Siege of Yorktown - 1781

"Clear the tent," Dr. Carlisle Cullen said.

Everyone faltered.

"Now," Carlisle boomed and they complied.

"That's no fun," the bloody soldier said as he sat up on the operating table, "I can't kill them if you send them all out."

"What are you doing here?" Carlisle asked, keeping a close eye on the vampire.

"Clearly not killing anyone," Garrett said, "I guess you'll just have to do instead."

He turned, his red eyes locking on Carlisle's golden ones.

"What are you?" Garrett stood up, approaching Carlisle.

He got in his face, looking him over, scenting him, touching him, licking him.

"What are you?" Garrett asked again, taking a step back.

"I'm like you," Carlisle said. "I'm a vampire."

"I'm not a vampire," Garrett scoffed, "they're not real. I just like to kill and drink blood."

Carlisle frowned. "Where is your maker?"

"My what?"

"When did this happen?"

"I don't know," Garrett said, "I woke up surrounded by my dead comrades maybe a year back."

"What have you been doing all this time?" Carlisle asked, looking at the vampire curiously. They were similar, they both had no maker, they both had to go it alone in this life, from day one.

"I've been fighting," Garrett answered, "I'm a soldier, it's my duty. ...Why are you on the British side, that's the wrong side, do you want me to kill you? Can vampires be killed?"

"They can, it's very hard though. I work for both sides in this war," Carlisle said, "I'm originally from London, but they don't necessarily hold my allegiance. I just want to save lives."

Garrett laughed. "You save lives, I take them. Is that why you have funny looking eyes?"

"Yes. I only take in animal blood, never human."

"Animal blood? Does that taste as disgusting as it sounds? How old are you?"

"I've been a vampire for one-hundred and eighteen years."

"Fuck," Garrett hissed. He was only just over the one-year mark. This vampire was old. "So, what are we doing here?" Garrett asked. "You took my easy kill away, so I guess I'll be on my way. I won't kill you, but only because you're so old."

"Maybe we can be friends," Carlisle suggested. "I don't like that you're alone and so young."

"I can take care of myself," Garrett said, "and I ain't being your friend, I don't want to save lives or drink animal blood. Thanks for the offer, but no. I'll be on my way and we won't cross paths again."

"If that's what you want," Carlisle said, "but I would never force you to change who you are. I don't care if you drink from humans."

Garrett didn't believe him, but he was intrigued.

"I'm Garrett Garrison," Garrett introduced.

"Dr. Carlisle Cullen."

"Doctor?" Garrett scoffed. "I don't think this friendship is going to work out."

"I have a feeling it will," Carlisle smiled kindly.

Carlisle could already feel the mating pull, he assumed Garrett could too, but he was too new to know what it was, but maybe with time, things would become clearer for Garrett. Either way, Carlisle knew how special mates were, how you only got one, and he wasn't going to let Garrett go.

Forks, Washington - 2001

"Why are we back here?" Garrett groaned as he collapsed on the armchair, his legs spread apart. One was over the arm, the other was lazily on the floor.

"Because I like it here," Carlisle said, "I don't know what it is, something about the trees perhaps, but this feels like my home."

Carlisle came over and sat on Garrett's lap. Garrett was still huffing and grunted when Carlisle's weight settled, he even turned his head away from the man he loved.

"I hate small towns."

"I know you do," Carlisle said, running his hand through his mate's hair, "but I like it and it'll only be for five years. We've been together for two-hundred and twenty years now, this five will fly-by, then we can go wherever you like."

"Fine," Garrett said, "but I'm not sitting idly by again like your fucking housewife, I want to do something. You spend all your time at the hospital and I've got nothing."

"Sweetheart, you know I'd love that," Carlisle said, "but your eyes are red, you won't be able to easily explain that away."

"I'm not changing my diet, Lyle."

"I'm not asking you to, I'm just saying it will be hard for you to get a job with your red eyes."

"I can tell them they're contacts."

"They'll make you remove them," Carlisle said.

"Fine, I'll say it's a medical condition then. I read that hospital employee handbook of yours when I was bored, they can't discriminate against a medical condition. Please, Lyle, let me try."

"I don't want to have to move before our five years are up," Carlisle said, "this is my New England."

Understanding washed over Garrett. New England was his home, his special place, and Forks was Carlisle's.

"We don't tell anyone we're together then," Garrett suggested, "that way if things get fucked up, I'll just stay here in the house like your fucking housewife and no one will ever know."

Carlisle thought about it, he knew he'd do anything to keep his mate happy, especially in the town he loved most.

"Okay," Carlisle said, "we can try it. What kind of job do you think you'll get?"

"I could be a nurse," Garrett said, running his hand down Carlisle's chest, "we could hook up at work."

"Mmm," Carlisle groaned, "as much as I love the sound of that, I know you'll get me fired. You can't be quiet, sweetheart. Please choose something away from me. Find your purpose."

"I've always wondered what it'd be like to be a police officer," Garrett said, "helping people, like you do, but not saving them, just bringing criminals to justice. I don't know, it's probably stupid."

"I think that's perfect for you." Carlisle leaned forward and kissed his mate. "You'll just have to learn to control yourself if there's any bloody crime scenes."

"I may not have your restraint, Lyle, but I'm not a savage beast anymore either. I can go without killing, I can go without blood. You've taught me a lot, but I think it's time for me to teach you something new."

"Oh, really?" Carlisle asked, eyes lighting up. Garrett always had the best lessons.

Garrett stood up with his mate in his arms. "Let's go christen the shower first, then the bed, the floor, the kitchen counter… Best just to call the hospital now and tell them you can't start tomorrow."

Carlisle laughed. "I love you, sweetheart."

"If you say so," Garrett replied.

Forks Police Department - 2004

"I'm glad you've come to live with me, Bells," Charlie said, "I just want you to know that."

"Thanks, dad."

Charlie's cell rang and he answered it.

Bella never thought much of Forks. Growing up her mother had always told her how much it sucked and that was true, Bella preferred the warmer weather, but after her stays with her father, it had never been that bad. The last three years she had spent her visits with him in California though, but now she was staying for good.

Her mother had remarried and Bella was sick of overhearing their love making, amongst other things. Plus, she missed her father and she was sick of looking after her mother, that was Phil's job now. Forks may be cold and dreary, but Bella was optimistic.

"Can it wait?" Charlie asked. "…No, okay. I'll be there shortly." He disconnected the call. "That was the station," he told Bella, "we need to make a quick stop by there, then I'll take you home and show you your new truck."

"That's fine, dad, really."

They pulled up to the station and Charlie told Bella she could stay in the car, but she decided to come in.

"I won't be too long," Charlie said, "please stay away from the cells, they're probably empty, but…"

"Dad," Bella said, "I'm sixteen, I know right from wrong."

"I know that, it's just, I'm not sure Renée does." Charlie realized what he said. "Sorry, I didn't mean to say that."

"It's okay." Bella smiled. She knew her mother had been a dick to her father. She was surprised he wasn't more bitter about everything Renée had put him through.

Charlie went off and Bella looked around the station. It had been a long time since she'd been here. The last time, Charlie wasn't Chief yet, but he had been well on his way. Bella walked around the desks aimlessly, waiting for her father. A few curious eyes met hers, but she didn't engage anyone, not until she saw a pair of bright red eyes on a handsome older man. Bella's breath caught in her throat. He was rough around the edges, but beautiful nonetheless.

Garrett caught the sweetest scent and he reminded himself not to attack, he couldn't ruin this for Carlisle. They were three years into their five year stay. He was so close to freedom. Garrett looked up and saw Bella. Her long mahogany hair fell in soft waves and her warm brown eyes focused on him. He knew that look on her face well, it was how Carlisle often looked at him. She was smitten. Garrett frowned. She shouldn't be smitten, she should be fearful like all humans were around him.

"Who are you?" Garrett asked. "Is your cat stuck in a tree or something? I can't help with that. Call Barry, he has a ladder."

"I'm here with my dad," Bella said, unable to look away from his red eyes.

"Oh, where is he?" Garrett asked, scanning the station. "We're probably going to have to keep him overnight, so you best be going home now. Do you want me to escort you?"

Bella laughed and Garrett looked at her confused. He had never made a human laugh before, only Carlisle, but that was rare. No one got his humor, but Bella was definitely laughing at something.

"What?" Garrett asked cautiously.

"I think I'll be right," Bella said, "but thanks for the kind offer. Would you really walk me home if I asked?"

"Depends, what's in it for me," Garrett said.

"Isn't it your job?" Bella asked. "Protecting the community."

"Yes, but I've never seen you around before. Are you a drifter? Do you have sinister plans? If so, tell me, I won't bust you, maybe I can join you."

Bella laughed again.

"What's your name?" she asked.

"Garrett," he answered. "What's your name?"

"I don't know if you've earned that yet," Bella said. She didn't want to tell him she was Chief Swan's daughter yet, not when she was having so much fun with this officer and his red eyes. Were they contacts? She doubted it, Charlie wouldn't allow that. She wanted to ask about his eyes so badly, but she didn't want to overstep any lines.

Bella sat down across from him and read his nameplate. "So, Deputy Garrison," she said before snickering, "your name is Garrett Garrison? That is so bad."

"It's a family name," Garrett said, "you know, back in the old days when it was common to be named after your surname."

"Are you sure?" Bella asked. "I've read many history books and none of the people have similar first and last names."

"Okay," Garrett said, leaning forward, trying to lure her in, but Bella didn't move, "do you want to know the truth?" Bella nodded her head. "It's just my fucking name," he hissed, "I don't question it."

"You could change it, you know," Bella said, "it's not hard, you just have to fill out a form."

"I like my name, I don't have a problem with it, only you do, but why?" Garrett asked. "My name shouldn't affect you, we don't even know each other. What's your name?"

"Bella Swan."

"You're named after a fucking bird, a beautiful swan, and here you are questioning my name." Garrett shook his head, she had no right. "Wait," he suddenly realized, "Swan."

Garrett's eyes went from Bella to Chief Swan and back again. Bella waited for his verbal reaction.

"You have his eyes," Garrett said simply, leaning back in his chair, so he wasn't as close anymore. That explained partly why she wasn't fearful of him, Chief Swan never cared much either. Garrett knew he couldn't be messing with Chief Swan's daughter, he couldn't lose his job, he didn't want to ruin this for Carlisle.

"Come on," Bella said, leaning towards him, "don't let my father ruin our vibe."

"Our vibe?" Garrett questioned, more reserved now.

"Yes," Bella said, "we were jamming, back and forth."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"The joking," Bella said, "the words, the… flirting."

"I wasn't flirting with you," Garrett said, "you take that back right now."

"Relax," Bella said, "I won't tell my father, but you were definitely flirting with me."

"I was not," Garrett was adamant, "I was just being nice. If anything, you must have been the one flirting with me and I just didn't want to hurt your feelings."

Garrett didn't know how she had confused him so easily. He relayed their whole conversation back in his mind. He hadn't been flirting and, even if he had, Bella didn't know him well enough to assume that.

"Relax," Bella said, "it was a joke, geez, you're so uncertain. One minute you're joking around, next you're defensive. What's going on with you, Garrett Garrison? Something's up and it's not just your creepy red eyes."

Shock overtook Bella, she wasn't supposed to mention that, but it was too late to take it back now.

"What's wrong with my eyes?" Garrett asked.

"They-they're red," Bella stammered, "blood red by the looks of it."

Garrett bared his teeth to her. "Blood red, that's right," he said. Bella didn't even falter in fear. Garrett found it curious, even Chief Swan had a healthy amount of fear towards him, but not Bella.

She had already brought it up, so she decided to ask him another question. "Why are they like that? I've never seen red eyes before. Are they artificial?"

"They're real," Garrett said, "it's due to a medical condition."

"Really?" Bella asked. "What condition?"

"I don't know what it's called, but the blood vessels in my eyes are larger or have burst, I don't know, and that's why they appear to be red."

"Wouldn't that make you blind?" Bella asked.

"I don't know," Garrett snapped, "I'm not a doctor. They're just red, stop asking me so many annoying questions. Why don't you go back over to your dad, I've got work to do."

"I like it here," Bella said, leaning back and putting her feet on Garrett's desk.

"You want to lose those feet?" Garrett growled. "Or your life?" he hissed.

Bella still didn't falter in fear and Garrett didn't like it. Everyone was scared of him, why wasn't Bella?

"Please," Bella said, "you wouldn't kill me."

"I would too. I wouldn't think twice, just say the word."

"Okay," Bella smiled, eyes drilling into Garrett's, "kill me."

Garrett considered it for a second, but then he decided against it. This girl may be annoying, but he couldn't do it, not to the Chief's daughter, not to Carlisle. Maybe he could just avoid her from now on, but he found he didn't want to do that either.

Bella smirked. "I knew you wouldn't kill me."

Garrett wanted to say something, but he was at a loss. Thankfully, Chief Swan approached the pair.

"Come on, Bella," Charlie said, "let's go home."

Bella stood up. "I'll see you around, Deputy Garrison." She smiled at him.

Garrett watched her go, wondering one thing, who the fuck was Bella Swan?

Forks General Hospital - 2004

"Dad, please," Bella said, holding the small towel to her forehead, "it's just a small cut, I don't need to go to the hospital."

"Bella, I know head wounds," Charlie said, not looking directly at his daughter, "it's better to get them checked out. Please, this is your first day back, I need to do everything right, I won't give your mother a reason to take you away from me."

"Dad," Bella sighed, "this was my choice, mom had no say in it. Nothing she says will make me go back, I want to be here, okay, but I don't need to go to the hospital."

"Please," Charlie said, "just this one time. I'll make sure Dr. Cullen sees you and only him. He's really good at what he does. Please, Bells."

"Okay," Bella accepted, "but I need to be moments away from death next time we go. I'm clumsy, that's just me. I'm going to get injured daily and I don't need to go to the hospital every time."

Charlie grumbled his acceptance. He just wanted his daughter to be safe.

He drove her over to Forks General and Bella was antsy the whole way. She didn't like hospitals. The doctors were always old, stiff, and telling her to be less clumsy. It was stupid, how was she supposed to be less clumsy? It was impossible.

Charlie led Bella into the small hospital, keeping ahead of her at all times so he didn't have to see the blood, he hated blood, much like his daughter did, but over her seventeen years she had gotten better at dealing with it. Charlie asked for Dr. Cullen and the nurse turned her nose up at that but agreed to go get him. Bella and Charlie were told to wait in room three.

Charlie paused by the door. "Umm, Bella," he said, "do you mind if I wait out here. I can be there, if you need, but…"

"It's fine, dad," Bella said, "go get something to eat and drink, I'll find you when I'm done."

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"I'm not a kid, dad, I'll be fine."

Charlie nodded and left. Bella sat down on the bed and carefully pulled the towel away from her forehead. It stuck to her skin and she hissed as she ripped it away. The blood flowed immediately and she was about to put the towel back on it when the most handsomest man she'd ever seen stepped into the room. This guy had neatly styled blond hair, golden eyes, and flawless skin. He instantly reminded Bella of another guy with flawless skin, Garrett Garrison.

"I'm Dr. Carlisle Cullen," Carlisle said as he secretly took a deep breath, letting Bella's scent and blood flood his system. It was the sweetest thing he'd ever smelled. It made his mouth water, but there was no desire to taste her. He couldn't, not here, not her. She was too young, he had never tried human blood before, he needed to stem the bleeding.

The cut was deep, so he grabbed some gauze and held it against her head to stop the flow and dim some of the scent.

"Miss Swan," Carlisle said, "I ran into Charlie and he told me you tripped up the stairs and hit your head."

Bella tinted pink. Not only was the story embarrassing, but this guy was hot, he made her feel things she'd never felt before. She had never had a boyfriend, never really had those feelings, but she was having them now.

"Umm, yeah, that's right," Bella said lamely. "It's just a small cut, I'm sure it's fine."

"You need stitches," Carlisle informed her.

Bella frowned. Stitches meant she would have to come back to the hospital and she didn't want that, but as she stared into Carlisle's curiously colored eyes, she thought maybe it wasn't the worst thing.

"How do you have gold eyes?" Bella asked, wondering why this was the second time today she was questioning someone's eye color.

Carlisle laughed lightly. "How hard did you hit your head, Isabella?"

"It's Bella."

Carlisle just smiled kindly. He liked her full name, so that's what he would use.

"Umm, hard," Bella said, "but my vision's fine and I've never seen gold eyes before."

She noted that, unlike Garrett's red eyes, the gold looked good on Carlisle, not evil and wrong like Garrett's, just a different kind of normal, they were unusual.

"It's because of my diet, I believe," Carlisle said.

His diet? That made no sense. Maybe Bella did hit her head harder than she thought.

"Can you hold this for a moment while I get all the supplies ready?" Carlisle asked.

Bella just stared at him for a moment. His voice was so soft, musical even, his smile was sucking her in, everything was affecting her. He was something else.

"Isabella?" Carlisle questioned.

"Umm, yeah, I can hold it." Bella put her hand over the top of his and they both paused for a moment. His hand was ice cold, Bella noted, but that wasn't what made her pause. She swore she could feel something.

Carlisle had felt something too, he felt as though his long dead heart just beat once. He pulled his hand out from under hers and stepped away. He wondered what that was. Garrett had never made him feel that way, maybe it was because Bella was human, but she was only sixteen. Carlisle shook his thoughts aside, it was just a coincidence, nothing more.

He stayed silent as he grabbed the supplies. Then he sat on a chair in front of Bella and carefully pulled the gauze away, making sure not to touch her again. Bella's hand fell onto her lap as her eyes locked on Carlisle's. He was concentrating hard as he cleaned the area.

Stitches usually freaked Bella out, but Carlisle was so gentle and worked quicker than she expected. Before she knew it, he had tied off the last stitch and had wheeled away on the chair to dispose of his gloves.

"I think I might cover it with a waterproof bandage," Carlisle said, "just to be safe. Here." He handed Bella a mirror.

Just above her left eyebrow was a long cut, longer than she thought it was, but Dr. Cullen had stitched it up expertly, the skin seemed as though it matched back perfectly. She knew she'd have to wait and see, but it looked like it would barely scar. Carlisle took the mirror back and put a rectangular bandage over the cut.

"There you go," he said, lingering close by. When he had put the bandage on, even though he hadn't touched her skin, it had been nice being so close to her. She had a calming presence about her.

Carlisle stepped away, not liking the feelings this girl was stirring inside of him.

"No need to change the bandage unless it gets damaged or dirty," Carlisle informed her, "just come back in a week and I'll remove the stitches for you."

Bella nodded. "Thank you, Dr. Cullen."

Carlisle returned her smile and quickly left the room.

Bella felt the need to pout. Her interaction with Carlisle had been nothing like her interaction with Garrett. She hadn't felt this attracted to Garrett, she thought he looked good, dangerous even, but Carlisle was the complete opposite, hot and so sweet. And what was up with their eyes? Red and gold, how could two people in the one small town have weird eye colors? Bella wasn't sure, but she was determined to find out.