As I entered the living room with Alice close by my side, I noticed Edward and Carlisle talking quietly in one corner. Although their speech was lower than normal, my ears were able to detect every word spoken. It was as if my brain was a radio receiver, and my ears were tuned to pick up alternating signal currents as they escaped into the air.
They were both discussing Antara.
Esme and Rosalie were also talking, although they were sitting together. Like Carlise and Edward, they were also talking about the new arrival, although Rosalie seemed more agitated than the others.
"We know next to nothing about her, Esme. Even Alice doesn't know her and she's the closet to Jasper. Why has he never mentioned her before?"
It was a good question. I knew how close Alice and Jasper were, yet when he had mentioned Antara, Alice had seemed unaware of her existence too.
Jasper and Alice were not always together Bella...they both have a past that does not revolve around one another remember? You still don't know who turned either of them into a vampire...
I acknowledged my inner thoughts. Alice was blind to her past, but Jasper was very much aware of his. One day I would ask him about it... perhaps one day soon.
As we walked towards the centre of the room, four pairs of eyes were immediately on me.
I didn't need Edward's gift to know what they were all thinking...
She's back from the hunt...
Did she follow Alice's lead?
Did she pursue the animal with hostility and force running through her veins or did she show restraint and humility?
Did she remain in control of her desire to taste blood?
Did she feed...?
As if reading my own thoughts, Alice took my hand in hers. Smiling at me, she then turned to face the rest of her family and merely nodded.
I didn't need Jasper's gift to sense the relief that spilled out across the room.
Esme was the first to get up. In a few quick strides she was beside me, taking my free hand in hers. I smiled as she gave it a slight squeeze.
"Thank you Esme" I replied, as she returned my smile.
Rosalie appeared in front of me seconds later as I turned my face towards her. Again, no words escaped her lips as she merely placed a hand on my shoulder, nodding slowly.
"Thank you Rosalie" I replied again, as she removed her hand, winking at me. Finally she spoke.
"Bella... you are one hell of a vampire"
Alice started to laugh as I found myself joining in.
"And that was such an Emmet thing to say" I answered, as Rosalie smiled again.
"I suppose he is rubbing off on me" she continued, with a wry smile. "
"Where is Emmet?" Alice asked, as Esme released my hand and pointed towards the front of the house.
"Waiting outside with Jasper, Antara is on her way"
Alice slowly nodded.
"Yes, I saw her in my vision" she finished, as Carlisle and Edward now walked across towards us. Rosalie tilted her head, a slight frown appearing across her beautiful face.
