(Lynna's P.O.V.)

When I awoke that morning, my hands immediately flew to my lips that were still tingling from last night. Edward had kissed me—Again. And again. And again. I sat up in bed and ran a hand through my hair; the smile couldn't be wiped from my face despite being met with tangles. I hurried to get ready for school, feeling giddy and eager to see him again.

When I rushed downstairs, my chipper mood wasn't missed by Mamaw. She quirked a brow, looking up from reading her book to study me.

"You look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed," she commented with a small smile, peering over her reading glasses to get a look at me. "I can tell you're in a hurry, but you need to take time to eat breakfast before you leave."

I couldn't stop the grin that spread across my face. Who would have thought… Edward Cullen, the brooding boy who I believed I loathed, was the very one responsible for the butterflies that were fluttering about in my stomach. I opened the fridge and poured a glass of orange juice, feeling far too jittery and nervous to stomach anything substantial.

"I'm not hungry," I said to her. "I'll get something at school."

That was a lie and she knew it, but she also knew better than to call me out on it. She knew it would do no good. She frowned her disapproval before turning back to her book.

"Dustin doesn't need a ride today," she said to me. "He and Jarrod have already left."

Jarrod was the drummer in my brother's band. I furrowed my brows in confusion. "Why did they so leave so early?" I wondered aloud.

"Something about band rehearsal," she muttered. "But it's hard telling."

When I walked into school, my heart was beating unevenly—If Alice or Emmett or hear, they might think I have an abnormal heart rhythm or something. I was in such a rush to get to History that I nearly knocked a very confused Noah to the floor as I turned from my locker.

I'm sorry, I signed to him with an apologetic smile.

It's okay. What's the rush though? You still have like fifteen minutes before class, he commented with a quirked brow.

I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. I just want to go over some notes. Are you able to come to the fundraiser this weekend? I was hoping to change the subject.

He nodded. Yes. Paige is all for saving the animals. I'm having a hard time talking her into the sexy carwash though. His mouth twisted into a teasing grin.

I breathed out a laugh. I'll talk to her about it. Work my magic.

He smiled in response. I watched as his eyes lit up when Paige rounded the corner. I offered her a friendly wave that she was quick to return.

I'll talk to you later, he said to me, clearly more than eager to get to Paige.

"See ya," I chuckled, smiling as I watched my best friend run towards Paige and wrapping her in an embrace.

I all but ran to History, feeling giddy with excitement as I bustled through the halls. I inhaled a deep breath, trying to dispel the violent butterflies before I opened the door to the classroom. It was just as I had anticipated— Edward was waiting patiently at our shared desk with a lop-sided grin decorating his porcelain features.

I struggled to maintain a normal breathing pattern; I gave up on trying to keep my heart rate in check in his presence. Surely, by now, he was used to my heart stuttering and soaring as it does. When I sat down beside him, the electricity sparking between us was demanding to be acknowledged. The hair on the back of my neck stood up under his unwavering gaze. His midnight eyes were scouring every inch of my face, as if he was searching for something.

"Good morning," he greeted me in that musical voice of his.

My breath hitched in my throat when he lightly caressed the side of my face with the back of his hand. The simple gesture had my heart pounding, which I knew wasn't missed by him. His lips twisted into a crooked smirk that made my stomach clench with yearning.

"Good morning," I breathed out, sounding breathless despite my best efforts.

The memories of last night kept playing on repeat in my head. All I could think about was kissing him again—My friend with benefits without the benefits aside from the benefit of kissing, which… Does that even make any sense? No matter, I didn't question it. I didn't want to question it. I was perfectly content with kissing the exceedingly attractive boy that I was supposed to despise. The image of Grayson flickered through my mind, causing a wave of guilt to rock through me. I was quick to bury the unwelcome feeling; I had been nothing but loyal to Grayson the entirety of our relationship and even for a year after his death. I could hardly say the same for him.

Edward tilted his head to the side, as if he had picked up on my brief internal dilemma. "Something on your mind?" He asked curiously.

I shook my head. "Not a thing."

He narrowed his eyes at me suspiciously, not buying it. A moment of silence passed before he pursed his lips as his eyes glinted mischievously. "Well, I have something on my mind."

My heart stuttered. I blinked rapidly, whispering, "And what might that be?"

A glorious smirk sprung to his lips. His eyes darkened with desire, leaving me speechless. "Meet me in the utility closet after class."

My mouth fell open in surprise, heat settling in my core at the very idea. I felt a blush flood my cheeks and couldn't help but notice how his eyes darkened further. My eyes fell to his clenched fists before landing on his lips. His perfectly shaped lips. My own lips tingled at the thought of kissing him again.

"What if someone sees?" I managed to squeak out in a weak, high-pitched voice.

His midnight eyes were pouring into my own, holding them captive. "They won't," he spoke sternly, in a low voice that sent delicious shivers down my spine.

I struggled to form a coherent response under his unwavering gaze. "Okay," I breathed out, butterflies engulfing my stomach.

Another smirk twisted its way across his lips. My breath hitched in my throat when he leaned towards me, putting his face close to my neck and inhaling deeply. My heart was hammering wildly against my ribcage.

(Edward's P.O.V.)

She smelled absolutely mouthwatering, in more ways than one. All I wanted to do was be close to her. Touch her, kiss her, smell her. I was counting down the seconds until I could be alone with her. I honestly wasn't sure if I could make it through the hour of class. After finding out the sweet taste of her lips, I was downright addicted.

The second I heard my siblings approaching, I begrudgingly tore myself away from her, putting the usual amount of distance between us. Lynna's brows knitted together in confusion, a look of hurt falling over her face. Before she could speak, Emmett and Alice bounded into the room. Her eyes flooded with realization regarding my abrupt change in behavior. She pivoted in her seat to face them as they sat down.

"So, we're all going to meet at the animal shelter at nine on Saturday. The fundraiser will last for a total of three hours. Then, we book it here to set up for the car wash around one. Got it?" Alice beamed at Lynna.

Lynna didn't hesitate to return the smile. Her deep blue eyes shone brightly as she nodded. "Got it."

Sitting beside Lynna in class was now a true form of torture. Being so close yet being unable to touch her was enough to drive me to insanity. I clenched and unclenched my fists as the teacher droned on and on about who knows what. It took every ounce of self-control I had to prevent my eyes from shifting in her direction. I knew that if I so much as looked at her, I wouldn't be able to resist touching her. And if I touched her, Alice and Emmett would surely take notice.

Regardless, I was unable to stop myself from allowing my knee to casually lean against hers. The second our knees touched, I breathed a sigh of relief. Her heart stuttered in surprise and I couldn't help but smile.

The second the bell rang, I sprung up from my seat and high-tailed it to the utility closet—Our designated meeting spot. I waited and waited for what felt like an eternity, though in reality, barely two minutes had passed, before she opened the door and stepped inside. Her sweet scent engulfed me, filling the small space with vanilla and strawberries. My mouth watered for more reasons than one. I could feel the heat radiating off her body, as if drawing me in. It was dark in the closet. Of course, my eyes had no problem seeing the blushing girl, but I knew that she could hardly make out my silhouette. For some reason, that thought aroused me.

I closed the space between us in an instant, pulling her into my arms and crushing her soft, warm body against mine. Her curves contoured perfectly against my body of stone, molding against me in a way that stole my breath. I leaned my face towards hers; her breathing was hastened before I so much as lightly brushed my lips against hers. Her lips reminded me of rose petals—So soft; so delicate. Her heart was soaring; the sound of her pulse echoed in my ears like a mantra, lighting me on fire. I placed my lips against hers once more, gently— Testing the waters. Her breath hitched in her throat; her fingers wound themselves into my hair, tugging gently, causing a deep growl to reverberate through my chest as desire pierced through me like a knife.

I pulled back from her but kept my arms around her waist. I leaned my forehead against hers and whispered huskily, "Be good. Please."

I wondered briefly if she could hear the pleading in my voice? I yearned for her. I physically needed her. The constant ache in my groin when in her presence was all but demanding to be acknowledged. I wasn't sure how in control I was of that particular monster, so a part of me was hoping that she was in better control of her hormones than I was.

Her lower lip quivered and it took everything I had not to kiss her again.

"Sorry," she whispered, pulling herself from my arms and leaning against the wall.

The second her body was no longer pressed against mine, a coldness swept through me that chilled me to the bone.

"So, why did you want to meet in here?" She asked in a faint whisper.

Her blue eyes appeared to glow in the darkness, and I found myself drowning in them. I tilted my head to the side and stepped towards her, tucking a stray curl behind her ear before the back of my hand caressed her cheek. I leaned down and placed my lips next to her ear. She shivered involuntarily as I whispered, "Why do you think?"

I gently kissed the hollow below her ear, relishing the taste of her skin. Her heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't help but smirk. My lips lightly trailed along her jaw, placing delicate kisses that caused her to exhale sharply. Her blood was singing to me. Despite the unyielding fire in my throat and lungs, I felt that I was in control of that monstrous side of myself. It was the human seventeen year-old in me that had me concerned.

"To torture me?" She asked breathlessly, her eyes rolling to the back of her head as I pressed my tongue against her flesh.

She tasted so good. I couldn't stop the aroused growl that escaped my throat. "To do this," I growled as my lips found hers once again.

The kiss was electrifying but abrupt. I didn't trust myself to kiss her how I would like. The taste of her lips was addicting. I savored the short kiss for all it was worth before pulling away and putting some much-needed distance between us. She was panting heavily, her cheeks flushed and eyes dancing.

"We should get to class," she whispered, her soft voice washing over me like a soothing wave.

I nodded once, my throat feeling tight all of a sudden. "Yes."

I hesitantly opened the door, assuring her that no one was near. She offered me a tender smile before walking away, leaving me reeling.

The rest of the school day went as expected—With plenty of longing glances and secret caresses. During study hall, I caught her eye several times, trying to relay a message. I needed to speak with her alone before she left for home. She was sitting at a table in the middle of the library with Alice, Jasper, Noah, and Paige. She was sandwiched between Alice and Noah, her eyes trailing over the textbook that was splayed open in front of her. I was tucked away in a corner, trying to appear inconspicuous as I studied the darling girl instead of the book in my hands.

When the final bell rang, I trailed closely behind Lynna and Alice, trying to seem nonchalant. Jasper eyed me curiously.

What's up with you? He asked via his thoughts.

I simply shook my head in response as we walked into the parking lot. If only he knew. Alice gave Lynna a quick hug before skipping away with Jasper. I lingered behind, pulling out my phone and sending a quick text to Lynna. 'Don't leave yet.' The text read.

She was digging around in her bag, probably looking for her keys, when she received the text. Her eyes grew in surprise before they met mine for a brief moment. Her brother, Dustin, rushed over to her with a gleeful smile.

"Hey, can you drop me off at Jade's house? She was out today and I want to check up on her," he explained, rubbing the back of his head a bit bashfully.

Lynna wrestled her eyes from mine and looked at her brother. "Uh, yeah. Sure. Of course." She glanced back at me as if she didn't know what to do.

I fired back another text. 'I'll take you home.'

She looked down and pulled her lower lip between her teeth as she read the text. A delicate blush rushed to her cheeks, flavoring the air, before she turned to her brother.

"Actually…" She trailed off, fishing her car keys from the bag and handing them to Dustin. "Here. I have a ride. You should stop and get her some flowers or something."

He looked at her a bit skeptically. "Are you sure?"

She nodded, wearing a breathtaking smile. "Duh."

He accepted the keys graciously and asked, "What kind of flowers should I get her?"

She shrugged and said, "Can't go wrong with roses."

Duly noted. After exchanging goodbyes, she tucked her hair behind her ear in an anxious manner and walked towards the edge of the woods without any guidance from me. Clever girl. I glanced around the emptying parking lot, ensuring that no one noticed as I followed after her. She stopped walking a good fifty feet into the woods, leaning casually against a tree and looking up at me.

"What's up?" She asked with a sheepish smile.

I tilted my head to the side, leaning against a tree of my own as I studied her glowing face. "I'm going hunting here in a bit. I won't be back till late, so I may not get to stop by tonight."

If I was planning on continuing to be close to her, then I couldn't afford to take any chances. I needed to hunt every chance I got. I would hunt every day if I had to. I hated the thought of not stopping by her room tonight. Then again, maybe she didn't even want me to? It hadn't occurred to me to ask her until now.

"That's okay. I have to work tonight anyway," she assured me with a small smile.

I folded my arms across my chest and asked, "What time do you get off?"

The last time she worked at the grille, she ended up trying to walk home alone in the dark. That thought didn't sit well with me. And, like an idiot, I let her give her brother her car for the evening. I wanted to slap myself.

"Eight o'clock," she told me, nibbling on her lower lip, distracting me entirely.

I practically teleported in front of her and pressed my lips against hers in a restrained yet urgent manner. Her heart responded immediately as she kissed me back with just as much passion. As quickly as the kiss transpired, it ended. I pulled away, albeit reluctantly, and resumed leaning against the tree directly across from her.

"I can pick you up after work," I told her in a low voice that gave away my desire for her. "It's the least I can do considering I left you without a car for my own selfish reasons."

She was quick to shake her head. "No, Edward. It's fine. Don't cut your hunting trip short on my account. Absolutely not."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Lynna, last time you didn't have a car, you tried walking home alone at night—"

She interrupted me mid-sentence. "I will have a ride," she said with a chuckle. "Trust me."

I clenched my jaw. "I'd rather not take that chance, if you don't mind."

She jutted her chin in defiance, her blue eyes flashing. "I do mind. I'll be fine, Edward. Chill out."

The determination in her eyes was clear as day. I knew that she was fiercely independent and strong-willed, and I was well aware that trying to argue with her on this would do me no good. Besides, what right do I have to object? We were 'friends'.. 'Friends that kiss each other on occasion'—More like 'Friends that can't keep their hands off each other', or at least that's how it feels on my end. Regardless of what sort of 'friendship' we had, I knew that I had no leeway in convincing her to listen to me. Maybe I was being a bit overprotective. She wasn't accident prone like— I stopped myself from finishing that sentence.

"Fine," I responded, sighing in defeat. "Can I at least swing by for a few minutes when I get back? I mean, if it's not too late."

My previous statement of 'I won't be back till late, so I may not get to stop by tonight' was all but forgotten. Regardless, I had planned on checking up on her after hunting, no matter the hour, but I wasn't planning on waking her up to do so.

To my delight, she nodded. "I'll leave my window open."

(Lynna's P.O.V.)

"Have fun hunting," I said to Edward as I unbuckled my seatbelt.

A part of me was tempted to reach over and kiss him goodbye, but I thought better of it. He wasn't my… boyfriend or anything. We didn't kiss each other to 'show affection'. We kissed because it felt… fucking amazing. I could only hope that kissing wasn't as far as we could go. He made it perfectly clear that sex wasn't an option, but there were plenty of other things we could do.. A blush crept to my cheeks at the thought.

Edward tilted his head to the side and smiled crookedly, causing his midnight eyes to twinkle like twin stars. "You sure you don't want me to pick you up after work?"

I was quick to nod. "Yes. I'm going to text Dustin now. He won't leave me hanging," I assured him as I typed out a text to my brother 'Hey. I get off work at 8. Pick me up?' and hit send.

He pressed his lips into a thin line but nodded. "Okay. If something changes, just let me know."

"Aye, aye." I gave him a salute and a smile.

He rolled his eyes playfully. I placed my hand on the door handle and started to open the door. As I did, he called out to me, "Lynna."

My head swiveled to look at him, locking with his onyx orbs. He leaned towards me, his face hovering dangerously close to my own. The look in his eyes led me to believe that he was having an internal battle within himself. My heart sprung to life, racing in my chest. His gaze fell to my tingling lips before he abruptly pulled back. A wave of disappointment flooded through me, though I tried not to show it.

"I'll see you soon." His voice sounded strained. "Be safe."

He was staring out the windshield with a blank expression, causing my heart to sink in my chest. "You too," I whispered as I ripped my eyes from him and hurried to get out of the car.

I didn't look back as I closed the door behind me and walked into the restaurant, but I could feel his eyes watching each step I took.

Eight o'clock rolled around much faster than expected. I said goodbye to Tyler, who was stuck working until close, before I stepped outside and pulled out my phone for the first time that night.

I groaned in frustration when I realized that my text to my brother never actually went through. 'Failed to deliver'. My phone was fixing to die, so I hoped and prayed that he would answer my phone call as I put the phone up to my ear.

To my dismay, it was going straight to voice-mail. I pressed my lips into a thin line, thinking to myself— I bet it died. Just as I had the thought, as if to taunt me, my own phone powered off, having used the last bit of battery to make that phone call.

Why does this keep happening to me? I mean, seriously. I racked my brain, weighing my options. I didn't have anyone's number memorized so I couldn't simply call off of someone else's phone. Tyler doesn't get off until eleven so he can't give me a ride.

I cursed myself internally. Looks like I should have taken Edward up on his offer after all. I literally only had one option— Brave the night and walk home alone. This time, however, I wasn't entirely helpless. I had a small can of pepper spray on my house keys. That counts for something, right?

With my head held high and feigning confidence, I began the walk home. The streets were mostly deserted, which created an eerie ambience that I wasn't fond of. It was… ominous. The only light came from the street lamps overhead, casting an orange glow on the pavement.

I folded my arms across my chest as I continued walking. A shiver ran through my spin when I glanced into the dark woods to my left. I couldn't shake the feeling that something or someone was watching me. I kept hoping that Edward would step out of the darkness, like he did before, but deep down, I knew that wasn't going to happen. I was alone. Completely and utterly alone— Aside from the set of eyes that I could feel burning a hole straight through me.

"Lynna," a deep, melodic voice came from behind me.

I jumped three feet in the air and spun around with wide, frantic eyes and my heart beating out of my chest. Clutching at the pepper spray in my hand, I came face to face with the man behind the voice.

It was a face I recognized. I had met him once before. He had hair as dark as midnight that contrasted against his flawless pale skin majestically. He glowed like the moon against the darkness of night.

He was dressed head to toe in black and was sporting a pair of dark sunglasses, same as before. Realization flooded through me— Wilkin. The handsome stranger from the grille that I waited on when I first started. There was no way I could forget that strange encounter. Now, standing before him, I realized just how strange he was. His snow white skin immediately reminded me of the Cullens.

Fear gripped me at the realization. Could he be a…? Could he be the one responsible for Ashley's death? If he was indeed a vampire, then I knew he could smell my fear and hear my heart thundering in my ribcage. I was stunned.

He looked me up and down and frowned. "I'm sorry I frightened you." His voice was low and oddly soothing. "But a lady such as yourself has no business wandering these streets alone. Where are you headed?"

I knew I couldn't outrun him. I was well aware that I couldn't fight him off. And I was almost certain that the pepper spray in my hand would have little to no effect on him. So, I did the only thing I could do— I responded.

"I just got off work," I told him, feeling relieved that my voice didn't waver.

He tilted his head to the side and offered me the faintest of smiles. "Aye. I assumed as much."

His thick British accent somehow managed to lessen the panic building in my chest. It sounded.. familiar?

"We've met before," he spoke, as if reading my mind. There was an undertone in his words, a hidden meaning, that wasn't missed by me.

"I know." I stated sternly. "Wilkin."

His brows flew up his forehead, his jaw going slack. I exhaled sharply, surprised by his reaction. Is it so shocking that I remembered our encounter?

"You remember," he breathed out, his mouth turning up at the corners in a heartfelt smile. "But how? How could you—? You're not—" He stopped midsentence, appearing to be studying me.

I pulled my lower lip between my teeth. "At the grille. Of course I remember," I said to him, quirking a brow. "Oh, and thanks for the tip."

Why was I suddenly perfectly at ease in his presence? Was I simply overreacting before? Was he just a normal human man after all?

His smile vanished from his face, as if it was never there. "The grille. Of course." His voice sounded strained.

He shifted slightly, turning his head to glance over his shoulder before he flashed me a half-hearted smile.

"I best be going," he murmured softly, in a voice that was barely above a whisper. "We'll meet again, Lynna Holloway. This I assure you."

And then, he was gone. As if he was never even there. I stood there, in a mild state of shock for a good three minutes. After collecting myself, I started heading for the direction of home once again, but this time, I wasn't merely walking. It took everything in me not to full-on sprint. I settled on a brisk jog, not trying to draw too much attention to myself. After jogging for several minutes, I felt a pair of eyes on me once more.

The sound of another familiar voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Lynna! What the hell?!"

I would know that voice anywhere— Edward. He emerged from the woods wearing a look of wrath. Relief flooded through me the second I saw him.

"Edward," I whispered his name, blinking rapidly as he planted himself firmly in front of me. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be hunting."

His eyes flashed angrily as he ran a hand through his bronze hair. "And you're supposed to have a ride!"

I chewed on my lower lip nervously and took a small step back from him. "Yeah, I was. There were some… complications."

I blushed under his intense, furious gaze. "I don't care what sort of 'complications' there were, Holloway. You assured me that you wouldn't be walking home tonight yet here you are."

Now, I was starting to get annoyed. I narrowed my eyes at him. "First of all, Cullen— Are we back on a last name basis now? And secondly— You're not my dad."

His jaw ticked. No doubt, I was poking the bear.

"And you never answered my question. What are you doing here anyway?" I asked, folding my arms across my chest.

He ripped his gaze from mine and stared off into the distance with a blank expression. "You wasn't answering my texts and your phone was going straight to voice-mail," he finally spoke after a good thirty seconds of silence.

I nodded once. "My phone died. That's why."

He hummed in response but still didn't look my way. I breathed out a dry laugh as I realized something. "Wait. Did you cut your hunting trip short because you thought I was ignoring you?"

His eyes met mine once again, but he was shooting daggers at me. "It's a little more complicated than that. I had a feeling something like this would happen. I should have known better."

"Something like what would happen?" I questioned. He furrowed his brows but before he could respond, I continued, "A rogue vampire would jump out of the woods and make a meal out of me?"

His lips twitched at the corners, as if fighting back a smile. "Something like that, yeah," he admitted a bit sheepishly.

I nodded and pursed my lips. "Well, you were right," I told him.

Confusion was written all over his face. "What?"

"Not about the 'making a meal out of me' but about the rogue vampire part." I chuckled humorlessly.

He narrowed his eyes at me. "You think I'm rogue?" I could hear the hurt in his voice.

"Not you," I was quick to say. "I wasn't talking about you, Edward."

He quirked a brow, clearly not following me. "What are you talking about?"

I released a heavy sigh. "I-I think I just saw another vampire a few minutes ago."

He looked at me in disbelief before taking a step towards me, as if to shield me. "Where?"

I waved my arms around and said, "Right here."

He pursed his lips, his eyes scanning my face before he chuckled dismissively. "Lynna. If there was one of my kind anywhere near here, I would smell him. Especially if he had been in this exact spot."

My mouth fell open. Looks like I was being paranoid after all. "He disappeared right before got here," I told him. "Like literally vanished. Just like you do."

He tilted his head to the side like a confused puppy. "I don't smell anything out of the ordinary. Aside from a disappearing act, what makes you think he's like me?"

My lower lip trembled despite my best efforts. I glanced around at our surroundings a bit nervously. Was talking about this in the middle of the street really a good idea? Surely, if there was anyone around that could hear us, Edward would pick up on it. Once again, I'm simply being paranoid.

"He's.. really pale," I breathed out, feeling foolish for even saying it. It's overcast in this town ninety percent of the time. Big surprise that he's pale.

Edward nodded slowly. "Anything else? Did he have red eyes?"

Red eyes? How many dreams have I had about red eyes? Too many to count.

"I didn't see his eyes. He was wearing sunglasses." I told him before pointing out, "At night."

He pursed his lips in thought. "That is weird, I'll admit. But it's like I said— I would have picked up on his scent. Or even his thoughts."

I placed my hands on my hips and looked at him indignantly. "So, you don't believe me?" I challenged.

His eyes widened. He raised his hands as if to surrender. "Woah, woah. I never said that. I'm sure you did see a really pale guy with sunglasses who may also be a slick ninja or something along those sorts."

He was amused. Clearly. I couldn't help but laugh at his comment. Slick ninja. Ha.

"The only 'vampires'," he visibly grimaced when he said the word, "that you've met are vegetarians. You've never came across a nomad. If the man you saw was truly a vampire, you wouldn't be alive right now."

His words caused me to shudder. "I'm willing to admit that I'm wrong," I told him. "Plus this isn't even the first time I've met the guy. I'm just being paranoid."

His eyes narrowed into slits as he stared down at me. "What do you mean 'this isn't the first time'?"

I shrugged nonchalantly. "He was a customer at the grille a while back."

"Well, there's more proof," he was quick to say with a grin. "We don't consume human food. As you're well aware."

A knot formed in the pit of my stomach as I said, "He never touched his burger."