Her Time

𝒞𝒽. 𝒯𝒽𝓇𝑒𝑒

There was no way to escape it. No matter where he went in the hospital, no matter how much distance he put between them, Carlisle could not escape the sound of Anna's heartbeat. It was so loud in his ears and her scent so strong that it made him wish he couldn't smell or hear. She was turning out to be his hardest test yet and the things that were going through his mind meant he was surely failing said test.

Carlisle was so caught up in thinking about all of the ways he could lure Annabelle Salvatore away and take from her what he wanted, what he found he needed, that he hadn't noticed that Rosalie stood in front of his desk.

"Carlisle?"

Startled by Rosalie's voice, Carlisle looked up from his deep reverie. He found himself momentarily disoriented, his mind still entangled in the dark desires that had consumed him. He quickly composed himself, forcing a calm and collected expression onto his face.

"Yes, Rosalie?" he replied, his voice betraying none of his inner turmoil. He saw concern etched on her beautiful features, a flicker of worry in her eyes. Rosalie, his ever-loyal companion, always had a keen eye for the emotional state of those around her.

"I couldn't help but notice that something seems off with you, Carlisle," she said, her voice laced with genuine concern. "Is there something you want to talk about? You know you can always confide in me."

Carlisle sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he contemplated his response. He knew he couldn't keep his inner demons hidden forever, especially from someone as perceptive as Rosalie. She deserved honesty and openness from him, but the darkness that consumed him was something he had never shared with anyone before.

"Rosalie," he began, his voice weighted with a mix of guilt and apprehension, "I'm afraid I've been struggling lately. The scent of Anna's blood, her heartbeat... they're affecting me in ways I never anticipated. It's like a primal instinct within me, and I fear I'm losing control."

Rosalie's concern deepened, her brows furrowing as she absorbed his words. She had always known that Carlisle had a unique struggle, but this seemed different. She took a step closer, her voice gentle as she spoke.

"Carlisle, you mustn't blame yourself for the darkness that exists within you. We all have our battles to fight, our demons to face. What matters is how you choose to confront them. You have always been a pillar of strength for our family, and I have no doubt that you will overcome this."

He appreciated her unwavering support, even in the face of his darkest desires. But Carlisle couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at him. He had dedicated his existence to saving lives, and now he found himself enticed by the very essence he had sworn to protect.

"I fear that my very nature as a vampire is at odds with my moral compass," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I should be immune to these temptations, but instead, they consume me."

Rosalie's eyes softened, and she reached out to place a comforting hand on his arm. "Carlisle, none of us are exempt from our nature. We all have instincts and desires. It is our choices that define us. You have always chosen the path of compassion and self-restraint. I believe in you, and I believe you will make the right choice."

Carlisle looked into Rosalie's eyes, finding solace in her unwavering faith in him. He knew he couldn't let his desires control him, no matter how strong they seemed. With a newfound determination, he straightened his posture and met Rosalie's gaze with resolve.

"You're right, Rosalie," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I cannot let this darkness consume me. I will find a way to resist these temptations, to protect Anna and all those who need my help. Thank you for reminding me of who I am."