casual tone. Did you make plans to go back to La Push again soon?

 I didnt answer. His question brought back the memory of Jacobs words, and my throat was suddenly
tight.

He misread my silence and the tension in my body.

Just so that I can make my own plans, he explained quickly. I dont want you to feel like you have to
hurry back because Im sitting around waiting for you.

No, I said in a voice that sounded strange to me. I dont have plans go back.

Oh. You dont have to do that for me.

I dont think Im welcome anymore, I whispered.
Did you run over someones cat? he asked lightly. I knew he didnt want to force the story out of me,
but I could hear the curiosity burning behind his words.

No. I took a deep breath, and then mumbled quickly through the explanation. I thought Jacob would
have realized . . . I didnt think it would surprise him.

Edward waited while I hesitated.

He wasnt expecting . . . that it was so soon.

Ah, Edward said quietly.

He said hed rather see me dead. My voice broke on the last word.

Edward was too still for a moment, controlling whatever reaction he didnt want me to see.

Then he crushed me gently to his chest. Im so sorry.

I thought youd be glad, I whispered.

Glad over something thats hurt you? he murmured into my hair. I dont think so, Bella.

I sighed and relaxed, fitting myself to the stone shape of him. But he was motionless again, tense.

Whats wrong? I asked.

Its nothing.

You can tell me.

He paused for a minute. It might make you angry.

I still want to know.

He sighed. I could quite literally kill him for saying that to you. Iwant to.

I laughed halfheartedly. I guess its a good thing youve got so much self-control.

I could slip. His tone was thoughtful.

 If youre going to have a lapse in control, I can think of a better place for it. I reached for his face,
trying to pull myself up to kiss him. His arms held me tighter, restraining.

He sighed. Must I always be the responsible one?

I grinned in the darkness. No. Let me be in charge of responsibility for a few minutes . . . or hours.

Goodnight, Bella.

Wait  there was something else I wanted to ask you about.
Whats that?

I was talking to Rosalie last night. . . .

 His body tensed again. Yes. She was thinking about that when I got in. She gave you quite a lot to
consider, didnt she?

His voice was anxious, and I realized that he thought I wanted to talk about the reasons Rosalied given
me for staying human. But I was interested in something much more pressing.

She told me a little bit . . . about the time your family lived in Denali.

There was a short pause; this beginning took him by surprise. Yes?

She mentioned something about a bunch of female vampires . . . and you.

He didnt answer, though I waited for a long moment.

Dont worry, I said, after the silence had grown uncomfortable. She told me you didnt . . . show any
preference. But I was just wondering, you know, if any ofthem had. Shown a preference for you, I
mean.

Again he said nothing.

Which one? I asked, trying to keep my voice casual, and not quite managing. Or was there more than
one?

No answer. I wished I could see his face, so I could try to guess what this silence meant.

Alice will tell me, I said. Ill go ask her right now.

His arms tightened; I was unable to squirm even an inch away.

 Its late, he said. His voice had a little edge to it that was something new. Sort of nervous, maybe a
little embarrassed. Besides, I think Alice stepped out. . . .

Its bad, I guessed. Its really bad, isnt it? I started to panic, my heart accelerating as I imagined the
gorgeous immortal rival Id never realized I had.

Calm down, Bella, he said, kissing the tip of my nose. Youre being absurd.

Am I? Then why wont you tell me?

Because theres nothing to tell. Youre blowing this wildly out of proportion.

Which one? I insisted.

 He sighed. Tanya expressed a little interest. I let her know, in a very courteous, gentlemanly fashion,
that I did not return that interest. End of story.

I kept my voice as even as possible. Tell me something  what does Tanya look like?
Just like the rest of us  white skin, gold eyes, he answered too quickly.

And, of course, extraordinarily beautiful.

I felt him shrug.

I suppose, to human eyes, he said, indifferent. You know what, though?

What? My voice was petulant.

He put his lips right to my ear; his cold breath tickled. I prefer brunettes.

Shes a blonde. That figures.

Strawberry blonde  not at all my type.

 I thought about that for a while, trying to concentrate as his lips moved slowly along my cheek, down my
throat, and back up again. He made the circuit three times before I spoke.

Iguess thats okay, then, I decided.

 Hmm, he whispered against my skin. Youre quite adorable when youre jealous. Its surprisingly
enjoyable.

I scowled into the darkness.

Its late, he said again, murmuring, almost crooning now, his voice smoother than silk. Sleep, my
Bella. Dream happy dreams. You are the only one who has ever touched my heart. It will always be
yours. Sleep, my only love.

 He started to hum my lullaby, and I knew it was only a matter of time till I succumbed, so I closed my
eyes and snuggled closer into his chest.




9. TARGET

ALICE DROPPED ME OFF IN THE MORNING, IN KEEPINGwith the slumber party charade. It
wouldnt be long until Edward showed up, officially returning from his hiking trip. All of the pretenses
were starting to wear on me. I wouldnt miss this part of being human.

 Charlie peeked through the front window when he heard me slam the car door. He waved to Alice, and
then went to get the door for me.

Did you have fun? Charlie asked.

Sure, it was great. Very . . . girlie.

I carried my stuff in, dumped it all at the foot of the stairs, and wandered into the kitchen to look for a
snack.

Youve got a message, Charlie called after me.

On the kitchen counter, the phone message pad was propped up conspicuously against a saucepan.

Jacob called,Charlie had written.


He said he didnt mean it, and that hes sorry. He wants you to call him. Be nice and give him a break.
He sounded upset.


I grimaced. Charlie didnt usually editorialize on my messages.

 Jacob could just go ahead and be upset. I didnt want to talk to him. Last Id heard, they werent big on
allowing phone calls from the other side. If Jacob preferred me dead, then maybe he should get used to
the silence.

My appetite evaporated. I turned an about face and went to put my things away.

Arent you going to call Jacob? Charlie asked. He was leaning around the living room wall, watching
me pick up.

No.

I started up the stairs.

Thats not very attractive behavior, Bella, he said. Forgiveness is divine.

Mind your own business, I muttered under my breath, much too low for him to hear.

I knew the laundry was building up, so after I put my toothpaste away and threw my dirty clothes in the
hamper, I went to strip Charlies bed. I left his sheets in a pile at the top of the stairs and went to get
mine.

I paused beside the bed, cocking my head to the side.

 Where was my pillow? I turned in a circle, scanning the room. No pillow. I noticed that my room looked
oddly tidy. Hadnt my gray sweatshirt been draped over the low bedpost on the footboard? And I would
swear there had been a pair of dirty socks behind the rocking chair, along with the red blouse Id tried on
two mornings ago, but decided was too dressy for school, hanging over the arm. . . . I spun around
again. My hamper wasnt empty, but it wasnt overflowing, the way I thought it had been.

Was Charlie doing laundry? That was out of character.

Dad, did you start the wash? I shouted out my door.

Um, no, he shouted back, sounding guilty. Did you want me to?

No, I got it. Were you looking for something in my room?
No. Why?

I cant find . . . a shirt. . . .

I havent been in there.

 And then I remembered that Alice had been here to get my pajamas. I hadnt noticed that shed
borrowed my pillow, too  probably since Id avoided the bed. It looked like she had cleaned while
she was passing through. I blushed for my slovenly ways.

But that red shirt really wasnt dirty, so I went to save it from the hamper.

 I expected to find it near the top, but it wasnt there. I dug through the whole pile and still couldnt find it.
I knew I was probably getting paranoid, but it seemed like something else was missing, or maybe more
than one something. I didnt even have half a load here.

 I ripped my sheets off and headed for the laundry closet, grabbing Charlies on the way. The washing
machine was empty. I checked the dryer, too, half-expecting to find a washed load waiting for me,
courtesy of Alice. Nothing. I frowned, mystified.

Did you find what you were looking for? Charlie yelled.

Not yet.

I went back upstairs to search under my bed. Nothing but dust bunnies. I started to dig through my
dresser. Maybe Id put the red shirt away and forgotten.

I gave up when the doorbell rang. That would be Edward.

Door, Charlie informed me from the couch as I skipped past him.

Dont strain yourself, Dad.

I pulled the door open with a big smile on my face.

Edwards golden eyes were wide, his nostrils flared, his lips pulled back over his teeth.

Edward? My voice was sharp with shock as I read his expression. What ?

He put his finger to my lips. Give me two seconds, he whispered. Dont move.

I stood frozen on the doorstep and he . . . disappeared. He moved so quickly that Charlie wouldnt even
have seen him pass.

 Before I could compose myself enough to count to two, he was back. He put his arm around my waist
and pulled me swiftly toward the kitchen. His eyes darted around the room, and he held me against his
body as if he were shielding me from something. I threw a glance toward Charlie on the couch, but he
was studiously ignoring us.

Someones been here, he murmured in my ear after he pulled me to the back of the kitchen. His voice
was strained; it was difficult to hear him over the thumping of the washing machine.

I swear that no werewolves  I started to say.

Not one of them, he interrupted me quickly, shaking his head. One of us.

His tone made it clear that he didnt mean a member of his family.

I felt the blood empty from my face.

Victoria? I choked.

Its not a scent I recognize.

One of the Volturi, I guessed.

Probably.

When?

 Thats why I think it must have been them  it wasnt long ago, early this morning while Charlie was
sleeping. And whoever it was didnt touch him, so there must have been another purpose.

Looking for me.

He didnt answer. His body was frozen, a statue.

 What are you two hissing about in here? Charlie asked suspiciously, rounding the corner with an
empty popcorn bowl in his hands.

 I felt green. A vampire had been in the house looking for me while Charlie slept. Panic overwhelmed me,
closed my throat. I couldnt answer, I just stared at him in horror.

 Charlies expression changed. Abruptly, he was grinning. If you two are having a fight . . . well, dont
let me interrupt.

Still grinning, he put his bowl in the sink and sauntered out of the room.

Lets go, Edward said in a low hard voice.

But Charlie! The fear was squeezing my chest, making it hard to breathe.

He deliberated for a short second, and then his phone was in his hand.

 Emmett, he muttered into the receiver. He began talking so fast that I couldnt understand the words.
It was over in half a minute. He started pulling me toward the door.

Emmett and Jasper are on their way, he whispered when he felt my resistance. Theyll sweep the
woods. Charlie is fine.

I let him drag me along then, too panicked to think clearly. Charlie met my frightened eyes with a smug
grin, which suddenly turned to confusion. Edward had me out the door before Charlie could say anything.

Where are we going? I couldnt stop whispering, even after we were in the car.

Were going to talk to Alice, he told me, his volume normal but his voice bleak.

You think maybe she saw something?

He stared at the road through narrowed eyes. Maybe.

 They were waiting for us, on alert after Edwards call. It was like walking into a museum, everyone still
as statues in various poses of stress.

What happened? Edward demanded as soon as we were through the door. I was shocked to see that
he was glowering at Alice, his hands fisted in anger.

 Alice stood with her arms folded tight across her chest. Only her lips moved. I have no idea. I didnt
see anything.

How is thatpossible ? he hissed.

Edward, I said, a quiet reproof. I didnt like him talking to Alice this way.

Carlisle interrupted in a calming voice. Its not an exact science, Edward.

He was in herroom, Alice. He could have still been there  waiting for her.

I would have seen that.

Edward threw his hands up in exasperation. Really? Youre sure?

 Alices voice was cold when she answered. Youve already got me watching the Volturis decisions,
watching for Victorias return, watching Bellas every step. You want to add another? Do I just have to
watch Charlie, or Bellas room, or the house, or the whole street, too? Edward, if I try to do too much,
things are going to start slipping through the cracks.

It looks like they already are, Edward snapped.

She was never in any danger. There was nothing to see.

If youre watching Italy, why didnt you see them send 

I dont think its them, Alice insisted. I would have seen that.

Who else would leave Charlie alive?

I shuddered.

I dont know, Alice said.

Helpful.
Stop it, Edward, I whispered.

 He turned on me, his face still livid, his teeth clenched together. He glared at me for half a second, and
then, suddenly, he exhaled. His eyes widened and his jaw relaxed.

Youre right, Bella. Im sorry. He looked at Alice. Forgive me, Alice. I shouldnt be taking this out on
you. That was inexcusable.

I understand, Alice assured him. Im not happy about it, either.

Edward took a deep breath. Okay, lets look at this logically. What are the possibilities?

 Everyone seemed to thaw out at once. Alice relaxed and leaned against the back of the couch. Carlisle
walked slowly toward her, his eyes far away. Esme sat on the sofa in front of Alice, curling her legs up on
the seat. Only Rosalie remained unmoving, her back to us, staring out the glass wall.

Edward pulled me to the sofa and I sat next to Esme, who shifted to put her arm around me. He held
one of my hands tightly in both of his.

Victoria? Carlisle asked.

 Edward shook his head. No. I didnt know the scent. He might have been from the Volturi, someone
Ive never met. . . .

Alice shook her head. Aro hasnt asked anyone to look for her yet. Iwill see that. Im waiting for it.

Edwards head snapped up. Youre watching for an official command.

You think someones acting on their own? Why?

Caiuss idea, Edward suggested, his face tightening again.

Or Janes . . . , Alice said. They both have the resources to send an unfamiliar face. . . .

Edward scowled. And the motivation.

It doesnt make sense, though, Esme said. If whoever it was meant to wait for Bella, Alice would
have seen that. He  or she  had no intention of hurting Bella. Or Charlie, for that matter.

I cringed at my fathers name.

Its going to be fine, Bella, Esme murmured, smoothing my hair.

But what was the point then? Carlisle mused.

Checking to see if Im still human? I guessed.

Possible, Carlisle said.

Rosalie breathed out a sigh, loud enough for me to hear. Shed unfrozen, and her face was turned
expectantly toward the kitchen. Edward, on the other hand, looked discouraged.

Emmett burst through the kitchen door, Jasper right behind him.

Long gone, hours ago, Emmett announced, disappointed. The trail went East, then South, and
disappeared on a side road. Had a car waiting.

Thats bad luck, Edward muttered. If hed gone west . . . well, it would be nice for those dogs to
make themselves useful.

I winced, and Esme rubbed my shoulder.

 Jasper looked at Carlisle. Neither of us recognized him. But here. He held out something green and
crumpled. Carlisle took it from him and held it to his face. I saw, as it exchanged hands, that it was a
broken fern frond. Maybe you know the scent.

No, Carlisle said. Not familiar. No one Ive ever met.

 Perhaps were looking at this the wrong way. Maybe its a coincidence . . . , Esme began, but
stopped when she saw everyone elses incredulous expressions. I dont mean a coincidence that a
stranger happened to pick Bellas house to visit at random. I meant that maybe someone was just
curious. Our scent is all around her. Was he wondering what draws us there?

Why wouldnt he just come here then? If he was curious? Emmett demanded.

 You would, Esme said with a sudden, fond smile. The rest of us arent always so direct. Our family is
very large  he or she might be frightened. But Charlie wasnt harmed. This doesnt have to be an
enemy.

Just curious. Like James and Victoria had been curious, in the beginning? The thought of Victoria made
me tremble, though the one thing they seemed certain of was that it had not been her. Not this time. She
would stick to her obsessed pattern. This was just someone else, a stranger.

I was slowly realizing that vampires were much bigger participants in this world than Id once thought.
How many times did the average human cross paths with them, completely unaware? How many deaths,
obliviously reported as crimes and accidents, were really due to their thirst? How crowded would this
new world be when I finally joined it?

The shrouded future sent a shiver down my spine.

The Cullens pondered Esmes words with varying expressions. I could see that Edward did not accept
her theory, and that Carlisle very much wanted to.

Alice pursed her lips. I dont think so. The timing of it was too perfect. . . . This visitor was so careful to
make no contact. Almost like he or she knew that I would see. . . .

He could have other reasons for not making contact, Esme reminded her.

 Does it really matter who it was? I asked. Just the chance that someonewas looking for me . . . isnt
that reason enough? We shouldnt wait for graduation.
No, Bella, Edward said quickly. Its not that bad. If youre really in danger, well know.

Think of Charlie, Carlisle reminded me. Think of how it would hurt him if you disappeared.

 Iam thinking of Charlie! Hes the one Im worried about! What if my little guest had happened to be
thirsty last night? As long as Im around Charlie, hes a target, too. If anything happened to him, it would
be all my fault!

 Hardly, Bella, Esme said, patting my hair again. And nothing will happen to Charlie. Were just going
to have to be more careful.

Morecareful? I repeated in disbelief.

Its all going to be fine, Bella, Alice promised; Edward squeezed my hand.

 And I could see, looking at all of their beautiful faces one by one, that nothing I could say was going to
change their minds.

It was a quiet ride home. I was frustrated. Against my better judgment, I was still human.

 You wont be alone for a second, Edward promised as he drove me to Charlies. Someone will
always be there. Emmett, Alice, Jasper . . .

I sighed. This is ridiculous. Theyll get so bored, theyll have to kill me themselves, just for something to
do.

Edward gave me a sour look. Hilarious, Bella.

Charlie was in a good mood when we got back. He could see the tension between me and Edward, and
he was misinterpreting it. He watched me throw together his dinner with a smug smile on his face.
Edward had excused himself for a moment, to do some surveillance, I assumed, but Charlie waited till he
was back to pass on my messages.

Jacob called again, Charlie said as soon as Edward was in the room. I kept my face empty as I set the
plate in front of him.

Is that a fact?

Charlie frowned. Dont be petty, Bella. He sounded really low.

Is Jacob paying you for all the P.R., or are you a volunteer?

Charlie grumbled incoherently at me until the food cut off his garbled complaint.

Though he didnt realize it, hed found his mark.

 My life was feeling a lot like a game of dice right now  would the next roll come up snake eyes? What
if somethingdid happen to me? It seemed worse than petty to leave Jacob feeling guilty about what hed
said.

But I didnt want to talk to him with Charlie around, to have to watch my every word so I didnt let the
wrong thing slip. Thinking about this made me jealous of Jacob and Billys relationship. How easy it must
be when you had no secrets from the person you lived with.

So I would wait for the morning. I most likely wasnt going to die tonight, after all, and it wouldnt hurt
him to feel guilty for twelve more hours. It might even be good for him.

When Edward officially left for the evening, I wondered who was out in the downpour, keeping an eye
on Charlie and me. I felt awful for Alice or whoever else it might be, but still comforted. I had to admit it
was nice, knowing I wasnt alone. And Edward was back in record time.

He sang me to sleep again and  aware even in unconsciousness that he was there  I slept free of
nightmares.

 In the morning, Charlie left to go fishing with Deputy Mark before I was up. I decided to use this lack of
supervision to be divine.

Im going to let Jacob off the hook, I warned Edward after Id eaten breakfast.

 I knew youd forgive him, he said with an easy smile. Holding grudges is not one of your many
talents.

 I rolled my eyes, but I was pleased. It seemed like Edward really was over the whole anti-werewolf
thing.

 I didnt look at the clock until after Id dialed. It was a little early for calls, and I worried that I would
wake Billy and Jake, but someone picked up before the second ring, so he couldnt have been too far
from the phone.

Hello? a dull voice said.

Jacob?

 Bella! he exclaimed. Oh, Bella, Im so sorry! he tripped over the words as he hurried to get them
out. I swear I didnt mean it. I was just being stupid. I was angry  but thats no excuse. It was the
stupidest thing Ive ever said in my life and Im sorry. Dont be mad at me, please? Please. Lifetime of
servitude up for grabs  all you have to do is forgive me.

Im not mad. Youre forgiven.

Thank you, he breathed fervently. I cant believe I was such a jerk.

Dont worry about that  Im used to it.

He laughed, exuberant with relief. Come down to see me, he begged. I want to make it up to you.

I frowned. How?

Anything you want. Cliff diving, he suggested, laughing again.

Oh,theres a brilliant idea.
Ill keep you safe, he promised. No matter what you want to do.

I glanced at Edward. His face was very calm, but I was sure this was not the time.

Not right now.

Hes not thrilled with me, is he? Jacobs voice was ashamed, rather than bitter, for once.

 Thats not the problem. Theres . . . well, theres this other problem thats slightly more worrisome than
a bratty teenage werewolf. . . . I tried to keep my tone joking, but I didnt fool him.

Whats wrong? he demanded.

Um. I wasnt sure what I should tell him.

Edward held his hand out for the phone. I looked at his face carefully. Heseemed calm enough.

Bella? Jacob asked.

Edward sighed, holding his hand closer.

Do you mind speaking to Edward? I asked apprehensively. He wants to talk to you.

There was a long pause.

Okay, Jacob finally agreed. This should be interesting.

I handed the phone to Edward; I hoped he could read the warning in my eyes.

Hello, Jacob, Edward said, perfectly polite.

There was a silence. I bit my lip, trying to guess how Jacob would answer.

Someone was here  not a scent I know, Edward explained. Has your pack come across anything
new?

Another pause, while Edward nodded to himself, unsurprised.

Heres the crux, Jacob. I wont be letting Bella out of my sight till I get this taken care of. Its nothing
personal 

 Jacob interrupted him then, and I could hear the buzz of his voice from the receiver. Whatever he was
saying, he was more intense than before. I tried unsuccessfully to make out the words.

 You might be right , Edward began, but Jacob was arguing again. Neither of them sounded angry,
at least.

Thats an interesting suggestion. Were quite willing to renegotiate. If Sam is amenable.

 Jacobs voice was quieter now. I started chewing on my thumbnail as I tried to read Edwards
expression.
Thank you, Edward replied.

Then Jacob said something that caused a surprised expression to flicker across Edwards