The Edge of Insanity | Rosalie Hale

Chapter 13: A Collision of Chaos

The drive home was filled with silence. Daniel leant his head against the cool glass of the car window, his brow furrowed in a way that sent a pang of worry through Rosalie. The whispers, those insidious taunts, still lingered on the fringes of his hearing, a constant reminder of the breakdown he'd experienced.

A terrifying clarity had washed over him in the restroom stall – the chilling possibility of losing Rosalie. Maybe that was the reason the voices had gotten louder. Protecting her, his love, his anchor, was his paramount duty. It was no wonder the voices wouldn't relinquish their hold.

"We're here," Rosalie announced softly, her voice a soothing comfort to his frayed nerves. Her hand reached out, gently brushing against the nape of his neck, a familiar touch that sent a flicker of warmth through him. Her eyes held only tenderness.

"Let's head inside, alright?" she offered, a small, comforting smile playing on her lips.

He simply nodded, his voice stolen by the turmoil within. Sleep, blessed oblivion, was what he craved most – a temporary escape from everything. But being a vampire, sleep eluded him. The next best option – the warmth of their shared bed, Rosalie's comforting presence beside him.

As he settled in, she began to whisper sweet nothings in his ear, her voice a soothing melody that chased away the lingering shadows of fear. Her hand gently cradled his head, a silent promise of unwavering support. The others were still at school, sixth period was almost over. Soon they would return.

"I'm so sorry you had to see that," he mumbled, his voice thick with regret. Witnessing his breakdown had to have been terrifying for her.

Rosalie leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his ear. "I'm glad I was there to help you, baby," she replied, her voice a low murmur. Then, with a playful lilt, she added, "Good thing we left a crowbar next to that dented wall. It'll be quite the sight for the janitor to find."

A genuine snort escaped Daniel's lips. The sound, laced with relief, was music to Rosalie's ears. The tension that had coiled around him seemed to loosen a fraction. He couldn't erase the fear, not entirely, but this was enough for now. He allowed himself to hold her a little tighter, a silent vow of gratitude echoing in his heart.

-

The moment Edward crossed the threshold, a low growl rumbled from Daniel's chest. Before anyone could react, he was a blur of motion, pinning Edward against the wall with a force that left the brown-haired vampire momentarily breathless.

"Why in God's name did you speak to her?" Daniel roared, his voice a tightly leashed fury. One arm, corded with muscle, pressed against Edward's throat, his knuckles stark white against pale skin.

Rosalie, her face a mask of controlled anger, materialized at the foot of the stairs mere seconds behind Daniel. Her presence was a silent threat, a promise of swift retribution should Edward make the wrong move.

The rest of the Cullens stood there. They all understood Daniel's outburst. The potential danger Bella posed gnawed at them, a stark contrast to the calm facade they usually presented.

"I... I couldn't stay away," Edward stammered, his voice strained under Daniel's hold.

With a snarl of frustration, Daniel released Edward, sending him stumbling back a step. "You swore you would!" he bellowed, the pent-up fear and anger finally finding an outlet. "Do you have any idea what's at stake here?"

"I do," Edward choked out, his voice barely a whisper. "She isn't going to find out, I don't want this life for her."

Daniel's eyes narrowed, his anger lowering. The tension in the room hung thick for a moment before it finally began to dissipate.