(Edward's P.O.V)
My heart was in my throat as I stared at the sleeping girl. Her breaths were slow and even; her heart had slowed to a peaceful cadence. Unable to resist, I reached out to lightly caress her jaw with the side of my hand. The simple gesture caused a fire to burn through me, igniting me from the inside out. This was dangerous, wasn't it? Dangerous and reckless. What a fool I am—Allowing myself to touch the unconscious girl as she dreamed her private dreams.
"Edward," she murmured my name, causing panic to settle in my core.
Had I been caught? Her eyes remained closed, but the faintest of smiles flitted to her rosy lips. My tense body relaxed when I realized she was still fast asleep. She was, once again, dreaming about me. A thrill like no other traveled throughout my body, settling in my core.
"Hero," she whispered into the darkness of the room.
Edward. Hero. Could it be? Highly doubtful. Quite improbable, if you ask me. The two words didn't belong in the same continent, let alone the same sentence. Granted, I had saved the girl, but I was certain that after finding out our secret, she would consider me the furthest thing from a hero.
I replayed Alice's memory in my mind— Lynna didn't seem frightened whatsoever when she found out the horrifying truth about what we are. I wondered how different things would be now. Sure, she wasn't afraid of Alice, but would she fear me? Would she bite her tongue in my presence, fearful of upsetting me? Or would we continue with our back-and-forth banter and side-eye glances. Despite myself, I was hoping for the latter.
My eyes stared longingly at her face, lingering on her plush lips that were slightly parted. They looked so soft. I imagined they would feel like warm silk against my own. I inhaled deeply, relishing in the burn of her scent as it scorched my throat and lungs. My mouth watered— For more reasons than I care to admit.
I don't know what possessed me to lightly caress her lower lip with the pad of my thumb, but I instantly regretted it. Electricity zinged through my body at the touch, starting from my fingertips and working its way down, settling in my groin. I inhaled a slow, shaky breath as I struggled to get a grip on the forbidden desire surging through me.
To my dismay, just as I pulled back, her eyes shot open— As if she, too, felt the electrical jolt travel through her. She gasped as her startled eyes locked with mine. My heart dropped to my stomach. She blinked and I was gone, leaving her to believe that my presence was a remnant of a dream. Or a nightmare.
(Lynna's P.O.V)
My heart was hammering wildly in my chest. My lips tingled, reeling from his icy touch. It felt so real. My hand flew up to my lips, in disbelief that I had dreamed something so vividly. Fear wrapped around my heart as I came to a sudden realization that absolutely horrified me—Would Edward know that I had dreamed of him? Would he be able to sift through my thoughts and pull that information from my mind?
My eyes widened in terror. Did he know that I had a wet dream about him last week?! I was certain he did. How many times have I found myself lusting after him in class? He heard me. Every. Single. Time.
I wasn't sure if I had the courage to face him. Granted, I'm sure I'm not the only teenage girl fantasizing about him. Maybe he's so used to it by now that he blocks it out? Doubtful. Now that he knew that I knew, I was positive he would tease me relentlessly about it every chance he got. My hands balled into fists at the thought. School was going to be absolute torture.
My heart felt like it was going to fly out of my chest when I walked into History. Bile rose in my throat when I saw that Edward Cullen was already seated. My eyes drifted to him then back to the door, wondering if I should make a run for it. I then cursed myself internally, knowing that he was reading my mind this very second. I froze, like a deer in headlights, when his ember eyes locked with mine. His lips twitched, clearly fighting back a smile as he looked me over.
I somehow managed to keep myself from staring at him as I hesitantly strolled towards him. My hand lingered on the back of my chair; my heart was racing. Could he hear that too? I was certain he could. Blood rushed to my cheeks when he quirked a brow at me and gestured for me to sit down. I gulped, staring blankly ahead as I took my seat.
A strange electrical current seemed to hum between us, putting me on edge. I could feel his eyes burning into the side of my face, studying me. Was he sifting through my thoughts? I started reciting the Spanish alphabet in my mind repeatedly. Maybe that would keep him out? Oh, but why even bother?! He has heard each of my thoughts up until now regardless. I groaned internally, wishing I could disappear. Invisibility—Now that would be a cool gift. Why couldn't his gift be invisibility instead? Why couldn't it be literally anything except mind-reading?!
"Cat got your tongue?" He teased, his musical voice flooding through my ears.
Slowly and reluctantly, I turned to face him. Instead of looking directly at him, I chose to focus on the window beside him. Raindrops glistened against the glass as they slid down the windowpane, leaving a shiny trail in their wake. Out of my peripheral vision, I could see that his brows were raised.
"Um," I breathed out, blinking rapidly as I continued staring out the window. "No."
His piercing eyes continued to burn my skin. I struggled to keep my heartrate and breathing at bay. My mind was quick to betray me as it replayed my all-too-vivid dream in my mind, causing my lips to tingle at the memory. My cheeks blushed crimson; I was absolutely mortified. Does he think I have some sort of crush on him now or something? Of course, he does. I mean, what else is he supposed to think?
"You're blushing," he stated as-matter-of-factly.
No shit. Instinctively, I shot him a glare, which was a huge mistake in itself; I locked with his eyes that resembled burning embers and felt my heart stutter in my chest.
An amused smirk sprung to his lips. His lips. They were the perfect shape. Perfectly kissable— Ahhh! There I go again. Have I always been this distinctly aware of his chiseled jawline? Of his flawless features that appeared to be carved from stone? How his bronze hair contrasted majestically against his porcelain skin? I shook my head, trying to dispel the incessant thoughts.
"Why?" He asked, his eyes dancing in amusement.
I narrowed my eyes at him, feeling myself growing defensive under his smug stare. "I can't control my thoughts, Cullen! Stay out of my head!"
His brows flew up his forehead in surprise. I watched as his shoulders started shaking with silent laughter.
He shook his head and smiled, "So, Alice told you about that, I see."
I gritted my teeth and ripped my gaze from him as I started singing a random song in my head, desperate to distract myself from his unwavering eyes.
"You're… uncomfortable," he breathed out, accompanied by a dry chuckle. "Why?"
My eyes grew to the size of saucers before I faced him once more. "Why do you think?!"
He pursed his lips, studying my face with scrutinizing eyes—As if he even needed to; as if my mind wasn't an open book, splayed out for him to read. After a moment, he lifted his right shoulder in a half-hearted shrug.
I narrowed my eyes at him, growing increasingly annoyed by him. "How would you feel if your every thought was on display for all to see?" I challenged.
A devilish smirk sprung to his lips, drawing my gaze. I bit my lower lip longingly before I caught myself. What the fuck is wrong with me?!
"No one's thoughts are 'on display for all to see'," he used air-quotes before continuing with a lopsided grin, "Just for me to see."
I rolled my eyes at his comment before I started humming along to a Taylor Swift song. I wasn't sure what the point was, to be honest. Like I said, he heard each of my thoughts up until this point anyway. He knew all my secrets. Another blush crept to my cheeks when I recalled touching myself last week—While I thought of him; after the wet dream I had about him. I seriously wanted a black hole to swallow me up right then and there. My hands flew to my blushing cheeks. Why hasn't he mentioned anything? Was he too much of a gentleman to call me out on it? No way. Edward Cullen wouldn't miss an opportunity to tease me. So, why hasn't he brought it up yet?
"You're blushing again," he whispered faintly.
My breath hitched in my throat when his fingers lightly grazed my left cheek, leaving a fire in their icy wake. I shivered involuntarily; stunned to the core at the gesture. I felt my eyes widen and my jaw go slack before I turned to face him. He touched me? His touch was just as I had imagined it would be. The hair on the back of my neck stood up as the electrical current flowing between us strengthened to an immeasurable degree.
He clenched his fists and rested them on top of the table as he tilted his head to the side and asked, "Why?"
My mind went blank for the first time that morning. I opened and closed my mouth, probably resembling a fish out of water as I racked my brain for a response. I was a bundle of nerves as his eyes, which darkened dramatically, continued to bore into mine.
"Are you daft?" The words rolled off my tongue of their own accord.
Gee, Cullen. I wonder why I'm blushing. You foolish, arrogant boy. He was messing with me and clearly gaining immense enjoyment out of it.
His brows knitted together. "I beg your pardon?"
I shook my head and narrowed my eyes at him. "Don't, Cullen. Just don't."
His eyes darkened to the color of midnight— Resembling onyx orbs as they peered into mine. He spoke in a low, chilling voice that sent shivers down my spine, "Don't what?"
"Play dumb," I retorted, trying to control my rapid heartrate and hormonal thoughts around the brooding, handsome, mind-reading vampire.
He opened his mouth to speak but closed it immediately when the classroom door swung open to reveal his siblings. They flashed me a huge smile before rushing to their seats. Incredibly thankful for the distraction, I was quick to spin around and face them.
"Man, I really wanted to be there when she told you, but she insisted I stay behind," Emmett whispered with a mischievous smile. "I think she was worried I'd scare you. I don't scare you, do I, Lynna?"
I shook my head and returned his smile enthusiastically. "No, Em. Not at all," I assured him.
He winked, his grin broadening. I heard Edward scoff, causing me to roll my eyes at his rude behavior.
"See? Told you, Alice," Emmett teased his sister, leaning back in his seat with a smug smile.
Alice scrunched up her little brows and shot him a disapproving frown. "I didn't think you'd actually scare her. I just wanted to be sure she was comfortable."
To my dismay, Edward turned around to face them, catching my eye and holding it. Another smirk sprung to his lips, making his ember eyes dance that I couldn't help but notice, despite my best efforts not to. "Oh, she's perfectly comfortable. Aren't you, Holloway?" His taunting tone annoyed me immensely.
I shot him a glare before tearing my gaze from him. My eyes flitted between Alice and Emmett as I spoke, "I have a lot of questions. Like a lot."
After Alice's departure last night, I had stayed up to write a list of all the questions I wanted to ask them.
"A lot, huh?" Emmett grinned from ear to ear.
I nodded, pulling out a folded piece of paper from my back pocket and clutching it in my hand. "I made a list."
A deep chuckle came from beside me. Edward's shoulders were shaking with laughter. I huffed in annoyance. Everything about him seemed to annoy me more than usual today. Emmett laughed as well, but not in a mocking fashion.
The broad vampire was wearing a boyish grin as he said, "She's definitely your niece, Alice."
My eyes threatened to bulge from their sockets as I processed his words. "What?"
Alice pursed her lips and swatted at Emmett. "I hadn't told her that yet!"
Edward's laughing got that much louder as he took in my shell-shocked face and Emmett's horrified expression. After a moment, Emmett shrugged, his goofy grin returning.
"I guess now you have even more questions," he said with a low chuckle.
"Better add them to your list," Edward commented with a lopsided grin.
Emmett and Alice both looked at him with curious expressions. He pursed his lips at his siblings before spinning back around in his seat. I pulled out a pencil and 'added to my list'.
"I know I should have told you, but I didn't want to overwhelm you all at once," Alice explained, linking arms with me as we started walking along the track.
It had stopped raining just in time for gym. The clouds still hung heavy in the sky, creating a damp curtain to block out any hope of sunlight peeking through. Coach Miller decided today was as good a day as any for some 'fresh air', so here we are—Walking along the wet track, the outside air smelling like petrichor.
My head was swimming with questions. Noah and Paige were keeping pace several feet in front of us; they were too involved in their own private conversation to pay me and Alice any mind.
"I get it," I breathed out, meeting her worried gaze. "Auntie Alice, huh?" I chuckled nervously, still in a state of shock.
She beamed at me. "I'm actually your great-great-aunt," she stated as-matter-of-factly.
My eyes widened in surprise as I looked her up and down. "How is that even possible?"
She pressed her lips into a thin line. "Cynthia Brandon was my younger sister."
My jaw dropped as my mind attempted to process the newfound information. "So, that means you're…"
"I'm a hundred-and-twenty-two years old, Lynna," she whispered into my ear.
I walked into chemistry a bundle of nerves. My mind was still reeling from gym. Alice, one of my closest friends, was actually my one-hundred-and-twenty-two-year-old great-great-aunt. I had all but forgotten that I was walking into the lion's den that consisted of the mindreading vampire, Edward Cullen. My mind was only capable of dealing with one realization at a time. All that changed when I locked with his burning embers.
I could have sworn my heart stopped beating as I took my assigned seat next to him. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed him studying my face the same as earlier—As though all my secrets could be found there and not in the crevices of my mind.
"You're staring," I commented, my eyes hesitantly flickering to meet his as a blush flooded my cheeks.
"You're blushing," he retorted, a lop-sided grin highlighting his usual solemn features and making his golden eyes dance like the sun peeking through the clouds after a rainstorm.
My blushing intensified at his words. "Is that all you know how to say now?" I challenged.
This makes, what, the third time he has said that today? His grin grew, causing my stomach to churn in an unfamiliar fashion. Was I getting sick?
"You don't usually blush this much," he said in a low, mocking voice. "I'm curious as to why."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "As if you don't know," I mumbled bitterly.
He chuckled wryly and shook his head, clearly amused.
Throughout class, I chose to focus on anything but him—I counted the tiles on the ceiling; I studied the grainy wood pattern on the desk, tracing it with my finger; I focused intently on the lecture, trying with difficulty to prevent my thoughts from drifting to the boy sitting next to me. All my efforts proved to be pointless when his knee grazed against mine before casually resting it against me. My breath hitched in my throat and my heart started to race due to the gesture. The electrical current hummed through me, starting from my knee and working its way up, causing me to shiver involuntarily. I could feel him studying me intently, looking for any cracks in my fortitude. I felt my face heat up in embarrassment as hormonal thoughts threatened to take hold.
It seemed the more I tried not to think about him, the harder it became not to. It was a catch-22. Why didn't I just move my leg? Why did I choose to allow him to rest his knee against mine? There was plenty of leg room; I could have easily moved away from his touch. But that's not what I did. All I could think about was the fact that he was touching me, and that his burning eyes never left my face.
When the bell sounded, signaling that class was over, I was the first to spring up from my seat and flee the classroom. Only when I was no longer under his unwavering gaze, was I able to think clearly. I inhaled deeply, trying to banish him from my thoughts.
After my shift at Lakeshore Grille, I walked out into the crowded parking lot and searched for my ride. Mamaw was staying with a friend of hers in the hospital, so my 'doting' mother was tasked with picking me up from work due to my car being in the shop. A sigh escaped my lips when I realized that she was nowhere to be seen. No doubt, she had forgotten. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number, sighing once more when it went straight to voicemail.
"Great," I hissed under my breath, leaning against the brick wall that led to the back entrance of the restaurant.
I shook my head as I weighed my options. The sun had long since set—Leaving nothing but the inky blackness of night to hang in the overcast sky. Streetlamps lined the sidewalk, their yellow light creating an eerie ambiance. Home was about a twenty-minute walk from here. Do I take my chances and walk home? I would have called Dustin, but I knew he was out with Jade. I didn't want to ruin their date; their relationship was still in the early stages, after all. What about Noah? Or Paige? By the time they got here, I could have already walked home. Okay, Tyler then? He was still inside, wiping down the tables. No doubt, he would be more than happy to give me a ride, but that would mean having to wait another hour for him to finish his shift.
"Screw it," I mumbled with a shrug of my shoulders before trekking across the parking lot and heading for the sidewalk.
The street appeared to be deserted, but I could feel a pair of eyes following my every move, causing me to grow uneasy. Perhaps, this was a bad idea. I should have waited. What was I thinking?! I wasn't. I'm an idiot. I've watched enough crime documentaries to know that a young girl walking alone at night was a recipe for disaster, but this was Gray we're talking about. Everybody knows everybody. Nothing bad ever happens in Gray—Aside from Grayson perishing in an unexplained fire and Ashley being fatally attacked by an 'animal'. My blood ran cold at the thought. I knew that whoever attacked Ashley wasn't human. The vampire could still be roaming the streets, looking for its next victim.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up when I heard a faint pair of footsteps behind me. I stole a quick glance over my shoulder and saw the silhouette of a man closing in on me. He was walking briskly in my direction. Fear settled in the pit of my stomach; bile rose in my throat. Just as I turned my head forward to pick up my pace, I collided with what I thought was a brick wall.
(Edward's P.O.V)
Undiluted anger pierced through me. Did the stupid girl have a death wish?! Walking home alone at night?! Doesn't she realize how reckless and downright dangerous that is?! The guilt I felt for 'stalking' her vanished; the girl clearly needs someone looking out for her. I tried, in vain, to fight against the urge to follow the girl, but, despite my best efforts, I had failed miserably. It seemed that since my having saved her, my protective instincts had gone into overdrive. All I could think about was keeping her safe at any cost. She continued to occupy each of my thoughts—Taunting me with her sapphire orbs and sensual smile.
Fear was written all over her face as she continued walking down the street. Her heartrate had picked up tremendously and I could smell the adrenaline coursing through her veins, mixing with her delectable-smelling blood and creating the most invigorating of aromas. A young male jogger was approaching her from behind. He meant the girl no harm whatsoever; his thoughts were entirely innocent, but Lynna didn't know that. I watched as she stole a quick glance over her shoulder, her heart stuttering anxiously as she saw him approaching her. I could no longer remain hidden. The girl was downright terrified, and I felt an overwhelming urge to comfort her. I stepped out of the shadows, planting myself directly in front her. Seemingly to be completely oblivious to her surroundings (aside from the jogger approaching her from behind), she walked right into me, sending an electrical jolt throughout my body before she stumbled back with a shell-shocked expression.
Her breathing was ragged as she looked up at me with a look of horror before her big, blue eyes flooded with realization. She visibly breathed a sigh of relief, causing a faint smile to flit to my lips. She felt safe in my presence, and I couldn't help but feel elated due to the fact.
"E-Edward," she stammered out, blinking rapidly as she ran a hand through her long golden waves.
"Lynna," her first name rolled off my tongue, lingering in the air like an unspoken melody.
She subconsciously took a step closer to me when the jogger ran by, her eyes every bit as round as saucers. I stopped myself from reaching out and wrapping my arm around her protectively. The urge to do so shocked me, to say the least.
"What were you thinking walking alone at night? Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?" I didn't bother trying to hide the frustration in my voice; she needed to be reprimanded for making such a careless decision.
Her lips parted, catching my gaze before I forced my eyes from them and locked with her eyes of sapphire.
"I… I wasn't.. thinking," she admitted in a weak voice. "It was stupid."
My eyes softened at her confession. She looked so vulnerable in her current state.
"I would offer you a ride, but I'm afraid I didn't get here by car." I couldn't help but smirk when her eyes widened. No doubt, she was full of questions. Before she could respond, I spoke, "I'll walk you home."
I was fully prepared for her to argue with me; for her to decline my 'offer', though even if she refused, that wouldn't change the outcome. To my delight, she nodded and offered me a timid smile.
"Thank you," she whispered softly, a delicate blush painting her cheeks a rosy color and flavoring the air.
Why was she blushing so much more than usual? We fell in step with each other as we walked down the sidewalk. The warmth of her body radiated off her, wrapping me in its erotic warmth from afar, and lulling me to inch ever so closer to her. I cleared my throat—A nervous habit. I was certain she didn't realize that my kind had no need to clear their throats, so the embarrassment I felt from doing so was short-lived. We walked in companionable silence for a few minutes; the only sound being the rhythmic beating of her heart and her slow, even breathing.
"What are you doing here?" She broke the silence, forcing me from my thoughts.
A forlorn smile flitted to my lips. "I ask myself that every day," I mused.
She shook her head. "You know what I mean, Cullen," she mumbled, ripping her gaze from me and staring straight ahead with a blank expression.
"I was in the area." That wasn't a lie.
I watched as she tilted her head to the side to look at me, her brows knitting together in an adorable manner that caused my heart to drop to my stomach.
"So, it was just a coincidence that you ran into me?" She challenged.
I felt my face twist into a smirk. "Actually, it was you that ran into me," I corrected her, unable to resist getting under her skin.
She rolled her eyes. "So, you weren't… spying on me?" Another blush crept to her cheeks.
I was instantly on the defense. "Of course not." I lied through my teeth. "Don't flatter yourself, Holloway." My words lacked their usual harshness, but I was still able to get my point across.
She seemed to flinch at my words before quickly recovering. "Right," she breathed out. "Sorry."
I immediately regretted my tone, which annoyed me immensely. I allowed myself to study her face as we walked. Her cheeks still held a rosy tint—No doubt a remnant of her blush. Her deep blue eyes scanned the sidewalk, as if she were searching for something. Her lower lip jutted out slightly in a permanent pout—As if begging to be kissed. Oh, I sound like a complete fool! Her golden waves hung down her back like a waterfall, bouncing slightly as she walked. Warm vanilla and fresh strawberries hung in the air, burning my throat and searing my lungs with the mouthwatering scent. My eyes traveled from her face to her neck, where they lingered on her carotid artery. I could see her sweet blood pumping beneath her sun-kissed skin. I longed to place my lips over her carotid pulse, my tongue darting across her warm flesh. How would she react to my touch? To my kiss?
As if she could somehow read my thoughts, her blushing intensified, igniting my curiosity.
"Why are you blushing so much, Holloway?" I asked in a low, hesitant voice. "Are you embarrassed about something?"
At this, her blush spread to her neck and the tips of her ears. Her reddened face caused me to bite back a smile. I didn't expect fire to be dancing in her eyes when she met my curious gaze.
"You truly are insufferable, Edward Cullen. Why do you get such enjoyment out of embarrassing me?" She asked in a clipped tone, her eyes narrowed into slits.
I was at a loss. My mouth dropped. "What are you talking about, Holloway? How am I embarrassing you?"
Her eyes flashed angrily. She paused mid-step, turning to look up at me with undaunted fury. The sight should have been comical, but I was strangely aroused.
"You think it's okay to sift through a girl's private thoughts, Cullen? Just to humiliate her even further?" She asked through gritted teeth.
I pursed my lips. Was I really as daft as she thought? I was aware that she thought I was reading her mind. She was oblivious to the fact that her thoughts were off limits to me. Of course, Alice hadn't alerted her to that tidbit of information; after all, she was only suspicious that Lynna's thoughts were a mystery to me. Then, a burning wave of curiosity engulfed me. There's something that she clearly doesn't want me to know. Her blushing cheeks, snarky comments, and side-eye glances confirmed that much.
I couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled up my throat and spewed from my mouth, which only infuriated her even further. She was shooting daggers at me when my laughter ceased.
I flashed her a crooked grin and spoke, "I can assure you that's not my intention, Holloway."
"Is it not?" She retorted, unamused.
I shook my head, chuckling lowly before kneeling slightly towards her. Her eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat as my face inched closer to hers. Her warm breath fanned across my face, making me feel intoxicated.
My mind was swimming with perverse images as I asked in a faint whisper, "Do you want to know a secret?"
I realized I had messed with her long enough. Now was as good a time as any to come clean. Clearly, the girl was horrified at the idea of having her thoughts on display for me to read, which only added to my fascination for her.
She looked at me suspiciously and pursed her lips, but remained silent. I clenched my jaw, struggling to resist against drawing closer to her, before taking it upon myself to continue, "Your mind is a mystery to me, Lynna Holloway. You are quite a mystery."
Her heart stuttered in her chest before picking up its tempo; the delicious sound echoed in my ears.
"Y-You mean.. You–You can't read my mind," she stuttered, blood pooling beneath her cheeks once more.
Her proximity was making my head spin. Being this close to the blushing girl wasn't without difficulty. I swallowed hard against the sudden lump that had formed in my throat and took a quick step back, putting some much-needed distance between us. Her intoxicating scent danced in the air; I couldn't stop myself from inhaling deeply, savoring her scent, wanting to fill my lungs with the fragrant aroma. It was addictive; she was addictive.
"That's correct," I stated dully, staring blankly ahead as we resumed walking.
I tilted my head, watching as her jaw dropped before releasing a deep breath, sighing heavily. Her face visibly relaxed, relief etched in her features. My curiosity was ignited once more.
"Does that relieve you?" I asked, quirking a brow in her direction.
She nodded slowly, a relaxed smile springing to her lips. "Yes," she admitted.
"Will you tell me why?" I blurted out, desperate for answers.
Her eyes widened as she stole a quick glance my way before another blush flooded her cheeks. "No," she breathed out.
"Why not?" I abruptly stopped walking, causing her to do the same.
I stared into her eyes with a burning intensity. They say eyes are a window into the soul, so I was studying her stormy seas intently, desperate to find a piece of her floating in the unrestrained blue waves. Her lower lip trembled, drawing my gaze. My eyes lingered on her slightly parted lips longingly. My own lips tingled at the sight. I had no doubt that my eyes had darkened to the color of the night sky hanging above us like a pitch-black curtain. Her breath hitched in her throat and her heart quickened in her chest, which only drew me closer to her.
I stepped towards her, leaving but a mere inch of space between us, causing the electrical current to arc back and forth, to and fro. My face lowered towards hers, my lips hovering dangerously close to her own. I had never been this close to her before. Why was I allowing this? Why did I want this? Why did I want her? Now that she knew that I was a blood-thirsty beast, I felt like a giant obstacle had been removed from between us. As if before, the magnetic pull that was luring me to her had been blocked by the haunting secret, and now that the truth was in the open, there was nothing stopping me from getting sucked into her orbit. With every ragged breath she took, with every racing heartbeat, I felt myself becoming more entwined with her—As if she was the gravity keeping my feet on the ground. As if, up until this point, I had been floating endlessly in the galaxy—A tortured creature without a purpose. A lone moon without even the company of stars. Until I stumbled upon a rogue planet and was now destined to be drawn to her in a way that made gravity seem like child's play.
Or perhaps she was more like the sun— A bright, dancing star lighting up the night sky. Perhaps I was the rogue planet who had accidentally stumbled upon her and was now gravitationally forced to orbit her for eternity. No matter how fiercely I attempted to resist her gravitational pull, I was helpless against it. Perhaps that's why I despised her so. Because the decision was never mine; it was never my decision to be drawn to the girl. It felt like a curse—One that I was quickly losing the ability to fight against.
"Why is your heart racing?" I whispered huskily.
She slowly closed her eyes and inhaled a shaky breath. Desire gripped me, digging its claws into my core.
"You can hear it," she breathed out, her warm breath tickling my lips, causing my breathing to quicken—mirroring her ragged breaths. "I figured as much."
A sly smile slithered onto my lips. Of course, she did. Clever girl. Before I was tempted to do something irresponsibly reckless and downright stupid, I took a quick step back, breaking the spell that it seemed we had both fallen under. We continued walking in sync with one another. I slowed my pace to keep up with her short strides.
"I wanted to say…" She trailed off briefly, her eyes darting back and forth along the sidewalk before she met my curious gaze. "Thank you. For saving me."
She blinked rapidly at my stunned face. I forced myself to keep the emotion out of my voice as I responded, "Don't mention it. Seriously."
I was fearful that she would question the motives behind my rescue. I was still struggling to determine the true reason behind my saving her—Was it all for Alice? Or was there another reason?— One that was so blindingly obvious that it was staring me right in the face.
(Lynna's P.O.V)
His porcelain face was somber as we walked. I found myself studying him intricately, marveling at his chiseled jawline and sharp features. His darkened eyes were hooded, creating an air of mystery around him. He said I was mysterious, but his abyss-like eyes gave nothing away.
The amount of gratitude I felt towards him was overwhelming. I felt like it was smothering me. He had not only saved my life yesterday, but he saved me tonight as well. Granted, my life may not have been in any real danger tonight, but he was there nonetheless.
As I stared at his all-too-perfect features, I found a small smile flitting to my lips. In all my wildest dreams, I never thought I would consider Edward Cullen, a grumpy vampire,my hero.
A few silent moments passed before we arrived at my home. The streetlamp illuminated the sidewalk, casting an orange glow against his pale skin— Making him appear ethereal. His bronze hair shone like a bright copper penny against his snow-white skin. I was in awe. He stopped walking abruptly and peered down at me with a burning intensity flickering in his midnight orbs. My breath hitched in my throat as he opened his mouth to speak.
As if he had taken note of my previous thoughts, he spoke in a low, yet oddly seductive voice, "I'm not a hero, you know. Saving you doesn't make me one."
My heart skipped a beat at his words. I could feel myself starting to panic once again at the thought of him having an open connection to my mind. "Y-You said—"
He was quick to cut me off, smirking as he said, "That I can't read your mind— Yes. I can't." He paused, his somber mask slipping momentarily. An indecipherable emotion flashed in his eyes before he continued, "But I can see it in your eyes."
I gulped, feeling my heart fluttering wildly in my chest— Like a caged bird beating itself to death, trying to escape the confinement of my ribs. I was at a loss for words. Luckily, I didn't need any.
"I'm not—" He clenched his jaw, scowling as he finished the sentence in a haunting voice that sent shivers down my spine, "—your hero."
My lips parted involuntarily as his cool breath fanned across my face, muddling my senses. Anger was quick to paint his features like a canvas— This was a look I had grown accustomed to. I was used to seeing his face pulled down in a scowl, his lips pressed together sternly. What I wasn't used to was how my body reacted to the sight— I yearned to reach out and caress his marbled brow that was knitted together in anguish. I clenched my fists to keep from doing just that. What's wrong with me?
"You'd be wise to remember what I am, Holloway." It sounded like a threat; a warning, but I wasn't sure why. His lips twitched at the corners before a derisive smile that was void of any amusement sprung to his lips as he said, "Don't be foolish."
He pressed his lips together in a stern line before vanishing into the night, as though he was never there at all. His words rang through my ears like a mantra as I tried to compose myself before walking inside— Don't be foolish.