24
Bella sits across from me with a packet of animal blood and a V.A.M.P. Coffee mug that she brought with her. "Have you ever heard of the term la tua cantante?"
I chew and swallow the bite I had just taken. "The street term is singer, right?"
She nods. "I need to talk to someone, but I think that might be the situation we're in. I've never been affected by something as simple as a human blushing."
I gulp. "From what Jasper has taught us, singers don't survive, in most cases."
Bella's eyes widen in surprise. "I'm not going to eat you, Edward. Vegetarianism isn't just a diet; it's our religion. Do no harm." She holds up her packet of blood. "It's a choice I made when I found out what I am."
I don't know what to say after that. Am I really safe cohabitating with a vampire who could be extremely attracted to my blood? Are my girls safe?
"I promise, Edward."
"What if I cut myself shaving?" I can't help but ask. "What if one of the girls gets a papercut."
"Their scent doesn't appeal to me half as much as yours does, but I have more restraint than you're giving me credit for. I wouldn't stay if I thought I was a danger to you or your children in any way."
"I'm sorry. Forgive me for jumping to conclusions." I give her my best, genuine smile.
"I really want to do this, Edward. Something compelled me to say yes when Jane called. I truly think I'm meant to be here." She pours her blood into the mug and tosses the packet across the room without looking. It lands straight in the garbage can without so much as a swish. "You're entrusting your children's lives with me, and I sound like a crazy person."
I think I'm witnessing a vampire suffering from embarrassment. Our serious talk is interrupted by an excited squeal and the sound of the front door banging against the wall.
Bella follows me into the living room where my daughter is wrapped around her boyfriend, trying to suck the unnecessary air from his lungs.
"Mary Alice!"
She climbs down from her perch and turns to me while she wipes at her smeared lipstick.
Jasper gives a cocky grin, and I feel the slow trickle of silk that is immediately blocked by Bella's shield.
"Five feet apart," I order.