Eclipsed Secrets // Jasper Hale

Lines you don't cross

The moment shifted before Bella even understood it.

One second — laughter behind her, footsteps too close, voices thick with alcohol.

The next—

Tires screeched.

A silver Volvo slid to a sharp stop at the curb.

The passenger door flew open.

"Get in."

Edward.

Bella didn't hesitate.

She slipped into the car, the door slamming shut just as one of the men stepped forward.

Edward didn't even look at them at first. His hands gripped the steering wheel, jaw tight.

Then—slowly—he turned his head.

The look he gave them was enough.

Not loud. Not aggressive.

Just... final.

The men backed off almost immediately.

Bella exhaled shakily, her hands still trembling slightly in her lap.

Edward pulled the car back into traffic without another word.

The restaurant was warm, dimly lit, filled with quiet chatter and the clinking of glasses.

Bella sat across from Edward, still trying to steady herself.

"You don't even say anything," she said after a moment. "You just... show up."

Edward didn't answer right away. His eyes stayed on the table, unfocused.

"I felt something was wrong," he said finally.

Bella blinked. "You felt it?"

He hesitated.

Then looked at her.

"I told you," he said quietly. "I'm different."

Bella leaned forward slightly.

"I know."

Edward exhaled.

"I can read minds."

Bella stared at him.

"Like... hear thoughts?"

"Yes."

She tilted her head.

"And you heard mine?"

"No." A faint edge entered his voice. "That's the problem. I can't hear yours."

Bella's curiosity only sharpened.

"What about the others?"

Edward hesitated again.

"They're... different too."

"How?"

He shook his head. "That's not something I should explain."

Bella didn't let it go.

"What about her?"

Edward's eyes narrowed slightly. "Who?"

"Althea."

There it was.

A line crossed.

"She's part of your family too," Bella continued. "What does she do?"