Alice's thoughts reach me as I run, fleeing Carlisle's promise with Bella on my back. "Edward, look!"

Bella's face still, her neck and shoulders bare. Me, lowering my teeth to her throat. One small slit...

No words, only motion — possible but not certain.

Bella's ruby eyes open, relief in her smile. Stronger than newborn thirst is her hunger. She kisses me, and as never before, I taste her mouth. Insistent, irresistible, indestructible — Bella devastates my will. Her body sings for me.

Breathless, I take her.

Bella eyes me warily from her bed. "Whatever you're planning, it's not going to work."