I carefully pour the blood into a cup, being careful not to spill.

My curiosity was burning. What had Renesmee's nightmare consisted of that had put that strange look into Edward's eyes? Like he had seen a ghost or something?

I pick up the styrofoam cup, full to the brim with blood, and have a strange sense of déjà vu.

The last time I had seen a styrofoam cup, it had spilled over, its contents staining the white couch.

The last time Bella was alive.

I sighed, choosing to concentrate on the cup of blood other than my thoughts, trying to carefully and quickly walk over to the office without it spilling. I didn't want the other leeches to get a whiff.

Yet again, Seth ran through the front door, slamming it open.

I jumped, and the cup slipped from my grasp, its contents spilling all over my pants and the tile floor of the kitchen.

"Damn it, Seth!" I cursed, trying to pick up the cup before any more could spill.

Seth looked over at me, his eyes widening with surprise.

"Oh. Crap. Sorry, Jake!" he apologized, jogging over and snatching a dishcloth to help clean up.

"Yeah, yeah.." I murmured, kneeling to grab some bleach from under the kitchen sink.

I got up and turned around to find three vampires standing stalk still, eyes wide as they stared at the red contents on the floor.

Eleazar was the first to sprint out the door, dragging along Carmen, and Kate following.

I sighed with relief, pouring bleach over another dishcloth and scrubbing at the floor.

"What happened?" Edward asks, holding Renesmee in his arms.

"I just spilled the-er-blood." I explained, grimacing at the word 'blood'.

"It was my fault, Edward. Sorry about the mess." Seth says apologetically, rinsing his dishcloth in the sink.

"It's fine. Accidents happen." Edward says, nodding toward Seth. "But can you try to be more careful? We don't want to scare off our help."

Seth nods.

Once the spill was thoroughly cleaned, I went to the couch to relax for a bit. But of course, before I even sat down, there was a knock on the door.

Edwards face lights up, and he carefully puts Renesmee in my arms as he makes his way to the door.

"Ah! Garrett!" Edward exclaims, pulling him in for a hug.

"Edward, long time no see, eh? Where is my buddy, Carlisle?"

"Carlisle! Look who decided to show up!" Edward shouts, examining Garrett with bright eyes.

Carlisle steps out of his office and greets the vampire the same way Edward had.

"Garrett, what brings you to our home?" Carlisle asks.

"There is word of a battle between you and the Volturi. Is this true?"

Carlisle hesitates before speaking.

"Well, it is not a battle, just a confrontation. We just want to speak with them."

"Of course, Carlisle!" Garrett laughs. "May I join the-er-confrontation?"

"If you are still up to it after we explain, than of course! And please, come in!"

Garrett steps through the threshold, and I examine him with curiosity.

The vampire had sandy, blond hair, with the same pale white skin as the Cullens.

The only difference was that, instead of gold eyes, he had red ones.

I immediately swung Renesmee onto my back and growled, my body trembling wildly.

"Relax, Jacob. He is no harm to Renesmee." Carlisle says softly.

"His eyes, Carlisle." I say through clenched teeth, my voice low.

"I will not harm the little one." Garrett says, studying Renesmee with curiosity, as I look at him.

My tremors die down, but I stay on high alert, watching his every move.

"Who is this beautiful creäture, Carlisle?" Garrett asks.

"Her name is Renesmee. She is Edwards daughter."

"Her skin shines in the sun, yet she has a heartbeat. What is she?"

"A half human, half vampire." Carlisle explains.

"Unbelievable." Garrett murmurs. "Just incredible. And who is the mother of Renesmee? A human, I assume?"

Edward flinches, and Carlisle stiffens.

"Yes, a human. Her name was Bella, Edwards wife."

Pain crosses Edwards features, and he quickly escapes the room.

"I am assuming she did not make it through child-birth."

"No, she didn't." Carlisle says softly.

"I'm sorry."

Carlisle smiles sadly.

"When is this confrontation with the Volturi?" Garrett asks, changing the subject quickly.

Carlisle and I glance at each other.

"Tomorrow."