The Denali Clan from Alaska would be arriving any minute now, and in their midst was Tanya. I certainly didn’t hate her or her family, but I did not need that sick mind around me during the ceremony tomorrow.

Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett and Jasper all stood with me. Alice was busy at Bella’s house. Oh how I wish I could’ve been there. I would’ve chosen helping Alice to standing here.

“Now,” I whispered, barely audible to my family. They were right outside the door.

“Welcome, friends,” Carlisle said as he opened the door for our guests.

They trickled in one by one. Carmen, closely followed by her mate, Eleazar, was first. They greeted Carlisle, then Esme with hugs. Jasper graciously shook their hands, representing him as well as Alice. Emmett followed Jasper’s lead as Rosalie stood back smiling politely but showing no further interest. I wished I could’ve done the same.

I watched as Irina, Kate, and finally Tanya walked through the door and continued the established line of introductions. I dreaded the moments I would have to spend with Tanya standing in front of me. She had clearly dressed up with intimate intentions in mind.

When Carmen made it to me, she reached out her hand with a smile on her face. Congratulations! I smiled back at her, thankful for her kindness. Perhaps this wouldn’t be too bad.

Enjoy yourself. Eleazar’s mind flooded mine without images of his more intimate life, leaving nothing to the imagination – including what his comment referred to. I quickly pushed away his voice. No handshake or any other greeting with him was necessary in my opinion. He smirked and walked over to sit next to Carmen on the couch. I sighed, relieved he wasn’t offended. Esme would never let me live that one down.

Congratulations. Irina sneered at me as I shook her hand. She was clearly still upset over Laurent’s death.

I’m sure you’re looking forward to tomorrow. Kate also smiled. Her thoughts rang with sincerity and happiness. She was definitely my favorite so far – and considering the last guest, at all.

“Ah, Edward. I’ve missed you.” Tanya’s voice was not filtered at all. Her intentions were made clear, especially when placed alongside her clothes. She still didn’t interest me, but I wasn’t going to say a word in front of Esme.

I reached out to shake her hand, but she quickly pulled me into a close hug. The temptation to throw her backwards came very close to becoming reality. Thankfully, Jasper caught on and helped me out. This was going to be a long visit, even if it was just a day.

I counted silently in my head, hoping she would let go before I reached ten. I was so wrong. She squeezed me ever tighter and pushed her body up against mine. I politely pulled away and she frowned at me but walked over to sit with her family.

Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, and Rosalie walked over to talk. Of course, we all knew Carlisle and Esme would be the only vocal ones. Maybe Eleazar or Kate would speak, but I doubted it. We didn’t need a sexual comment, and Kate was much too shy.

“Oooo, scary.” I almost jumped into the air. Emmett had come up right behind me and spoken in his most scary voice. He had no idea how right he was. I didn’t even want to know what Tanya was thinking.

I turned to look at him and groaned, seeing the smirk on his face. This was going to be dreadful.