The Captain

He bit her.

The table was a mess with syrupy, scarlet blood. Her body was torn apart, pale and sickly.

He bit her again.

It was all wrong. Certainly this wasn't how it was supposed to end, but with each passing moment, Edward became more certain that the worst had happened. His beautiful bride, the one he'd only been married to just a month, was about to leave him. Her heart rate was just a flutter. Her brown eyes were lifeless. And soon she would give up the struggle to survive the tumultuous birth of their child.

"Please," he choked.

Jacob had left. Rosalie was with the baby. Only Edward remained at his beau's side, pleading and whimpering. He continuously pounded on her chest, determined to keep her heart in motion. The venom had to spread. It had to work.

"Bella, please," Edward begged.

She was limp Charlieeath him – nothing more than a corpse. It all happened so fast and now he could hardly believe that she could possibly leave him. Only thirty days ago they were exchanging vows and rings. Now she was departing this life for the next. He'd done everything to protect her – even from himself – but his efforts had been wasted. She was becoming nothing before his very eyes. She was slipping from his grasp.

"Bella!" he growled again. Her blood covered his hands in viscous dew. It had been at least twenty minutes, maybe forty, since he'd started CPR. She hardly responded to his painstaking efforts. He shook his head, shouting furiously, "No! No wake up! Now! Bella now!"

Beneath him he could hear the cry of their child. A son. He was born with a tuff of chocolate curls and sweet auburn eyes. Edward loved him at first sight and the twinkle that struck Bella's eye was enough to make him swoon. But now the innocent baby was a menace. A murderer. As he gazed down at his wife's unresponsive form, taking a hesitant step back from her deathbed, Edward could only feel rage. The grief and sorrow he expected with loss was absent. Instead he brashly struck out, throwing a tray of Carlisle's medical supplies into wall. He flipped over a table and slammed his fist into the window. The glass shattered with an enthusiastic chorus but failed to mar his hands and worse; it failed to stir his bride.

He collapsed to his knees next to her, squeezing her cold hand. "Please…" he whimpered. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry…please come back to me."

He studied her intently, soaking in her dilapidated form with regret. This wasn't how he wanted to remember her. This wasn't how the last time he saw her was supposed to be.

They were supposed to have forever.

Forever was over.

"Edward!"

Rosalie's screech came loud and terrified from below. Edward immediately tensed but lacked the motivation to leave Bella's side. There was a commotion from below but he couldn't find it in himself to move. His eyes remained latched on her face and his hand clenched on her lifeless arm. This was their last moment. This was where his heart and selfishness had led him.

He'd failed her.

"Edward! Edward help!" Rosalie begged.

"Go Edward," she whispered into his ear.

Edward nearly jumped to his feet at Bella's voice. Her lips were still pale and sealed. Surely she couldn't have spoken to him. And yet the voice was clear and adamant as if she were right in front of him. Edward remained on his knees, collapsed in a puddle of her red insides that covered the room. "Bella?" he croaked.

"They need your help," she cooed again, echoing in his head with clarity.

He cowered at the sound and bowed his head. No, this wasn't the Bella lying on the table in front of him. This was her spirit. "Please, come back," he begged.

"Go to them. They need you," Bella's voice encouraged.

"Help! Edward!" Rosalie screamed.

"Do it for our baby. Do it for our son," she requested.

Edward glared up at her expressionless, still face. "Come back to me! Bella! Bella please!" he shouted. "Don't leave me!"

"Go Edward. You have to go…"

"Bella!"

Edward didn't realize he was screaming until a graceful but firm hand landed on his forearm. He panted heavily, slowly focusing on the marble ceiling and draconian architecture. "Edward?" a female voice cooed. "Edward!"

He snapped out of his trance and quickly scrambled to a sitting position. "I'm sorry," he shook his head frantically. Edward slowly familiarized himself with his surroundings. He was seated atop a large bed. It was covered in dark furs of foreign animals, centered in silver and whitewashed walls. Strange statues of demons and angels decorated the room. Morbid paintings and abstract, medieval art stared down at them. He frowned at his companion. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"It's all right," she sighed. She was already wrapping a black, silk robe around her pale breasts, slowly unsaddling herself from his lap.

Edward ran a hand down his face and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Heidi, I'm so sorry, I . . ."

"It's fine," Heidi insisted. Her large, pouty lips fell with slight disappointment. "It wouldn't be the first time this has happened, would it?"

"I'm trying," Edward insisted. He was naked except for a pair of boxers and he bitterly raked a hand through his copper locks.

"It's been nine years. You'd think you'd be over your poor, tragic human bride," Heidi murmured, examining her cuticles with impatience.

"I wouldn't expect you to understand," he grunted in anger. His burgundy eyes flashed with hatred.

"I love it when you're agitated," Heidi smirked.

The voluptuous, toxically beautiful vampire lounged carelessly on the silk pillows of the bed. Four years ago Edward and Heidi began their sexual rendezvous, fueled by physical lust and void of feeling. Most of their encounters were angry, heated, desperate hours of sex, allowing Edward to momentarily lose himself in the whims of testosterone. Still, even after four years of meaningless fucking, he found himself haunted by the heart wrenching memories of his fallen beloved.

He yanked up his shirt and furiously began buttoning it. "I have work to attend to," he said.

"Oh please, like Aro cares," Heidi sighed. "You know, he prefers it like this."

"Like what?"

"The two of us, sleeping together. He's hoping it will take the edge off…."

"Well, it's not," Edward grumbled.

"I'll be sure to tell him to use you all he wants. You have plenty of time considering you apparently can't perform…"

Heidi was quickly pinned against the headboard of bed. Edward's forearm pressed against her throat. His face was inches from hers, his rose color eyes intense with rage. "You talk too much," he glared.

"You're too easy to provoke," Heidi hissed. Her fangs teasingly grazed along her irresistible lips. She took a hand and stroked his leg. "You want to be a man? Or do you want to cry about Bella?"

"Don't say her name," Edward warned.

"Bella, Bella, Bella . . ."

In an instant he bit down on Heidi's neck and she gave a loud shriek. A shiver went down his spine at the feeling of his teeth touching flesh. He aggressively pulled back and forced his mouth onto hers. She bit on his lower lip and he retaliated by twisting her down to the mattress on her back. He momentarily hovered over her, avoiding hesitation to stop remembering he was only indulging in a chance to forget. Then with a remorseful sigh, he took her.

Charlie packed a bag full of clothes and a shoebox of memories into the backseat of his new car before swerving out of Marquette, Michigan. His father was at work and his mother was shopping, leaving him with the perfect chance for escape. It would take one day and eleven hours to reach Forks, Washington, but Charlie was hardly fazed by the distance. He'd spent two days since first hearing of the town to plan his departure. He was neither brash nor impulsive; Charlie was always logical. He depended on rationality and as he sped down the freeway, he grinned at his cleverness.

Jasper and Alice as well as Rosalie and Emmett had gone back on their way, leaving only Esme and Carlisle to pay him any mind. It would be at least ten more hours before they became suspicious. By then he'd be nearly halfway to his destination. Alice would prove useless since she couldn't see his future and as far as the rest of the family knew, he was oblivious to the existence of a place called Forks. Of course, he didn't want to cause them unnecessary pain or worry and intended on calling them once reaching Washington. It was a sound plan. Well, except for the part about what actually happened when he reached Forks.

From what he could tell from his eavesdropping, the Cullens weren't necessarily welcome in the town. Yes, rationality may have successfully gotten him out of Marquette, but it didn't seem to do much for his sense of danger. Common sense told him to stay away; instinct told him to follow the uncertain path. In all other cases Charlie would have avoided risk all together, but the emptiness developing in his heart was enough to frighten him into just about anything. He didn't know what he was chasing but he knew he had to keep running. It was the only chance at answers.

Well, it wasn't his only chance. He could have asked Carlisle and Esme, but already it seemed clear they were adamant about keeping secrets. They'd lied to him since the beginning and now they hoarded the truth in hopes of protecting him. He wasn't angry with them. In some odd way, he understood. Since he could remember his parents had his best interest at heart. He didn't know anyone more selfless than Carlisle and no one more compassionate and kind than Esme. Still, while Charlie refused to blame or become enraged with his parents, a sting of betrayal was ever present.

It was enough to live a lie, performing a charade for the world, but it was something entirely different to realize the only people he believed he could be honest with were in fact fraudulent themselves.

A consistent click echoed off the stone floors and walls, serving as a metronome of Edward Cullen's strides. He adjusted the cuffs of his shirt sleeves. His black designer suit and expressionless face were near trademarks of his appearance since taking up residence in Voltaire. The darkness of his clothes made his pale skin look all the more alabaster, and the wine colored tie around his neck glowed with the same burgundy as his impassive eyes.

From down the corridor he could hear desperate screaming but the human whimpers did little to stir him. In fact, rather than cower, he moved toward the noise. He glanced at his watch. Heidi was surely bringing another round of tourists through for the Volturi to feast on. Edward rolled his eyes. While he was in no position to be righteous, he couldn't help but find the powerful trio greedy in their consumption of mere mortals. It seemed they had lost some of their restraint, quenching their thirst more frequently than necessary. Edward dined with them only when he could feel his strength starting to dwindle. As sweet the taste of human blood, he never allowed himself to consume for simple pleasure.

Winding up his shoulders and tensing his forearms, Edward threw open the heavy double doors of the Volturi's chambers. The source of the screaming became apparent as a pair of humans did their best to escape. The floors were already smeared with blood and corpses. Now the Volturi were simply playing with their dinner.

One of the victim's – a man with broken glasses and frazzled butterscotch hair – came sprinting in Edward's direction, desperate to slip out the door. With little thought Edward stopped him, easily clutching the man's face into his hands. He held his cheeks in his palms and glared into his weak, human eyes. They were blue, dim, terrified holes of humanity. Edward grew resentful at the man's very existence and with little effort, snapped his neck to the side, killing him instantly. The man went limp and Edward released him to the granite floor.

"Edward, so kind of you to grace us with your presence," Aro greeted him first. He sat atop his thrown, a leg casually crossed over his knee. His pale face was framed by long, dark hair. A bemused smirk quirked his mouth. "I believe Felix wanted that one."

Felix glared at Edward from behind. Apparently Edward had stolen his kill but he showed no remorse. Despite Edward's nine years with the Volturi guard, he and Felix had never mended their relationship. Ever since Felix nearly killed him over ten years earlier, Edward could only consider his fellow guardsman with contempt.

"Another round of tourists?" Edward observed callously. "Isn't that the third today?"

The room was crowded with several members of the Volturri guard. Aro, Marcus, and Caius lounged on their thrones, already satisfied, while others hovered above their meals. The feast made Edward disgusted with his own kind.

"So judgmental, Edward," Aro said. He appeared rather amused, a leg crossed over his lap.

"I would just hate to see you or the coven become gluttonous," he replied dryly. Felix glared at him, before crouching over the most recent kill and biting into the man's juicy neck.

"How decent of you," Aro replied.

"How can you let him talk like that?" Jane asked. She scowled at Edward, arms folded across her chest. Jane was almost always furious with Edward, jealous and displeased by the apparent special treatment Aro gave the vampire.

"It's fine, Jane," Aro told her. She stalked away and Edward smirked at her fury.

"You wanted me for something?" Edward asked. He glanced down to find his sleek leather shoes stepping on the edge of a bloody pool. He slowly stepped aside.

"You're not here to dine with us?" Marcus asked.

Marcus, of all the Volturi leaders, seemed to be most fond of Edward. The sullen, depressed vampire put forth more effort than usual to speak to Edward. He looked forward to his presence. It was an easy guess that perhaps Marcus found someone he could relate to in Edward. The two men had both lost great loves and in many ways, lost themselves.

"Of course he's not. He's too good for that," Caius growled. If Marcus was the fondest of Edward, Caius was easily the least. When Edward came to the guard nine years ago, Caius was in favor of killing Edward and the entire Cullen coven. "We're sending you out tonight."

"What's it for this time?" Edward asked. He was indifferent about his missions. The Volturi sent him all over the world to clean up after rogue vampires. It wasn't enjoyable work but for Edward, it was at least something to do.

"A newborn is drawing attention in South Africa. You are to kill her and her creator," Caius said with a narrow glare.

"Demetri will go with you," Aro added.

"I can go on my own," Edward replied, adjusting the cuffs of his jacket.

"Demetri will go with you," Caius repeated angrily.

Edward took the demand this time and pursed his lips in discontent. "Is that all?"

No one answered him and he locked his jaw. He turned on his heel but Aro cleared his throat. "I spoke with Heidi, Edward," he started cheekily; "she informs me you're rather sullen."

"He's always sullen. He's pathetic," Jane piped in from the shadows.

"I'm fine," Edward insisted with a grunt.

"I know you've resisted her help before, but I think it would be wise if you would allow Corin a chance to ease some of your pain, Edward," Aro said. He looked to his left and quickly barked. "Corin!"

The vampire peeled out from the darkness, her red eyes wide and eager. Dark hair was tied behind her head and she smoothly moved for Edward. He quickly took a step back. "Keep her away from me," Edward growled.

"It's for your own good Edward. We wouldn't want your depression to interfere with your work…"

"Don't touch me!" Edward shouted at Corin. She hesitated as he backed away.

"Do it Corin!" Caius ordered.

"I'll kill her," Edward warned.

"If you make a move to do such a thing, there will be repercussions," Caius smiled.

Corin moved for Edward and he backed further away. Corin's ability to take pain away was not only addictive but went against everything Edward wanted. His depression, his sadness, his anger was the only thing he had left from Bella. It was the only strength he had to stay with the guard. He needed his pain. "No!" Edward shouted.

"Jane! Alec!" Aro said. The siblings were eagerly prepared to strike when a loud voice cut in.

"Enough!" Marcus screamed. He stood on his feet, bringing the chambers to a standstill. "Do not touch him!"

Edward stared up at Marcus in awe as did the rest of group. Even Aro and Caius were momentarily struck by surprise. Marcus stood with his chest out, eyes filled with purpose rather than the emptiness they usually held. His next words came out much softer. "Leave him be."

Corin looked to the other leaders and Aro gave her a firm nod. Edward watched as Marcus collapsed back into his chair. Their eyes connected for a long beat and in a few slow breaths, Edward read the man's mind. Understanding existed between them. Marcus too avoided the help of Corin – he understood that pain was all they had left. He wouldn't dare let the Volturi take that away from Edward.

"You may go, Edward," Aro advised, still reeling from Marcus' unusual outburst. "Demetri will join you shortly."

Edward moved slowly for the chamber doors, struck by the notion that perhaps he had an ally after all.