wolves, a low growling mutter that somehow managed to sound enthusiastic.

We are willing to take more than our share, if necessary, Edward translated, his tone less indifferent now.

Carlisle smiled. Well see how it plays out.

Do you know when and how theyll arrive?

Theyll come across the mountains in four days, in the late morning. As they approach, Alice will help us intercept their path.

Thank you for the information. We will watch.

With a sighing sound, the eyes sank closer to the ground one set at a time.

It was silent for two heartbeats, and then Jasper took a step into the empty space between the vampires and the wolves. It wasnt hard for me to see him  his skin was as bright against the darkness as the wolves eyes. Jasper threw a wary glance toward Edward, who nodded, and then Jasper turned his back to the werewolves. He sighed, clearly uncomfortable.

Carlisles right. Jasper spoke only to us; he seemed to be trying to ignore the audience behind him. Theyll fight like children. The two most important things youll need to remember are, first, dont let them get their arms around you and, second, dont go for the obvious kill. Thats all theyll be prepared for. As long as you come at them from the side and keep moving, theyll be too confused to respond effectively. Emmett?

Emmett stepped out of the line with a huge smile.

Jasper backed toward the north end of the opening between the allied enemies. He waved Emmett forward.

Okay, Emmett first. Hes the best example of a newborn attack.

Emmetts eyes narrowed. Illtry not to break anything, he muttered.

Jasper grinned. What I meant is that Emmett relies on his strength. Hes very straightforward about the attack. The newborns wont be trying anything subtle, either. Just go for the easy kill, Emmett.

Jasper backed up a few more paces, his body tensing.

Okay, Emmett  try to catch me.

And I couldnt see Jasper anymore  he was a blur as Emmett charged him like a bear, grinning while he snarled. Emmett was impossibly quick, too, but not like Jasper. It looked like Jasper had no more substance than a ghost  any time it seemed Emmetts big hands had him for sure, Emmetts fingers clenched around nothing but the air. Beside me, Edward leaned forward intently, his eyes locked on the brawl. Then Emmett froze.

Jasper had him from behind, his teeth an inch from his throat.

Emmett cussed.

There was a muttered rumble of appreciation from the watching wolves.

Again, Emmett insisted, his smile gone.

Its my turn, Edward protested. My fingers tensed around his.

In a minute. Jasper grinned, stepping back. I want to show Bella something first.

I watched with anxious eyes as he waved Alice forward.

I know you worry about her, he explained to me as she danced blithely into the ring. I want to show you why thats not necessary.

Though I knew that Jasper would never allow any harm to come to Alice, it was still hard to watch as he sank back into a crouch facing her. Alice stood motionlessly, looking tiny as a doll after Emmett, smiling to herself. Jasper shifted forward, then slinked to her left.

Alice closed her eyes.

My heart thumped unevenly as Jasper stalked toward where Alice stood.

Jasper sprang, disappearing. Suddenly he was on the other side of Alice. She didnt appear to have moved.

Jasper wheeled and launched himself at her again, only to land in a crouch behind her like the first time; all the while Alice stood smiling with her eyes closed.

I watched Alice more carefully now.

Shewas moving  Id just been missing it, distracted by Jaspers attacks. She took a small step forward at the exact second that Jaspers body flew through the spot where shed just been standing. She took another step, while Jaspers grasping hands whistled past where her waist had been.

Jasper closed in, and Alice began to move faster. She was dancing  spiraling and twisting and curling in on herself. Jasper was her partner, lunging, reaching through her graceful patterns, never touching her, like every movement was choreographed. Finally, Alice laughed.

Out of nowhere she was perched on Jaspers back, her lips at his neck.

Gotcha, she said, and kissed his throat.

Jasper chuckled, shaking his head. You truly are one frightening little monster.

The wolves muttered again. This time the sound was wary.

Its good for them to learn some respect, Edward murmured, amused. Then he spoke louder. My turn.

He squeezed my hand before he let it go.

Alice came to take his place beside me. Cool, huh? she asked me smugly.

Very, I agreed, not looking away from Edward as he glided noiselessly toward Jasper, his movements lithe and watchful as a jungle cat.

Ive got my eye on you, Bella, she whispered suddenly, her voice pitched so low that I could barely hear, though her lips were at my ear.

My gaze flickered to her face and then back to Edward. He was intent on Jasper, both of them feinting as he closed the distance.

Alices expression was full of reproach.

Ill warn him if your plans get any more defined, she threatened in the same low murmur. It doesnt help anything for you to put yourself in danger. Do you think either of them would give up if you died? Theyd still fight, we all would. You cant change anything, so just be good, okay?

I grimaced, trying to ignore her.

Im watching, she repeated.

Edward had closed on Jasper now, and this fight was more even than either of the others. Jasper had the century of experience to guide him, and he tried to go on instinct alone as much as he could, but his thoughts always gave him away a fraction of a second before he acted. Edward was slightly faster, but the moves Jasper used were unfamiliar to him. They came at each other again and again, neither one able to gain the advantage, instinctive snarls erupting constantly. It was hard to watch, but harder to look away. They moved too fast for me to really understand what they were doing. Now and then the sharp eyes of the wolves would catch my attention. I had a feeling the wolves were getting more out of this than I was  maybe more than they should.

Eventually, Carlisle cleared his throat.

Jasper laughed, and took a step back. Edward straightened up and grinned at him.

Back to work, Jasper consented. Well call it a draw.

Everyone took turns, Carlisle, then Rosalie, Esme, and Emmett again. I squinted through my lashes, cringing as Jasper attacked Esme. That one was the hardest to watch. Then he slowed down, still not quite enough for me to understand his motions, and gave more instruction.

You see what Im doing here? he would ask. Yes, just like that, he encouraged. Concentrate on the sides. Dont forget where their target will be. Keep moving.

Edward was always focused, watching and also listening to what others couldnt see.

It got more difficult to follow as my eyes got heavier. I hadnt been sleeping well lately, anyway, and it was approaching a solid twenty-four hours since the last time Id slept. I leaned against Edwards side, and let my eyelids droop.

Were about finished, he whispered.

Jasper confirmed that, turning toward the wolves for the first time, his expression uncomfortable again. Well be doing this tomorrow. Please feel welcome to observe again.

Yes, Edward answered in Sams cool voice. Well be here.

Then Edward sighed, patted my arm, and stepped away from me. He turned to his family.

The pack thinks it would be helpful to be familiar with each of our scents  so they dont make mistakes later. If we could hold very still, it will make it easier for them.

Certainly, Carlisle said to Sam. Whatever you need.

There was a gloomy, throaty grumble from the wolf pack as they all rose to their feet.

My eyes were wide again, exhaustion forgotten.

The deep black of the night was just beginning to fade  the sun brightening the clouds, though it hadnt cleared the horizon yet, far away on the other side of the mountains. As they approached, it was suddenly