(Edward's P.O.V)
My chest felt heavy as I dropped the bear's carcass to the ground. My family and I had left Gray Thursday night and have been hunting ever since. For some reason, I was anxious. I was a bundle of nerves, and it was only getting worse the longer I was away from home. We had been gone for a total of twenty-two hours and I wasn't sure how much longer I could take.
Thankfully, Carlisle had picked up a shift at the hospital, so he and Esme were fixing to cut their trip short and head back, and I was going to return home with them.
"Is there any reason in particular why you're so on edge?" Jasper asked as he approached me.
Emmett swung down from a tree, mimicking a monkey, landing in front of me with a boyish grin. "Yeah, Eddy boy. Is there any reason in particular why you're so eager to return home? Does it have anything to do with a certain someone?"
I glared at the both of them, growing angry at what they were insinuating. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Emmett's smile only grew. Jasper looked between us with curious eyes.
"Sure, ya don't," Emmett teased, wagging his eyebrows suggestively. Edward and Lynna sitting in a tree…. He sang in his thoughts.
My anger grew in response. Jasper's eyes widened as he felt the rage rolling off of me.
"I can't stand Lynna Holloway," I told him with a deadly stare.
Emmett let out a booming laugh. "She can't stand you either. Or at least that's what you tell yourselves."
I felt myself scowl. He was testing my patience. "You know nothing," I sneered.
The goofy fool pursed his lips as his thoughts suddenly became guarded which was very much unlike him.
"Eh, I heard she was going to go out with that Tyler guy anyway." He flashed me a smug smile.
My eyes widened. My chest felt tight as pure rage flooded through me. "Yeah, right," I mumbled bitterly, narrowing my eyes at the brute.
Jasper quirked a brow at me and bit back a smile. Emmett's smile only grew.
"Seriously, bro. They make a pretty cute couple, don't you think?" He asked, his smile transforming into a smirk before my very eyes.
I clenched my fists. She wouldn't go out with Tyler. No way.
"He was Grayson's best friend. Lynna wouldn't do that," I stated firmly, knowing full well that he was just trying to get under my skin; he wasn't as good at guarding his thoughts as the others.
Emmett's brows flew up his forehead. "Dude, he cheated on her. All bets are off. Tyler is fair game now."
My eyes flashed with anger. She wouldn't do that!
"She still wouldn't do that, Emmett!" My voice went up an octave.
He pursed his lips. His thoughts were loud as he envisioned the two of them together. I was seeing red at the sight and I had no idea as to why. Perhaps, I simply didn't want the girl to be happy? Did I despise her so much that I resented her happiness?
"Well, maybe she should," he spoke, still playing the images of them together. He envisioned Tyler kissing her and I lost it.
I couldn't take it anymore as another surge of anger rocked through me. Without even realizing what I was doing, I was lunging towards Emmett and tackling him to the ground as a growl erupted from my chest. Emmett only laughed as he and Jasper pried my arms off of him. I felt Jasper manipulating my emotions, calming me down almost instantly.
I dropped my arms from my nuisance of a brother and brushed my pants off.
"What the hell," Emmett grumbled, still amused. "Jealous much?" He taunted, earning another glare from me.
"I'm not jealous!" I snapped, my entire body still rigid.
Now, it was Jasper's turn to smirk. "You sure about that?" The empath asked, clearly already knowing the answer.
"Ugh!" I groaned as I ran a hand through my hair out of exasperation. "I'm not! And if I am, it's certainly not for the reason you think!"
The hugest of grins spread across Emmett's face and I braced myself for what I already knew he was about to say. "Ah, I see. You're not jealous because you have a little crush on Lynna. You've got your eyes set on Tyler!"
They both lost it. Their laughter echoed throughout the forest. I felt my mouth twitch before it turned into a reluctant smile.
"You're both idiots," I chuckled along with them.
Carlisle didn't question why I chose to cut my hunting trip short and return home with them. His thoughts revealed that he simply believed that being around my siblings was wearing on my fragile state of mind. He knew that for the past two decades, I preferred my solitude. Maybe he was right; maybe that's why I was aching to return home.
After the quickest shower of the century, I found myself zooming through the woods in an unknown direction. My destination was unknown as my feet led the way. The rain was a slight drizzle as it caressed my stone-like skin. Before I knew it, I was at the edge of the woods, nearly stumbling upon a white house with red shutters. Immediately, I knew whose home I found myself at.
But why? Why had I come here? To her home, of all places? I found myself perching in a tree, close to her bedroom window but not close enough where she could see me with her human eyes. What in the hell is wrong with me?! Seriously?! I don't even like the girl, yet here I am, staring into her bedroom window like a creepy stalker! What possessed me to come here, I have no idea.
It was just after ten p.m. She had her pale blue curtains pulled back, allowing me to peer into her sea-themed room. The lamp beside her bed was on, along with the lamp on her desk. She wasn't in her room though. I sifted through the thoughts of those in the home. Her grandmother was asleep. Her brother, Dustin, was in the kitchen digging through the fridge. I heard two different sets of heartbeats coming from the kitchen and instantly recognized one of them as hers.
Quickly, I changed my position, perching in a tree closer to the kitchen. The kitchen window's curtains were also drawn back, allowing me to see Lynna leaning against the counter as she watched her brother pour himself a bowl of cereal. The second I saw her it felt like a weight was lifted from my chest. My anxiety seemed to melt away. Her blonde waves were piled on top of her head in a messy bun, revealing her fleshy neck. She was sporting a pair of gray cotton shorts that hugged her creamy thighs and a t-shirt with a yellow sponge on it? A yellow sponge with eyes? What?
I struggled to keep my eyes from her thighs as I tried to focus on her tired eyes. The faintest of smiles played on her lips as her brother crunched on the cereal.
"How was your second day of work?" Dustin asked in-between bites.
I listened intently to the exchange.
"It was.. good," she breathed out, her lips turning up at the corners. "Apparently, they're going to start having live music there on the weekends."
Dustin's eyes widened. "Sweet! Are you going to perform?"
Her mouth fell open. "Of course not," she was quick to say. "I haven't played or sang since…" She trailed off.
Her brother finished the sentence for her. "Since Grayson. I know. But don't you think it's time to put yourself out there again? You're an amazing pianist and an even better singer, Lynn. It'd be a damn shame to give that up forever."
She plays piano? And sings? Of course she does. Why wouldn't she? She was really sent from hell to torture me; I have no doubt.
Lynna frowned before sighing. "Yeah," she paused, raising her right shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. "Maybe, eventually. Maybe I'll be ready to give it a go again.. Just.. Not right now."
Dustin nodded in understanding. His mind flipped through images of her and Grayson sitting side by side at a piano, smiling at each other as they composed a song. My heart ached at the memory.
"You know what would be cool though?" She asked him with a knowing smile, catching his attention.
"What?" He asked as he spooned another bite of cereal.
Her tired blue eyes lit up as she spoke, "If you and your band played at the grille. I could speak with Tyler. The pay won't be much, but it would be a start."
Dustin leapt with joy, dropping the bowl of cereal in the sink as he launched towards his sister before wrapping her in a hug and spinning her around. She giggled before he placed her on her feet. I couldn't help but smile at the sight.
"You're the best sister ever!" He squealed with excitement.
"I try," she smiled. "I'll talk to him tomorrow."
Shortly after, she made her way upstairs. I moved through the trees, perching myself close to her window. The hatred I felt for myself was unmatched in that moment. Why was I doing this? Was Emmett on to something? Did I have a crush on the infuriating human girl? As quickly as I had the thought, I dismissed it. No! The very thought was appalling. The girl simply intrigued me.
Watching her was a distraction from my own incessant thoughts. Watching her write in her journal was an improvement from counting leaves. I titled my head to the side, gazing at her as she wrote, her hand gliding effortlessly across the page. She was sitting at her desk with a look of concentration, her mouth pulled down in a solemn frown. Every once in a while, she would pause in her writing and roll the tip of the pen along her lips. What was she writing? The hushed whispers of her mind taunted me, echoing in my own mind.
To my dismay, she walked towards the window, opening it and staring out into the night. A gentle breeze blew by, caressing her face. The faintest of smiles played on her lips before she closed the window and turned off the lamp on her nightstand. She kept the lamp on her desk turned on and I was dying to know why. She buried herself underneath the comforter and closed her eyes. I counted her breaths until they became shallow and steady, signaling that she was asleep.
My body had a mind of its own as I carefully jumped to her window ledge. As luck would have it, it was unlocked. Doesn't she realize how dangerous that is? Stupid girl. I slowly slithered in through the window, landing silently on the carpeted floor.
Like a magnet, I was drawn to her bedside. Her delectable scent washed over me; it was intoxicating in more ways than one. Despite the unyielding burn that was ignited, the thought of killing her didn't cross my mind. I just longed to be near her. Her scent was like a drug to me. I knelt down beside her and studied her features. She was lying on her right side with one arm tucked under the pillow. Her plush lips were slightly parted. Her face was seemingly angelic as she slept peacefully, but Lord knows this girl was anything but an angel. I was fully convinced she had clawed her up from hell to torment me.
I stared longingly at her lips. They looked so soft. My fingertips tingledat the thought of gently caressing her face. Why?! Why?! Why?! For the life of me, I couldn't understand. Before I even realized what was transpiring, my fingers were hovering dangerously close to her cheek. I stared at her with the force of a thousand suns before I barely brushed my fingertips along her cheek; the feel of her skin set my hand on fire as sparks traveled throughout my body from the simple touch.
I yanked my hand from her as though I had been burned. What the hell was that?! She stirred slightly, humming in her sleep. Her lips pulled up at the corners in a faint smile. I furrowed my brows curiously at the sleeping girl. I was certain she was dreaming and I desperately longed to know the contents of said dream.
"Grayson," she whispered his name breathlessly.
The sound of his name leaving her lips while she slept caused a stabbing pain to pierce through my chest. She found out he had cheated on her and yet he is still the one to haunt her dreams? Of course, he is. It was as I had said before— When she loves someone, she loves them with all of her heart. His infidelity may have destroyed her, but it didn't lessen the love she has for him. I couldn't help but wonder though.. If he was alive, would she forgive him? Would she choose to be with him despite his unfaithfulness?
"Hmm," she hummed with a smile.
In that moment, I recalled how she mentioned that she was plagued by a nightmare. It certainly didn't seem as though she was having a nightmare to me.
The desire to sift through her thoughts was blinding, but I knew that if I tried, I would simply be left with a raging headache to show for it.
Her lips moved as if she was having a silent conversation with someone. God, why does she have to be so beautiful? Why do I have to yearn for her in ways I could never have her? In ways I shouldn't want to have her? Why does my groin ache at the thought of the human girl who I choose to despise? It wasn't like this with–
I stopped myself from thinking her name, not wanting to deal with the emotional turmoil that would cause. In a bid to distract myself from she-who-shall-not-be-named, I allowed myself to fantasize about the sleeping girl whose body sang to me even more than her blood.
The desire I felt for her burned deep within my core, setting my entire body ablaze. I was certain that if I was able to be physical with her, the fire would consume me and there would be nothing left but ashes in its wake. Is it normal to be so attracted to someone you consider an enemy? I remember something Jasper mentioned many years ago— Hatred is the most passionate of all emotions one can feel. Perhaps, my wires are getting crossed. Could it be that my deep hatred for her is the root cause of the attraction? But what's the root cause of my hatred towards her? Was my attraction to her the root cause of my hatred? What came first— The chicken or the egg? I rolled my eyes at my internal monolog.
I froze, still as a statue, as she shifted in her sleep. Amid her dream, she had untangled herself from the comforter, leaving her body exposed to my burning eyes. The satin shorts hugged her thighs. I imagined gripping her thighs with my hands and spreading them apart, leaving her heat exposed for my viewing pleasure. A scowl crawled across my face, feeling disgusted with myself for having the very thought.
How would she react if she knew I was here, watching her as she slept? What would she do if she knew about my erotic fantasies? I had no doubt she would call me every name in the book and push me out of the window, hoping the fall would seriously injure me. I chuckled silently at the thought.
It was wrong for me to be here. It was so morally wrong of me to watch the girl dream. It was even more wrong to wish that I could somehow join her. It was inconceivable that I wished it was my name leaving her lips amid her dream instead of his. Any dream she has of me would be a nightmare, no doubt, but was it so wrong to wish that that wasn't the case?
If I was a simple human boy with simple human desires. If I wasn't an unchanging immortal that yearned for her blood, whose damaged heart could never heal. If she had collided with me as she stepped out of the boys' bathroom and I was human, would things have been different? Would I have laughed at her clumsiness and introduced myself to the girl? Would I have somehow managed to get her phone number and become her friend? Would that friendship lead to something more? Would I have been the one that helped her pick up the pieces of her broken heart and she mine? Would our hearts have mended together, becoming one?
Of course not. Even if I were human, I was convinced that I would still find reason to despise the girl. I watched as goosebumps erupted on her skin. She shivered involuntarily, leading me to believe she was cold. What do I do?! I couldn't untangle her from the comforter without waking her up. My eyes landed on the quilt that was thrown over the recliner. With a reluctant sigh, I grabbed the quilt and carefully covered the girl with it. A satisfied smile sprung to my lips when she instantly stopped shivering.
I sat in the recliner that was next to the window and watched over her all night. It was fascinating— watching her sleep. As morning approached, I stopped questioning why I was so drawn to the girl. The answer didn't matter. I just had to accept that for some reason unbeknownst to me, I was drawn to her like a moth to the flame. It didn't mean I had to like her. But I would have to tolerate her. After all, Alice had chosen to befriend the psychic human.
Guilt weighed heavily on my conscience. I had been so unkind to my sister. We used to be so close, and I knew my distance had truly hurt her. As dawn approached, I reluctantly climbed out of the window and made a vow that I would start working on my relationship with Alice.
(Lynna's P.O.V)
I brushed a few stray curls out of my face before I finished wiping down the table. My eyes trailed over to the bar where Tyler was wiping down glasses. He offered me a smile when his eyes met mine, which I was quick to return.
Over the past few days, I had really gotten the hang of things around here. Tyler wasted no time in showing me the ropes and making sure I was acquainted with everyone.
The hostess, Sarah, waved me over with wide eyes. I walked over to the wide-eyed girl and quirked a brow at her blushing cheeks.
"What's up?" I asked her.
"I just seated a really hott guy in your section. He's like supermodel hott. I'm not kidding." Her blushing intensified.
Now, I was curious. Not because I would be interested in the guy, but because he had to be something else if he was getting this sort of reaction out of the bashful girl. I stood on my tippy toes to try to catch a glimpse, but I was far too short for that to work.
"He's the one wearing sunglasses. You can't miss him," she whispered before nudging me in his direction.
I chuckled quietly to myself as I walked to my section, my eyes scanning the booths before I caught sight of the man in sunglasses. His hair was dark and perfectly messy. His skin was pale and flawless, instantly reminding me of Edward's. He was dressed in black jeans and a black long-sleeved button-up shirt, the darkness of his clothes contracting majestically with the fairness of his skin. What really made him stand out was his dark sunglasses that was poised on his face.
I gulped loudly before making my way towards him with my pen and pad in hand, ready to take his order. As I approached him, he looked up. The softest of smiles danced across his lips.
"Hi. Welcome to Lakeshore Grille. I'm Lynna. I'll be taking care of you today. What would you like to drink?" The perfectly rehearsed lines spilled from my mouth without much thought.
"Lynna," my name rolled off his tongue, as though he had said it a thousand times before. His low, musical voice sent a shiver down my spine. I instantly recognized that he had an accent— He was British.
I raised my brows at the strange man, waiting for him to continue. His smile grew as he looked up at me. Although I couldn't see his eyes through the dark sunglasses, I was certain they were studying my face.
"I'm Wilkin. But my friends call me Will. It's an honor to meet you. Truly," the sincerity in his voice had me at a loss.
A strange sense of deja-vu coursed through me. I tilted my head to the side, studying him as intently as he was me.
"I'm sorry, but— Have we met before?" I asked him with furrowed brows.
At this, his smile only grew. A light chuckle escaped his lips. "Perhaps. Perhaps not."
I blinked rapidly, still at a loss, before I shook my head to break myself out of whatever trance I had fallen under.
"Um," I cleared my throat before continuing, "What can I get you?"
"I'll have a water and… What do you suggest?" He asked in a voice, looking up at me with a crooked smile.
I shrugged. "Can't go wrong with a cheeseburger and fries."
He stared at me for a moment before he nodded, his smile growing. "Sounds perfect."
When I returned with his drink, he flashed me a breathtaking smile. "Thank you, love," his voice was silky smooth as he spoke.
"You're welcome," I breathed out before sauntering back to the kitchen.
The mysterious man didn't seem to touch his drink or his food.
"Is your food alright?" I asked him a few minutes later.
He flashed me another dazzling smile. "Ah, yes. It's perfect. Thank you."
I raised my brows in disbelief. "Are you sure?"
He nodded. "Yes, I am sure. I'm ready for the check now."
I pulled out my notepad and handed him the bill. He swiftly pulled out a hundred-dollar bill and laid it on the table.
"I'll be right back with your change," I said to him.
He shook his head, frowning. "No need. Keep the change."
My brows furrowed of their own accord. He was giving me like an eighty-dollar tip?
"Um, thanks," I mumbled, feeling a bit self-conscious under his gaze.
The man stood up, towering over my five foot two stature. I instinctively took a step back to put some distance between us. He looked down and flashed me a devilish smirk.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Lynna. I hope to see you again soon," his words washed over me before he made his exit, leaving me standing there completely dumbfounded.
A couple of hours passed before Sarah, once again, ran up to me with blushing cheeks. She grabbed me by my arm and led me behind the bar.
"There's another one," she whispered, her wide eyes trailing to the hosts' station at the front of the restaurant.
I frowned the second I caught sight of his messy bronze hair. Cullen.
"Don't put him in my section," I practically hissed, causing a look of confusion to fall across her face.
"Jen's on break," she told me.
I groaned. In other words, I didn't have a choice. Just my luck.
"Fine," I mumbled. "Might as well get it over with then."
With a dramatic sigh, I waltzed over to the stone-faced boy. His solemn expression turned to one of amusement when he caught sight of me.
"Holloway," he greeted lowly, his lips twitching into a smug smile.
"Cullen," I responded stiffly, unable to bring myself to even fake a smile. "Welcome to Lakeshore Grille. I assume you'll be dining alone?"
I bit back a smirk at his bemused expression. He was quick to narrow his eyes at me.
"Why would you 'assume' that?" He challenged, folding his arms across his chest.
I tapped my chin, appearing to be in thought, as I pursed my lips. "Hmm. Well, for starters, you're about as charming as a squid. And your chaotic mood swings would give any girl whiplash. Your good looks will only get you so far, Mr. Cullen."
For some reason, his smugness returned despite my insults. A crooked grin danced on his face. "So, you think I'm good looking?" He teased.
My cheeks instantly heated up. I should have chosen my words more carefully. "That's really what you took from that?" I asked, glaring at the aggravating boy.
"Hey, you're the one that said it," he taunted, his eyes dancing mischievously.
That's when I actually took note of his eyes. They had changed colors? They were a strange ember color, closely resembling his siblings'.
"Your eyes are different," I stated firmly, hoping to change the subject.
At this, he smirked. "So, now you're noticing my eyes?"
Another blush spread to my cheeks. He was impossible!
"In your dreams, Cullen," I sneered, my eyes narrowing into slits.
His eyes narrowed in response. "That sounds more like a nightmare to me, Holloway," he quipped, causing my glare to intensify.
"Do you want to be seated or not?" I asked through gritted teeth. "How many are in your party?"
He was silent for a moment before a mocking smile sprung to his lips. "Just me," he breathed out with a dry chuckle.
"That's what I thought," I mused as I grabbed a menu and some silverware.
He pursed his lips. "Actually, I won't be eating. I'm here on behalf of my mother."
"So, a to-go order then. Why didn't you say so?" I grumbled as I pulled out my pen and notepad, preparing to jot down the order.
He chuckled lowly. "I'm actually hoping to get some information on catering, so you can put that away." He pointed to my notepad.
I spun on my heels and sifted through the hosts' station, looking for the pamphlet with our catering information. An accomplished grin flitted to my lips when I found it, which quickly turned into a frown as I handed the pamphlet to the boy.
"That has all the information you should need on it," I spoke curtly, hoping that would send him on his way.
He eyed the pamphlet before nodding. "Yep. That should do it."
"Alright, then. Bye," I muttered as I turned to walk away, desperate to get away from him for some reason.