The second girl her father murdered was named Lindsey, and she was no older than fourteen. She was pale, quiet, and very thin, with a mass of reddish hair falling in curls over her shoulders and deep brown eyes. She looked nothing like the first victim—but that didn't matter. It didn't save her. Because on November 6th, three weeks after the first, she disappeared.
When someone goes missing, there are always explanations people cling to: maybe she was playing near the river, slipped, and was dragged under by the current—or worse, by something lurking in the woods. A tragic accident, yes, but not murder.
Another possibility is a crime of passion. Maybe she upset the wrong people. Or maybe she got pregnant and ran away. After all, a teenage runaway isn't that unlikely.
But when two girls disappear within a month, it's not coincidence. It's not an accident. It's not circumstance. It's calculated. Deliberate. And far more terrifying than anything most people have ever faced.
And when Nell turned on the TV that day, a chill ran down her spine as she read the bright red headline:
BREAKING NEWS: SECOND GIRL MISSING IN FORKS
She glanced at the calendar. That same chill again. November 6th.Fear tightened around her throat like a hand.
Someone is out there. Again. It could be a vampire—or it could be human. But the terrible truth Emmett had told her was that none of them were coming back.
—Again with this?—Steve's voice pulled her out of it. He turned off the TV; watching her with concern—You look pale.
—I'm fine—she said, leaning against the back of the couch—Just… memories, you know?
—What kind of memories?
Nell stayed quiet for a moment.
—About Dad. The murders. How careful he was. I don't know… all of this—she gestured at the TV —feels wrong. Don't you see? It happened on the same date. Both of them.
Steve shook his head.
—I know you think there are patterns in things like this, and what happened to those girls is awful, but Nell: this happens all the time. There's always some idiot out there hurting people.
Nell felt her patience slipping. Of course he didn't believe her.
—But what about the dates? They're the same.
—It's a coincidence, Nell.—He crossed his arms—Dad is in prison. He's a monster, sure, but he's not some boogeyman. He can't hurt anyone anymore.
—I know.— she said—I know it's not him. But I think someone is trying to be him.—She bit the inside of her lip, fixing her gaze on him—I think we're dealing with a copycat.
Steve sighed, shaking his head.
—I think—he stressed—you should focus more on school and less on this. I get that you're worried, but let the police handle it.
But Nell couldn't stop worrying. Back in Altoona-with Steven away at college and Luke skipping school half the time-she'd been alone. And because she had no one, she became a target. Boys at the gym—big, aggressive ones—decided to "prove" their stance against violence toward women by carving zigzags into her forearm with a knife.
"This is for your father," they'd say, with absolutely no awareness of the irony of it all.
She remembered coming home with blood dripping from her fingers like melted wax from a candle. That was when Steve realized none of them could stay there. They packed up, left, and came to Forks. It had seemed like the perfect place at first.
But what if it wasn't?What if everything was starting again?
Before she could follow that thought any further, a car horn sounded outside. Nell and Steve exchanged confused looks. They weren't expecting anyone.
She hurried to the window and saw Emmett sitting in his Jeep.
—Who's that?— Steve asked, studying him.
She watched through the glass.
—A classmate.
—He looks too old for you.
Nell rolled her eyes.
—He's my age— she lied—And if you'll excuse me, I'm late for school.—She adjusted her bag and opened the door.
—Wait a second.— Steve called—This Sunday, Father Harris is holding a service for the missing girls. You might want to come.
Nell hesitated.
—I don't know. I haven't been to church in a long time. I used to go for Mom, but…
—Then go for me.—he said—Come with me this Sunday. If you don't like it or feel uncomfortable, you can leave.
She sighed.
—Okay. Fine.— She nodded—I'll go. See you later.
She hurried down the steps, aware of her brother watching, and noticed Emmett's mischievous smile as he stared ahead, the passenger door already open.
Nell climbed into the Jeep, feeling the warmth of the heater, trying not to fall under his usual hypnotic pull.
—We didn't agree you'd pick me up—she said.
—I know. It's a surprise.— His eyes met hers (black today).
—I don't like surprises— she replied, calmly.
He laughed.
—You'll get used to them.
She was about to argue, but he hit the gas so fast she didn't even have time to buckle her seatbelt. His arm shot across her, stopping her from lurching forward.
—Seatbelt.— he ordered.
She stared at him, stunned. As if she'd had time.
Still, she obeyed. But the feeling of his massive arm across her chest made her heart pound even harder.
—You shouldn't have come to get me.
—Why not?
Nell looked at him.
—Because everyone's going to see me with you.—She hoped he couldn't hear the embarrassment in her voice.
It took him a moment.
—You don't like attention.— he said, smiling, momentarily dazzling her.
She shook her head.
—No. Especially not now.—She paused, looking at her hands.—The disappearances in Forks. I know it sounds crazy, but someone's trying to copy my father. The dates, the age range... everything's the same. And it started when I got here. I know you probably don't believe me, but...
Emmett watched her closely.
—Why do you assume I don't believe you?— he interrupted.
She frowned.
—You do?
—Yes.— No hesitation.
She blinked, surprised.
—That doesn't happen often, does it?— he added.
—Never— she said.
He tilted his head.
—Well, now you've got me, and my family. But I should tell you… those disappearances might not be connected to your father.
Before she could argue, he continued:
—There's one like us. Her name is Victoria. She and her… pet vampire or whatever are building an army of newborns.
—New—what?
—Newborns. Recently turned vampires. That's when they're strongest. Not stronger than me, though.
Nell studied him, uneasy.
—What does she need an army for?
He parked between Edward's Volvo and Rosalie's red convertible, then turned to her.
—To get revenge on us.
—Why?
—Because we killed her mate. Edward was trying to save Bella-we had no choice. The only way to kill a vampire is to tear them apart and burn them.
Nell swallowed.
—So she doesn't just want a fight—she murmured—She wants to kill Bella… because she's Edward's partner.
He smirked.
—You're very perceptive.
But instead of being reassured, Nell felt a flicker of fear deep inside her.
Vampires can die.
And worse: Emmett didn't seem worried at all.
—Ready to become famous?— he teased.
She rolled her eyes.
—Oh, yeah. I can't wait for the interviews.
He laughed as they got out.
As they walked, people stared-as expected. That same intense, fascinated kind of staring, like they were something not entirely human.
Jessica, Angela, Mike, and Tyler stood near the entrance. Tyler said something, and suddenly all of them were looking.
Nell felt her discomfort spike.
—Can you stop doing that?—she muttered.
—Doing what?—he asked, smiling wider.
—You know exactly what.
Instead of answering, he laughed.
—What are you going to tell them?
—Nothing. We're not friends.
Emmett looked back at the group; each of them with their eyes about to pop out of their sockets.
—Friends or not, it looks like they're going to interview you.
—And what are they supposed to ask?
He looked at her mockingly.
—Sorry. I still can't read minds.
She rolled her eyes.
—But you've lived in this town much longer than I have.—she emphasized—A town where everyone knows everyone else's life and miracles. I'm convinced you can figure out what they're thinking.
Emmett flashed a devilish smile.
—That takes the fun out of it.
—No, the fun is you sharing what you know.
He thought about it as they walked and looked toward the group.
—They'll definitely want to know a lot of things: if we're seeing each other in secret; if we're friends... or something more— he finally said.
Eleanor noticed enormous tension in her shoulders.
She wanted to know too. To know if their relationship was more than just knowing each other's secret and taking refuge in it. If perhaps the reactions she had in his presence were a simple hormonal teenage thing, or if it was something more serious. She wanted to understand her feelings toward him. But her past always came to take away any hope.
Her father had taught her there was something wrong with being the way she was. Something offensive. Something to avoid. Something you could never love. And every time a man approached her with interest, she knew it was disguised. Because after asking for her brother's autographs, they'd walk away. And never speak to her again in their lives.
But what if Nell found someone good? Someone who saw her as she truly was and didn't walk away?
What if she already had?
At that moment, she fixed her gaze on him. She noticed the dimples at the sides of his cheeks and had to resist the temptation to touch them.
Emmett laughed discreetly and moved his head.
—Has my charm dazzled you yet?
Nell let out a choked laugh.
—Your charm has no effect on me— she lied shamelessly.
—Oh, really?—He moved closer and caught a loose strand that had escaped from her ponytail and put it back in place. Nell's heart huffed with hyperactivity. No matter how tough she acted in his presence, the effect he had on her was overwhelming in every sense.
Holding her breath in her lungs, she looked at him with haughtiness.
—Yes, really. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to do.— She quickened her pace to reach the door before him.
—I'll see you at lunch!—Emmett shouted from behind. The Jessica group, who already hadn't taken their eyes off her, now seemed even more enthusiastic about knowing what was going on.
Flushed and irritated, she hurried inside.
●●●
Surviving until lunch seemed like an impossible task. Getting to the cafeteria discreetly was simply a miracle. Angela and Jessica had cornered her in the hallway—especially Jessica—to conduct a full questionnaire.
—Looks like things are getting serious between you two, huh?— Jess commented beside her.
Nell frowned.
—What do you mean?
—That he likes you, and you like him.
She let out a sigh in the form of a laugh.
—We're just friends. Nothing more.
—Are you sure?" Jess inquired. Nell frowned—Because, from the way he looks at you, it's pretty obvious he likes you.
Eleanor stayed silent, not knowing how to respond to such a comment.
"Emmett likes me?" she thought, making a skeptical face.
There were many reasons why she didn't think that was possible... in many ways. One of them was because they were still strangers. Although they had revealed their secrets to each other, the friendship they had forged was strange and unreal. However, she didn't want to leave it either: it was the only good thing that had happened to her in that town.
Another issue was that when she looked at herself next to Emmett, she seemed to clash, with that light brown hair and honey eyes; and that serious, dark-circled gaze that said "Don't come near me." And then there was him, a fallen angel who with his sculpted appearance could be on the cover of any magazine.
Nell was different, no doubt about it. But it wasn't just about appearance, but also what he and his family were. That's why it was almost impossible for Emmett to see her with a connotation that exceeded the limits of friendship.
—Anyway, I don't know how you've had enough courage to be alone with him,— Angela murmured shyly. Pulling her out of her thoughts—He intimidates me so much... I wouldn't know what to say to him.
Nell was surprised, but she didn't understand her reaction.
—Oh, well. It's just that he's incredibly handsome... and terrifying too— Jessica justified and shrugged, as if that excused any flaw, which, in Jess's opinion, probably was.
Eleanor wanted to tell her he was more than that, but preferred to say nothing... except for one warning:
—Sorry, but I'm really hungry. See you later.
Without waiting for a response from either of them, she left quickly.
Entering the crowded flow of people in the cafeteria was much like her first day: everyone looked at her. She headed to the line and grabbed a tray. Immediately someone took it from her hands. Nell glared at the guy.
—What do you think you're doing?— she objected, making the vain attempt to recover the tray. He started filling it with food—I'm not eating all that.
Emmett smiled slyly and looked her in the eyes. She raised an eyebrow.
—Don't worry. Some things are for me.
He led her toward the long table where all his siblings were. Bella was there too, and although her presence calmed her, she knew she couldn't escape Rosalie's furious gaze.
Nell gave everyone a restrained smile and sat beside Emmett.
—Take whatever you want— he said, pushing the tray toward her. Nell narrowed her eyes.
—The apple pie— Alice interjected, cupping her hands around her mouth, as if it were a secret.
Nell looked at her fixedly. Thinking that, surely, she had seen something. And since she wasn't willing to have a bad time with the food, she took her advice. She took the slice of pie and took a bite. Suddenly, she turned to look at her and she gave her a satisfied smile. It was delicious.
—I'm curious— Nell commented, playing with her fork—What does it feel like to eat normal food?
—You're always curious—Emmett emphasized, earning a bad look from her.
—It's like swallowing dirt.— Edward answered from his spot. He was hugging Bella and she looked at him as if she'd heard that before—It's not that bad, but it doesn't give you any pleasure, and it doesn't satisfy you either.
—We only do it to avoid raising suspicions—Jasper added. Somehow, he no longer seemed to be suffering as much.
Nell nodded and focused her gaze on Emmett-he had nudged her in the waist to get her attention.
—What is it?
—Now I'm the one who's curious.
—About what?
A mischievous and irresistible smile changed his features.
—Do you think I'm incredibly handsome?
The embarrassment was much more intense than the pleasure at the look coming from his eyes as he pronounced those words.
—What?—was all Nell could say. She was red as a tomato.
Emmett leaned back in his seat.
—You heard me.
In the silence that had formed, she looked at him fixedly for a while. Finally, she said:
—Did you overhear the conversation with Jessica?
—You know vampires have good hearing.
She looked at him perplexed.
—That doesn't give you the right to listen to other people's conversations.—She crossed her arms—I thought you had better manners.
—You're not answering my question—he reminded her.
—And you're being a busybody. And you know what they say about busybodies— she emphasized.
At that moment, they had leaned so close to each other that they could almost share the same air. Nell had to remind herself that they were in a packed cafeteria, probably with many curious eyes fixed on them. It was too easy to get wrapped up in their own private, small, tense bubble.
—Are you going to answer my question?—he asked, while speaking, piercing her with his shining black eyes.
—What if I don't?—she challenged him with her gaze. Trying to breathe normally.
Emmett was surprised by her response. But he still smiled.
—I'll assume it's true.
—Then, yes,—she blurted out, tired.
—Yes, you're going to answer me, or yes, you really think that?
Nell was going to regret what she was about to say.
—Yes, I really think that.
She returned his gaze while struggling to think clearly, to find some way to explain herself:
—I mean, leaving aside the obvious, I think you're within society's beauty parameters.
Emmett seemed to be enjoying the whole situation.
—What do you mean by 'the obvious'?
She looked around and then spoke in whispers.
—That you're a vampire. That adds to natural beauty.
The corners of Emmett's mouth slowly curved into a daring smile and an intense gaze from which Nell couldn't escape.
—So, returning to the initial question...
—I already answered you—Nell stopped him, grumbling with a red face—Points for honesty. Now let me eat.
Emmett laughed and passed a hand behind her chair. Making her heart beat even harder.
—Okay— he told her—I'll do it before you keep sinking deeper.
She gave him a hateful look and nibbled another piece of pie. She wasn't going to continue an argument on an empty stomach. So, she took a couple of things from the tray, and got ready to eat.