Out of the Darkness Teaser

I didn’t go home. I tossed my bag into the car and parked it around the corner. Removing my sweater, I released my wings and took off, staying on the roof of the school. I could hear Bella working on her grades and making a mental to-do list. I wanted to help her as she dragged out the tubs from her store room, but as far Bella knew, I was gone for the day.

However, I could feel Bella’s terror when she was leaving her room. Just before her mind emptied, I heard her mental call. Edward, please! I flew down and went into the school. I slipped on my lanyard and saw a tall, menacing looking man hovering over Bella’s prone form. “Hey, what are you doing?” I asked, keeping my voice even.

“She fainted, man. I don’t know what happened,” he shrugged, stepping away. “Your girlfriend?”

“Something like that,” I said. “Step away. I’ll take care of her.” The man sneered and pushed his cart away. I crouched down, lifting Bella gently. “Pretty Bella?” She didn’t respond, just cuddling closer to me. I slung her bag over my shoulder and easily picked her up, carrying her out of the school. I shot a look back at the man, who was thinking about the unconscious woman in my arms. He was remembering vicious things, like how he’d take her without her consent. His evil smile made me shudder and I feared for her.

I drove us to her apartment, using her keys to let us in and setting her onto the couch. I made some tea and some light dinner. Bella stirred, whimpering quietly. I moved and sat down next to her, taking her hand. “Bella? You’re safe. I promise you.”

Her eyes blinked open and she shot up, looking around. “How did I get home?” she asked, her face as pale as a sheet. She looked at me, her brows furrowing. “Edward? Did you even leave?”

“I forgot something in the building,” I lied. Yeah, I forgot to protect you and some skeeve who did unspeakable things to you tried to make another move on you. “I drove you home and carried you into your apartment. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, I don’t,” she said, sitting up and grimacing as she rubbed her head. “Ouch.”

“You okay?” I asked.

“I must have bumped my head when I fell,” she muttered.

“Who was that guy?”

“An ex-boyfriend,” Bella replied, her nose wrinkled.