This fanfic is based on Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. All characters and settings belong to her.
Warning: The suspense intensifies in this chapter as the first signs of danger appear at Dartmouth.
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Chapter 4
This is it: my first day of college, and not just any college—Dartmouth, an Ivy League. As Edward and I walked hand-in-hand across the pristine campus, my stomach churned with anxiety. I still couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't belong here. Everyone else deserved to be here; they had earned their spots through merit and hard work. I was still convinced that Edward had pulled some strings to get me in, and that any moment now, I'd discover a library or a bench named after me: Isabella Cullen, Impostor Extraordinaire.
I glanced up at Edward, who seemed perfectly at ease, already knowing his way around the campus. He had studied here in the past, and his confidence was both comforting and intimidating. His hand squeezed mine gently, a silent reminder that he was here with me.
"Stop worrying," Edward murmured, leaning close to my ear. "You belong here as much as anyone else."
"Easy for you to say," I muttered, trying to keep my voice steady. "You're a walking encyclopedia with a photographic memory."
He chuckled softly. "I'm also your husband, and I know how capable you are. Give yourself some credit, Bella."
I sighed, feeling a mixture of gratitude and frustration. "I just can't shake this feeling, Edward. Like I'm going to be exposed as a fraud any minute now."
Edward stopped walking and turned to face me, his golden eyes serious. "Bella, listen to me. You are not an impostor. You earned your place here. You're intelligent, determined, and more than capable of handling this. Again, I didn't do anything to influence your acceptance. You got in on your own merits."
I looked up at him, my heart swelling at the earnestness in his gaze. "Thank you," I whispered, feeling a little more at ease. "It means a lot that you believe in me."
He smiled, a tender expression that made my heart skip a beat. "Always, love. Now, let's get you to your first class."
As we approached the lecture hall for our first class, Introduction to Psychology, my anxiety flared up again. The room was already filled with students, and the moment we walked in, I felt dozens of eyes turn towards us. I wasn't surprised; Edward's presence always drew attention. In Forks, people had gotten somewhat used to his ethereal beauty, but here, among new faces, he was a novelty—an impossibly gorgeous male that seemed too perfect to be real.
To his credit, Edward seemed completely unfazed by the attention. His focus remained solely on me, his hand never leaving mine as we found seats near the middle of the room. I couldn't help but notice the envious glances from some of the girls and even a few of the boys.
"Just breathe," Edward whispered, his voice soothing. "Focus on the class, not the people around us."
I nodded, taking a deep breath and trying to center myself. The professor, a tall woman with sharp features and a commanding presence, walked in and began setting up her materials. The buzz of conversation in the room quieted as she prepared to start the lecture.
"Welcome to Introduction to Psychology," she began, her voice clear and authoritative. "I'm Professor Morgan. This course will cover the fundamental principles of psychology, exploring the mind and behavior through various theoretical perspectives."
As she spoke, I tried to focus on her words, but my mind kept wandering. I glanced at Edward, who was already taking notes with effortless ease. He caught my eye and gave me a reassuring smile, his expression encouraging.
"Today, we'll start with an overview of the history of psychology," Professor Morgan continued. "From its roots in philosophy to the development of modern psychological theories."
I forced myself to concentrate, scribbling down notes as the professor delved into the subject matter. Despite my initial nerves, I found the lecture fascinating. The origins of psychology, the shift from philosophical musings to scientific inquiry—it all captivated me.
Edward leaned over, whispering a quick summary of a complex point the professor had made, his breath cool against my ear. His explanations were clear and concise, helping me to understand the material better.
As the class progressed, I started to feel more at ease. The content was intriguing, and having Edward by my side made it easier to absorb the information. I glanced around the room and noticed that while some students were diligently taking notes, others seemed lost or bored. It was a small comfort to know I wasn't the only one finding her footing.
When the lecture finally ended, Professor Morgan assigned a reading from the textbook and dismissed us. I gathered my things, feeling a mixture of relief and excitement. My first college class was over, and I had survived. As Edward and I stood to leave, I noticed one of the girls who had been eyeing my husband throughout the lecture making her way towards us. Great.
Edward sighed softly, clearly reading her mind. He gave my hand a gentle squeeze, silently reminding me he was with me, not her. The girl approached, her eyes fixed solely on Edward. She bent down over our table, making sure to showcase her cleavage.
"Hi, I'm Aurelia," she purred, completely ignoring my existence. "There's a welcome party tonight. You should come." She smiled suggestively, her gaze never leaving Edward.
Edward's expression remained polite but distant. He lifted our intertwined hands, making sure Aurelia noticed the wedding ring on my finger. "I'd love to go," he said smoothly, "but I'd be attending with my wife, of course."
Aurelia's eyes flickered to our hands and then to my face for the first time. Her smile faltered slightly but quickly returned. "Oh, I see. Well, you're both welcome to come." Her voice lacked its earlier enthusiasm, but she tried to recover. "It's going to be a great way to meet new people."
I could tell Edward was growing weary of her intrusive thoughts. His patience was wearing thin. He turned to me, his expression softening. "What do you think, Bella? Should we go?"
I smiled sweetly, moving closer to Edward and placing a possessive hand on his thigh. "Sure, we can go. I'm sure Alice and Emmett would love to join us. Not sure about Rosalie and Jasper, though." I made sure my tone was light and casual, but the message was clear: we came as a package deal, and Edward was off-limits.
Aurelia's eyes darted between us, clearly annoyed by my presence but trying to hide it. "Great, the more, the merrier," she said, her enthusiasm forced.
I couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and jealousy. It was infuriating that she was blatantly flirting with Edward right in front of me, acting as if I didn't exist. The fact that she was so brazen only made me more determined to assert my presence.
Edward leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear. "Relax, love. She's just looking for attention."
I nodded, but I couldn't help but feel a little territorial. I tightened my grip on his hand and looked back at Aurelia. "We'll see you there then," I said, my tone dismissive.
Aurelia hesitated for a moment, clearly weighing her options. When she realized she wasn't going to get anywhere with Edward, she plastered on a fake smile and nodded. "Looking forward to it," she said before turning and walking away, her hips swaying a little too much.
As soon as she was out of earshot, I let out a sigh of relief. "Do you get that often?" I asked, looking up at Edward.
He chuckled softly. "More than I'd like to admit. But you handled it perfectly."
I rolled my eyes. "She didn't even acknowledge me until you made it clear we were together."
Edward's smile was warm and reassuring. "Are you jealous ?"
I huffed, trying to suppress my irritation. "I'm not jealous." …Lie "Just annoyed. She was so... obvious."
He pulled me closer, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "You have nothing to worry about. I'm yours, and nothing will change that."
His words melted my annoyance, and I found myself smiling despite the situation. "I know. It's just... frustrating."
"I understand," he said softly. "But try to focus on the positive. We're here together, and we're going to have an amazing time."
I nodded, feeling a little more at ease. "Okay. So, are we really going to this party?"
Edward shrugged. "If you want to. It could be a good opportunity to meet new people and experience college life."
I sighed, knowing he was right. "Fine. But if another girl tries to flirt with you, I might not be so nice."
He laughed, the sound warm and comforting. "I'll keep that in mind."
As we made our way to the garden by the college library, I could see Alice and Emmett deep in conversation. Surprisingly, it wasn't their usual playful banter; Emmett seemed genuinely passionate about the topic at hand.
"Seriously, Alice, I don't get why you think the fall collection needs more neutrals. The vibrancy of color is what brings out the personality of the pieces!" Emmett declared, his hands gesturing animatedly.
Alice, clearly frustrated, crossed her arms. "Emmett, I have two degrees in fashion. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. Neutrals provide balance and versatility. You can't have an entire collection of just bright colors."
I never thought I would see the day where Emmett was more passionate about fashion than Alice. It was a funny and almost surreal interaction. As we moved closer, I could see Edward trying not to laugh, his arm still securely around me.
Emmett's face was a mix of determination and excitement. "But look at Versace! They use bold colors all the time and it works for them!"
Alice rolled her eyes. "Versace is the exception, not the rule, Emmett. And you enrolled in this degree because you lost a bet, remember?"
Emmett grinned widely. "Yeah, but who knew I'd actually like it? I've got an eye for these things!"
Edward squeezed my hand, his smile huge as I moved closer to him. I stood on my tiptoes to kiss his jaw, and he looked down at me with a look of pure contentment.
"Are you enjoying the show?" I whispered.
He chuckled softly. "Immensely. It's nice to see Emmett so passionate about something unexpected."
I stepped forward to interrupt their heated fashion debate. "Hey, guys. So, we got invited to a welcome party tonight by a girl named Aurelia."
Alice's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I told you there'd be a party! I doubt Jasper will come, though. My vision tells me it'll take a lot of convincing. And Rosalie already said no. She wants to work on her car."
Emmett's face lit up. "A party? I'm all in! None of us drink, of course, but I'll get you drunk, Bella."
Edward's expression darkened instantly. "Absolutely not," he said, his voice firm. "Emmett, that's not happening."
Emmett laughed, clearly enjoying the reaction he got from Edward. "Relax, bro. I'm just messing with you. Besides, Bella's an adult. She can make her own choices."
Edward's protective nature was in full swing. "I'm serious, Emmett. She's here to experience college, not to get drunk."
I squeezed Edward's hand, trying to calm him down. "Edward, it's okay. Emmett's just joking. I'm not planning on getting drunk."
Emmett winked at me. "See, Bella gets it. Just trying to lighten the mood."
Alice shook her head, clearly amused. "Emmett, you're incorrigible. But yes, let's go to the party. It'll be fun."
Edward sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Fine, but we're staying together. No wandering off."
I smiled, feeling a mixture of excitement and relief. "Agreed. It'll be nice to meet new people and experience this together."
As we made our way back to the house to get ready, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The idea of attending a college party was both exciting and nerve-wracking. But with Edward and the rest of the Cullens by my side, I felt more confident.
Back at the house, Alice immediately took charge, selecting outfits for each of us with her usual enthusiasm. "Bella, you should wear this," she said, holding up a sleek, dark blue dress that was both elegant and comfortable.
I took the dress, feeling a little more excited about the evening. "Thanks, Alice."
She grinned. "You're going to look amazing. Trust me."
As we got ready, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The evening promised new experiences and a chance to bond with my family in a different setting. And with Edward by my side, I felt ready to face whatever came our way.
When we finally arrived at the party, the place was already buzzing with activity. Music filled the air, and students mingled in small groups, chatting and laughing. I felt a surge of nervousness but pushed it aside, determined to make the most of the evening.
Edward's hand was a comforting presence at the small of my back as we made our way through the crowd. Aurelia spotted us almost immediately, her expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. She clearly hadn't expected us to actually show up.
When we finally arrived at the party, the place was already buzzing with activity. Music filled the air, and students mingled in small groups, chatting and laughing. I felt a surge of nervousness but pushed it aside, determined to make the most of the evening.
Edward's hand was a comforting presence at the small of my back as we made our way through the crowd. Aurelia spotted us almost immediately, her expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. She clearly hadn't expected us to actually show up. She glided over, her eyes locked on Edward, ignoring me entirely.
"Oh, Edward! I'm so happy you came," she said sweetly, her voice dripping with false sincerity. Then, as if noticing me for the first time, she added, "Hi, Becca."
I felt my irritation spike. It was obvious she knew my name wasn't Becca and was just trying to intimidate me. Edward's jaw tightened, clearly annoyed, but he remained polite.
"It's Bella, actually," he corrected her, his tone cool and firm. "And yes, we decided to join in on the fun."
Aurelia's smile wavered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, right. Bella. Sorry about that," she said, not sounding sorry at all. The tension between us was palpable, and I could feel my possessiveness over Edward growing stronger.
Just then, Alice and Emmett arrived, immediately sensing the awkward atmosphere. Alice, always the master of subtlety, stepped in with just the right amount of sass to defuse the situation.
"Hi, Aurelia," Alice said, her tone light but her eyes sharp. "I love your dress. It's so last season, but you're really pulling it off."
Aurelia's eyes narrowed slightly, but she forced a smile. "Thanks… I guess."
Emmett grinned, clearly enjoying the show. "Hey, everyone! This party is just getting started!"
Aurelia gave me one last disdainful look before turning back to Edward. "Well, enjoy the party," she said, then walked away, her heels clicking against the floor.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "Thanks, Alice," I said, grateful for her intervention.
She winked at me. "Anytime, Bella. She's not worth your energy."
As Edward mingled, chatting with a college student named Mark who was learning engineering, I started to feel bored. Edward was fully engaged in the conversation, but I was feeling restless. I glanced over and saw Emmett, who looked equally bored, and decided to join him.
"I'm going to go see what Emmett's up to," I told Edward.
He looked a bit uneasy but nodded. "Okay. Be careful."
I made my way to the kitchen, where Emmett was pouring rum into some Coke. He grinned when he saw me.
"Hey, Bella! Want a drink?"
I hesitated, watching as he poured what seemed like a lot of rum into the glass. "Isn't that a bit much?" I asked.
Emmett shrugged. "I don't really remember how much I used to drink in my human years. But you need to have this human experience. Trust me."
I glanced around, knowing Edward was probably monitoring me through Emmett's thoughts. "Edward is going to be furious if he finds out."
Emmett waved off my concern. "There are a lot of minds at this party. He's probably overwhelmed right now."
I smirked. "Edward is too protective to be overwhelmed when it comes to me."
Emmett leaned in, like he was sharing a conspiracy. "Then drink it fast. It's your only human college experience, and once you're a vampire, you won't ever get to do this."
I looked at the drink, thinking it couldn't be that bad. After all, this was part of the experience, right? Taking a deep breath, I took the glass and downed it in one shot. The burn of the alcohol was intense, and I coughed a bit as it went down.
Emmett's eyes widened in surprise. "That's my girl!" he said, clearly amused and impressed. "Didn't think you had it in you."
I was a bit surprised by myself too. The warmth of the alcohol quickly spread through me, making me feel a bit lightheaded but also strangely liberated. "Well, it's not every day I get to do something like this," I said, laughing a little.
Emmett grinned, clearly enjoying this side of me. "You're going to have a great time tonight, Bella. Trust me."
As the alcohol started to take effect, I felt my nerves fading away. I was still aware of Edward's presence and his protective nature, but for once, I wanted to let loose a little. I deserved to enjoy this experience, even if it was just for one night.
We made our way back to the main room, where the party was in full swing. The music was louder, and the crowd had grown thicker. I felt a bit dizzy, but in a good way, the alcohol giving me a sense of confidence I hadn't felt before.
Edward spotted me almost immediately, his eyes narrowing slightly as he noticed my flushed cheeks. He excused himself from his conversation and came over, his hand finding mine.
"Bella, are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
I smiled up at him, feeling a bit giddy. "I'm fine, Edward. Just had a drink with Emmett."
His eyes flickered to Emmett, who was doing his best to look innocent. "Emmett…" Edward began, his tone a warning.
Emmett held up his hands. "Hey, she's an adult. She can make her own choices. Besides, it's part of the college experience, right?"
Edward sighed, clearly torn between his protective instincts and the desire to let me have a normal experience. "Just… be careful, Bella," he said finally, his hand tightening around mine.
"I will," I promised, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "I just want to enjoy tonight."
As the night progressed, I found myself dancing with Alice, laughing with Emmett, and even chatting with a few other students. The alcohol made everything seem a bit surreal, but in a good way. For the first time, I felt like I was part of the college experience, not just an observer.
Edward stayed close, his presence a comforting anchor in the whirlwind of the party. He was always attentive, making sure I was okay, but also giving me the space to enjoy myself. I appreciated his balance, knowing how difficult it must be for him to let go of his protective instincts.
At one point, I found myself standing on the edge of the dance floor, watching the swirling lights and the happy faces around me. Edward came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
"Having fun?" he murmured in my ear.
I leaned back against him, feeling the warmth of his body and the steady beat of his heart. "Yes, actually. I'm really glad we came."
Edward seemed genuinely surprised as he looked around at the crowd of college students in various stages of inebriation. He knew I wasn't a fan of large crowds, and normally, I would be feeling uncomfortable and anxious. But tonight was different. I won't lie—the large amount of alcohol Emmett gave me was helping. I felt more free, more relaxed. It was weird, but also liberating.
I turned in Edward's arms, moving on my tiptoes to kiss him fervently. My tongue teased his lips, seeking entrance, and he responded with a passionate kiss. My hands, emboldened by the alcohol, traveled lower, tracing the hard lines of his abs down to his cock. God, I needed him.
"Bella," Edward groaned, stopping my hand. I could feel the heat of his desire but also his restraint.
I pouted, full-on petulant. Why did he always have to be so controlled? I wanted to feel him, to have him right now. As I looked away, grumpy and frustrated, my eyes caught sight of a tall man standing at the edge of the room, watching us intently.
He was blond, incredibly beautiful, and as pale as Edward. He was too beautiful, with an almost ethereal quality that set him apart from the other students. Could he be a vampire? The way he looked at Edward and how Edward interacted with me—it was sinister, unsettling. No one else seemed to notice him. It was so weird.
I didn't realize Edward was talking to me until his voice broke through my thoughts. "Bella, are you okay? I think it's time we head home."
I interrupted him, my voice tinged with urgency. "Edward, that man over there—he looks like a vampire."
Edward followed my gaze, his brow furrowing. "Bella, there's no one there. Besides, there are no other vampires here except Alice, Emmett, and me."
I pointed toward where the man had been standing, but he was gone. "I swear, Edward, I saw him. He was watching us."
Edward's expression grew concerned, not about the man I knew I had seen but about me. "Bella, the drink Emmett gave you was strong, and you're petite. You're clearly tipsy. It's probably just your imagination."
I insisted, my voice rising. "But I saw him! He was there, Edward. I'm not imagining things."
Edward gently cupped my face, his eyes searching mine. "Bella, trust me. If there were another vampire here, I would have smelled or heard their thoughts. There's no one else. Let's get you home."
His words made me doubt myself. Had I really seen the man, or was it the alcohol playing tricks on my mind? Edward guided me out of the party, his arm securely around me, and I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that lingered.
The cool night air hit my face as we stepped outside, and I felt a bit more clear-headed. "Edward, I'm not crazy. I know what I saw."
He sighed softly, his grip tightening around me protectively. "I know you believe you saw something, but you've had a lot to drink. Let's get you home and we can talk about it more when you're feeling better."
As we walked, I couldn't help but replay the moment in my mind. The man's intense gaze, his too-perfect features—it all felt so real. But Edward's reassurance made me question my own perception. The alcohol was still clouding my thoughts, making it hard to think straight.
We finally reached our house, and Edward led me inside. He helped me to the couch and sat beside me, his expression a mix of worry and tenderness.
"Do you want some water?" he asked, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
I nodded, feeling a bit dizzy. "Yes, please."
Edward went to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water. I took a few sips, trying to steady myself. "I'm sorry," I murmured. "I didn't mean to cause a scene."
He sat down next to me, his arm around my shoulders. "You didn't cause a scene, Bella. I just want to make sure you're okay."
I leaned into him, feeling the familiar comfort of his presence. "I'm okay. Just... confused. It felt so real."
He kissed the top of my head. "I know. Sometimes our minds play tricks on us, especially when we're in an altered state. But I'm here, and you're safe."
His words soothed me, but a part of me still felt unsettled. I looked up at him, my eyes searching his face for any sign of doubt. "Do you really think it was just the alcohol?"
Edward's gaze was steady and reassuring. "I do. But if you're still worried tomorrow, we can talk about it more. For now, just rest."
I nodded, feeling exhaustion start to set in. "Okay. Thank you, Edward."
He smiled, his eyes filled with love. "Always, Bella. Now, let's get you to bed."
He helped me to my feet, and we made our way upstairs to our bedroom. I changed into my pajamas, the act of getting ready for bed making me feel more grounded. Edward was already in bed, waiting for me, and I crawled in beside him, feeling the warmth of his body against mine.
