Moon Shadow
Chapter 1: Party
At times, I was jealous of the way humans so easily slipped away from this world and into the realm of dreams. An eternity of night—the fate to which I was condemned—grew very monotonous at times. That is, until I met her. If I could dream, my dreams would be filled with Bella.
"Edward."
I gazed at Bella's face in the darkness, marveling again at her beauty. Hearing my name was not a surprise, I was often in her dreams. I leaned in closer to her. Even in sleep, she captivated me. I studiously watched her every movement; her eyes fluttering under the lids, her silky hair fanned out on the pillow, her full lips slightly parted. She turned her head and let out a small sigh, her breath tantalizing and tormenting, filling my senses. I inhaled slowly, savoring the sweet perfume, aware of the desire it stirred within me.
I longed to hear her thoughts, her dreams, for she would certainly forget them by morning. Hers were the only thoughts that were denied me. Day after day, I was constantly bombarded with the mundane thoughts of those around me, human and vampire alike. It was like living my life in a crowded room, conversations from dozens of people constantly filling my mind. If I focused on one person in particular, I could pick them out of the swarm of thoughts and hear their mind. But not Bella's. Perhaps in the quiet of her slumber, with her thoughts unguarded, I would be able to discover a way to enter Bella's head. I closed my eyes and sat still for a few moments, concentrating intensely, willing her mind to open to me. Nothing. What I wouldn't give to know her thoughts! I sighed, disappointed.
When I opened my eyes, her brow was furrowed, the way it usually was when she was anxious about something. She was troubled now, but why? What was she dreaming of? I studied her movements, watching her restless slumber. After a few moments, her body relaxed, her face in calm repose.
I brushed my wintry lips against her warm cheek, enjoying the heat that lingered on them as I slowly got up. I knew that Alice would be anxious to show me her preparations for the party this afternoon. With one last look at her sleeping form, I turned and slipped out of the open window and into the night.
Alice was setting a huge bouquet of pink roses in a large crystal bowl on the table in the elegant white living room when I walked in the door. She turned to me and grinned, her pixie-like face almost childlike in her enthusiasm. I know Bella doesn't want a big show for her birthday, but I just couldn't resist!
"She'll get over it." I said, responding to her thoughts. The room looked beautiful. There were pink candles strategically placed throughout and large crystal bowls filled with hundreds of pink roses. The black of the pre-dawn reflected the room in the great glass window panes that stretched across the far wall. Alice finished fussing with the bouquet in front of her and stepped back to admire the effect the roses had against the white tablecloth.
Rosalie glided into the room and stood next to Alice, a smug look on her face. Oh, look who has decided to grace us with his presence. "Tired of watching your human sleep?" She asked mockingly, tilting her head to the side with her hands underneath. She snickered, glancing around the elegant room, taking in all of Alice's hard work.
"I don't know why you even bother," She said, turning on Alice. "You know she doesn't want any of this." Rosalie gestured angrily at the bowl on the table next to her, which was brimming with pale pink roses.
"Oh Rosy, lighten up! It's a birthday! When's the last time any of us had a real birthday?" Alice beamed, fussing with the tablecloth. Rose shot her a fierce look and then turned back to me.
"Do you honestly think it's a good idea to bring her here? I mean, it's not exactly in her best interest to be near any of us." Especially Jasper. She glanced quickly at Alice, who stood rigidly at the table. Rosalie turned and haughtily left the room. I glared after her, a low snarl rumbling deep in my throat.
Alice reached out and placed her small hand on my arm. "Don't worry about her." She said, inclining her head to the door which Rosalie had just gone through.
I wasn't really mad at Rose, even though she could do with some lessons in tact and discretion. But she had triggered something deep within that had been haunting me for the past six months. Ever since the incident with James, the vampire who had been obsessed with tracking and killing Bella, I had been struggling with myself. Was it fair to Bella that I be so involved with her, when my very presence put her life in mortal danger?
Alice was scrutinizing me, a worried expression on her face. "Edward," She soothed, "Bella will be fine tonight." I looked down at her, attempting to mask the emotion on my face.
"How is Jasper?" I asked her, my voice cautious. Jasper was Alice's mate and the most recent member of our "family." He had the most difficult time adhering to our strict "vegetarian" diet, having spent most of his existence feeding off human blood.
"It's been harder for him since…Bella's accident," she amended, looking away from my face. "It's just that he hasn't been so close to so much human blood for such a long time…" Her voice trailed off. He is ashamed of the way he feels and he wants to be better. It's a struggle for him to be too close to her right now. He wants to be strong, that's why he went hunting with Emmett tonight. Alice looked up again, her eyes pleading for my understanding.
"I know, Alice." I was relieved to hear that Jasper was hunting. Being around him when he was thirsty would be suicide for Bella. I grimaced at my choice of words.
Alice saw my expression and her forehead creased with worry.
"So, where are they hunting?" I asked lightly, in an effort to decrease the tension which had filled the room.
"Emmett took Jasper up the coast to look for bears." Alice said smiling. Of course, bears were Emmett's favorite. "They'll be back in time for the party this afternoon."
The sky outside the great glass pane was lighter now, a light gray really, as the sun rarely showed its face on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. "You had better finish her present." Alice said, looking at the morning sky. "I'll wrap it when you're done. It's perfect, you know. She's going to love it!" Alice said, smiling again.
"I hope so." I said, a bit unsure. Alice turned to me and raised an eyebrow. Of course Alice would know Bella's reaction to my present, she had already seen it. Like me, Alice had enhanced "abilities." She was able to see glimpses of the future. She was nearly infallible.
I was nervous on the way to school. Bella didn't want any attention on her birthday. No presents, no party, nothing. She knew Alice was going to give her a party. Would she act excited about it? And what about the presents my family had already gotten for her? Would Bella really like my present? How would she react? I wish I knew her thoughts, she was so unpredictable. I drove even faster than usual, the speed of my Volvo accentuated by my anxious mood.
"Alice," I said casually, "Why don't we have Bella open our gift before school?" I shot a sideways glance at Alice.
"That's a great idea!" She beamed. She fished around in her school bag and pulled out the small, flat silver-wrapped parcel.
"I just hope she won't be too difficult today." I uttered as I parked the car. We had gotten to the school before Bella, as usual.
I leaned against my car anxiously, folding my arms across my chest. It never felt right to be away from Bella and I counted the seconds until we would be together again. Alice just grinned, her eyes sparkling in excitement. In the distance, I could hear the roar of Bella's ancient truck. A smile stole across my face. I could not understand what she saw in that old hunk of metal. A few minutes later, she pulled into the parking lot, a sour expression on her face.
The lot was nearly full and the closest empty stall was several cars away. I knew the moment she saw me, because her expression softened and she smiled. I watched with relief as she parked the Chevy and cut the engine, reveling in the way my body responded to the sight of her. I felt whole, complete.
Uh-oh.
I was startled when I heard Alice's thoughts, but one glance at Bella easily explained it. She was scowling again as she got out of the truck's cab. She slammed the door hard and walked toward us. Alice skipped forward to meet her, still holding the small parcel.
"Happy birthday, Bella!" she enthused.
"Shh!" Bella hissed, glancing around the parking lot, as they closed the distance between us. I could feel my frustration beginning to kindle. Why did she have to be so obstinate?
"Do you want to open your present now or later?" Alice asked, ignoring Bella's obvious show of distress.
"No presents." She mumbled stubbornly, her jaw set.
She doesn't seem to be in a very good mood this morning, Edward. Try to make her happy, this is her special day. I could hear Alice's thoughts clearly and wondered why she was so agitated. Was this just about her birthday? Or was it something else? I didn't like to see Bella troubled.
Alice tucked the gift inside her jacket. "Okay…later then. Did you like the scrapbook your mom sent you? And the camera from Charlie?" She asked.
"Yeah. They're great." Bella sighed.
"I think it's a nice idea." Alice chatted happily, "You're only a senior once. Might as well document the experience."
"How many times have you been a senior." Bella challenged, a wry look on her face.
"That's different." Way too many times. Alice winked at me.
I reached out for Bella's hand and she took it, her face relaxing again. Her skin was soft and warm and I could feel the heat permeating my icy palm. I squeezed her hand gently and thrilled when I heard her heart flutter at the gentle pressure.
Impulsively, I lifted my other hand and lightly traced the outside of her lips, relishing her warmth. "So, as discussed, I am not allowed to wish you a happy birthday, is that correct?"
"Yes. That is correct." She mumbled.
"Just checking." I teased. "You might have changed your mind. Most people seem to enjoy things like birthdays and gifts." She could be so maddening!
Alice laughed merrily and said, "Of course you'll enjoy it. Everyone is supposed to be nice to you today and give you your way, Bella. What's the worst that could happen?"
"Getting older." Bella said, her voice wavering. I felt the familiar ache starting to ebb around my silent heart. I wanted nothing more than to make her happy—but this? I just couldn't bring myself to force her to spend eternity the way I would be spending it, at least not without some more serious thought. To me, the choice between aging as a human with soul intact, or being forever damned as an ageless teenager seemed appallingly simple. I thought it would be an easy choice for anyone. Obviously, Bella was more troubled about her passing human years than I anticipated. I felt the all too familiar frustration with being unable to read her thoughts. I'd love to understand what she was thinking, to know what it was about getting older that made her so upset.
Alice glanced up at me, her eyes anxious. "Eighteen isn't very old," she said, "Don't women usually wait till they're twenty-nine to get upset over birthdays?"
"It's older than Edward," Bella murmured, frowning. I glanced down at her and sighed. I was beginning to understand why she was so upset today.
"Technically, just by one little year though." Alice said, keeping her tone light. "What time will you be at the house?" She asked, changing the subject. I can't wait for Bella to see what I have planned for her birthday party!
"I didn't know I had plans to be there."
"Oh, be fair, Bella!" Alice complained. "You aren't going to ruin all our fun like that, are you?"
"I thought my birthday was about what I want." Bella retorted.
Alice shot a look in my direction. Edward, can you help?
"I'll get her from Charlie's right after school." I promised, ignoring Bella's complaints.
"I have to work." Bella cut in doggedly.
"You don't, actually," Alice smiled, a smug look on her face. "I already spoke to Mrs. Newton about it. She's trading your shifts. She said to tell you 'Happy Birthday.'"
"I—I still can't come over," she stammered. A lovely flush spread over her cheeks and I could tell she was grasping for an excuse to get out of the party. "I, well, I haven't watched Romeo and Juliet yet for English." She wasn't a very convincing liar.
Is that the best you can do? I thought, amused at how nervous she was. I could feel the warmth pulsing off her body, her hand growing warmer in mine.
Alice gave Bella a derisive look. "You have Romeo and Juliet memorized."
"But Mr. Berty said we needed to see it preformed to fully appreciate it—that's how Shakespeare intended it to be presented." Bella insisted lamely. I rolled my eyes.
"You've already seen the movie," Alice accused.
"But not the nineteen-sixties version. Mr. Berty said it was the best." She insisted; ducking her head as her cheeks flamed again. How I longed to touch her face, to feel her warm blood throbbing beneath her skin. But alas, now was not the time. I could see that the situation was going to turn unpleasant if I didn't do something—and soon.
Alice was glaring at Bella now, all traces of her previous enthusiasm gone. "This can be easy, or this can be hard, Bella, but one way or the other—"
"Relax, Alice. If Bella wants to watch a movie, then she can. It's her birthday." I cut in, before Alice could finish her threat.
"So there," Bella said, her eyes flashing at Alice in triumph.
"I'll bring her over around seven," I promised. Ignoring Bella's frustrated sigh, I continued, "That will give you more time to set up."
Alice laughed gleefully. "Sounds good. See you tonight, Bella! It'll be fun, you'll see." She grinned widely, pecked Bella on the cheek, and skipped off to class before Bella could protest.
Bella turned on me. "Edward, please—" She started, but I gently pressed a cold finger to her lips. "Let's discuss it later," I soothed. "We're going to be late to class."
As the school day progressed, I marveled at how my life had changed in the last year. It was simple, really. She was here, and my life was complete. I had purpose now, where before I merely existed. I felt more alive, so to speak, than I had in years. I felt complete. I wondered how I ever managed to exist for so long without knowing that such a vital part of me was missing. And now that I knew what it was like to be whole, I didn't know how I would ever survive without her by my side.
True to my word, I did not mention Bella's birthday to her, though I wanted to. Why was she so set against getting older? Why did that bother her so much? Sure, I was seventeen years old physically, but I was born almost one hundred and ten years ago! My being around for that long didn't seem to affect her nearly so much as this birthday did. Eighteen was so young. She was still a child, really.
At lunch, we sat at our usual place with Bella's other friends. It was irritating to listen to the juvenile thoughts of the others at the table. Mike and Jessica, whose relationship had developed the previous spring and not survived the summer; Angela and Ben, who were currently besotted with each other; Eric, Conner, and Tyler, who couldn't string together an intelligent thought between them; and Lauren, whose thoughts about Bella were never very nice. But it was important for Bella to have these friends, these human experiences, so I tolerated the crowd, doing my best to shut them out of my mind.
The afternoon passed quickly. Alice offered to drive my car home so that I could escort Bella and keep her from making a run for it. I walked Bella to her ancient truck and deliberately held open the passenger door for her. She folded her arms and scowled at me. "It's my birthday, don't I get to drive?" She hissed.
"I'm pretending it's not your birthday, just as you wished." I grinned.
"If it's not my birthday, then I don't have to go to your house tonight…" she quipped. She was amazingly quick-witted for an 18 year old. And I couldn't help but notice how attractive her eyes were when they flashed with emotion.
"All right." I conceded, shutting the passenger door and walking past her to open the driver's side with a flourish. "Happy birthday." I said, winking at her.
"Shh," she shushed me halfheartedly as she climbed into the truck and took her place behind the steering wheel.
Trying my best to prepare her in some small way for what she would be receiving tonight, I fiddled with the radio in the truck as she drove. I knew she loved the truck because it was hers, but the radio did not work well. I wondered as I twisted the prehistoric knobs, trying to get a clear signal, why she did not think she deserved anything newer or nicer.
"Your radio has horrible reception." I said, shaking my head in disbelief. How could anyone function with such archaic machinery? I was glad that Emmett, Rosalie, and Jasper had thought to get her a new stereo system for her birthday. At least then I could listen to something decent while I was forced to travel in this thing. I looked over and saw that the corners of Bella's mouth had turned down in a frown. She didn't like it when I made comments like that about her truck.
"You want a nice stereo? Drive your own car." She spat out. I pressed my lips together, trying not to smile.
When we pulled up in front of Charlie's house, I reached over to very gently cradle her face in my hands. She was so fragile, and so warm. "You should be in a good mood, today of all days," I whispered softly, knowing the effect my breath had on her senses. I could hear her pulse start to quicken, her breathing becoming uneven. I knew I wasn't playing fair, but was satisfied with her reaction.
"And if I don't want to be in a good mood?" She asked, shakily.
I gazed into the depths of her chocolate eyes, fully aware of the power I had to influence her. "Too bad." I breathed, leaning in closer and carefully pressing my cool lips to hers. The effect was instantaneous. The thirst. The desire. The passion for her blood and her body pulling powerfully at my self-control. One slip, one small bite… but no. Never. I would never take from Bella what made her so completely divine.
Her lips were like fire on mine, and I savored the heat. I felt her wrap her arms around my neck, her warm body molding to mine. I smiled and let go of her face, carefully untangling myself from her arms, loving the way she responded to my kisses.
"Be good, please." I breathed against her cheek, the sound of her racing heart singing to my senses. I tenderly placed my lips against hers once more and then pulled away, carefully folding her arms across her stomach.
I watched her put one hand over her heart. "Do you think I'll ever get better at this?" She asked quietly. "That my heart might someday stop trying to jump out of my chest whenever you touch me?"
"I really hope not." I said, pleased. Bella rolled her eyes.
"Let's go watch the Capulets and Montagues hack each other up, all right?" She said, reaching for the door handle. I flew around the truck and opened her door before she had a chance to blink.
"Your wish is my command." I said gallantly.
Inside the house, I lounged on the tattered old sofa and watched Bella as she queued the movie, fast-forwarding though the opening credits. I never grew tired of watching her.
When the movie was ready, I welcomed her onto the couch in front of me with open arms, eager to feel the heat and the closeness of her body. I grabbed the worn afghan from off the back of the couch and tucked it in around her so she wouldn't freeze beside me. I thrilled at her closeness, wondering at the miracle of this dark-haired maiden in my arms.
"You know, I've never had much patience with Romeo," I said, thinking aloud.
"What's wrong with Romeo?" She asked, surprised.
"Well, first of all, he's in love with this Rosaline—don't you think it makes him seem a little fickle? And then, a few minutes after their wedding, he kills Juliet's cousin. That's not very brilliant. Mistake after mistake. Could he have destroyed his own happiness any more thoroughly?" I asked, stating the obvious.
Bella sighed, and her scent caused the monster within me to raise its head. "Do you want me to watch this alone?" She asked, clearly offended by my opinion of Romeo.
"No, I'll mostly be watching you, anyway." I murmured, tracing little patterns across the skin on her arm, fascinated as little goose bumps arose at my touch. "Will you cry?" I asked. Her tears intrigued me—vampires could not produce tears. Although when I thought about it, it was more than just her tears. With Bella, all of her emotions intrigued me.
"Probably, if I'm paying attention." Her face flushed slightly, adding to her lovely features.
"I won't distract you then." I teased, gently kissing her hair.
As the movie progressed, I started whispering Romeo's lines into Bella's ear, enjoying the way her heart skipped at the sound of my voice. When Juliet awoke to find her Romeo dead, Bella cried, both to my amusement and amazement.
"I'll admit, I do sort of envy him here," I commented, as I brushed away the tears with a lock of her silky hair.
"She's very pretty." Bella supplied.
I grunted. If I understood her response, she thought I was envious of Romeo's lover. Could she really mean that? How I wished I could read her thoughts. "I don't envy him the girl—just the ease of the suicide." I clarified. "You humans have to so easy! All you have to do is throw down one tiny vial of plant extracts…" I teased.
"What?" She gasped.
"It's something I had to think about once, and I knew from Carlisle's experience that it wouldn't be simple. I'm not even sure how many ways Carlisle tried to kill himself in the beginning…after he had realized what he'd become…" It was Carlisle who had discovered that vampires could live off animal blood as opposed to human blood, when he was driven to drink from a herd of antelope after he had starved himself and retreated deep into the woodlands of seventeenth century England.
"And he's still in excellent health." I added lightly.
Bella twisted around in my arms to look at me. "What are you talking about?" She demanded, shock written across her face. "What do you mean, this is something you had to think about once?"
"Last spring, when you were…nearly killed…" I paused, the image of Bella lying in a pool of her own blood, small and broken, flashed into my mind. I took a deep, ragged breath, trying to keep my tone light. "Of course I was trying to focus on finding you alive, but part of my mind was making contingency plans. Like I said, it's not as easy for me as it is for a human."
She shook her head. "Contingency plans?" She repeated.
"Well, I wasn't going to live without you." I said, rolling my eyes at her. How could she not know what she meant to me? "But I wasn't sure how to do it—I knew Emmett and Jasper would never help…so I was thinking maybe I would go to Italy and do something to provoke the Volturi." I explained, reflecting back to the possibilities I had considered.
"What is a Volturi?" She demanded, her face contorted with fury.
Her reaction pulled me from my thoughts. "The Volturi are a family," I began. "A very old, very powerful family of our kind. They are the closest thing our world has to a royal family, I suppose. Carlisle lived with them briefly in his early years, in Italy, before he settled in America—do you remember the story?" I asked, referring to the time she came to my house and formally met the rest of my family.
"Of course I remember." She said bluntly, still clearly upset.
"Anyway, you don't irritate the Volturi," I went on calmly. "Not unless you want to die—or whatever it is we do."
A look of horror shadowed her features as she took my face in her hands. "You must never, never, never think of anything like that again!" She said. "No matter what might ever happen to me, you are not allowed to hurt yourself!"
"I'll never put you in danger again, so it's a moot point." I stated.
"Put me in danger! I thought we'd established that all the bad luck is my fault?" Her hands were trembling on my face.
"What would you do, if the situation were reversed?" I asked, trying to calm her.
"That's not the same thing." She said flatly, her eyes narrowing. I chuckled.
"What if something did happen to you?" She flinched as she spoke. "Would you want me to go off myself?"
Her words ripped through me. I could not stand the thought of her being in pain, let alone killing herself. "I guess I see your point…a little." I conceded. "But what would I do without you?"
"Whatever you were doing before I came along and complicated your existence." She said in stubborn innocence.
"You make it sound so easy." I sighed. My existence? I never really existed until I met Bella.
"It should be. I'm not really that interesting."
What an understatement. I was about to argue exactly how interesting she was, but decided against it. "Moot point," I reminded her.
The sound of her dad's police cruiser grumbled in the distance. He would be here in a few minutes. I quickly sat up into a less intimate posture, shifting Bella to the side so we were no longer touching.
"Charlie?" She guessed. I smiled. After a moment, Charlie pulled into the driveway.
Oh, he's already here. He's always here. Those two had better be good when they're home alone. I wonder if Renée has already had "the talk" with her…I sure hope I don't have to do it. I could hear Charlie's thoughts clearly as he walked in the door.
Bella reached out and took my hand firmly in hers. I winked at her. Then Charlie came into the house with a pizza box in his hands.
"Hey, kids." He grinned at us. "I thought you'd like a break from cooking and washing dishes for your birthday. Hungry?"
"Sure. Thanks, Dad." Bella said, getting off the couch and pulling me into the small kitchen.
I waited for them to finish eating before I asked Charlie, "Do you mind if I borrow Bella for the evening?"
Bella looked at Charlie, probably hoping for a negative answer, but his thoughts were already focused on a baseball game he wanted to watch.
"That's fine—the Mariners are playing the Sox tonight," Charlie said. "So I won't be any kind of company…Here." He scooped up the camera he'd gotten Bella for her birthday, and tossed it to her. The camera glanced off the tip of her finger and tumbled to the floor. I snagged it before it could crash to the linoleum.
That kid has quick reflexes! "Nice save," Charlie noted. "If they're doing something fun at the Cullens' tonight, Bella, you should take some pictures. You know how your mother gets—she'll be wanting to see the pictures faster than you can take them."
"Good idea, Charlie," I said, handing the camera to Bella. She immediately turned the camera on me and snapped a picture.
"It works." She said.
"That's good. Hey, say hi to Alice for me. She hasn't been over in a while." If I had another daughter, I'd want Alice. She sure did take good care of my Bells after her accident last spring. She is such a good friend. I wonder why she hasn't been over here lately? I can't remember the last time she was here… Charlie's mouth pulled down at one corner.
"It's been three days, Dad." Bella reminded him. "I'll tell her."
"Okay. You kids have fun tonight." I hope it's a good game… We were dismissed, as Charlie's thoughts were clearly someplace else. He was already edging toward the living room and the TV. I smiled triumphantly at Bella, took her hand, and led her out of the kitchen.
When we got to the truck, I opened the passenger door for her again, and this time she didn't argue. I smiled to myself as I walked around the cab to the driver's side.
I drove north through Forks, chafing at the speed limit enforced by Bella's prehistoric Chevy. The engine groaned even louder than usual as I pushed it over fifty.
"Take it easy," she said with a warning in her voice.
"You know what you would love?" I asked. "A nice little Audi coupe. Very quiet, lots of power…"
"There's nothing wrong with my truck. And speaking of expensive nonessentials, if you know what's good for you, you didn't spend any money on birthday presents."
"Not a dime," I said virtuously. There were so many things I would have loved to get her, but I wasn't allowed to spend anything on her. Didn't she know she was worth it?
"Good." She said smugly, tucking her arms across her chest.
"Can you do me a favor?" I asked, eyeing her.
"That depends on what it is."
I sighed. "Bella, the last real birthday any of us had was Emmett in 1935. Cut us a little slack, and don't be too difficult tonight. They're all very excited." I watched her carefully, waiting for her reaction.
"Fine, I'll behave." She mumbled, a bit startled.
"I probably should warn you…" I continued.
"Please do."
"When I say they're all excited…I do mean all of them." I waited.
"Everyone?" She choked. "I thought Emmett and Rosalie were in Africa." The color drained slowly from her lovely face. The rest of Forks was under the impression that the older Cullens had gone off to college this year, to Dartmouth, but Bella knew better.
"Emmett wanted to be here." I said simply, reaching over to secure her hand in mine.
"But…Rosalie?" She whispered.
"I know, Bella. Don't worry, she'll be on her best behavior." She had better be. I reflected back to the confrontation this morning.
She didn't answer. Rosalie didn't like Bella much. Actually, the feeling was a little bit stronger than just dislike. As far as Rose was concerned, Bella was an unwelcome intruder to her family's secret life.
I decided to change the subject. "So, if you won't let me get you the Audi, isn't there anything that you'd like for your birthday?"
The words came out in a whisper. "You know what I want."
The familiar pain ripped through my body at her words. It felt like we'd had this argument a lot today. I should have stuck to the subject of Rosalie.
"Not tonight, Bella. Please." I pleaded.
"Well, maybe Alice will give me what I want." She said defiantly.
A menacing growl escaped my throat. "This isn't going to be your last birthday, Bella." He vowed.
"That's not fair!"
I clenched my teeth together to keep my frustrations in check.
We were pulling up to the house now. Bright light shined from every window on the first two floors. Alice had more than outdone herself. A long line of glowing Japanese lanterns hung from the porch eaves, reflecting a soft radiance on the huge cedars that surrounded the house. Big bowls of flowers—pink roses—lined the wide stairs up to the front doors.
Bella moaned. I glanced at her anxiously, noting the grimace marring her lovely face. I knew Alice was going overboard with the party and all of the trimmings, but she absolutely adored Bella. This was her way of making Bella's birthday a special occasion.
"This is a party," I reminded her kindly. "Try to be a good sport."
"Sure," she muttered.
I came around to get her door and offered her my hand.
"I have a question."
I waited warily.
"If I develop this film," She said, toying with the camera in her hands, "will you show up in the picture?"
The ridiculous question startled me so much that I started laughing. Bella scowled. I helped her out of the car and pulled her up the stairs. I was still chuckling as I opened the door for her.
They were all waiting in the huge white living room, greeting us with a loud chorus of "Happy birthday, Bella!" when we walked in. Bella blushed and looked down. Along with the candles and bowls overflowing with roses, there was a table with a white cloth draped over it next to the grand piano, holding a pink birthday cake, more roses, a stack of glass plates, and a small pile of silver-wrapped presents.
The heat coming off Bella's face was almost tangible. I wrapped my arm around her waist and kissed the silky hair atop her head, in an effort to ease her distress.
Carlisle and Esme were the closest to the door. Poor thing. Esme's thoughts were naturally drawn to Bella's obvious discomfort. She hugged Bella carefully, as she kissed her forehead.
Carlisle put his fatherly arm around Bella's shoulders. "Sorry about this, Bella," he stage-whispered. "We couldn't rein Alice in." He stole a glance at me. I couldn't bring myself to try to stop her—look at Alice, she's like a kid at Christmas!
It was true. Alice was standing next to Jasper, practically jumping with excitement.
Rosalie and Emmett stood behind Carlisle and Esme. Rosalie, as stunning as ever, didn't smile. I can't believe I agreed to come to this. Look at her, Edward—she obviously doesn't appreciate any of it. Why do you even like her? What kind of human doesn't enjoy her own birthday?
Emmett's face was stretched into a huge grin. "You haven't changed at all," Emmett commented to Bella with mock disappointment. "I expected a perceptible difference, but here you are, red-faced just like always."
"Thanks a lot, Emmett," Bella said, blushing deeper.
He laughed, amused by her discomfort. "I have to step out for a second"—he paused to wink conspicuously at Alice—"Don't do anything funny while I'm gone." Despite his bear-like build, he sped out the front door before Bella could even reply.
"I'll try." Bella mumbled, still looking at the floor.
Alice let go of Jasper's hand and skipped forward, all smiles. Jasper smiled at Bella, but kept his distance. His eyes were a deep caramel color, his stance relaxed. He leaned, long and blond, against the post at the foot of the stairs. I raised an eyebrow at him. I know, Edward. I'll be careful. See? I'm not even going to go near her tonight. His thoughts answered.
"Time to open presents," Alice declared. She took Bella by the elbow and gently towed her over by the piano, to the table with the cake and the shiny packages.
Bella grimaced. "Alice, I know I told you I didn't want anything—"
"But I didn't listen," she interrupted. "Open it." She took the camera from Bella's hand and replaced it with a big, square silver box. Alice glanced up at me from beneath her lashes. We'll soften her up a bit before she opens our gift.
Bella's face showed surprise as she hefted the silver parcel that contained the gift from Emmett, Rosalie, and Jasper. She slowly tore the paper off and then stared at the box it concealed. She eyed the box curiously and then opened it. It was empty.
"Um…thanks."
Rosalie actually cracked a smile. I guess it was worth coming, just to see the look on her face when she opened our present. She thought, glancing at me.
Jasper laughed. "It's a stereo for your truck," he explained. "Emmett's installing it right now so that you can't return it."
"Thanks, Jasper, Rosalie," She told them, grinning. "Thanks Emmett!" Emmett's booming laugh carried clearly into the house. At the sound of it, Bella laughed too.
I relaxed a little. It was going to be alright. Rosalie was being…civil, and Bella seemed to be actually enjoying herself. I gave her an encouraging smile, pleased at how things were turning out.
"Open mine and Edward's next," Alice said, so excited her voice was a high-pitched trill.
Bella's smile disappeared and she turned to give me a basilisk glare. "You promised." She hissed.
Before I could answer, Emmett bounded through the door. "Just in time!" he crowed. The stereo's all set up and ready to go! He pushed in behind Jasper, who had drifted forward to get a good look.
I stepped closer to Bella, tenderly brushing a strand of her hair from her face. "I didn't spend a dime," I assured her.
She inhaled deeply and turned to Alice. "Give it to me," she sighed.
Emmett chuckled with delight. He was almost as bad as Alice.
She took the little package from Alice and rolled her eyes at me while sticking her finger under the edge of the paper. With one angry motion, she jerked it under the tape.
The shock of the intense thirst at the scent of her blood dazed me for a split second. I heard Bella mumble something next to me as I struggled to clear my head.
Kill.
No, Jasper!!!
Drink.
All thoughts in the room were now consumed with the scent of Bella's blood, except for Carlisle and Alice, who were intensely concerned for Jasper.
The hair on my neck bristled. My head snapped up, my eyes locking onto Jasper's contorted face.
"No!" I roared, throwing myself at of Bella, shielding her fragile form with my body. The force knocked her back across the table. It fell, as she did, scattering the cake and the presents, the flowers and the plates.
Jasper had sprung, slamming into me, and the sound was like the crash of boulders in a rock slide. Jasper's eyes were wild, the ebony irises enlarged.
Kill the prey. Drink.
Jasper was snarling like an enraged animal, clawing at me with his powerful fingers, trying to get through me to Bella. I deftly held his wrists in my hands, as he tried to shove past me, snapping his teeth just inches from my face.
The scent of Bella's blood was pulsing through the room, overpowering the senses. It permeated every molecule of my body, torturing me. My tongue was on fire, my lips felt parched. My entire body—my every vein—felt desiccated, burning with the desire to be thoroughly satisfied. I willed my mind to control the ravenous monster within me, struggling to fight the intense desire to drink, to kill the one who had made me feel whole, my Bella.