(Lynna's P.O.V)

"Lynna!" The sound of my name caused me to pause mid-step as I walked through the school's parking lot.

Brittany Hoyle approached me with blushing cheeks. She was a cheerleader and had always been pretty good friends with Ashley. I hardly ever spoke to the girl, so I was at a loss as to why she was approaching me. She ran a hand through her short, dark hair and grinned.

"Yes?" I asked, unsure what she was up to.

She wringed her hands nervously. "I, um. I was needing to ask you for a favor."

I felt my brows furrow. What sort of favor could she possibly need from me?

"What sort of favor?" I wondered.

Her hazel eyes brightened. "Well, um. I know you're friends with Edward Cullen and—"

I cut her off mid-sentence. "We're not friends."

She blinked rapidly, her dark brows knitting together in confusion. "Really? Well, you're the only person I ever see him talking to, so…" She trailed off as she stared at the ground, pausing before she continued, "So, are you two like together then?"

My cheeks heated up immediately. "No!"

She seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as her eyes met mine. "Okay, good. Well, um. Could you ask him something for me then?"

My eyes widened. I clutched at the strap of my bag anxiously. "I, uh. I'm probably not the best person to ask him anything," I admitted to her.

She pressed her lips into a thin line. "Well, could you ask him anyway? Please?"

I found myself nodding. Why not?

"Sure, I guess. What do you want me to ask him?" I tilted my head to the side, awaiting her answer.

A sheepish smile sprung to her lips. "Will you ask him to the dance for me?"

My eyes threatened to bulge from their sockets. I felt my mouth go dry and a lump form in my throat.

"You want.. me.. to ask him to the dance for you?" I asked, dumbfounded.

She breathed out a laugh. "I mean, yeah. That's literally what I just said."

I felt my face scrunch up at the thought. "If I ask, he will definitely say no. Just to spite me."

She rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. "You just want him for yourself, don't you?"

My jaw hit the ground. I was aghast. "What?! No!"

A smug smile flitted to her lips. "Then will you ask?"

"Why don't you just ask him yourself?" I asked her, not even bothering to hide the bitterness in my voice.

"Because he's… intimidating," she admitted, her smile pulling into a frown.

"Then, why do you want to go to the dance with him? He's an ass," I told her, putting my hands on my hips.

Her frown was quick to transform into a smirk. "He's the hottest guy in school. And he's single. Who cares if he's an ass?"

"He's single because he's an ass," I muttered in annoyance.

At this, she rolled her eyes and stomped her foot impatiently. "Will you ask him or not?!"

I exhaled loudly. "Sure. I'll ask him for you," I spoke through clenched teeth.

"Thanks!" She beamed before darting over to her group of friends that were watching us with curious expressions.

I sighed deeply before trudging into the school. I was headed straight for my locker when I spotted Edward standing with his siblings. His golden eyes locked with mine for a brief second before he clenched his jaw and mumbled something to Emmett. Alice spotted me and flashed a kind smile my way which I returned half-heartedly. I grabbed my books and stalked towards them. Might as well get this over with.

(Edward's P.O.V)

She was wearing a lavender blouse that showcased her cinched waist. The color caused her sun-kissed skin to almost glow, as if she was some sort of ethereal being. The shirt wasn't low-cut, but it exposed just enough for me to make out the round curvature of her breasts. Her golden hair hung down her chest in loose, rolling waves. She was truly the epitome of beauty. And that fact alone was enough to make me despise her.

Her sapphire eyes locked with mine, and for a split second, I would have sworn that my heart was beating.

Staring much? Emmett taunted in his thoughts.

I had forgotten that I was surrounded by my siblings, given that I was entirely focused on the human girl. I ripped my gaze from her, focusing on my nuisance of a brother.

"Shut up, Emmett," I growled.

A huge grin spread across his face as if to taunt me. "I didn't say anything," he chuckled.

I didn't need to look to know that she was approaching us. Her sweet scent swirled around her, flavoring the air and causing fire to rake down my throat. I allowed myself to gaze at her once more; I hated to admit it to myself, but I was hungry for her in more ways than one. She planted herself in front of me and my siblings, earning a quirked brow from me and welcoming smiles from Alice and Emmett.

"Lynna! Just the person I was looking for," Alice greeted her. "Are you going to stay after school and help us start setting up for the dance?"

Her blue eyes darted back and forth from me to Alice. Her plush lips parted slightly as they landed on me once more, causing strange feelings to stir deep within me.

"Um, yeah. I can stay after school," she said to my sister as she tore her gaze from me.

Alice jumped with excitement. The bond she has with the human was downright ridiculous. One would think they were best friends or maybe even sisters.

"Yay! Do you think Noah and Paige would stay as well? The more helping hands we have, the better," Alice said to a very distracted Lynna.

I watched as Lynna dropped her gaze to the floor. "I can ask. I'm sure they'll say yes."

"Great! Ask anyone you can. We have so much to do." My sister linked arms with the girl. "Come on. Let's get to class. I need to start making a to-do list—" She started droning on.

Lynna's sapphire eyes locked with mine, causing a lump to form in my throat.

"Actually, I need to ask Edward something," she said in a low voice.

Me? What could she possibly want to ask me? My mind started to turn with possibilities as I felt my stomach twist in anticipation. Alice and Emmett both looked at the human girl with puzzled expressions. Their thoughts were going a mile a minute; same as mine. Alice pursed her lips before releasing her.

Lynna stumbled towards me and tucked a golden curl behind her ear. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, echoing in my ears as if it was a melody. I stared down at her with a blank expression.

"What do you want?" I asked dully, not wanting to beat around the bush.

Edward and Lynna sitting in a tree…. Emmett sang through his thoughts, mocking me.

I clenched my fists and shot him a fierce glare before returning my attention to the visibly anxious girl in front of me. She clutched her textbook to her chest as if it was the only thing holding her down to earth before she graced me with her bright blue eyes, holding me captive.

"Can we talk in private?" She asked softly, nibbling her lower lip in an anxious manner.

The sight was enough to make me weak in the knees and I hated myself for it. Why does this frail human girl have such an effect on me?! Emmett's boyish grin turned into a smirk; he wagged his eyebrows suggestively and clamped a hand over this mouth to stifle his laughter. My jaw clenched. I wanted to punch him.

Lynna's eyes widened, awaiting my answer. I took a step back from her and leaned against the lockers.

"No. Whatever you have to say, just go ahead and say it," I grumbled bitterly, avoiding her gaze.

There would be no point in speaking 'privately' anyhow. I knew Alice and Emmett would both be eavesdropping. Whatever the girl wanted to say, she might as well say it in front of them.

My eyes drew back to her when she gulped. She inhaled a shaky breath. She was nervous. Why?

"Okay, then," she breathed out, offering my siblings an awkward smile before fully turning her attention to me. "I was wondering…." She trailed off, staring at the ground as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.

I hated to admit that I was on pins and needles, but I was.

"Wondering what?" I urged her to continue, folding my arms across my chest impatiently.

She inhaled another deep breath. I watched intently as blood pooled beneath her cheeks in a delicious manner. Her scent danced on my tongue, scorching my throat and lungs. Still, the monster refused to rear his ugly head in her presence and I was at a complete loss as to why. Her scent was significantly stronger than she-who-shall-not-be-named, and yet I knew deep down, that I couldn't bring myself to kill her. It made no sense whatsoever.

She tore her gaze from the floor and forced herself to stare into my eyes. Her cheeks reddened even further as she asked, "Do you have a date to the dance?"

My jaw hit the floor at the same time as my siblings.

WHAT?! Emmett was in shock.

No way. Alice was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Emmett flashed me a smug smile and shook his head, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

Alice narrowed her little eyes at me and frowned. Be nice, she demanded via her thoughts.

I couldn't stop the wave of pleasure and gratification that rolled through me when I processed her question. All this time, I thought she couldn't stand me, and yet, here she is— Asking me to the dance. A devilish smirk sprung to my lips as I studied her. Her face was stoic, causing me to quirk a brow.

"No…" I said slowly, unable to hide the smugness in my voice. "Why?"

She looked up at me and opened her mouth to speak before she closed it. She repeated the process several times, clearly at a loss for words. I chuckled lightly. Perhaps, I should help the poor girl out.

"Are you trying to ask me to the dance, Holloway?" I asked in the smoothest of voices, my eyes widening in delight at the aghast expression on her face.

Emmett and Alice watched the exchange intently, clearly invested in the outcome of our conversation. My mind was still trying to wrap around the fact that she wanted me to be her date to the dance. Who would have thought? What was I going to say? Obviously, I should tell her no! I couldn't stand the girl, so why was I planning on saying yes?

Lynna's blush was no longer isolated to her cheeks. It spread throughout her neck and the rest of her face, ending with the tips of her ears. To say I was amused was an understatement. I found myself choking back my own laughter, alongside Emmett. I couldn't help but feel slightly giddy when she opened her mouth to speak. I hadn't felt an emotion like this in nearly two decades.

Lynna clenched her little fists and scrunched up her face before she hissed, "When pigs fly!"

My smirk quickly vanished, my mouth falling open when her words washed over me. Emmett was unable to contain his laughter. He threw his head back and laughed quite loudly, earning himself a threatening glare from me.

That's what I thought, he taunted, his eyes glinting mischievously.

Alice swatted at him and shot him a stern look. "Not now, Emmett," she whispered in a voice that wouldn't carry to Lynna's human ears.

The excitement I felt was quickly replaced with anger that burned brightly and surged through my veins. I felt my eyes darken as I stared down at the human girl. She stood her ground, unfazed by my haunting glare. Her fists were still clenched tightly around the book in her arms.

"Then, why are you asking?" I hissed through gritted teeth.

She breathed out forcefully. Her warm breath fanned across my face, making me lightheaded. God, I loathe her!

"I wasn't asking for me! I was asking for—"

I cut her off mid-sentence. "I don't care," I practically growled, shoving off of the lockers and towering over her.

The heat from her body wrapped around me, as if sucking me into her orbit which I wanted no part of. Her blue eyes flashed angrily. She craned her head back, not willing to break eye contact.

"Let me finish!" She demanded sternly.

Alice flitted to her side, her eyes darting between us. I paid no mind to my sister as I attempted to unravel the many emotions coursing through me.

"No," I all but growled, watching as her confidence appeared to falter.

"Yes, Edward Cullen!" She exclaimed, stomping her foot in a child-like manner.

I couldn't help but chuckle lowly at that which only infuriated her further. I gestured for her to proceed as another smirk found its way to my lips.

She ran a hand through her hair out of exasperation before clearing her throat. "As I was saying," she started, catching my eye and holding it. Emmett snickered quietly from behind her before she continued, "I was asking on behalf of Brittany Hoyle. She would like to go to the dance with you, and if you want my advice, I'd suggest taking her up on it."

Brittany Hoyle. I didn't bother to stifle the eye roll. I knew exactly who she was. She was Tyler's ex-girlfriend (if you could even call her that). They used to 'fool around' but was never official. I knew that she was a cheerleader who turned her nose up to others— including Lynna. Brittany Hoyle certainly didn't appeal to me in any way.

"And why's that?" I wondered, my smirk growing when another delicious blush spread to her cheeks.

To my surprise, a smirk sprung to her lips that matched my own. My lower stomach tightened and I was distinctly aware of my groin in that moment. I didn't want her, but my body most certainly did. There was no denying that. I was physically attracted to the human girl. I allowed my mind to wonder— If she was immortal, like me, would I give in to these desires? Immediately, I knew I would. I would pin her against the first tree I saw and explore every square inch of her. Another thought occurred to me— If I was human, like her, would I be pining after her like so many other boys? I feared that I would be.

Her voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Because I don't think anyone else is going to ask you. Your head is so far up your ass, that you can't see straight."

Alice pressed her lips together to keep from laughing, but Emmett didn't bother trying to hide his amusement. I wanted to strangle them both. My jaw clenched as I stared down at the human that had me worse for wear.

"My answer is no," I stated firmly, holding her sapphire eyes with my own.

She opened her mouth to speak (probably to protest), but I cut her off.

"No," I repeated more sternly, my voice dripping with venom.

Her eyes widened in what I assumed to be fear. Her heart rate quickened. She took a step back, nearly crashing in to Emmett who wrapped an arm around her to help steady her. My eyes locked on his arm that I was tempted to rip from his shoulders. Before I could get carried away, he released her. The girl looked up at me, blinking in surprise before she collected herself.

"I knew you would say that," she sneered. "Just to spite me!"

My mouth fell open on its own accord. To spite her?

"I said no, Lynna," I paused as her first name rolled off my tongue, silently relishing in the way it sounded, before I continued, "Because I'm not interested. For that reason and that reason only."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "You said no because I was the one that asked you."

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity. "Granted, she should have chosen a better messenger," I shrugged, another chuckle escaping me before continuing, "But I would have said no either way."

She groaned in frustration before she spun on her heels and stalked off. Emmett and Alice both looked at me with amused expressions. Emmett lightly punched my shoulder and laughed.

"Aw, did Eddie boy think our Sleeping Beauty was going to ask him to the dance?" He teased with a mocking grin.

Alice's brows flew up her forehead. I was tempted to grab him by the throat and use the weight of his body to crush the lockers behind us. If we weren't in a hallway full of students, I would have done just that.

"Stop calling her that!" I growled, clenching and unclenching my fists. "And she isn't your anything."

His smile never faltered. I'm getting under your skin, aren't I? "Oh, come on. I'm only joking. But what made you think she was going to ask you to begin with?"

I looked at him incredulously. "Maybe because she asked if I had a date?! You two were thinking the same thing! How was I supposed to know that she was asking for someone else?!" My voice had gone up an octave without realizing, earning strange stares from a few surrounding students.

He pursed his lips. "Maybe you could have read her mind?" He challenged.

I gritted my teeth with a force that would crush diamonds. Alice looked at me with a perplexed expression, studying my face with scrutiny. A gasp escaped her lips as realization flooded her eyes.

You can't read her mind, can you? She asked me silently.

A scowl crawled across my face before I stormed away, leaving my siblings standing there speechless.

I heard Emmett mutter, "What's his problem?"

I sauntered into History with a look of fury as I took my seat. Lynna was already in her assigned seat next to me. My eyes started to trail in her direction before I caught myself.

(Lynna's P.O.V)

Edward wore a haunting expression as he sat down beside me. His face was twisted into a grimace. He was visibly angry, but I could see that his eyes were tinged with sadness. To my surprise, his eyes didn't meet mine. He stared directly ahead, unmoving. Had I hurt his feelings? I couldn't help but feel slightly guilty. Perhaps, I had been too harsh? It was never my intention to hurt someone's feelings— even someone as insufferable as Edward Cullen.

"I'm sorry if I said something to hurt your feelings." My voice was soft and kind.

Saying that no one else would ask him to the dance was pretty mean of me. He's incredibly attractive, which I'm sure he's aware of, so my comment wouldn't have bothered him, right?

His head swiveled in my direction. His dark brows furrowed in anger. "Hurt my feelings?! I don't even like you. So, tell me— How could you possibly hurt my feelings, Holloway?"

His words took me by surprise, even though they shouldn't have. I should be used to his never-ending mood swings by now. I blinked rapidly at his furious face. Despite the anger that decorated his features, I found myself admiring his beauty. It was truly such a shame that someone so beautiful harbored so much anger and hate towards the world, making him far from desirable in my eyes, despite his good looks.

"Right," I breathed out. "I forgot. You hate the world and everyone in it."

He breathed out a scoff. "You know nothing about me."

He was right. I sighed and placed my arms on top of the desk, tilting my head to look at him. "Then, tell me."

His golden eyes met mine. "What?"

"Tell me about yourself, Cullen," I said with a small smile.

He wore a look of disbelief. "Why would I do that?"

I lifted my shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. "How can I hate you with a burning passion when I hardly know anything about you? If you want this whole enemies thing to work, then I need to know more about you."

His lips parted, catching my eye before I quickly recovered. "What… What do you want to know?" The curiosity was plain as day in his voice.

"Hmm…" I tapped my chin for dramatic effect before continuing, "Well, for starters, what's your favorite color?"

He quirked a brow. His lips twitched as if he was fighting back a smile. "My favorite color?"

I nodded. "Wait.. Let me guess… Black?"

He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Blue, actually."

My eyes widened. "Blue? Mine too!" I said with a smile.

At this, the faintest of smiles sprung to his lips. "I know."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "How did you know?"

He laughed dryly before responding, "Your entire room is blue."

I pursed my lips. "Right… Well, why is blue your favorite color?"

He opened his mouth to speak before shutting it with an audible click. A strange emotion swirled in the depths of his pupils as he locked eyes with me.

"I'm not answering that," he breathed out.

"Why not?" I wondered, placing my elbow on the desk and resting my head in my hand as I stared at him.

"Because I don't want to," he snapped, causing me to smirk.

"So touchy," I mused. "You're like a ticking time bomb, you know."

He rolled his eyes but didn't respond. I took it upon myself to fill the silence.

"The ocean is blue. And the sky. Both remind me of freedom and endless possibilities," I explained, chewing on my lower lip. "That's why it's my favorite color."

His hardened expression seemed to soften as he glanced my way. "That's a good answer," he whispered.

He stared into my eyes as if he could see my soul. My mouth went dry, causing me to clear my throat.

"Do you have any hobbies, Cullen?" I questioned, changing the subject.

He pursed his lips before he frowned. He seemed to be at war with myself. Finally, he sighed, deciding to play along. "I used to play piano."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously?"

He nodded once. "Does that surprise you?"

I shrugged. "I mean, not really. It's just— I play piano too."

He breathed out a humorless laugh. "Of course you do," he mumbled.

I found myself smiling despite myself. Looks like Cullen and I have more in common than we thought.

"Look at us," I chuckled. "Our favorite color is blue and we both play piano. We're just two peas in a pod." I teased, knowing my comment would get under his skin.

He was quick to scowl at my words. "I'd hardly call it that."

Another smile tugged at my lips as I looked at the aggravating boy. "You wanna know something?"

He rolled his golden eyes before they connected with mine. "Let's hear it, Holloway."

My smile grew at the use of my surname. "I think I hate you a little less."

His eyes widened as his brows flew up his forehead. I laughed quietly at his confused expression.

"But just a little," I stated sternly, forcing myself to frown for good measure.

I watched as his lips twitched before breaking out into an actual smile that made his golden eyes dance.