#twilight x reader

[katerbugs]

Hi! Could you do the cullens x vampire!witch reader?

The scenario I was thinking about was like Carlisle is a long time friend of [reader] and [reader]'s like a powerful witch doctor when bella is pregnant, he calls her for help as a last resort and when [reader] ends up arriving at the cullens residence; she confesses that she's seen this situation before and examins bella. After [reader] done examining her she ends up asking them what they've tried so far and when the cullens mention everything but giving blood to bella for the baby; [reader] says something like: "The dad's a vampire, so the baby is going to be some type of vampire and you didn't think to possibly give the baby in bella's stomach some type of food that could satisfy at least half of that babies nature? NO WONDER SHE'S BREAKING RIBS AND BRUISING HER. You Morons!"

Okay, so I do have my own version of this in my head of like a witch!reader maybe owing her life to Carlisle so when they’re going through Bella’s pregnancy she has to like come and help and strategize what they would tell the Volturi if they ever found out. In my head the reader is chill with the wolves. They're neutral to each other because the reader is very respectful of their space and tribe and she’s technically human so they let her pass through to get to the Cullens. 

But because you asked for vampire witch specifically I’ll switch it up a little. 

So like the wolves and you aren’t chill because you’re a vampire so you end up staying with the Cullens when Carlisle calls you for your expertise. Depending on how old you are I think you would be perhaps anti mormonism so you are a lot easier going with your vampirism compared to Carlisle “damned to hell” Cullen, so Bella takes to you pretty easily. 

This is when I decided to switch gears and just write the damn imagine instead of doing headcannons. Hope you enjoy!

The Cullens house in Washington was certainly a site to behold. Though you suppose with that many people “living” in one home, individual space is necessary. You can smell the wolves surrounding you from the woods, their curious eyes burning holes into your back as you approach the front door to let yourself in. No need for formalities when you and Carlisle have been friends for as long as you have. Besides, there were more pressing matters at hand than etiquette. 

You can smell the human as soon as you cross the threshold. Following the scent to the upstairs sitting room, Carlisle rises from his seat as he sees you enter. He crosses the room at a normal walking pace to grasp your hand and wrist in both of his, gentle smile on his face. 

“Thank you so much for coming, my friend.” He says. He turns to the others in the room, not yet letting go of you. “This is Y/n. They’re one of my oldest and dearest friends. They can help us,” He gestures to Bella as he turns back to you, “This is a situation I don’t have much experience in. I was hoping you might be able to share some wisdom.”

You get a closer look at Bella as Edward helps her stand. She’s dreadfully pale and sunken in, as if whatever she’s growing inside her at the moment is sucking the life force out of her. She attempts what you assume is meant to be a friendly smile, but comes across as more of a grimace. 

“What have you tried so far? Has she been eating?” Ever one to get right to the point, you are.

“The baby won’t tolerate human food, we’ve been managing to get him to take in water but anything Bella eats just comes right back up.” Rosalie has taken point on this conversation. 

“Have you tried blood?” You ask. 

“Human blood?” the wolf in the room asks, disgusted.

“The baby is half vampire. Of course human blood. I’m sure you could get it to tolerate animal blood for a short time but gatekeeping the good stuff is sure to risk fetal outrage.”

What you're saying settles over the room for a moment, before you give Carlisle a look, urging him to action. He rushes out of the room and returns with a glass and a package of thick red blood. 

“I think I’m going to be sick.” The wolf says, as he gets up to cross the room. 

Carlisle pours the blood into the glass and glances at you for approval. With a nod from you, he hands the glass to Bella whose hands shake as she grasps it. Rosalie steadies her. She takes a small hesitant sip. “It’s good.”

The wolf walks fully out of the room, you toss your hands up like this was really not worth struggling over. The other vampires in the room go about their business while Bella continues sipping on her blood. 

In the meantime, you move to the kitchen to make the human some real food. Now that the baby is satisfied it should be more tolerant of human food. 

“You’ll stay right?” Edward asks you as you bring Bella some toast. 

“Yes, I will stay until the baby is born and ensure there are no more delays in care.” You spare Carlisle a glance at that. “I will see myself to the guest room. Would you like me to send the wolf back in if I see him?” You look to Bella as you ask.

“Yes. Please.” She says.

“How often do we need to give her blood?” Rosalie asks.

“Whenever she’s hungry.” You respond, walking out of the room. You don’t see the wolf on your way but you hear him return to the humans side a few moments later so you don't fret. 

The room is exactly as you would expect, modern and sleek. Everything placed on the walls and bookshelf in the corner was clearly chosen with great care and thought. You would expect nothing less from Esme. You unpack your bag, placing your herbs and tinctures on the desk by the window. There are no curtains you can find so you take the top sheet off the bed and fasten it to the top of the window. There are things your other clients have requested upon your return; spells, charms, medicine. With the room sufficiently darkened, you get to work.

 Several hours later, you are mid protection spell when there’s a knock on your door. Rosalie pokes her head in before entering all the way. “It’s important to us that Bella survives this. That the baby survives.” You smile at her gently. “I will do my best. But unfortunately there are other threats to both of them than just mere survival odds.” Rosalie’s face darkens. “Those mutts outside.” “Yes, I’m sure they feel that the baby threatens their tribe and way of life, but that’s not what I meant. The Volturi will certainly be curious to hear that she’s not only still human, but carrying what they will surely see as an abomination.” Rosalie growls “Don’t call him that.” You raise your hands in surrender, an easy smile on your face. “I didn’t. I’m only telling you what they will think.” “How do you know what they'll think?” “Everyone knows the Volturi don’t take kindly to disorder.” “Then what do we do to keep them away?” “When the baby is born I’ll protect it. Him. And you will keep things quiet here. If it comes down to it, I will intervene and tell the Volturi the truth. Aro will see the truth in my thoughts. But I cannot guarantee that will be enough to keep them at bay.” Rosalie does not like this answer. Neither does Edward when he hears her thinking about it later. 

When the baby is born, Edward fights to change Bella and you go with Rosalie to prepare a protection charm for Renesme. 

Charm in place, you leave Rosalie to watch the baby and return to Edwards side, reassuring him that Bella will be fine. (I headcannon that Jacob did nawt imprint on that child, so it’s not happening.) The wolves don’t approve, but you reassure them that Renesme won't be a problem. You can convince the Cullens to leave Forks and never return. They take you at your word, and leave.

When the Volturi comes to ensure that Bella has indeed been changed, and to address the rumors of an immortal child, quietly, as friends of Carlisle, you stand with the Cullens. Aro holds your hand and reads your thoughts. He sees that the child will cause no harm, and he sees your experience with another like her. 

They decide to stay and discuss the new developments in the lives of the Cullens, to determine a schedule for visits to ensure the child is indeed growing and to study her. 

You take this moment to address the promises you made to the wolf pack, that the Cullens must go from Forks and not return. You suggest Seattle, or across the border in Canada, even to Alaska again, where they could live in the country and be relatively unseen for at least a decade, longer if they were careful. But alas their need for attention gets the best of them, so they deny that last suggestion. But they do concede that it’s not fair for them to continue to harm the local community by staying where they are unwelcome. 

The Cullens and the Volturi, with their new agreement, and the Wolves with a new treaty swearing the Cullens to never return to Forks, are settled. Finally. 

You go back to your life, bringing spells and charms to your clients after your brief hiatus, and now perhaps have new contact with the Volturi, if that is your prerogative. 

[c0njira]

˙⋆✮ Coalesce ˙⋆✮

BIPOCfriendly!Fem!Reader x Embry Call

• ONE • TWO (pending)

♪ ᴺᵒʷ ᴾˡᵃʸⁱⁿᵍ: ᴘʀᴇᴄɪᴏᴜꜱ - ᴅᴇᴘᴇᴄʜᴇ ᴍᴏᴅᴇ ♪

ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ: Returning to Forks, possessing a newfound secret about your lineage, proved to be more difficult than you could've imagined. No one knew you anymore. He didn't know you at all. Part of you wanted it to keep it that way.

ɢᴇɴʀᴇ(ꜱ): Strangers to lovers, not really slowburn, but not too fast-paced, angsty, shifter x witch, kind of thriller-ish (it is a little dark ngl)

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢꜱ: eventual smut (will be included in future chapters), mentions of blood/gore, mentions of violence, mentions of death and descriptions of death, mentions of harassment and traumatic experiences

ᴡᴄ: 2039

ᴀ/ɴ: Embry needs more love, so here's my contribution to the cause! Thought this type of story would be interesting with him, because I could see him fascinated by a mysterious witch. Also, all the employees at the restaurant reader works at is completely made up!

One

With a new set of eyes, you nearly couldn't imagine yourself here again. Living within the grey curtain that stretched to each corner of your small, childhood town. Even during spring and summer, the sun didn't shine its brightest.

Perhaps, you surmised, the way you saw the town only reflected the things that were hidden from you. You lived in the grey, because you lacked the knowledge you'd just recently came to know.

"You were never imagining it, sweetheart. You have a gift living inside of you," your mother confessed, nothing short of guilt residing in her eyes. The guilt, you assumed, was from her continuously shutting you down many years before about the premonitions that constantly came to you in dreams. She did a wonderful job convincing you that you were insane at one point, because you saw things that "weren't" there. Felt things that no other could feel; like the energy of wind buzzing upon your palms. She even denied the pendant you wore as a necklace at one point, claiming that it was ridiculous to put the intention of protection in an inanimate object.

Yet, it worked every single time. Especially that time you'd nearly died.

It happened at a random party after graduating. You associated yourself with people that you thought were going to be your friends for life. They'd been with you throughout middle to high school, so of course you thought that they wouldn't ever do you wrong.

However, that night, one by one, they all seemed to disappear. Next thing you knew, it was only you and a group of guys you barely knew.

They followed you around the crowded house, even when you told them many times that you had no interest with them.

They tried following you home, so you ran into the woods, hoping to lose them.

You remembered the sound of their footsteps chasing after you. The crunching against the woodchips and leaves. Then the pitter-patter against the pavement when you darted across the street. Midway, vibrant white lights and a horn consumed your senses. You thought this was the end for you, and acceptance came much quicker than you expected.

But then, you found yourself staring down at the body of one of the guys—crushed beneath the weight of the urgent car. You saw blood oozing out from underneath him. It just missed you. So did he.

You disappeared from the scene before the other guys could notice, gripping the buzzing-hot pendant like a crucifix.

For your mother to deny you of your power up until that moment you returned from that hellish night, you couldn't help but reserve a bit of resentment for her. She could have taught you many things all this time, instead of allowing you to flail around helplessly until you could manage saving yourself.

"It was dangerous! I didn't want to risk anyone else finding out! Who knows what would happen to us."

The next day, you found her packing up the house.

A few weeks later, you were back in Forks, in your old childhood home. You'd probably say it was for the best, considering you no longer had friends after the incident. You didn't keep in contact with the friends you did have before moving away from Forks, so the slate was completely clean.

You were rebirthed, essentially.

☾

"Have a good day at work! Don't stay out too late," your mother called after you, as you stepped off of the porch.

"Thanks. I won't." Your response came out much dryer than you intended. However, these days you found it hard to place much enthusiasm behind anything you said. Though you were "starting over," your mind wouldn't quite let you.

That night weighed heavily on your mind, and you didn't have a good enough escape.

Ding!

As you entered the back door of local restaurant, the hostess, Bianca, immediately greeted you with a tight-lipped smile. She seemed to be grabbing something from her bag, right before returning to her place at the front. You gave her a shy nod of acknowledgement as you made your way toward the staff room to clock-in.

"Hey, hey, y/n," an urgent, cheerful voice belonging to a fellow waitress reached you. Once you finished tying your apron, you looked up to see Tommie smiling at you. You didn't really speak to her often, but when you did, she treated you as if you were already the best of friends. "Do you mind taking over for me with table five? A big family just came in, and I've gotta get them settled."

You furrowed your eyebrows. "Sure, um—are you the only one on the floor right now?"

"Yep! It's kinda sucky to be honest."

You chuckled. "Where's Kendall? I thought he was supposed to be with you today."

"He called in sick."

You and Tommie shared a look after it was said.

'That man was not sick at all.'

"I'll take on table five for you, Tommie. It's no problem."

"Thank you soo much! I'll get you something as a token of my appreciation. I don't know what, but something." Before you could say anything else, she rushed out of the back vibrantly.

Taking in a deep breath, you followed in Tommie's trail toward the second to last booth by the window. There sat three black-haired guys; two seemingly around your age compared to the other, who may have been a bit older, and quite muscular. All of their attention immediately glued to you once you stood before them, taking out your pen and pad.

"Hi, how are you guys doing today? My name's y/n, and I'll be taking care of you while you're here." You glanced at their table. "I see that Tommie's already got you settled with your drinks. Are you ready to order or do you need more time?"

The three guys looked at each other, nodding and pointing at their menus.

"Uhh, yeah, I think we're ready," one of the guys with a soft gaze and a dimple in his chin said to you. The others busted into laughter, earning a glare from the dimpled guy.

"What a tone change, dude," the muscular one remarked, leaning over to take a straw into his mouth.

"Whatever. Fuck off." The dimpled guy chuckled bashfully, scratching the back of his neck.

He was cute.

Internally smiling, you jotted down their orders.

"Okay, great. I'll come back with refills shortly."

Throughout the night, you noticed his eyes following you everywhere you went. When you took over new tables, you found yourself glancing over to his, only to see those dreamy brown eyes avert from you like a game of eye-tag. You wouldn't completely admit it to yourself, but it was fun. Amusing, if you will. Even Tommie pointed out in passing how much you were grinning, when you assumed you weren't.

When the time came for their check and exit, a sort of dullness found you again. It was dark outside, and reality settled in.

"You know, I've never really seen you smile like that," Tommie said, watching as you moved around cleaning tables. "You don't really talk much, either."

You shrugged. "Today was a better day, I suppose."

There was a pause that hung in the air. You quickly noticed Tommie staring at your pendant. "It's pretty. Where did you get it?"

"Some metaphysical shop where I used to live."

"Is it special to you?"

"You could say that."

Tommie held up her wrist to show off a silver cuff with a Tiger's Eye stone nestled in the middle. "I wear this every day, too. But I got it from my grandma. It's like a piece of her is always with me."

You nodded. "She definitely is."

"You're pretty cool, y/n," Tommie said.

"Glad you think so," you chuckled. "You're pretty cool as well, Tommie."

It went unspoken, but you could see yourself being friends with her. She didn't seem pushy like your old friends were. She gave you space, allowing you room to warm up to her. There was a light air you felt when speaking to Tommie. It was much different than the sense of dread that you never previously classified when it came to your betrayers.

The time to get home rolled around seconds later, as you left the restaurant through the back door. The moonlight was bright, and a significant chill nipped at your skin, prompting you to tug your jacket closer to your body.

A familiar laughter reached your ears as you rounded the corner to walk past the front of the restaurant. Three heads of black hair immediately turned your way.

He was there.

"Oh, hey! You were our waitress, right?"

"Yep. That's me," you told him, a bit quiet.

The dimpled guy tilted his head. "What was your name, again?"

You stared at him for a moment.

Oh, he remembered your name. You reminded him anyway, playing into whatever game he entertained.

"I don't think I got yours," you told him. Your eyes flickered to his smirking friends. "Or theirs."

"I'm Embry. These are my friends, Paul and Quil." He nodded his head towards each of them.

"The food was delicious, by the way," Paul chirped.

"Well, I'll be sure to let the cooks know. Was it your first time here?"

"In a long time," said Embry. "We hadn't been here since middle school. I'd say the food was a little nostalgic."

You hummed. "Well I'm glad that your experience was nice. I would agree that this place was nostalgic, but I've only been here once when I was a kid."

"I mean, you did look a little familiar. But I don't think we've ever talked," said Quil.

"Well, if I seem familiar, then you probably saw me before I moved away. I don't think I look too different from back then." Usually, you didn't share this much with strangers, but there was a certain comfort level you reached with these guys. They seemed laid back and were all ears for you.

"Where did you move to?" Embry asked.

"Some town in Georgia. Definitely a lot more people than here."

"Nice! Why did you move back, then?"

Hesitation came. "My, uh, mom. She wanted to go back to the roots, and the roots are right here in Forks."

Embry hummed, his eyes running all over your face as if he could uncover something right then and there. "Are you happy to be back?"

'I am now.'

You cleared your throat, pushing the thought away. "You could say that. It's been a few weeks, but I'm figuring some things out for myself here."

"Cool, cool." Silence hung in the air between the two of you, as you continued to stare at each other. "Well, it was nice meeting you, y/n. We won't keep ya."

"Oh, yeah." You blinked rapidly. "I gotta head home. It was nice meeting you guys. See you around."

"Don't be surprised if he comes back tomorrow!" Paul called after you, triggering Quil to laugh along with him.

☾

You sighed, closing the side door of your home behind you.

"Hey! How was your shift?" your mom asked as you slipped off your shoes.

It was basically the equivalent of asking how school was. She'd get a "good" even if it was or wasn't. You knew it well in your heart that your mom was trying her hardest to make up for her mistakes, knowing that she hardly cared before. However, it was blaringly obvious and excessive.

"It was fine, Mom," you told her. "I'm gonna shower and go to bed, so...goodnight."

"Did you eat at all?"

You paused in front of the entrance of the hallway. "If I get hungry, I'll make something."

"There's still some spaghetti left over. You can have some of that before it goes bad."

It was small, but it still pissed you off a little.

'I'm tired of that damn spaghetti.'

"Okay, Mom."

You began walking again.

"Y/n, are you really okay?"

"I'm fine, Mom!"

A loud cracking sound rushed through the house. You slowly turned your head downward to look at the rug beside your feet.

The vase had shattered.

And a shard of glass was in your foot.

•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆

Do not copy and/or translate the work of conjira

[c0njira]

It's literally the way I have so many ideas with so many fixations rn. I'm now thinking of writing a mini series with Embry Call and a witch reader that's kind of TVD Bonnie coded. I think it would be cute and interesting!

[kylimarz]

The Other Sister Jacob Black x OC Pt9

(Twilight what I would wear if i were Bella's older sister)

Jacob x OC fic based on the tiktok trend from a little bit ago where you make outfits and write a little blurb on that outfit. We're going to speed run the first movie and then go on to the second one so we can move onto him as a wolf. Bella and Jacob are 18 in their senior year of high school in the bulk of this story and OC is 20 because of being held back as a kid for plot reasons.

OK GUYS I'm reformating to fit more words ALSO I know some people don't want Bella to be the enemy but some stuff that is important to plot kind of makes her out to be so she needs to be the bad guy for a bit. They'll repair their relationship but they aren't gonna get along for a bit. Sorry hehe. I feel like I might be losing some of you but please stick around for at least this one.

Link to vid

Part one Part TwoPart ThreePart FourPart FivePart SixPart SevenPart Eight

~Word count: ~6.8k

~Warnings: (CANON DIVERGENCE,) jealousy, emotional angst, feeling replaced, loneliness, complicated sibling relationships, unresolved tension, abandonment issues, unrequited feelings undertones, Bella Swan & OC becoming close, jacob black being emotionally constipated, hurt/no comfort

~Description: Being Bella Swan’s older sister was never supposed to change anything. Not with Charlie. Not with school. And definitely not with Jacob Black. But suddenly, Bella is everywhere. In the halls at school. In Charlie’s life. In Jacob’s conversations. And no matter how hard you try to pretend it doesn’t bother you, you can feel things shifting underneath your feet. Jacob starts keeping secrets. Bella starts falling in love. And you start realizing that maybe the worst kind of heartbreak isn't losing someone completely. Maybe it's standing right beside them while they slowly choose someone else. Or maybe you're just dramatic. Probably both.

✧─────────────────────✧

The drive to the Cullen house is tense.

Not because anyone is talking. Because nobody is. Jacob drives. I sit beside him. Sam follows behind us. The closer we get, the tighter the knot in my stomach becomes.

Nobody will tell me what's happening. Not really. I got enough to know Bella sounded terrified on the phone. Enough to know Jacob went from teasing me to looking like the world was ending in less than thirty seconds. And enough to know that whatever is waiting for us at the Cullen house is bad. Very bad.

When we pull up, everyone is already there. Carlisle. Esme. Alice. Jasper. Rosalie. Emmett. Edward. Bella.

The second we walk inside I realize I'm missing information. A lot of information. Everyone looks serious. The room feels heavy. Like we've walked into the middle of a conversation that's already been happening for hours.

Sam folds his arms.

"What do you know?"

Carlisle steps forward. His voice is calm. Professional. But even he looks concerned.

"Seattle."

Immediately I groan.

"Oh good."

Nobody acknowledges me. Carlisle continues.

"There have been a series of unusual disappearances."

My stomach drops. Edward catches my expression. I immediately look away. Carlisle keeps talking.

"At first it appeared random."

"But it isn't."

A pause.

"It's a newborn army."

The room goes silent. I blink.

"A what?"

Nobody answers me. Which is becoming a theme. Edward finally speaks.

"Someone is creating newborn vampires."

Now I blink harder. Because somehow every answer creates three more questions.

"A whole army?"

"Yes."

The answer comes from Jasper. And somehow that's worse. Because Jasper looks genuinely worried.

"They're stronger than mature vampires."

"Faster."

"Harder to control."

His expression darkens.

"And very dangerous."

I stare at Bella. Bella stares at the floor. Apparently everyone else already knows this. Fantastic. Love being the last person informed. Again. Jasper moves toward a map spread across the table.

"They're moving with purpose."

"Toward Forks."

My chest tightens.

Toward Forks. Toward people. Toward Charlie. Toward the tribe. Toward everyone.

Then Edward says the name.

"Victoria."

The room immediately grows colder.nEven I know who Victoria is. The red-haired vampire. The one who has spent months trying to kill Bella. The one who keeps refusing to stay dead. Bella stiffens beside him. Edward's hand immediately reaches for hers.

"Victoria is building the army."

His voice is sharp. Focused.

"She's coming for Bella."

The words hang in the air. Nobody speaks. Finally Sam breaks the silence.

"So this is your problem."

Edward's jaw tightens.

"No."

Carlisle answers before he can.

"This is everyone's problem."

Sam doesn't look convinced. Carlisle gestures toward the map.

"If Victoria succeeds..."

His expression hardens.

"Humans will die."

The room grows quiet again.

Because that's the thing. Bella isn't the only target anymore. This isn't some vampire love triangle disaster. This isn't just Cullen business. This isn't just wolf business. This is everybody's problem. Every human in Forks. Every family. Every kid. Every person walking around completely unaware that vampires are apparently building armies in Seattle.

I stand there staring. Trying to process the fact that nobody bothered mentioning any of this to me before today. A newborn army. Victoria. Mass disappearances. Potential human casualties.

Cool.

Cool cool cool.

Sam exchanges a look with Jacob. Then with the Cullens.

"What exactly are you asking?"

Jasper steps forward. The room seems to shift around him. Like this is the part he's been waiting for.

"We need numbers."

His eyes move toward the wolves.

"Newborns are unpredictable."

"They've never fought shape-shifters before."

A small smile appears.

"The shock value alone would work in our favor."

Emmett grins.

"Now that's my kind of strategy."

Rosalie rolls her eyes. Jasper ignores both of them.

"We stand a much better chance together."

Sam is quiet. Thinking. Calculating. Everyone waits. Even Edward. Even Carlisle.

Then Jacob moves. His hand finds mine. Warm. Familiar. Effortless. Like he always is. His fingers lace through mine. Holding tight. Grounding me. I look up. His eyes immediately find mine. And just like that the panic eases.

Just a little.

He smiles. Small. Gentle. Only for me.

Then he looks back toward Sam.

"He's right."

Everyone turns toward him. Jacob squeezes my hand once.

"We need to help."

Sam raises an eyebrow. Jacob doesn't back down.

"Victoria isn't going to stop."

"Not with Bella."

"Not with the Cullens."

"Not with any of us."

He glances toward me. Then toward the windows. Toward the town beyond them. Toward Forks.

"Our families live here."

The room goes quiet. Because that's the real argument. Not Bella. Not vampires. Not treaties. Family. Protecting home. Protecting people. Sam exhales slowly. Then finally nods.

"We'll do it."

The tension in the room shifts. Not gone. But lighter. Like everyone can breathe again. Beside me, Jacob squeezes my hand one more time. His thumb brushes across my knuckles. A tiny movement. All I can focus on is the warmth of his hand in mine. And the gentle smile he gives me when he catches me looking.

✧─────────────────────✧

Here I stand. Watching a bunch of wolves train with a bunch of vampires. Which feels like a sentence that shouldn't exist. Yet somehow this is my life now.

The clearing is filled with movement. Jasper is directing everyone like some terrifying military commander. The wolves phase in and out as they practice formations. Emmett seems to be enjoying the possibility of violence far more than any sane person should. Alice is sitting on a rock looking entirely too pleased with herself. Rosalie looks annoyed. Edward looks tense. Bella looks worried.

And me?

I'm standing awkwardly off to the side in workout clothes. Feeling incredibly human. Because what exactly am I supposed to do here? A supernatural battle is coming. An actual battle. Vampires. Werewolves. A newborn army.

I've been standing here for almost an hour. Watching. Listening. Trying not to feel completely useless. My eyes drift across the clearing. Immediately finding Jacob.

Of course.

He moves differently than everyone else. Confident. Effortless. Like every motion is instinct. He's shirtless. Which honestly should be illegal. Sweat glistens across his shoulders as he works through another training exercise with Jasper.

His muscles shift beneath sun-browned skin. Fast. Precise. Elegant.

The word surprises me. Elegant. But that's exactly what it is.

Jacob isn't graceful the way Edward is. Or controlled the way Jasper is. There's something wild about him. Something powerful. Every movement feels alive.

I completely forget what I was thinking about. Or breathing. Apparently. Because suddenly my lungs remember they exist. I straighten. Before I can talk myself out of it.

"Jacob!"

The sound leaves my mouth before my brain can stop it. His head immediately snaps toward me. Immediately. Like he would stop everything and search for my voice anywhere.

A grin spreads across his face and he excuses himself from whatever Jasper was trying to teach him and jogs over. Sweaty. Shirtless. Smiling.

Fantastic.

Exactly what my heart needed.

"What?"

I cross my arms. Trying very hard to look serious. Failing.

"You should teach me how to fight."

His grin disappears.

"No."

I blink.

"Excuse me?"

"No."

I groan dramatically.

"Just in case."

"There is no just in case."

"There literally is."

"No."

I step closer. Close enough to feel the heat radiating off his skin. Close enough to smell cedar and sunshine and Jacob. His eyes immediately drop to me. Dangerous. Very dangerous.

"Don't you want me to be safe?"

What I mean is teach me. What I really mean is pay attention to me. What I really really mean is I like standing this close to you. What I really really really mean is I like touching you.

Jacob exhales. Long suffering. Defeated.

"Fine."

Victory.

"But."

I immediately narrow my eyes. There's always a but.

"You're not getting anywhere near the fight."

I open my mouth.

"What why."

He points at me.

"You are staying as far away from this thing as humanly possible."

I roll my eyes. He continues anyway.

"You are not fighting vampires."

"I know."

"You are not helping fight vampires."

"I know."

"You are not throwing things at vampires."

"I wasn't planning to."

"You looked like you were planning to."

I was...A little. Jacob sighs. Then gestures toward the clearing.

"Come here."

For the next several minutes he walks me through basic self-defense. How to break someone's grip. How to shift my weight. How to redirect momentum. How to escape if someone grabs my wrist.

"If somebody bigger than you grabs you," he explains, gently positioning my arms, "your best chance is getting out of the hold."

I nod. Listening carefully.

"Because you're just a human."

The words hit harder than they should. Just a human. I know he doesn't mean anything by it. Still I can't help but wince. His expression softens immediately. Of course he noticed. Jacob notices everything when it comes to me.

"Ky."

"I'm fine."

He doesn't look convinced. But he lets it go. For now. We practice. Again. And again. And again. At first I'm terrible. Then I start getting it. I guess I start getting a little too confident. After successfully escaping his grip three times in a row I grin triumphantly.

"See?"

Jacob raises an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"I'm basically a professional."

"A professional."

"Yep."

His grin returns. Dangerous. Mischievous. The kind that usually means trouble. Before I can react, his arm wraps around my waist. The world tilts. And suddenly I'm flat on my back. The breath leaves my lungs in a startled laugh.

"Jacob!"

His laughter follows immediately. Rich. Warm. Victorious. He's above me. Partially. Clearly supporting most of his weight with one arm so he doesn't crush me. The grass beneath us is cool. The afternoon sun filters through the trees overhead. And Jacob is grinning down at me like he's just won something.

"Professional?"

I scowl. Or try to. It's difficult when he's smiling like that.

"You cheated."

"That wasn't cheating."

"That was absolutely cheating."

"You got distracted."

"By who?"

His grin somehow widens. I hate him. I really do. For a moment neither of us moves. Neither of us seems particularly interested in moving. Then his hand reaches toward my hair.

I freeze.

He carefully pulls out a blade of grass tangled in the strands. Holding it up between his fingers.

"Found this."

I stare. He chuckles. Then flicks it away. The smile never leaves his face. And neither do his eyes leave mine. Something shifts. His hand slows. Lingering near my face. For a second I think he's going to pull away. Instead his fingers brush against my hair.

Then my cheek. Then settle there. Like touching me is the most natural thing in the world. The clearing around us fades away. The wolves. The vampires. The training. The war. All of it. Gone.

It's just Jacob.

His hand against my face. His dark eyes fixed on mine. His smile softer now. Less teasing. More something else. Something that makes my chest ache. I don't know how long we stay like that.

Seconds. Maybe longer.

All I know is one thought keeps repeating itself over and over. I want this forever. Not the war. Not the fear. Not the uncertainty.

Just this.

Jacob smiling. Jacob laughing. Jacob looking at me like I'm the only thing in the world worth paying attention to. If I could, I think I'd spend the rest of my life finding ways to make him smile like this.

✧─────────────────────✧

Bella and I still aren't on great terms. Not even close. Most days we're barely speaking unless we absolutely have to. The fight at her graduation party still sits between us like a wall neither of us knows how to climb over. But right now? For once? We agree on something.

Absolutely not. There is no universe where either of us is staying behind. Apparently every important conversation in Forks eventually ends up happening in the middle of the forest. Neither boy looks remotely happy. Which honestly makes me feel a little better.

If I'm miserable, everyone should be miserable.

"You're staying out of it."

Jacob crosses his arms.

"No."

"I wasn't asking."

"Good thing I wasn't answering."

His jaw tightens. Bella snorts. Edward immediately shoots her a look.

"You're both being ridiculous."

Bella points at him.

"Ridiculous is expecting us to sit at home while a vampire army attacks."

Edward opens his mouth. Jacob talks over him.

"No one is attacking you if you're nowhere near the fight."

"No one is attacking me?" Bella repeats. "Victoria is literally building an army because of me."

The argument immediately explodes again. Everyone starts talking at once. Edward arguing. Bella arguing louder. Jacob arguing. Me arguing because if Bella and my best friend are doing something stupid I refuse to let them do it alone.

Voices bounce around the clearing. Nobody is listening. Nobody is backing down. It's chaos. Complete chaos.

"I am not staying behind."

"You don't understand how dangerous this is."

"We understand perfectly."

"No, you don't."

"Jacob, I swear to God-"

"Ky."

"No."

Bella throws her hands into the air.

"For once can everyone stop talking?"

Miraculously. Everyone does. Bella looks far too pleased with herself. Then her eyes narrow slightly. The expression means she's thinking. Which immediately makes me nervous. Because Bella's ideas tend to create problems. Large problems. Potentially life-threatening problems.

"I have an idea."

Edward groans. Which is honestly fair. Bella ignores him.

"If Victoria wants me so badly..."

"No."

Edward says it immediately. Bella keeps going anyway.

"We use that."

"No."

Edward sounds even more horrified. Bella points toward the trees.

"We lure them somewhere specific."

Jacob's eyebrows pull together. Bella continues.

"If they're following my scent, then we already know where they're going."

The clearing grows quieter. Even Edward stops interrupting. Because unfortunately it's not a terrible idea.

"We pick the battlefield."

Bella folds her arms.

"We make them come where we want them."

Jacob exchanges a look with Edward. The fact that neither of them immediately rejects it tells me everything. They're considering it. Which means I immediately have my own problem. Because if Bella and Jacob are involved? Then I'm involved.

"Nope."

Everyone turns toward me.

I point at Bella.

"If she's doing it, I'm doing it."

Jacob looks like he already regrets this conversation.

"Ky-"

"No."

I point harder.

"Absolutely not."

"You're not part of this."

I laugh.

A single humorless laugh.

"She's my sister and you're my best friend. I'm entwined in this more than Edward"

Bella raises an eyebrow. I ignore her.

"She's still incredibly annoying."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Then I look back at Jacob.

"But if you're putting yourselves in danger, I'm not leaving you alone."

Bella looks suspiciously touched by that. I choose not to acknowledge it. Jacob rubs his face.

"That's not how this works."

"Actually," I say, "I think it is."

"It isn't."

"It is."

"It isn't."

"It is."

Jacob closes his eyes. The same way Charlie does when he's trying not to lose his patience. It's weirdly adorable. Unfortunately for him, I'm still right. Then another thought clicks into place.

I straighten.

"Oh."

Jacob immediately looks concerned.

"What?"

I point between him and Bella. Then between him and me. Then at Edward.

"I have an even better argument."

"No."

"You don't even know what it is."

"If you're smiling like that, it's a bad sign."

I ignore him.

"Your scent covers ours."

The clearing goes quiet. Jacob blinks. Edward blinks. Bella blinks. I smile triumphantly.

"If Bella and I stay with Jacob, Victoria's army can't track us properly."

Jacob's expression shifts. Unfortunately. Because now he's thinking about it. Which means I'm making sense. And we both know it. I immediately press my advantage.

"We'd actually be safer together."

Edward opens his mouth. I keep talking.

"Jacob covers our scent."

I point toward Bella.

"She lures them where we want them."

Then I point at myself.

"And I'm not letting either of you do it alone."

Bella nods immediately.

"Exactly."

Edward looks betrayed. Jacob looks exhausted. Good. They should be. I've been exhausted for weeks.

"We stay with Jacob."

Bella continues.

"The newborns follow the trail."

I cross my arms.

"Then after that you can hide us somewhere."

Jacob studies me. Really studies me. Like he's trying to find the flaw. The problem. The reason to say no. Unfortunately for him. I'm brilliant. Eventually he looks toward Edward. Edward looks equally unhappy. Bella and I share a look. A rare moment of complete agreement. The boys know they're losing.

Jacob groans first. A long suffering sound. The sound of a man realizing his life is controlled by stubborn women. Edward follows a second later.

"Fine."

Bella immediately smiles. Jacob points at both of us.

"No celebrating."

Naturally Bella and I celebrate immediately.

"We are not changing the plan."

Neither of us listens.

"You are staying exactly where we tell you."

Still not listening.

"You are not leaving."

Definitely not listening. Jacob glares at me. I grin back. His glare lasts approximately three seconds before he looks away. Because he knows it's hopeless.

Finally Edward sighs. The kind of sigh that sounds physically painful.

"We'll take you somewhere safe after the trail is laid."

Bella nods. I nod. The boys look deeply unconvinced by our agreement. Which is fair. I wouldn't trust us either. Jacob steps closer. Close enough that only I can hear him.

"You are going to stay where I put you."

I smile sweetly.

"Probably."

His eyes narrow.

"Ky."

"I'm agreeing."

"That wasn't agreement."

"It was agreement-adjacent."

Jacob drops his head into his hands. And honestly? Watching him suffer through caring about me is becoming one of my favorite hobbies.

✧─────────────────────✧

Now we're standing in Charlie's living room pretending we're going camping. Which would probably be more believable if every single person involved didn't look like they were preparing for battle.

Charlie watches from the couch as Bella shoves things into a backpack. His expression is confused. Suspicious. Tired. Honestly, that's become his default expression lately.

"You girls know it's supposed to rain, right?"

"It's Washington," Bella says.

Charlie nods.

"Fair."

I zip up my duffel. Jacob leans against the doorway watching me. Watching me the way he always does. Like he's making sure I haven't somehow wandered into traffic while packing.

Bella moves toward the kitchen to grab something she'd forgotten. Alice immediately appears beside her. Because apparently Alice doesn't walk. She materializes.

I glance up just in time to see her lean close to Bella. Far too close. A grin spreading across her face.

"You'll have the whole house alone."

She wiggles her eyebrows. Then winks. A full body shudder runs through me.

"Oh my God."

Bella immediately turns red.

Alice starts laughing. I point at both of them.

"No."

Alice laughs harder. I hold up both hands.

"I don't want to know."

"Nobody was telling you."

"You were absolutely telling me."

Bella looks horrified. Alice looks delighted. Which somehow makes it worse. I physically recoil.

"Please never say those words again."

Alice grins. Bella looks like she wants the floor to swallow her whole. Charlie glances over from the couch.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Three voices answer at once. Charlie's eyes narrow. He wisely decides not to ask.

Jacob is trying very hard not to laugh. Which is honestly offensive.

"You're enjoying this."

"A little."

"Traitor."

His grin widens. A few minutes later everyone starts moving outside. Cars. Backpacks. Supplies. The whole fake camping trip.

I sling my duffel over my shoulder. It immediately disappears. I blink. Jacob is standing there holding it. Along with my other bag. And somehow my sleeping bag.

"When did you even..."

He shrugs. Like carrying half my belongings is completely normal. Which honestly it is.

"Got it."

"I could carry those."

"I know."

He keeps walking. Not slowing down. Not giving them back. I follow anyway. Because arguing would require effort.

Outside the trucks and cars are lined up in the driveway. Bella immediately heads toward Edward. I immediately head toward Jacob.

A decision that requires approximately zero thought. Jacob tosses my bags into the back of his truck. Then reaches for the passenger door. Opening it before I can. I stare at him. He stares back.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"You're staring."

"I'm appreciating your commitment to chivalry."

He rolls his eyes. I climb inside. The truck rumbles to life a moment later. The second we pull away from Charlie's house my entire body relaxes. Because unlike Bella. Unlike Edward. Unlike whatever weird honeymoon camping trip Alice seems convinced is happening. Jacob and I already made our own plans.

Well.

I made the plans. Jacob listened. Which is basically the same thing. There is absolutely no universe where I'm staying anywhere near the Cullen house.

The trees blur past outside.

Jacob keeps one hand on the wheel.

The other resting casually near the gear shift.

Comfortable.

Relaxed.

Familiar.

✧─────────────────────✧

The plan worked. Which honestly feels suspicious. Nothing ever works this well. Especially not plans involving vampires. And yet somehow here we are. Hidden away in the mountains. Safe. Allegedly.

I would like to formally challenge the definition of the word safe. Because I am freezing my ass off. The wind howls outside the tent. Rain pounds against the canvas. Every now and then hail joins in just to make my life worse.

The entire mountain feels determined to kill me personally.Bella and I are buried beneath sleeping bags. Curled together like two dying Victorian children trying to survive a snowstorm. Neither of us is winning. I can barely feel my toes. Or my fingers. Or my face.

I don't know if I'm still blinking. I glance toward Edward. Immediately narrowing my eyes. He's sitting in the corner of the tent.

Perfectly comfortable. Perfectly dry. Perfectly annoying. I swear the fact that he's cold makes the entire tent colder. It's like having a living ice sculpture shoved into the corner. Bella follows my gaze.

"I know."

"Right?"

"He somehow makes it worse."

Edward sighs.

"I can hear both of you."

"Good."

"You do."

I point accusingly.

"I think you're lowering the temperature."

"That's not how thermodynamics works."

"Sounds fake."

Bella snorts. Edward closes his eyes. Clearly questioning every decision that led him here. Good. I hope he's miserable.

Another gust of wind rattles the tent. I shiver so hard my teeth clack together. Bella shivers beside me. We're practically glued together at this point trying to share what little body heat we have left. It's not enough. Not even close.

The tent flap suddenly opens. Cold air rushes inside. Then Jacob ducks through. Instantly making everything better. Not warmer. Just better.

His dark eyes immediately sweep across the tent. Landing on me first. Then Bella. His expression tightens.

"Jesus."

"We're dying."

Bella nods.

"We're definitely dying."

Jacob crouches beside us. Concern written across his face.

"It's that cold in here?"

I stick my head farther into my sleeping bag.

"I'm seeing the light."

"Ky."

"I'm serious."

His eyebrows pull together.

"Give me your hand."

I stare at him.

"That feels like a trap."

"Your hand."

Reluctantly I pull one arm from the sleeping bag. Instant regret. The cold bites instantly. Painfully. I make a noise somewhere between a gasp and a whine.

"Oh my God."

Jacob reaches forward. The second my fingers touch his hand he flinches. Actually flinches. His eyes widen.

"Ky."

"Told you."

"You're freezing."

"I am aware."

His hand immediately closes around mine. Warm. So warm. I nearly cry.

Bella looks equally jealous.

Jacob shakes his head.

"This is ridiculous."

His gaze moves between both of us. Then back to me.

"I can help."

I don't even let him finish. Immediately I pull my sleeping bag open. Just enough room.

"Get in."

Jacob blinks.

I wiggle the opening wider.

"Jacob."

Bella nods enthusiastically.

"Please."

For once. My sister and I are completely united. Jacob rubs the back of his neck. Looking vaguely embarrassed. Which is adorable. Unfortunately for him we're both freezing to death.

"No shame."

I point at the sleeping bag.

"Get in."

His eyes flick toward Edward.

Edward suddenly looks very interested in the tent wall. Suspicious. Very suspicious. Then I remember.

Oh. Right.

Mind reader.

A slow smile spreads across my face. Pure evil. Edward immediately groans.

"Oh no."

I grin wider. I look directly at him.

You suck. Edward pinches the bridge of his nose. I hope you know that. His shoulders tense. Bella looks between us. Confused. You are literally an ice cube. Edward drops his head back against the tent wall. I hope Jacob steals your girlfriend I'll let him just to spite you. Bella chokes.

"What just happened?"

Edward closes his eyes.

"Nothing."

I beam.

"Suck it."

Edward looks moments away from throwing himself off the mountain. Worth it. Absolutely worth it. Jacob is trying not to laugh now. I think he might have figured it out. Which means I win. A moment later he finally squeezes himself into my sleeping bag. The second he settles beside me I almost melt.

"Oh."

The noise escapes before I can stop it. Jacob laughs softly. Better. So much better. It's like somebody shoved a personal heater beside me. A very large. Very warm. Very attractive heater.

If Bella and Edward aren't here...We could do this wayyy more effeciently. My brain can't help but cycle through all the ways Jacob and I could get warm. His bare skin against mine radiating heat.

Edward loudly coughs ruining my fun. Ugh.

Jacob's arm settles around me automatically. Instinctively. Like there's nowhere else it belongs. The warmth spreads through my entire body. Chasing away the cold. Chasing away the tension. Chasing away the fear.

Across from us Bella finally settles into her own sleeping bag curled beside Jacob's other side. Practically spooning him through several layers of fabric.

Honestly?

It's kind of hilarious. Jacob is literally heating both Swan sisters. The ultimate multitasking achievement. Outside the storm continues raging.

Inside the tent everything grows quieter. Bella relaxes first. The tension leaving her shoulders. Her breathing evening out. A few minutes later she's asleep. Finally warm. Finally comfortable.

Edward watches her with that weird lovestruck expression he always gets. I choose not to comment. Mostly because I'm exhausted.

My head settles against Jacob's chest. Listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Strong. Consistent. Alive.

The thought makes my chest ache. Because tomorrow he's going to fight. Tomorrow all of them are. And suddenly the fear comes rushing back. I curl closer without realizing it. My fingers bunching in his shirt.

"Jacob?"

His arm tightens around me immediately.

"Yeah?"

My eyes sting.

I hate it. I hate how scared I am. I hate that I can't protect him. I hate that tomorrow exists.

"Promise me you'll be okay."

The words come out barely above a whisper. His expression softens instantly. Completely. His forehead rests lightly against mine. And for a second the rest of the world disappears.

Just us.

Just Jacob.

Just the warmth surrounding me.

"I'll do anything to keep you safe."

My throat tightens.

Because that's not what I asked.

I nod anyway. Unable to trust my voice.

Jacob brushes his thumb across my arm. Slow. The storm keeps raging outside. The wind. The rain. The hail.

None of it matters anymore. Not with Jacob holding me. Not with his warmth wrapped around me. Not with the steady beat of his heart beneath my ear. For the first time all day. For the first time since this whole nightmare started.

I feel safe.

My eyes drift closed. The last thing I feel is Jacob pulling me a little closer. The last thing I hear is his heartbeat. And then sleep finally takes me. Curled safely in his arms.

✧─────────────────────✧

Bella and Edward are engaged. Actually engaged. Planning-to-get-married engaged. I don't even know how to process that information.

But Jacob? Jacob looks downright furious.

Not annoyed. Not frustrated. Livid.

His entire body goes rigid. His jaw clenches. The muscles in his neck tighten. For a second nobody moves. Then Jacob turns and starts walking away.

Fast.

"Jacob."

Bella immediately goes after him. I stand automatically. Following both of them. The entire situation spiraling out of control before I can even understand what's happening.

"Jacob!"

He doesn't stop.

"Jacob, wait!"

Still doesn't stop.

Bella practically runs to catch up with him.

"Please."

That finally gets him to pause.

Only pause.

Not turn around. Not look at her. Just stop.

His shoulders are tight. His fists clenched. Bella's breathing is uneven when she reaches him.

"Please don't leave."

Jacob laughs. One sharp. Humorless laugh. The sound hurts to hear.

"Why?"

Bella looks stunned.

"Because I don't want to lose you."

For a second something flashes across Jacob's face.

Pain. Raw and ugly. Then it's gone.

"That's not enough."

Bella stares at him.

"What?"

Jacob finally turns around. His eyes are blazing.

"There is one thing you could do to make me stay."

Bella goes still. I go still. The entire mountain seems to go still. Because suddenly I know exactly where this conversation is headed.

And I hate it. I hate every second of it.

Bella takes a step forward.

"I don't want to lose you."

Jacob shakes his head.

"That's not enough."

Another step.

"Jacob."

Another. Then before anyone can stop her. Before anyone can react. Bella grabs him. And kisses him.

Everything stops.

My heart. My lungs. The world. All of it. Gone.

I just stand there. Frozen. Watching. Unable to process what I'm seeing. Unable to breathe. Unable to think. Jacob freezes too. For one terrible second. One horrible endless second.

Then he shoves her away. Hard. Not enough to hurt her. Just enough to break contact. Bella stumbles backward. Jacob looks furious. Absolutely furious.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Bella's eyes widen.

"I thought-"

"You thought what?"

His voice echoes across the mountain. Sharp. Angry. Desperate.

Bella just stares at him. Completely lost. And then Jacob says the words that change everything.

"I love her."

Silence.

My stomach drops.

Bella blinks.

"What?"

Jacob points directly at me. Standing several feet away. Frozen in place.

"Her."

My heart stops. Again.

"Kylie."

The entire world narrows. Just Jacob. Just his voice. Just those words.

"She's the one I love."

Nobody speaks. Nobody moves. Jacob laughs bitterly. Like he can't believe we're even having this conversation.

"God, Bella."

He runs a hand through his hair.

"I thought you knew."

Bella looks completely blindsided.

Jacob keeps going.

The words pouring out now. Years worth of feelings. Years worth of secrets. Years worth of restraint finally snapping.

"She's my best friend."

His voice softens for half a second. Just enough to hurt.

"My childhood best friend."

My eyes start burning.

"She's the person I want around when something good happens."

Jacob's gaze flickers toward me. Only me.

"She's the person I look for first."

My chest aches.

"She's the person I miss when she's gone."

Bella looks stunned. Completely stunned. And Jacob isn't finished.

"Do you know how relieved I was when I imprinted?"

The words hit me like a truck. Imprinted. The word I've heard whispered for months. The thing no one will acknowledge around me. Jacob laughs again.

Softer this time. Disbelieving.

"Because I already knew."

Bella's eyes widen. I think mine do too.

"I already knew she was perfect for me."

The mountain disappears. Everything disappears. I can't hear anything except him.

"She's my entire world."

Tears are building behind my eyes now. Fast. Dangerously fast.

"And I'd do anything to keep her safe."

Jacob points toward Bella.

"That's why I care."

His voice sharpens again.

"That's why I've been trying to stop you."

Bella flinches.

"That's why I hate the idea of you turning."

Another step.

"That's why I worry when you're in danger."

Another.

"Because when you get hurt."

His voice cracks slightly.

"When you turn."

His eyes find mine again.

"It hurts her."

The tears finally spill over. One after another. Hot against my freezing skin.

"And if she gets hurt because of it?"

Jacob swallows.

"Then I get hurt too."

Nobody speaks. Not Bella. Not Edward. Not me.

The silence stretches. Then Jacob shakes his head. Looking exhausted. Completely exhausted.

"I thought everybody knew."

His eyes close briefly.

"It was obvious."

A pause. Then a humorless laugh.

"Apparently everyone knew except the two Swan daughters."

Bella just stands there. Speechless. For maybe the first time in her life. Jacob turns away. Done. Completely done. And starts walking down the mountain.

"Jacob!"

Bella calls after him. Desperate. Panicked.

He doesn't stop. Doesn't slow down. Doesn't even look back.

"Jacob!"

I don't look at her. Not once. I can't. Because Jacob is leaving. And suddenly nothing else matters.

Not Bella. Not Edward. Not the engagement. Not the battle. Nothing.

Just him.

I take off after him without a second thought. Without hesitation. Without even considering another option. Because if Jacob Black is walking away. Then I'm walking with him.

Like I always have.

Like I always will.

✧─────────────────────✧

"I followed you down that hill."

The words come out quietly. Barely louder than the creak of the old chair beneath me.

Jacob doesn't move.

Doesn't react.

Just lays there surrounded by blankets and bandages, chest rising and falling in slow steady breaths. The room smells like medicine. Like sweat. Like blood. Like the lingering aftermath of pain.

I tighten my grip around his hand. Careful. Terrified of hurting him even though he's unconscious.

Even though he's probably healed more in the last few hours than a normal person would in weeks.

"I followed you down that hill. You didn't stop and I had to... I had to stop and watch you fight those things."

My voice cracks. I swallow hard. Staring down at our joined hands.

"Watch as we thought we won."

I can still see it. The clearing. The dirt. The blood. The impossible violence of it all.

"Watch as you defended Leah and got your bones shattered."

My eyes sting.

"I ran to you then."

The memory hits me so hard my chest hurts.

"I ran to you as you screamed in agony and dropped to my knees beside you."

I laugh softly. Broken. Watery.

"I don't think I've ever been that scared before."

The room stays silent. Only the sound of his breathing. Only the sound of my own.

"I wanted to tell you."

My thumb brushes across his knuckles.

"I wanted to tell you when you said my name."

I squeeze my eyes shut.

"You said it like you were relieved I was there."

The tears won't stop coming.

"I wanted to tell you I love you."

The confession hangs in the room. Simple. Terrifying. Perfectly honest.

"I wanted to tell you everything."

A shaky breath leaves me.

"Everything I've been holding back."

I look up at him. At the familiar face I've spent years memorizing. The face I've always looked for first. The face that somehow feels like home.

"I've loved you for so long, Jacob."

The words hurt. Not because they're wrong. Because they're true. Painfully true.

"I think part of me has always loved you."

A tear slides down my cheek.

"You could have told me."

I shake my head. A wet laugh escaping.

"You could have told me everything and I wouldn't have blinked."

Another laugh.

Another tear.

"Well maybe I would have, but then I would've grabbed you and kissed you on the spot."

The image is almost enough to make me smile. Almost. Instead my chest aches. Because of how much time was lost. How many years. How many moments. How many chances.

"I would've chosen you every single time."

My voice drops lower.

"I always choose you."

The room feels smaller suddenly. Like the whole world has narrowed down to this bed. This hand. This boy.

"But instead I had to kneel next to you after you took a hit that wasn't meant for you."

I look away. Unable to stop the tears now.

"I watched them carry you here."

The memory is awful. Jacob trying to stay conscious.

"I sat right here while they re-broke and set your bones one by one."

I physically shudder.

"I heard you scream."

My throat tightens.

"I heard every single one."

I wipe angrily at my face.

"I wanted to make it stop."

My fingers tighten around his hand.

"I would've taken it for you if I could."

The words slip out before I can stop them. And I mean them. Every single one.

"I would've."

Silence. Then a whisper.

"I would've done anything."

The moonlight coming through the window slowly fades. The dark blue of night becoming gray. Then silver. Then pale gold.

Time passes. Hours. Maybe.

I don't know.

I never let go of his hand. Not once.

"And I will never leave your side again, Jacob."

My voice is rough now. Sleep deprived. Raw.

"So please be okay."

The plea barely makes it out.

"I know you heal."

I laugh softly.

"I know you're impossible."

Another shaky breath.

"But I need you to be okay."

My forehead lowers until it rests against the edge of the mattress.

"I need to see you open your eyes."

My voice cracks completely.

"I need to see you smile at me."

The room blurs.

"I love you, Jacob."

Silence answers. Hours of silence. I sit. And sit. And sit.

The sun rises. Golden light creeps through the curtains. Birds begin chirping outside. The rest of the house slowly starts waking up. People move around somewhere beyond the bedroom door.

I don't care.

My hand remains wrapped around his. My head slowly droops. Exhaustion pulling at me. The adrenaline finally wearing off.

I almost drift off. Almost.

Then his fingers twitch.

I freeze. My head snaps up so fast my neck protests.

Jacob's eyes blink open. Slow and heavy.

Confused.

For a second he just looks at me. Like he's making sure I'm real. Like he's checking that I'm actually there. And then the first thing out of his mouth is,

"I was worried about you."

I stare at him. Absolutely dumbfounded.

"You were worried about me?!"

His lips twitch. A tiny smile. Barely there.

I immediately sit forward.

"I was worried about you, you idiot!"

His smile grows.

Just a little.

"I thought you were dying."

"Kinda felt like it."

"Jacob."

His expression softens.

And somehow that only makes me angrier.

"I'm so mad at you."

The words come rushing out.

"I'm mad at you for running off."

His smile falters.

"I'm mad at you for fighting when you should've stayed back."

A wince.

Good.

"I'm mad at you for getting hurt."

Another wince.

"Ky-"

"I'm mad at you for telling my sister you love me before you told me."

That actually makes him laugh. A painful sounding laugh. But a laugh.

"That's fair."

"And for-"

His hand suddenly reaches up.

Cupping my face.

Pulling me forward.

And then he's kissing me.

Every thought immediately disappears.

Gone.

Completely gone.

Because Jacob Black is kissing me.

Really kissing me.

I melt. Absolutely melt. Years of feelings collapsing into a single moment.

A single kiss. A single impossible perfect moment. I kiss him back without hesitation. Without thinking. Without breathing.

Then a loud groan tears out of his chest.

I immediately jerk away.

Horrified.

"Oh my God."

Jacob squeezes his eyes shut. Pain flashing across his face.

"I'm so, so sorry."

"It's okay."

His smile is strained.

Pained.

But real.

"It's definitely not okay."

"It kind of is."

"Jacob."

He chuckles weakly. Then immediately regrets it.

The idiot. The absolute idiot.

For a few seconds we just stare at each other.

Neither willing to look away. Neither quite believing this is real.

Jacob's eyes soften. Warmer than I've ever seen them.

"I have so much I need to explain to you."

I nod immediately.

"Good."

"So much."

"Good."

His smile grows. Slow. Sleepy.

"But I really need to go back to sleep right now, okay baby?"

The word hits me square in the chest.

Baby.

Not an accident this time. Not slipping out. Intentional. Natural. Like he's said it a thousand times before. My heart completely betrays me.

"Okay."

The answer comes out embarrassingly soft. I carefully lean forward. Resting my forehead against his. His eyes drift closed immediately.

"I love you," I whisper.

A sleepy smile tugs at his lips. Then he squeezes my hand once. And a moment later he's asleep again.

This time when I sit beside his bed and wait. I don't feel scared. Because now I know.

When he wakes up again.

He'll still be mine.

And I'll still be his.

✧─────────────────────✧

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[hehcallmemisterepic]

Misery Business

Edward Cullen x Reader wc: 4.3k PART 1 ao3 link

Summary— After an unfortunate accident involving Tyler Crowley and your car, Edward Cullen begins to take notice of you.

The bell rang. School’s over. You could finally leave.

Walking to your car, you made a conscious effort to not slip on the frozen over parking lot. A decent layer of ice was covering the ground, it was a wonder school hadn’t been cancelled.

Reaching your car, you dug in your pockets for your keys, your fingers only coming up holding lint. As you placed your backpack on the hood of your car, unzipping your front pocket, you glanced at the motorcycle lazily parked next to your car. It was obnoxiously taking up two spots. You turned around, trying to find whoever owned it, looking for anyone who fit the bill.

That’s when you saw him.

He was well over six foot, probably closer to six foot five. He was wearing a tight fitting black shirt. His blue washed jeans stood out against his tan skin. His hair, short and black, was damp from the rain. You recognised him from the few times you and your friends had gone to La Push beach. It was Jacob Black.

You debated walking over and talking to him. To complain about his parking job, though you knew how he’d rebuttal, telling you how there had to have been at least another ten open spaces.

You changed your mind once you saw he was speaking to Bella. You wanted to avoid her as much as possible. Not because she’d done anything wrong. God no. You were fully aware all of your emotions were fully from your own doing, your own desires. But you couldn’t stand looking at her facing knowing she had everything you wanted. Neither could you stand the guilt gnawing away your soul when she gushed about how perfect Edward was.

As your mind crossed back to him, you looked around the parking lot, trying to spot through the crowd. You easily found his siblings, all crowding around Rosalie’s M3 and Emmett’s Jeep Wrangler. You saw Edward’s Volvo parked not far away, but no sign of him himself.

Shaking your head and sighing, you continued your search for your keys, rummaging through it. As you did, you heard the clinking of metal near the bottom. You took a few stray coins and old gum wrappers out in the process, finally taking hold of your car keys.

You were about to unlock it, shoving the key into the hole, when an abhorrent screeching noise was heard from behind you. You quickly spun around, your eyes meeting Tyler Crowley’s. He was behind the wheel of his van, whizzing out control, and clearly about to slam into you.

Freezing in place, you did nothing else but brace for impact. You were never the fight, flight, or fawn type of girl, and this life or death situation wasn’t going to change that.

A pair of hands grabbed you tightly, pulling you out of the way. Instead of being met with the harsh, cold metal crushing you as expected, you braced for impact as you fell, feeling a soft woollen jacket over your hands.

Your eyes shot open, only to be met with a pair of deep golden ones, ones filled with concern. You examined him more carefully, not capable enough to fully comprehend what was going on. He was laying on the rough terrain of the parking lot, with your legs on either side of his hips. Both of his hands clutched at your waist while yours held onto his shoulders. His bronze hair splayed out onto the floor, tuffs of it sticking to his face.

His mouth was moving, forming words that you couldn’t quite hear over the sound of your thoughts. You nodded along, mesmerised by the man who just saved you. He let go of your waist gently tapping your neck, sending a cold shock throughout your body.

“I said are you alright?” Edward asked. That woke you up. You cleared your throat, heat rushing to your cheeks.

“I’m fine.” You mumbled out, physically unable to say anything louder. You were still shell-shocked at Edward Cullen being underneath you.

“Can you move? You’re not hurt, are you?” His expression relaxed the longer you looked at him, though his brows were still furrowed and his nose still scrunched.

“Yeah, sorry!” You rushed to get off him. He stood up faster, then leaned down to place his hands under your arms, helping to lift you up. You thanked him profusely as Tyler Crowley rolled down his window, his words slightly slurred. You turned around when he called out your name, although you could barely distinguish it from the tens of other students calling out to you, questioning if you were okay.

Whatever Tyler said fell on deaf ears as you looked at the state of your car and his van. The side of yours had caved in while the front of his had been destroyed, though no glass had shattered. The silver lining was that your backpack was okay, albeit tipped over and contents spilled across the floor. The only casualty was your pencil case, the fabric ripped up and destroyed

“Hey!” Warm arms wrapped around you, and the smell of strawberry scented shampoo wafted through the air. “Oh my gosh, are you hurt anywhere?” Bella pulled back, cupping your face and searching it for any cuts or scrapes. Behind her, you could see Jacob tailing behind her, his glancing between you, Edward, and his bike that remained untouched in the process.

“I’m fine Bella, don’t worry.” You smiled half-heartedly, taking her wrists and placing them back by her sides.

“You should go to the hospital!”

“Oh no, I wouldn’t want to waste anyone's time–”

“No, seriously! Edward’s dad can check on you, it wouldn’t take a minute.” With her pleading eyes and her hands clasped together, she almost looked like she was begging you. Begging you for a confirmation of your good health. More guilt, more guilt, more guilt.

Looking over at Edward, his face seemed to match Bella’s more and more by the second. You needed to get out of there as soon as possible.

Jacob spoke up, crossing his arms over his chest. “Let Edward drive you home at least.”

Edward perked up at that offer, squinting daggers at Jacob. “Sure.”

“Not like you were taking Bella home anyway.” He retorted, walking in between you and Edward to get to his motorcycle, picking his helmet off the ground. Bella followed him, putting on Jacob’s helmet. She waved goodbyes at the both of you before sliding the visor down.

“C’mon.” Edward said gruffly. He had placed all your belongings back in your bag and slinging it over his shoulder. The two of you pushed past the large crowd that had formed.

“Where’s she going?” You asked, looking behind you to see her and Jacob speed off together, Bella’s hair flying around haphazardly.

“She wanted to visit the reservation again. She told Jacob he could pick her up after school today.” He moved a lot faster than you, taking longer and faster strides. You practically had to jog to keep up with him.

“Oh, cool.” You wondered why Edward would let Bella hangout with a guy who clearly liked her. You wondered why he was slowly down to match your natural walking pace.

“I know it may seem strange why I let them spend time together when Jacob’s intentions are evidently… not pure.” He paused as you reached his Volvo. He held the door open for you, tossing your backpack in the back seat. He leaned over the passenger side, resting his arm on the roof of the car. “But, he means a lot to her. I don’t wish to take that away.”

“Right.” You nodded, buckling your seatbelt as he shut the door, taking his spot on the driver's seat not long after. “I live on Collins Street. Do you know where that is?” He hummed in affirmation, putting the car into drive and pulling out of the parking lot.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

You were ever so grateful for Tyler Crowley nearly killing you. He was so apologetic, bringing you chocolate and roses trying to make you feel better. If only you could grab him by the arms and shake him and tell him that it was the best descension he ever made.

After that fateful day, Edward had begun to notice you more. He often talked to you in class, asking you for simple things like pens and erasers. But still, he was talking to you. It wasn’t until you failed your third math test in a row when you and Edward had your first real conversation.

Mr. Varner had handed your paper back upside down, a quiet see me after class falling from his lips. You were now sitting in front of his desk, head in your hands as he recounted your past failures.

“I just don’t understand.” He said, massaging his temples firmly. “You were doing so well last semester. You seem reserved. Is something going on at home?” Your eyes widened. Shit, was that how bad you were doing? You vehemently denied it, hurriedly providing a simpler explanation instead, filled with half truths.

“I guess the accident hasn’t been very good on my mental. Maybe that’s why I’ve been kinda distant.” You’ve been failing because the only thing on your mind had been Edward for the past month. Sorta accurate.

“If this continues I’d want you to see the school counsellor, alright?” You rolled your eyes as he turned around, standing up and tucking the chair back under the desk behind you.

“I understand…” You murmured, quietly fuming as you left the room. You swung your locker open, a letter from Tyler addressed to you fell out. Falling next to your feet. Groaning at the sight, you bent down to pick it up. You flipped the letter over in your hand, debating opening it. The sharp edges of the envelope lightly scratched your hand. You decided to toss it back into your locker before you got a paper cut.

Switching out your math textbook for english, you felt someone's presence behind you. Swivelling around to investigate, you jumped at the sight of Edward, stumbling backwards and banging your head against the metal locker door.

“Sorry!” He grinned, seemingly giddy. He brought his hand up to cover his mouth, his pearly white teeth still clearly visible behind his pale fingers.

“What? You’re fine–” You hissed as you rubbed your temple, an awkward smile on your face. You’d been unable to stop thinking about Edward Cullen since the almost accident. He agreed to Jacob’s not-so-subtle push to get him and Bella alone together, resulting in the two of you having one on one time with each other. He opened the door for you with a second thought. And his car. Holy shit his car. It smelt exactly like him, just amplified to the highest degree.

How could you ever pretend to be normal around him after that day?

“I noticed you got a D minus three tests in a row.” Edward spoke, the corners of his lips still turned up as he did. “I was wondering if you needed any help with math.”

You couldn’t help but notice the amused look on his face. A feeling of dread washed over you. Edward's face dropped before you said anything. “Are you making fun of me?” Your voice was meek as you talked.

“No! No, I would never.” He vehemently denied it, his face slightly frustrated. “I was just wondering if I could tutor you.”

“So… you’re pitying me?” You hid your face in your locker, pretending to look for something inside, anything to avoid his piercing eyes, ones that seemed to know your every thought.

“I’m not pitying you. But you are… pitiable. In your academics, specifically.” Edward clarified, peering over your shoulder trying to see what you were doing.

You froze as he reached his arm over your shoulder, snatching the envelope you mindlessly threw inside out. You spun around to find him carefully eyeing it, examining both sides.

“Did Tyler give you this?”

Sighing, you let him play with it while you talked. “Yeah. He’s still trying to apologise after the accident. I was just going to put it with the others when I got home.” His thumb teased the opening, clearly itching to rip it and take out the letter. “Just read it.”

He thanked you, tearing the wax sealing off. “Bit old fashioned, no?”

You scoffed, pushing your hair back and letting out a laugh. “I like vintage stuff.”

His eyes scanned the paper. Edward stiffened slightly then glanced up at you before looking back down. “Do you also like him?”

“What?” You were shocked at the question, shifting back and forth in place.

“This reads more like a love note than anything.”

“Give me that.” As you attempted to grab it out of his hands, he held it up higher, reading it out loud to you over your head.

“I’m so terribly sorry for the pain I’ve caused you.” Edward cleared his throat prior to continuing. “I beg you of the simple request to give me the time of day to formally atone for my faults. If I may ask, I wish to take you on a dining experience you’ll not soon forget.” He giggled, folding the page over and handing it back to you. “God, was he born in 1901 or something?”

“Is that seriously what he wrote?” You skimmed the paper, finding the sentences he recited with ease.

Edward watched the other students walking to their next classes. Some moved faster than others, while a few were like the both of you. Standing and speaking while knowing full well that they should start going. “You never answered my question.” His voice softer than before.

“Oh, uhm. Sure. I’d love for you to tutor me.” You hurried to add on the next part. “But is Bella okay with it?”

Edward paused, his eyes staring behind you, seemingly distant, before returning to look at you. “She’s hanging out with Jacob Black today.”

You breathed out a sigh of relief, your shoulders visibly relaxing. “We could go to the library after school? Would that work?”

“Yeah that’d be perfect.”

You spent the rest of the day looking forward to seeing Edward. You’d never been so excited to do math. Entering the library, you quietly made your way to a long, wooden table. One with just a few people silently working on it at the opposite end.

You patiently waited for him to show up, picking at your nail beds in the meantime. It was still so hard to believe that this was actually happening. You were actually going to spend what would probably be a good hour talking to Edward. Just the two of you.

The sound of a chair being pulled out grabbed your attention. Edward greeted you politely, and you returned a similar one back to him.

“What were the past tests on again?” Edward asked, sitting down on the chair next to you.

“You know exactly what they were on.” You retorted, digging in your bag for the stray pencils you had inside.

“I want to know if you remember.” He gazed over at you, seeing your arm elbow deep in your backpack. “You still haven’t bought a new pencil case?”

Your face heated up in embarrassment at his observation. “Like, algebra or something, right? Also, no. I’m still mourning the loss.”

“It’s been a month.” He said, taking out his own notebook. “Don’t you think you should move on?”

“A month's not that long.”

“You’re right.”

You took out the test you were handed back today. Still placing it face down on the table. Edward chuckled, flipping it over immediately.

“Don’t be silly, I already know your grade.”

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

You nervously fiddled with your house keys as Edward loomed behind you. It had just been a little over four weeks since the first tutoring session, and you’ve now upgraded from the library, where you sat chairs with uneven legs and talked awkwardly in a somewhat hushed voice, to having Edward request to come see you place. You were more than happy to oblige, seeing as it was near impossible for you to say no to him.

Finally getting the door open, you stepped inside, waiting for him to enter before fully closing it. You could feel your heart beating in your chest. It felt so odd seeing a man so perfect he could’ve been carved from marble in your living room.

“So, do you want a tour or…”

“Let’s just go to your room.” He walked up the stairs, finding his way to your room without any assistance needed. If you didn’t know any better, you would’ve thought he’d been here before.

“How’d you know where my bedroom was?”

“Lucky guess.” He flopped onto your mattress, pulled out his notebook and somehow snagged yours from your backpack when you weren’t looking.

The sun was setting and you were sick of wearing jeans. You allowed him to do his own thing as you made your way to your closet, eager to get into something more comfortable.

He began checking your answers, referring to the answers he had gotten himself. You gazed at him from your closet door, mesmerised by his mere presence. His face was incredibly angular, his jawline so sharp you feared he'd cut his own neck. Your curtain was ever so barely ajar, not fully covering the window and allowing some moonlight to seep through. His skin—due to some odd trick of the eye—was illuminated under it, only making you focus more on him.

“You got 4.a wrong.” He looked up from the page, his eyes an alluring amber.

“Hmm?” You noised, wiping your mouth to check you haven’t drooled at all.

He tittered, going back to checking your work. “Is picking out pyjamas really that mentally consuming?”

“No? Shut up, I'm not being consumed.” Flipping through your clothes, everything was far too scruffy to be seen around Edward. Although you were certain he wouldn’t care, you still wanted to be precipitated as someone who was way more put together than she was. Especially to him.

The ‘him’ in question sighed, his eyes closing for a few seconds before opening again. “That’s not– You’re thinking too hard is all I’m trying to say.”

“Well then help me pick!” You huffed, crossing your arms and stepping aside. Edward sluggishly rolled off the bed, clearly annoyed you’ve disturbed him from his teacherly duties. He walked over to your closet, shuffling through a few items before settling on an old band t-shirt, one with frayed ends and holes for days, and sweatpants. He threw them at your head, covering your eyes. He was back on your bed by the time you could see again. In response, you threw a single sock at him and completely missed.

Groaning at his lack of response, you padded off to the bathroom to change, taking one final glance at his face before shutting the door. It still felt odd seeing him so often. Before the crash, all your looks were from afar and highly limited. Now, you could get away with admiring him for a good minute without Edward noticing.

You looked at yourself in the mirror, wearing Edward’s sleepwear of choice. You wished he had asked you if he could come over in advance instead of ten minutes before he actually did. Then maybe you would’ve had the opportunity to go out and buy some pyjamas from Victoria’s Secret or some other lingerie brand.

Then you thought about Bella again.

Entering the room again, Edward patted the spot beside him, urging you to sit next to him. You took the seat, your pin straight posture a stark contrast to his relaxed one.

“Bella’s okay with you being over, right?” Your voice faltering slightly.

His pen halted at your ask for a mere moment. “She’s at the reservation with Jacob Black. She’ll most likely be spending the night there.”

“Okkay…” You drawled out, accepting the answer and yawning as you copied the position he was laying in.

He continued going over the questions you’d gotten wrong, meticulously explaining each step on how to improve and what steps to take in order.

You felt your eyelids get heavier as he spoke, mostly due to boredom at the conversation topic. Simplifying algebraic fractions wasn't particularly something that kept you engaged. You nodded along with whatever Edward was saying, allowing your head to fall on the mattress and your eyes to fully close.

The next time you opened them was to the sound of morning doves tweeting through your open window. Stretching your arms over your head, a post-it note on your bedside table caught your eye.

Picking it up, the neat script written in black ink was unmistakably Edward’s.

I finished correcting your work after you fell asleep. Please take a look at the notes I have provided as well.

You smiled at the note, knowing fully well you were not going to read any of them.

Your mindless routine of getting ready was broken up by an unexpected phone call. You picked it up, holding it between your head and shoulder as you brushed your hair.

“Hello?”

“Hey. I need to talk to you.” Bella’s voice emitted from the speaker, sending a wave of shock through your body. She rarely called you.

“W–What about?”

“I need to talk in person. Meet me at the Café on Mells Avenue at twelve.”

“Sure-” She hung up before you could finish.

Arriving at the café, you’d found her sitting at one of the tables in front of the store, her arms crossed and leg bouncing.

“I need you to be honest with me.” Bella said firmly, her voice wavering as she spoke. She warmed her hands with a mug of hot chocolate.

“Yeah, of course.” You already knew what was coming. You weren’t the best at hiding your feelings, especially when your crushes girlfriend was excitedly retelling their dates.

“Do you like Edward?”

You didn’t want to admit it. Speaking it out loud was more pathetic than keeping it hidden. It meant accepting that you want someone you can’t have.

“Do I like him for you?” You put on a wide smile, one you forced to reach your eyes. “Obviously. You guys are great together.”

Bella rolled her eyes, rightfully so, and placed her mug down on the table, ignoring the provided coaster. “That’s not what I meant and you know that.”

Taking a deep breath, you nodded your head, placing your hands in your lap and fixing your posture. “I know. I’m sorry.” You played with your coats sleeves, trying to work up the nerve to say it.

“Well?” She leaned in closer, an expecting look on her face. Her eyebrows were raised, clearly in annoyance.

“I don’t.”

Bella took another large gulp of her drink, wincing slightly at the temperature. “So Jessica was wrong.”

“Yeah. She was.”

She chugged the last of her hot chocolate then stood up, her chair making an horrendous scratching sound in the process. She slung her messenger bag over her shoulder throwing a few dollar bills on the table to pay for her purchase.

You rushed to speak, knowing she’d leave any second. “I want you to know that nothing happened last night.”

“What are you talking about?” Bella stopped in her tracks, turning around to face you.

Looking everywhere but her face, you managed to squeak out a response. “He– Well– I fell asleep when he was tutoring me. He stayed the night at my place.”

Her eyes widened, she blinked multiple times, in near disbelief of what she was hearing “Since when did he tutor you?!”

“What? He said you were okay with it.”

“Well, either he lied to you or you’re lying to me.”

You buried your face in your hands. You were tired of embarrassing yourself. You thought back on every time you’d asked Edward if Bella was okay with what the two of you were doing. You’d assumed—very wrongly—that ‘she’s with Jacob’ meant that she was okay with it. As in, ‘she has guy friends, just like how I can have female friends’. You had never been more incorrect apparently.

“Admit it. You want to have sex with my boyfriend.”

You curled up into your seat, the urge to plug your ears and pretend what was currently happening, well, wasn’t, grew stronger by the second. “I don’t...”

“I don’t believe you.” She replied, staring down at you as it began to drizzle. She tilted forward, reaching for the umbrella attached to a pole going through the middle of the table. She placed her hand on the underside, opening the umbrella up and locking it. “But you wanna know what sucks the most? I want to hate you more than I do.” Rain started soaking her clothes as you remained completely dry.

You couldn’t agree more with her. You wanted to hate Bella more than anything in the world. But, she was kind and thoughtful and considerate towards others, and it was surprising you were still included in that group. Especially given the information she just found out. You wanted a reason to despise her. You wished she was a horrible person. Then you wouldn’t feel like a loser for loving Edward. Maybe you’d even feel good about it.

She walked towards her beat up Chevy, pulling the hood on her jacket over her head. She clutched her bag tightly to her side, her steps turning into a light jog as the rain picked up.

It didn’t take long for the constant chatter of passers-by to overwhelm your thoughts, sending you into a bit of a frenzy.

You felt like shit. You were a piece of shit. That was a messed up thing to do, lying to your friend like that.

Why did you do it?

You stood up, shoving your hands into your pockets as you walked away. You needed to get out of there. You needed to go somewhere quiet, and calming. Somewhere no one would find you. You needed to go to the meadow.

A/N: I hate this and want to die

[loveswrites]

Hungry Vampire Carlisle X reader 18+

Word count: 2017

Time it took: 5 hours

To My Love's: I hope you like this one let me know it's.. smutty

Don’t ask why you found yourself alone in the Cullens house late at night. There were many reasons, one being you just wanted some time to yourself. Two you’ve always loved the way the house was so visually pleasing to you. Three simply put because you can.

The Cullens were nowhere to be found because they were out for their monthly hunt. Very reassuring to make sure one of them doesn’t snap and just eats you. Why knows if they might wake up one day and say fuck the treaty I can live somewhere else. Though you know that wouldn’t happen at least you thought but the thought would still cross your mind. 

Tilting your head to the left you stared at the stove you couldn’t make a decision on if you wanted to cook or if you just wanted to order out. It was the hardest decision you’ve had to make all day long. Closing your eyes you let out a long sigh.

Today had been a long day.

Suddenly a shiver ran down your spine as two cold arms wrapped their way around your waist. Making your eyes snap open as a head found its way into the side of your neck cold lips resting on your beating pulse. Blonde hair in your vision calmed you down immediately.

“I did not intend to frighten you.” Carlisle says softly, cold hands flattening against your stomach pulling your back closer into him. You relaxed into his touch. 

“Why are you here? I thought everyone left.. Aren’t you suppose to be hunting?” You replied just as softly. He let out a hum before responding.

“I had some paperwork I had to do for the hospital so I stayed behind this time..” 

“Aren’t you hungry?” You questioned. Your warm hands finding his cold ones, your thumbs strokes his skin in a tender way. Though you knew you couldn't, you would always attempt to warm Carlisle up whenever he was in your presence. It was one of the things he loved about you. The soft ways you cared about him.

“You shouldn't starve yourself for paperwork Carlisle.” You said concerned about his meal skipping. He had missed last hunt because of work last time. You believed sometimes he would forget he was a vampire and not human. I mean honestly how many times could a vampire skip his meals without going on a buffet spree if you’d call it that.

“I assure you that I am fine, Love..” He smiled against your neck, gently kissing your pulse. 

“But-” He cut you off with a slight scrap of his fangs on your neck. Your eyes fluttered closed instantly. He knew how you loved his fangs on your skin.. Always key to shut you up. 

“No need to worry.. I can handle it.” He said making you drop it. 

“Fine.. you know if you ever couldn’t handle the thirst you could just taste me..” You voiced a small hint of mischief in your eyes if only he could see them. Carlisle had always told you that your blood smelled intoxicatingly sweet to him. Not quite like how Edward was with Bella but like his favorite desert he could never have. He never wished to hurt you. He only wished to taste.. those thoughts going against his best decisions.

“You know I can’t do that..” He breathed your scent in deeply pulling you back into him closer practically skin to skin if not clothed. 

“But you can, you just don’t want to, is that it? You don’t want to taste me?” You whimpered slightly as his grip around your waist tightened. 

“My love..” He breathed out, eyes closing tightly in order to grasp his restraint. With you it never took long for him to break.

 He’d give you heaven even if it meant him hell. 

“I’ve missed you so much.. between work and school we haven’t had any time together.” You said softly your hands trailing up his arms feeling the definition of his muscles. He always loved your touch.. And the velvet way you would beg. 

“I’ve missed you too..” He kissed your exposed collarbone, sending another shiver down your spine. 

“I’ve been a good girl, I deserve it.” You pouted slightly.

That was his breaking point.

 Squealing as the sight in front of you changed you were now in a dimly lit room in front of a huge body mirror. One Carlisle recently had decorated for you. Simply because you wanted it.

“Look at yourself.. Begging for pain like a little brat.” He said darkly, making you face the mirror. His eyes were darker than you had ever seen. The sight making your heart skip a beat. Of course Carlisle heard it. He tilted his head questioningly.

“What was that? I thought you wanted this?” He questioned mockingly.

 He rarely played like this. This has not been the first time you’ve asked him or hinted that you wanted him to bite you. But this is the first time you’ve made it this far. I guess skipping meals and constant teasing don’t go together well, especially with a hungry vampire. But you can’t lie to yourself seeing this side of Carlisle brought a needy desire between your legs. Your not so pure thoughts make you cross your legs tightly. Carlisle caught sight of it of course. His hand trailed down from your waist to your hips.. Down to your wildly wet heart. Through your thin wet panties he could feel the throbbing of your.. Second heart. 

“Answer me.” Carlisle demanded leaving no room for you to ignore him. His middle finger began to rub against your wet panties making you whimper and shift your legs trying to give him more access. Carlisle drove you crazy so easily sometimes you thought that it was one of his powers he hadn’t told you about. 

“Y- yes I want it please-” You cut yourself off with a gasp as your panties were gone in a instant as he had ripped them useless. He immediately slipped a finger in between your wet folds feeling his finger inside you after so long had you ready to cum then. You always loved when he would tease your entrance. He knew you like the back of his hand. You were one of his favorite things to study. His finger curled being a doctor he knew exactly where your on buttons were. It didn’t take long for him to find it and draw out a long moan from the back of your throat.

“Carlisle-” You moaned his name, one of your hands finding their way to his hair, your fingers tightened around his blonde streaks. 

He turned your head to him, his dark eyes captivated in your doe like ones. He let out what sounded much like a growl to you making you clench around his finger. He closed the small gap between the two of you, his lips catching yours in a tantalizing kiss. It was far away from clean and pure. The kiss was dirty and sinful.

 The way his tongue slipped past the moment your lips connected made you dizzy. Every kiss with Carlisle was breathtaking but this was different. It was dirty as your tongues tangled and played with each other slob slipping down the sides of your lips down your chins. The wet sounds from both the kiss and his actions as he fingered your dripping cunt. Dirty in the way your moans and groans mixed together all creating the most beautiful music that you’ve ever heard. 

And it was sinful in the way you wished every kiss with him could be like this.

“You're going to be the death of me.” He breathed out roughly against your lips.

His words only brought a lazy smile on your face as your jaw slacked open in a gasp as Carlisle chose then you taste you. His teeth grazed your throat as if he was searching for the perfect place to take his snack. Every so often he’d lay a kiss in a different area. His wet tongue dragged up to your ear as he whispered “look at you” You turned to face the mirror and the sight made you moan as it was pleasurable even as a view. 

“Such a good girl.. All wet for me.. So sweet for me.. Just me..” He said husky against you. His voice was heavy with desire. Want. Need. His eyes meeting yours in the mirror as he positions himself in what he felt as the perfect spot. His eyes were full of even more. He looked at you as though you were the devil's temptress.

“Take it.”

That was all he needed for him to take what he wanted from day one even when he would never let himself admit it. His fangs sinking into your skin immediately after receiving your confirmation. Pain filled you with a burning sensation running through your veins making you let out a scream but then it was overwhelmingly covered with a sense of pleasure. 

You felt hot, numb but yet you felt everything ten times more. But most of all you felt Carlisle. You felt the way he let out a mix of a loud moan and groans as the taste of your blood hit his tongue. You felt his wet tongue lapping your blood up like a dog. You felt the way his hand tightened around your waist. You felt the way he added two more fingers into your cunt. You felt his thumb rubbing your clit in furious circles. You felt the hardened length of his cock rubbing against your ass and back as he runted himself against you.

 You saw his eyes closed as he reveled in your sweet sweet taste. 

A forbidden fruit always tastes better once had. 

Your hips grinded against his fingers as the pleasure started to over take your body entirely. Your whimpers turned into moans and moans turned into gasps as the cycle repeated. Your other hand grips his forearm tightly, nails digging into his skin. You felt yourself coming closer and closer every time you felt his throat swallow you. Your legs grew weak causing you to collapse into him. You knew Carlisle would never let you fall. Effortlessly he holds you against him as you thrash against him completely drunk in pleasure drool falling from your mouth down his arm adding to the slick of you. The sight was completely filthy. If someone were to walk in on you two you think you would just cum on sight.  You babbled words of more.. Please f-fuck.. More.. I- can't.. I can’t! 

Hearing those words Carlisle bit down harder drawing more blood intensifying his own pleasure. You practically shook in his arms as your cunt tightened around his fingers coming undone, your wetness dripped down his hand, your thighs and legs. Behind you Carlisle came undone with his grip on you as tight as it came possibly be to be safe for you. His groans against your throat louder and deeper than ever before. Practically primal. 

You wanted to cum again just from the sound. You were pretty sure the floor was soaked with how the mirror was raindropped with your arrival. You both rode out your orgasm on each other Carlisle withdrew his fangs from your throat making your whimper. He smiled lovely at your sounds. He licked you clean of any blood. Taking his fingers out of your cunt you whined at the over all emptiness. You wanted to be full of him so deeply you didn’t know what to do with yourself. He took his fingers up to his mouth slowly holding eye contact with you. He smirked at your blown out eyes as he slowly licked his fingers clean, taking pleasure in every taste of you. 

Inside and out. 

“Such a pretty mess for me.” He praised stroking your cheek slowly with so much love.. So much care..

“Such a filthy little doll… I bet you wanna cum again?” 

You already know the answer to that. 

[juniperaes]

dating carlisle cullen [twilight] …

he is so delicate with you. patient, slow, gentle, tender

tends to look at you like a deer almost. doe-eyed, caught in headlights. he even starts calling you “fawn” and “deer/dear”

definitely blows off medical ethics to ensure he is the one to treat all your wounds and make sure you are safe and healthy

collects old paintings and portraits and photographs of people who look like you, who could have been you in a different life

does definitely have a vial of your blood he totally did NOT steal while doing your bloodwork one day

does his best to keep things between you professional for as long as possible

he loves taking you home, picking you up and carrying you to the bed for the night

[kimi240302]

Fall in Love again

Part 1

A/N: Before you read this, I want you to know that my native language is different. So I am very sorry for any mistake. Nevertheless, I hope you will like my story and enjoy it.

Summary: For most people, the reserve is beautiful; for most, it holds fond memories. But for Y/N, it’s where everything changed so many centuries ago.Her life was destroyed, and she was turned into a vampire.What if, despite her vow to herself never to return, she does just that?

It all began with a message from Carlisle and ended with a face she thought she’d never see again.

Paul Lahote x Vampire!reader

Main Post / Twilight Masterlist

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"I´m still hoping it´s you and me in the end"

“Hi Y/N, I know we haven’t seen or spoken to each other in a long time. I also know you don’t want to set foot in Forks, but my family is in danger.” There was a long pause in the message Y/N was listening to on her voicemail. “I need your knowledge and experience with newborns. I’m asking you as an old friend.”

Y/N turned off her cell phone, let it slide onto her living room table in front of her, and stared at the dark screen for a while.

She hadn’t seen or heard from Carlisle in a long time—100 years, or was it already 200? She didn’t even know herself anymore.

The vampire stood up from her couch; her bones felt heavy. The kind of heaviness that could drag someone down without any explanation. Yet she knew where that heaviness came from.

Absentmindedly, Y/N gazed into the darkness outside her window. Having to make the decision to return to a place that had destroyed her so many centuries ago wasn’t an easy one—especially not when Y/N’s oldest friend, the man who was like a brother to her, asked her to bury her pain and her past—with Forks and the reservation—for a moment, in order to help.

She stared out into the darkness until the first rays of morning sunlight appeared on the horizon. Y/N made a decision—one that didn’t come easily to her, as she couldn’t shake the feeling that she would soon regret it.

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Y/N sat cross-legged on a thick tree branch high up in the trees. She looked down at the clearing below, a grin creeping onto her lips.

Vampires stood on one side and wolves on the other. Both sides looked exactly as Y/N had expected—not pleased to be so close to one another and not thrilled to be fighting on the same side.

Carlisle, who was standing in the middle of the clearing and had begun explaining the first lesson about newborns, paused, a gentle smile forming on his lips.

“You’ve come.”

Y/N pursed her lips, leaped gracefully from her hiding spot, and walked toward her old friend, who looked at her in surprise.

“You need help—that’s reason enough.”

Carlisle took Y/N in his arms and held her tight.

“I’m sorry—I know it’s not fair of me.” He spoke softly, just to her. The vampire nodded, pulling away from him. “For you, I’d do almost anything.”

Y/N turned to Edward. “So where’s the girl who’s a total pain in the ass to our dear friend Caius?”

Edward laughed, “It’s nice to see you haven’t changed a bit!”

Before Y/N could answer Edward, she heard a soft “here,” and she turned around. Smiling, Y/N walked toward the girl standing next to the orange-and-red wolf. The wolf took a step forward, growling. Y/N stopped, put her hands on her hips, and looked at the wolf with annoyance. “Calm down, furball. I’m here to teach you guys how to deal with newborns. So I’d at least like to meet the person who indirectly caused me to be standing here.”

As Y/N let her gaze sweep over the wolves to make her point clear to everyone, she stopped at a gray wolf. She was certain that if she still had a beating heart, it would have stopped right then and there. The vampire stumbled back a few steps, almost as if she’d been pushed. Her eyes widened.

“That can’t be—you’ve been dead for a long time.”

Carlisle walked toward Y/N. He raised his hand and placed it on her shoulder. “Y/N, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” She immediately broke eye contact with the wolf, who had also taken a step forward. She looked helplessly into her old friend’s eyes. “I…,” she looked back at the wolf. The vampire had to be sure he was real, that she wasn’t imagining him.

She looked back at Carlisle. “I shouldn’t have come.”

Y/N tried to remove Carlisle’s hand from her shoulder, but he held her wrist firmly. “Y/N, talk to me.” She shook her head, turned away from him, looked at no one, and disappeared into the forest.

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Y/N came to a sudden stop in the middle of the reservation. She knew the Cullens had a treaty with the wolves and that no vampire was ever allowed to cross the border, but she didn’t care.

The vampire’s chest tightened as she got closer and closer to her destination; her steps seemed to slow down on their own.

But she had to see it with her own eyes; she needed the certainty. The certainty about the truth she’d been trying to suppress for so long.

Y/N stopped in front of the entrance to the reservation’s cemetery. She closed her eyes and let her fingers slowly slide toward the gate’s handle. She knew her time here was limited; as long as the wolves were at the

Newborn Hour, she could stay.

“Who are you?” Y/N flinched. She pulled her hand away from the gate, almost as if it had burned her, and turned around. A man with black hair, sitting in a wheelchair, was staring at her.

She didn’t know his name, but she knew he belonged to the wolves. She knew he was a Black—the family resemblance was impossible to miss.

“No one.” Y/N turned away and was about to disappear back into the forest, but the man’s voice stopped her. “I recognize your face. I’ve seen it in sketches.” The vampire looked at him, her expression hardening. “You must be mistaking me for someone else, sir. I’m just passing through.”

Before the man could say anything else, they heard wolves howling in the distance. As the man looked in that direction, Y/N seized the moment to slip away.

Billy looked back toward the gate to say something to the vampire, but he wasn’t at all surprised to find she was no longer standing there. Sam, who had come out of the woods with the others, fully dressed, looked around.

“Don’t worry, she’s gone.” He knew she was a vampire, and he was sure he recognized her face, but from where?

“What was she doing here?” Sam looked at Billy questioningly. “I’m not sure, but I have a feeling. How do you guys know her?”

Jared interjected, “She showed up at practice—supposedly to help us—but when she looked at Paul, she turned almost even paler than she already is, more like a walking corpse.” Paul cut Jared off, almost growling at him. Jared, however, just kept talking, “She said something like, ‘You’re dead,’ and then disappeared.”

“It doesn’t matter what she wanted here. If she crosses our border again, we’ll kill her.” Paul stared grimly at the floor, but his words lacked the bite they usually had.

“You’re just pissed off that you imprinted on her!” Embry laughed. Paul looked at him as if he wanted to pounce on him. “Of all the people in the world, I had to imprint on a vampire!”

Billy looked at him. “I’d be careful about what y’all say about that woman.” Sam looked at him, confused. “Do you think it’s okay for something like this to happen? A wolf and a vampire?” “I’m not saying it’s okay, but...” “But what, Dad?” Jake looked at his father expectantly. “I can’t say for sure, but I think this vampire is closer to us than any of us realize.” “She’s a vampire.” Paul looked at Billy, puzzled. Billy slowly turned his gaze to the young wolf. “Every vampire was once human. Some chose this life; others had this fate forced upon them—and I have a feeling that with this woman, it’s the latter.”

He paused, then looked back at Sam. “The next time she’s here, come get me—don’t hurt her.” Sam nodded, reluctantly, but Billy had never been wrong.

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“I never asked you because I didn’t know how. But after today, I can’t help but ask.” Y/N was lying on the couch in the room the Cullens had prepared for her. She didn’t even look at Carlisle; she knew what was coming. “You asked me once—don’t you remember?” Carlisle sat down next to her. “We were traveling together for the Volturi. You asked me why I’d been with them for so long, even though I think so differently.” Carlisle started to laugh.

“I remember. You told me that day that if I ever asked that question again, you’d rip out my throat. Please tell me that’s changed.”

The vampire exhaled a breath she didn’t need, but her next words brought her relief. She sat up straight and looked Carlisle squarely in the eye. “I don’t know if that’s changed. I’ve never talked about my transformation, what brought me to the Volturi, or what made me turn my back on Aro.” Y/N paused, carefully considering her next words. “I feel like I don’t talk about it because that makes it real. Real—what happened on the day of my transformation, what makes me resent this place. It makes the pain real. You know, Carlisle, when you live this long, you either repress your feelings or bury them.”

“Which is the case for you?”

“I buried them, because if I hadn’t, I would have been destroyed and taken everyone I loved—and even those I loved deep down inside—down with me.”

Carlisle gently took Y/N’s hand in his, encouraging her to continue.

“I had a beautiful life. A husband, a child, and a future. But it all vanished before my eyes in the blink of an eye.”

Y/N paused and shook her head. She hated that dull feeling that squeezed her lungs. But she couldn’t cry—yet another thing her vampire existence had taken from her.

“I can’t. I’m sorry.”

Carlisle nodded.

After a brief silence, Y/N looked at him again. “The gray wolf—in that form, he looked like someone I knew. Someone who meant a great deal to me.”

Carlisle studied his old friend closely. He observed her face, the pain hidden within it.

“If you want to leave, then go, Y/N. I’ll never hold this against you. It wasn’t fair of me to bring you here.” The vampire shook her head. “It’s been centuries; I have to face this at some point. Besides, Jasper may be good, but I’m better. After all, I trained the Volturi newborns and know how dangerous they can really become.” “We don’t even know if the Volturi have anything to do with this.” “Even if they don’t, I have a feeling these newborns are being trained solely to destroy, just like the ones I had to train.”

“I’ll be forever grateful to you.” “You’re like a brother to me, Carlisle. Your family is mine, too.”

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Y/N stood in the clearing, waiting with the Cullens. She had resolved to shut off all her emotions; she was old and had trained herself to do so over the centuries, so it couldn’t be that hard.

‘I don’t know if you want to know this. The gray wolf—his name is Paul Lahote. He imprinted on you.’ Y/N smiled; she’d figured he’d done that—otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken a single step forward.

‘Let me guess—as a wolf, he’s overjoyed to have a walking corpse as his imprint?’

Edward looked at her in astonishment. “You’re smiling?” “Because it won’t change anything, Edward. I’ll leave town the moment your soulmate is out of danger.” Before Edward could say anything, they heard a whimper behind them. Edward looked behind himself while Y/N walked into the center of the clearing.

“So now that everyone’s here, we can begin.” Y/N clapped her hands and, together with Jasper, began explaining the basics.

The whole time, Y/N had to make sure her eyes didn’t wander back to Paul.

She wondered what he looked like in human form. Did he look somewhat like him, or even exactly like him? The vampire tried with all her might to concentrate on the training, but she couldn’t manage it. Whenever Jasper noticed that Y/N was drifting off into her thoughts, he took over, and stepped back when she was present again.

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“I figured you’d come back.”

“You know who I am, right?”

Y/N was standing at the cemetery entrance once again; once again, her hand was on the gate’s knob, and once again, she hesitated.

“I had my suspicions the first time I saw you. A legend that was never told.”

Y/N laughed sadly, “It’s too dark to tell by the campfire. A sad chapter that ruined everything in an otherwise beautiful book.”

“Why don’t you go inside? You’re standing here again, looking down at the gate.”

“I’m afraid of what I’ll find there. What year is inscribed on their stones. Because I know you’ve modernized them all to honor your ancestors.”

“You won’t just find theirs there—you’ll find yours, too.” Y/N looked at him sharply. “He knew I wasn’t dead.” She paused, a bitter sound escaping her lips. She hated how her life had turned out, and yet she would choose this path again and again—it was the only way she could protect those she loved.

Y/N looked at Billy one last time, then saw Sam and the others approaching from a distance. In their human forms.

“I was right.” Billy looked at her in confusion, surprised that Y/N was still standing there. “Right about what?” ” The vampire focused on Paul; she would have recognized him anywhere. Her gaze turned pained. Even Billy, who didn’t know why she was looking that way, felt a deep ache in his heart. “He looks exactly like him, even in human form.” Billy followed her gaze and understood; when he turned back to Y/N, she had vanished again.

Billy exhaled in frustration.

“Did she disappear again?” Sam looked at Billy curiously. “Yes, but now I know for sure that it’s her and that I was right.” “Right about what?” “She’s someone whose story began like a fairy tale but turned into her worst nightmare.” Billy looked closely at each and every one of the wolves. “Don’t keep us in suspense, Dad!” Jake looked at his father with annoyance.

“You’ll find out soon enough—by the campfire tomorrow night. And if you run into her again at noon, invite her over.” “Billy, you’ve lost your mind! A vampire by the campfire!” Paul stepped forward. “She’s your imprint, whether you want to accept it or not. But you should feel honored that, of all the wolves, you imprinted on her! You’ll understand—you all will!”

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“What an honor. No wolf form?” Y/N didn’t look away from the sight before her.

“You’re the only vampire who dares to stand so openly at La Push.”

“What are you going to do? Tear me to pieces, in front of everyone else? I was wandering this beach long before any of you were even born, so please spare me your lectures. Whatever’s been agreed between you and the Cullens doesn’t apply to me! Not when this was my home.”

Paul looked at Y/N in astonishment. “Your home?” She closed her eyes; she didn’t know if she could look at him. Not here, not in the same place where she’d first seen him—the one who shared a face with Paul.

“He hasn’t told you yet?” ” “No, Billy wanted you to come to the campfire. He was going to tell us there.” Y/N nodded.

She wanted to leave, but Paul held her by the arm. Y/N looked at his hand on her arm. “Why have you been avoiding my gaze ever since the first time?” “Why do you care? You despise me because of what I am. You despise the fact that I’m the very one you’ve imprinted on, and I understand you. I’d hate fate too if it bound me to something I hate more than anything.”

“I’m trying to hate you, but I can’t.”

The vampire still wouldn’t look at him. Her gaze remained fixed on his hand on her arm.

Paul closed his eyes. It hurt him; he was confused. Confused by his feelings, hurt that she wasn’t looking at him.

He took a deep breath in and out, took her cheek in his hand, not flinching at the coldness of her skin. Paul turned her face toward him, forcing Y/N to turn her body and head toward him. His left hand gripped her arm more tightly; his right hand literally clenched against her cheek when he realized she had closed her eyes.

“Please,” Paul whispered, so softly that only she could hear him, “look at me. Just look me in the eyes once.”

Paul and Y/N stood only a few centimeters apart. She could feel his breath on her forehead. Slowly, she lifted her face, keeping her eyes closed. She felt his breath glide slowly over her face with every millimeter she turned her face toward him.

Paul watched her closely.

“I can’t look at you,”

Y/N tried, but it didn’t work.

Paul was disappointed. But he’d made up his mind; he had a feeling his Imprint wouldn’t let him get this close to her in the near future. He knew she would rebuild her walls, higher than when he’d first met her.

Even though Y/N had her eyes closed, Paul moved closer to her lips.

Y/N froze. She knew what he was planning, but she knew it would break her. With all her strength, she pulled away from him.

“I can’t, I’m sorry.”

Y/N left Paul behind on the beach. Paul stared for a long time at the spot where his Imprint had been standing, and hated himself for how empty he felt—because of a thing he was supposed to hate.