TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

The Lemonade Stand has spent so many years bringing you the best the Twilight fandom has to offer, and we are very excited to have the chance to offer you even MORE. We've watched stories grow and develop from first post through COMPLETE, and now we're lucky enough to share previews of the stories that will soon be your new addiction.

Today's feature is MeteorOnAMoonlessNight, author of fandom favorites like Without Wings, Fallen Angel, Devil Incarnate, and Seismic Shift.  We’re excited to share an excerpt from her new upcoming fic Fire in the Water.

banner by PearlyFox

Fire In The Water 

by

MeteorOnAMoonlessNight

Summary: The ocean gives, but it also takes away. Knowledge is the same. Because once you know, the opportunity for ignorance is over, and you can no longer outrun the truth. When a handsome stranger shows up at Bella’s bookstore, she can't overlook the guarded expression in his eyes. Soon, her predictable small-town life will be unrecognizable. 

~ooOoo~

This all began with a simple post that looks like it came from Tumblr. It reads:

'Oh, to be the owner of a small bookshop on a cobblestone street with roses climbing the side of the building, where books are stacked about in piles and there's always coffee brewing and a sleepy dog lifts his head at the sound of the door's bell and thumps his tail against the hardwood.'

My Facebook group helped me flesh out the rest, suggesting the small fishing town of Port Townsend, Washington. A shy Edward reticent to make friends, who owns a black lab and has just moved to town. Add in a Bella who's smart and a bit sassy, with a black cat and a book store that always has a pot of coffee and a plate of snickerdoodles ready for her customers. Edward goes by Ward, a man with more than a few secrets who wants the sense of community Bella clearly enjoys, but is afraid to reach out and take it.

~ooOoo~

“As long as your dog doesn’t lift his leg on my books, he can come in.”

The feminine voice startled me, and I jerked my head in her direction. I wished I could have been witty in response, but instead I gaped. Deep chocolate brown hair pulled up under a red bandana, a black shirt under ripped overalls, red chucks, and a beguiling smile . . . that’s what greeted me in the doorway as I found my tongue.

“Well, he’s a she, and she’d never think to defile a book.”

“Then you’re both welcome inside.”

Tentatively, I stepped over the threshold. The cat bolted to the cash register, and I couldn't resist petting it. “What’s its name?”

“That’s Charlie. He welcomes everyone to Bookish."

Charlie gave me a headbutt and blinked inquisitive green eyes at me. It was impossible to resist his softness, so I didn't. 

"What’s this girl’s name?”

“Heidi.” At her name, her butt dropped to the scuffed wooden floors, and she held out a paw.

“Isn't that a pretty trick, Heidi?” The woman squatted, shaking Heidi’s paw and rubbing her ears. “And you?”

Me? What about me? “Uh, my name’s Ward.”

“Nice to meet you, Ward. I’m Bella.”

My mouth watered, but it was definitely because of the scent of brewing coffee.

She stroked slender fingers along the cat's back, causing him to arch and purr. "Can I get you some coffee? Cookies?"

"I wasn't planning on staying." Fuck, her eyes were captivating. I saw the amusement, the openness. The ease with strangers necessary for her occupation. 

"I won't force you to stay."

~ooOoo~

Fire in The Water begins posting on July 12, 2022.

 Remember to put MeteorOnAMoonlessNight on alert so you don't miss out!

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

 

The Lemonade Stand has spent so many years bringing you the best the Twilight fandom has to offer, and we are very excited to have the chance to offer you even MORE. We've watched stories grow and develop from first post through COMPLETE, and now we're lucky enough to share previews of the stories that will soon be your new addiction.

Today we are featuring the talented writer, MeteorOnAMoonlessNight. Her stories Fallen Angel, Devil Incarnate, Malicious Compliance, and Seismic Shift have often been featured on the TLS Rec List. We are excited to share an exclusive peek of her newest fic, Without Wings, which is the next fic in the Fallen series.

banner by PearlyFox

Without Wings

by

MeteorOnAMoonlessNight

He's been missing for 3 years. Now we finally have a target. For him... we will be the ones to burn the world to the ground to get him back. Time to suit up again.

~ooOoo~

At the end of Devil Incarnate, Quinn was married to Layla, Jake and Leah's oldest daughter, and they had a baby girl named Aerinn. Four years later, Bella and Edward are now grandparents navigating an empty house, trying to enjoy the peace they worked so hard toward and ignore the elephant in the room.

"I have a missed call from James Holden," Edward commented, scrolling through his phone. “Must have been while I was in the shower.”

“What could he—” The serving spoon in Bella’s hand clattered to the plate. “No.” Sitting back heavily, she stared up at Edward with her hand over her mouth.

"Tyler," Edward said calmly. "Please take Aerinn to the kitchen."

"Sure thing, boss. Come on, little bit, you can help me squeeze the orange juice."

Pale and frozen, Layla stood behind her chair, white knuckling the back of it and saying nothing. Bella couldn't help noticing that she trembled.

"First, let me call him back. Then we can decide if we should get upset." Edward had somehow always been able to remain calm in emergencies, a talent Bella envied greatly. 

"He's retired," Layla agreed in a monotone. "It can't mean anything."

"Sit before your legs give out," Edward ordered. Bringing the phone to his ear, he spoke into it. "Holden, it’s Cullen."

Bella bit her lip, trying to hear what James had to say. Layla obeyed Edward’s command, sinking into the dining room chair. Bella reached over and gripped her icy hand.

"That's the dumbest fucking thing I've heard in my life," he barked. 

A quaking began low in Bella’s spine, working its way up until her teeth rattled.

Nearly throwing the phone down, he mashed the screen with his thumb. "Say it again, Holden. Tell Quinn’s wife and mother why he won't be coming home."

Whatever strength she'd clung to had left her, and Bella dropped her head to the table with a sob.

~ooOoo~

Without Wings begins posting on April 27. Be sure to put MeteorOnAMoonlessNight on alert so you don't miss out!

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

 

The Lemonade Stand has spent so many years bringing you the best the Twilight fandom has to offer, and we are very excited to have the chance to offer you even MORE. We've watched stories grow and develop from first post through COMPLETE, and now we're lucky enough to share previews of the stories that will soon be your new addiction.

Today we are featuring the talented writer, MeteorOnAMoonlessNight. Her stories Seismic Shift, The Ember Sword, and Façade have often been featured on the TLS Rec List. We are elated to share an exclusive peek of her newest one, Devil Incarnate, which is a sequel to Fallen Angel. 

banner by Belizabetty Masen 

Devil Incarnate

by

Meteoronamoonlessnight

Summary: 20 years have passed, and the Cullen Family is now notorious for their legitimate business. From the outside, they appear to have an idyllic life, until an unforeseen threat throws their world into chaos. When loyalty and love are pushed to the limit, a line must be drawn between monsters and heroes.

~ooOoo~

Fallen Angel was the most fun I’ve had interacting with readers over a story. The suspense, the action, the drama; that’s what I love to write. And it helps that everyone tried to guess the twist and couldn't. Even when the story came to a natural end, I didn't want to let it go. I had visions of Quinn as a grown man deciding on whether he should join the mafia with his father and uncles. I pictured all the Irish Cullens and the personalities I could create for them. Even more, I pictured Bella fulfilling her dreams on her terms, and someone coming along to mess it all up. How would Edward react to getting sucked back into the life? How would adult Quinn deal with it? From those questions, Devil Incarnate was born; a term Edward often referred to himself as in Fallen Angel. 

Here is a snippet from chapter eight.

Adrenaline pumping, Edward recalled all the times he’d been involved in car chases in his lifetime. He didn't know who was interested in them, or who could have caught up to them. It didn't really matter; he’d make sure they were dead either way. 

“Left, left, left!” Ben shouted.

Edward jerked the wheel, sending the vehicle careening over lawns and small shrubs. There wasn't anything there but a narrow alley, and yet he trusted Ben intrinsically. In his hand, Ben held a small GPS system with an aerial view of their location lit up in shades of green.

“Dead end; go right.”

Instinct took over as he maneuvered through the damp, dark streets. It was almost exhilarating.

Grabbing the handle above her door, Bella braced herself as the car tried to retain traction taking a turn through a puddle. 

Someone’s cell phone began to ring. Emmett pulled his from his tactical vest pocket, holding it up and squinting. “Who the fuck is that?”

“Answer it,” Edward ordered.

Immediately, Emmett answered the call and placed it on speakerphone. “What do you want?” he barked into the phone.

“For you to pull over so we can talk like civilized adults.”

“Over your dead body,” Edward answered.

“Now, now, Mr. Cullen. There’s no need to be so crude.”

They all heard a whistling sound as something flew overhead. At the last minute, Edward braked hard, and the street in front of them lit up with an explosion. His occupants were all thrown forward, but it was much preferred over the alternate outcome.

“Who the fuck are you?” Emmett shouted.

“Your ally. Or your enemy. Your choice.”

Bella met Edward’s gaze, the interior of the SUV illuminating in the flames coming from in front of them. He nodded, and she nodded in return.

Edward took the phone from Emmett and ended the call, throwing the device on the floor. “Ben, where is our secondary vehicle located?”

“Directly behind the enemy.”

“Instruct them to treat him as such.”

Putting the vehicle in reverse, Edward listened to Ben relay the instructions. Soon, they caught up to the other two vehicles, watching as the interloper attempted to outrun Seamus. A devilish smirk appeared on Edward’s face as Seamus rammed the side of the blacked-out SUV. In under a minute, Edward had joined him to flank the idiot. Metal screamed as they narrowed the distance between them, scraping and bumping their way down the four-lane road. When the guy in the middle sped up, they did the same, making a harmonious effort to run him into the upcoming median. Sparks flew as Seamus bottomed out over a speed bump and scraped the undercarriage, but no one slowed down. 

The cell phone rang from the floor, but was ignored. Bella’s lit up, and she raised her eyebrow at Edward. 

“Go ahead.”

The voice immediately came shouting over the speakerphone. “Don’t you fucking idiots realize I’m not alone? My air support could blow up both your SUVs in half a second. Stand the fuck down!”

Ben held his finger over his phone’s screen, ready to inform Seamus and the others of Edward’s decision. 

The three vehicles were nearly locked onto each other, making a horrendous racket as they careened down the street. The other man could possibly slam on his brakes and avoid the worst collision of his life with the light pole and two foot concrete berm five hundred feet ahead of them. As much as Edward wanted to doubt his claims, they’d seen the rocket come from what seemed to be nowhere to blow up before their eyes. With a curt nod, Edward tapped the brakes and steered away from the vehicle caught between him and his cousin. Ben typed furiously, and seconds later, Seamus came to a jarring stop. Smoke poured out from under his tires, and Edward and the others exited with their weapons drawn to approach the man they’d spoken to on the phone. He’d stopped with a mere few inches between him and the light pole to spare, his hood billowing smoke. 

He was out and aiming a handgun at Edward in seconds. Calmly, Edward remained frozen in place, his own—bigger—gun raised and his body turned to the side.

“Who the fuck are you?”

“The asshole sent to help you.”

“You have a funny way of helping.”

“Clearly, I should have sent the cavalry to your house to scare your wife and children instead.”

“His wife isn’t easily scared,” Bella said, moving up to Edward’s side with her weapon raised. 

~ooOoo~

Devil Incarnate begins posting on April 27. Be sure to put MeteorOnAMoonlessNight on alert so you don't miss out!

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

The Lemonade Stand has spent so many years bringing you the best the Twilight fandom has to offer, and we are very excited to have the chance to offer you even MORE. We've watched stories grow and develop from first post through COMPLETE, and now we're lucky enough to share previews of the stories that will soon be your new addiction.

This week, TLS is once again featuring the talented writer, MeteorOnAMoonlessNight. Her stories like The Ember Sword, Heart of Stone and Façade have often been featured on the TLS Rec List. We are so excited to share an exclusive peek of her newest one, Fallen Angel. 

banner by Belizabetty

Fallen Angel by MeteorOnAMoonlessNight

Summary: When notorious criminal mastermind Edward Cullen came back to town, Bella was blindsided by old feelings of infatuation. She knew better than to dance with the devil... but she did it anyway. 

~ ~ ~

Recently, I reread my mafia fic Façade, and I started thinking about writing something else in that genre. As all my plot bunnies do, it lingered in the back of my mind, but I tried to ignore it because I had other things going on. Then, the TFN Family Affairs Contest came up and I figured I would write something short and enter it.

Yeah, right.

I opened a doc to write a new chapter of the wip I’m working on, and the plot for this story came pouring out. I started the first chapter, and then it sort of flowed out of me over the following week. I continuously added to the plot as thoughts came to me, and I drafted the first ten chapters in six days. Thoughts kept me up at night, bugged me while I was doing other things, and I had to type out one liners all throughout the day so I wouldn't forget.

I planned to wait until my other story was complete before posting this one, but I can’t help thinking about the current state of the world. I’m going to post now so I can entertain you if you have nothing else to do. Or, if you’re busier than ever, to give you a respite during the brief moments of peace.

This fic is full of tropes. I don’t think a time is going to come that I’ll surprise you with what happens next within the pages. We all love tropes and clichés, which is why they stick around, but my hope is always that I can bring something unique and exciting to the development of the characters. The way they react to the typical storyline is where I want to hook you and make you fall in love with them. I know I’ve fallen—I can’t help it—so I invite you to join me on their journey.

~ ~ ~    ~ ~ ~

The sound of Edward clapping his gloved hands echoed as he entered the warehouse, his overcoat billowing behind him. Walking toward the man currently hanging upside down over an oil barrel caused him to smile widely. 

"Marcus, my man, so good to see you."

Marcus looked up at him, but he couldn't respond for the duct tape covering his mouth. 

"Shall we go over the rules you agreed to when you were hired to work for the Cullen Family?" He circled the drum, glancing at the viscosity of the contents. "You fuck me over, I fuck you over a hundred times worse. An dtuigeann tú?"

Jasper pushed the button on the winch to lower the dangling man, and Marcus struggled against the ropes binding him as he slowly descended. 

"You thought I wouldn't notice that you were telling the Volturis every secret we trusted you with, but obviously you're not that smart.” Edward circled, leaning down to look into his eyes. “Not only were we on to you, but you haven't heard any real information in about six months."

Jasper stopped lowering Marcus when his face was mere inches above the oil. Edward stared impassively as Marcus struggled again, eyes rolling wildly.

"Everything we fed you was a test. Every location, every meeting, every buy. And you failed that test spectacularly." Edward shook his head. "I'm not even angry with you, Marcus." He leaned in very close and spoke quietly. "I'm disappointed."

Needing to release months of pent-up frustration, Edward used his fists on Marcus. A jab to the kidney was painful, but unnecessary on a dead man. When he felt as if he'd done enough damage to satisfy his need for violence, he headed back to the car. Years of practice meant that though he broke a sweat, he walked out of the warehouse as spotless as when he arrived. The whirring sound of the boom being lowered behind him was music to his ears. 

Nobody fucked with the Cullens and got away with it. 

Jasper would seal the drum with Marcus inside and deliver it to the Volturi Family in the morning. It sent a clear message that the Cullens knew what was going on at all times. The other Families squabbled constantly over territory, but Edward wasn't interested in such trivialities. What was his was his, and he wouldn't trade, sell, or otherwise make alterations. 

He sat in the back of the limo waiting for Jasper with his phone in his hand. Picturing Bella was as easy as breathing; she remained in his mind’s eye even when he wished she’d give him peace. But he couldn't help looking through the pictures he’d taken of her while they were together. He wanted to put an end to the way he felt, to force himself to get over her. He couldn't afford an infatuation and he knew it, but there didn't seem to be an end to the gnawing in his gut. 

Jasper slammed the door when he got in the car. “He’s nice and snug for now. I’ll come back tomorrow and oversee the delivery.”

“Thanks, Jasper.”

Pulling through the lot toward the exit, Jasper glanced at Edward in the rearview mirror. “You all right, boss?”

“Of course.”

Silence descended as Jasper navigated the car through the wet streets in the direction of Edward’s house. They used it as their office more often than not, and Jasper had spent the day there working with Emmett and a few others. Not more than five minutes passed before Jasper spoke again. 

“Edward, you and I have known each other for a long-ass time. We’re friends before we’re coworkers, but more than that, we’re Family.”

With a frown, Edward asked, “What is your point?”

Jasper clenched his jaw and swung around a slow-moving vehicle. “That you’re a lying piece of shit.”

Edward stared at the back of Jasper’s blond head and contemplated coldcocking him. “What the fuck does that mean?”

“It means that something is not right, and it hasn't been since we got back from Forks.”

“So you know me, congratu-fucking-lations.”

Jasper sighed and pulled to a stop at a red light. “I’m not bullshitting here, Edward. Tell me what it is so I can take care of it. That’s my job. We don’t need your head in the clouds when we’ve got shit going down left and right. If you’re not in the game, tell me what to do to get you there.”

He couldn't answer the question of what was causing his distraction. None of them knew what went on in Forks for those five glorious days. He’d wreck Bella if given half a chance, so he wouldn't ask Jasper to bring her to him.

“Drop it, Jasper.”

“I’ll let it go for now, but I’m giving you forty-eight hours to get your head out of your ass and into the game, or I’m going digging.”

Edward came close to growling, absolutely wished he could punch Jasper in the face, but ultimately said nothing.

~ ~ ~    ~ ~ ~

You're not going to want to miss this! Be sure to put MeteorOnAMoonlessNight on alert so you can follow along with us. Fallen Angel begins posting Sunday, April 12.  

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

The Lemonade Stand has spent so many years bringing you the best the Twilight fandom has to offer, and we are very excited to have the chance to offer you even MORE. We've watched stories grow and develop from first post through COMPLETE, and now we're lucky enough to share previews of the stories that will soon be your new addiction.

This week, TLS is featuring the talented MeteorOnAMoonlessNight, author of  Heart of Stone, 1500 Acres, and Seismic Shift. She's giving us this exclusive teaser of her new fic The Ember Sword.

banner by Belizabetty Masen

The Ember Sword by MeteorOnAMoonlessNight

Summary: The Prophecy of The First Blood declares the Ember Sword shall be in the care of The True-Sworn for eternity—which is how long the clan will live if they can keep the enchanted sword out of the hands of The Forsaken. With the enemy bearing down on them, the chieftess and her daughters must prepare for the coming battle.

________________________________________

A few months ago, I had dreams several nights in a row that bugged me to turn them into fics. When I get an idea, I write down any thoughts or phrases and move on, but this one wouldn't let me go. I dreamed of an encounter between a princess and her servant—Isabella and Edward. They were in love with each other, but not allowed to be together, and she was about to head off to war.

The idea rolled around in my head for days. Why was she going to battle? Why weren’t they able to be together? If I let them be together, would it be illicit? I had the idea that Esme was the chieftess of a clan, and the women were all royalty. They called the shots, and the men followed their orders. It sort of snowballed from there; Edward and the other men are all attendants in the household. If a woman feels that a man has proven his courage, strength, and loyalty, she can choose him as her mate. It’s against the law for men to touch a woman or even say anything about how they feel, and the women can’t propose to a man unless he’s proven himself in a major way.

I pictured Celtic women first, then I pictured Xena, then they somewhat morphed into Viking shield-maidens, and now I have a conglomeration in my mind. They are protecting a magical sword that has been given to them to guard for eternity. A rogue clan is coming for the sword, and the warriors must cut them off before they get too close to their stronghold.

Edward has proven to be loyal, and he is strong and kind. But, he has never had the opportunity to show his extraordinary courage. Isabella is frustrated that she can’t ask him to marry her when nothing has come up to allow him the chance to prove himself. There are many close encounters where they each push the boundaries in desperation.

This snippet is the first part I wrote. It comes directly from my dream, following a rather scandalous moment in Isabella’s bedchamber before she had to join the others to leave for the battle.

________________________________________

Edward spotted Isabella and tried to come up with a reason to pull her aside. He hadn’t a clue what he would say, but he had to try something. He stood by the edge of the building and picked up a pebble, tossing it at her boot-clad feet and slinking into the shadows when she looked up.

“Edward?” she whispered.

He gestured for her to follow him and circled around the stables to the back of the main keep. When he stopped, he spun to face her.

“Isabella, please. I beg you not to go.”

Her eyes widened and she looked around them to ensure they were alone. “Don’t be ridiculous, Edward. This is what I was born to do. I’ve spent most of my life training for battle.”

He fisted a handful of his hair, his frustration growing as she refused to take him seriously. “You’ll die.”

She laughed. If only he knew. “We’re not having this argument again.”

Isabella started to walk off and join the others, but Edward grabbed her and spun her to face him. He crushed his mouth to hers and knew the only reason he lived through the moment was because she chose not to make him a head shorter.

Edward was desperate to make Isabella see things his way before she left. He would tell her with his body if she wouldn't listen to his words. He held her face and slanted his mouth over hers, taking what he didn't lawfully have a right to take. He moved his hands to cup the back of her neck firmly, changed angles, and for one staggering moment the kiss went hot and wild and threatening. She brought her fist up, gripping his sleeve for balance as he all but swept her feet from under her. One of them moaned long and low.

It only lasted for a few moments, but felt to be an eternity.

He didn't want to pull away, didn't want to let her go. He’d known for years she would taste like honey and feel like heaven in his arms. She could kill him for getting so close and personal. He knew the laws that were imbedded in every man’s brain from day one, but he had no choice. He had to take the chance and try to make her listen to him.

When she pushed him away, her face was flushed, lips bruised and eyes bright. Her chest heaved, and he waited for her to say the words that would end his life.

Remember to put MeteorOnAMoonlessNight on alert so you can read along with us. The Ember Sword begins posting November 14, 2019.

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

The Lemonade Stand has spent so many years bringing you the best the Twilight fandom has to offer, and we are very excited to have the chance to offer you even MORE. We've watched stories grow and develop from first post through COMPLETE, and now we're lucky enough to share previews of the stories that will soon be your new addiction.

This week, TLS is featuring the talented MeteorOnAMoonlessNight, author of 1500 Acres, Seismic Shift, and Ex Delicto. She's giving us this exclusive teaser of her new fic Heart of Stone.

banner by Belizabetty


Heart of Stone
by
MeteorOnAMoonlessNight

Summary: Struggling through tragedy and betrayal, Edward believes he’s living in a cold and loveless world with no choice but to harden his heart. He’s only living a numb half-life as his sole focus becomes revenge. If he forgets his true reason for living, is there anyone who can get through to him?

~0~0~0~

As so many of my stories do, this began with a song. Not just the song itself, but the video for the song. It broke my heart. I had goosebumps, and by the end I was crying. I knew immediately that I had to write it out, to give it a full life. But the end was devastating and I had a strong reaction over that. I could change that outcome. I could make it into something of my own and end it differently.

As I wrote the story, it evolved. It’s Edward’s story at its core, but it also became about his relationship with Emmett and their brotherly devotion. They’re only a year apart in age, and they’ve always been best friends. They’ve gladly helped each other through everything in life from school to girls to opening a business together. When Edward suffers a tragedy, Emmett is the glue holding Edward together. When Edward focuses on revenge, Emmett begins to wonder how far he would go to help his brother out.

Emmett dug through the fridge until he had the makings for sandwiches and then stood at the island counter and watched his brother.

“You gonna make it?”

Edward nodded, scrubbing his face roughly before getting up and grabbing two beers. Emmett’s eyebrows went up into his hairline as Edward sat with both of them.

“And here I thought one of those was for me.” Emmett slapped a piece of cheese onto the bread in front of him and closed the sandwich he’d made for Edward. He wasn't normally one to judge, especially not when it came to his older brother that he typically thought walked on water. Once upon a time, Edward had everything Emmett wanted: a devoted wife, a baby, a house, and a business of his own. He’d helped Emmett get a carpentry apprenticeship so he would know the ins and outs before they opened Cullen Brothers Carpentry. Emmett had never been made to feel like he was trailing along after Edward, even when that was exactly what he was doing. He would go to any limits for Edward, including mopping him up off the floor after he got piss-drunk.

He made a second sandwich and got himself a beer before setting the food on the table and joining his brother. They ate in silence, both staring out the bay window into the backyard. The sun was on its way down, painting the grass in the last golden rays of the day.

“It’s night again,” Edward commented right before swallowing the last of the first beer.

“It’s only been a little more than forty-eight hours.”

“Forty-nine hours, thirty”—he glanced at his watch—”five minutes, and a handful of seconds.” He bit down on the sandwich without actually tasting it.

“I know, Edward. I do. It doesn’t matter if it’s been thirty minutes or thirty days. It’s too long.”

There was silence between the brothers for a long time.

“I’m going to kill them.”

Emmett froze with the beer bottle halfway to his mouth. He turned his head slowly to look at Edward, who was still staring blindly out the window. A dozen thoughts flung themselves through Emmett’s head. Would he stop him? Could he blame him?

Would he help him?

He chose not to say anything as Edward twisted the cap off the second bottle of beer. They continued to eat in silence, a silence that slowly engulfed Edward like an evil entity. It crept, leisurely but steadily, from the edge of the white linoleum, toward the table and chairs, toward the pair of men that were trying to put one foot in front of the other under the enormous strain of what happened.

“I can’t keep doing this. This isn’t living,” Edward suddenly said. “You babysitting me because I can’t keep my shit together, abandoning your pregnant wife for your pathetic excuse of a brother.”

“Hey, I want to be here,” Emmett tried to interject.

But Edward was engulfed in the tidal wave of hate and revenge and loneliness until it burned in his heart. “It’s bullshit, Em!” He stood, knocking the chair into the wall and towering over his seated brother. “You need to go back to work tomorrow. Or, fuck, spend a whole day with Rose. Something other than wasting what you have on me.”

“I don’t consider it wasted!” Emmett stood as well, his voice matching the volume of Edward’s. “I know it sucks. It’s the worst thing that could have happened, and it shouldn't have happened to you. I wish I could take some of the burden off your shoulders. Don’t you see?” He put his hand on Edward’s shoulder, watched as tears brimmed over the eyes that matched their mother’s. “That’s why I’m here. I want to ease your suffering in any way I can. I’m sorry it isn’t the same as having her back.”

"I know you're trying." All his strength vanished as he collapsed back on his seat. "I'm not blaming you. I'm not trying to make it sound like you're not doing enough. You being here, Dad being with me, it's the only thing keeping me sane."

"Dude, you're not sane anymore." It was said in a light-hearted manner, but neither of them laughed.

This is easily the most angst-ridden story I’ve ever done, and I know it won’t be for everyone. I almost decided not to write it because of my doubts about anyone wanting to give it a chance, but then I realized that even if no one read it, I had to write it. I wrote it for me, but I hope others will enjoy it as well.

~0~0~0~

Be sure and put MeteorOnAMoonlessNight on alert so you can follow along with us!

TLS Special SNEAK PEEK Feature

The Lemonade Stand has spent many years bringing you the best the Twilight fandom has to offer, and we are very happy to have the chance  to offer you even MORE. We've loved watching stories grow and develop from first post through COMPLETE, and now we're excited to share  previews of the stories that will  soon be your new addiction.  

This week, TLS has the talented writer, MeteorOnAMoonlessNight, as our guest! She has written an interesting collection of stories like Jack & Crush, Ex Delicto, Perdition and more, that have been featured on the TLS Rec List a number of times. Let’s check out the Sneak Peek into her new story, Seismic Shift, coming very soon!

banner by MeteorOnAMoonlessNight

Seismic Shift
by MeteorOnAMoonlessNight

Summary: Earthquakes  so rarely occur in the Pacific Northwest that the phenomenon causes the members of the Quileute tribe to investigate. They never would have  expected to find her. She is stubborn, wild, and fiercely independent, and she willfully goes against everything they try to teach her. Especially when it comes to staying away from vampires.

How did you come up with the story?
I  came up with the idea for this story when I was looking at Twilight pictures on Tumblr that focused on the wolf pack. I came across the  quote that I used on the banner, and the words “some days I am more wolf  than woman” pretty much nailed the concept for the story. Combine that with gorgeous pictures of the Olympic National Forest, and I decided I wanted a Bella that was raised by wolves. While I was kicking around  title ideas with my beta (Sarcastic Bimbo), she came up with Seismic Shift, and I knew I had to tie in earthquakes. Bella has no recollection  of her past or how she came to be a shapeshifter; she doesn’t have Quileute blood, but she still considers them family because they have spent years raising her as their own. Her independence is reflected in  her refusal to toe the line, resulting in extreme tension between the  vampires and the werewolves. We follow her journey as she struggles to find her place in the world off the reservation, with Edward by her side. With or without the tribe’s permission.

The  result is an AU story complete with beautiful imagery, a swoon-worthy Edward, a tenacious Bella that can keep pace with him, and an impending war between vampires and werewolves. Whose side will Bella take?

_____

Excerpt from Chapter 3

"Your laugh carves its signature into my subconscious until I feel you everywhere I am.”

I  stopped; stopped laughing, or thinking, or breathing. I moved the few feet between us and stood vulnerable before him. My hand raised of it's  own volition, hesitantly touching his cheekbone. Ancient warnings  whispered in my ear of the dangers of blood drinkers, but I ignored  them.

“You won't hurt me.”

Edward stared into my eyes as he answered my statement. “I could not, or I would be hurting myself immeasurably.”

The pads of my fingers burned as they met with his skin, matching my internal temperature. I'd never felt connected  to any person before. It was a novel feeling, the way my heart pumped  faster, my senses heightened and seemed to home in on Edward.

“Where did you come up with something so beautiful to say?” I asked softly, staring into warm butterscotch.

“You,” Edward said simply. “The words come when I see you, crowding my brain.”  He caught the fingers that still brushed against his cheek and pressed  my palm to his face.

I would be consumed by the fire, and gladly. This creature made of ice would burn me alive. “Do you feel it?”

“There is a connection,” he agreed. His breath washed across my face, smelling sweetly of mint.

“Why do you think that is? We couldn't be more different if the cosmos had tried to create two opposite beings.”

Edward leaned even closer, his face inches from mine. “Perhaps the cosmos created you for me.”

The thought of that had my body vibrating. I stepped away quickly, horrified at the thought of phasing so close to him. The destruction would be devastating for the both of us.

“Did I say something wrong?” he questioned in confusion.

I held my hands in front of me to ward him off. My arms trembled, the glittering noticeable as I fought to clamp down the urge to become  completely primal. “No. No. Just give me- a minute.”

I focused on Edward as I gritted my teeth and locked my body down. His expression was one of concern, a frown wrinkling his perfect brow. When I had tamed the beast within, the shaking subsided, and I felt drained. I sank to the ground, laying my face on the bent grass, concentrating on breathing steadily as I heard him come over.

“Bella? Are you alright? What was that?” Edward's elegant fingers brushed through my hair as I recovered.

“I almost shifted in front of you,” I whispered. My eyelids slipped closed as he stroked my temple gently.

“And that would have been a tragedy, would it not?” His velvet voice was lulling me to sleep.

“Mmm hmm.” My last conscious thought was that I was a werewolf in a vulnerable position, trusting my well being to a vampire.

I  woke alone, sitting up slowly and glancing around. The clouds hovered near the ground, and it was nearing nightfall. I would be in trouble when I made it home. I stretched before starting to jog in the direction of the reservation. I had to face the music, but I wasn't looking  forward to it.

It was Sam that greeted me at the border, as though he had been watching somehow, or just pacing neurotically in hopes of running into me.

“Bella!” he called my name sharply. Sam was tall, towering over the others easily. His black hair was cut close, and it was as shiny as his coat  was when he phased. “Where have you been?” he demanded.

I walked up to him, my arms crossed in front of me. “I fell asleep in the woods.”

“You ask for danger, Bella. You invite it upon yourself, upon us all. I know you go past the boundary, or I could keep better watch. Why do you do this? Why do you make me lecture you about the dangers out there?” He paced as he spoke, and he was indeed lecturing me.

“I'm no Goldilocks, Sam, and I'm not afraid of bears. Are you?” I lifted my brow in challenge.

He stopped in front of me. “You know the only thing we have to fear is the cold ones. The same that live nearby have lived here before. We have no  proof of the safety of being off the treaty lands!”

“I know you believe it, Sam. But I don't. I've seen no reason to agree, no proof.”

“What is that stench?” he said suddenly. He leaned forward and sniffed at me, then leaped away as though he'd been burned. “You've been around one!”  he accused.

“I haven't!” I lied. “I just ventured near a place where maybe one had been. I smelled it too, so I left.”

“I don't believe you,” he snarled.

“I  don't care.” I turned away from him and headed off to my own house, my heart pounding. It took ages to finally calm down enough to sleep, but  when I did my head was filled with dreams of Edward.

I’ve been a fan of MeteorOnAMoonlessNight for a while now and continue to enjoy reading her unique story lines. She never fails to surprise me with her interesting spin on our beloved characters. Be sure to put her on alert and join us in reading Seismic Shift!

~ Nic