hing the steps.

I didnt get another chance to panic. I had to talk to everyone, concentrate on being upbeat, a hostess. Though the party had been billed as a joint event for Alice, Edward, and me, there was no denying that I was the most popular target for congratulations and thanks. Maybe because the Cullens looked just slightly wrong under Alices party lights. Maybe because those lights left the room dim and mysterious. Not an atmosphere to make your average human feel relaxed when standing next to someone like Emmett. I saw Emmett grin at Mike over the food table, the red lights gleaming off his teeth, and watched Mike take an automatic step back.

Probably Alice had done this on purpose, to force me into the center of attention  a place she thought I should enjoy more. She was forever trying to make me be human the way she thought humans should be.

The party was a clear success, despite the instinctive edginess cause by the Cullens presence  or maybe that simply added a thrill to the atmosphere. The music was infectious, the lights almost hypnotic. From the way the food disappeared, that must have been good, too. The room was soon crowded, though never claustrophobic. The entire senior class seemed to be there, along with most of the juniors. Bodies swayed to the beat that rumbled under the soles of their feet, the party constantly on the edge of breaking into a dance.

It wasnt as hard as Id thought it would be. I followed Alices lead, mingling and chatting for a minute with everyone. They seemed easy enough to please. I was sure this party was far cooler than anything the town of Forks had experienced before. Alice was almost purring  no one here would forget this night.

Id circled the room once, and was back to Jessica. She babbled excitedly, and it was not necessary to pay strict attention, because the odds were she wouldnt need a response from me anytime soon. Edward was at my side  still refusing to let go of me. He kept one hand securely at my waist, pulling me closer now and then in response to thoughts I probably didnt want to hear.

So I was immediately suspicious when he dropped his arm and edged away from me.

Stay here, he murmured in my ear. Ill be right back.

He passed gracefully through the crowd without seeming to touch any of the close-packed bodies, gone too quickly for me to ask why he was leaving. I stared after him with narrowed eyes while Jessica shouted over the music eagerly, hanging on to my elbow, oblivious to my distraction.

I watched him as he reached the dark shadow beside the kitchen doorway, where the lights only shone intermittently. He was leaning over someone, but I couldnt see past all the heads between us.

I stretched up on my toes, craning my neck. Right then, a red light flashed across his back and glinted off the red sequins of Alices shirt. The light only touched her face for half a second, but it was enough.

Excuse me for a minute, Jess, I mumbled, pulling my arm away. I didnt pause for her reaction, even to see if Id hurt her feelings with my abruptness.

I ducked my way through the bodies, getting shoved around a bit. A few people were dancing now. I hurried to the kitchen door.

Edward was gone, but Alice was still there in the dark, her face blank  the kind of expressionless look you see on the face of someone who has just witnessed a horrible accident. One of her hands gripped the door frame, like she needed the support.

What, Alice, what? What did you see? My hands were clutched in front of me  begging.

She didnt look at me, she was staring away. I followed her gaze and watched as she caught Edwards eye across the room. His face was empty as a stone. He turned and disappeared into the shadows under the stair.

The doorbell rang just then, hours after the last time, and Alice looked up with a puzzled expression that quickly turned into one of disgust.

Who invited the werewolf? she griped at me.

I scowled. Guilty.

Id thought Id rescinded that invitation  not that Id ever dreamed Jacob would comehere, regardless.

Well, you go take care of it, then. I have to talk to Carlisle.

No, Alice, wait! I tried to reach for her arm, but she was gone and my hand clutched the empty air.

Damn it! I grumbled.

I knew this was it. Alice had seen what shed been waiting for, and I honestly didnt feel I could stand the suspense long enough to answer the door. The doorbell peeled again, too long, someone holding down the button. I turned my back toward the door resolutely, and scanned the darkened room for Alice.

I couldnt see anything. I started pushing for the stairs.

Hey, Bella!

Jacobs deep voice caught a lull in the music, and I looked up in spite of myself at the sound of my name.

I made a face.

It wasnt just one werewolf, it was three. Jacob had let himself in, flanked on either side by Quil and Embry. The two of them looked terribly tense, their eyes flickering around the room like theyd just walked into a haunted crypt. Embrys trembling hand still held the door, his body half-turned to run for it.

Jacob was waving at me, calmer than the others, though his nose was wrinkled in disgust. I waved back  waved goodbye  and turned to look for Alice. I squeezed through a space between Conners and Laurens backs.

He came out of nowhere, his hand on my shoulder pulling me back toward the shadow by the kitchen. I ducked under his grip, but he grabbed my good wrist and yanked me from the crowd.

Friendly reception, he noted.

I pulled my hand free and scowled at him. What are youdoing here?

You invited me, remember?

In case my right hook was too subtle for you, let me translate: that was meun inviting you.

Dont be a poor sport. I brought you a graduation present and everything.

I folded my arms across my chest. I didnt want to fight with Jacob right now. I wanted to know what Alice had seen and what Edward and Carlisle were saying about it. I craned my head around Jacob, searching for them.

Take it back to the store, Jake. Ive got to do something. . . .

He stepped into my line of sight, demanding my attention.

I cant take it back. I didnt get it from the store  I made it myself. Took a really long time, too.

I leaned around him again, but I couldnt see any of the Cullens. Where had they gone? My eyes scanned the darkened room.

Oh, cmon, Bell. Dont pretend like Im not here!

Im not. I couldnt see them anywhere. Look, Jake, Ive got a lot on my mind right now.

He put his hand under my chin and pulled my face up. Could I please have just a few seconds of your undivided attention, Miss Swan?

I jerked away from his touch. Keep your hands to yourself, Jacob, I hissed.

Sorry! he said at once, holding his hands up in surrender. I really am sorry. About the other day, I mean, too. I shouldnt have kissed you like that. It was wrong. I guess . . . well, I guess I deluded myself into thinking you wanted me to.

Deluded  what a perfect description!

Be nice. You could accept my apology, you know.

Fine. Apology accepted. Now, if youll just excuse me for a moment . . .

Okay, he mumbled, and his voice was so different from before that I stoppd searching for Alice and scrutinized his face. He was staring at the floor, hiding his eyes. His lower lip jutted out just a little bit.

I guess youd rather be with yourreal friends, he said in the same defeated tone. I get it.

I groaned. Aw, Jake, you know thats not fair.

Do I?

Youshould.  I leaned forward, peering up, trying to look into his eyes. He looked up then, over my head, avoiding my gaze.

Jake?

He refused to look at me.

Hey, you said you made me something, right? I asked. Was that just talk? Wheres my present? My attempt to fake enthusiasm was pretty sad, but it worked. He rolled his eyes and then grimaced at me.

I kept up the lame pretense, holding my hand open in front of me. Im waiting.

Right, he grumbled sarcastically. But he also reached into the back pocket of his jeans and pulled out a