Author's note: I own nothing you recognise

Chapter 1: Carlisle

I sighed heavily as soon as the nurse left my office. She had left behind yet another cup of tea in the hopes of winning my affections. It had been a slow day at Forks hospital, I only had to do my usual rounds of the patients. Of course, I was glad no one was injured or sick, but I didn't particularly like having nothing to do. I filed away more paperwork before emptying the cup of tea that I wouldn't be able to drink. From in my trouser pocket, my pager buzzed, and I breathed a sigh of relief; finally, something to do to avoid more nurses coming into my office.

I didn't mind the nurses. They were lovely people, dedicated to their jobs and talented at what they did. It was the constant affection and hopeful gazes I couldn't stand. The constant flirting and giggles, from all staff when I was near. I'd hoped that after a few months it would stop, but it hadn't yet. My… children were lucky, they all had their own partners, Edward, Bella, Emmett, Rosalie and Alice and Jasper. And yet, I was still alone. It had been over three and a half centuries and I still hadn't found that special someone. Deep down, I knew was an old romantic at heart, and it pained me to not be able to love and cherish someone who would adore me too. It was the only part of my life I despised, the loneliness. My family saved me in many ways, but there was still a small hole inside my chest. It left me aching, sadness spreading like fire through my veins. I'd even gotten so desperate as to consider taking up the nurses on their offers, but I knew a one-night thing wasn't what I wanted. It would do me no good.

The rest of the day went by quickly as more patients came in. I loved my job, I loved helping people and making a difference in someone's life. It was incredibly rewarding. Heading back to my car, I allowed myself to relax for the night. It was dark, and rainy, usual for Forks. Driving through the quiet town, I was startled as I heard a woman scream. Immediately pulling my Mercedes over, I got out of the car before hearing yet another scream.

"Be quiet bitch." A grunt sounded. It was so late, and quiet, I was sure no one else was about to aid the woman. I could smell blood. More potent than any blood I had ever smelled before. It made venom pool in my mouth with its enticing aroma- a reaction I no longer had to humans usually. My mind flickered to the Volturi- La Mia Cantante, Aro would have said. The irresistible scent, was it the blood of my singer? If I hadn't been refusing my very nature for many centuries then I was sure I would have attacked. I felt both sympathy and admiration for Edward, who endured this scent so he could love Bella.

The screaming had stopped, and so had the grunts. But I raced to find the source, tracking the scent of the girl's blood. The scene that greeted me in the dark alleyway reminded me all too much of Rosalie.

A young woman, no older than early twenties was lying bloodied on the floor. Her clothes in tatters. I could smell the lingering scent of the man that had been here, and I could smell him on her. I could smell the body fluids, and I wrinkled my nose in disgust. The girl was sobbing heavily. With careful footsteps, I approached. She turned and looked at me with wide, terrified eyes.

"Please don't hurt me." Her voice was tortured, and small. My heart ached for her. She was beautiful. Underneath the blood and the pain, she had kind eyes, and a stunning beauty to her face. But I did not wish to focus on that, she needed me as a doctor.

"Don't be scared," my voice was soothing as I neared her. "I'm a doctor, I'm not going to hurt you." I hated seeing people so injured and scared. She was too young to know such sorrow. It probably didn't help that I was a man, and I hated the man that had done this to her. I crouched slowly next to her and she flinched violently away from me. "Shh," I soothed, "It's okay. My name is Carlisle Cullen, I'm a doctor at Forks hospital."

"I'm Cassie," she murmured, still not entirely trusting, but I sensed she recognised my name.

"Nice to meet you Cassie. I'm going to phone the hospital to get an ambulance here for you okay? And I'll give the police a call."

"Okay." Her voice was quiet, and I quickly called the emergency services and I prayed they wouldn't take long to arrive.

"Where are you hurt the most?" I asked, and I saw her grimace at the thought, she clearly didn't want to say. "Do you think you have any broken bones?" I asked instead.

"No." Her voice wavered as her tears continued to fall. I scanned her injuries, and it looked like she may need some stitches. I took off my black coat.

"Here," I said, placing it over her body, trying to give her some privacy and modesty and prevent her from going into shock.

"Thank you." She whispered. I smiled, taking off my scarf as well. She had a nasty cut on her head that was bleeding.

"I'm going to press this on your forehead to try and stop the bleeding."

"Okay." She seemed a little disorientated. But had seemed more comfortable now she had my coat over her. We were silent, I whispered words of comfort now and then. "I didn't want him to." She suddenly whispered brokenly.

"Of course not." I understood.

"He said I was asking for it." Cassie sobbed. "I was just walking home from work…"

"It's not your fault." I told her. "Do not blame yourself. We will make sure he gets put away for a long time." My heart ached for Cassie; I did not know how to ease her suffering. "Is there anyone I can call for you?" My dead heart hurt even more when she said:

"There's no-one."

I tried to distract her by telling her about my favourite books. She seemed to perk up at this.

"I work in the bookstore." She said. I knew the one she was talking about. It was beautiful and old fashioned. So, I talked about my favourite books. About the many classics I'd read and loved and the ones that I found dry and dull. She didn't talk much, but she seemed glad for my ramblings. Eventually her tears stopped, and she started shaking instead. The cold and shock setting in. I tucked my coat around her and breathed a sigh of relief at the sound of approaching sirens.

I swiftly informed the paramedic team of her injuries and what had happened. Charlie Swan arrived very shortly after and I gave a quick statement of the little I had heard. It wasn't much and it wasn't helpful, but I already knew how to make up for it. I stood back as Cassie was put on a stretcher.

"Carlisle!" I heard her soft call. "Your coat." I moved nearer to her.

"Keep it. I don't want you getting cold." I smiled. I knew she would rather keep it, to cover herself and lack of clothing. And it was a coat I didn't need.

"Thank you." I heard her whisper. If I wasn't a vampire I wouldn't have heard it.