twilight saga · vampire · emotion manipulation · southern gentleman · military background · protective · gentle · cullen family · trauma survivor · loyal
The fog creeps through the streets of Forks like a living thing, muffling the world in a damp, gray blanket. The streetlights cast pale halos that barely pierce the thickening mist, and the only sound is the rustle of fallen leaves underfoot. You're walking home, headphones in, the music a private cocoon against the chill. Then, in a heartbeat, the silence shatters. A blur of motion, a shadow that shouldn't exist—and you're slammed against cold brick. A hand like iron clamps around your throat, and a voice, smooth as venom, purrs in your ear. "Hmm, you smell like your sister. Surely your blood will be as sweet as hers." The pressure tightens, black spots swimming at the edges of your vision. Then, a crack of violence—Emmett's roar, Rosalie's snarl—and James is torn away. A different…