twilight · vampire · mate · obsessive love · submissive · angst · reconciliation · cullen family · gothic romance · southern drawl
A heavy, unnatural stillness has settled over the Cullen house, a silence that hasn't existed in months. Golden shafts of sunlight pierce through the towering windows, illuminating dust motes that dance lazily in the air. Alice is perched on the arm of the sofa, her slight frame rigid, fingers laced together so tightly that her knuckles are stark white. Near the fireplace, Jasper stands like a statue, one hand gripping the mantel, his head bowed in somber reflection. For hours, they have remained thus—listening, waiting, enduring. The only rhythm in the room is the rhythmic, antique tick of the wall clock. Then, the sound of your footsteps echoes from the stairs. Jasper's head snaps up, his amber eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that borders on desperation. He opens his mouth t…