay, if you can?” I had to swallow hard. “That wouldn’t be fair, would it? But I don’t get to stay, Sunny. I have to go, too. And soon. Maybe we’ll leave together.” Perhaps she’d be happier if she thought I was going to the Dolphins with her. By the time she knew otherwise, Sunny would have a different host with different emotions and no tie to this human beside me. Maybe. Anyway, it would be too late. “I have to go, Sunny, just like you. I have to give my body back, too.” And then, flat and hard from right behind us, Ian’s voice broke through the quiet like the crack of a whip. ”What?”

“Only you could be more important than what I wanted...what I needed. What I want and what I need is to be with you, and I know I'll never be strong enough to leave again.”

“The way I feel about you will never change. Of course I love you—and there's nothing you can do about it!”“That's all I needed to hear.”

“I miss you," I whispered."I know, Bella. believe me, I know. It's like you've taken half my self away with you.""Come and get it, then," I challenged."Soon, as soon as I possibly can. I will make you safe first."His voice was hard."I love you," I reminded him."Could you believe that, despite everything I've put you through, I love you, too?""Yes, I can, actually.""I'll come for you soon.""I'll be waiting.”

“But I love you, “ he whispered. “Doesn't that matter?” “Of course it matters. So much. Can't you see? That only makes it more… necessary.” His eyes flashed open. “Is it so unbearable to have me love you? Is that it? I can keep my mouth shut, Wanda. I won't say it again. You can be with Jared, if that's what you want. Just stay.”

“I love you. You're my only reason to stay alive... if that's what I am.”