In the Cafeteria
As Lucas's maroon eyes met Rosalie's molten amber gaze, the world seemed to stop for a movement for them and then a jolt—like electricity—shot through them both, leaving an unshakable truth ringing in their minds: this person is important… irreplaceable.
"Congratulations, Rosalie. You and Lucas just formed a mate bond," Lisa said softly, a knowing smile on her lips.
And how did she know? Lisa possessed a rare gift—she could see mate bond lines, glowing and unbreakable.
Rosalie didn't answer. She simply nodded, her attention never leaving Lucas. A faint smile curved her lips—just enough to send shockwaves through the cafeteria. The icy queen of Forks High, the girl who rarely showed any emotion, was smiling. And it wasn't for anyone else… it was for the new boy.
Breaking from his own daze, Lucas raised a hand in a casual wave. "Hello."
Rosalie's smile widened into something radiant—uncharacteristically warm—as she waved back. "Hello," she replied, her voice carrying a softness no one had heard from her before.
After the greeting, Lucas ordered a cup of tea and found an empty table—strategically placed so he could glance her way without being too obvious.
"So… I have a mate bond. And it's with Rosalie." The thought lingered in his mind as he cast subtle glances at the Cullen table—Lisa and Emmett, Jasper and Alice, and Edward all watching him in return.
"He really is handsome… even with his forehead and his hair hidden," Lisa murmured, eyes on him.
"Yeah, he really is," Emmett agreed with an approving nod.
"I love his earrings—they're so unique," Alice added with a playful smile to which Jasper simply nodded in agreement.
"I can't read his mind," Edward said flatly, his eyes narrowing.
"Well, well… at least someone gets to keep their privacy," Rosalie replied, her tone flat as before. She rose from her seat, her eyes never once leaving Lucas.
The movement drew attention from the entire cafeteria. Lucas, sipping his tea, noticed her approaching. Whispers and stares followed her every step.
Jessica's jaw clenched, jealousy flashing across her face. Angela exchanged a quick look with her, sharing the same bitter expression. Most of the girls—and some boys—looked on with thinly veiled envy.
The Cullens, however, were smiling knowingly.
Bella, on the other hand, raised her eyebrows in surprise. A storm of thoughts crossed her mind, which Edward clearly picked up on—judging by her expression, making him annoyed and irritating. Emmett and Jasper chuckled under their breath at Edward's irritation.
Now standing in front of Lucas, Rosalie let her eyes lock with his. "Can I sit here?" she asked, her tone warm for him yet laced with a silent, possessive message to the entire cafeteria: He's mine.
"Yeah… sure, you can," Lucas replied with a small smile, though his mind was spinning with thousands of thoughts.
She sat beside him—close, but not too close—her presence radiating quiet intensity. "My name is Rosalie Hale," she said, her voice soft and rich with unspoken emotion.
"Lucas… Lucas Brightsun," he replied, listening to her melodious voice while meeting her gaze head-on.