Past.
Tessa poured a glass of wine for herself and then for Edge and Chris. Her hands shook as she grabbed the two glasses. She handed one to Edge and one to Chris as they sat quietly in the den.
Tessa sat beside the fireplace, humming to herself. Her eyes were hypnotized by the bright flames. Her fingers curled and she reached out to touch them.
Chris jumped up and grabbed Tessa's arm. "Stop." He said quietly. Tessa sighed and put her hand in her lap. Chris kissed her temple and ran his hands through her hair.
Tessa looked up at Edge, who was watching them through narrowed eyes. His gaze then gave complete attention to her. His green eyes seemed calm and lovely. They beckoned her to come to him. And she was…
Chris felt Tessa slip away from him…mentally and physically. She walked towards Edge and sat beside him on the Victorian sofa.
Edge's arms encircled her as he placed a chaste kiss on her lips. He brought his mouth to her ear. "Tessa…come back to me." He pleaded.
Tessa shut her eyes as the salty tears fell. She was so confused. Half of her just wanted to be with Chris. To be everything to him. And yet, the other side of her just couldn't let go of her sire. She felt Edge gently rubbing her shoulder. Her eyes flicked to Chris. She could see a pained expression on his face…despite trying to cloak it. She stood. She wanted to go to Chris. Tessa could feel their eyes on her. A small whimper escaped her lips and she rushed to her room, alone.
"Would you just stop this charade of yours," Edge spat, annoyed. He stood and watched Tessa until she was out of his sight. "You're obviously driving her into madness."
Chris looked at Edge. "Well, isn't that quite the tall tale. Tessa would be fine if you just let her go."
Edge walked to the bar and poured himself a stiff glass of vodka. He quickly drank it, feeling it hit his stomach in a rush. He closed his eyes and titled his head up. "No. I wont. I created her--not you. You just decided to worm your way to her." He put the glass down and walked towards Tessa's room.
Tessa rocked on her bed and hummed the tune Chris played for her on his violin earlier. She knew Edge was coming before his foot hit the bottom step. She drew her knees up and rested her forehead on them. She didn't hear him come in, but she could feel his presence. "You're disappointed in me…" she said, flatly.
Edge sighed and sat beside her on the bed. He moved his cool fingers to her chin and gently turned her head to look at him. "Yes," he said softy, "I am." Tessa tried to look away. "Look at me," he pleaded.
Tessa reluctantly caught his gaze of green. "Im disappointed that you so blatantly betray me by allowing yourself to be mesmerized by my sire's wiles." "Im sorry," she whispered. Edge gave a slight chuckle. "Sorry…always sorry…"
Tears slowly rolled down Tessa's cheeks. "I just…I don't know anymore." Her hand went to her heart. "I don't know."
Edge tucked her hair behind her ear. "Then let me help you, Tessa…you used to know. There was this conviction in your eyes that's now…it's blurred. And he's done that to you…and I loathe myself for letting him."
Tessa shook her head. "No…Edge, you're not to blame, I am."
"He's even convinced you to blame yourself." He said, firmly. His finger moved over Tessa's bottom lip. "Well, I grow tired of letting him control you."
"No, he's not--" Tessa was silenced when Edge leaned forward and ran his tongue across her lip. His hand moved to the back of her neck and he moved her closer. He licked his own lips and backed away his head. "You still taste so inviting…" He confessed.
Tessa closed her eyes and let out a shuddered breath. He was still like an addictive drug to her. She pulled at his shirt and brought his lips to hers. Her mouth hungrily devoured him as she moved to straddle him. He sat up, with her in his lap kissed her with just as much fervor. She looked down him and ran her hands through his hair. She moved to kiss his neck but was stilled when Edge caught her chin.
"Look in my eyes." His voiced carried a harsh tone. Tessa looked at him as she curled her fingers with his. "Forget there is Chris…For me. Just forget for a time."
Tessa blinked. Her face changed and she looked genuinely confused. "Who is Chris," She asked innocently.
Edge smiled and captured her mouth again. "No one who matters," He murmured. He gently pushed Tessa back on the pillows. His actions alone pleased him, but only Tessa could satisfy his hunger.