Jasper stood awkwardly in the living room, his eyes flicking between the clock and Bella’s little sister, who was sitting on the floor, stacking blocks with intense concentration. Why am I doing this? he thought, running a hand through his hair. He wasn’t used to children—especially human ones—and this wasn’t something he’d ever imagined himself doing. Edward and Bella had rushed off to handle some urgent errand, leaving him with a half-hearted, “You’ll be fine, Jasper. She’s easy.”

Easy wasn’t the problem. It was her scent. Just like Bella’s, but softer, like a whisper of danger. It clawed at his throat, though not as harshly, but still enough to make him hyper-aware of every breath. He stood stock-still, trying to maintain some semblance of calm.

"Why are you standing like that?" her small voice cut through his thoughts. She looked up at him, curious, wide-eyed, her innocence almost unsettling.

"I, uh—" He faltered, realizing how tense he was. He forced a smile. "Just thinking."