Edgar -Part 10-

I wake to the sound of birds. My head is throbing, every inch of my body in pain. I try to sit up but the pain is too much. I lay back down, my head spinning. I open them and look around, trying to figure out where I am. The last thing I remember is Victor lifting me up onto his horse. A kind, familiar voice fills my ears. "Oh good you're awake. How are you feeling dear?" I look up to see Martha standing over me, a sweet smile on her face.

"Like shit." I try again to sit up, but she stops me, gently pressing me back into the bed.

"Don't try to sit up, you need to rest."

"Where is Victor?"

"He is right over there. He hasn't left your side since the doctor finished patching you up." She points to a chair next to the bed. Victor is fast asleep, the side of his face swollen and bruised, his hand wrapped in bandages. "He tried to stay awake so he could see you when you finally came to, but, as you can see, he didn't make it."

"How long have I been asleep?"

"For the better part of two days now. You were pretty beat up when he brought you back. Thank god he found you when he did, who knows what might have happened if he hadn't." I look at his sleeping form. I know exactly what would have happened if he wouldn't have found me. "I guess I should wake him now." She makes her way over to Victor and gently wkaes him. He jumps from the chair and rushes to the bed as he sees me.

"Edgar, how are you feeling?" He takes my hand in his.

"Better now." I smile up at him and he smiles back at me. "What happened?"

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with. All that matters is you are safe now. You just worry about getting yourself better." He gently caresses my cheek, tucking my hair behind my ear.

"Well, i'm guessing you are probably hungry. I'll go fetch you something to eat." Martha makes her way out of the room, leaving me and Victor alone. I look back up at Victor, a stern expression now on his face.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you go back? You manage to finally free yourself of that man just to go back. Why?" I just stare up at him, not knowing how to answer his question.

"I didn't think I had any other choices. Not after Victoria told me-"

"What exactly did my sister say to you?" I take a deep breath and tell him the conversation Victoria and I had.

"I just thought if I was going to be used for that, then why did I even escape? I went from one man to another who also wanted me for...that."

"That is NOT the only reason I want you!" His voice is cold again. "I told you before you mean so much more to me than physical pleasure. When I look at you, I see a beautiful soul that has been trapped in the dark. I want to bring you into the light and show you that you are more than just an object to be used and tossed aside." His eyes become warm again as his voice softens to a comforting tone. He leans down and gently kisses my forhead. His lips surprisingly warm against my skin. I can feel the tears coming up and I choke them back. "Don't hide your emotions from me, young pup. I want to know everthing about you. Everything you are able to tell me about your life. I want you to share your pain with me so I can help you heal." I can't hold back any longer. I burst into tears. He scoops me up and holds me close to him. I bury my face in his chest as I finally let my emotions out. I feel safe in his arms, like nothing can harm me as long as Victor is with me. He gently rubs my back as he allows me to cry against him for a few minutes more. He pushes me back so he can look into my face. He gently brushes my hair back again. "Shh, there there, my young pup. I promise, you are safe with me. I would never hurt you, I only want to help you."

"Why do you want to help me? I thought you hated wolves?" He smiles at me, I can see his fangs slightly exposed.

"Well, I am afraid that I may have been misinformed about wolves. I guess you're not all hate filled brutes with an unquinchable thirst for blood."

"I could say the same about vampires." I smile back at him as he wipes the tears from my face. He cups my face in his large hand. I lean into it, enjoying his warmth against my cheek. I hear the door open as Martha walks in. I look over to see her carrying a tray filled with food. Victor helps to prop me up with pillows as she sets the tray on my lap. The smell of fried sausages and eggs fill my nostrils as my mouth begins to water and my stomach loudly grumbles. I begin to devore the food, not realizing how hungry I was untill now.

"Well at least we know you havn't lost your appetite. Here, have something to drink dear." She places a large mug of coffee in front of me. I take a sip, grimacing as the bitter taste hits my tounge. "Do you not like coffee? I'd be happy to bring you something else if you would like."

"I would like some milk if you have any." She smiles at me.

"Well then, milk it is." She leaves and quickly returns with a rather large glass of ice cold milk. I take it from her and begin to drink. In no time at all, I have the entire glass drank. "Oh my, someone really enjoys his milk." I blush as she take the glass examining it. "Would you like some more?" I nod, slightly embarresed. She goes out and brings me another, larger, glass. This time I slowly drink it. Victor chuckles as he watches me finish my food. When I am done, Martha takes the tray. "If you need anything else dear, just ask." She leaves the room. I continue to drink my milk.

"Is that good?" Victor asks me as he sits closer to me. I nod my head, my cheeks getting red again.

"We like milk just as much as you like blood." He laughs at this. I can't help but laugh a little as well.

"Well I am pleased to see that you are on the mends. The doctor will be by later to check up on you. I'm sure he will be thrilled that you are healing so quickly." I smile up at him, the warm comforting expression back on his face.

"How are you?" I ask as I look at his hand, my fingers lightly touching his bandages. He pulls his hand away, using his other hand to hide it.

"I'm fine, just a minor burn, nothing more."

"Well, it can't be that minor if you have to have it wrapped up."

"It's nothing Edgar-"

"Then let me see it!" He stops and stares at me, lost for words from my sudden boldness. I grab his hand and pull it back in front of me, he doesn't fight me as I begin to take off the bandages. I unwrap it to see a black patch of what could only be burnt flesh. My fingers lightly caress the rough patch of skin. I bring his hand up and nuzzle his injury. I lick his wound, unable to fight the urge to clean his injured flesh. I feel his eyes on me and look up to see him smiling at me. I feel my cheeks burn as I blush with embaressment. I drop his hand and turn away, letting my hair fall in front of my face. He laughs as he rewraps his hand. "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me just now."

"Don't be sorry, it's instinct. No one can fight their natural instincts for long, no matter how hard they try." I turn to look at him, he tucks my hair behind my ear again. I am begining to enjoy when he does this. "I am actually flatterd that you wish to tend my wounds. You could have easily taken a bite out of me too." I can't help but let a slight laugh leave my lips. He kisses my forehead again as he stands up. "Now, you need to lay back down. You need as much rest as you can get if you expect to get better." He helps me to lay back down.

"You're not going to leave, are you?" I look up at him, he meets my stare with a warm smile.

"Of course not. I will stay right here untill you fall back asleep. I have a few matters to attend to, but they can wait a few minutes longer." I smile as he sits back into his chair. I close my eyes as I lay back into my pillow. As I drift back to sleep, the image in my head is of his smile. In no time at all, I am asleep, dreaming of our night in the cave, smiling to myself as I replay the scenes in my head.