101

When we walk in, Jane is waiting to greet us with a creepy-ass smile and three massive three-ring binders under her arm.

"Ciao, Cullen family," she sings.

Angela skips forward to give the self-appointed aunt a big hug. Her body is practically vibrating with excitement for the day ahead.

"We haven't seen you since our birthday! We have so much to catch up on."

"That we do," Jane kisses her cheek and steps back, passing each of us a heavy binder. "But first, we have some very important business to attend to. I hope the three of you brought your number two pencils and erasers."

"Uh—"

"She's kidding." Bella chuckles with a roll of her eyes.

"I am." Jane's smile widens. "Paperwork this important must be written in blood."

Speaking of blood, I can feel mine slowly drain from my face.

"Really?" Alice asks, her voice full of wonder.

"Jane!" Bella slaps her friend on the arm. "She's kidding, guys."

"Fine, fine. Spoilsport. We prefer blue or black ink, and there are several writing implements provided. Handwritten, block script please." She tosses her blonde hair over her shoulder. "We don't expect you to finish the application in one session, but you aren't permitted to take them out of the building. You'll surrender your cellphones at the door."

We all follow her pointed finger to a set of double doors being guarded by one human and one vampire.

"No talking once you're inside. You'll go in, fill out the paperwork, and turn your binder in with the secretary before you leave. There are drinks and snacks provided as well as a unisex bathroom located inside. Make sure you flag the page you end on when you call it a day so we can log your progress. You aren't expected to meet a specific quota each visit, it's just for research to help us."

Bella hugs each of us and wishes us luck.

"Answer the questions honestly. Don't provide the answers you think the committee wants to hear. They will know, and they might bar you from moving further in the application process," Jane warns. "Bella and I will be upstairs while you work. Once you're finished, Caius or Tyler will put you in the elevator, and you know where to find my office."

We sign in with the guards, give up our cell phones, and enter the application room. It's a comfortable atmosphere with a library vibe.

The girls move to separate corners, Angela choosing a well-lit desk by one of the massive windows while Alice hunkers down in an overstuffed chair in a secluded corner.

I look around and decide on a vacant sofa in the middle of the room.