A/N: Sorry about the long wait. The chapter was nineteen pages and growing before I could stop it.
My thanks to my Hollywood beta and Sisterglitch who knew how to say "enough".
Sisterglitch took time out from her excellent story, "Trespass", to help keep me afloat. Her story has totally different concepts that blew me away. It is not your ordinary Twilight fic. It also has a lot of conflict and angst. Don't miss it!
OK, I digress.
Disclaimers: I own nothing!
Chapter 13
He rode Nosferatu across the expansive greenery, taking in the massive Magnolia trees and the blossoms providing additional colors to the landscape. It was a bitter irony, he thought, that such a heavenly appearing place could be such a hell. The sky, although dark and cloudy, still reminded him of the freedom he craved from his ongoing misery. With the wind whipping through his hair and his gaze upon the sky, he felt like he was flying, free as a bird. It had been profoundly lonely in his imprisonment, for he was no longer allowed beyond the ranches' borders. Even if he could not speak to anyone, it had helped to be amongst people. His only companion, his salvation was his horse, and he spent as much time with him as possible, short of sleeping in the barn with him.
It had been a week since his suicide attempt. He had awakened, weak and disoriented, to Jasper at his side and was told if he attempted a stunt like that again, his precious Carlisle would suffer for it. It was a few days later when he was summoned to the side of the barn, and Jasper brought the horse out to him.
Nosferatu was a beautiful, black stallion, and he was taken with the horse immediately. He thanked Jasper only out of good manners, in the graciousness of his mother's memory. As much as he loved Jasper's gift, it could never make up for all that he had endured at the hands of the laconic fiend, he thought to himself.
Memories continued to bombard him as he galloped faster as if to outrun them. He was ashamed of his suicide attempt. It was not a soldier's way out, for he still thought about the abandoned profession, but it had not been premeditated. It was a visceral reaction to Stanley's murder. Jasper had taken everything away from him – his freedom, his parents, and his future with Carlisle. The jealous tyrant had then refused him any kindness from any other living soul. It was his own fault Stanley and Mildred were dead, Edward thought, for being weak and selfish enough to seek the help and comfort they provided.
He began to think how strangely Jasper had been acting towards him. The other vampires were no longer allowed near him. Jasper was now his only dinner companion, and it had become even more difficult to swallow food during the meal. Although it had always been uncomfortable, he had learned to expect his lewd comments and lascivious stares, and there had been times before he found himself across the table after Peter and Charlotte were sent out of the room, he thought as he shook his head to attempt to dislodge the image.
But the looks that Jasper gave him had gotten more disconcerting. They were of more longing and desire rather than lust. Jasper would sometimes touch his hair or cheek or brush his hand. And the biggest change was that Jasper had not been visiting him at night. He knew he should feel relief, but this only brought more fear and trepidation. He hoped the vampire had gotten tired of him. But he did not think that was the case because Alice had become even more vicious in her interactions with him. He was sure she would be skipping into this room with a smile on her face if his demise was imminent.
And then there was Nosferatu. He knew Jasper sensed his loneliness, for he had guessed his captor had a gift for empathy. Carlisle had briefly touched upon gifted vampires with the vampire history he had related. Even so, it was out of Jasper's character to care about Edward's feelings. He wondered if most of the vampires were like Jasper. Was Carlisle that much of a rarity in valuing human life?
Edward worried about Carlisle finding him. He missed him terribly and wanted to see him again, but he feared what Jasper would do to Carlisle. And if he were honest with himself, he also feared his rejection. He did not feel he was the same man Carlisle had fallen in love with. Or perhaps Carlisle was not even looking for him. Maybe the vampire had forgotten all about him.
Lightning flashed across the sky, soon followed by loud thunderclaps. The large rain drops started to pelt him and turned rapidly to little rivulets that ran off the brim of his cowboy hat. He knew he had to go back, but he wanted to taste the little semblance of independence for just a moment longer, even if it was in the middle of a thunderstorm.
"Come on, Nosferatu," he said after the animal neighed and whinnied after the last thunderclap. "Let's go just a little bit further. I promise to get you back safely. I'll even give you a sugar cube." Edward smiled as the animal nodded his head as if excited and continued his pace.
He raced to the end of the known property line. It was now spring in Texas. The ranch had plenty of Magnolia and other trees, various budding plants, and a small creek. Texas was not as dry and dusty as he had seen in the picture shows back home in Chicago. The landscape was lush and beautiful. But he still missed home.
Ignoring the rain soaking his clothes, he stopped for a moment to gaze across the creek that was now swelled and swirling. The rumbling thunder and flashing lightning did not frighten him. He had been enduring far worse. He stared at his surroundings a few moments more. The rainstorm had become more violent, and it had become difficult to see clearly. He started to turn his horse around when he unexpectedly heard his name.
This day brought them to the fourth ranch within twenty-mile radius of the town and the most remote. The rain had started to fall before they could pick up any sort of scent. They would have to investigate closer to the structure, which was dangerous but necessary. Eleazar advised Carlisle to wait until the thunderstorm ceased, to no avail. They proceeded with caution, listening intently for any abnormal sounds. It was still a long shot, but Carlisle would leave no stone unturned.
"I cannot stop now. I feel that we are close, and the longer we wait, the chances are he will be moved again."
Eleazar could not deny this reasoning, and he too wanted the search to be over, sooner than later, but he would proceed with caution.
Eleazar glanced at his friend as they ran to the ranch. There was a palpable difference in was a renewed energy about him. Carlisle was almost vibrating with anticipation, as if he could almost feel Edward in his arms. Eleazar prayed that there would be no more disappointments.
They had no sooner gotten near the border of the property when they saw a figure on a horse across a creek. The pouring rain had masked his scent. But there was no mistaking his features. It was him.
They raced towards him. Carlisle called out his name a few times before the figure looked in their direction. Carlisle stood still for several seconds, to become visible to the human eye, and then he saw his whole reason for being swiftly gallop towards them.
After all the searching and time, the only thing now separating them was a creek that was dangerously high and turbulent. Edward was impatiently trying to cross it on his horse even though Carlisle and Eleazar called to him to remain on the shore. More than likely he could not hear them due to the distance and the sounds of the storm.
Edward finally realized the danger and tried to return to the embankment, but he was dismounted from his horse as a result of the forceful undercurrents.
"Edward!"
Carlisle was frantic with fear as he jumped into the water to swim to Edward. He watched Edward trying to reach his horse and then go under twice as he was pulled down the stream. There was no way he could lose him now when he was so close. He managed to grab Edward before he was pulled into the rapids.
"Nosferatu!" Edward screamed between coughing out water.
Carlisle ignored Edward's struggling efforts to swim to his horse and pulled him over to the embankment. The rain was still pouring in blinding sheets as thunder and lightning continued its battle in the sky.
"Edward!" Carlisle shouted, smoothing away the wet hair from his face. "Are you all right?"
Edward coughed a few more times." Carlisle," he said tenderly in a disbelieving voice.
Edward looked at Carlisle as if he was awakening from a dream. He could not believe that Carlisle was actually holding him. His heart would surely break if he found he was only sleeping or imagining what he prayed to see for so long.
"Yes, Edward. I'm here. I have you now. It's all over."
Edward grabbed onto Carlisle and hugged him as tightly as possible, as if he was trying to attach himself permanently. If it was not for the rain, tears would have clearly shown on their faces.
Eleazar watched the two, happy to see Carlisle's prayers held Edward in his arms, emotions ineffable. The search was over and there was much to be said, but it was not the time.
"Come on, you two, we have to get out of here," Eleazar finally said, hating to break up the reunion.
Edward noticed Eleazar for the first time and shrunk back into Carlisle's arms.
"Do not be afraid, Edward. He is a friend. He will not harm you." Edward glanced at Carlisle once more for confirmation and then looked at Eleazar." He noticed the dark-haired vampire did not appear to be menacing.
"Eleazar, this is Edward."
"I wish we could have met under better circumstances, Edward. I have heard so much about you. It is nice to meet you, but we must be on our way."
Edward nodded to him but then tried to struggle out of Carlisle's arms. "My horse!" He said piteously.
"I'm sorry, Edward we do not have time to look for him. Come, I will buy you all the horses you could ever want," Carlisle said anxiously.
"No, Carlisle. I can't leave him. I have to find him. Please." Edward pleaded.
"We do not have time, my friend," Eleazar stated urgently, looking at Carlisle.
"Then leave me here, because I won't leave without him," Edward said defiantly. He had dreamed of seeing Carlisle for so long, but he could not sacrifice Nosferatu for his own happiness, although it broke his heart to send Carlisle away.
Carlisle still held on to Edward, he could not let go of him even if he tried. The situation was dire, but even so, he could deny the boy nothing.
"It's alright, Edward. We will look for him," Carlisle said without hesitation.
Eleazar again conceded. His friend had been solitary too long and had also been through too much pain. He would help deal with the consequences whatever they may be. They searched for no more than a few minutes when Eleazar spotted the stallion on the other side of the creek. If he had not known better, he would have said the horse had been searching for Edward. He had been prancing back and forth near the creek as if trying to find a way to cross. Edward sighed with relief but then became apprehensive again, fearing for his horse's wellbeing if he were left behind. He could not chance the horse venturing the creek again. He was in a dilemma to as what to do next.
"Edward, wait here with Eleazar," Carlisle said as he reluctantly let go of Edward.
He dived into the creek and swam across to the waiting horse. Carlisle climbed out of the water and approached the skittish horse slowly. He grabbed the reins and guided him to the creek. Once into the water, he wrapped his arm around the neck of Nosferatu and swam against the currents to the other side. Edward was happy to see his horse and Carlisle arrive safely across. He hugged his horse and climbed on, riding as Carlisle and Eleazar ran by his side as they raced as fast as they could from the ranch.
They stopped when they got to an open prairie. Carlisle took off Nosferatu's saddle and Edward reluctantly said his goodbyes, hugging and patting his friend one last time. Edward watched him for a moment as they released him before they continued on their journey. He would miss him, but Nosferatu was free to continue his life as he had before, and hopefully he, himself, would be able to do the same. He was still somewhat dazed having difficulty believing that he was now free from his torment, but he also wondered if Carlisle would still love him if he knew what Jasper had done.
Carlisle and Eleazar had already made plans to leave Texas by train. Carlisle had Edward climb on his back and they ran to a cream colored McFarland Touring car stashed a few miles away. Edward had little time to admire the vehicle before they climbed in and quickly drove off. Edward and Carlisle sat in the back, drying off the best they could as Eleazar navigated the wet streets effortlessly. Carlisle could not believe that Edward was in his arms once again. He had a strong urge to examine him all over, to make sure that he was unhurt. He was concerned about what damage could have been done to him. But he could see that Edward was very fragile at the moment and just holding him would be the best medicine.
Keeping a lookout for anyone following them, they raced to the trainstationwith moments to spare. They bought the tickets and boarded the train, carrying a few bags with them. Eleazar had to remind Carlisle to let go of Edward's hand and to stop touching him in public. This did not stop Carlisle from keeping his eyes on Edward the entire time. The same went for Edward, who was initially afraid to lose physical contact with Carlisle. Eleazar was rather pleased that the search was over, but it was now a matter of seeking some asylum that would keep both Carlisle and Edward safe.
They made it to their quarters with Carlisle and Edward taking a room separate from Eleazar. Carlisle immediately held Edward in his arms and separated only long enough for both of them to change into dry clothes he had in his bag. He had gone too long without him and was afraid that Edward would disappear if he was not holding him in his arms. For Edward, the fear was the same, but he would not allow Carlisle in the room with him when he was changing. Carlisle understood that he might feel some modesty and shame after what he had been through and managed to quell his anger and disappointment.
Surreptitiously examining Edward, he noticed he was much slimmer, and he was paler than before with dark circles under his eyes. He was also different in another way; Edward never looked at him in the eye and kept his head down. Carlisle, sensing the reason for his discomfort, only held him tighter and murmured sweetly against his hair as he stroked his back.
Carlisle was then surprised when, finally, Edward pulled back and looked up at him with a painful, but hopeful, expression.
"My father?"
"I'm sorry, Edward. I did all I could. He did not suffer. He never regained consciousness and died the next day."
Edward knew his father had been deathly ill, but it still came as a heavy blow to his heart. The tears slowly ran unchecked down his face.
"And my mother? Who is taking care of her? I should have been there for her."
Carlisle reached out to him and tried to take him in his arms again, but Edward pulled away from him shaking his head.
"No, nooo!" He knew just looking into Carlisle's eyes.
He turned away with his head in his hands and sobbed with hysterical, gut wrenching sounds, not caring if the whole train heard him. It was all just too much for him to bear any longer.
"Please, let me hold you. Your pain is my pain, my love," Carlisle said as he tentatively touched Edward's trembling shoulders. Edward crumpled into his arms, clawing his shirt pressing his face into his chest with loud choking sobs. Carlisle felt his heart breaking, each distressing sound a strike to his heart. He thought he would gladly burn in Hell to see Jasper suffer half as much.
He finally got Edward to sleep, laying him down and wrapping his arms around him. Again he felt useless. He had not prevented the pain that Edward was going through. He did not save Edward's parents nor had he prevented Edward from being taken and brutalized - for he was sure of that - by that vampire. Maybe Edward hated him now. He could not blame him. Perhaps he would want nothing to do with any vampire now.
He prayed that he provided comfort for him while he slept. His face looked so tense, even in sleep, and Carlisle tenderly stroked his face trying to relax the creases on his forehead. It was some time before Edward slept peacefully with his face appearing angelic and innocent. Carlisle's heart caught in his throat. Edward was breathtaking before, but now his beauty was so transcendent it was luminescent. His skin, although paler than before, was porcelain smooth, his lips, fuller and darker, and even his movements were more graceful. Carlisle had been aware of how people on the train stared at them in passing, on the way to their sleeping quarters, and he had suppressed growls the entire time.
Without realizing it, he found himself placing small kisses on Edward's face, wishing he could taste his lips once more. It had been so long since he had held him. He felt as if he had been holding his breath the whole time they were apart and only now could he breathe. He knew that his life depended on Edward and how he survived those long months without him were unfathomable. He only prayed Edward still felt about him as he had before he was taken.
Thinking about the kidnapping again, he began to growl, his anger and, now, jealousy coming back to the surface. He needed to know exactly what had gone on while they were apart. Edward appeared reluctant to talk about it and he knew he needed to give him time, but instinctually it was driving him mad. Could Edward feel something for this other vampire now? He sniffed Edward's lustrous hair; it was thicker, with more highlights than it had been before. Edward's delectable aroma was still there but underlying it was someone else's – that vampire. He began to imagine Edward in someone else's arms and he literally saw red. Mine! His incisors started to extend and he felt the venom pool in his mouth as he moved closer to Edward's neck, reaching to pull down his shirt collar.
"No…don't!" Edward started stirring in his sleep. "Please…don't."
Carlisle immediately came back to his senses and gently tried to shake Edward awake.
"Shhhh, my love. It is alright. No one is going to hurt you." He sat up and placed Edward across his lap.
Edward started thrashing wildly, eyes open, with a frantic look upon his face, evidently locked in his nightmare.
"My love, wake up. It is only a nightmare. I'm here, Edward. I won't let anyone hurt you."
He held Edward close to him and softly rocked him back and forth, hearing his accelerated heartbeat eventually slow down. Edward awoke with his eyes fixed and frantic. He appeared to be still in the throes of his dream for a while before his mind and body relaxed back into reality and he was able to focus.
"Carlisle," Edward said as he looked into his eyes for the first time since they had found each other again. Carlisle wiped his tears away with his thumbs.
"I dreamt… he killed you, Carlisle. Just like all the others."
"No, my love, I'm still here. I'm alright. There is no need for you to worry."
"You don't know this vampire, Carlisle…"
"Carlisle, Edward, we must go!" Eleazar was suddenly entering their room.
Carlisle looked at him and sensed the other vampires Eleazar look was telling him. Edward shivered in his arms and body stiffened, his heart racing. Eleazar noticed Edward's reaction and gave Carlisle another look.
"Carlisle, we have to get off this train. We have to travel to another car and dismount as quickly as possible. We do not have time to wait until the next stop."
"He's here isn't he? Tell me," the boy whispered.
"Yes, Edward, but do not worry. We will get you to safety,' Carlisle said as he stood them both up from the bed.
"How did he find us so quickly?" Edward asked slightly trembling.
Eleazar turned to leave the room and spoke over his shoulder.
"There is no time to discuss that right now."
Edward and Carlisle grabbed a few belongings and followed Eleazar through a couple train cars trying to stay ahead of the vampires following them. They were safe because of the passengers. There were too many of them as witnesses if the vampires were to attempt to attack them, but that would only work for so long. They could not stay on the train indefinitely.
Carlisle wanted to stop and face the vampire who had taken his mate, but he also feared jeopardizing Edward's life. He wanted him safe, foremost, so they would have to flee.
The vampires were too close. The train was now at full speed. Eleazar sensed the vampires again, but it was stronger this time. One of the vampires following them was attempting to use his gift. They had no choice; they had to dismount the train as quickly as possible. They quickly walked to the nearest exit and opened the door.
Carlisle looked at the trees whipping by as the train sped past them at 40 to 50 miles an hour. Fearing for Edward's safety, he hesitated.
"Carlisle, we have to jump. We have no choice. The vampire's gift… "Eleazar said urgently, "I know who it is."
Carlisle had Edward wrap his legs around his waist and then he and Eleazar jumped almost simultaneously. They both landed on agilely on their feet with Carlisle protecting his precious cargo as he did so.
Edward stayed on his back as they ran as quickly as possible into the forest, but Eleazar believed it would not be long before the other vampires caught up with them. They would have to face them. But for now, Edward needed rest. He and Carlisle could both see the strain Edward was experiencing.
Once they had reached the next town, they broke into a store and took supplies, leaving enough money to cover the expense and then left for the wilderness heading north. They stopped and sat up a tent in the middle of a forest. Carlisle built a fire and they sat around it as they strategized their next move.
Sitting with his head leaning on Carlisle's shoulder, the older vampire's arms around him, Edward felt safe and secure. He wanted to feel that way for as long as he could. Edward thought of how he had tried to escape from Jasper before, and it had never ended well. It terrified him that Carlisle was at risk this time, and he could not take that chance. It had all been a foolish dream. He had to go back. He sat up and spoke to Eleazar.
"Eleazar, you know who it is? You know Jasper?"
Eleazar nodded his head. "Yes, I have met him."
"Then you know how dangerous he is. He won't stop and there are three others with him."
He looked at Carlisle and took a deep breath.
"I saw him…He was on top of the train staring at me before we jumped." Edward said thinking of the sneering glare Jasper gave him.
"This is another game for him, Carlisle. He's never going to let me go, and he could hurt you and Eleazar. He has threatened to hurt you before. You think that I could live with myself if that were to occur? I must go back to him before he finds us."
"No, Edward, I'm not letting you go." Carlisle snarled angrily, looking at him as if he had suddenly gone mad.
"Carlisle," Eleazar said. "This vampire, Jasper, was one of the vampires from the Southern Territorial Wars. He was saved from destruction because of his gift. Even Aro, although he would not admit it, was in fear of him. He has won many battles and has the scars to prove it, but his gift makes him even more formidable. I thought I recognized his scent, but I did not know for sure until I felt his gift."
"I won't let him take you again," Carlisle said agitated." Again, I won't jeopardize your life either. Leave if you must, but he is my mate. What would you have me do? What would you do if it was Carmen?"
"Don't I have a say in this?" Edward asked." What good could you do if you are dead? I would not jeopardize you either. Perhaps this is not the right time for us to be together." Edward gazed into Carlisle's eyes and tried to hold back the tears at the pain he had caused his lover, pain he also felt. It was a difficult decision but he had witnessed the repercussions of Jasper's vengeful and sadistic nature. His fear for Carlisle was stronger than his fear of going back to his captor.
"Edward, you are not to speak these things. We would determine what to do without making sacrifices."
"Yes, Edward. I have only known you a short time, but I will protect you at all costs. We will not throw you to the wolves," Eleazar said touching his shoulder.
They both refused to listen to any of Edward's further protests.
"Then what do we do now? Why are we waiting here?"
"Because you need your rest, Edward, and we are safe from them right now," Carlisle told him. Edward did not argue, although he knew that Carlisle was only trying to spare him worry.
Edward turned to look at Carlisle. "Carlisle."
Carlisle loved hearing Edward's velvety voice call his name, and he could interpret so much from the way he would say it. He followed Edward inside the tent. Edward started speaking as he prepared his sleeping bag." I wrote you a letter," he said quietly with his back turned.
"I know." Carlisle pulled out the letter from inside his shirt.
Edward turned around and looked at him holding the letter. With an anguished voice he said," then you know, I'm not worth you and Eleazar risking your lives for."
"Nonsense," Carlisle said taking Edward into his arms. "It doesn't change anything; it doesn't change you. I love you more now than I did the first time I laid eyes on you. You are my destiny, Edward. I know now I lived all those years just for you. Nothing can tarnish that. Now can you please do one thing for me? Let me see the image I held on to all the time I was away from you. Please, may I see your smile?
Edward lifted his head from his shoulder and met his gaze.
"And all this time I thought it was my dry wit," Edward said with a weak teary smile.
"Impossible, you know I like pretty things." Carlisle cupped his face and stroked his cheeks with his thumbs before placing a tender kiss upon his lips.
"Come, you need to rest," he said pulling back.
Carlisle held him until he fell asleep and kissed him on the cheek before going back outside the tent to talk to Eleazar.
"He is a brave young man. He would have made a good soldier," Eleazar said quietly in vampire speak, inaudible to human ears. He was sitting in front of the fire and Carlisle joined him, sitting next to him.
"Carlisle, Edward is right; Jasper is not going to let him go." It disturbed him to have to discuss it with Carlisle, but time was of the essence.
"He has the scent of the other vampire, Carlisle. You know what that means, and he has the look of one who belongs to a vampire. I know that he was an attractive young man from the pictures you have shown me, but he has a quality about him now that goes beyond human."
"He is mine. It doesn't matter what this Jasper has done. He had no right." Carlisle growled standing up and pacing.
Eleazar saw Carlisle's possessive urges arising, overriding his reasoning. He spoke in a calming manner, keeping his head lower than his friend's to show submission if necessary. He had used this method several times during the search when Carlisle had become unstable.
"Jasper watched us leave and he knows how to find us." Eleazar said. "There is nowhere we can go. But he knows I have influence with Aro. He will not be so quick to try to attack me. Maybe we will be able to negotiate something with him."
"Don't expect me to discuss anything with Jasper. I should kill him for what he has done, and given the chance, I will do so. He put his hands on what was mine."
Eleazar stood up and walked over to Carlisle, placing his hand on his shoulder.
"I am your friend, Carlisle. I came on this search to help find your stolen soulmate. Now that we have found him, I'm not going to give him up that easily. If a battle is necessary, so be it. I will die and an honorable death by your side. But if we can avoid a fight, it would be all the better. You must think of him, Carlisle. His greatest fear is losing you. Let's not put him through any more pain, my friend, if we can help it. It will be difficult, Carlisle, you would have to suppress your instinct. But you, being the strongest among our kind, can do this. And you will have to put your faith to the test and turn the other cheek. This I also know you have the temperament to do. But no matter what you decide, I will take the journey with you to the end."
They continued to discuss different options and solutions and strategies, and took turns hunting, staying as close to the camp as possible, knowing they needed to be well fed for possible battle, and all the while maintaining vigilance for the other vampires.
Although still cloudy, they could see daylight was arriving when they heard Edward rousing.
Carlisle saw Edward sitting up, looking startled as he entered the tent.
"Edward, my love, are you alright? Was it another nightmare? He asked, bending down next to him and running his fingers through the disheveled bronze locks." Do you want to talk about it?"
Edward shook his head "No, there's nothing to say."
Carlisle kissed his forehead, noticing that Edward did not meet his gaze.
"Come on, I'll rustle you up some grub. I think that is how it is said." Carlisle watched in delight of seeing a small crooked smile appear on Edward's face.
They left the tent and Carlisle and Eleazar waited for Edward to join them after he washed up. Carlisle saw the look of determination on his face and mentally prepared himself.
"We are waiting for him aren't we?"
Carlisle looked at Eleazar before answering.
"Yes, we need to resolve this. We can't keep running."
Fighting back tears, Edward nodded as if he had already known the answer.
"I'm going back to him, Carlisle. I have given it a lot of thought. It is the best solution."
Stunned speechless, Carlisle stared at him. He felt as if his heart was torn from his body. The pain, he had been experiencing since first finding Edward gone, was back. But he could not allow that to happen again.
"That is not an option." Carlisle voiced coldly. "I will not allow you to leave me. You are mine!"
Edward took a step back from Carlisle. He did not recognize him and was a little afraid at that moment.
"Carlisle, calm down. You are frightening him. He does not want to leave you," Eleazar said, looking into Edwards eyes conveying him to comply. "Edward would never put you through that again."
Edward felt ashamed for hurting Carlisle but he was resolute. He walked up to Carlisle and placed this palms on his cheeks. He felt some of the tension leave Carlisle's body; his stance softening at his touch.
"I am sorry. I love you, Carlisle. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But this is not the time."
"I will not allow you to leave me, Edward." Carlisle repeated. His voice was it is normal timber but his meaning was clear. He would keep them there by force if necessary.
"Then you must change me Carlisle. Do it now. It is our only chance."
Carlisle looked at him in disbelief.
"You don't know what you're asking. I told you before there is no turning back once it has begun. Do you want to go through with transformation after everything you have been through? I do not want you to be forced into that decision, but it does not matter: I'm not sending you back."
"It's our only recourse. You don't know this vampire. He has no compunctions. He will never release me. I know that now. He thinks he has feelings for me Carlisle. You once told me that vampires' emotions were very strong. I understand that now. He will kill you, Carlisle. Just like all the others. Once he even killed a man for just speaking to me. You have to leave now while you have the chance. I could not bear it if you too died because of me. I need you alive."
He buried his face against Carlisle's neck, his fear for Carlisle overwhelming him, and although he told Carlisle to leave him, his actions belied his words for he held on to him tightly. Carlisle pulled him away from him to stare at Edward's despairing face, unable to meet his gaze. His voice relayed many emotions, one of them being anger.
"What about my feelings for you Edward? Don't you think my feelings for you are just as strong as his! Do you expect me to go on without you? You say your only chance is for me to live, but I'm not alive without you, Edward.
Edward, look at me." Edward beheld him sorrowfully "YOU are my life. As long as you are alive, I am too. If something…"
"No, Carlisle…," Edward interrupted.
"No, listen to me Edward, there may not be much time. If something happens to me, you must promise to go on for me, for both of us. I know you think I'm asking the impossible, and it is selfish, but I must. I've been on this earth for more than 200 years and yet I was not alive until I met you. I'm not ready to go now, not when I know now what love really means, so I'm entrusting you with all my heart , my love, and my life. Please, Edward, promise me.
Edward slowly nodded his head.
"Please say it, Edward."
"Yes, I promise…Now let me go back, Carlisle," Edward said, still refusing to allow any harm to come to Carlisle.
Frustrated, Carlisle shook Edward in his arms. "Edward, are you listening to me? Please don't be so stubborn for once. I will not send you back to that horrid creature. I will not let him hurt you anymore. I will kill him first. I should kill him, regardless."
"Carlisle, please!"
Carlisle loosened his grip on Edward once he realized he was hurting him as his grip tightened doing his murderous thoughts of Jasper.
"I'm sorry, Edward. Please forgive me," Carlisle pleaded."
"I'm fine, Carlisle." Edward resisted the urge to rub his arms where Carlisle had held him and whispered softly, trying to calm Carlisle and get him to listen to reason. He stared into the beautiful face he had only dreamed about all those months, knowing it might be his last time to do so. "You must listen to me. There is no need for you to sacrifice yourself for me. He won't hurt me, and we will find each other one day, Carlisle. I promise you that. He won't be able to keep us apart forever, and you said it yourself - I will take you with me wherever I go."
"No, we will go to Italy. Aro, our vampire leader, will put a stop to this. I don't care what I have to do to put an end this, but I will. He had no right to take you, to do what he did to you. I won't let him force me into changing you. It would not be done because of him. "
He turned his face to Eleazar.
"Eleazar, you must do it then. Please." Edward pleaded. "You know this is what we must do. I could help fight, if nothing else I can wait for Carlisle for as long as it takes to find me again."
"No, Edward, I cannot do that. Besides there's not enough time to change you. It takes three days before the transformation is complete and I am afraid that we do not have that luxury. "
"Then the sooner we start the better."
"No, Edward."
"Carlisle, you wanted to change me anyway and I still want to spend an eternity with you. I have never detoured from my feelings about you. Maybe you don't really feel the same… about me. Edward's eyes were tearing and his face wore a grimace. Carlisle saw how raw his emotions were and felt his gut clenching. His lover had suffered so much. How could he put him through that painful transformation with everything else he had endured?
"My feelings have neverchanged, Edward. You know that. I love you now more than ever. I promise I will change you, but only when we are ready, not because of him." He embraced Edward kissing his temple. He could smell the scent of Jasper, but Edward's sweet and delectable aroma was also still there. But he resigned himself to the fact that Edward, more than likely, would be changed sooner than they had planned.
"Edward, there is something you must know, and I don't know how much time we have, but there is something else you need to know. I don't know how much you will remember. Most human memories are lost in the transformation or over time they fade, but I want you to be fully informed.
"At one time, Vampires were known and hunted as my father had done. There are now laws in place to prevent total chaos that had almost occurred at that time. This was enacted by our rulers in the vampire world. Vampires are now not only the responsibility of their makers but their property. Only their maker has the right to free them, but then, you do not have the protection of a coven or another vampire. It is difficult for a vampire to survive alone. He is at the mercy of other vampires. Some vampires are even traded or sold to other vampires."
"But that is barbaric." But then he thought of Jasper and how he had been treated as his "pet".
"You are saying that I will belong to you once you change me? That I will be… your property?
"It would not be that way, Edward. I would never force you to do anything you did not want to do. The relationship does not have to be that way."
"But the vampire has to submit to his creator by law?"
"Yes."
"And if the vampire refuses? "
"It is punishable by death. The creator or sire can have the Volturi, our rulers, enact the sentence if necessary. The Volturi leaders, Aro, Marcus, and Caius enforce all punishments swiftly. It is for this reason, creators usually have a tight control over their fledglings or offspring due to retaliations from the Volturi if they get out of hand. It is rare for a coven leader to have several vampires to govern."
Carlisle saw the troubled look on Edward's face.
"I'm sorry Edward. I did not try to deceive you. It just never crossed my mind to have to tell you this, because it was never going to be that way between us." Then Carlisle realized Edward's expression had nothing to do with what he had just told him.
The forest was suddenly eerily quiet. Edward shivered, feeling a familiar chill creep down his spine.
"Oh God... He's coming!" Edward said, shivering with cold and fright.
Eleazar saw them in the distance. They were slowly making their way to them. There was no hesitation or uncertainty in their journey. It was plain they knew exactly where they were going.
Distressed, Edward thought about the other times he had been in a similar predicament with Jasper. Although he knew he would be unharmed, he feared for Carlisle's and Eleazar's safety.
"Carlisle?"
"I will not let him take you, Edward!"
"You have no choice. There are four of them. If nothing else, let us flee, Carlisle."
"It is too late. They are upon us." Eleazar said softly. "It is futile to run anyway; they would always find us."
"What do you mean, Eleazar? I don't understand."
"You are blood bonded to Jasper."
"Eleazar!" Carlisle shouted, agitated that he would reveal such to Edward in his state.
"He should know, Carlisle."
"This is not the time, Eleazar."
"What are you two talking about? What does Eleazar mean?" Edward began to tremble violently. Carlisle held him trying to soothe him, but it was ineffective against what they were about to face.
"Tell him, Carlisle."
"I can't, Eleazar. I cannot."
"Then I will." Jasper snorted, seeming to appear out of nowhere.
Jumping at the sound of the voice, Edward attempted to put himself in front of Carlisle. He would die before letting Jasper touch him.
They were suddenly surrounded by four vampires. Jasper was in front of them, Emmett was to the back, and Peter and Charlotte on either side.
It was at that moment the sun broke through the clouds. Edward stared astonishingly at the vision in front of him as Jasper walked smugly into their camp with the wind started blowing his wavy hair about his face. He could see Alice attraction to him for he looked like a Greek god. But it was the sparkling glare reflecting from him that rendered him stunned and speechless. For a moment he thought Jasper was on fire, incinerating in the sunlight. He looked around at the other vampires and saw the same effect. He then turned his gaze to Carlisle. And although he had never seen Carlisle look as such, his eyes dark and his countenance menacing with his sharp incisors bared and extended, he had never appeared more beautiful. An avenging angel came to mind. This was the first time he had seen Carlisle in direct sunlight and apparently sunlight did not affect them as it had the vampires in the book "Dracula".
As Jasper came closer to them, he could hear a low rumbling in Carlisle's chest and his grip became tighter. He knew there would be bruises later. Jasper looked directly at him ignoring Carlisle.
"Playtime is over, my pet. It is time for you to return to me, where you belong."
Carlisle growled loudly shoving Edward behind him and crouching.
"You foul beast! He was never yours. You took him, knowing he was mine."
Jasper's derisory laugh echoed through the trees.
"You made no claim on him. The vile things you did with him where not bindin'. You know the rules. Besides, he bears my mark."
Carlisle turned looked at Edward for a second before he ripped his shirt at the collar to look at the silvery scar on his neck, anger and jealousy somewhat blurred his vision. Edward miserably looked away from him, ashamed.
"Carlisle, snarling, shoved Edward behind him and launched himself at Jasper.
Emmett quickly grabbed Carlisle before he could reach Jasper.
"Carlisle!" Edward shouted. He picked up a fallen tree branch and started hitting Emmett on his back with it. "Let him go, you son of a bitch!"
"My, my, what have you been teachin' my little pet?"
Eleazar stood next to Carlisle.
"Jasper, you know that Carlisle is a friend of Aro and highly valued as am I. It will not bode well for you to harm him when we can simply take this issue to him to resolve."
"What makes you think this will ever get back to him, Eleazar?"
"You do not think I have left word with others? I have not been in Aro's guard all those years just biding my time. You know I am telling the truth. You can use your gift."
Jasper knew he was right. Eleazar's emotions did not evoke deceit. He would have to use discretion.
"I have no qualms with you. You may go. But Carlisle has gone against the rules. It is within my rights to kill him. Aro would not deny me that. Edward! Come here, my pet."
Seeing that he could not physically free Carlisle, Edward walked over and knelt in front of Jasper with overwhelming fear and despair.
"Jasper, please."
"So now you get on your knees," Jasper said with a smirk on his face.
"I'll do anything you want, Jasper," he pleaded.
"Edward, don't!" Carlisle shouted. He head butted Emmett and was freed only to be gripped by Peter as Emmett was momentarily stunned.
Jasper looked down at Edward, ignoring the threats from Carlisle. He lifted Edward up to his feet, and suppressed a sigh as he held his arm and ran his fingers through his hair. He had missed the warm feel of him. Edward cringed, his body stiffening at Jaspers chilly touch.
"You are mine, Edward. I'm not sure what lies he has told you, but we share the same blood. My body will instinctually find you just as your body will seek to find me, whether you want to or not. But most importantly, by our law, no other vampire is allowed to touch you. He knows I am telling the truth."
"Don't listen to him, Edward! It doesn't mean anything. You belong to me!" Carlisle shouted.
"You lie! I never took any blood from you, Jasper." Edward angrily spit the words at him, disgusted at the thought of it.
"No, but I gave it to you, nonetheless, on more than three occasions. You know it is true. You can feel me when I am near," Jasper said smiling as he caressed his cheek.
Edward shook his head as if to rid himself of the truth of Jasper's words, but feeling the veracity of them, nevertheless.
"You are mine. Say it."
Edward tearfully swallowed a lump in his throat.
"Get your filthy hands off him! I'm going to kill you!" Carlisle snarled, struggling in Peter's arms.
"Jasper! Let him go. This must be settled in court, and I will not allow you to harm Carlisle. He is also within his rights!" Eleazar exclaimed.
"What type of nonsense are you speakin' of? What right does he have?"
"Not only is Edward his soul mate, he is il suocantante."
Jasper stood shocked, for once his expression shown clearly on his face.
And then fury and bitter rage took over, so much so, that his empathetic gift ran unrestrained affecting the other vampires to reflect his infuriation. He pushed Edward to the side and charged toward Carlisle. Carlisle twisted in time to have Peter bitten by Jasper instead. He was loosened from his grip as Peter cried out in pain. Charlotte attacked Jasper, angry over his assault of her mate, biting his arm.
Emmett advanced on Carlisle who was only too ready for him and dodged him as he knocked over a tree instead. Eleazar joined the fray, going after Emmett before he could retaliate. Jasper had torn off Charlotte's arm, stopping her incursion before charging Carlisle again. It all was just a blur for Edward; the battle was too fast for him to follow. He felt helpless as he feared for Carlisle and Eleazar's lives. He saw Charlotte's bloody arm that was thrown on the ground still moving. He was repulsed for a while before he started in action. Remembering Carlisle's information that vampires were highly flammable, he took off his jacket and shirt, retrieved some matches from his jacket pocket, and using the dry tail of his shirt, he dried off the still moving fingers of the hand. He then wrapped his damp shirt around the arm and lit a match he had gotten from one of the bags, lighting the fingers on fire. The arm went up in flames quickly. He took the inhuman torch to the battle and waited until someone slowed down enough to become visible. As luck would have it, he saw Emmett's back and quickly placed the torch to it. His shirt had dried enough in the battle that it caught ablaze.
Emmett screamed in agony and swung his arm back in an attempt to stop the fire. He struck Edward, who was unconscious before he hit the ground.
A/N: After all this angst, I either have to watch a little Spongebob or read a humorous fic. RockinThatAfroPic has a one shot that is usually not my cup of tea, but I gave it a try and embarrassed myself laughing out loud in the middle of Walmart. It is called "How Many Licks?"Just take a look. Her other story in my favorites - "Edward Masen: Property of the Texan Prince", is not a humor fic, but you would never know it at times.
The other one I would like to rec is not a stitch buster (I date myself here), but it is a beautiful romance I have been re-reading frequently –"The Inadvertent Voyeur" by FFReaderRW. I smile just thinking about it. Heck, I think I'll go read it again.
One more thing (I know this is getting longer than the actual chapter), I go back and make corrections to errors I may have missed, so don't be surprised. It is not your mind playing tricks on you. :)