e about my . . . prejudice against werewolves than anything else. Im going to try to be more reasonable and trust your judgment. If you say its safe, then Ill believe you.

Wow.

And . . . most importantly . . . Im not willing to let this drive a wedge between us.

I rested my head against his chest and closed my eyes, totally content.

So, he murmured in a 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 ar