Charlie Swan: Vampire Hunter

40.5

Edward

The wolves are true to their word, and one week later they show up again, obviously ready for a fight. I'd spent the days getting ready to leave and trying to get Alice out of her near catatonic state to little avail. At this point she'll follow basic instructions but that's about it.

I led her out the door towards the car that was loaded and ready. It had everything I could think of that was practical and necessary to bring with us. I'd called Rosalie as soon as I got back after getting the ultimatum. She and Emmet were in Vienna, and so that's where I was taking Alice. I'd thought about trying to find Carlisle, but it seemed pointless. He was off with Charlie, and they were chasing revenge. Even if I could track him down, I'm not sure what he could do. It's not like he could just drop everything, including his new boyfriend, to come get us out of this.

I make sure Alice is settled in the front seat before turning to the wolves living the driveway and baring my fangs.

"We're leaving. No need for the escort."

"We're just being carful vamp." The largest of the wolves says, taking a step towards us. "I protect what's mine, and now Forks falls under that category. We don't need blood suckers stinking up the place."

I snort and cross to the driver's side. "You let us know when you need our help again. We did a hell of a lot more than you might think."

I can almost see the hackles rise along his back, but I don't back down. I smirk as I get into the car and turn it on. As shitty a situation as this is for everyone, it feels nice to get under the fleabag's skin one last time. I know the wolves follow us out of town, but I don't care. I watch the familiar sights fly by and think about all the other times we've left towns behind. Virtue of the fact that vampires don't age, we have to move around a fair amount, but I'm not sure I'll ever miss a town as much as Forks. So much happened in our time here- I fell in love and then she died, jasper died, Esme died. Come to think of it, maybe it won't be so bad to leave Forks. Everyone seems to die here. I snort at the thought and Alice jumps a little.

"Sorry." I say and turn on the radio. She doesn't respond, not that I expected much.

We get to SeaTac and through security in record time. I grip Alice's hand as we navigate through the crowds to make sure she doesn't get lost or try to eat anyone. She hasn't had blood in far too long and it's starting to show, but she also hasn't shown any indication of hunger. Every time I try to get her to eat, she turns her head away and refuses. That's another reason we're going to Vienna. I can't help her alone and I'm hoping that with the additional help of Rosalie and Emmet we can figure out some way to bring her back. Or at least get her to eat again so she stops wasting away.

We get to our seats on the plane, and as soon as I get Alice settled, I take the first real breath I have since Carlisle left and drop into the seat next to her. I have 13 hours to not worry. And once we get there, I won't have to do all the worrying any more.

Alice

I stare out the window for the duration of the flight. I don't know where we're going, only that most of the way is ocean. Europe probably. Not that I care. I don't care about anything anymore. The blackhole in my heart where Jasper and Esme should be keeps getting bigger. I want to try for Edward who looks on the verge of panic, but I can't seem to form the words. I glace at him, sleeping next to me. This is the most peaceful he's looked since Bella died. I forgot that he never really got time to process that before Jasper...

A sharp pang goes through my heart at the thought and turn back to the window. I don't know where we're going but it doesn't matter. Wherever it is will be as good a place to die as any.