I smiled now, watching my parents as they walked in the moonlight. What Carlisle had done that day, I knew now, was find the girl of his daydreams. As he washed away the blood, and the skin on her face began to heal, I recognized the human girl who had always been drifting in and out of his mind since I had known him. At first, when she awoke, I had been a little jealous, and I was hurt that Carlisle had changed another person without even asking my opinion. But as their love story quickly unfolded, I knew our family was finally complete. Now I couldn't imagine life without sweet, gentle Esme, who was beginning to blossom into the mother I had been missing all this time. They had married in less than four months, and, like all mated vampires, were enjoying a young love that would be fresh for eternity. I knew that if one of them were to meet their end, the other would never recover from the loss.

As I watched them together, whispering to each other tenderly, I casually wondered if I would ever be walking like that in the moonlight, leaning down to whisper together with my wife. I knew that new vampires are formed now and then, so there were potentially any number of females I might come across in the future. Would I ever find true love, like Carlisle had? I knew he and Esme wanted that for me, and I could only wonder at what my future might hold. For now, though, this was it. I was content with my little family, and even though I sometimes wondered what else might be out there for me, I felt no urgency to go and find it. I had eternity, after all.

On the path ahead, Carlisle had suddenly stopped and was stepping in front of Esme protectively, sniffing the air. It wasn't uncommon for him to catch a scent a few seconds before me, being much older. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, stretching out with my mental ability as well. I soon noticed a distinct sweetness on the wind, and two unfamiliar minds just on the edge of my range. I caught up to Carlisle and Esme, speaking quietly. "Three miles off. Do you know them?"

He was frowning, his eyes closed as he concentrated on the scent. I hope that's not who I think… yes, it is. This is going to be unpleasant. He sighed and then spoke aloud for Esme's benefit. "Volturi guards. One is Demetri… I'm not sure about the other."

Esme and I both froze, and I felt a hostile growl rising inside me. Carlisle had told me enough about his years with the Volturi for me to fear this encounter. "What do they want with us?" I hissed. "We haven't done anything wrong!"

"I don't know," Carlisle said stiffly, "but this is no chance meeting. Demetri is a tracker; he must be looking for me specifically." But why now?

"They're still a ways off. Perhaps we could avoid them," Esme suggested.

Carlisle shook his head. "There no avoiding this one," he sighed. "But whatever the reason for their visit, we need to be careful. The Volturi are notorious for seeking out unusual talents. If it can be helped, I don't want to let them know about Edward's ability." Then he looked pointedly at me. Edward, you need to be prepared. Be careful not to respond to their thoughts, or ours. I nodded.

Just then the approaching thoughts became clear. A calm, masculine voice was speaking to its companion: They're off to the northwest. This way.

And then a second mental voice, high and childlike: I wonder if the mind reader can hear us yet.

I let out an exasperated sigh. "Too late, Carlisle. They know already."

My parents exchanged a worried glance. Their thoughts turned from worry to fear as they both pictured me being carried off by cloaked figures. I shivered and moved closer to them, and we waited in apprehensive silence for the strangers to approach.

They appeared suddenly out of the mist; their approach through the woods had been all but silent to my ears. Both of them were shrouded in dark cloaks, and it gave the impression that they were gliding over the ground. The tall male, his black hair hanging loose to his shoulders, was accompanied by a young girl. Her light brown hair was cropped short and her features were innocent, angelic; she couldn't have been more than thirteen when she was changed. I watched her curiously; I had never seen such a young vampire before. As they drew closer, I gasped at the sight of their bright red eyes. This was also a sight I had never seen, though I knew what it meant. The girl was returning my gaze steadily, with a serene expression.

That must be him. We've all heard about your talent, Edward. Let's see if you can guess mine. She showed me an image of her companion on the forest floor, writhing in pain. I glanced back over to the male, Demetri, but he appeared unharmed.

He was bowing slightly to my parents. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Carlisle. Still going your own way, I see." His voice, like his mind, was calm, measured… ancient.

Carlisle nodded politely, despite the turbulence in his thoughts. "Demetri. It's been a long time. Allow me to introduce my wife, Esme, and our son, Edward." He gestured to each of us in turn, his eyes never leaving Demetri's face.

"Son?" Both of our visitors seemed amused at the term.

I stepped forward to speak. "Carlisle changed me eight years ago, and Esme five years ago. We live as a family."

Demetri ignored my comment and nodded toward the girl. "This is Jane. She's been with the guard for centuries, although I'm not sure you and she ever met, Carlisle. Your association with my masters was such that her talent was not needed… fortunately for you." Then he was looking Esme up and down approvingly. "Your wife, you say? Any special abilities?"

"No."

"But this one," he began, shifting his gaze toward me, "this one we have heard of. Quite remarkable." As he spoke, his eyes bored into my own, and I noticed something odd going on in his mind. He seemed to be memorizing something about me. I knew from Carlisle's words earlier that Demetri was some sort of tracker; it seemed that his scrutiny had something to do with his gift. I dropped my eyes, beginning to feel even more uncomfortable.

Carlisle's spoke quietly; I was sure only Esme and I could hear the unusual edge to his words. "Yes, about that. How would the Volturi know anything of my son?"

Demetri released me from his gaze and turned back to my father. "Come now, Carlisle. Surely you, of all people, can appreciate the efficiency of the guard. But as it happens, Aro still makes it a point to occasionally visit certain covens with old friends. Earlier this year he paid a visit to Eleazar and his coven… purely a social call, you understand."

"And a friendly handshake, no doubt," Carlisle said with a frown.

"Of course. My master was quite hurt that you had never written to announce your creation—and now I learn you've taken a mate, as well! What else have you been up to all these years, I wonder?"

"I would be happy to share all of my experiences, Demetri. Our home is just a mile up ahead, and we can talk more comfortably there." He placed a guiding hand on Esme's back and glanced back at me as he began walking. Edward, remember what I said. No matter what they say or do, we must not antagonize them.

I nodded slightly, walking directly behind my parents as we led the guards to our home, their black cloaks billowing silently behind them. It felt like we were being marched into a courtroom.