Out of the Pan ~ Into the Fire?
I'm on top of the world right now. Fast car under me and I'm on the way to fulfill my greatest desires. The wind felt wonderful as it whipped my already unruly hair away from my face. I had the CD player cranked up loud and I sang along.
All of a sudden something up ahead caught my eye. I immediately slammed on the breaks. Thank goodness this car was equipped with a hydraulically operated brake system. Esme would kill me if I wrapped her favorite car around a tree. I came to a stop within ten yards of hitting not a deer as I first thought, but a girl.
Talk about fast food, this was a first. But what was she doing out here in the middle of the forest. There were no houses within five miles in any direction. I put the car in park and didn't even bother to open the door; I jumped out of the car and started towards her. Before I could take more than a couple steps she catapulted herself up into my arms and wrapped her legs around my waist. A mortal man would have been thrown back and down to the ground even though she was just a slight thing.
Before I attempted to pull her off of me, a loud growl captured my attention. Neither a lion nor a bear pursued her. It was one of my kind. And no, Emmett and Jasper had not changed their minds. This one was unknown to me. We had only recently relocated here, but we knew of no other covens in the area or we would have moved on.
I pealed her away from me and not so gently put her into the car. Then I turned to face her assailant. I crouched down in an attack position and waited for his move. This could get very ugly. A normal vampire in the midst of the hunt isn't easily stopped. I had not only the girl but also myself to defend. My brothers would sure come in handy right now.
But to my surprise, he stood up straight and looked at me, but he addressed the girl. "Out of the pan and into the fire Bella, but I keep my promises. Thank you for some amazing footage." To me he said, "enjoy." He turned and ran back into the dark shadows of the forest.
I waited a few moments still crouched down, prepared for him to return with a surprise attack. I was shocked that he actually left. His thoughts revealed to me that I would see him again, and soon. I was pulled from his thoughts when I felt small hands claw at my back and grab my jacket in an attempt to pull me back.
She screamed suddenly. "Let's get out of here before he comes back."
Good idea actually. I motioned for her to move over and then once again jumped back into the driver's seat. Thank goodness I'd left the top down. I put the car into drive and smashed the accelerator to the floor. Esme would have my head if she knew how I treated her baby. But in no time we were miles away and I finally remembered I wasn't alone. The girl was crouched down on the floor as far under the dashboard as she could possibly get. She was yelling, what, I have no idea, even with my vampire hearing. The wind roaring at 160 miles an hour, the tires screaming around the curves and her screeching incoherently did not make for pleasant conversation.
My mind was going in a hundred different directions. My first concern was of the vampire I had 'rescued' this girl from. Who was he? What threat did he pose to my family and was he alone? But the more distance I put between us my thoughts and desires returned to my original plan for the evening. The smell of the sweet human blood hit my senses and threatened to take over any reasonable thoughts. I had to resist my instincts to pull her from the floor and sink my teeth into her throat.
It was comical how the evening had progressed in one way, never before had my prey literally jumped into my arms. Emmett would get a big kick out of that, and then it hit me. Only my thoughts were in my head. I couldn't get a reading on what my passenger was thinking. It must be for the fact that she was hysterical and her mind didn't function properly.
I slowed the car and turned my attention to her. Ignoring her rants I yelled to be heard over the wind. "Get up on the seat and buckle up, and please shut up. You're safe for now, but I need to concentrate on the road. If you're cold there's a blanket on the floor."
Surprisingly, she crawled up into the seat, buckled the seatbelt and even managed to keep her mouth shut.
Finally, peace and quiet. And the perfect spot for dinner was up ahead. A dirt road that I discovered shortly after we moved to Washington. It led to a beautiful meadow. It had a great view that overlooked the town and ocean. It's not the greatest road and was not often traveled if judged by its condition the last time I was on it. But if I took it slow and easy the BMW should survive.
As I slowed to almost a complete stop she turned to me and started to open her mouth. "Not yet." I said, and thankfully she folded her arms and leaned back into the seat. She started to shiver, and I repeated my earlier remark. "If you're cold," I pointed, "there's a blanket on the floor."
But just to prove that I'm a gentleman and I like my meals warm, I rolled up the windows and turned the heater on for her. The heater blowing on her feet and the blanket should bring her body temperature back up to an acceptable level for both her and I.
After fifteen or twenty minutes of slow and treacherous driving I reached the summit. I pulled off the road, drove across the meadow and parked near the edge of the cliff. Just as I hoped, we were alone. Everything was definitely going my way tonight.
The scene before us would have been even more beautiful if we had reached it fifteen minutes prior. The sun was just disappearing far into the horizon. Reds and purples reflected brightly off the ocean's surface. I turned off the motor and turned to face the girl, but she ignored me for the moment and took in the breathtaking view.
While she checked out the view. I checked her out. She was slight in her build but older than she appeared, I think. She had long brown hair that had obviously seen better days. A run through the forest and a fast drive in a convertible tended to do that. If she lived through this experience she would have a grand time trying to put a comb through it. Her facial features were somewhat hidden not only by her hair but some black substance that was smeared around her eyes and down her cheeks. I would have to reserve judgement on her looks until I could get a better look underneath the grime. But for the moment I took a deep breath and inhaled the sweet aroma of her blood.
Finally she turned and looked at me. The look in her eyes was almost adoring as if I was some kind of hero. Before I could tell her I wasn't a hero she threw herself into my arms and started to sob.
This had never happened to me before. Not even in my human days. I've not spent much time at all in the presence of young females. I was an only child, and I attended an all boys' school in Chicago. I'd never been so uncomfortable and unsure of myself in all my existence. The girls in the schools I've attended since becoming a vampire would only bother me with their lustful thoughts. None was brave enough to actually approach me.
For lack of anything else to do, I held her close and patted her back. "Hush now, everything is going to be okay. You're safe now." Where did that come from? Ugh, this is going from bad to worse.
My words didn't console her she just cried all the harder. I continued to hold her and rub her back. How long this went on I don't know. I considered pulling away from her and running away for my own sanity, for I felt something deep inside me break. I fought against whatever it was. I'm determined not to deviate from my dinner plans.
At last her sobs stopped, seemingly she had drained herself dry. Hey, that is my job. She pulled herself away from me and sat back in the seat. "Sorry." She managed to choke out.
I looked down to where her eyes were staring. Yuck, my jacket would never be the same. It looked like I'd wallowed around with a bear cub and lost the fight. Tears, dirt and the black stuff from her cheeks were now smeared all over it.
"Sorry, sorry." She repeated.
"It's fine don't worry about it. Now tell me what just happened back there." Since that was another vampire I'd taken her from; I felt the need to get the whole story out of her before I attempted to feed from her. There was no way I would be able to keep this from Carlisle now. We, as a family needed to have all the facts about this other coven and possibly move out of the area.
I looked into her expressive dark brown eyes and braced myself for another go around of endless weeping.
"I'm out of here, she can have the beamer. I'll buy Esme a new one." I thought. But before I could follow through with that thought she composed herself. I was amazed how this little slip of a girl could put such fear in my mind. A few tears and a hug and I was close to becoming mush.
She had pulled herself together pretty well and told me her story. But it was still full of holes. Holes she possibly would not be able to fill.
I had to find out if we were dealing with three vampires or just one. It's hard to imagine a vampire like James living with humans, but apparently he did so. Sounded like he treated them as a farmer who tends a cattle farm. Raising livestock for his personal use. "Tell me again about James and the others."
"What do you want to know?"
This would be so much easier if I could just read her thoughts. That was another thing that bothered me. I've never met anyone, human or vampire whose mind I was unable to read.
I had to word this carefully. "Obviously James is some kind of super human or inhuman. Do you think the others are like him?"
"Oh yes, I'm sure of it. He mentioned that it was his turn to do the killing." She stopped talking and put her head down in her hands.
I had to stop her before any hysterics started up again. I reached over for her and pulled her back into my arms. "It's okay I won't let him harm you, but I have to know everything in order to protect you." I amazed myself that the lies so easily flowed from my lips. My intentions were good, but who knew if she would yet survive this night.
"I'm sorry, you're being so kind and patient."
Ugh, that's right, pile on the compliments, they only added to the guilt I would deal with later.
She once again pulled herself from my arms and leaned back into her seat. I was surprised when I immediately had to fight off the impulse to draw her back into my arms. And not for the obvious reason, I wanted to protect her and comfort her. And yes, she felt good in my embrace so warm and soft. I was so torn and confused. Jasper would go crazy if he felt the range of emotions I was dealing with.
"What else do you need to know?"
She had answered the important question. We were dealing with three very strong vampires. But, I was curious, "The camera? What was that for?"
"Apparently they have some sort of sick competition amongst themselves…."
I couldn't help it a deep low growl rose from my belly.
She looked into my eyes and her eyes grew large with bewilderment.
"I'm sorry, continue."
"Well..." she began, "um, they record the whole scene to share with the others. I was only able to escape from him because of the film. He apparently was desperate to win their little competition. He helped me across the river and then gave me extra time in order for me to reach the road. I think he hoped that I would encounter a car on the road and that maybe someone…"
She stopped and looked at me in confusion.
"…Why did he stop? If he's something other than human, why didn't he attack us both? I know it was never his intention to let me go. Why did he leave? That doesn't make sense."
What could I tell her? That he decided another vampire would be too much of a threat. Even I didn't believe that.
"I don't know, but he did say that he keeps his promises."
"Yeah, he also said, out of the pan into the fire."
Oh, she caught that.
She gave me a confused look. "What was that supposed to mean?"
"I don't know, I really think we'll never understand the workings of his deranged mind."
We were both silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Her thoughts were still a mystery to me. I was very frustrated. My thoughts wondered back toward my original intention for this night. There is something different about this girl but I really think that I can control myself. I'm sure that I can drink from her and not kill her. The good vamp and the bad vamp were warring on my shoulders. I agree with the bad vamp. He is making very strong and valid arguments. Maybe it is her fate. The venom had begun to pool in my mouth in anticipation.
"I'm Bella Swan by the way. What's your name?"
Great we're making this personal again. I looked back at her, my breaths deeper and my eyes no doubt smoldering with need.
"Bella, my name is Edward, Edward Cullen."
"Edward, I don't know how I can thank you for everything you…"
I rudely cut her off. I'd already made up my mind. The bad vamp won the argument. "Bella, there is nothing to thank me for. Forget it." I sounded a little colder than I'd intended. I attempted to lighten my tone and continued. "Now where can I take you?"
She had a strange look on her face. Her eyes looked everywhere but at me. "I. I…" She began. "I don't know. I have no family, I know no one in town. I guess you can take me to the Police Station. I can give them my story and maybe they can find me a place to stay. I also need to get Alice and Rosalie out of there before something terrible happens to them."
"No." I nearly yelled. I had to control myself. "You can't take this story to the Police. They'll never believe you. I'll take you home with me. My parents are out of town, but my brothers and I will find a place for you."
"But, Alice and Rosalie?"
"My brothers and I will rescue Alice and Rosalie from that place." I quickly promised. "It won't be any problem. Don't worry, this is for the best. I'll take care of everything." I lied. I couldn't see past the meal I was about to partake in and was anxious to get started with it.
"Well … if you really think so. I don't want to be a burden to you."
"It's for the best. Trust me." I said emphatically. She looked up into my eyes, just what I was waiting for. It became a stare war. Hers were wide with confusion and mine dark with desire. In just moments her eyes fluttered shut and her head slumped down towards her chest.
The good vamp and the bad vamp started their arguments again.
"You don't have to do this. You can still stop."
"It's her fate."
"What will Carlisle say?"
"No one will miss her. She has no one. Even James is expecting you to kill her. You can drink all of her blood. Carlisle need never to know.
"Silence." I've made up my mind. A compromise, she owes me and I'll take my payment in blood. But I won't kill her. At least I'll try not to kill her.
I reached for her and pulled her over to me. I held her gently and stared down onto her dirty tear stained face. I brushed my hand across her soft cheek and tucked her hair behind her ear. Her head rolled to the side and I was left with the view of her creamy white throat. I could hear the beat of her heart and see the blood as it pulsed through her jugular vein. Any doubts vanished in that moment. I gently placed my cold fingers on her throat and felt the warm blood as it rushed through her vein. The monster in me smiled.
"I'm sorry." I whispered. And then I plunged my teeth into her throat.
In that moment all my good intentions were completely forgotten. Uh, I had dreamed about this and longed for it. This was the whole reason for my existence. It's what I was made for. Human blood, not the blood of animals. Euphoria, intoxication. How can I explain it? I'm a predator, a lion with no feelings of mercy for this helpless lamb. I can't stop. I shouldn't stop. It's the law of the jungle. Her life's blood was becoming my life's blood. As her warm sweet blood filled my mouth and flowed down my throat, my eyes rolled back and my plans for leaving her alive flew out the window. I've never tasted blood so sweet. The good vamp started to argue again.
"Stop, that's enough!"
"No one will miss her."
"Stop Edward!"
"Kill her Edward!"
"No. Stop!"
Stop, stop? I can't stop. I won't stop. She owes me.
Carlisle words finally came to me. "Remember who you are son. Find the will to stop."
