My bride smiled wryly, her cheeks now dappling pink again with anxiety.  “Congratulations, Mr. Cullen.  You’ve married a disaster.”

“Stop that, Bella.”  I placed a cold hand on her cheek and she leaned into it, closing her eyes. “We don’t know what’s coming, but they’re not separating us.” 

Bella’s eyes opened and flickered back and forth between mine, as if she were trying to discern whether or not I actually believed what I was saying.

I sighed and went on.  “Rosalie was right, though.  I should have turned you as soon as we came back from Italy.”

“No, Edward,” she whispered.  “I know why you wanted to wait.  You wanted the best for me – ”

“Yes – ”

“ – but you never realized that that was always you.”

We looked into each other’s eyes for several long seconds, and then I leaned down to kiss her.  Despite my fear and anger at what was happening around us, I felt drunk, drowning in the feel of her warm, soft lips.

“How did I ever manage to get you?” I whispered in her ear.

Bella tilted her face upward and kissed me again.   “I could ask the same.”

“They’re here,” said Alice quietly, now beside us. 

We looked down the drive and saw the vampires headed our way.  Carlisle was already going to meet them, walking slowly, with confidence.  I saw only two, but they were two of the Volturi’s most valuable members: Demetri, the tracker; and Jane. I stiffened.  The other ten would be nearby, ready to come if called, I had no doubt.

Demetri, his long, dark hair rustling in the light breeze, wore a stylish gray suit with a burgundy tie; and the diminutive Jane wore a flowing summer gown in ruby.  Except for their red irises and their hard, pleasantly dangerous expressions, they almost blended in here.

Demetri’s and Jane’s thoughts were deliberately obtuse; I was positive they were clouding their intentions because of me.  Their skill at dissembling was considerable, and I only got snatches of true thought now and then, something about traveling and talents.  Over everything, I heard the language of supreme confidence in both their minds, as if they had no doubt we would agree to their demands under whatever terms they chose.