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 somethingwhat does Tanya look like?
Just like the rest of uswhite 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 blondenot 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.
I guess 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 KEEPING with 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, tooprobably 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 werewolvesI 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 themit 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 that possible? 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 her room, Alice. He could have still been therewaiting 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. I will 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. Heor shehad 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 largehe 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?