Happy October! Are you excited for the upcoming spooky season? I know I am!

Thanks to everyone who reads! Your supports mean so much to me.

Fran, Mr G and Me, and Monica03, thank you!

(Any mistakes you see are my own.)

Some of you were wondering about the wolf-pack. This chapter will answer those questions! ;)

SM owns everything Twilight.

I tear through my room, pulling everything out of the drawers and closet until the floor has disappeared. I search under every piece of furniture and come up empty-handed.

Ordinarily, I wouldn't care about a lost shirt. I've lost things before, and they've always turned back up at some point. This shirt, however, is my favorite. I wear it all the time; to school, on the weekends … hell, I even sleep in it. It's worn a little around the seams, and there are a few holes in it, but it's super soft and comfortable.

It can't be gone. It can't.

Downstairs, I spot Jasper in the pantry, rooting around like a raccoon.

"Hey."

He jumps and spins around, his eyes wide. He relaxes when he sees me and scowls, tossing a bag of chips onto the table.

"You need a bell or something."

I laugh lightly, having said the same thing to Edward multiple times.

"Sorry."

His eyes narrow as he takes the seat across from me and opens the chips, stuffing a handful of them into his mouth. "No, you're not."

I touch the tip of my nose with a smirk, attempting to ignore the food rolling around in his mouth. "You may be right about that. I do enjoy scaring you."

Unable to help himself, he laughs. "You're nuts."

I shrug. "Hey, none of my shirts have been mixed with yours, have they?"

"Nope," he says after a moment of thinking. "What'd you lose?"

"Treasure," I deadpan.

"I mean, which shirt?"

"My favorite tie-dyed one."

He winces with a sympathetic grimace. He knows how much I love that shirt. "Sorry."

Waving away his apology, I jump and smother a grin as my phone buzzes from my back pocket, tickling the sensitive area there. Jasper looks at me curiously as I roll my eyes and huff, all traces of humor gone as I see the name on the screen.

"Who is it?" he asks, his mouth half full of chips.

Ignoring him, I answer the phone. "Hello, Edward."

He chuckles lowly, warm and smooth. "Don't get too excited."

"I won't. Listen, can I call you back later? I'm in the middle of looking for something."

"What'd you lose, Bella? Your mi—"

In the background, there's a muffled voice and the sound of clothes rustling. Edward can be heard cursing and muttering something before Alice's voice fills the line.

"Hi, Bella! Are you excited about tomorrow?"

"Yeah, Alice. I can't wait to see you."

Jasper coughs, sending more chip debris flying everywhere. Raising a hand to protect my face, I grimace as wet, slimy food touches my skin.

"Jasper, cover your mouth when you're coughing," Mom loudly scolds coming into the room. She pauses when she sees I'm on the phone, mouthing an apology.

I nod and listen as Edward attempts to wrestle the phone away from his sister. After several curses, indignant huffs and crackling static, Edward appears to have won.

"Sorry about that."

"It's fine. Did you need something?"

"Everything okay?"

I shift and turn away from Jasper's intent eyes boring holes in my skull. The skin on the back of my neck heats and I know he's still staring at me, but at least this way I can pretend he's not.

"Fine," I reply slowly, wondering why he cares so much. "A laundry mishap. Did you need something?"

"Ruin something, Suzie Homemaker?" he teases.

Unable to help myself, I laugh. "With all offense intended, go screw yourself."

"Hey now, I could help you."

I snort. "I doubt it."

"Why? Because I'm a man, you think I won't know how to help?"

"No, it's because you're an asshole."

He chuckles and my stomach flutters, the feeling expanding upward toward my chest. I rub at the area there, wondering if I'm having a heart attack or a case of acid reflux.

"Takes one to know one."

"Wow. Nice comeback, Eddie. Have you been holding on to that one since 1996?"

"As a matter of fact—"

He stops abruptly as a distant voice calls his name. More crackling comes through the speaker, muffling the urgent voices speaking.

"I have to go," he says, his tone frenzied. "Check your email. I sent over another change for the project."

Before I can say anything more, he's hung up, the screen flashing twice before going dark.

Weird … What was that about?

The urgency in his tone has my skin tightening and my heart beating furiously in my chest. The sound echoes in my head as I wonder why he was frantic.

Why am I worrying about this? It's none of my business.

"Bella? Everything okay?" Mom asks, placing her hands on my shoulders.

I blink twice and shake my head. "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine."

"Who were you talking to?"

"Uh, Edward. He had to rush off, though. It sounded urgent."

"Maybe his father got called into the hospital," she offers, distracted as she watches Jasper, who is staring hard at me with unblinking eyes. I raise an eyebrow, and he looks away, munching away on his snack.

I nod, though something is telling me it's more than that. I just can't put my finger on it.

"Did you find your shirt?" She inquires, changing the subject.

"No. Can I check your room?"

"Absolutely not," Dad replies, coming in for a glass of water. "What you'll see in there will require years of therapy, and I can't afford that."

I'm confused as to what he means until the implication clicks. "Ew, Dad! Come on."

He chuckles as Mom stifles her giggles against his shoulder. Jasper stops eating, a noticeably sick expression on his face.

Mom controls herself after a moment. "He's joking, kids. But I'm sorry to tell you; it's not in there. I've checked."

My shoulders slump, and I rest my chin in the palm of my hand. "Great," I say with a heavy sigh.

"It'll turn up," Mom soothes, patting my shoulder.

From the corner of my eye, I see Jasper is again staring at me. Turning, I tap my fingers against the table. "Problem?"

"You're seeing Alice?"

"Tomorrow," I confirm. "I'm going over to her house after I do my hair."

He clears his throat, shifting in his seat. Over his shoulder, Dad narrows his eyes on Jasper's form, his lips twisted to the side as he silently observes him. I wonder what he sees. Dad hasn't made it a secret that he respects and likes the Cullens, so to have Jasper be so mistrusting of them—even if it is one of them—will be upsetting.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Why wouldn't it?" I counter. "She's a nice person, and she's proving to be a good friend."

"Something just doesn't feel … right."

Taking in a deep breath, I release it slowly, trying to control my temper. To be honest; if I acted this way toward him about his friendship with Edward, he'd have a shit fit.

Instead of telling him this, I shrug a single shoulder. "That's your problem, not mine."

Without another word, I head upstairs, nearly bumping into Rose as she stands in the hallway, staring into my room with a half horrified, half angry expression.

"Bella Marie, look at this mess!"

I look to where she's pointing, noting some of it is spilling into the hall. "Yeah, wow. That certainly got out of hand, huh?"

She says nothing; she simply continues to stare with narrowed eyes, breathing deeply. Taking a step back, I jump over the items on the floor and land in my room, hands raised.

"All right, calm down. I'll clean it up, geez."

Half an hour later, my room is cleaned and organized. To my standards, at least.

My clothes are picked up off the floor and stuffed in the dresser or hanging haphazardly off hangers in my closet. Shoes are piled in a lump in the corner and books, papers, and folders are piled on my bookcase and desk.

My bed is littered with art supplies, but that's fine; I need to organize them anyway.

Rose's door is closed, and I can hear the muted sounds of piano and cello playing against the furious turning of pages, indicating she's working on homework.

Downstairs, Dad shrugs on his flannel shirt, snatching his keys from the hook on the wall.

"Where are you going? Is Jasper still holed up in his room?"

"No. He went out to sit in the backyard with your mother while she meditates."

My eyebrows rise into my hairline; he's never gone outside with her while she meditates because he always claims Mom isn't calm enough for meditation. She's always moving or fidgeting, ruining the quiet and still practice.

"Really?"

Dad chuckles. "He needs some time and fresh air. Don't give him too much trouble."

"Me? Never."

He guffaws and motions toward the door. "Wanna come with me to La Push? Billy's gonna be watching the game with Harry, so I'm going over there. Your mother wants to watch some chick-flick that's coming on, so I'm getting out while I still can."

I start to say no but stop to think about it. When I was younger, I used to love going to La Push and playing with Jacob, Sam, and Leah. It's been a while since I've seen them, and it might be a good idea to go over and check on how they are. Not to mention, it'll get me out of watching a romance movie.

"Yeah, let's go."

About twenty minutes later, Dad pulls into Billy's driveway, honking the horn. He laughs heartily as he sees through Billy's living room window that he's startled him. Billy shoots him the finger and throws a curse as he pushes open the screen door.

"You're a real ass, Charlie," Billy complains half-heartedly.

Seeing me in the passenger seat, Billy's eyes light up as he wheels forward. "Bella Swan! Look at you, girl! I haven't seen you in forever. Get over here!"

I lean down and hug him, inhaling the scent of tobacco and leather.

"Hey, Billy. Lookin' good. When's the next bonfire? Can I get an invite?"

The bonfires the elders hosted were amazing. I loved the warmth, the people and the colorful flames of the burning driftwood. Plus, the stories and legends they told were something mystical, otherworldly and unforgettable; they filled my dreams with swirls of colors every night and made me want to paint as soon as I woke.

It's been years since I've been to one; in fact, the last time I had was four years ago, shortly before Jacob started to take on more duties within the tribe.

Before Billy can answer, my name is shouted, the sound of it echoing throughout the night.

"BELLA!"

I'm hoisted into the air and spun around. I tuck my legs inward, so I don't accidentally kick someone—namely Billy—in the face. When I'm down on my feet again, I turn and slug Jacob in the shoulder. It hurt me more than it hurt him, but I still get satisfaction from the action.

"You don't manhandle people, jerk! You may smell like an animal, but dig deep down and try to remember your manners."

He laughs boisterously, throwing his head back and laughing into the crisp night air.

"Aw, did I scare you?"

"Fat chance, idiot. It'll take a lot more than that to scare me."

"Who are you bothering now, Jake?" Leah's voice sounds out from behind him. She walks up and smiles brightly when she sees me. "Bella! Guys, Bella's here!"

All at once, Sam, Paul, Seth, and Jared emerge from the woods, running toward me, in shorts and muscle shirts. Quil is missing, but that's not unusual; he's always been antisocial and quite the jackass, in my opinion.

I'm handed between them, and a moment later, all of them start talking over one another, exclaiming how happy they are to see me. I repeat the sentiment, as well as a few friendly insults.

"It seems like all of you are eating your vegetables," I tease, referring to their bulky, muscular frames.

Paul grins cockily, flexing his arm. "Want some of this?"

"Oh, yes. I must have you now," I deadpan.

Everyone laughs and starts giving Paul a hard time about how his sexual prowess has vanished. After they've had their fill, they invite me down to the beach for a small bonfire to catch up. I agree readily, and a few minutes later, we're at the beach, claiming a seat on one of the logs.

The warmth of the fire, the sound of waves crashing against the rocks, and feeling the sand between my toes gives me the most peaceful feeling. If I could, I would stay here all the time.

However, these boys would get on my nerves very quickly, much like Jake is doing now as he repeatedly pokes my arm with his finger. Opening one eye, I look in his direction and scowl pushing at his arm and making him fall backward in the sand.

"Aren't you too old for this behavior?"

"Naw." He laughs, pulling himself back up on the log. "I'm a child at heart."

"I feel bad for Leah."

Next to him, Leah snorts. "Don't be. I'm only with him until something better comes along."

Jake laughs loudly, knowing she's only teasing. These two have been together for years. It's a little intense if I'm being honest; the way they look at each other … it's as if there's no one else in the world but them. Most of the time when I'm alone with them, I feel like an intruder as I catch their heavy glances and secret smiles.

"How have you been, Bella?"

"Okay, I guess. Same old crap, different day."

"Come on; I haven't seen you in what, five, six months? We didn't even get to talk that much then."

"Honestly? Nothing much. It's Forks, dude. Nothing ever changes. We did get some new kids. I made friends with one of them."

Jake looks at me in disbelief. "Really? That poor person." I kick him lightly, and he chuckles. "Seriously though. Good for you. Who is it?"

"Alice Cullen. I think you might know her dad?"

A slow easy smile appears on his face as he nods. "Yeah, Dr. Cullen. He's pretty cool. He helps Dad from time to time with medical stuff. Free checkups and medication and all that jazz. It's pretty awesome of him. He even does medical checkups for others here too."

"Wow," I reply, completely and utterly impressed with Dr. C. You don't hear much about generosity nowadays, so it's nice to hear there are still some kind people in the world, willing to help others. "What about you? How are things in your world?"

"It's La Push. Nothing ever changes," he replies. I give him a blank look, and he chuckles. "There's been nothing, really. A few more chores here and there. Getting ready for my eighteenth. It's nothing to brag about."

I nod. Things for Jake are going to get busier with his upcoming birthday in a couple of months. I don't know all the details, but in the past, I've heard him mention he'll take over his father's position as Chief of the Quileute tribe once he turns eighteen. When that happens, Jake will be busier than before with things I can't even begin to comprehend.

I sort of wish things could slow down a bit for him. He's had to take on so much since his mother passed and his father's injury. He deserves a little time just to be a kid, but I imagine he's not taking on anything he can't handle. I'm sure if it's too much for him, he'll say so. He doesn't have a problem speaking up about anything else.

"Maybe I'll come and see you sometime soon," he muses, staring into the fire. "It's been a while since I've hung out with all three of you. It'd be nice, you know? Like when we were kids."

I nod, remembering the goofing around on the beach, the cliff diving and the long walks through the woods while Jake tried to scared the crap out of us with stories of monsters and mythical creatures.

Needless to say, I was never scared. I was always fascinated by the stories and paid close attention to the tales he wove.

"All right, this is boring. No offense, Bella, it has absolutely nothing to do with you," Sam says, nodding his head with a teasing smirk.

Knowing he's just messing with me, I sneer and stick out my tongue at him. "You're not thrilling entertainment either, you know."

He laughs, rising from the log. "Hey, guys, football game!" Sam bellows, tossing a ball up in the air to keep Paul from getting his hands on it.

Everyone except for Leah and Jake rise, following Sam a little further down the beach. Their ribbing cuts off unexpectedly, quiet settling heavy everywhere around us.

Before I can ask what's going on, every single one of their heads snaps to the left, staring hard into the trees.

Seconds later, the distant sound of a wolf howling has the group racing toward the tree line, stopping to anxiously wait as Jake and Leah pull me to my feet.

"What was that?" I question.

"A wolf, obviously."

I give him a sarcastic laugh. "I know that, jackass. Why do all you look concerned? Aren't wolves supposed to howl?"

"Not like that. Something has been disturbed, upsetting the wildlife. Someone might be trying to steal something," Jake answers, his attention still focused on the trees. "We gotta go."

"All of you have to check it out?"

"What if the guy gets away? We're the backup," Paul yells, jogging.

"Bella, why don't you head back toward Jake's house? I'm sure your dad will be ready to go soon. Take the path; it'll be safer." Sam's words aren't a suggestion, leaving no room for argument. Before I can even think of something to say, they're gone, leaving me alone.

I debate following them but decide against it. I'm too tired to go running through the woods.

Jake's house comes into view, but what I see out front stops me short. Edward and Emmett are standing outside behind their father, who is talking quietly with Billy. They're all standing with their backs to me, but it's easy to see their forms thanks to Billy's porch light.

Strangely enough, their clothes are rumpled and slightly dirty, looking as if they had been rolling around in the mud.

Very strange.

What are they doing here? Jake said Carlisle was helping Billy with his medical needs … has something happened?

Slowly, I walk forward, taking careful steps and catching the end of Carlisle's sentence.

"… worry, we'll get him."

"Bewwa!" a little voice calls.

Everyone's attention turns to me. Emmett and Carlisle greet me with pleasant smiles, but Edward glares slightly, almost as if he knows I was trying to eavesdrop.

A tiny body slams into my legs and I look down, seeing Sam and Emily Uley's daughter, Claire, staring up at me with a goofy grin. I toss her in the air once, smiling at her delighted squeal, and hold her to my chest, hugging her.

"Did you make a jailbreak from your Mama?"

Claire nods, holding a chubby finger to her lips. I nod in fake seriousness, planting a loud kiss on her cheek, making her laugh again. I chuckle at her as she winds her arms around my neck in a chokehold, burying her face there. I turn back to the group in front of me, and Edward is now smirking at me, though there is a softness to his face I've never seen before directed toward me.

I decide to ignore him and focus on someone else.

"Hey, everything okay?"

"Just fine," Billy answers with a soft grin. "Doc here was just giving me a checkup."

Opting to test the waters, I nod. "That's nice of you. You didn't travel through the woods, did you? My dad says it's dangerous in there."

They all are stoic, showing no sign my words have affected them. Carlisle gives a small smile. "We steered clear of the woods."

I sincerely doubt this, with the mud and pine needles still clinging to their clothes, but I keep my mouth shut.

Carlisle continues speaking, unaware of my thoughts. "Besides, every month I come by to visit Billy. I can't miss an appointment with my favorite patient. I have to make sure he stays healthy." Carlisle claps Billy's shoulder, making him chuckle.

"I try, Doc. I do."

"Bewwa," Claire mock-whispers, pulling a lock of my hair. I give her my full attention and watch with amusement as she looks at someone from the corner of her eye. "Dat's my boy."

She points at someone, and I follow the direction of her finger.

Edward. Of course.

Ignoring my own feelings about the person in question, I play along. "Really? You like Edward?"

"You know'd him?" she says, her eyes wide and astonished. "But he's mine!"

"I go to school with him. How do you know him?"

"He's my boy! He singed songs to me and read my stowies. He pways wif me too! His daddy made me betta."

I look between Edward and Claire, noticing the former is gazing at the little girl in my arms with a fond expression.

So, the fierce and 'full of attitude,' Edward Cullen likes kids, huh? Well, maybe he does have a heart.

"Wow! You're very lucky, then."

Claire nods quickly. "Yes. Take me over, pwease."

Unable to deny her request, I take her over to Edward, who immediately bows at the waist, sending her into a fit of giggles.

"Bewwa! He bowed like a pwince!"

"I see that," I murmur, slightly amazed at Edward's behavior. Who knew he could act like this? "Hi, Eddie."

"Hello, beautiful Claire. How are you this evening?"

She giggles again, covering her mouth with both hands and burying her face back in my neck before taking a few peeks.

"What about me? No love for me?" Emmett pouts playfully.

Claire looks over and waves enthusiastically. "Hi, Memmet."

"Hey, there!"

Emmett's connection with Claire is a no brainer. He has the personality to draw kids in and make them laugh. Edward, on the other hand, still astonishes me. But then again, everyone has little hidden traits … and when would I have time to see his? We've never had the in-depth 'getting to know you' conversation or anything. Now I kind of wish we could.

Wait, what?

"I brought you something, little Princess," Edward says to Claire.

She perks up, her full attention on him. He produces a beautiful, single yellow rose from his back pocket, presenting it like it's gold. Claire gasps loudly and gently takes the flower, practically shoving it in her face to smell the fragrance coming from it.

"Bewwa, smell!"

I get the same treatment, as the flower is shoved in my face, but I don't mind.

"That smells wonderful, Claire."

"Who knew you had a soft side, Bella?" Edward smirks, rocking back on his heels. "And here I thought you were all fire and ice. It's nice to see you're … human."

There's something about his tone and the look on his face that has my anger soaring. Does he think I'm completely heartless that I wouldn't give comfort to a little girl? Apparently, so.

Making sure Claire is occupied, I flip him off, which only makes him chuckle and I narrow my eyes. Is he enjoying this?

From the humor swimming in his eyes, I'd say he is. Sick bastard.

Although, I've pissed him off for my own enjoyment. Damn him.

"Claire!" Emily's voice filters through to us and we all turn, watching as she runs toward me, panicked and out of breath.

In response to her mother's voice, Claire's grip tightens, and she burrows her face deeper in my neck, tucking her flower between her body and mine.

"Claire, you shouldn't run from me like that," Emily scolds. "It's not safe for you to run around out here at night. Your father and I have told you that! I swear," she says, looking at all of us with exhaustion and exasperation clear on her face. "I have no idea how she gets out! We don't leave the door unlocked."

Billy chuckles. "She's a hellion … and just think, this is just a preview to her teenage years."

"Wonderful," she grumbles, reaching for her kid. "Come on, baby."

"I not take a baf," Claire argues.

Emily sighs, frustrated. "This is all her father. He doesn't think he needs a bath even when the flies are following him."

It's then, Emily notices the people around us, and she gives a wave with an embarrassed but friendly grin. "Hello, all. How are you?" Emily gives me a side hug since her daughter isn't letting go anytime soon.

"Just fine, Emily," Carlisle answers. "How is young Claire? It seems she's a lot better than when I saw her last."

"Yes, thank you so much, Carlisle. That medicine you gave her really brought down her fever a lot."

"My pleasure."

"Bella, thank you for grabbing her. Who knows where she'd be if you hadn't."

"More like she grabbed me. Apparently, I'm her rescuer."

"Well nevertheless, thank you. Now," she says, blowing out a huge breath, "I have to get her bathed and in bed."

"No baf," Claire repeats. "I gots a flower, Mama!"

"That's so pretty! We should put it in water right away."

"No," she whines. "No baf."

I can see this is an on-going battle, but hopefully, I can make it a little easier for Emily. "Hey, kiddo." I jostle the body in my arms a bit, causing her to look up at me cautious eyes. "You like The Little Mermaid,right?" When she nods enthusiastically, I continue before she can start babbling about Ariel. Once you get this kid started, she won't stop talking until she's run out of breath. "Do you remember where Ariel lives?"

"In da oshum," she replies, pointing a finger toward the beach.

"Right, and what is the ocean?"

"Wata."

"Exactly … the same water that's in a bath. So if you want to be like Ariel, you have to take one."

Her lips purse and her eyes narrow. Everything around us goes silent, and I have to bite my tongue to keep my laughter inside. I'm in a showdown with a two-year-old, so I keep my expression neutral, hoping she'll buy into the story I'm trying to sell.

"Reawy?"

"Yep. Ariel takes baths too."

Again, she ponders this before she twists so suddenly toward her mother that I have to tighten my grip as Emily has to reach out to keep her from falling.

"Bye-bye. Baf, Mama!"

I hand Claire over to her mother and wave goodbye with a chuckle as Claire demands she get a bath right at that moment so she can go swimming with Flounder and Sebastian.

"Bye, Claire! Be good!"

Billy chuckles, shaking his head. "You're good with her. You're going to make a terrific mother, Bella."

"Eh. I'm good at the whole 'Aunt' thing because I can give them back to their parents at the end of the day. Beyond that, no other kids will be in my life."

"Who's having kids?" my dad questions, pushing the screen door open and stepping out. Harry Clearwater follows behind, nodding his head politely toward the Cullens.

"Me. I'm pregnant," I'm deadpan.

Emmett guffaws, and whispers to his brother. Obviously, it's not as quiet as he thinks, because I hear every word he says.

"Who's the father of her love child, huh? Got something to share, Eddie?"

Memories of Edward and I working well together at his house come to mind. Except, this time, things are different and they go farther than the tentative friendliness we exchanged.

Instead of talking and working like we're supposed to, Edward's lips are bruising mine, and his hands are traveling all over my body as he lays me down on his dining room table. Before things can get too graphic, I remember where I am and who I'm with, and back away from that train of thought. I try to play it cool, but I can't stop my cheeks from flushing and my body from tingling.

Whoa, let's back away from that train of thought. He may be good looking, but he treats me like dirt most of the time … not to mention I despise him.

I push those thoughts away, determined to leave them for another time. Now, there's Emmett to take care of. I turn, prepared to tell him off, but Edward beats me to it, hissing something in his ear and glaring as he pulls away. Emmett remains unaffected, smiling like a lunatic.

Dad levels me with a look. "You want me to die young, don't you?"

"Relax, Dad. I will remain a virgin for the rest of my life," I dramatically tell him, raising one hand in the air and placing the other on my chest.

He throws an arm around my shoulder and kisses the top of my head, chuckling. "That's all I ask."

Everyone laughs, Billy, being the loudest.

"Good luck with that one, Charlie! I remember Renee making the same vow to her parents. How long did that promise keep for again?"

Dad makes a face. "Don't even." Then, he gets an evil grin on his face, his eyes cutting over to Carlisle for a moment. "So, Billy, how's everything? You still in good health? Did you tell Carlisle about that rash?"

Harry guffaws as Billy playfully glares. "Perfect as usual."

"Remember what I said," Carlisle interjects. "Lay off the fatty foods and beer."

"Ha! I mean, oh, that's terrible," my dad says, trying to remain sympathetic.

"Laugh it up, chuckles. You're next!"

"Not for a while. I had a checkup the other day. Everything looks good."

Billy grumbles as my dad shakes hands with Carlisle, exchanging pleasantries and then turning to Emmett and Edward, who stand up straighter and square their shoulders.

"These must be your boys."

"Yes, this is Emmett and Edward."

"Hello," Dad says, shaking hands with each of them, not even batting an eye at the cool temperature of their skin. "I've heard a lot about both of you."

They both smirk, and Edward's eyes cut to me for a brief moment as he shakes his head, chuckling under his breath.

For once, I wish I could read minds, so I knew what he finds so funny. I'm sure it's something to do with me and would most likely piss me off, but I would so love to peek inside his head.

"All good things, I hope, sir," Emmett says, grinning.

"Mostly." Dad's mustache twitches. "Well, it's getting late, and I have an early shift tomorrow. Doc, will you be joining our poker game this weekend?"

"Wouldn't miss it," Carlisle answers.

"Great. See you guys later."

Dad heads to the truck, and I give my goodbyes to everyone, following behind him. A few minutes into the drive, Dad looks at his mirrors and briefly turns to me.

"So, that was Edward?"

"Yep."

"Mmhmm. He seems … interested." His grumbling tone sounds almost thoughtful.

"In what?"

"Huh?"

"You said 'he seems interested.' What is he interested in?"

"I meant interesting. He's not like you painted him out to be."

I snort. "He's not stupid. Of course, he's going to be on his best behavior. You're the chief of police and his father's friend. He's not going to treat me like dirt while you're standing there."

Dad simply chuckles, as if he's got some kind of inside joke. Before I can ask him what is so funny, he reaches over and pats my hand. "Very true, Bella. Very true."

I hope you enjoyed the chapter!