Multifandom X Reader Stories

"Goodbye to Forever" Emmet Cullen prt3

 The Cullen house is quiet, but the tension in the air feels thick, palpable. Every creak of the floor and shift in the shadows feels sharper, more dangerous. The looming threat of the vampires hunting Bella hasn't eased, and now that I've been pulled into it, I'm no longer sure how I'll make it through without getting hurt—or hurting him again.

It started with a split second of bad luck. Bella and I were walking back to her truck from the bookstore, joking to cover up the strange feeling we'd both had all evening. But when I felt eyes on us, predatory and cold, I knew that instinct was right. One of the vampires—James, I think they called him—appeared like he'd been lying in wait, a shadow in the night.

I don't remember exactly how Emmett and the others got there so quickly. All I remember is the sudden crash of movement, the flash of Emmett's eyes as he stepped between us and the vampire, his entire body tensed and ready. He didn't hesitate for a second; he was all instinct and rage, protecting me as if nothing had ever changed between us.

That was two days ago. Now, Bella and I are staying with the Cullens, hidden away in their home, as they do everything they can to keep us safe. I know this is the best place for us, especially Bella, but being here has stirred up memories I've fought hard to bury. Every time I catch sight of Emmett, hear the rumble of his laughter from another room, or feel his gaze linger on me when he thinks I'm not looking, my heart aches.

I've spent the last two days avoiding him, keeping my distance and focusing on Bella. But it's been hard—almost impossible, really. Even though I still believe he deserves a life free from the pain of inevitable loss, my love for him is something I can't seem to bury. Every time I'm near him, it's a battle not to let myself slip back into the warmth of his presence.

This afternoon, I find myself alone in the kitchen, pouring a glass of water and trying to settle my nerves. It's been hours since Emmett and the others left to check for any signs of James, and I keep checking the window, waiting for their return.

Just as I set the glass down, I hear footsteps—a familiar, heavy tread that makes my heart skip a beat. I turn, and there he is, filling the doorway with his broad frame, his gaze locking onto mine the moment he steps inside.

"(Y/N)," he says softly, his voice a low rumble that sends a shiver down my spine. "I thought you'd be with Bella."

"She's with Alice." I can't meet his gaze, so I busy myself with the glass in my hand, refusing to let myself linger on the sound of his voice or the way he says my name.

Silence stretches between us, and I can feel his eyes on me, heavy with everything we left unsaid. After a moment, he clears his throat, stepping closer. "You know you can't keep avoiding me forever, right?"

I let out a shaky breath, bracing myself. "I'm not avoiding you, Emmett. I'm just... giving us both space."

He laughs, but there's no humor in it. "Space?" he echoes, taking another step forward. "Is that what you call this?" His voice is tinged with frustration, and I can see the hurt in his eyes. "I was there, you know. I saw the way you looked when James showed up. And I know that look." His tone softens. "It's fear. And I can't just sit back and let you go through this alone."

"I don't need protecting," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

He sighs, his hand gripping the counter as if to keep himself from reaching for me. "It's not just about protecting you. I... I care about you, (Y/N). I thought you understood that."

"Emmett," I start, struggling to keep my voice steady, "that's exactly why I'm keeping my distance. You deserve a life where you don't have to worry about losing someone. I don't want to be just another painful memory someday."

The hurt in his expression deepens, and he looks down, clenching his jaw. "Do you think this is any easier for me?" he asks quietly, his voice rough. "Do you think I wanted to come back into your life just to be kept at arm's length?"

I bite my lip, feeling my heart twist at his words. "I never wanted you to come back and get hurt, Emmett."

He reaches out then, gently touching my arm, his thumb brushing my skin in a way that makes my heart ache. "But I did. Because you mean something to me, (Y/N). You always have." He pauses, his gaze intense, and I feel myself melting under it. "Being here, keeping you safe... that's worth any pain. You're worth it."

My throat tightens, and I struggle to hold back tears. "Emmett, please..."

He lets out a frustrated breath, stepping back and running a hand through his hair. "Fine," he says softly, his voice resigned. "If you want me to keep my distance, I will. But I'm not leaving this house until I know you're safe."

I watch him walk out, his footsteps echoing down the hall, and the familiar ache returns, heavier than before. Part of me wants to run after him, to tell him that I still love him, that I'm just as scared of losing him as he is of losing me. But I stay rooted in place, gripping the edge of the counter, telling myself that this distance is for the best.

Over the next few days, the Cullens keep a close watch, constantly checking the surrounding areas to keep James and his coven at bay. Emmett keeps his promise; he keeps his distance, his interactions with me few and curt, his face guarded, though I catch him glancing my way more often than he thinks.

One night, I find myself standing out on the balcony, looking out into the darkness, hoping to catch some glimpse of the others as they scout the woods. The air is cool, and I pull my jacket tighter around me, lost in thought. Suddenly, I hear quiet footsteps behind me. I turn, and there he is, watching me, his face cast in shadow.

"Just checking to make sure you're okay," he says softly.

I nod, managing a small smile. "Thank you."