Bella sighed. “Yeah. They’re great,” she mumbled.

So it is possible for her to accept gifts? Excellent. Alice continued to think of the best ways to give Bella all her gifts. “I think it’s a nice idea. You’re only a senior once. Might as well document the experience.”

“How many times have you been a senior?” Bella questioned.

“That’s different,” Alice frowned.

I knew this was coming, I knew it! She’s been in the parking lot for only one minute and already she has brought up the dreadful I want to be a vampire conversation.

They finally reached me when Bella’s scent hit me. My usual desires flared in me, but I was so used to them that it was no big deal for me to cage any beasts that wanted to escape. I offered her my hand. I still wanted it to be her choice. Her frown quickly turned up and she grabbed my hand eagerly. When our skin met I was instantly warmed, the current running sinuously through our bodies. My cold body finally receiving what it was craving since I left her this morning. I squeezed her fingers gently. Her gaze met mine and her heart skipped a beat and her pulse raced. I smiled at the thought that I still could make her pulse dance and her blood boil.

Bella and I were in our world now. I didn’t even notice Alice standing there anymore. Though I could easily banish my desires from taking over, I didn’t mind when my passion flared up. I reached out and caressed her face with my finger, lingering at her lips. Those lips…

“So, as discussed,” I distracted myself, “I am not allowed to wish you a happy birthday, is that correct?”

“Yes. That is correct,” she responded, a smile playing on her lips.

“Just checking.” I returned her smile.

On this most momentous of days I wanted to give Bella so many things. There was a car that came to mind. I quickly banished that thought. I knew she would never let me get her a gift of that magnitude. “You might have changed your mind,” I continued. “Most people seem to enjoy things like birthdays and gifts.”

Alice began laughing loudly at the non-joke. “Of course you’ll enjoy it.” She thought of the absurdity of my statement. “Everyone is supposed to be nice to you today and give you your way, Bella. What’s the worst that could happen?”