Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns everything in the Twiverse.

So let me apologize for the delay.

Just after posting Ch46 last month, my novel was rejected, and that threw me for a bit of a loop. After jmolly and lissabryan picked me up off the proverbial floor-THANK YOU, ladies!-I received some great feedback from the publisher and decided to return to the lab to rework my story for future submission.

In the meantime, I've started a blog about this new development: denisegettingtoyes . blogspot . com (remove spaces), and I'd love you to join me on my journey!

Anyhoo, let's check in with our unexpected house guest…

Chapter 47: Housecall

Bella's POV

I stared at our visitor, my face frozen in surprise.

I didn't blink, couldn't cry. I barely remembered to breathe.

There had to be some mistake, some psychological trauma causing me to belatedly process the past during the present.

We had left Volterra. I had the lingering scent of Laurent's ashes in my nostrils to prove it.

I knew we'd left Volterra because I was at my father's house in Forks. He was upstairs recuperating, his questions answered to his satisfaction, and Carlisle was in the kitchen making him an aggressive cup of coffee.

I was certain we'd left Volterra because my siblings and mother-in-law were at the mansion in the woods, comforting our cousins who were grieving the loss of their sister.

And I had no doubt we'd left Volterra—and all its occupants—because my husband was somewhere behind me, gloating over his plans to keep Charlie in my life after my change.

So Aro could not be on my porch in a black overcoat that skimmed his ankles.

Aro could not be here in Forks because he was in Volterra where we'd left him.

There must have been some supernatural mix-up, some unprecedented fissure in the space-time continuum allowing Aro to be here in Forks and on my front step.

Either that or I was having a psychotic break.

"Isabella?" Aro's apparition looked as confused as I felt. "Are you unwell?"

"She's fine," Edward said from his position at my back. His hands were cold and firm on my waist, and the strength of their grip confirmed the worst.

Aro was here.

"But she looks positively affright." Aro's hand lifted as if to stroke my cheek, and Edward turned me away from his reach. "I see not much has changed," Aro muttered.

Something about the amusement in his voice emboldened me, and I stepped forward as much as I could with Edward holding me so tightly. "What the bloody hell are you doing here?"

Aro's eyes narrowed though his voice was friendly. "Is this how you greet an old friend who has traveled so far to see you?"

"My friends know better than to show up unannounced."

"I see." He looked disappointed. "Well where I am from, true friendship implies an open invitation. Perhaps our recent time together did not endear me as I had hoped."

I had no intelligible response to that, so we just stared at each other: cloudy red on furious brown. My insides quivered with uncertainty, but I would not give him the satisfaction of seeing my fear.

"May I come in?" The question was addressed beyond me to Carlisle. "It's a bit drafty out here."

Carlisle came to stand on my other side. "This is Isabella's home. It is her permission you need."

Aro bowed with apologies then looked at me. With his hair behind him in a conservative ponytail, I had a clear view of his face. I should not have been surprised to find it unreadable.

"What do you say, Isabella? Shall we have this conversation away from your clueless neighbors?" He inhaled deeply. "Their American aroma might prove difficult to resist, and we wouldn't want any accidents."

"Are you… Is this how you treat your friends?" The last word was a hiss. "With threats and deadly innuendo?"

Aro parted his lips to speak, but it was Edward's voice I heard, low and fervent in my ear. "Bella, let's invite him in where we can speak privately."

He seemed to be pleading, as if between his bride and the bloodthirsty monster, I was the one needing to be corralled.

I turned to face him, his eyes tense with concern, and relented. Nothing would be served by antagonizing Aro, and as my common sense began to catch up with me, I realized home-field advantage was unlikely to matter in this case.

With a sigh, I turned back to my uninvited guest and stepped aside. "Do come in."

"Thank you." Aro bowed as if truly grateful for my hospitality then swept past me into the living room. Relief flooded Edward's eyes, and I rested my hand against his cheek. He pressed his hand to my own before threading our fingers together and leading me toward the main room. The door clicked at Carlisle shut it behind us, his soft sigh the only clue to his feelings.

"I'd never given much thought to how you lived," Aro whispered as he appraised the room. "But this is a surprise."

"It's my father's house." I glanced up the stairs. "I had little to do with the décor."

"That explains it then." He unbuttoned his full-length overcoat and slipped it off his shoulders with effortless grace. "Where might I put this?"

He was speaking to me, but I was too busy staring at his clothes to reply.

A gray and white plaid dress shirt peeked out from the collar and sleeves of his forest green V-necked sweater. Dark wash jeans were cinched by a thin black belt, and he finished the ensemble with a charcoal blazer and black leather loafers.

My mind worked overtime to correct the image before me. But the longer I stared, the more alarmed I became.

The notion of Aro—cue the thunder and lightning—in casual clothes was unspeakably off-putting. Not only because he was wearing colors other than black. Not only because his thin pale skin was far too slight against the hearty fabrics. But mainly because in trying to appear human, he inadvertently highlighted his otherworldliness, making it more menacing. Dark robes and red eyes made scary sense. Polo and desiccated flesh was just plain scary.

An arctic shudder rippled through my body, and I pressed closer to Edward, needing his strength.

The visiting Volturi eyed me curiously. "Isabella?"

"Huh?"

"Allow me," Carlisle said, stepping forward to retrieve Aro's coat. I cleared my throat and blinked myself back to life, determined not to let Aro's attire erode my sanity.

Aro nodded his thanks then chose the seat from which he would hold court, folding his hands as he perched himself on the edge of the chair. Seeing him in Charlie's favorite spot incensed me, and it took all my self-control not to demand he sit somewhere else.

"Aro," Carlisle spoke again. "Though I seldom speak on behalf of my children and wife, I confess our collective surprise at seeing you so soon. Is something wrong?"

"No." His voice was even and devoid of malice, yet my nerves increased in triplicate.

"Are your brothers well?" Edward asked, though I doubted he cared.

"Quite, thank you."

"Has there been a change in your verdict?" Carlisle tried again.

His lips twitched for a fraction of a second. "Perhaps."

I fought the urge to run a hand through my hair, finally understanding the frustration which led Edward to do it. "Why the hell are you here?" I hissed.

"I am used to hearing such objectionable language, Isabella," Aro frowned. "I find it most distasteful, especially from a lady."

"Excuse me for being riled up!" I said as Edward's grip on my hand tightened. "We've barely been home for twelve hours after escaping that ordeal of a trial, and you're here. What more could you possibly want with us?"

"To my recollection," Aro said calmly, "I did not invite you to Volterra, so any situation from which you felt an 'escape' was necessary is solely your own doing."

Edward massaged my fingers in an attempt to calm me.

"To your second point, I think it should be obvious what I want with you."

And he rolled his eyes toward the ceiling, a knowing smile spreading across his face.

Charlie.

I clamped my mouth shut to keep from nibbling my lip while Edward and Carlisle exchanged a look. "As we reported in Volterra," Carlisle said. "Charlie knows nothing about our existence."

"Though your repetitiveness is tiresome," Aro replied, "you are nothing if not consistent."

"He speaks the truth." Edward stepped forward with his hand raised. "See for yourself."

But Aro waved him off with a flaccid flick of his hand. "I have seen all I need from you, Master Masen. And I did not travel all this way for re-runs."

As Carlisle folded his arms across his chest, the front door opened to admit Esme, Alice, and Jasper, their eyes alight with distress. The weight of their concern was so heavy that I swayed a bit on my feet. Edward led me to the end of the couch furthest from Aro and plopped me on his lap, his cool hands cradling mine.

"And now Esme and the Whitlocks are here," Aro exclaimed with a clap of his hands. "How wonderful!"

"I am sorry we weren't here to receive you," Esme said. "We did not know you were coming."

"Yes, well." Aro's smug glance at Alice did not go unnoticed. "One cannot always know these things in advance."

"I did not see the guard," Jasper said as he assumed his preferred position against the wall. "Did you come alone?"

"You know better than that, Major," Aro scolded with a smile. "Santiago is in the car with Kejara."

"You brought Kejara?" I asked. "And left her alone with Santiago?"

"Why not?" Aro shrugged. "She is my particular assistant and was eager to see the States. You are not the only human unafraid to associate with vampires, you know."

I suppressed a flare of annoyance as Jasper cleared his throat. "So what brings you to Forks?"

"Well, as I was telling your father and newly wedded siblings—my, how naughty that sounds!—I came to inquire after Chief Swan."

"That could have been accomplished in a phone call," Esme said with surprising heat. "Why come all this way?"

"Ah, the mother hen's feathers are ruffled." Aro looked at Esme with something akin to respect. "How I adore your coven and its domesticity! Rest assured, Mrs. Cullen, I mean you all no harm. I came only to see Charlie."

His voice caressed my father's name like a serpent would its prey, and I suddenly empathized with Eve in the Garden of Eden.

"He's asleep," Esme said.

"You and I both know that isn't true," Aro tsked. "If his heartbeat weren't indication enough, I can hear his involvement with that war movie he's watching. Humans and their diversions."

"Charlie just woke up," I said. "He is in no condition to be frightened to death."

"Who said anything about death?" Aro smiled.

"You know what I mean. My father's health is fragile, and I don't want you upsetting him."

"Your concern for him is touching. And if I had a heart, your loyalty would surely warm it." Aro lowered his voice to a whisper. "But I have no heart and care nothing for your worries. And in case you hadn't noticed, I was not asking."

"I see no problem with it," Alice said brightly. "If anything, it will simplify matters."

"Excellent!" Aro's change in demeanor was immediate. "I knew it would work out."

"Carlisle can introduce you as a colleague he consulted during Charlie's convalescence," Alice explained. "The case was so unique, you wanted to meet Charlie yourself. You'll read Charlie's mind with a touch, see he knows nothing, and all will be well. Nice shoes," she added as an aside. "Do they come in camel?"

Aro chuckled at the non sequitur as he stood up. "You may ask Kejara. She purchased them before our trip last night." He turned to his former partner with a small smile. "Shall we?"

I was on my feet without realizing it. "I'm going first."

"There's no need for that," Aro frowned. "Your father will be perfectly safe."

"You have no authority under this roof, Signor Aro," I said. "And I do not need your permission to see my father."

I expected a growl at the very least and was entirely surprised when Aro resumed his seat with a shrug. "Suit yourself."

If he wanted to give me emotional whiplash, he was succeeding. I glared at the back of his head while he turned to Alice to ask about her favorite male designers and turned to Carlisle. "His coffee, please."

Carlisle handed me the mug and gazed intently at me. "Tell him to take periodic sips," he said with apologetic eyes.

I nodded and climbed the stairs one small step at a time. With everything else going on right now, the last thing I needed was hot coffee all over my hands.

I reached Charlie's door with his beverage intact and waited until his commentary ceased before knocking. "I come with a peace offering," I said, pleased to note his color had improved since this morning.

"You're missing the doughnut," Charlie smiled, "but this is a good start."

"Coffee and doughnuts, Chief?" I handed him the mug and saucer. "Could you be more cliché?"

Ignoring me, he closed his eyes and raised the cup to his face, inhaling deeply. Bending his head, he took a sip and hummed in satisfaction. "Ah, that's the stuff."

"Shall I leave you two alone?"

He opened his eyes. "There a few things more important to a man than a good cup of strong coffee. You'd be wise to remember that, Ms. Newlywed."

"I'll keep that in mind," I chuckled, toeing a worn spot in the rug for want of a distraction. "So I need to ask you a favor."

"I should have known this was a bribe," he muttered as he took another sip.

I took the cup and set it next to the half-finished smoothie. "Sporadic sips, sir. Doctor's orders."

"Humph."

"Besides which," I sat down. "I shouldn't have to bribe you. I am your one and only child."

"Shows what you know," he muttered.

"What the-?" My outburst was strong enough to bring me back to my feet. "What the hell does that mean?"

Charlie stared blankly at me, and the thought of a post-deathbed confession sent my heart into the pit of my stomach.

Until a rolling laughter erupted from his mouth, scaring the literal bejeezus out of me. "You should see your face!" he roared.

"You…" My heart began to decelerate, and I decided to be grateful for the return of his sense of humor instead of picking up a pillow and whacking him with it. "Just for that, you have to do what I'm asking."

"I'm sorry, Bells." His dancing eyes indicated otherwise. "What do you need?"

"Well, while you were… out, Carlisle consulted a few trusted colleagues about your case, looking for possible answers. No one in Forks," I said as he opened his mouth. "Just a few people he's worked with over the years. Apparently one of them is visiting the West Coast this weekend and was concerned enough to stop… here."

My inflection did its job, and Charlie sat upright. "Here, like in this house?" He turned toward the window. "Right now?"

"He has business in Seattle later this morning and hoped to catch you beforehand."

Charlie frowned. "Kind of rude not to call first."

"I felt the same way. Then I decided anyone who cares that much about your well-being can only be so bad."

Charlie stared at me for a long while, then his lips twitched. "I don't know what you plan on studying next year, but may I suggest pre-law? You're too good at being persuasive."

"So you'll see him?"

Charlie sighed. "You never ask me for anything. The least I can do is see a doctor who wants to help me."

Let's hope that's all he wants. "Thanks, Dad."

"And you can stay." He didn't look at me, but I heard the hitch in his voice. "You might have questions or something."

"I'll stay." Better than eavesdropping from downstairs. "Just to hear his opinion."

"Give me a few minutes then send him up. He is a he, right?"

"Yes."

"Good." Guess he'd had his fill of female strangers. "And bring Carlisle too."

—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—

"Dad, this is Dr. Volturi," I said with a smile pasted to my face.

Aro stepped forward and smiled. "Nice to meet you, Chief Swan."

Again I forced my eyes away from Aro, alarmed and disturbed by how normal he sounded. No accent, no antiquated phrases or cadence. He could almost pass for human, if not for his physical appearance.

And on that score, he'd done an admirable job. While I was upstairs with Charlie, Aro had slipped opaque green colored lenses in his eyes, reducing the menacing red to a harmless dark brown. His skin was pale enough to make Carlisle appear tanned, but Charlie didn't seem to notice. My father's curious eyes darted between Aro's face and mine, and in a flash of clarity, I understood why.

On my word alone, Charlie was willing to trust Aro… on whose word alone, we'd had no choice but to hope his motives were benign.

And all of this before ten o'clock on a Saturday morning.

I smiled back at Charlie as Aro crossed in front of the television, hiding my fears as far away from my face as possible.

"Thanks for taking the time to see me, Dr. Volturi," Charlie said.

"Nonsense," Aro smiled, stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets. "Once Carlisle called me about your case, I wanted to see you in person."

Charlie glanced at Carlisle who smiled from the opposite edge of the bed. "How long have you known Carlisle?" he asked Aro.

"More years than I'd care to admit," Aro laughed. "Let's just say we go back a ways."

Now's he laughing without malice or sarcasm? What's next? A joke about a drummer, a cowboy, and a scientist walking into a bar?

"What brings you to Seattle?" Charlie asked.

"I'm speaking at a symposium on genetic predispositions to psychotic behavior," Aro said.

Charlie cocked an eyebrow. "Are you an expert?"

"It's an offshoot of my main field of study," Aro replied. "I'm a psychiatrist specializing in the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder."

"So that's why he called you." Charlie grabbed the remote to mute the television. "What did he tell you?"

"Only that a good friend and recent relative was in a bad way and might need my help," Aro said.

Charlie waved him forward while I took a seat at the foot of the bed. Carlisle had already chosen his corner. "What do you want to know?" my father asked.

"Whatever you want to tell me."

Charlie seemed uncomfortable. "That's pretty broad."

"Why don't we start with the obvious?" Aro removed his hands from his pockets and folded them. "How are you feeling?"

"Like a bear waking up from a long winter's nap," Charlie said.

"Are you a hunter?" Aro asked.

"Fisherman," Charlie said. "I've seen too much in my line of work to use guns for sport."

Aro nodded as if he understood. I suddenly wished Alice were lurking in the corner recording his performance. It was masterful. "Would you say your current mood is normal?"

"Aside from wanting a steak so bad I could hit something, yes."

"What about your memory?" Aro leaned forward. "Any gaps there?"

Charlie glanced at Carlisle then me, and I pretended not to notice. "Not that I can tell."

"Good, good." Aro sounded pleased, but I caught the doubt in his eyes. "Now, would you indulge me in a little exercise?"

"As long as I don't have to get up," Charlie said.

"No, no," Aro smiled. "A word association exercise. I'll say a word, and you say the first thing that comes to your mind. All right?"

"Sure," Charlie said. "But if all my answers are about food, blame him."

Carlisle smiled. "Oh, stop crying, you big baby."

"Eyes shut, Charlie," Aro said. "And I'll need silence from the two of you."

Carlisle laid his hand on my shoulder after Charlie closed his eyes, and my mounting anxiety receded enough for me to breathe normally.

"Let's begin." Aro's voice dropped slightly. "Cats?"

"Annoying."

"War?"

"Necessary."

"Friend?"

"Billy."

"Castles?"

"Disneyland."

"Women?"

Charlie's brow furrowed. "Liars."

"Forest?"

"Death."

Aro's eyes twinkled with interest. "Home?"

"Cake."

"Heartache?"

"Seahawks."

"Carlisle?"

"Trust."

"Vampires?"

Charlie smiled. "Selene."

"Edward?"

"Thief."

I gasped, and Aro glanced at me sharply. "Sorry," I muttered.

To Charlie he said, "I think we're done."

Charlie looked up, his eyes contrite as they focused on me. "Did I pass?"

"There were no right or wrong answers, Chief," Aro said. "Some of your answers didn't make sense to me, but they came without hesitation."

"Is that good?"

"It's great." Aro laid his hand on Charlie's, and my father didn't so much as flinch. "It means your mind is alert and unafraid to remember. Based on that and your overall demeanor, I'd say you're out of the woods."

Charlie laughed without humor. "I hope I never see the woods again."

"That's goes double for Bella, I'm sure." Aro patted Charlie's hand before clasping his own together. "Well, if there's nothing else, I should get going."

"Thanks for stopping by." Charlie extended his hand, and Aro shook it warmly. "I appreciate it."

"Thank you for meeting with me." Aro replied as he came to his feet. "Carlisle is a good man and an even better doctor, so if you have any problems going forward, I'm sure he can help."

"I have no doubt," Charlie said with a kind look at Carlisle.

"I'll walk you out," Carlisle said as Aro headed toward the door.

I turned to follow, but Charlie motioned for me to stay. Once I heard their heavy footfalls on the stairs, Charlie sighed.

"I don't hate Edward," he said with some embarrassment. "But he did steal you from right under my nose. And though my mind accepts it as what's best, my heart still thinks of him as the boy who got away with theft."

"I know." I crawled across the bed to kiss his cheek. "And it's okay."

"Someday when your daughter meets the one, you'll understand what I mean."

My mouth froze against his face, and I was grateful he couldn't see my immediate frown. Someday we'd tell Charlie he would never be a grandfather, but not today.

I smiled as I pulled away. "I'll see if I can persuade Carlisle to give you that soup for lunch."

"Can you stick a pork chop in it?"

I rolled my eyes as I scooted off the bed. "Some people are never satisfied."

—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—

After closing Charlie's bedroom door, I breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Aro's promises aside, his examination of Charlie had been a kiss from the sun compared to the ghastly possibilities I'd concocted. Whatever he read in Charlie's mind seemed not to concern him much, and if my guess was correct, he'd be away of Forks and out of lives for the next thousand years.

One could only hope.

I descended the stairs and found Aro examining the pictures on the mantle. My hackles rose at the sight, but since he'd already touched Charlie's hand, what were a few photographs to go with the memories? Jasper was in Charlie's chair with Alice on his lap checking her smartphone while Esme and Carlisle discussed soup options for Charlie.

And my favorite thief was at my side, his hands outstretched to receive me. I stepped into his offered embrace, sighing when his lips touched my forehead.

Surprisingly my mind went back to that awful fight we'd had after the showdown in the field and Edward's words about Alice and Jasper's ability to communicate silently. I'd assumed it was somehow based on their gifts, but now I knew their love was so seminal Alice knew Jasper as she knew herself. And on the strength of that love, she could practically read his mind.

I was expecting similar privileges after my change, believing that having Edward's venom in my body would help me know him that much better. But as I noted the tension in his kiss and his subtle nuzzling of my hair, I realized I already had the gift. I pulled back a bit and sought his eyes. Their earlier gold had yielded to amber, and in their depths was a speck of unease.

Yep, there was definitely something wrong with my husband. But our family's general sense of calm suggested whatever was on Edward's mind wasn't in the room, so I leaned forward to nuzzle his nose, hoping to bring him out of his reverie. He smiled, though not as widely as I'd have liked.

We entered the living room together, and Aro smiled at me. "Your father is a fascinating creature, Isabella. Were circumstances different, I should think we might have been friends."

"You mean if he didn't qualify as a food source?"

"I am ever amused by your casual attitude toward my diet," Aro said. "I wonder if you will be as unconcerned about your own thirst. The Cullen way may be humane, but for our kind, it is abnormal and quite difficult to sustain." His head whipped to Jasper. "Am I right, Major?"

"She can handle it," Jasper and Edward said in unison.

Aro's eyebrows shot up, amused. "So many young, handsome protectors, Isabella. If Mrs. Whitlock were less secure, I should say she might have reason to be jealous."

Alice looked up and rolled her eyes then dropped her focus back to her screen.

"What did you learn from Charlie?" Carlisle asked as he walked toward Aro.

"Nothing of any real import. He fishes, watches sports, and loves her." The last part was directed at me with little admiration.

"And what about us?" Esme asked. "Did you not hear his answer when you asked about vampires?"

"Yes," Aro snorted. "Such futuristic Hollywood blather."

"So there are no outstanding violations?" I asked. "We're safe?"

Aro exhaled loudly. "Yes, you are safe."

"Yes!" I grinned at Edward and stepped toward the hallway to show Aro out. "Thanks for stopping by. Give Kejara our regards and have a safe return to Volterra."

Aro tsked from his spot near the mantle but made no move to leave.

"Oh, I'm sorry! Where are my manners?" I turned to Carlisle. "Where's his coat?"

"My, my, Mrs. Masen," Aro frowned. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to get rid of me."

I didn't trust myself to answer, but Esme replied in my place. "I'm sure Isabella means only to help you prepare to leave."

"Leave?" Aro seemed confused. "Who said I was leaving?"

Our eyes darted back and forth, uncertain of how to politely encourage him to do just that.

"You said we were safe," Carlisle said.

"You are."

"Okay. Then…"

"Then why am I not leaving?" Aro clasped his hands behind his back. "A fair question."

I noticed Alice's eyes were no longer on her phone, and Jasper seemed poised to strike. "You said you were here about Charlie," I said to Aro.

"I am."

"But you just saw him and said he knows nothing."

"This is true."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, hoping not to pierce the skin. "Then what else is there? What further business could you have with my father?"

The room seemed to hold its breath as we awaited Aro's explanation. My mind raced with possibilities, none of which made any real sense, and as far as their expressions suggested, no one in the family seemed any more clued in than I was.

Aro chuckled to himself, as if preparing to speak. But instead of opening his mouth, he cocked his head to one side and glanced at us.

At Edward, to be exact.

I had no intention of splitting this chapter into two parts. But at the last minute—and in the interest of posting a new chapter sooner—I decided to do it. The next chapter won't be as long, but I think it stands pretty well on its own. Look for it in about two weeks.

And now, some AMAZING (and alphabetized) in-progress fic recs before I go, all listed in my favorites…

COME CLOSER by Chloe Masen. "Isabella. The one woman Edward can't have. The one woman he doesn't dare claim. Does he? Is he strong enough to resist the forbidden? AH, OOC. *Rated M for adult content, strong language, violence, and delicate subject matter*" One of the best Bella/Edward dynamics I've ever read with a great Sam and my favorite Jasper to boot.

Between the heat and the heart, you will fall in love with DANCING IN THE DARK by jaxon22. "You can't start a fire, you can't start a fire without a spark. This gun's for hire even if we're just dancing in the dark." Immersed in a world of dance, drink, drugs, and women, Edward Cullen is the ultimate bachelor. Until he receives a late night phone call that changes everything. AH E/B.

EXPECTATIONS AND OTHER MOVING PIECES by chrometurtle is so taut, layered, and heartbreakingly beautiful, it will move you to tears. "Everything I had done in my life seemed to lead up to this moment. The moment when I found myself bound inextricably to a man I didn't love, trapped in a life I didn't want. And if I left him, I would be entirely alone."

THE FIRM by LoveRob. "A new associate joins Cullen, Hale and McCarty law firm, a top notch team of handsome attorneys. Will she be an asset or their undoing, particularly for the most reclusive senior partner? Read and find out." Do yourself a favor and find out!

ITHACA IS GORGES by giselle-lx is the only 'New Moon from Alt POVs' fic I've ever read, and I dare say she has set the bar incredibly high. This poignant (and completed) fic alternates between Carlisle and Edward's POVs and does so with beauty and insight.

The fabulous Cassandra Lowery is at it again with a brand new AH story, ONLY BY MOONLIGHT! "Due to some serious roommate problems, Bella Swan has to find new student housing mid-semester and fortunately finds a room to rent in a lovely Victorian home near the University of Chicago campus. But a set of mysterious circumstances set Bella on edge, challenging her beliefs about the afterlife...and love."

Lastly, thank you all SO MUCH for sticking with me throughout this journey. You may never know what it means to me

Until next time…

xoxo