t time wed met  was still in effect. Edwards arm tightened around me.

Well, it appears that theres not much left for us to do. Odd, Jane said, apathy creeping back into her voice. Were not used to being rendered unnecessary. Its too bad we missed the fight. It sounds like it would have been entertaining to watch.

Yes, Edward answered her quickly, his voice sharp. And you were so close. Its a shame you didnt arrive just a half hour earlier. Perhaps then you could have fulfilled your purpose here.

Jane met Edwards glare with unwavering eyes. Yes. Quite a pity how things turned out, isnt it?

Edward nodded once to himself, his suspicions confirmed.

Jane turned to look at the newborn Bree again, her face completely bored. Felix? she drawled.

Wait, Edward interjected.

Jane raised one eyebrow, but Edward was staring at Carlisle while he spoke in an urgent voice. We could explain the rules to the young one. She doesnt seem unwilling to learn. She didnt know what she was doing.

Of course, Carlisle answered. We would certainly be prepared to take responsibility for Bree.

Janes expression was torn between amusement and disbelief.

We dont make exceptions, she said. And we dont give second chances. Its bad for our reputation. Which reminds me . . . Suddenly, her eyes were on me again, and her cherubic face dimpled. Caius will beso interested to hear that youre still human, Bella. Perhaps hell decide to visit.

The date is set, Alice told Jane, speaking for the first time. Perhaps well come to visit you in a few months.

Janes smile faded, and she shrugged indifferently, never looking at Alice. She turned to face Carlisle. It was nice to meet you, Carlisle  Id thought Aro was exaggerating. Well, until we meet again . . .

Carlisle nodded, his expression pained.

Take care of that, Felix, Jane said, nodding toward Bree, her voice dripping boredom. I want to go home.

Dont watch, Edward whispered in my ear.

I was only too eager to follow his instruction. Id seen more than enough for one day  more than enough for one lifetime. I squeezed my eyes tightly together and turned my face into Edwards chest.

But I could still hear.

There was a deep, rumbling growl, and then a high-pitched keen that was horribly familiar. That sound cut off quickly, and then the only sound was a sickening crunching and snapping.

Edwards hand rubbed anxiously against my shoulders.

Come, Jane said, and I looked up in time to see the backs of the tall gray cloaks drifting away toward the curling smoke. The incense smell was strong again  fresh.

The gray cloaks disappeared into the thick mist.




26. ETHICS

THE COUNTER IN ALICES BATHROOM WAS COVERED WITHa thousand different products, all claiming to beautify a persons surface. Since everyone in this house was both perfect and impermeable, I could only assume that shed bought most of these things with me in mind. I read the labels numbly, struck by the waste.

I was careful never to look in the long mirror.

Alice combed through my hair with a slow, rhythmic motion.

Thats enough, Alice, I said tonelessly. I want to go back to La Push.

How many hours had I waited for Charlie tofinally leave Billys house so that I could see Jacob? Each minute, not knowing if Jacob was still breathing or not, had seemed like ten lifetimes. And then, when at last Id been allowed to go, to see for myself that Jacob was alive, the time had gone so quickly. I felt like Id barely caught my breath before Alice was calling Edward, insisting that I keep up this ridiculous sleepover faade. It seemed so insignificant. . . .

Jacobs still unconscious, Alice answered. Carlisle or Edward will call when hes awake. Anyway, you need to go see Charlie. He was there at Billys house, he saw that Carlisle and Edward are back in from their trip, and hes bound to be suspicious when you get home.

I already had my story memorized and corroborated. I dont care. I want to be there when Jacob wakes up.

You need to think of Charlie now. Youve had a long day  sorry, I know that doesnt begin to cover it  but that doesnt mean that you can shirk your responsibilities. Her voice was serious, almost chiding. Its more important now than ever that Charlie stays safely in the dark. Play your role first, Bella, and then you can do what you want second. Part of being a Cullen is being meticulously responsible.

Of course she was right. And if not for this same reason  a reason that was more powerful than all my fear and pain and guilt  Carlisle would never have been able to talk me into leaving Jacobs side, unconscious or not.

Go home, Alice ordered. Talk to Charlie. Flesh out your alibi. Keep him safe.

I stood, and the blood flowed down to my feet, stinging like the pricks of a thousand needles. Id been sitting still for a long time.

That dress is adorable on you, Alice cooed.

Huh? Oh. Er  thanks again for the clothes, I mumbled out of courtesy rather than real gratitude.

You need the evidence, Alice said, her eyes innocent and wide. Whats a shopping trip without a new outfit? Its very flattering, if I do say so myself.

I blinked, unable to remember what shed dressed me in. I couldnt keep my thoughts from skittering away every few seconds, insects running from the light. . . .

Jacob is fine, Bella, Alice said, easily interpreting my preoccupation. Theres no hurry. If you realized how much extra morphine Carlisle had to give him  what with his temperature burning it off so quickly  you would know that hes going to be out for a while.

At least he wasnt in any pain. Not yet.

Is there anything you want to talk about before you leave? Alice asked sympathetically. You must be more than a little traumatized.

I knew what she was curious about. But I had other questions.

Will I be like that? I asked her, my voice subdued. Like that girl Bree in the meadow?

There were many things I needed to think of, but I couldnt seem to get her out of my head, the newborn whose other life was now  abruptly  over. Her face, twisted with desire for my blood, lingered behind my eyelids.

Alice stroked my arm. Everyone is different. But something like that, yes.

I was very still, trying to imagine.

It passes, she promised.

How soon?

She shrugged. A few years, maybe less. It might be different for you. Ive never seen anyone go through this whos chosen it beforehand. It should be interesting to see how that affects you.

Interesting, I repeated.

Well keep you out of trouble.

I know that. I trust you. My voice was monotone, dead.

Alices forehead puckered. If youre worried about Carlisle and Edward, Im sure theyll be fine. I believe Sam is beginning to trust us . . . well, to trust Carlisle, at least. Its a good thing, too. I imagine the atmosphere got a little tense when Carlisle had to rebreak the fractures 

Please, Alice.

Sorry.

I took a deep breath to steady myself. Jacob had begun healing too quickly, and some of his bones had set wrong. Hed been out cold for the process, but it was still hard to think about.

Alice, can I ask you a question? About the future?

She was suddenly wary. You know I dont see everything.

Its not that, exactly. But youdo see my future, sometimes. Why is that, do you think, when nothing else works on me? Not what Jane can do, or Edward or Aro . . . My sentence trailed off with my interest level. My curiosity on this point was fleeting, heavily overshadowed by more pressing emotions.

Alice, however, found the question very interesting. Jasper, too, Bella  his talent works on your body just as well as it does on anyone elses. Thats the difference, do you see it? Jaspers abilities affect the body physically. He really does calm your system down, or excite it. Its not an illusion. And I see visions of outcomes, not the reasons and thoughts behind the decisions that create them. Its outside the mind, not an illusion, either; reality, or at least on