Moisture hung in the air. In the distance kids could be heard playing outside, enjoying the break between the thunderstorms. Demetri took one final drag from his cigarette before putting it out in the ashtray. He reached over into the glove compartment and pulled out his cologne, spraying it twice onto himself to mask the smell of the tobacco before climbing out of the rental. He stood before a two story white house, the ending point of Edward’s tenor.

He took one look up and down the street before he crossed the road. He moved slowly enjoying the feel of being in control of the situation about to play out.

The words of his master playing on loop in his head. "Extend the offer of immortality to young Bella, Aro hissed, "we get her, we get Edward.”

He climbed the three steps and rose a single digit to the doorbell and waited. He heard movement and a single heartbeat coming closer. The corner of his lips turning up in a smile as the door unlocked and opened.

“Thought you got lost for a minute, Issac!” a girl laughed as she fished money out of her wallet, not even noticing Demetri before her. “It's ten for the order right?”

She held out the money and looked up to a stone faced Demetri. Slowly her smile faded as Demetri took in each and every detail of her face. Even though she was young, she was breathtaking. Her brown hair was short and curled, framing her round face adding a playful quality to her. Freckles covered the bridge of her nose and around her eyes. Her rose pink lips hung slowly agap as her hazel green eyes roamed over Demetri's body.

Slowly, her hand came back to her chest and Demetri heard the metal of the doorknob twisting- reading to close on him if one wrong move was taken.

“You're not Issac…” she mumbled.

All plans on finding Isabella and offering immortality left his mind as Demetri looked at his mate.

Demetri flashed a smile. “No, I'm sorry to disappoint,” he said.

The girl's eyes darted behind him and back to his face. “Can I help you, Mr….?”

He held out a hand. “Demetrius Volturi and you are…?”

She moved the money to her pocket and shook his hand. A small jolt of electricity could be felt by both. “Venus Dwyer. Now, can I help you, Mr. Volturi?”

Demetri felt his smile widen, might as well use some of the lies he rehearsed.  “I am a recruiter from the University of Washington. I've come to speak to Isabella Swan, is she available?”

Venus shook her head. “She's with her boyfriend. Something about a dinner at his parents house.”

Demetri nodded and fished out a business card. “If you could give her my card, I and my associates would love to discuss Miss Swan coming to our university.”

Venus took the card and inspected it. “I'll be sure to give it to her.”

Demetri could hear the sound of an approaching car. His time was running out to talk to his mate. Venus had begun closing the door, sending Demetri into a panicked state.

“How about you?” He blurted.

Venus held the door still. “Huh?”

“College, Universities,” Demetri waved a hand, “Your future academics and career.”

Venus smiled. “I'll be attending Jacksonville University in the Fall, liberal arts.” she gave a small nod, “Thanks for your concern though.”

The sound of tires on wet asphalt drew closer. “How about dinner?” Demetri pressed on.

Venus jerked her head back a little in surprise. “What?”

“Dinner,” Demetri rushed, “You and me, a nice dinner together.”

Venus chewed on her lip. She wouldn't deny the thought was tempting and the man offering her a nice dinner was cute to boot. “I shouldn't…” she began, “if something goes wrong it could hurt Bella's chances of getting in…”

Demetri laughed. “Miss Dwyer, I can keep my personal and business lives separate.”

Venus noticed the delivery boy pulling up. Her stomach rumbled at the thought of her burger and fries. She looked back up at Demetri.

“You promise?”

“Cross my heart,” Demetri drew an X across his heart and held up his hands, “and hope to die.”

“Saturday is a good day for me.”

“I'll pick you up at 6.”

“Hold on,” Venus grabbed a nearby pad and pen and wrote down her number and motel. “Here.”

Demetri tucked the paper away and reached for Venus’s hand and kissed it. “I'll see you on Saturday.”

Issac, the delivery boy from Cravers Diner, came closer as Demetri climbed down the stairs and headed back to his car. Venus paid for her meal and caught Demetri winking at her before driving off leaving her to wonder if she just jeopardized Bella's future by accepting a date with her recruiter.