Aria's Twilight

Crazy Theory

3rd pov

As Edward's Volvo sped down the two-lane highway, warm air blasted from the vents, washing over Aria's still-shaking body. She sat curled into herself in the front seat, her hands trembling in her lap.

Bella, seated in the back, kept glancing toward Edward. She looked like she wanted to ask him more questions—her curiosity practically buzzing—but every time her eyes drifted to Aria, she stopped herself. Whatever she wanted to ask would have to wait. Aria seemed to be a distraction lately.

"I think I'm warm enough now," Aria said softly, breaking the silence. She leaned forward to adjust the heat.

Edward reached for it at the same time. Their hands brushed.

Aria flinched instantly, pulling back as if burned, her eyes widening. "Maybe we should keep it on... you're freezing."

Edward turned the heat down anyway, his gaze fixed firmly on the road. "I have a small case of anemia. My siblings do as well. Our skin tends to feel cold."

Before either girl could question him further, flashing red and blue lights cut through the darkness ahead. A sheriff's car was parked outside the police station.

"That's Charlie's car," Bella murmured.

"That's Daddy's car," Aria echoed, her voice tight with worry. "Something must have happened."

"My father's car is here as well," Edward added as he pulled into the parking lot.

All three climbed out of the vehicle. Edward was at Aria's side almost instantly, his presence steady and protective. The shaking in her body had eased, replaced now by a growing sense of dread as her focus shifted to her father.

Inside, Charlie stood with Dr. Cullen, both men studying photographs and evidence spread across a desk. Their expressions were grim. As they finished speaking, Dr. Cullen placed a reassuring hand on Charlie's shoulder before exiting the station.

He nearly collided with Edward and the Swan girls as they approached.

"Carlisle, what happened?" Edward asked, though his expression suggested he already knew.

"Waylon Forge was found in the woods near his place," Carlisle said, his face serious. "I just examined the body."

Edward's expression darkened. Bella looked horrified. Aria's face crumpled, her eyes filling with tears.

"He died? How?" Bella asked quickly.

"Is Daddy okay?" Aria's voice overlapped hers, small and frightened.

"It appears to be another animal attack," Carlisle replied.

Edward and Carlisle exchanged a brief look—one Bella caught but Aria did not.

"It's getting closer to town," Aria whispered, instinctively reaching for Edward's hand.

He gave her a gentle squeeze. "Waylon lived down by the Queets River. That's seventy-five miles south, Aria."

"But still, that's—" Bella started, only to be cut off when Carlisle placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.

"You should both go inside," Carlisle said gently. "Waylon was a friend of your father's."

Aria released Edward's hand and rushed inside without hesitation. Bella followed more slowly, glancing back just once to see Edward and Carlisle speaking quietly. There was something they weren't saying—she was sure of it. And the book she had bought earlier suddenly felt far more important.

Inside, Charlie sat at his desk, visibly shaken, with Aria curled into his lap like she had been when she was younger. He held her tightly, one hand resting protectively on her back as he stared at the evidence in front of him.