It seemed like my bedroom was spinning before me. Could half-vampires even faint? It felt like I was about to. Every surface of my room was covered with the disgusting flowers.

“Nessie, what’s wrong?” My father took in the scene before us. What he saw made him growl. He instantly put his arms around me. I clung to him like a little girl – a frightened little girl.

“Sweetie, tell us…” My mom crossed the bedroom floor to the windows, crushing the roses in the process – the sound of snapping stems made me wince. The windows were now opened wide. I was absolutely sure I shut them close before leaving the cottage this morning. “I don’t recognize the scent. The roses don’t help either. They overpower it.” Her eyes roamed the forest before her but whoever it was would be long gone.

“Nessie, please tell me what this is all about? Show me.” My dad pleaded. He took my hand and placed it on his cheek. My thoughts were incoherent.

Eyes…Roses…Gazebo…Pond…Jacob…

“Jacob! Where is Jacob?! Daddy, let me go! I have to find him!” I screamed. My efforts to be released were futile. My father only tightened his grip as he stared in my wild eyes – becoming wilder every passing second.

He took his phone from his pocket and dialed a familiar number.

“Emmett, we’ve got a situation. Ask the others to come with you.” Feeling me tremble, he added, “And hurry please.” He dropped the call and immediately dialed another familiar number. “Jacob. You need to come over. NOW. I can’t explain….You need to see it for yourself…”

My father carried me to the living room. He sat on the sofa and cradled me. His eyes now burning with controlled anger for the intruder and worry for me. He constantly peeked at my face, all the while rubbing my back.

“Nessie, would you like to tell me now?” He asked hesitantly. He couldn’t fully understand my chaotic thoughts. I shook my head, whimpered and pressed my face on his stone chest.

My family arrived, Jacob following them after a few seconds. The questions they meant to ask cut short as they saw me almost limp in my father’s arms, my mother pacing and wringing her hands. My father only gestured towards my room.

“How could something like this slip past me?” Aunt Alice wailed.
“Who did this? I don’t even recognize the scent.” Grandpa Carlisle murmured, his brows pulled together in concentration.

Jacob took me from my father’s arms. “Ssshhh, Nessie. It’s okay. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“Oh, Jake…” I wrapped my arms around his neck and sobbed, still trembling but now relieved that he’s safe, that he’s with me. He kissed my forehead and held me tight.

“Apparently, we’re not the only ones who knew Nessie’s birthday.” Uncle Jasper said in a grim voice, showing us a piece of paper. I could make out the words ‘Happy birthday, Renesmee.’, written in an elegant script. “I found it on her bed, buried beneath the roses.”

Jake’s whole body quivered. My mom reached out for me automatically.

“I’ve got it under control, Bella.” He said after taking a deep breath, refusing to hand me over to Mom.

"Who could have done this? It was clearly planned.” Aunt Rose asked.

All of them stared at Aunt Alice.

“I don’t know!” Aunt Alice almost shouted.

“The Volturi?” My mom asked. Her lips trembling. Dad wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to his body.

“No. I would have seen it.”

‘I don’t think this was the Volturi’s idea. This is not their style. If they meant to scare us, wouldn’t Aro just ask Alec and Jane to drop by?” Uncle Emmett mused out loud.

“Aro wouldn’t send the twins. He knew that Bella’s shield could easily repel their attacks. Speaking of shields…” Grandpa looked meaningfully at my mom.

My mom simply nodded. Her lips now in a tight grim line.

“Nessie, honey, it would help us if you tell us what you knew. Do you know something about this?” Grandma asked softly, kneeling in front of me. I stared at my Grandmother’s warm loving eyes now filled with concern. I took a deep breath and began to tell the dreadful nightmare.

I don’t know why I couldn’t tell them about the boy. Some crazy part of my mind insisted that he couldn’t be in anyway connected to what we’re dealing with right now. I couldn’t explain that I felt almost powerless before him. I couldn’t tell them the unexplained hold he has over me. I don’t know why right now, amidst the panic and confusion, I’m keeping this piece of information from my family and Jacob.


“Nessie, are you sure that’s all? You only dreamt of a garden filled with roses where you found Jacob chained on the ground?” My father asked.

“That’s all.” I mumbled not meeting his penetrating eyes. I focused on the relief I felt that no harm has happened to the love of my life. My father frowned.

* * *

I now lay curled on the sofa my head resting on Jacob’s lap. Both my father and Jacob itched to join the rest of my family. They were now foraging the forest hoping to find a lead.

I wouldn’t let go of Jacob when he told me he wanted to join the others. I couldn’t allow him to look for someone who meant him harm. Seeing I’m nearing the end of my wits, he finally agreed to be left behind. My parents decided it’s best to stay with us. Who knows the intruder might decide to pay a visit?

* * *

"Whoever she is, she made sure we couldn’t follow her. Her path was totally obscured.” Uncle Jasper informed.

“She?” My father inquired.

“Just an assumption. The scent was delicately floral mixed with herbs. Oleander and spearmint.” Uncle Jasper explained.

I’m sure it’s not a she…My father’s head jerked.

“What was that Nessie?”

“Nothing, Dad.” I have to be very careful, so I thought of trivial things like being too tired to clean up the mess in my room.

“At least you don’t have to leave for college now, muffin. I know it breaks your heart to leave poor Jacob behind.” Uncle Emmett teased – only he could tease me at a time like this.

“College? You never told me you anything about leaving for College?”

I couldn’t make myself look into Jacob’s accusing eyes.