Twilight The Stranger's Gaze

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The car slid quickly through the dark streets of Port Angeles, the lights of the shops turning off one by one as if the city itself wanted to fall asleep early. Nate had a deep frown on his face, one hand firmly on the wheel, while Alice stared out the window, uneasy.

"How soon will something happen to her?" Nate asked, eyes still fixed on the road.

Alice took a second to respond. "I'm not sure… but I don't think it'll take long."

She pointed for him to take a side street. "The library's that way, a little further ahead."

Nate turned the wheel. Even though it was late, there were still a few people out, but the atmosphere had shifted. The area was quieter and more deserted, and the streetlights barely lit the alleys. Nate didn't like places like this.

They drove a couple more blocks until Alice raised her voice, pointing toward a particularly dark area.

"There!"

Nate slammed on the brakes. Bella was walking quickly down the opposite sidewalk, constantly looking over her shoulder. Less than twenty steps behind her, four men were following. They walked fast, picking up their pace once they realized she had seen them. One of them whistled. Another laughed.

Nate didn't hesitate. He cut the engine immediately.

They both got out of the car. Bella's steps grew more frantic, and when she saw Nate, her eyes widened in relief. She ran toward him.

"Nate!"

The men saw her reaction and also began to run after her. But Nate was already moving toward them, cutting them off. Alice, composed as ever, went around Bella and took her by the arm.

"Come with me. To the car."

Bella obeyed without protest, visibly shaken. Alice cast one last glance at Nate.

"They're not worth it. Let's go."

But he didn't respond. His gaze was fixed on the four men who had now stopped in front of him. He studied their posture, their weight, their intent. The biggest one was broad-shouldered, almost as tall as Nate, with a clenched jaw and narrowed eyes. He was analyzing, deciding if he'd have to fight or if a shove would do. The other three, shorter but full of cocky bravado, moved with confidence. One of them laughed.

"Whoa, calm down big guy, we just wanted to talk to your friend… Not fair that you already have one and now you're coming for ours."

Nate said nothing. The silence around him was thick, like a taut rope ready to snap. He took one step toward them, fists still down.

"Leave."

His voice was low, and controlled but full of a tension that seemed to vibrate from deep in his chest. The four men paused for just a second. One, the youngest, stepped half a pace back. Another looked nervously at the big one—the leader—who only raised an eyebrow before sneering, arms crossed.

Nate didn't insist. He simply turned calmly, ready to walk back to the car. In his mind, he'd already decided not to waste more time.

But the leader didn't let him go. He placed a heavy hand on Nate's shoulder.

"Hey, hey... Don't be like that. At least leave us the little girl with the weird eyes..."

The touch was enough. Nate spun cleanly on his heel, and with the momentum from his hips, delivered a right hook that exploded against the man's jaw like a hammer.

The man staggered to the side, reeling, but two of the others were already charging at him. Nate took a step back, eyes blazing, fists raised. He was ready.

One came in with a sloppy punch. Nate ducked and countered with a hook to the stomach. The guy doubled over with a grunt and took an uppercut to the chin that dropped him instantly.

The next one tried to attack him from behind, but Nate spun sharply, using the turn to drive a cross into the man's cheekbone, knocking him down on the spot.

Two on the ground.

Nate focused on the one who hadn't moved, and took a step forward—but the leader, now back on his feet, took advantage of the distraction and grabbed him with both arms, trying to restrain him.

"Slice this bastard up!" he shouted furiously.

The fourth man—the one who had hesitated earlier—pulled a knife from his pocket. Nate struggled, but the grip was strong. There was no time for technique.

With a sharp breath, Nate threw his head back with force, hitting the man behind him hard enough to loosen the grip. He spun his arm, and with an elbow strike, hit the leader square in the cheek. He felt the crack of bone, heard a muffled groan… and then the weight of the body collapsing unconscious.

Luckily, the spin was well-timed—though not perfect. The last man's blade grazed his arm, slicing through the sleeve and leaving a burning red line.

The final attacker stood frozen, eyes wide, knife trembling in his hand, staring at his unconscious companions. Nate raised his fists again, analyzing his stance, waiting for the next move. He was already calculating how to disarm him without getting stabbed.

But then, a gust of air made him blink.

Alice appeared behind the man in a whisper. She extended her arm with elegant precision and struck him on the back of the head with an open palm.

The man collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut.

Nate lowered his arms, panting, blood still trickling from the cut. He blinked, confused.

"Alice... Why did you inter—?"

But when he looked at her, he understood.

She was frozen, eyes wide. Her gaze was fixed on the ground… or more accurately, on the blood. His blood. The golden hue of her eyes trembled, shifting to a dark amber. Her jaw was tight. The air around her had grown heavier.

"Go…" she murmured as if struggling to hold something back. "Take Bella. Now."

"Alice?" Bella called from the car door.

Then, a sound. A car.

The silver Volvo appeared on the street, tires screeching as it turned sharply. It stopped right in front of them, and Edward stepped out immediately, covering his nose and mouth with one hand.

He went straight to Alice, saying nothing. He gently took her by the shoulders, keeping his focus, and began guiding her to the passenger seat.

Before getting in, Edward looked up at Nate. Their eyes met for a second. Then he turned his gaze to Bella. Nate saw the flood of emotions cross his face—rage, relief, and finally, regret.

Without wasting another moment, Edward got into the car and sped off with Alice.

Nate exhaled slowly. The pain in his arm was beginning to set in. The blood was still dripping.