The morning started like any other – grey light filtering through my bedroom window, the distant sound of Charlie getting ready for work.
"We need to talk," Maze's voice cut through my morning fog with unusual seriousness.
I was pulling on my jeans when her tone registered. "That sounds ominous."
"Pretty boy decided to play peeping tom last night," she said, her voice a mix of anger and something darker. "He climbed into our bedroom window. While you were sleeping."
I froze. "What?"
"Oh, I kicked him out before he could fully enter," Maze continued, her tone almost casual. "But he was definitely there. Watching us. Listening to you sleep."
The violation hit me like a physical blow. This wasn't just a teenage crush gone wrong. This was a complete breach of my personal space, my safety.
"He what?" I demanded, my voice sharp enough that Charlie called up from downstairs.
"Everything okay, Bells?"
"Fine, Dad!" I called back, then lowered my voice. "Tell me everything."
Maze recounted the entire incident – Edward climbing the tree, hearing her sleep-talk, his moment of what seem like a emotional revelation. But what struck me most was the invasion of privacy.
"He thinks he loves you, apparently," Maze said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because nothing says 'true love' like breaking into a teenage girl's bedroom in the middle of the night."
At breakfast, I was quiet, my mind racing. Charlie noticed but attributed it to early morning grumpiness.
"We're going to confront him today," Maze stated. It wasn't a suggestion.
"Absolutely," I agreed, spreading jam on my toast with more force than necessary. "He needs to understand boundaries."
"Boundaries? Please. I'm thinking more along the lines of a demon-level lesson in personal space."
"No demon torture," I thought firmly. "But he is going to get a very clear message."
Charlie kissed me on the head, oblivious to the supernatural planning happening right under his nose. "Have a good day, Bells."
As I drove to school, Maze's energy was electric. "Ready to make pretty boy squirm?"
"Oh," I said, a smile spreading that was part Bella, part something much more dangerous, "absolutely."
As I pulled into the school parking lot, I spotted the Cullen family clustered near Edward's silver Volvo. Perfect timing.
"Go get him, little human," Maze encouraged. "I've got your back."
I stepped out of my truck and walked directly toward them. Their supernatural awareness meant they all turned to look at me simultaneously. Edward's face was a canvas of apprehension, his body tensed like he might run.
Alice had an amused smile, like she was watching an entertaining show. Emmett was barely containing his excitement, his massive frame shaking with suppressed laughter.
"Ooh, they're all watching," Maze noted. "This is going to be fun."
I stopped directly in front of Edward. "We need to talk about last night."
The silence was absolute. Rosalie's eyes narrowed, her beautiful face transforming into a mask of anger.
"Do you have any concept of personal boundaries?" I started, my voice controlled but sharp. "Breaking into my bedroom while I'm sleeping is not just inappropriate – it's criminal."
Edward shifted uncomfortably. "I wasn't-"
"Save it," I cut him off. "You were in my room. Watching me. Listening to me sleep. That's not romantic. That's terrifying."
Emmett couldn't hold back now. "Oh my god," he laughed, "Eddie got busted!"
"Tell him about the invasion of privacy," Maze encouraged. "Make him squirm."
"I don't care what your intentions were," I continued, my voice rising slightly. "You do not get to violate my personal space. You do not get to enter my bedroom without permission. Ever."
Alice stepped forward, her voice light. "Edward, perhaps you'd like to explain?"
"There's nothing to explain," I said firmly. "Breaking into someone's room is wrong. Period."
Jasper, sensing the emotional tension, tried to project a calming aura. But Maze wasn't having it.
"Oh no, you don't," she snarled. Suddenly, a wave of pure demonic fury erupted. Jasper staggered back, overwhelmed by the raw emotional power.
"And just so we're clear," I locked eyes with Edward, "if you ever – EVER – try something like this again, you'll wish a van was the worst of your problems."
Edward looked like he wanted to disappear. Rosalie hissed something under her breath that sounded like, "Stupid, reckless boy."
"Stay out of my way. Stay out of my bedroom," I finished, my voice razor-sharp. "Are we clear?"
Edward could only nod.
"Pretty boy looks terrified," Maze commented with satisfaction.
I turned and walked away, leaving them stunned in the parking lot.
"Well," Maze said, "that was satisfying."
"Very," I agreed, feeling the last of my anger dissipate.
At lunch, I claimed my now-usual spot by the window. The empty table had become my sanctuary, a place where I could eat in peace without the constant chatter of teenage drama.
"We're getting a reputation," Maze commented. "Mysterious loner girl. I approve."
Just as I was biting into my apple, a shadow fell across the table. Edward Cullen stood there, looking more hesitant than I'd ever seen him.
"May I sit?" he asked.
"Look who grew some manners after his midnight window-climbing adventure," Maze cackled. "This should be entertaining."
I raised an eyebrow. "After this morning's performance? Really?"
Edward's lips twitched – a hint of a smile. "I believe I owe you an explanation, and a proper apology."
"An explanation for stalking? This ought to be good," Maze muttered.
"I'm listening," I said, gesturing to the seat across from me.
He sat down, his movements unnaturally fluid. "I wasn't trying to frighten you," Edward began carefully. "I was… concerned."
"Concerned like a predator is 'concerned' about its prey," Maze interjected.
"Concerned about what exactly?" I challenged.
Edward's eyes darted around, as if measuring his words. "You're different," he said finally. "Not like other humans."
I froze, my hand mid-reach for my water bottle. "Other humans?" I repeated, my tone sharp and precise. "Interesting choice of words."
"Ooh, he slipped," Maze cackled. "Nice catch, little human."
Edward seemed to realize his mistake, his golden eyes widening slightly. "I meant… you're not typical," he backtracked quickly.
"No," I said slowly. "You said 'other humans'. As if you're not including yourself in that category."
"Press him," Maze encouraged. "Watch him squirm."
Edward's composure flickered for just a moment. "Figure of speech," he said, but the words rang hollow.
"Interesting figure of speech," I replied, my eyebrow raised.
"Beautiful deflection," Maze approved. "Leave him wondering how much we know."
"Different how?" I pressed letting it go for now.
"You're… harder to read," he said cryptically. "And that night, something felt… off."
"Perceptive," Maze commented. "He definitely knows something isn't normal."
"So your solution was to break into my bedroom?" I asked, my voice sharp.
"I just wanted to understand," Edward said softly.
"Understanding doesn't involve watching someone sleep, pretty boy," Maze warned.
"Understand what?" I demanded.
Edward leaned closer. "What you are," he whispered.
"Careful," Maze cautioned me. "Don't reveal anything."
I met his gaze evenly. "Some mysteries are better left unsolved. And besides, you still owe me an apology."
Edward hesitated, his golden eyes clouded with a mixture of confusion and regret. "Bella," he began, his voice low and sincere, "I… I owe you a profound apology. What I did last night was inexcusable. I let my curiosity, my… concern, get the better of me, and I completely overstepped. Breaking into your room was a terrible violation of your privacy, and I understand if you're angry and frightened. I truly am sorry." He paused, searching for the right words. "I can assure you, it won't happen again. I was wrong, and I'll do everything I can to earn back your trust."
Maze snorted. "Damn right it won't," she muttered darkly.
"But, beautifully done," Maze approved.
Edward seemed to be distracted about something I couldn't know. His eyes would occasionally dart to the space beside me, as if listening to a silent conversation.
As the bell rang, Bella stood up, gathering her things. "Heading to class?" she asked, tilting her head.
Edward leaned back, a familiar smile playing on his lips. "You know," he said casually, "sometimes it's good to skip class."
I stood, gathering my things. "Not for me," I replied. "Some of us actually care about our education."
"Burn," Maze chuckled as I walked away.
I headed to Biology, completely unaware that Edward would not be joining me today.
Mr. Banner was distributing small lancets and alcohol swabs, explaining the procedure for blood typing. The moment the medical equipment came out, I felt the familiar wave of dizziness.
"Really?" Maze groaned. "After all these years, you're still squeamish around blood? I've literally bathed in blood for millennia, and you can't handle a simple finger prick?"
"Not helping," I muttered under my breath.
Mike Newton, seated nearby, looked distinctly uncomfortable. "I hate blood," he mumbled.
As students began pricking their fingers, the metallic smell filled the air. My vision started to swim.
"Oh for Hell's sake," Maze sighed. "You're going to pass out, aren't you?"
I raised my hand. "Mr. Banner, may I go to the nurse?"
"Mike," Mr. Banner called, "please escort Bella to the nurse."
Mike looked thrilled at the opportunity. "Sure," he said, jumping up to help me.
As we walked out of the classroom, Mike chattering nervously about blood and fainting, I felt unsteady.
"This is pathetic," Maze commented. "A demon's companion, fainting at the sight of blood."
Suddenly, a cold hand caught my arm. Edward Cullen, who had been absent from class, was standing in the hallway.
"I'll take her," he said to Mike, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Mike looked confused but stepped back. Edward reached out to pick Bella up.
"Not happening, pretty boy," Maze snarled, suddenly taking control.
My body went rigid, muscles tensing. Before Edward could fully lift me, I twisted out of his grasp with a supernatural precision that surprised him.
"Hands. Off." Maze's voice was low and dangerous.
Edward took a step back, shock flickering across his face.
As quickly as she'd taken over, Maze retreated, letting me regain control. I straightened, facing Edward.
"Boundaries," I said firmly, my voice cold. "Remember our conversation at lunch? This is exactly what I was talking about. I can walk to the nurse's office by myself."
"Nicely done," Maze approved.
Edward looked momentarily stunned, his golden eyes darting between me and the seemingly empty space beside me.
"I was just trying to help," he said softly.
"I don't need that kind of help," I replied, walking past him toward the nurse's office.
The nurse's office was small, with pale green walls and a few uncomfortable-looking chairs.
Mrs. Hammond looked up as I entered. "What happened, dear?"
"Time for human medical ritual," Maze commented.
"Blood typing in Biology," I explained. "The smell… it made me dizzy."
Mrs. Hammond nodded, checking my temperature. "Rest here for a few minutes."
As she stepped out to get something, Edward remained in the doorway.
"Fainting at the sight of blood" Maze scoffed. "You can't handle a little finger prick?"
"Not helping," I muttered.
Edward's eyes flickered, his expression a mix of confusion and fascination. The scent of blood that made me dizzy seemed to affect him differently - his posture tensed, but not from nausea.
"Oh, this is rich," Maze commented. "He's having quite a different reaction to all this blood than you are. What a pair we make."
Edward watched me intently. "The smell of blood affects you that much?"
"Oh, if he only knew how pathetic this is," Maze continued. "Demons feast on blood. We use it for everything - cooking, bathing, negotiating contracts."
Just then, Mike burst in with another student who had scraped his knee.
"More blood. Fantastic," Maze drawled.
I felt my head start to spin again. "Mrs. Hammond," I called, "may I be excused from class? I don't think I can handle going back right now."
The nurse, busy with the injured student, barely heard me.
"Lightweight," Maze teased. "Years with me, and for what?."
Edward stepped forward. "I can take her home," he said to the nurse.
"Absolutely not," Maze warned.
Mrs. Hammond looked up, seeming relieved. "That would be helpful. Her father would want her to be taken care of."
I tensed. "I can drive myself," I protested.
"He's not letting this go," Maze observed.
"I insist," Edward said smoothly. "It's no trouble."
Mrs. Hammond seemed oblivious to the tension. "Are you sure you're okay to drive her?"
Before I could protest, Edward had already answered. "Of course."
"This is not happening," Maze growled.
"Fine," I said through gritted teeth. "But we're taking my truck."
Edward's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Whatever you prefer."
As we walked to the parking lot, Maze was practically vibrating with irritation.
"If he tries anything," she muttered, "I will personally ensure he regrets it."
The drive would be… interesting.
As we got into my truck, the silence was thick with tension.
"One wrong move," Maze warned, "and I'll show him what real supernatural power looks like."
"Alice will pick up my car," Edward said suddenly, breaking the silence. "I can't leave it in the school parking lot."
I glanced at him. "And how is she going to do that?"
A slight smile crossed his face. "She has her ways."
"Interesting," Maze mused. "More supernatural tricks?"
"Your sister," I said, "she seems… different."
Edward's eyes narrowed slightly. "Different how?"
"Ooh, fishing for information," Maze chuckled. "Two can play at that game."
"Just an observation," I said smoothly, keeping my eyes on the road.
"Are you always this observant?" Edward countered.
"He's trying to turn this around," Maze warned. "Classic deflection technique."
"Are you always this evasive?" I shot back.
Edward chuckled, a sound that was both musical and slightly dangerous. "Touché."
As we approached my house, I saw a silver Volvo already parked on the street. Alice was leaning against it, looking perfectly at ease.
"Look who's waiting," Maze observed. "Convenient timing."
"Your sister's here," I noted.
"She likes to be prepared," Edward said, his eyes flickering to Alice.
Just then, Alice waved – directly at me, with a knowing smile that seemed to suggest she knew far more than she was letting on.
"Interesting," Maze muttered. "Very interesting indeed."