I looked down at my feet as Edward jumped in again

“When Alice and Bella came to Italy to save me, the Volturi made quite clear how valuable our power was to them. They made themselves almost impossible to refuse when it was just Alice and myself present with power. Now with Jasper and Bella added to it….” He trailed off.

“I see..” Carlisle frowned. “If we just don’t mention-”

“No. They expressed a strong interest in seeing how Bella turned out. It was impressive enough to them that she had the talent of immunity as a human, they took an immediate interest in her outcome after the change.” Edward explained.

Alice suddenly burst in the door. “They’re here.” Edward, Alice, and I all whispered in unison.

“Alice. Keep Jasper away, the less they know of him – the better.” I warned

“Good idea.” She bolted off to find Jasper.

“Let me do the talking.” Carlisle admonished grimly as we began walking down the stairs to meet our guests. As we descended the Eastern staircase, Esme and Alice mirrored our movement on the West.

“They’re talking outside.” Edward informed us. “They’re deciding who to send in.”

“They’re going to decide on Caius and Jane, since they’ve been introduced to us before.” Alice added.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Jane and Caius.” I confirmed. “The other ten are waiting 100 feet away from the house in case of trouble.”

“Jane, Caius! What a wonderful surprise!” Carlisle greeted them warmly.

“Thank you, Carlisle. Though, its hardly a surprise, I’m sure.” Jane smiled without emotion as she threw a glance in Alice’s direction.

“Will you be staying?” Esme asked in a hostess-like manner.

“No, I’m afraid that we wont be able to stay for long.” Jane replied indifferently, “We are here on Aro’s business, and we are all rather hungry. I won’t lie, I expected a snack would be awaiting us here.” Her cold eyes fell accusingly on me, “But I see that I was mistaken.”

A low growl rumbled within Edward’s throat. I gave his arm a forceful squeeze, not wanting him to make the situation any worse than what it was already.

“Bella,” Jane continued, “I’ll admit that I am rather surprised to see you…..aliv – ah, well… still here. I thought for sure that Edward lacked the resistance to change you without killing you.”