Charlie Swan: Vampire Hunter

29

I drive my truck with an abundance of caution. I know the way like the back of my hand, but right now everything feels fragile and being behind the wheel is almost comparable to a death sentence. 

We chose a small bar outside of town, on the way to Carlisle's house, that has surpassingly good food. I'm in no mood for anything fancy, so I just get a burger and a beer. Ironically, Carlisle get a Bloody Mary.

 "Fitting." I snort when he orders it.

He only shakes his head. "I may not be able to enjoy food anymore, but alcohol hasn't lost its kick and I happen to like bloody Marys." 

I take a sip of my beer and then a deep breath. "I know you said you would respect my decision about us, and I've come to one. I don't want to give this up, but I also don't what you to do anything you'll regret. You've apologizes so many times. I don't regret it, and I never will, but if you do I don't want to push you. If you want to give us a go then so do I, but I feel like you need to think about it." 

He stops me with a finger against my lips. "Stop. I've been apologizing because I thought I blew up our relationship past repair. If you want this, I want this." 

I smile against his finger, then lean across the table. My lips meet his in a short gentle kiss. He grabs my hand and I hold on tight and don't let go until my food comes. We chat idly, but nothing too deep just relishing the newness of us. 

I walk into the sun and let my eyes adjust for a moment. I hold his hand tight loathe to let it go. "We both drove so, I guess I'll see you back at your house." 

"I'll have Edward and Emmett come get my car later." He says with a quick squeeze on my hand. 

I limb in and start the truck. "Are you, or are we, going to tell them? About us?" 

"We should eventually. Though, I think they've probably already guessed. Alice almost certainly knows and what she knows Jasper knows. We don't have to yet if you don't want to though." 

"I'll think about it, but this is so new. I don't think they need to know yet." I say, turning onto the road. 

"Whatever you decide. That is truly up to you. They're old enough to accept that this is my choice not theirs." He laughs a little. "I think once children reach 100 you should be free to have a love life." 

We pull into his drive way and I park to the side. He kisses me before getting out. I hop out and grab my bag from the back seat before following him in. The rest of the day is spent cuddling and watching whatever is on tv until I fall asleep in his arms sometime past ten. 

-----

I wake to a soul wrenching scream and sit bolt upright in bed. Carlisle is already half way across the roomy the time I register what I'm hearing. I grab my gun holster and run after him. I skid to a stop outside the only open door and can't contain my horror at what I see. 

Alice is on the ground sobbing hysterically in Carlisle's arms, but the true horror is on the ceiling. Jasper's face is contorted in pain and fear, but his eyes are blank and dead. His stomach has a huge bleeding gash across it, and I see a few drops of his blood on Alice's face. The worst, and most dangerous part though, is the fire that consumes the ceiling. It presumably emanates from his body, but has spread quickly. 

"Out." I pant, then shout. "We have to get out! Fire!" 

Fire is the only thing that can kill vampires. I start to panic. I can't let Carlisle get hurt. I just got him, he can't die. He's practically immortal but this could really kill him and I'm not going to let that happen. 

I grab him and Alice and run through the house yelling bloody murder at everyone to get out. I forgot that vampires don't sleep so everyone is in a knot outside Alice's door, and they follow me as I run out of the house. I grab my phone on the way out and call the fire department, but I can already tell that it's futile. I can see flames licking Carlisle's window and once the fire reaches the roof the whole building is done for. 

Carlisle sinks to the ground and I with him. I can see the tears coursing down his cheeks and wipe them away with my thumbs. "It's going to be ok." I whisper over and over into his sooty hair. 

I hear Emmet and Rosalie trying to calm Alice behind me, but keep my focus on Carlisle. He held me together when my wold imploded and so I will do the same for him to the best of my ability. If that means taking him home and making sure he doesn't stave that what I'll do. And when he's back on his feet, together we will find and destroy the daemon who did this.