Disclaimer – Twilight and its characters belong to Stephanie Meyer
AN – Happy New Year to you all. I'm starting on a high note, a new chapter in reasonable time.
Thank you to my wonderful readers and very supportive Beta, I am having a great time.
Chapter Nine is half way complete and I plan to have it out by the end of January.
Please note that this chapter includes low level violence. I will ensure I provide a violence warning at the start of all future chapters whenever it applies.
Chapter Eight
The manner of giving is worth more than the gift. ~Pierre Corneille
Venturing out on the newly named vessel, Edward was keen to strike out to the middle of the lake and see how his Elizabeth would fair. Only his consideration for Carlisle's hatred of water travel - in any form - did he agree to the request that they head west along the coast before island hopping up to Point Pelee, Canada.
They traveled along well, chatting and admiring the vessel and the scenery. It was only after Carlisle had pointed out that they had crossed the imaginary border separating the United States and Canada, that the vampire started to show signs of discomfort.
"I think I need a break, Love." Carlisle admitted. Edward could not disagree. His mate did not look comfortable. While, as vampires, they did not suffer from motion sickness, Carlisle seemed to have a reaction to the water that could be almost diagnosed as such. Carlisle had speculated that the stress of many of his prior voyages had affected his mind so that he had negative reaction to any further travel, no matter how pleasant.
"Can you wait until Pelee Island?" Edward inquired. The large island had a reasonable jetty and landing for docking as he was nervous at damaging his vessel at a smaller berth.
"I'm sorry Edward, I really cannot." He points to the small island they are approaching, "How about that one? From what I can see there appears to be a jetty near the lighthouse. No one will mind if we dock so I can stretch my legs."
Grumbling slightly, Edward shifted their course to head for the small island which, according to his maps was called 'Middle Island'. "In the middle of the two countries," Edward mused aloud.
They pulled up to the surprisingly well cared for jetty. As Edward tied the vessel up firmly Carlisle wandered ashore. Taking one last look to ensure Elizabeth was secure; Edward caught up to the other, spying a boat house and beyond that the lighthouse.
The lighthouse was an unusual design. A 49-foot pyramidal square tower with a small lighthouse keepers building attached at one side. While it was clearly nonoperational Edward could see, much like the jetty and the boat house they had passed, it was well cared for which suggested ownership by someone who valued the property.
"Are you sure we should just wander round?" Edward asked, concerned that they might disturb someone's privacy.
"Nonsense," scoffed Carlisle. "We are not doing any harm. I can't imagine anyone being concerned about us having a look around."
Just then they came to a sign. Private Property. Trespass Prohibited.
Pulling up with the intention to turn around, Edward remarked, "Well that's that. Are you ready to return to Elizabeth?"
Carlisle grabbed his arm, "It does not refer to us, love. We have no nefarious intentions. Let's have a look at the structure and then we can go."
Grumbling, Edward allowed himself to be dragged along to the base of the structure. He had to admit it was a wonderful building which must provide an expansive view – for a vampire - of the lake and both mainland coasts. Carlisle watched Edward, "Why don't we go up? Just for a moment. No one will know."
Edward was perplexed at Carlisle's behavior, he was normally so careful and considerate of others' privacy and property. He stopped, pulling the other close, "Carlisle what about the owner, this place is clearly well-tended." While he knew the island was unoccupied, he was getting worried about just barging through someone's home.
Carlisle sighed, "It's alright Edward, I know the owner, I am sure he would not mind."
"You know the owner? Who? How?" Edward presumed it must be one of the senior doctors from the hospital, who else would have such discretionary funding?
Carlisle looked at Edward with a sheepish, but amused expression. Edward gasped
"You didn't? When? How?" Edward gasped. He is gobsmacked!
"Despite being in Canadian waters the Island has been owned by a series of American buyers since the lighthouse was decommissioned ten years ago. I made representations to the previous owner, who was happy to sell the property to us."
"I thought it would be nice to have a place to get away from it all. Sadly, the only hunting is birds or rodents, so we will have to go to one of the bigger islands or either mainland." Carlisle paused, wary of Edward's reaction.
"So what do you think?"
Edward stayed unmoving for a moment and then threw himself at Carlisle. Clutching at his mates neck he started to dry sob into Carlisle's chest.
Carlisle became alarmed. He didn't think that Edward would be anything other than pleased with the gift. While the young vampire continued to clutch at him, Carlisle supressed his irritation for his mates seeming ingratitude, gently but firmly pulling Edward from his chest.
"I sorry if this has upset you, I thought…"
Edward crashed his mouth to Carlisle's, with a kiss that turned the elder vampire's knees to water. Pulling away Edward looked the other in the eyes.
"I am not upset. I am so overwhelmed with joy that you would do this for me, for us. I have never felt so thankful or loved as today. It just feels too much."
Holding the back of Carlisle's neck he resumed his demonstration of thanks.
Carlisle held his mate flush against his body, relieved that Edward was both happy with the surprise and able to corroborate it with his actions. Edward moaned into Carlisle's mouth as their bodies wrapped around each other.
Carlisle needed to feel more of Edward against him. Holding his mate close he walked him backwards to the trunk of a large tree, against which he pressed Edward. He groaned loudly at being able to feel the young vampire in his aroused entirety.
Edward's hands ran down Carlisle's body and started to undo his shirt buttons.
Just rip them off, we have more here. Carlisle ordered, ripping off the young vampires shirt and pants.
Mirroring Carlisle, Edward removed the others clothes and pulled Carlisle back to him. Carlisle started to rub his hands in Edward's hair, his mouth descending to Edward's neck where he grazed his teeth along the length of Edwards scar. His scar! Absolute proof that Edward was his.
Carlisle, desperate to have his mate, turned Edward around to face the tree, and dropping to his knees, spread the young vampire's buttocks, licking and sucking his entrance, to prepare him for Carlisle. Edward whimpered and moaned at the attention, pushing his hips back to Carlisle. Satisfied with his preparation, Carlisle moved away and stood. Edward cried "No!", desperate for Carlisle's continued attention.
Wait love, won't be long
Carlisle turned his mate around gently and pulling one leg, and then the other, around his hips pressed Edward back against the tree at the same time he pressed himself into Edward. Carlisle kissed Edwards throat and jaw as the young vampire threw back his head in pleasure. Moving inside his mate Carlisle started slowly but quickly picked up his pace as his desire and need increased.
As the tension increased they became frantic, loudly moaning and growling, frightening the local bird life with their feral behavior. Close to his release, Carlisle started to chant with every thrust.
MINE!...MINE!...MINE!...MINE!
Edward could only hold on tight as his mate took him into bliss and oblivion. At the moment of climax Edward knew from past experience that Carlisle would mark him, it was a normal occurrence on their anniversary. However, as he crashed over his climax, he was given scant warning as Carlisle roared "ONLY MINE" and bit deeply into Edwards scar, taking both flesh and blood.
Edward screamed at the attack, which on top of his orgasm caused him to collapse limply onto Carlisle. Carlisle sank them to the ground and embraced his mate as he came down from his high. Lifting his head he looked at Edward with love, his eyes flickered to the young vampire's neck. Seeing the large gash his expression became sad.
He gently touched the wound, Oh my darling, I am so sorry.
Carlisle reached for his discarded shirt, with which he pat the weeping wound.
"This will hurt a bit, Love," he gently licked the wound, pushing more venom into the gash.
Edward hissed. His body going rigid as the venom bit into his flesh, helping the wound seal. Only as the sensation eased did he begin to relax.
"What happened?" he doesn't understand why Carlisle would have been so aggressive, so dominant.
Carlisle wiped his eyes with his hand, "I don't know Edward. All I can say is that I am so sorry, I got so caught up in loving you, instinct took over."
He looked at the wound, "It should heal in a day or so, you will just have to take it easy until it does."
Picking his mate up Carlisle carried Edward into the lighthouse keeper's house. Enclosed in Carlisle's arms Edward had a limited view, only able to see that the building was made up of a single room attached to the lighthouse by a narrow hallway.
Carlisle lay Edward on the double bed and, collecting water and towels, he then cleaned them both up. Carlisle tended to Edwards wound and then helped his mate to redress. Satisfied that Edward was comfortable, Carlisle redressed and joined Edward on the bed, kissing his forehead.
"I am really so very sorry, love…"
Edward interrupted, "Carlisle, it is fine. It just shocked me. You haven't been that dominate for a while." Edward buried his head into Carlisle's chest, taking care not to bump his injury, "You know I will always be yours." He murmured before becoming still, resting on his mate's chest.
Carlisle held the young vampire, stroking his back and arms. While both were awake they remained in a type of doze, not talking or moving, just enjoying their embrace and the closeness of each other's body.
After a time Carlisle moved Edward off his chest, kissing him lightly on the lips.
"Would you like a tour, love." He asked, his excitement of showing off their new abode growing rapidly.
Edward smiled and nodded. Wincing slightly as the wound on his neck pulled, he allowed himself to be assisted from the bed.
Looking around the room, Edward noticed immediately that there was no piano. While he could understand that the size of the room limited the options for an instrument, it would be the first time in a decade that he did not have a piano to play.
He looked at Carlisle, eyebrow raised. The other knew what Edward was thinking, it had been the one decision regarding the house that he expected Edward to be disappointed with, but it was one on which he was not willing to budge.
"I know, Love. But I thought this would be an opportunity to be away from work."
Edward didn't want to argue with Carlisle, but felt a little put out as his music was not just his work, but a part of his very being.
With Carlisle watching him, he wandered around the room, past the lounge chairs and writing desk. He noticed that the veto against work and music went further than the piano, with room lacking a gramophone, music books or staff paper for him to play, read or write.
Toward the back of the room sat a large reading chair, clearly for Carlisle's use, which sat in front a wall length bookcase. The bookcase was full. Full, Edward noticed, with medical journals and books. His back still to Carlisle, Edward was able to disguise the anger that flittered over his face. So the idea was not to have reminders of work, it was to not have reminders of 'Edward's' work.
Resetting his expression he turned and trying to be playful, he raised an eyebrow "No work?"
Carlisle immediately went on the defensive, "Those are not for me. I had thought you might wish to continue your medical studies."
Edward was unsure whether to be annoyed at Carlisle's response or disappointed that the other needed to hide his true intention. He was determined to ignore his husband's current idiosyncrasy and enjoy the opportunity of peace and quiet on the island.
"Do I get to see the lighthouse?" extending his hand to his husband. Carlisle was relieved Edward had not choosen to be difficult over his decision regarding the music. Sometimes Carlisle still knew what was best for them and Edward needed to accept that.
Taking the young vampires hand he led him up the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse. The lighthouse was in good condition with the mirror and lamp still in working order. A small walkway around the lamp lead to a hatch door, which open up to the external balcony. Standing out on the balcony Edward looked out to the lake.
"Beautiful" he breathed. "I'd like to go back out there."
Carlisle wrapped his arms around Edwards waist, his chest flush against the others back, chin on his shoulder. "I know darling, but we should wait until your neck is healed before putting any strain on it."
Edward sighed. He knew the doctor in Carlisle will not allow him to exert himself until he is cleared as being well. Carlisle noted the young vampire's disappointment, "how about we take a walk around the island." Edward nodded. This would be a reasonable compromise and he was interested in exploring their second home.
"Can we please put Elizabeth in the boat shed first, I am worried that she might get damaged moored to the jetty," Carlisle gazed softly at his mate, touched by the fastidious care the young vampire is taking with his gift.
"Of course we can, darling."
The stowing of the boat into its accommodations took little time, despite Carlisle's assistance.
Walking at human pace the two vampires explored their land. Carlisle was ecstatic, he had owned property before but never as large a stretch of land as the 19 hectare island.
Carlisle had taken a brief sojourn when he first settled on the island and took great pleasure in showing Edward the wonders of this new place, including the archaeological evidence of ancient human occupation, the nesting areas of the numerous bird colonies and their closest neighbours the rumrunners who had a small property at the other end of the island.
At Edwards shocked look, Carlisle explained that there was a standing agreement between the other occupiers and the freeholder, currently themselves, that each would not bother the other. Indeed he had already introduced himself to the head of the operation, who had been pleased that a doctor would be living (albeit part time) on the island, as they often suffered from injuries due to their hazardous occupation.
It was near dawn when they returned to the lighthouse.
~*.*~
The next few days and nights became a combination of pleasures. Edward explored the coast of the island, until Carlisle declared him fully fit again, and then branched out into the lake. All the while Carlisle watched his mate from the top of the lighthouse.
When Edward was not on the lake, the two undertook further investigations of the ruins and fossils on the island. Three days into their stay Carlisle declared Edward needed to hunt, so they sailed to Point Peele on the Canadian mainland, hunting in the forests near the coast.
The evenings would be filled with reading and quiet conversation, until at some point the mood would become electric and they would make love. The level of passion during their many interludes could only be beaten by the variation in locations in which they made love. Carlisle decided he wished to experience more in regards to sex and seduced Edward in a variety of unusual locals, including the balcony of the lighthouse, Edward's boat while afloat, and most unusually the bottom of the lake.
It was during one of their post-coital quiet times, Carlisle sitting on the beach Edward between his legs leaning on his chest, when Carlisle decided to raise his plans for their second property.
"I have been thinking," Carlisle murmured into the beautiful bronze hair.
"Mmmm?" replied Edward, nestling into the others arms watching the moonlight dance on the lake.
"I was thinking of selling the other house and moving us here."
Edward sat up, twisting his body to look at Carlisle, "What?"
Carlisle smoothed his hand down Edward's face, "It is so relaxing, away from it all. It has got to be good for you to be away from the noise."
"But you said you were enjoying the shorter travel time to the hospital," Edward queried.
"I did, I do. But I think the change will be better for you, for us. It will also be a good opportunity in light of the other changes in the next couple of months."
"What changes?" Edward enquired.
"When your contract ends at the conservatory." Carlisle responded, a bit bemused at the need to clarify.
"I assume that you will want to get back to your own studies, rather than continue teaching. Being here would allow you to do that without distraction."
Edward bit back his initial reaction which was to suggest that Carlisle wait to ask Edward before deciding what the young vampire wanted to do. Turning completely he knelt between Carlisle's legs.
"I had a conversation with the Maestro last week in regards to the future of the Master's program. The board asked him to make representations towards me to offer an extension of my contact for twelve months, with a possibility for extension for another 3 years."
"NO!"
Carlisle's reaction is instant and without thought. To the point that even he is surprised by it. He rapidly tried to back track, reaching for Edward who is now standing an arm's length from Carlisle.
"I mean't, three years is too long a commitment for us," he paused trying to judge if Edward is even listening.
"Edward," Carlisle reached his hand towards his mate, who did not respond remaining unmoving where he was.
"I am sorry if I have upset you. I was just shocked that this is the first time you have mentioned this. This is a significant decision that I need to be part of."
Edward remained standing. Carlisle started to get irritated with the lack of response from his mate.
Edward! Come here and sit down.
This was an order. Edward was trained to follow Carlisle's orders.
Edward sat, waiting for Carlisle to organize his thoughts.
"Edward! Love! I think it is wonderful that the Maestro had made you this offer, but I had thought we agreed to limit your teaching to a single term, two at the most."
Edward went to speak, but Carlisle stopped him, raising his hand.
"If you want to continue, with the understanding that we will need to review your current working hours, then we can accept the Maestro's offer. But with the understanding that should I feel that you are having difficulties, we will reassess the situation and move here to the Island."
Making one last plea for the other to be reasonable, Carlisle continued.
"Before you decide, just think how wonderful it would be to return to your own studies, without the distraction of studies and masters. Focusing on your studies and sailing in such a peaceful environment."
Edward sat and listened as Carlisle dictated his future. He had to admit, based on Edward's history, he could understand Carlisle's concerns, but Edward felt he was interacting well, both with humans in general and more specifically with his class.
Carlisle watched Edward, waiting for a response.
Edward's response was firm and decisive.
"I want to accept the offer, Carlisle."
Carlisle swallowed his irritation and disappointment at Edward choosing, in Carlisle's opinion, wrong.
"OK, Love. We will advise the Maestro of our decision."
At Edward's smile, Carlisle raised a hand.
"But…I want to see you at home more, you need to take better care of yourself. If not, I will intercede."
Nodding, Edward leaned his head on Carlisle's shoulder. Wrapping his arms around his mate, Carlisle kissed the bronze hair.
"We had better straighten everything up before we leave in the morning. I am glad we had this chat," and with that pulled Edward to the ground beneath him.
~*.*~
They had been back home a week, and Carlisle was getting increasingly maddened. It was if their conversation on the last night at the Island had not occurred.
On their return Edward had wasted no time contacting the Maestro and his students and arranging catch-up classes.
Ironically the young vampire did ensure to take time to return to the lake and Elizabeth, however from what Carlisle could ascertain he did not spend any time at all at the lighthouse.
Carlisle felt, since their anniversary, he was actually spending less time with his husband than before.
One morning, Carlisle was home alone, pacing a hole in the carpet. He had seen Edward briefly the previous evening when the other had dropped by the hospital to let Carlisle know he would be going to the lake after his class so, "Carlisle did not need to collect him after Carlisle's shift ended."
Edward had clearly not listened to Carlisle's instructions. Despite his promise the young vampire was choosing not to look after himself, thus making it Carlisle's responsibility to correct the behavior.
He decided the best way for him to start correcting Edward's behavior was to witness it firsthand. While a part of him questioned how such behavior might be viewed by Edward, in the end he decided that it was his right and responsibility to ensure that his mate behaved.
He could not have Edward be putting them at risk of disclosure. God forbid the Volturi get involved because of Carlisle's inability to control his mate.
In addition this was the perfect opportunity to practice his tracking skills.
Sitting at his writing desk Carlisle planned out the difficult task of stalking a mind reader.