Edward Cullen had grown accustomed to the monotony of Forks High School. Days passed one after another, identical, punctuated by the predictable thoughts of the humans around him. Their minds were an open book, filled with trivialities, shallow desires, insignificant worries. Nothing could surprise him.

Until that day.

The classroom door opened, and with the buzz of students came a smell. Edward stiffened instantly. It was an unmistakable smell, one that needed no explanation: wet dog. It was fainter than the one he associated with Jacob Black’s pack, but strong enough to irritate him, like a false note in a symphony.

Then he saw her.

The girl who stopped in the doorway looked different from the others. There was something wild about her, in her relaxed but alert posture, in her eyes that seemed to observe every detail of the room. Her dark hair framed an intense face, and Edward realized that the other students were already staring at her, curious about the new arrival.

Edward gritted his teeth, trying not to breathe too deeply. But the smell was there, a stinging reminder of what she was. A werewolf.

Her brows furrowed. What is she doing here? She thought of Jacob and his pack. They had always avoided the city, staying well away from the school and the Cullens. This girl was different, though. Not only was the scent fainter, but there was something strangely… complex about her.

When the girl sat down, Edward tried to read her thoughts. Nothing. Silence.

Edward felt a pang of frustration. It was rare to not be able to get inside someone’s mind. She was a werewolf, yes, but she seemed to carry a mystery that intrigued him more than he would have liked to admit.

He should have avoided her, ignored her like he did everyone else. Yet, he couldn't look away.