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Movie, schmovie, I muttered as his lips moved down my throat, twisting my fingers in his bronze hair.

Then I heard a gasp, and he put me down abruptly. Kaure stood frozen in the hallway, feathers in her black hair, a large sack of more feathers in her arms, an expression of horror on her face. She stared at me, her eyes bugging out, as I blushed and looked down. Then she recovered herself and murmured something that, even in an unfamiliar language, was clearly an apology. Edward smiled and answered in a friendly tone. She turned her dark eyes away and continued down the hall.

She was thinking what I think she was thinking, wasnt she? I muttered.

He laughed at my convoluted sentence. Yes.

Here, I said, reaching out at random and grabbing a movie. Put this on and we can pretend to watch it.

It was an old musical with smiling faces and fluffy dresses on the front.

Very honeymoonish, Edward approved.

While actors on the screen danced their way through a perky introduction song, I lolled on the sofa, snuggled into Edwards arms.

Will we move back into the white room now? I wondered idly.

I dont know Ive already mangled the headboard in the other room beyond repair-maybe if we limit the destruction to one area of the house, Esme might invite us back someday.

I smiled widely. So there will be more destruction?

He laughed at my expression. I think it might be safer if its premeditated, rather than if I wait for you to assault me again.

It would only be a matter of time, I agreed casually, but my pulse was racing in my veins.

Is there something the matter with your heart?

Nope. Healthy as a horse. I paused. Did you want to go survey the demolition zone now?

Maybe it would be more polite to wait until were alone. You may not notice me tearing the furniture apart, but it would probably scare them.

In truth, Id already forgotten the people in the other room. Right. Drat.

Gustavo and Kaure moved quietly through the house while I waited impatiently for them to finish and tried to pay attention to the happily-ever-after on the screen. I was starting to get sleepy-though, according to Edward, Id slept half the day-when a rough voice startled me. Edward sat up, keeping me cradled against him, and answered Gustavo in flowing Portuguese. Gustavo nodded and walked quietly toward the front door.

Theyre finished, Edward told me.

So that would mean that were alone now?

How about lunch first? he suggested.

I bit my lip, torn by the dilemma. I was pretty hungry.

With a smile, he took my hand and led me to the kitchen. He knew my face so well, it didnt matter that he couldnt read my mind.

This is getting out of hand, I complained when I finally felt full.

Do you want to swim with the dolphins this afternoon-burn off the calories? he asked.

Maybe later. I had another idea for burning calories.

And what was that?

Well, theres an awful lot of headboard left-

But I didnt finish. Hed already swept me up into his arms, and his lips silenced mine as he carried me with inhuman speed to the blue room.

* * *

7. UNEXPECTED

The line of black advanced on me through the shroud-like mist. I could see their dark ruby eyes glinting with desire, lusting for the kill. Their lips pulled back over their sharp, wet teeth-some to snarl, some to smile.

I heard the child behind me whimper, but I couldnt turn to look at him. Though I was desperate to be sure that he was safe, I could not afford any lapse in focus now.

They ghosted closer, their black robes billowing slightly with the movement. I saw their hands curl into bone-colored claws. They started to drift apart, angling to come at us from all sides. We were surrounded. We were going to die.

And then, like a burst of light from a flash, the whole scene was different. Yet nothing changed-the Volturi still stalked toward us, poised to kill. All that really changed was how the picture looked to me. Suddenly, I was hungry for it. I wanted them to charge. The panic changed to bloodlust as