Multifandom X Reader Stories

It won't be her you'll be dealing with (Emmett Cullen)

As allies and family from all over gathered to prepare for the Volturi's arrival, the house was busier than ever. Tension buzzed in the air, and every face that walked through the Cullen's front door was a mix of familiar and unfamiliar. Friends from across the world, some I had never met, but all here to fight, to defend what was dear to Bella, Edward, and their family.

It was during one of these intense afternoons, while everyone was discussing strategies, that I first noticed him—Edward's distant cousin, Armand. He was handsome, I couldn't deny that, but from the very first moment, something about him felt... off. He was charming, too charming, lingering too long when he spoke to me and brushing his hand against my arm whenever he had the excuse. At first, I tried to be polite. Everyone was here under tense circumstances, after all. But with each encounter, his attention became more unwelcome, and his looks grew bolder, almost smug.

Emmett was quick to catch on. I'd often find him close by whenever Armand approached, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly, jaw clenched. Emmett wasn't subtle in his protective nature, and I could feel the heat of his gaze whenever Armand got too close.

One evening, Armand's boldness crossed a line. He cornered me in the living room, his eyes trailing over me in a way that made me feel trapped. He leaned in, his voice a low murmur, "I have to say, it's rare to find someone as captivating as you. Perhaps, once this is all over, we could get to know each other a little better... alone."

I took a step back, crossing my arms in an effort to put distance between us. "I don't think that would be a good idea, Armand."

He raised an eyebrow, a sly grin appearing. "Come on, we're family here. No need to be shy."

Before I could respond, Edward appeared next to us, his gaze sharp as steel as he looked at Armand. "I think you should stop, Armand," Edward said, his tone cool and laced with warning. "Because it won't be her you'd have to deal with."

Confusion flickered across Armand's face until he glanced behind me and his face paled. I turned, and there was Emmett, his stance rigid, his glare focused entirely on Armand. Emmett's jaw was set, a dangerous fire in his eyes as he took a step forward, his shoulders broad and tense.

Armand's bravado melted instantly, and with a weak nod, he murmured an excuse and left, disappearing as fast as his feet could carry him. When I turned back around, Emmett's gaze hadn't softened. He continued to glare after Armand, his arms folded across his chest.

"Uh... Emmett?" I asked, hesitating. "Are you okay?"

His eyes met mine, softening just slightly, but there was a flicker of something behind them. "I'm fine," he grumbled, still looking in the direction Armand had gone. "I just don't like it when people don't know how to keep their hands to themselves."

I raised an eyebrow, trying to decipher his expression. "You know we're not... together, right?"

He looked at me for a moment, a spark of surprise in his eyes, followed by something more intense, almost vulnerable. "Yeah, I know that," he said, his voice low. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to let someone treat you like that."

I blinked, feeling warmth rise in my chest, but before I could say anything, Emmett's brothers walked in.

"Hey, Emmett!" Jasper called out, grinning. "I think that guy's long gone by now. You can stop looking like you're about to tear down the whole house."

Edward chuckled, leaning against the wall. "I didn't even need to say anything; Emmett had it handled."

Emmett's glare shifted from his brothers back to me, though there was a hint of sheepishness in his expression now. "You guys are hilarious," he muttered, clearly trying to hide a smile.

The days that followed were... different. Emmett was everywhere, always nearby, keeping a careful watch over me. He'd walk a little too close, his arm brushing against mine or his hand finding the small of my back whenever we were in crowded rooms. And it wasn't just with Armand. If anyone came too close, even friends or allies, Emmett's presence became all the more intense, as if to remind them—and me—of some unspoken claim.

One evening, as I was talking to Alice in the living room, I felt a hand rest on my shoulder, strong and steady. I looked up to see Emmett standing there, his gaze flicking between me and Alice as if he were making sure I was safe even in the middle of friendly conversation. Alice raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"Protective much?" she teased, crossing her arms.

Emmett shrugged, his grip on my shoulder tightening just slightly. "I just want to make sure she's alright. Is that so wrong?"

Alice smirked, nudging him lightly. "No, but everyone can see how you feel, Emmett. I don't think even a Volturi guard could miss it."

Emmett opened his mouth to respond, but instead, he glanced down at me, his eyes full of something I hadn't seen there before. Vulnerability, almost. Like he wanted to say something but didn't know how. For once, the confident, easy-going Emmett was speechless.

Finally, he took my hand in his, giving it a squeeze, the warmth of his touch grounding me. "Come on," he murmured. "Let's go for a walk."

We slipped outside, the cool night air calming, and I felt his hand still holding mine, his thumb tracing soft circles over my skin. We walked in silence for a while until he stopped, turning to face me.

"I know I've been... protective," he said, a little awkwardly. "Maybe more than I should be. But... I can't help it. You're important to me, more than I even know how to say."

I felt a flutter in my chest, a warmth spreading through me as I looked up at him. "Emmett... you're important to me too. I just... I didn't realize you felt this way."

He grinned, his usual playfulness returning for a moment. "Guess I wasn't as subtle as I thought, huh?"

Laughing softly, I stepped closer, feeling bolder as I placed my hand against his chest. "Not at all."

He took a breath, his gaze intense as he leaned down, his forehead pressing gently to mine. "Then let me make it obvious," he murmured. And, with a gentleness I hadn't expected from him, he closed the space between us, his lips brushing against mine in a kiss that was full of unspoken words and the promise of something lasting.

When we pulled apart, he grinned, his usual confidence returning. "Now everyone will know you're mine. Even Armand."

Laughing, I playfully shoved his shoulder. "I think he got the message loud and clear."

And as we walked back hand-in-hand, I realized that whatever was ahead, Emmett and I would face it together, his protective presence now a comforting constant by my side.