Between chapters – could be earlier on, definitely before chapters 9-14.
Deleted because it wasn't that important to the story. It also really didn't fit into the flow of any of the final chapters.
In the dark of the night Bella was wide awake. She had her gaze trained on the ceiling even as she tried to will herself to sleep. Every time her eyes started to shut all she could see was glistening white teeth cutting into the rapid pulse of her neck.
The image would jolt her awake instantly. The last time this happened, her wrist was throbbing in pain from how tightly her fists were clenched.
With a sigh, she kicked the heavy covers from her bed and swung her body up into a sitting position. She rested her head in her hands, desperately trying to block the horrific images from her mind.
After a few moments of this she realized it was another useless gesture in her battle against Edward. He had found a way into her conscious and unconscious thoughts by introducing her to darkness. She had never been a fan of horror films, yet now she found herself cast as the helpless heroine in a real life terror.
She could fight and beg and cry, but in the end she knew a losing battle when she saw one.
No, no, no! she berated herself, I can't give up! He can't win!
In a sudden burst of energy, she stood and went to the open window. She ran her fingertips over the sill, noting that this was his main point of entry. She was suddenly filled with rage at the thought that Edward had been watching her for so long when she was at her most vulnerable. At any point he could have struck and she wouldn't have realized until she was already dying in his arms.
Annoyed, she reached up with both hands and slammed the window shut. The glass rattled in the old frame, the sound not particularly loud but probably enough to at least partially rouse Charlie from his latest dream.
She deftly flicked the latch shut as she turned to face the door. She could easily explain away the loud noise as the window slipping through her fingers. She had a similar experience in the past – right after Charlie had put WD-40 on the runners to encourage the window to shut smoothly.
Bella expected the click of the latch as it slid into place, but no such reassurance came. She tried the latch again, this time making sure the two bits of the lock met in the right way, but it didn't work.
She squinted through the moonlight and noticed something odd: the little antique latch was now warped and twisted, the metal so bent that the lock would never work again. A fresh burst of anger flooded through Bella as she realized Edward must have done this during one of his nighttime visits.
"Dammit!" she hissed as she slammed a fist down on the windowsill. She spouted a few more choice words in frustration. Nothing could ever be simple with him. He was always several steps ahead of her, knowing exactly what she would do before she could even consider it.
Bella's gaze drifted out into the dark of Charlie's yard. It was quiet, aside from the occasional breeze drifting through the large oak against her window. Its branches softly scratched at the glass and the side of the house, sort of calming Bella with the familiarity.
She let her eyes wander for a bit, just taking in the stillness of the night. As she looked up into the upper branches of the oak, she noticed something odd: glowing red eyes staring down at her.
As soon as she noticed them she let out another surprised oath. She leapt backwards, her heart racing.
Edward. He was watching her again.
She started to open her mouth to say something, but she could make out the outline of his features in the darkness, his head shaking in a no. He gave her a boyish wave before bringing a slender finger to his lips, indicating she should keep silent.
Terrified and shook up, Bella turned around and stormed back to her bed.
He was there. He was always there. Even in sleep, she could not escape him.
Hope you enjoyed!
For all of you waiting on a Lovegame update…I have sent Chapter 14 to my beta, Octoberland.
While you wait, why don't you go and check out one of her fics? She writes some deliciously dark Edward that is very enjoyable.
As always, thank you for your support and your patience as I work on Lovegame and Blackout. I appreciate it so much.
