Chapter 111

Charlie

It was great being around people, being part of a family but just sometimes I longed for some peace and solitude so I took myself off to hunt. I knew everyone was scared I might slip off the rails again and go after human prey but that was my problem, my choice and I would deal with it and make the decisions. I wasn't sure I wanted to live on animal blood in any case having tasted the alternative although if I decided on humans I would be choosy, I could prey on those who preyed on others. Finding miscreants in dark alleys wasn't difficult after all, especially with my extraordinary sight and the fact I possessed all the weapons and defenses I needed on me at all times I could hunt at will.

As I ran I thought about Bella, how much better she was now but how far she still had to go. Jasper loved her deeply and was so kind and patient with her, I just hoped she remembered just how much they meant to each other. I knew there was no sexual relationship between them, it was hard not to with vampire hearing but I was sure they'd make it, he would make sure of that.

The news about Felix and Kat had come as a shock and now there was Edward and Skye! It seemed I was the only bachelor out there except for Darius but he seemed to have a tragic past he wouldn't talk about so I was pretty much alone and it sucked. I wasn't sure how one went about finding a lady friend but I didn't intend to spend eternity alone. It had been bad enough as a human but as a vampire, well it just seemed so much worse.

I had no idea where I was going but something was drawing me on in a particular direction. Was I being drawn towards prey? I stopped and tested the air but I could smell nothing. Deciding it didn't really matter so long as I was going somewhere I carried on, human or animal I decided to leave it in the lap of the gods. I stopped again a few miles on and tested the air again and this time I smelled blood, human blood, well so be it. i increased my pace, if the human was already bleeding I might be too late and I hated waste.

Coming into a clearing I skidded to a halt seeing a figure lying on the ground with another crouched over it. The crouching figure hissed turning round at speed and crouched ready to attack. I too fell into a crouch ready but I was halted by the face of my opponent, she was strikingly beautiful with long black hair and full lips. She slowly stood up and looked back at the human she had been draining.

"He wasn't very tasty, too many drugs in his system but you are free to try for yourself."

I straightened up and smiled shaking my head,

"I think I'll pass if you don't mind. The name's Charlie by the way."

I stretched out a hand carefully and waited for her to make the next move.

"Is this your territory?"

I shook my head,

"Nope just out for a spell, we're based further west."

"We?"

"Yeah, I'm kinda related to the Cullens. Ever heard of them?"

"No but I haven't been in the country long."

"English?"

She nodded smiling at me and relaxed more,

"You ever been there?"

"No but I always wanted to see the Tower of London."

"It's interesting. So your mate, is she around?"

"Nope, don't have one."

"Really? How long have you been a vampire?"

"Not long but the story behind it is and complicated."

"Well, I'd like to hear it Charlie, would you like to hunt with me? The name is Jennifer but I prefer Jenna."

"I'd love to Jenna, it's not much fun hunting alone."

"I wouldn't know, it's all I've ever known but it might be fun."

She turned ignoring her earlier victim who lay unconscious on the ground his throat savaged and bleeding to death but he wasn't my concern and I could already here other predators moving closer. Once we were gone they would soon mask any wounds Jenna had made. I stepped over him and followed her deeper into the trees wondering if providence had set my feet on this path to meet her. I caught her up a little later and we ran together for several miles before coming across a couple camping out.

Normally I wouldn't have bothered them but I was thirsty and hunting with Jenna was exciting so I joined her in the attack on the tent dragging the guy out only to find he and his companion had been shooting up and stank of liquor which made me feel better about killing them. We sat together after drinking our full looking at the moon.

"Do you believe in destiny Charlie?"

"If you'd asked me that question a year ago I would have said no way but now I'm not so sure, why do you ask?"

"Well I used to listen to my instincts as a human and they always led me right until I bumped into the bastard who turned me, or leastways I ignored them one time and met him. I should have listened to that little voice in my head that shouted run but I didn't and here I am."

"But you were following your instinct when you bumped into me?"

She looked into my face and smiled,

"Yes I was, how about you?"

I coughed a little embarrassed at answering but then decided, what the hell,

"Yeah me too. I started running and something kept me heading this way. I thought I was being drawn by prey."

"And now?"

I found we had leaned towards each other without even noticing so her face was close to mine and I was being drawn into her eyes, her scent surrounding me and confusing my senses. Suddenly I found myself kissing her as she wrapped her arms around me pulling me close and it felt right, good, no better than good, wonderful.

When we finally broke apart it was only long enough to take each others clothes off not without a few popped buttons and ripped seams. It wasn't until we lay together watching the stars pop out one by one that either of us spoke again.

"You know what this means don't you Charlie?"

I turned my head to look at her, once more struck by her beauty,

"Yeah I think so. Do you feel the same as I do?"

"You mean peaceful, happy, and very content?"

"That more or less covers it yes."

"I have an admission to make Jasmine, I have a daughter who is also a vampire and I'm shit scared at the thought of telling her."

She laughed and rolled over to look down on me,

"Then let's make sure we have something to tell her, shall we?"

I would have replied but her lips silenced my own as I held her close running my hands over her smooth body and wondering how fate had finally helped me out.

It was daybreak before we got up and dressed, and then only reluctantly, picking leaves and small twigs from our clothes as we did so.

"So Charlie, what next?"

I shrugged taking her hand in mine,

"I have no idea but as long as we're together I don't really care."

"Well I have nowhere to call home so I guess its down to you Charlie."

"Yeah I thought you might say that not that I have a problem taking you back with me but there is a problem. I tell you what, let's get a motel room for a couple of days and I can explain my problem."

"Fine. Come on then Charlie I can't wait to find a bed."

I was in full agreement with her and we raced off hand in hand.