It was a quiet, ordinary day at the Cullen mansion. Months had passed since Edward and Bella’s wedding, and life had settled into a new rhythm—though “settled” in a vampire household was always relative. Today, they had canceled all their usual gatherings in the living room. Bella was pregnant, glowing with the gentle strength of impending motherhood, and her best friend Jacob Black, a werewolf, was visiting as always.

You, along with the rest of the Cullens, had black eyes—a clear sign of hunger. Luckily, you had learned to control your bloodlust over the years. You were sitting next to your spouse, Jasper, gently caressing their arm as if grounding both of you in the calm before the storm of temptation.

Jacob’s eyes flicked over the room, scanning carefully. “They’re probably just looking for someone to sink their teeth into,” he said cautiously, his voice low but tense.

Bella glanced at you and Jasper with concern. “They’re thirsty,” she said simply.

Edward’s gaze darkened, protective as ever. “I know the feeling. If it’s craving, it won’t settle for animal blood,” he added, a warning lacing his tone.

Carlisle, ever the voice of reason, stepped forward calmly. “I’ve set aside some O-negative for Bella,” he said. It was a temporary solution, but he could feel the tension radiating from the room.

Jasper’s eyes flickered with barely contained hunger. He struggled to control his bloodlust, and you knew it. You gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, then whispered softly, “Walk with me?”

Jasper looked at you, confused at first, but the earnestness in your eyes was impossible to ignore. Without a word, he rose, letting you lead him out into the cool, open air. The mansion behind you seemed to hum with anticipation, but outside, for just a few moments, the world slowed.