rely make out Janes angelic features in the shade of the cowl.

 The four gray-shrouded figures hulking behind her were also somewhat familiar. I was sure I recognized
the biggest one, and while I stared, trying to confirm my suspicion, Felix looked up. He let his hood fall
back slightly so that I could see him wink at me and smile. Edward was very still at my side, tightly in
control.

Janes gaze moved slowly across the luminous faces of the Cullens and then touched on the newborn girl
beside the fire; the newborn had her head in her hands again.

I dont understand. Janes voice was toneless, but not quite as uninterested as before.

She has surrendered, Edward explained, answering the confusion in her mind.

Janes dark eyes flashed to his face. Surrendered?

Felix and another shadow exchanged a quick glance.

Edward shrugged. Carlisle gave her the option.

There are no options for those who break the rules, Jane said flatly.

Carlisle spoke then, his voice mild. Thats in your hands. As long as she was willing to halt her attack
on us, I saw no need to destroy her. She was never taught.

That is irrelevant, Jane insisted.

As you wish.

 Jane stared at Carlisle in consternation. She shook her head infinitesimally, and then composed her
features.

Aro hoped that we would get far enough west to see you, Carlisle. He sends his regards.

Carlisle nodded. I would appreciate it if you would convey mine to him.

 Of course. Jane smiled. Her face was almost too lovely when it was animated. She looked back
toward the smoke. It appears that youve done our work for us today . . . for the most part. Her eyes
flickered to the hostage. Just out of professional curiosity, how many were there? They left quite a wake
of destruction in Seattle.

Eighteen, including this one, Carlisle answered.

Janes eyes widened, and she looked at the fire again, seeming to reassess the size of it. Felix and the
other shadow exchanged a longer glance.

Eighteen? she repeated, her voice sounding unsure for the first time.

All brand-new, Carlisle said dismissively. They were unskilled.

All? Her voice turned sharp. Then who was their creator?
Her name was Victoria, Edward answered, no emotion in his voice.

Was? Jane asked.

 Edward inclined his head toward the eastern forest. Janes eyes snapped up and focused on something
far in the distance. The other pillar of smoke? I didnt look away to check.

Jane stared to the east for a long moment, and then examined the closer bonfire again.

This Victoria  she was in addition to the eighteen here?

Yes. She had only one other with her. He was not as young as this one here, but no older than a year.

Twenty, Jane breathed. Who dealt with the creator?

I did, Edward told her.

Janes eyes narrowed, and she turned to the girl beside the fire.

You there, she said, her dead voice harsher than before. Your name.

The newborn shot a baleful glare at Jane, her lips pressed tightly together.

Jane smiled back angelically.

 The newborn girls answering scream was ear-piercing; her body arched stiffly into a distorted, unnatural
position. I looked away, fighting the urge to cover my ears. I gritted my teeth, hoping to control my
stomach. The screaming intensified. I tried to concentrate on Edwards face, smooth and unemotional,
but that made me remember when it had been Edward under Janes torturing gaze, and I felt sicker. I
looked at Alice instead, and Esme next to her. Their faces were as empty as his.

Finally, it was quiet.

Your name, Jane said again, her voice inflectionless.

Bree, the girl gasped.

Jane smiled, and the girl shrieked again. I held my breath until the sound of her agony stopped.

Shell tell you anything you want to know, Edward said through his teeth. You dont have to do that.

Jane looked up, sudden humor in her usually dead eyes. Oh, I know, she said to Edward, grinning at
him before she turned back to the young vampire, Bree.

Bree, Jane said, her voice cold again. Is his story true? Were there twenty of you?

 The girl lay panting, the side of her face pressed against the earth. She spoke quickly. Nineteen or
twenty, maybe more, I dont know! She cringed, terrified that her ignorance might bring on another
round of torture. Sara and the one whose name I dont know got in a fight on the way. . . .
And this Victoria  did she create you?

 I dont know, she said, flinching again. Riley never said her name. I didnt see that night . . . it was so
dark, and it hurt. . . . Bree shuddered. He didnt want us to be able to think of her. He said that our
thoughts werent safe. . . .

Janes eyes flickered to Edward, and then back to the girl.

 Victoria had planned this well. If she hadnt followed Edward, there would have been no way to know
for certain that she was involved. . . .

Tell me about Riley, Jane said. Why did he bring you here?

 Riley told us that we had to destroy the strange yellow-eyes here, Bree babbled quickly and willingly.
He said it would be easy. He said that the city was theirs, and they were coming to get us. He said once
they were gone, all the blood would be ours. He gave us her scent. Bree lifted one hand and stabbed a
finger in my direction. He said we would know that we had the right coven, because she would be with
them. He said whoever got to her first could have her.

I heard Edwards jaw flex beside me.

It looks like Riley was wrong about the easy part, Jane noted.

 Bree nodded, seeming relieved that the conversation had taken this non-painful course. She sat up
carefully. I dont know what happened. We split up, but the others never came. And Riley left us, and
he didnt come to help like he promised. And then it was so confusing, and everybody was in pieces.
She shuddered again. I was afraid. I wanted to run away. That one  she looked at Carlisle  said
they wouldnt hurt me if I stopped fighting.

 Ah, but that wasnt his gift to offer, young one, Jane murmured, her voice oddly gentle now. Broken
rules demand a consequence.

Bree stared at her, not comprehending.

Jane looked at Carlisle. Are you sure you got all of them? The other half that split off?

Carlisles face was very smooth as he nodded. We split up, too.

 Jane half-smiled. I cant deny that Im impressed. The big shadows behind her murmured in
agreement. Ive never seen a coven escape this magnitude of offensive intact. Do you know what was
behind it? It seems like extreme behavior, considering the way you live here. And why was the girl the
key? Her eyes rested unwilling on me for one short second.

I shivered.

Victoria held a grudge against Bella, Edward told her, his voice impassive.

Jane laughed  the sound was golden, the bubbling laugh of a happy child. This one seems to bring out
bizarrely strong reactions in our kind, she observed, smiling directly at me, her face beatific.

Edward stiffened. I looked at him in time to see his face turning away, back to Jane.
Would you please not do that? he asked in a tight voice.

Jane laughed again lightly. Just checking. No harm done, apparently.

 I shivered, deeply grateful that the strange glitch in my system  which had protected me from Jane the
last time wed met  was still in effect. Edwards arm tightened around me.

Well, it appears that theres not much left for us to do. Odd, Jane said, apathy creeping back into her
voice. Were not used to being rendered unnecessary. Its too bad we missed the fight. It sounds like it
would have been entertaining to watch.

 Yes, Edward answered her quickly, his voice sharp. And you were so close. Its a shame you didnt
arrive just a half hour earlier. Perhaps then you could have fulfilled your purpose here.

Jane met Edwards glare with unwavering eyes. Yes. Quite a pity how things turned out, isnt it?

Edward nodded once to himself, his suspicions confirmed.

Jane turned to look at the newborn Bree again, her face completely bored. Felix? she drawled.

Wait, Edward interjected.

 Jane raised one eyebrow, but Edward was staring at Carlisle while he spoke in an urgent voice. We
could explain the rules to the young one. She doesnt seem unwilling to learn. She didnt know what she
was doing.

Of course, Carlisle answered. We would certainly be prepared to take responsibility for Bree.

Janes expression was torn between amusement and disbelief.

We dont make exceptions, she said. And we dont give second chances. Its bad for our reputation.
Which reminds me . . . Suddenly, her eyes were on me again, and her cherubic face dimpled. Caius will
beso interested to hear that youre still human, Bella. Perhaps hell decide to visit.

The date is set, Alice told Jane, speaking for the first time. Perhaps well come to visit you in a few
months.

Janes smile faded, and she shrugged indifferently, never looking at Alice. She turned to face Carlisle. It
was nice to meet you, Carlisle  Id thought Aro was exaggerating. Well, until we meet again . . .

Carlisle nodded, his expression pained.

Take care of that, Felix, Jane said, nodding toward Bree, her voice dripping boredom. I want to go
home.

Dont watch, Edward whispered in my ear.

 I was only too eager to follow his instruction. Id seen more than enough for one day  more than
enough for one lifetime. I squeezed my eyes tightly together and turned my face into Edwards chest.
But I could still hear.

 There was a deep, rumbling growl, and then a high-pitched keen that was horribly familiar. That sound
cut off quickly, and then the only sound was a sickening crunching and snapping.

Edwards hand rubbed anxiously against my shoulders.

 Come, Jane said, and I looked up in time to see the backs of the tall gray cloaks drifting away toward
the curling smoke. The incense smell was strong again  fresh.

The gray cloaks disappeared into the thick mist.




26. ETHICS

 THE COUNTER IN ALICES BATHROOM WAS COVERED WITHa thousand different products,
all claiming to beautify a persons surface. Since everyone in this house was both perfect and
impermeable, I could only assume that shed bought most of these things with me in mind. I read the
labels numbly, struck by the waste.

I was careful never to look in the long mirror.

Alice combed through my hair with a slow, rhythmic motion.

Thats enough, Alice, I said tonelessly. I want to go back to La Push.

 How many hours had I waited for Charlie tofinally leave Billys house so that I could see Jacob? Each
minute, not knowing if Jacob was still breathing or not, had seemed like ten lifetimes. And then, when at
last Id been allowed to go, to see for myself that Jacob was alive, the time had gone so quickly. I felt
like Id barely caught my breath before Alice was calling Edward, insisting that I keep up this ridiculous
sleepover fa?ade. It seemed so insignificant. . . .

 Jacobs still unconscious, Alice answered. Carlisle or Edward will call when hes awake. Anyway,
you need to go see Charlie. He was there at Billys house, he saw that Carlisle and Edward are back in
from their trip, and hes bound to be suspicious when you get home.

I already had my story memorized and corroborated. I dont care. I want to be there when Jacob
wakes up.

 You need to think of Charlie now. Youve had a long day  sorry, I know that doesnt begin to cover
it  but that doesnt mean that you can shirk your responsibilities. Her voice was serious, almost
chiding. Its more important now than ever that Charlie stays safely in the dark. Play your role first,
Bella, and then you can do what you want second. Part of being a Cullen is being meticulously
responsible.

 Of course she was right. And if not for this same reason  a reason that was more powerful than all my
fear and pain and guilt  Carlisle would never have been able to talk me into leaving Jacobs side,
unconscious or not.
Go home, Alice ordered. Talk to Charlie. Flesh out your alibi. Keep him safe.

 I stood, and the blood flowed down to my feet, stinging like the pricks of a thousand needles. Id been
sitting still for a long time.

That dress is adorable on you, Alice cooed.

Huh? Oh. Er  thanks again for the clothes, I mumbled out of courtesy rather than real gratitude.

You need the evidence, Alice said, her eyes innocent and wide. Whats a shopping trip without a new
outfit? Its very flattering, if I do say so myself.

 I blinked, unable to remember what shed dressed me in. I couldnt keep my thoughts from skittering
away every few seconds, insects running from the light. . . .

Jacob is fine, Bella, Alice said, easily interpreting my preoccupation. Theres no hurry. If you realized
how much extra morphine Carlisle had to give him  what with his temperature burning it off so quickly
 you would know that hes going to be out for a while.

At least he wasnt in any pain. Not yet.

Is there anything you want to talk about before you leave? Alice asked sympathetically. You must be
more than a little traumatized.

I knew what she was curious about. But I had other questions.

Will I be like that? I asked her, my voice subdued. Like that girl Bree in the meadow?

There were many things I needed to think of, but I couldnt seem to get her out of my head, the newborn
whose other life was now  abruptly  over. Her face, twisted with desire for my blood, lingered
behind my eyelids.

Alice stroked my arm. Everyone is different. But something like that, yes.

I was very still, trying to imagine.

It passes, she promised.

How soon?

 She shrugged. A few years, maybe less. It might be different for you. Ive never seen anyone go
through this whos chosen it beforehand. It should be interesting to see how that affects you.

Interesting, I repeated.

Well keep you out of trouble.

I know that. I trust you. My voice was monotone, dead.

Alices forehead puckered. If youre worried about Carlisle and Edward, Im sure theyll be fine. I
believe Sam is beginning to trust us . . . well, to trust Carlisle, at least. Its a good thing, too. I imagine the
atmosphere got a little tense when Carlisle had to rebreak the fractures 

Please, Alice.

Sorry.

 I took a deep breath to steady myself. Jacob had begun healing too quickly, and some of his bones had
set wrong. Hed been out cold for the process, but it was still hard to think about.

Alice, can I ask you a question? About the future?

She was suddenly wary. You know I dont see everything.

 Its not that, exactly. But youdo see my future, sometimes. Why is that, do you think, when nothing else
works on me? Not what Jane can do, or Edward or Aro . . . My sentence trailed off with my interest
level. My curiosity on this point was fleeting, heavily overshadowed by more pressing emotions.

 Alice, however, found the question very interesting. Jasper, too, Bella  his talent works on your body
just as well as it does on anyone elses. Thats the difference, do you see it? Jaspers abilities affect the
body physically. He really does calm your system down, or excite it. Its not an illusion. And I see visions
of outcomes, not the reasons and thoughts behind the decisions that create them. Its outside the mind,
not an illusion, either; reality, or at least one version of it. But Jane and Edward and Aro and Demetri 
they workinside the mind. Jane only creates an illusion of pain. She doesnt really hurt your body, you
only think you feel it. You see, Bella? You are safe inside your mind. No one can reach you there. Its no
wonder that Aro was so curious about your future abilities.

 She watched my face to see if I was following her logic. In truth, her words had all started to run
together, the syllables and sounds losing their meaning. I couldnt concentrate on them. Still, I nodded.
Trying to look like I got it.

She wasnt fooled. She stroked my cheek and murmured, Hes going to be okay, Bella. I dont need a
vision to know that. Are you ready to go?

One more thing. Can I ask you another question about the future? I dont want specifics, just an
overview.

Ill do my best, she said, doubtful again.

Can you still see me becoming a vampire?

Oh, thats easy. Sure, I do.

I nodded slowly.

She examined my face, her eyes unfathomable. Dont you know your own mind, Bella?

I do. I just wanted to be sure.

 Im only as sure as you are, Bella. You know that. If you were to change your mind, what I see would
change . . . or disappear, in your case.
I sighed. That isnt going to happen, though.

 She put her arms around me. Im sorry. I cant reallyempathize. My first memory is of seeing Jaspers
face in my future; I always knew that he was where my life was headed. But I cansympathize. Im so
sorry you have to choose between two good things.

I shook off her arms. Dont feel sorry for me. There were people who deserved sympathy. I wasnt
one of them. And there wasnt any choice to make  there was just breaking a good heart to attend to
now. Ill go deal with Charlie.

I drove my truck home, where Charlie was waiting just as suspiciously as Alice had expected.

 Hey, Bella. How was your shopping trip? he greeted me when I walked into the kitchen. He had his
arms folded over his chest, his eyes on my face.

Long, I said dully. We just got back.

Charlie assessed my mood. I guess you already heard about Jake, then?

Yes. The rest of the Cullens beat us home. Esme told us where Carlisle and Edward were.

Are you okay?

Worried about Jake. As soon as I make dinner, Im going down to La Push.

 I told you those motorcycles were dangerous. I hope this makes you realize that I wasnt kidding
around.

I nodded as I started pulling things out of the fridge. Charlie settled himself in at the table. He seemed to
be in a more talkative mood than usual.

I dont think you need to worry about Jake too much. Anyone who can cuss with that kind of energy is
going to recover.

Jake was awake when you saw him? I asked, spinning to look at him.

 Oh, yeah, he was awake. You should have heard him  actually, its better you didnt. I dont think
there was anyone in La Push whocouldnt hear him. I dont know where he picked up that vocabulary,
but I hope he hasnt been using that kind of language around you.

He had a pretty good excuse today. How did he look?

 Messed up. His friends carried him in. Good thing theyre big boys, cause that kids an armful. Carlisle
said his right leg is broken, and his right arm. Pretty much the whole right side of his body got crushed
when he wrecked that damn bike. Charlie shook his head. If I ever hear of you riding again, Bella 

No problem there, Dad. You wont. Do you really think Jakes okay?

Sure, Bella, dont worry. He was himself enough to tease me.

Tease you? I echoed in shock.
Yeah  in between insulting somebodys mother and taking the Lords name in vain, he said, Bet
youre glad she loves Cullen instead of me today, huh, Charlie?

I turned back to the fridge so that he couldnt see my face.

And I couldnt argue. Edwards more mature than Jacob when it comes to your safety, Ill give him that
much.

Jacobs plenty mature, I muttered defensively. Im sure this wasnt his fault.

 Weird day today, Charlie mused after a minute. You know, I dont put much stock in that
superstitious crap, but it was odd. . . . It was like Billy knew something bad was going to happen to Jake.
He was nervous as a turkey on Thanksgiving all morning. I dont think he heard anything I said to him.

And then, weirder than that  remember back in February and March when we had all that trouble
with the wolves?

I bent down to get a frying pan out of the cupboard, and hid there an extra second or two.

Yeah, I mumbled.

 I hope were not going to have a problem with that again. This morning, we were out in the boat, and
Billy wasnt paying any attention to me or the fish, when all of a sudden, you could hear wolves yowling
in the woods. More than one, and, boy, was it loud. Sounded like they were right there in the village.
Weirdest part was, Billy turned the boat around and headed straight back to the harbor like they were
calling to him personally. Didnt even hear me ask what he was doing.

 The noise stopped before we got the boat docked. But all of a sudden Billy was in the biggest hurry not
to miss the game, though we had hours still. He was mumbling some nonsense about an earlier showing .
. . of a live game? I tell you, Bella, it was odd.

Well, he found some game he said he wanted to watch, but then he just ignored it. He was on the
phone the whole time, calling Sue, and Emily, and your friend Quils grandpa. Couldnt quite make out
what he was looking for  he just chatted real casual with them.

 Then the howling started again right outside the house. Ive never heard anything like it  I had goose
bumps on my arms. I asked Billy  had to shout over the noise  if hed been setting traps in his yard.
It sounded like the animal was in serious pain.

I winced, but Charlie was so caught up in his story that he didnt notice.

Course I forgot all about that till just this minute, cause thats when Jake made it home. One minute it
was that wolf yowling, and then you couldnt hear it anymore  Jakes cussing drowned it right out. Got
a set of lungs on him, that boy does.

 Charlie paused for a minute, his face thoughtful. Funny that some good should come out of this mess. I
didnt think they were ever going to get over that fool prejudice they have against the Cullens down there.
But somebody called Carlisle, and Billy was real grateful when he showed up. I thought we should get
Jake up to the hospital, but Billy wanted to keep him home, and Carlisle agreed. I guess Carlisle knows
whats best. Generous of him to sign up for such a long stretch of house calls.
 And . . . he paused, as if unwilling to say something. He sighed, and then continued. And Edward was
really . . . nice. He seemed as worried about Jacob as you are  like that was his brother lying there.
The look in his eyes . . . Charlie shook his head. Hes a decent guy, Bella. Ill try to remember that. No
promises, though. He grinned at me.

I wont hold you to it, I mumbled.

 Charlie stretched his legs and groaned. Its nice to be home. You wouldnt believe how crowded
Billys little place gets. Seven of Jakes friends all squished themselves into that little front room  I
could hardly breathe. Have you ever noticed how big those Quileute kids all are?

Yeah, I have.

 Charlie stared at me, his eyes abruptly more focused. Really, Bella, Carlisle said Jake will be up and
around in no time. Said it looked a lot worse than it was. Hes going to be fine.

I just nodded.

 Jacob had looked so . . . strangely fragile when Id hurried down to see him as soon as Charlie had left.
Hed had braces everywhere  Carlisle said there was no point in plaster, as fast as he was healing. His
face had been pale and drawn, deeply unconscious though he was at the time. Breakable. Huge as he
was, hed looked very breakable. Maybe that had just been my imagination, coupled with the knowledge
that I was going to have to break him.

If only I could be struck by lightning and be split in two. Preferably painfully. For the first time, giving up
being human felt like a true sacrifice. Like it might be too much to lose.

I put Charlies dinner on the table next to his elbow and headed for the door.

Er, Bella? Could you wait just a second?

Did I forget something? I asked, eyeing his plate.

No, no. I just . . . want to ask a favor. Charlie frowned and looked at the floor. Have a seat  this
wont take long.

I sat across from him, a little confused. I tried to focus. What do you need, Dad?

Heres the gist of it, Bella. Charlie flushed. Maybe Im just feeling . . . superstitious after hanging out
with Billy while he was being so strange all day. But I have this . . . hunch. I feel like . . . Im going to lose
you soon.

Dont be silly, Dad, I mumbled guiltily. You want me to go to school, dont you?

Just promise me one thing.

I was hesitant, ready to rescind. Okay . . .

Will you tell me before you do anything major? Before you run off with him or something?
Dad . . . , I moaned.

Im serious. I wont kick up a fuss. Just give me some advance notice. Give me a chance to hug you
goodbye.

Cringing mentally, I held up my hand. This is silly. But, if it makes you happy, . . . I promise.

Thanks, Bella, he said. I love you, kid.

 I love you, too, Dad. I touched his shoulder, and then shoved away from the table. If you need
anything, Ill be at Billys.

 I didnt look back as I ran out. This was just perfect, just what I needed right now. I grumbled to myself
all the way to La Push.

 Carlisles black Mercedes was not in front of Billys house. That was both good and bad. Obviously, I
need