Chapter Twenty-Six

Bella

How can I be in love with Edward Cullen? I've only spoken to him face to face one time, that's if I disregard the 'Can't you look where you're going,' incident in March last year.

Okay, I've spoken to him on the phone many times over the past five months. He would call me after clinic about once every ten days or so to pour his heart and soul out about the human tragedy unfolding in New York. Maybe the love thing gradually crept up on me while I listened to the real Edward Cullen, not the angry Edward I'd bumped into on the street, or the guarded Edward I sat with at the airport. His empathy for the people who came into the clinic was evident. His sorrow, obvious. I treasured every moment of our conversations. Edward in his lonely apartment in E46 Street; me in my bedroom in Forks. I grew close to him and felt honored after each call that he used me as his comfort blanket.

I'm back in my apartment, on my bed, confused, puzzled, and totally drained after my virtual interrogation under Kaure's hands. Thank God Angie is away. There's no way I could have come back here if she'd been home. I would've had to head for the nearest park, or the water's edge, or any place where I could find peace and quiet to digest what she told me about myself.

To be fair, I wouldn't have given Angie a heads-up about my intention to speak to Kaure about Edward anyhow. After Kaure's revelation, there's absolutely no way I'll be telling Angie or anyone else close to me what she said either. I don't even plan to discuss these new developments with Emmett. He's been great so far, humoring my stories about Edward's weirdness, including being totally up for believing in time travel and telepathy. But would he be prepared to go one step further into the Twilight Zone, and be open to my claim that supernatural beings exist in New York City, and, better still, they are currently running a medical clinic in E46 Street? Somehow I don't think so.

To make sense of everything that has happened today, starting with seeing the pictures of Edward again in the Daily Graphic, to the revelations supplied by Kaure, requires me to abandon any notion that coming back to New York would somehow reset the 'normal function' button on my life. That button will never work again. I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that I ... am ... not ... normal.

My original intention to give Kaure the third degree over Edward, ended up with me under the spotlight instead. What she'd said about my supposed powers should be freaking me out. I'm not freaking out though. Before I set foot in her apartment, I had already accepted that strange things had been happening to me almost from the moment Edward stepped into my life. The headaches for one thing started the day we collided in December 2018.

Did Edward trigger this change? Has something in my DNA or genetic make-up automatically reacted after coming into contact with a vampire, as it has with Jake and Sam? This can be the only possible solution. I'm ready to accept now that the Quileute's morph into werewolves when the Cold Ones appear. Why then shouldn't I accept that the same had happened to me and that my apparent otherworldliness is the reason I could protect myself from the blonde vampire in the tree? I'd be in serious denial if my mind remained closed to that solution.

The whole vampire/werewolf thing still seems unreal though. If I woke up in a hospital and a doctor told me that I'd been hit over the head and had been in a coma ever since - in simple terms I'd done a Bobby Ewing and dreamed all this - I wouldn't be surprised. But I know I'm not dreaming. This is not unreal. This is my life now. I have changed. I am different. I can't explain how though. Like Jake, who has had to accept that he is not the guy who picked me up from Bainbridge six months ago, I will have to accept that I have turned into the 'formidable woman' Kaure described.

I'm positive now that the Cullen family, including Edward, are vampires. That would explain Edward's longevity. How old could he be? A hundred and twenty at least. In the 1923 pictures, he's a grown man. He could be two hundred though, or five hundred, or a thousand. Holy Hell! Could I love a man with a thousand years of history behind him? According to Kaure, yes I can.

Do I really love him though or could this be an infatuation? Edward ticks every desirable boyfriend box, so it is quite possible I am suffering from a crush. He's good-looking – obviously. Not important but it helps. He treats me like a lady. He's well mannered – change that to incredibly well mannered. He comes across as kind. His sense of humor I haven't really experienced. He does though convey an aura of savoir-faire; relaxed, confident, poised, experienced. I could go on and on. Am I blinded by a man who on the surface is too good to be true?

Of course, he could be responsible for killing Al. No ... don't dwell on that, Bella.

I now have to get my head around the fact that he's not a man in the true sense of the word. He's a supernatural being. A vampire. A demon in Kaure's eyes, and … holy shit, something else has occurred to me. He's the sworn enemy of the Quileute. Jake smelled Edward on me that night, which is what made him twitchy. Can my situation get any worse?

Oh Jesus! Yes, it can.

Jake jokingly said he'd hate it if I hooked up with a Paleface. I suspect he'd accept a hundred Palefaces to one vampire.

I pull myself off my pillow and look across to the clinic where Edward is working. Knowing he's so close but also realizing that a relationship between a human and a vampire could never happen overwhelms me with sadness. If somehow we crossed that bridge, I would break the hearts of everyone who is dear to me as I would never be able to set foot in Forks again. Loving Edward would come down to having to choose between being with him and never seeing Jake again or visiting Dad. I couldn't do it. But hold on, Bella. I'm running ahead of myself here. There's no way Edward could be in love with me? I know he likes me, but I'm a human girl. He must know we're incompatible long-term. Nothing's going to happen. I can't afford to hope. I'll only end up heartbroken. Aaargh!

I need water and Tylenol. My head hurts which is understandable if being close to Edward is the cause. Four-thirty. He'll still be in the clinic saving the world – well saving New Yorkers. If he's immortal, then he can be in no danger of catching the virus. No wonder Carlisle wanted him to help.

On my way to the kitchen, I go into the bathroom to freshen up. I feel tired. Splashing water on my face doesn't help. The girl in the mirror looks anything but powerful. Washed out more like. If I turned up for a Wonder Woman audition, or to be one of the Avengers, the casting directors would laugh in my face before showing me the door.

In the kitchen, I get this morning's glass from the drainer and fill it from the faucet. My headache is becoming more intense while I search for a pack Tylenol. I know there were some in the medical drawer before I left for Forks. I'm getting more agitated when I can't find any and curse Angie who I now suspect took every last pill with her to Florida in anticipation of mega-hangovers.

I check the wall cupboard in front of me which is opposite the window. When I close the door, I see movement reflected in the decorative glass panel. A pain rips across my eyes. I spin on my heel. The shape of a man disappears from view. Even though he's not wearing his coat for once, I know who is on the fire escape. I don't hold back.

"Edward," I yell at the top of my lungs.

I wait for five, six, seven seconds. I hear movement.

"Edward, I know you're there."

I hold my breath as he unfurls from his crouched position on the platform. His hair is blonder in the daylight. His eyes are gold like the woman in the forest but not as bright, or murderous. His face glistens, and when he smiles his diamond-like skin throws off sparkles. Now I know why I've never seen Edward or his family out on the street during daylight. The only place he could get away with this look is Broadway.

He watches me for my reaction to his otherworldliness. I get that he is showing me that he's not prepared to hide who he really is anymore. Does he know that I know what he is, or is this his way of telling me that he's a vampire?

Come on in, Edward.

I don't say this out loud, I think it, as a way of testing my theory that he can read my mind.

He reaches up to push the top window further open and springs lightly onto the window ledge. In one graceful movement, he slides through the gap like no human could ever do. His body twists and turns like a lizard, rolling over the counter so he ends up on his feet in front of me.

Without hesitation, I walk towards him. He doesn't move. I raise my hand to touch his face. He doesn't flinch. This is the first time I've touched him other than when I head-butted him in December 2018. He lets me stroke my hand over his skin, now bereft of sparkles. Smooth, like marble. Cold, as I expected. Beautiful.

As I look into his eyes which are fixed on mine, I realize my headache has gone. The moment I touched him the pain melted away. I take my hand from his face and look at it quizzically. I expect the pain to return now that contact is lost? I wait. Nothing. I look up at him. He's smiling.

"It's a miracle," he says softly and takes my hand. "I could hardly bear to be close to you. I felt your pain leave the same moment as mine. The instant you brushed your hand over my cheek we became free."

"You had headaches too?"

"No, Bella. You generate a fierce power that debilitates anyone who is susceptible. Thankfully, for the clinic's patients, you have no effect on Carlisle and Esme. I've learned over time to shield myself from all but your worst attacks, but being close to you was still hard work ... until now."

"I'm sorry," I say and step away.

"Don't apologize," Edward replies and steps towards me. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I don't feel any guilt that I caused you to have headaches. You shouldn't feel guilty for the pain you caused me. Neither of us had control over the effect we had on one another or how and why it has now come to an end unless it's through something you have unknowingly done. My mind works in a different way from others of my kind. I would guess yours is also unique. You are who you are, Bella. Never be afraid of that."

"I am afraid, Edward. How can I not be? I don't know who or what I am now. What has happened to me since you came into my life? I'm not Bella Swan from Forks anymore. I'm some sort of superhuman freak."

"Like me," Edward replies without hesitation. There's sadness in his voice, and then he adds quietly, "Even though I'm not technically human anymore."

Edward raises his free hand so it's close to my hair. I hear his unspoken request, 'Can I?'

I nod.

His cold hand strokes my head before he works his fingers into my hair, allowing each strand to run through his fingers like water. I stand completely still, too scared to move. I can sense Edward is fighting a terrible urge to attack me. His eyes drop downwards. He can't look at me. I mustn't show him that I'm scared.

I recall Kaure's warning that Edward is a demon. I understand now what she meant, although one word in that statement was wrong. Change the 'is' to a 'has.' Edward has a demon. The demon she spoke of lives inside him like a parasite. It taunts and prods. It describes how good I would taste, reminding him of the high he would experience after drinking my blood. I tense and prepare to defend myself. Edward feels the change in me and draws his hands away so fast I don't see him move. He steps back. I step forward this time.

"Don't walk away," I say as I take his left hand to press it against my warm cheek. "I'm not frightened of you, Edward. I don't want you to be frightened of me."

"I'm not frightened of what you could do to me," he says as he strokes my face. "I'm frightened of your ability to look into my soul. I know you're there now, searching for answers. I'm scared that you'll dig too deep and see the monster that lives inside me. I have memories that will repulse you. I have urges that will repel you. I'm a killer, Bella. That's all you need to know about me."

I press my face into his hand. He still can't look into my eyes. He's more interested in my mouth or is it my neck?

"I've suspected that for a while, Edward. I really don't care. As you said to me, you are who you are. You have nothing to be sorry for. I had a cat once. She was a killer too. Even if she wasn't hungry she would still chase and kill a bird or a mouse but not because she needed food. I still loved her though because that instinct was part of her."

When I say the word, 'love,' I see into Edward's mind. He's recalling his reaction when Kaure questioned my love for him. That means he knows I love him because I didn't deny it. I'm embarrassed. The gap closes between us. He buries his fingers in my hair behind my neck. I rotate my head so he's massaging my scalp. The coolness of his palm feels good because the rest of me is on fire.

My hands travel up his chest until I reach his neck. At last, his eyes bore into mine as I give him my silent permission to kiss me. His lips touch my lips, gently at first. I expect them to be cold but they're warm and soft. He pulls back before he kisses me again, this time with more urgency. My hands continue their journey behind his neck as the kiss escalates. His mouth opens slightly. My mouth mirrors his action. He moans. I moan.

Without breaking the kiss, he lifts me onto the counter and moves between my legs. Our mouths are now on the same level. His kisses become more intense; frantic even. He's crying inside. I'm crying too. I wrap my legs around him and draw him closer to me. As our mouths open further and his mind becomes more focussed on me I feel him change. I sense danger. The moans change to growls which seem to emanate not from his throat but from inside his body. Before I have a chance to feel panic, my body switches to automatic.

My legs and arms flay outward releasing Edward from my embrace. What I can only describe as an intense heat shoots through my body creating a power so strong I struggle to contain it. Edward's feet leave the ground. His body slams against the sink which he grips with both hands to stop himself from flying backward out the window. His teeth are bared. His body primed. I see the Vampire in Edward for the first time.

I pin him there for what seems like an age until I sense he is regaining control. His fight with the demon is relentless. His head shakes from side to side, like a rabid animal's. My fight with what's happening inside of me is exhausting. I don't want to hurt him. He is not my enemy this time.

When I'm confident that Edward has control enough to let go of the sink, I relax my hold. I notice the steel under his grip has indents to match his hands. My power slowly deflates like a balloon. I feel limp but cannot relax until I'm sure Edward is in a safe place in his head. I watch him slide to the floor. His knees draw up to his chest. His head rests against the cupboard doors. His eyes close, and for a brief moment, his expression reminds me of the woman in the trees. He looks ... defeated.

"I'm sorry," he whispers. "I lost control. I … I could've killed you."

I leap off the counter onto legs that feel like Jell-O. I need water but that would mean leaning over him to get the glass I filled earlier. Instead, I drop to my knees so we're eye to eye even though his eyes are still closed.

"Yes, you could have, Edward, and you would have if I had been a normal girl. You have evidence now that I'm not normal, that I'm as strong as you."

Edward scoffs. "Stronger … you're incredible. I have no idea how you did that. You need to see my friend, Eleazar. He would find out."

"Does it matter how?" I ask. "I mean, what use are these powers. New York isn't overrun with out-of-control vampires or I guess Governor Cuomo would have something to say about that. Now that I mention it, Cuomo looks like a vampire. Is he one?"

Edward smiles and opens his eyes. "No, even though he does look a bit like Dracula. Would you say Carlisle or Esme look like vampires?"

I shake my head and then shuffle around so we're both sitting with our backs against the cupboard.

"Where do we go from here, Edward?" I ask after a moment of contemplation. Edward's cold hand takes mine and brings it up to his lips to kiss.

"I don't know, but wherever you go I'll follow - if you want me to that is?"

"You know I do, and you know how I feel about you."

"Yes, I do. I heard what Kaure said and you didn't deny it. I feel the same way about you, Bella. I've never been in love before so this is all new to me too."

I rest my head on Edward's shoulder. He is totally in control now so I feel able to ask him the following question.

"How old are you, Edward?"

Edward doesn't hesitate with his response. I guess he feels he has no reason to keep anything from me now.

"I was born in 1901, so I had my hundred and nineteenth birthday on June 20th this year. I was seventeen when I became a vampire during the Spanish Flu epidemic. In some ways I've matured since then; in others, not. I'm sorry I missed your birthday, Bella. I worked out it was the 13th.

"Yes, it was. I'm twenty-one now. Whoop de do. I'm ancient compared to you."

Edward laughs and jumps to his feet. He pulls me up with one hand, throws me in the air, and catches me in his arms. "Careful," I say as he spins me around. "I may be Superwoman, but I'm still breakable."

"I know," he replies as he places me on the floor.

"I need a drink," I say and pick up my glass. "Do you want one – ah! What do you drink."

"Not Perrier if that's what you think. I drink blood, Bella; only animal blood now. Even better, only farmed animal blood, so I've gone totally vegan."

"So you've given up on humans?"

"I'm trying to. The last human was …"

"Hopefully, Al," I interrupt. "I'm not going to say thanks for that, because I can't condone what you did."

"But?"

"Well … he was a complete asshole."

Edward shakes his head and smiles, philosophically.

"He was a dangerous psychopath, Bella. He would've ended up being a serial killer. I stopped him before he got started. Of all the murderers I've despatched since the 1920s, his blood was the most satisfying. I can't say I'll never kill again, but I'm going to give it my best shot."

"Do Carlisle and Esme … ?"

"No. Esme never has. Carlisle, only when he was a newborn vampire in the 1600s."

"Wow," I reply.

"Would you like to meet them, formally?"

"Sure, why not.

"Okay. I'll take you over when the lights go out in the clinic. Can I stay until then?"

"Yes, but I need to eat something. You go and watch TV while I brutally murder a peanut butter bagel."

Edward

Bella and I spend the next few hours watching the first three episodes of the second series of A Discovery of Witches. I cannot help commenting, 'that's crap,' as though we're watching a documentary about vampires rather than a fictional story. Bella asks me whether witches are real. I reply that I haven't got a clue but I would think not.

When the clinic lights go out, we walk over together. I look behind me as we cross the street. Kaure is not at her window which I'm relieved about for Bella's sake. This would take some explaining. We're on the sidewalk when Carlisle opens the clinic door.

"We meet again," he says to Bella and proffers his hand in greeting.

Esme doesn't just offer a hand. She grasps Bella's right hand with both of hers, which I suspect are icy cold. Her words though are warm.

"It's wonderful to meet you at last, Bella. Do come up to our apartment. We want to know all about you."

When the street door to the apartments opens, Carlisle and Esme fly up the stairs so fast they become a blur. I close the door and the devil in me has an idea. I lift Bella off her feet and ask, "Ready?" She nods, and then screams like she's on a roller coaster when I accelerate like a rocket. I carry her into the living room and drop her on the sofa.

"That was fun," she says as I flop down next to her. I don't know whether she's being sarcastic or she really enjoyed the rush. I take her hand and kiss it.

"I can offer you water, Bella," Esme says. "I'm sorry, we don't drink coffee or tea."

"Water's good, thanks," she replies.

Esme comes back with a glass and sits next to Carlisle. They both look at Bella expectantly. What will she say? Different subjects are tumbling through her head, like the pandemic, her dad, her college major, her friend Jake who is now a werewolf. Interesting. Carlisle breaks the awkward silence.

"Edward tells me your father had a heart attack recently. How is he?"

I feel Bella relax. This is a good ice-breaker.

"He's okay, thanks. He's back at work now. The virus showed up a problem in his heart which has been fixed. I'm glad I was there to look after him."

Another awkward silence. I'm trying to think of something to say that isn't too obvious. I know Carlisle is desperate to know what happened to Tanya, as I am. I try another light subject.

"Bella and I have been watching a show on cable about vampires and witches. I've been putting her right about what we can and can't do."

"Very educational," she cuts in. "I didn't know that vampires could live on animal blood. Edward's told me about Liam's farm."

"You seem to be taking the fact that we are vampires very well, Bella," Carlisle says disguising his shock at her candor. "When did you realize? I'm only asking because I'm worried that we may be getting careless."

"Oh no," she replies. "I had no idea until I went home to Forks. That's where my Dad lives. We have close friends who are from the Quileute tribe who live on the reservation nearby. I remember being told the legend of the Cold Ones when I was a kid and did some research. That's when I first guessed Edward could be a vampire. I saw a photo of him taken in 1923 and knew there would be a story behind his apparent longevity. I'm a budding journalist, Doctor Cullen. That's my excuse. But you must believe me, I won't tell anyone your secret. You can trust me completely."

"Ah," Carlisle replies. Esme looks troubled. They are both recalling Aro's rule about secrecy. They have absolutely no idea that if they tried to attack Bella right now, they would probably end up on their backs in the middle of the street outside, and possibly on fire. I am fully aware that Bella held back when she defended herself in the kitchen. Her love for me probably saved me from becoming a pile of cinders on her kitchen floor.

Carlisle is directing his thoughts towards me. We need to discuss this urgently he thinks, knowing I'll hear. I nod. He blinks. I feel Bella tense. She's picked up that Carlisle is communicating with me. This will take some explaining. I have no fears for Bella though.

Esme is agitated. She's such an honest person that I know she wants to come clean with Bella. Can she assist us if James makes an appearance? That's what she wants to know. She starts the conversation in a roundabout way.

"Bella, when you heard the Quileute legends, did they mention what would happen if the Cold Ones trespassed on their land?"

Bella looks at me for help. I suspect she doesn't want to give away Quileute secrets which is understandable. I have to intervene at this point.

"We're aware the Quileute become werewolves, Bella. Our kind knows not to go near their territory for that reason. We also know that one of us trespassed in their forest in March which has rekindled their abilities. We are very sorry about this. What Esme is asking and what we need to know is were you there, and if so, do you know what happened to the Cold One?"

Bella considers her response. I sense anger when she recalls the night when Tanya died. She looks at all three of us in turn before saying,

"I'll tell you what I saw, but from what you've just said, I'm guessing you know why this Cold One, this vampire, came to Forks to kill me?"

Both Carlisle and Esme jump in surprise even though I'd told them what happened in Alaska.

"How do you know that?" Carlisle asked.

"Because I read her mind when she and I locked eyes. She wanted to tear me to pieces in revenge for I don't know what. She hated me but I have no idea why."

I'm not going to lie to Bella ever again so I have to tell her. I can't imagine how she is going to react.

"Tanya hated you because I told her how I felt about you when she and I were in Alaska. She always wanted me as her lover. I had always refused. She couldn't cope with the truth and wanted to hurt me by hurting you. When I spoke to you from Denali after your father had his heart attack, she was already on her way to Forks. I knew you'd be safe when you told me you'd moved onto the reservation."

"But how did she know where I lived. Did you tell her that?" Bella is really angry now.

"Tanya's sister told me she searched your name on the internet before she left Denali. My sister found you easily that way because of what happened at your high school. I guess she had the same luck."

"Jesus!" Bella exclaims. "Berty has a lot to answer for."

"So what happened to Tanya. Do you know?" Carlisle asks.

"Yes, I know. I killed her."

Esme can't help it. She shrieks. Carlisle's jaw drops. If I hadn't experienced Bella's powers earlier, I would've been shocked too.

"How," I ask.

"The wolves chased her through the forest and up a tree. From the top branches, she searched for me and that's where we locked eyes even though we were a long way apart. I felt her hate and threw it back at her. We fought with our minds and then … she just gave up and allowed herself to fall. The wolves finished her off at the foot of the tree. Her end was not pretty. I have no idea what I did or how I did it, the same as what I did to you in the kitchen a few hours ago. Where these powers, my powers, are coming from is anybody's guess. I can only think I'm some sort of hybrid, like the Quileutes. My ability has been triggered by the presence of your kind, the same as the Quileutes."

Bella turns to face me. I anticipate her next question which is going to be difficult to answer.

"I spoke to Kaure today. She knows what you are but her tribe is protected by a vampire called Aro. She warned me of one of your rules. Because I'm human, even though that's debatable now, and because I know you guys are vampires, she said you're obliged to kill me. Is this true?"

Carlisle coughs. Esme clasps her hands together. I pull Bella's hand to my mouth before answering.

"In any other circumstance, the answer would be yes, or you would be offered another option. You would have to become a vampire. But even Aro would admit that you're a special case. I'm going to be straight with you now, Bella. We have a problem. The problem's name is James. He's a vampire with extraordinary powers who one day will come our way to either kill us or enslave us to do his bidding. Thirteen years ago in Alaska, I locked eyes with him as you did with Tanya. I was not susceptible to his powers then. That does not mean I won't be susceptible in the future. He hasn't been seen for years, but when he returns, he will want to kill me because I'm a threat."

"So what are these extraordinary powers?"

"My friend, Eleazar, is sure that he will be able to take control of our minds and order us to do what he commands."

"Like a hypnotist with evil intent," Carlisle adds.

"So are you asking for my help?" Bella interrupts before I say more.

"No … but if you offer, that is a different matter. I wouldn't ask you to do anything for us that you're not comfortable with."

"He hasn't been seen for thirteen years?"

"No. We all hope he's dead. We can't afford to be complacent though."

"I can't take all of this in," Bella says as she shuffles on the sofa prior to standing up. "I need to go back to my apartment … alone," she says, stressing the alone word. I stand up next to her.

"At least let me walk you downstairs."

Bella nods and smiles.

"It was lovely meeting you both," she says politely to Carlisle and Esme, adding, "And thank you for everything you are doing for the folks in the city. Edward described you both as saints. I agree with him. You are."

"You're very kind," Carlisle says as he stands. "But Bella, don't feel under any pressure to help us. Vampires have faced many dangers over the centuries. We've always come out the other side ... damaged, often ... diminished maybe, but we're still here."

Bella smiles again and heads for the stairs. I follow her down and open the door to the street. She slips a hand around my neck and pulls me towards her for a kiss.

Do you understand why I need to be alone, she thinks.

"I think so," I say out loud. "You need time to absorb all this."

I'll call you tomorrow. I have college work to do in the morning. We can do stuff after the clinic closes.

"Okay," I reply.

She kisses me on my lips and then on my cheek. I hold back because I recognize the signs that I'm already losing control.

Bella runs across the street and opens her door where she blows me a kiss. I stay at the door until the light comes on in her living room. She waves at me before dropping the blind. I am already bereft.

I spend the nighttime hours reading and playing video games. Not needing to protect myself from Bella's arrows is bliss. Not feeling her glow is sad. Not being close to her is torture. I top myself up with two sachets' of blood from the fridge. I can't allow what happened in the kitchen to occur again. The desire for Bella's blood proved too tantalizing to resist. My vampire instincts took over and, thank God, Bella was able to defend herself. Keeping myself fed should help but until there is a next time, I won't know whether I'll be able to defeat my inner demon.

I've been expecting Carlisle to come up to my apartment during the night to talk about Bella. He's troubled, I can sense it. Dawn is already evident in the sky when I hear him outside my door. I jump off the sofa as I've already seen in an image what he's come up to tell me.

As he enters the room my cell vibrates. I look down. Alice is calling. Carlisle beats her to it.

"Eleazar has been contacted by The Guard, Edward. James has been spotted in New Mexico, along with Victoria, Laurent, and two others. That's Alice calling. My guess is she's warning you that James could be heading our way."

From the corner of my eye, I notice a light go on in Bella's room. Five in the morning. Something's woken her. I feel her searching my mind. The sensation is staggering. She can see my memory of James on the mountainside pointing at me, mouthing, 'You will die when we meet again.'

She cuts away from the image to talk directly to me.

'So he's back, Edward. What do you want me to do?'

Well, we all knew this was going to happen. How soon though? Is Bella strong enough to resist James's powers and protect Edward by destroying him? Scary times ahead.

Events move quickly now. At least the headaches and arrows have gone. Having clear heads is going to be vital in the next few days.

Joan x