pulate the emotions around myself, Bella, but I wonder if you realize how the feelings in a room affectme . I live every day in a climate of emotion. For the first century of my life, I lived in a world of bloodthirsty vengeance. Hate was my constant companion. It eased some when I left Maria, but I still had to feel the horror and fear of my prey.

It began to be too much.

The depression got worse, and I wandered away from Peter and Charlotte. Civilized as they were, they didnt feel the same aversion I was beginning to feel. They only wanted peace from the fight. I was so wearied by killing  killing anyone, even mere humans.

Yet I had to keep killing. What choice did I have? I tried to kill less often, but I would get too thirsty and I would give in. After a century of instant gratification, I found self-discipline . . . challenging. I still havent perfected that.

Jasper was lost in the story, as was I. It surprised me when his desolate expression smoothed into a peaceful smile.

I was in Philadelphia. There was a storm, and I was out during the day  something I was not completely comfortable with yet. I knew standing in the rain would attract attention, so I ducked into a little half-empty diner. My eyes were dark enough that no one would notice them, though this meant I was thirsty, and that worried me a little.

She was there  expecting me, naturally. He chuckled once. She hopped down from the high stool at the counter as soon as I walked in and came directly toward me.

It shocked me. I was not sure if she meant to attack. Thats the only interpretation of her behavior my past had to offer. But she was smiling. And the emotions that were emanating from her were like nothing Id ever felt before.

Youve kept me waiting a long time, she said.

I didnt realize Alice had come to stand behind me again.

And you ducked your head, like a good Southern gentleman, and said, Im sorry, maam. Alice laughed at the memory.

Jasper smiled down at her. You held out your hand, and I took it without stopping to make sense of what I was doing. For the first time in almost a century, I felt hope.

Jasper took Alices hand as he spoke.

Alice grinned. I was just relieved. I thought you were never going to show up.

They smiled at each other for a long moment, and then Jasper looked back to me, the soft expression lingering.

Alice told me what shed seen of Carlisle and his family. I could hardly believe that such an existence was possible. But Alice made me optimistic. So we went to find them.

Scared the hell out of them, too, Edward said, rolling his eyes at Jasper before turning to me to explain. Emmett and I were away hunting. Jasper shows up, covered in battle scars, towing this little freak  he nudged Alice playfully  who greets them all by name, knows everything about them, and wants to know which room she can move into.

Alice and Jasper laughed in harmony, soprano and bass.

When I got home, all my things were in the garage, Edward continued.

Alice shrugged. Your room had the best view.

They all laughed together now.

Thats a nice story, I said.

Three pairs of eyes questioned my sanity.

I mean the last part, I defended myself. The happy ending with Alice.

Alice has made all the difference, Jasper agreed. This is a climate I enjoy.

But the momentary pause in the stress couldnt last.

An army, Alice whispered. Why didnt you tell me?

The others were intent again, their eyes locked on Jaspers face.

I thought I must be interpreting the signs incorrectly. Because where is the motive? Why would someone create an army in Seattle? There is no history there, no vendetta. It makes no sense from a conquest standpoint, either; no one claims it. Nomads pass through, but theres no one tofight for it. No one to defend it from.

But Ive seen this before, and theres no other explanation. There is an army of newborn vampires in Seattle. Fewer than twenty, Id guess. The difficult part is that they are totally untrained. Whoever made them just set them loose. It will only get worse, and it wont be much longer till the Volturi step in. Actually, Im surprised theyve let this go on so long.

What can we do? Carlisle asked.

If we want to avoid the Volturis involvement, we will have to destroy the newborns, and we will have to do it very soon. Jaspers face was hard. Knowing his story now, I could guess how this evaluation must disturb him. I can teach you how. It wont be easy in the city. The young ones arent concerned about secrecy, but we will have to be. It will limit us in ways that they are not. Maybe we can lure them out.

Maybe we wont have to. Edwards voice was bleak. Does it occur to anyone else that the only possible threat in the area that would call for the creation of an army is . . . us?

Jaspers eyes narrowed; Carlisles widened, shocked.

Tanyas family is also near, Esme said slowly, unwilling to accept Edwards words.

The newborns arent ravaging Anchorage, Esme. I think we have to consider the idea thatwe are the targets.

Theyre not coming after us, Alice insisted, and then paused. Or . . . they dontknow that they are. Not yet.

What is that? Edward asked, curious and tense. What are you remembering?

Flickers, Alice said. I cant see a clear picture when I try to see whats going on, nothing concrete. But Ive been getting these strange flashes. Not enough to make sense of. Its as if someones changing their mind, moving from one course of action to another so quickly that I cant get a good view. . . .

Indecision? Jasper asked in disbelief.

I dont know. . . .

Not indecision, Edward growled. Knowledge. Someone who knows you cant see anything until the decision is made. Someone who is hiding from us. Playing with the holes in your vision.

Who would know that? Alice whispered.

Edwards eyes were hard as ice. Aro knows you as well as you know yourself.

But I would see if theyd decided to come. . . .

Unless they didnt want to get their hands dirty.

A favor, Rosalie suggested, speaking for the first time. Someone in the South . . . someone who already had trouble with the rules. Someone who should have been destroyed is offered a second chance  if they take care of this one small problem. . . . That would explain the Volturis sluggish response.

Why? Carlisle asked, still shocked. Theres no reason for the Volturi 

It was there, Edward disagreed quietly. Im surprised its come to this so soon, because the other thoughts were stronger. In Aros head he saw me at his one side and Alice at his other. The present and the future, virtual omniscience. The power of the idea intoxicated him. I would have thought it would take him much longer to give up on that plan  he wanted it too much. But there was also the thought of you, Carlisle, of our family, growing stronger and larger. The jealousy and the fear: you having . . . notmore than he had, but still, things that he wanted. He tried not to think about it, but he couldnt hide it completely. The idea of rooting out the competition was there; besides their own, ours is the largest coven theyve ever found. . . .

I stared at his face in horror. Hed never told me this, but I guessed I knew why. I could see it in my head now, Aros dream. Edward and Alice in black, flowing robes, drifting along at Aros side with their eyes cold and blood-red. . . .

Carlisle interrupted my waking nightmare. Theyre too committed to their mission. They would never break the rules themselves. It goes against everything theyve worked for.

Theyll clean up afterward. A double betrayal, Edward said in a grim voice. No harm done.

Jasper leaned forward, shaking his head. No, Carlisle is right. The Volturi do not break rules. Besides, its much too sloppy. This . . . person, this threat  they have no idea what theyre doing. A first-timer, Id swear to it. I cannot believe the Volturi are involved. But they will be.

They all stared at each other, frozen