Author's note: I usually dislike it when authors do this, but I'm posting a teaser for all you new readers who've jumped on my crazy bandwagon following the delicious MrsTheKing's tweet about this story. She simply knew that all ya'll adding me to your favs and alerts would kick my butt in gear and get me writing again (it worked, Mrs. and I owe you forever). So thanks to all of my new readers, and the entire chapter will post this weekend—check back for it then, 'kay? MM

Chapter 31

As we left the music building, I kept my arm around her, holding her close. Every day it got harder to be away from Bella, and I felt most at ease when we were touching. She also seemed more comfortable when we touched, but then, I knew she was more calm with me anyway. Humans in general made her edgy. I think she mostly was willing to spend time with them because of me.

Well, that and she wanted her degree.

Now that my compositions for the Carpenter were turned in, I was eager to focus on Bella's writing, and discuss my idea for working together on a piece. Thinking about possibly performing with her practically gave me a hard on. To have Bella and my music develop into something we could create together and share equally was more of a dream come true than I had ever envisioned. I just didn't know how she'd feel about having even more direct contact with humans. But we'd cross that bridge… later.

I felt so light. The weight of the competition work was off me. The semester was almost over. I'd found my muse and she was like nothing I could have imagined. I tugged her to me tighter and kissed her hair, indulging into her soft floral scent, when someone called out, "Edward!"

My arm still tight round my girl, I spun us toward the voice, to see the bear-like mass of Jacob Black moving toward us with leonine grace; the man was immense. As he approached, his smile grew huge and brilliant, and as his hand came out for a shake, he said, "It's Edward, right?"

I smiled back, extending my hand, when several things happened at once.

My arm loosed its hold on Bella. I heard her inhale sharply. Jacob Black's eyes shifted to where she stood. His eyes went wide and inky and Bella hissed out a noise that instantly rose into a yowl.