Distance »» Edward Cullen Bwwm

Chapter Twenty Nine

Aster’s Pov
The clearing buzzed with tension, filled with snapping branches, fast movements, and the echo of snarls and grunts. They moved with silent precision, their bodies blurs of grace and strength, while the wolves circled through the trees, massive and imposing.

I stood on the outer edge with Harper strapped snugly in a baby wrap against my chest. She was asleep thankfully and the warmth of her tiny body grounded me as I watched the others train.

It had been two days since the imprint. Two days since Embry stumbled out of Emily’s kitchen like he’d seen a ghost.

Two days since Jacob came back, saying Embry wanted to talk but only when I was ready.

Now he couldn’t seem to keep his distance. He was never too close, always respectful, but he lingered. Always just within reach. Offering to carry Harper’s things. Watching her from across the fire pit. Even now, in wolf form, he circled the field then paused near me longer than necessary, his eyes flicking toward the bundle against my chest.

It wasn’t creepy. It wasn’t even possessive. Just… protective. it was driving Edward insane.

I could feel him watching us even now from the other side of the field. He was in the middle of sparring with Jasper, but his golden eyes kept cutting to me.

Every time Embry padded too close, Edward’s jaw clenched. His movements sharpened. Even Jasper noticed, muttering something under his breath as Edward threw him a little harder than necessary.

Harper stirred faintly in her wrap, and I instinctively held her closer, rocking a little side to side. My body still ached in ways I didn’t care to admit, but I couldn’t stay away not when my family was risking everything.

Edward suddenly appeared at my side, faster than I could blink. His hair was tousled, his pale skin glinting in the overcast light. His expression softened as his eyes dropped to Harper, then hardened again when they flicked over my shoulder right to where Embry had transformed back into a human behind the trees, pulling on a pair of shorts and approaching with a cautious smile.

"You should be resting," Edward said lowly, his voice tight.

"I am. I’m literally leaning on a tree," I said, offering a tired smirk. "Besides, Harper's fine. I can’t stand just sitting around while everyone’s fighting for her."

He didn’t respond. His eyes were still locked on Embry, who now walked toward us slowly, holding out a thermos. "Emily said this is for you. It’s that blood-smoothie thing you like," Embry offered, glancing toward Harper and then quickly back to my face.

"Thanks," I said, smiling as I reached for it. His fingers brushed mine briefly, and Edward let out a slow, measured breath next to me.

I didn’t even need to look to know he was staring holes into Embry’s head.

"You didn’t have to run it all the way over here," I added, unscrewing the lid.

He shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. "Didn't’t mind really."

Edward stepped forward slightly, placing himself just subtly in front of me. "You’ve been… very present, Embry."

Embry’s jaw tensed, but he nodded. "It’s not like I planned it, Edward. You know how imprinting works."

"I do. Which is why I’m keeping my patience intact," Edward said, his voice quiet but sharp. "But it doesn’t explain why you’re acting like you’re part of her life already."

I gently touched Edward’s arm shooting him a stern hard look "Edward." I snapped firmly. He didn't have to be so fucking rude.

"No,"he said, not looking at me. "I’ve been trying to ignore it trying to accept it, but he’s following you like a damn shadow."

Embry crossed his arms glancing at Edward with a slight smug expression. "I’m not hurting anyone."

"That’s not the point," Edward snapped, his voice low and cold.

Harper stirred against my chest, her lips puckering. I immediately bounced her gently and whispered calming nonsense against her forehead. My fingers dug lightly into Edward’s wrist. "Stop it both of you, especially you Edward you are being an asshole."

Edward turned his head toward me, his jaw locked tight, his eyes swirling with hurt and possessiveness.

I softened a little. "I love you. You know that, but Embry isn’t trying to steal me or her. He’s trying to figure this out just like we are. And you." I turned toward Embry, "need to give him a little space specially now."

Embry nodded quickly. "Of course. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause trouble."he stepped away, retreating into the trees without another word.

Edward didn’t move. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides.

"Edward…" I whispered.

He finally looked at me. And the pain in his eyes almost made my knees give out.

"I just got you back, and now there’s another bond I have no control over. Another man tethered to our child. It’s killing me, Aster."

I stepped closer to him, placing Harper between us. "Then stop fighting with me and fight with me. For her, for us. Don’t waste time being jealous of something that’s not a threat."

His gaze dropped to Harper, and he touched her soft cheek with his knuckle. Slowly, he leaned forward and pressed his forehead to mine.

"I’m sorry," he murmured. "I’m just terrified."

"So am I," I admitted. "But we can’t afford to splinter now. We’re too close to everything falling apart."

He nodded slowly, then pulled me into his arms, cradling both me and Harper against his chest.

"I’ll protect you," he whispered. "No matter what, and no matter who."