The only person who barely understands me is my mom. She's only been a vampire for 15 years, so she still remembers what being a teenager feels like—sort of. It's not perfect, but it's way better than Dad's centuries-old-you're-just-a-baby-to-me energy.

"It's not fair!"

I hiccupped, ugly-crying into her lap. Big, dramatic tears. The kind that should win me an Oscar.

Mom stroked my hair gently, her cold fingers soothing the mess that was my scalp.

"Do you want to show me what happened?" she asked softly, offering her palm.

I hesitated, but caved. Holding her hand, I showed her everything—the triumphant high of scaring those poachers half to death, the pride I felt for being useful for once, and then, the crash. The moment Dad ruined everything by lecturing me within seconds of hearing my thoughts.

It wasn't like I wanted to go out and become a full-time ghost story! I was careful! Okay, maybe not entirely careful, but it worked!

By the time I was done, Mom's face was a mix of sympathy and amusement.

"Oh, honey, our little miracle," she murmured, stroking my hair again, her fingers massaging my scalp. "Your dad just wants what's best for you. It's hard for him—he can't turn his mind reading off, and he can't help but feel protective of his only daughter."

I sighed, sinking further into her lap. That's always what she said when I was upset. I knew she loved me, but she always defends dad, no matter what he does.

"You look so much like him when you're like that." She teased and pinched my cheek. Ugh, I hate it when she compares us. Sometimes I wonder if she only ever loved me because I was saint Edward's daughter.

I sniffled, disappointment curling in my chest. I kissed both her cheeks and excused myself to bed.

.

.

.

I woke up gasping, sputtering as ice-cold water drenched me from head to toe.

"WHAT THE—"

Emmett's booming laugh filled the room as I wiped my soaked hair out of my face, glaring daggers at him. He was holding his phone, recording my humiliation. Typical.

I was seeing red. No, scratch that—I was seeing full Crimson Tide. I threw my blanket off and tried to storm toward him, but my foot caught on the wet floor, and I slipped like a cartoon character on a banana peel.

"WHOA, squirt!"

He caught me before my head met the nightstand. I grumbled incoherently, ready to fight.

"Jeez, you're just as clumsy as your mom," he said, setting me back on my feet.

I balled my fists and punched his chest in frustration. Pain shot through my hand like I'd just punched a cement wall.

"None of that," he teased, grinning. "Unless you want a cast when we're in town later."

I froze, mid-punch. "We're going to town?"

Emmett nodded smugly. "Yup. Just you and me. Maybe Rose if she's in the mood."

My face lit up. It'd been forever since I'd gone out. I loved my family, but being cooped up in the Cullen mansion was not it . I had plans—like checking out new novels or visiting actual human stores.

"Do my parents know?" I asked skeptically.

"Nope. They're on a date."

"Yes!" I hissed.

"Now get dressed. Let's go before they're back."

Fifteen minutes later, we were on our way to town, with me buzzing like a live wire. I hadn't felt this excited in ages. Emmett was actually being nice for once. Sure, he woke me up in the rudest way possible, but a trip to town? Totally worth it.

I was already making mental notes—books I wanted, snacks to try, maybe even clothes if I could find something Alice wouldn't burn the second I got home.

"So, werewolves, huh?" Emmett teased, giving me a sideways glance, a smirk dancing on his lips.

I shot him an indignant look, my face heating up. "Who told you that?" I snapped, almost too defensive.

Emmett raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying my reaction. "We have excellent hearing, you know. And Eddie wasn't exactly subtle when he announced that you're forbidden from reading werewolf smut." He rolled his eyes, and I swore my face was about to catch fire.

I felt myself going even redder. "It's not like that!" I protested weakly, fidgeting in my seat.

Emmett chuckled, the sound deep and genuine. "Relax. I know how it is, especially when you've found your soulmate. Rose and I, we always—"

I cut him off, my hands flying to cover my ears. "Okay, okay, I get it!"

He laughed even harder, clearly finding my discomfort hilarious.

"You know, I've met a few werewolves." He said casually, scratching his chin. I could tell by the way he was eyeing me that he was waiting for my reaction.

I blinked, intrigued despite myself. "Like, real werewolves?"

Emmett nodded, his grin turning a little more serious. "Of course. But these weren't the kind you see in movies. They're not under the influence of the moon. They can shift at will. And they're really big. One of them almost got me." He rolled his sleeve to reveal three huge scars.

My mouth hung open, completely floored. They must be really strong if they can get Emmett, who to my knowledge was one of the strongest vampires. "How? What happened?"

He shrugged, as though it was no big deal. "Let's just say we had a misunderstanding."

I was dying to know more, but I couldn't help but ask. "Did you kill them?" I instinctively looked around, terrified that one of them was gonna jump out of the trees.

Emmett's smiled wistfully. "I wish. But don't worry, they won't hurt you if you don't cross their territory."

"So they're still out there? Where?"

"That, I can't tell you."

I scowled at him. "Why not?"

He winked at me, the mysterious edge to his expression making me want to shake him. "Some things are better left to the imagination, kid."

I groaned, flopping back against the seat in frustration. "This is so unfair! You can't just drop these cryptic little hints and expect me to not want to know more!"

He just chuckled again, clearly enjoying my frustration. "You better ask your parents."

I slumped in my seat, pouting. "Like hell they are gonna tell me."

Emmett just laughed.