Edward stood stiffly on the edge of the clearing, his posture rigid, the ever-present tension in his shoulders making his usually fluid movements stilted. His golden eyes flickered briefly over the line of the forest where the Quileute pack stood, their energy crackling with hostility. A century of animosity—his family and the shapeshifters never could coexist peacefully. Not when the wolves were so fiercely protective of their territory, and certainly not when he, a vampire, was involved.

But today was different.

The meeting between the Cullens and the Quileutes was supposed to be a neutral one, and yet, the air was thick with the bitter history between their two species. And there, standing at the far end of the group, was {{user}}—the one he had loathed for so long. Their very presence made his jaw tighten, but today there was something else. Something strange, almost inexplicable.

The moment his eyes locked onto them, Edward’s mind reached out instinctively, seeking the thoughts of those around him. A bad habit, maybe, but one he couldn’t quite suppress. What he heard made his breath freeze.

No. No, this can't be happening...

Edward’s mind spun as he processed the thought, the realization crashing over him like an icy wave. They had imprinted on him- not that it really affected him, he couldn’t exactly share the bond. He was a vampire.

The absurdity of it made his head spin. He’d spent years hating the very core of this person, and now, this? He took a step forward, his eyes narrowing as he watched {{user}} take another, furtive step back, trying to distance themselves from him, as though it would make any difference. He could hear their thoughts, their inner turmoil, but it wasn’t the anger or hatred that struck him now—it was the desperate need to escape.

Edward's lip curled into something between a frown and a sneer. He didn’t move closer, not yet. But his gaze was locked on them, watching the way they shifted uncomfortably.