Chapter Fifty Three
Edward
I'd been listening in once I knew Carlisle was back in the house with Esme, waiting to hear what he had to say to her. I knew she was mine but I wanted to hear her tell him that, tell him to leave her alone and that she wanted only to be with me. At first it had been very quiet and I wondered if he had harmed her but then I saw her face at the lounge window looking out and I was tempted to show myself so she knew I was here for her but something stopped me, pride I guess. I needed to hear her tell Carlisle she didn't love him any longer.
"Carlisle you can't keep me here indefinitely, Edward will find us eventually."
"Will he? Are you sure he cares enough to come for you? I love you Esme and I think you love me, I think Aro has set Chelsea to break our bond to bring me to my knees."
"Chelsea? I don't think so Carlisle, Edward and I have been hiding our true feelings from you for a long time. I love him in a way I could never love you. I am all that matters to Edward."
"You are everything to me Esme. Don't you understand that?"
"No Carlisle, your only concern is the welfare of the humans you serve in that damn hospital, the rest of us, me, only come a poor second place. I'm sorry that we deceived you and that our relationship has hurt you but it can't be helped. Once you sit back and think about it you'll see that you and I were just not meant to be".
"You're wrong Esme. I love you and I want you to come back to me"
I tensed waiting for her reply feeling very unsure and vulnerable and the longer the silence lasted the worse my feeling of insecurity got then she spoke again.
"I know you love me in your own way Carlisle but I can't play second fiddle to your work any longer. I need someone who wants me first and Edward does. I know you all think he is shallow and self-absorbed but that's not the real Edward. He cares about me, he puts me first and that's what a woman wants Carlisle."
"He puts you first? I don't see him here, do you really think he's hung around for you Esme? Edward is scurrying back to Volterra as fast as he can to ask Aro to protect him. He isn't going to knock on the door and demand you back. If he was then why didn't he act when I first kidnapped you? No Esme you've got it all wrong where Edward is concerned, I know my son and his first concern is always himself."
Esme
I knew Carlisle was wrong but I also knew I would never convince him of it, I just hoped Edward wouldn't leave me here too long. It was uncomfortable being alone here with Carlisle especially as he made me feel nervous. There was a strange light in his eyes, a look of hunger and passion and I was afraid he was going to attack me so when there was a knock on the door and the light left Carlisle's eyes I was relieved.
"Don't move Esme, I'll only get you back if you try to run."
I nodded knowing he was faster and stronger than I was but hoping whoever had interrupted his actions would stay. I strained my ears as the door opened downstairs then I heard an oath and sounds of a struggle and ran to the top of the stairs to see what was happening.
Edward
I'd heard enough and now I was ready to take Esme back with me and away from Carlisle. I felt Esme's relief as I knocked the door, she had been afraid Carlisle was going to force his attentions on her and from his thoughts she was right. When he saw me he attempted to slam the door again but I pushed my way in followed by Seth who had warned me that the rest of the pack were on their way back to Forks.
"You are no longer welcome in this house Edward."
"I think Esme might feel differently Carlisle"
As I spoke she flew down the stairs pushing past Carlisle who tried unsuccessfully to grab her and straight into my arms,
"I was so scared Edward."
I smiled at her and kissed her gently before looking back at Carlisle who was being held back by the presence of Seth in wolf form growling a warning at him.
"The pack are on their way Carlisle and they want you dead so I suggest you run now and be careful because there are a couple of the pack watching the house already."
"I'm not leaving without Esme".
"Carlisle she isn't yours. She already told you she wants to be with me so I suggest you go now while you still can."
Carlisle shook his head and stepped towards Esme who shrank back from him as Seth padded forward putting himself between Carlisle and us.
Carlisle
I knew Edward was speaking the truth, I'd heard it in Esmes voice and now she was cowering against him, frightened by me. I'd lost her and now I had nothing left, at least that's the way it felt. Seth made some rumbling noises and Edward tensed,
"The pack are almost here. We need to leave now. Come on Esme."
I hoped she might hesitate or ask me to accompany them but she left with him and didn't even look back at me. All I had left were Rose and Emmett and they were happy enough alone so what was I fleeing for? To start a life alone once more? I couldn't bear the thought of that so I decided that now would be a good time to show her how much I still loved her and always would.
"Run Edward, I'll try to hold the pack up if I can. Good luck, I wish you both all the best."
At that Esme turned and smiled just a little but it was enough to warm my heart and I turned to Seth who was again in human form.
"You should go Seth before they get here."
"They already know what I've done Carlisle, they heard my thoughts so I may as well stay with you. Maybe between us we can give the others just long enough to get away free."
Two wolves appeared from the gloom of the trees and came forward cautiously as Seth phased back, presumably so he could speak to them. I saw two shaggy heads shake as if disagreeing with his thoughts then they crouched ready to spring but Seth put himself between them and the two fleeing lovers. I took my place at his side and waited. When the attack came it was sudden and vicious but we were ready and I threw my opponent back into the trees while Seth rolled over and over with his in a tangle of fangs and claws, both snarling loudly. As my opponent made his feet and came back at me the rest of the pack came into view and I shouted to Seth to run,
"Save yourself Seth. We can't fight the whole pack".
He shook his head and crouched menacingly as they approached at a run but as they attacked three other figures also appeared and the fight was on. At least Esme would be safe and that was enough for me.
