here it is!
Edward's thoughts are in bold and Kayla's in italics.
I looked at Dr Cullen, worried I had put him a difficult situation. I wanted to explain to him that he didn’t need to leave, that I wasn’t going to blab to the whole town about what he and his family were. But how could I tell him?
I looked down at the dead man on the floor. I knew that this wasn’t an animal attack. The Azdi part of me was telling me this, showing me the difference between an animal attack and a vampire attack. I also knew that this was no ordinary vampire attack. It was too messy.
“Dad, I’m going outside.” I looked away from the body and up at Charlie. “Need some air.”
Charlie nodded.
“Off you go, sweetheart.”
I glanced at Dr Cullen on my way out of the kitchen. I could feel his eyes on me as I walked along the hallway and outside. I took a deep breath of fresh air once outside and sat underneath a window. I wished I had Edward’s number. I could call him and explain what happened then he would call Dr Cullen and explain everything to him. Simple. Except I didn’t have Edward’s number. Doubt I ever will. I put my head in my hands, convinced I had just ruined a load of people’s lives. My mind was in overdrive, thinking of plans and ways on how to find the vampire that had killed so recklessly. I finally understood what I was now. As much as I didn’t want to believe it, I was an Azdi and I would just have to accept it. I heard a phone rang. Thinking it was mine I pulled it out my pocket but it wasn’t. I was sure I heard the ring of the phone right next to me.
“Hello?” Dr Cullen spoke.
It was his phone. My stupid improved hearing could hear that perfectly, as if it was right next to me like I thought it was.
“Yes, she was just here,” he spoke again. “Outside.”
I could hear the person he was talking to but I couldn’t make out any exact words, they were speaking too fast.
“I understand...Yes, I’ll tell her...Thank you...Bye.”
“Excuse me a moment, Chief.” I heard Dr Cullen’s footsteps on the wooden floorboards as he made his way outside. He stopped outside and saw me under the window.
“Kayla,” he said, extending a hand towards me. “I’m Carlisle.”
I stood up and shook his hand, confused by why he was introducing himself again.
“Edward explained everything to me,” Carlisle said. “Alice saw your little slip up in there.”
“Alice saw?” I repeated. “How did she see? Was she watching us?”
Carlisle laughed. “Apologies for my ignorance, I assumed you would know. Alice can see the future. She saw you telling Charlie it was a vampire killing seconds before you said it.”
“Are you angry at me for saying it?” I asked him, nervous. “I didn’t mean to, it’s what it is, I couldn’t help it.”
“I am not angry,” he said, smiling.
I sighed with relief.
“Edward told me all about you, Kayla,” Carlisle said. “I hope that Charlie does not know what you found out about us?”
“Charlie doesn’t know anything about you other than what you have told the town.”
“Good.” Carlisle looked down at me, his topaz eyes thoughtful. “What do you think of the attack?”
Before I could even stop myself I was talking.
“I think it’s a newborn that has killed this guy, it’s too messy to be an older vampire. A newborn wouldn’t think to hide the body or make the attack less violent. It’s ripped the guy’s throat out to get at the blood. The poor creature’s driven by its thirst.”
Carlisle nodded.
“Have there been any other deaths reported as animal attacks?” I asked, a part of me wanting to investigate this man’s death, track down his killer.
“This is the sixth one in two weeks,” Carlisle said. “They’ve been getting closer and closer to town.”
“It has to be stopped.”
Carlisle nodded.
“We’ve been keeping a close eye on it,” he said. “We wouldn’t have but this newborn could compromise us here.”
“I understand that vampires have to feed but killing that many people will attract the attention of the media.” I could see it in my head. Headlines of newspapers telling the world of the existence of vampires. “It has to be tracked down, taught the rules.”
“If it gets any worse one of us will attempt to find it,” Carlisle said.
“I can help,” I offered. “I’m perfectly able to.”
I didn’t want Carlisle thinking I was some weak human, that I wasn’t as strong or as fast as he was.
“We would accept your help,” he said. “But it isn’t possible.”
“Why?” I asked.
A car was driving down the road, heading towards this house.
“That’s why,” I heard him mutter.
A silver Volvo pulled up in front of the house. Charlie, hearing the car, came outside.
“Dr Cullen,” Charlie said. “I’ve just called for some back-up, if you wouldn’t mind staying longer to speak to them.”
“Not at all, Chief,” Carlisle said.
Edward stepped out of the car, followed by his sister Alice. They both walked (or rather Edward walked but Alice sort of danced) quickly up the path towards us.
“No,” was all Edward said to Carlisle.
Carlisle nodded understanding Edward but I was confused, like I had been the past couple of days.
“Hi Kayla,” Alice smiled up at me. That girl was small.
“Hey,” I replied.
“Guys,” Charlie said to Edward and Alice. “You can’t be here, it’s a crime scene.”
“Yes, of course, Chief Swan,” Alice smiled up at him, sweetly.
“Kayla wanted me to pick her up,” Edward said but thinking at the same time.
Say you did, I need to speak to you.
“Yeah,” I said to Charlie. “I figured you’d be here a while so I called Edward.”
Charlie looked at both of us, probably confused.
“So, we’ll just go,” I said. “Get of your way so you can do your police stuff.”
Edward looked pointedly at Carlisle, emphasising something. I didn’t know what because for some reason Edward was reciting the Texas Declaration of Independence. Alice grabbed my hand and practically dragged me to the car, Edward following behind us. She let me go and climbed in the back and I got in the front. Edward started the car and drove. He was still reciting the declaration,
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude, and didn’t seem to be quitting anytime soon.
“You are not helping to find the newborn,” Edward suddenly turned to me.
“What?” I said. “Since when do you decide to do for me?”
“Newborns are dangerous around humans,” Edward turned away from me. “More so than normal vampires.”
“Don’t listen to him,” Alice spoke up from the back. “He’s just worrying over nothing.”
“I am not, Alice,” Edward spoke quite harshly to her.
“Yes, you are,” Alice argued. “She is perfectly capable to fight.”
“Fight, yes, but not survive. She could be killed.”
“But she could get away. Maybe not unscathed but still breathing.”
“But she could get bitten, and then what will happen?”
“She’ll be a vampire?”
I watched them arguing and wondered if they had forgotten I was there.
“Alice!” Edward groaned. “Stop thinking that! That will not happen to her!”
I wanted to know what Alice was thinking but I didn’t need to look into her mind. Alice’s thoughts had interrupted Edward’s thoughts of the human rights and were still fresh in his mind. It was me. But it wasn’t me exactly. I was pale white and absolutely stunning. My black hair was flowing around me as if there was a breeze and my green eyes were red. I was a vampire.
I hope that was her thinking and not the future,I thought to Edward.
Purely her imagination.He looked behind him and gave Alice an evil glare.
“It could happen,” Alice said, sticking her tongue out at him.
“So this is all you wanted to talk about?” I asked him. “To tell me I can’t go and find some newborn?”
Edward nodded, holding the steering wheel tightly. We were driving past the woods near my house. He suddenly braked.
“Out Alice,” Edward said, his voice tight. “I need to speak to Kayla alone.”
Alice jumped out the car and became a blur as she sped off.
Edward didn’t start the car again but his hands remained on the wheel.
“Why won’t you let me go?” I asked him. “It’s what I was born to do. Literally.”
You don’t understand.
You don’t explain.
He sighed.
If something were to happen to you...
It wouldn’t be your fault.
But I would have let you. How would I explain it to Charlie if something happened to you?
He would understand. It was him that said this is what I was supposed to do. It’s my purpose.
I looked at him earnestly, willing him to understand that I wasn’t normal.
Do I need to prove to you that I could fight a vampire?
His eyes widened in shock.
No. He growled.
Come on,I opened the car door. In the woods. Me and you.
I stepped outside and walked to the edge of the woods. Edward remained in the car.
Kayla, I am not fighting you.
I sped back to the car and opened his car door.
Yes, you are.
I would have an unfair advantage. I have more experience.
I’m sure I’ll be ok.
I took one of his hands on the steering wheel and pulled him out the car. He looked at me, shocked by my strength.
I’m stronger than I look.
I noticed.
Come on!
Still holding his hand, I sped into the forest. I knew that he would have no trouble keeping up. We ran until we found a clearing big enough to fight in.
Are you sure? He looked at me, uncertain.
Yes, I stressed.
He stood there, debating whether he should fight me or not. He was worried in case he hurt me.
You won’t hurt me, I assured him.
He nodded and bent into a crouch. He smiled at me and bared his teeth. A low snarl emitted from him.
Scared?
You wish!
I let instinct take over, knowing he would be able to read my thoughts. I bent into a low crouch too, keeping arms loose, ready to defend or attack.
The seconds ticked by, each of us waiting for a surprise attack. I was starting to wonder whether he was convinced that he would hurt me and wasn’t going to fight when I saw a white blur fly at me.
Edward's thoughts are in bold and Kayla's in italics.
I looked at Dr Cullen, worried I had put him a difficult situation. I wanted to explain to him that he didn’t need to leave, that I wasn’t going to blab to the whole town about what he and his family were. But how could I tell him?
I looked down at the dead man on the floor. I knew that this wasn’t an animal attack. The Azdi part of me was telling me this, showing me the difference between an animal attack and a vampire attack. I also knew that this was no ordinary vampire attack. It was too messy.
“Dad, I’m going outside.” I looked away from the body and up at Charlie. “Need some air.”
Charlie nodded.
“Off you go, sweetheart.”
I glanced at Dr Cullen on my way out of the kitchen. I could feel his eyes on me as I walked along the hallway and outside. I took a deep breath of fresh air once outside and sat underneath a window. I wished I had Edward’s number. I could call him and explain what happened then he would call Dr Cullen and explain everything to him. Simple. Except I didn’t have Edward’s number. Doubt I ever will. I put my head in my hands, convinced I had just ruined a load of people’s lives. My mind was in overdrive, thinking of plans and ways on how to find the vampire that had killed so recklessly. I finally understood what I was now. As much as I didn’t want to believe it, I was an Azdi and I would just have to accept it. I heard a phone rang. Thinking it was mine I pulled it out my pocket but it wasn’t. I was sure I heard the ring of the phone right next to me.
“Hello?” Dr Cullen spoke.
It was his phone. My stupid improved hearing could hear that perfectly, as if it was right next to me like I thought it was.
“Yes, she was just here,” he spoke again. “Outside.”
I could hear the person he was talking to but I couldn’t make out any exact words, they were speaking too fast.
“I understand...Yes, I’ll tell her...Thank you...Bye.”
“Excuse me a moment, Chief.” I heard Dr Cullen’s footsteps on the wooden floorboards as he made his way outside. He stopped outside and saw me under the window.
“Kayla,” he said, extending a hand towards me. “I’m Carlisle.”
I stood up and shook his hand, confused by why he was introducing himself again.
“Edward explained everything to me,” Carlisle said. “Alice saw your little slip up in there.”
“Alice saw?” I repeated. “How did she see? Was she watching us?”
Carlisle laughed. “Apologies for my ignorance, I assumed you would know. Alice can see the future. She saw you telling Charlie it was a vampire killing seconds before you said it.”
“Are you angry at me for saying it?” I asked him, nervous. “I didn’t mean to, it’s what it is, I couldn’t help it.”
“I am not angry,” he said, smiling.
I sighed with relief.
“Edward told me all about you, Kayla,” Carlisle said. “I hope that Charlie does not know what you found out about us?”
“Charlie doesn’t know anything about you other than what you have told the town.”
“Good.” Carlisle looked down at me, his topaz eyes thoughtful. “What do you think of the attack?”
Before I could even stop myself I was talking.
“I think it’s a newborn that has killed this guy, it’s too messy to be an older vampire. A newborn wouldn’t think to hide the body or make the attack less violent. It’s ripped the guy’s throat out to get at the blood. The poor creature’s driven by its thirst.”
Carlisle nodded.
“Have there been any other deaths reported as animal attacks?” I asked, a part of me wanting to investigate this man’s death, track down his killer.
“This is the sixth one in two weeks,” Carlisle said. “They’ve been getting closer and closer to town.”
“It has to be stopped.”
Carlisle nodded.
“We’ve been keeping a close eye on it,” he said. “We wouldn’t have but this newborn could compromise us here.”
“I understand that vampires have to feed but killing that many people will attract the attention of the media.” I could see it in my head. Headlines of newspapers telling the world of the existence of vampires. “It has to be tracked down, taught the rules.”
“If it gets any worse one of us will attempt to find it,” Carlisle said.
“I can help,” I offered. “I’m perfectly able to.”
I didn’t want Carlisle thinking I was some weak human, that I wasn’t as strong or as fast as he was.
“We would accept your help,” he said. “But it isn’t possible.”
“Why?” I asked.
A car was driving down the road, heading towards this house.
“That’s why,” I heard him mutter.
A silver Volvo pulled up in front of the house. Charlie, hearing the car, came outside.
“Dr Cullen,” Charlie said. “I’ve just called for some back-up, if you wouldn’t mind staying longer to speak to them.”
“Not at all, Chief,” Carlisle said.
Edward stepped out of the car, followed by his sister Alice. They both walked (or rather Edward walked but Alice sort of danced) quickly up the path towards us.
“No,” was all Edward said to Carlisle.
Carlisle nodded understanding Edward but I was confused, like I had been the past couple of days.
“Hi Kayla,” Alice smiled up at me. That girl was small.
“Hey,” I replied.
“Guys,” Charlie said to Edward and Alice. “You can’t be here, it’s a crime scene.”
“Yes, of course, Chief Swan,” Alice smiled up at him, sweetly.
“Kayla wanted me to pick her up,” Edward said but thinking at the same time.
Say you did, I need to speak to you.
“Yeah,” I said to Charlie. “I figured you’d be here a while so I called Edward.”
Charlie looked at both of us, probably confused.
“So, we’ll just go,” I said. “Get of your way so you can do your police stuff.”
Edward looked pointedly at Carlisle, emphasising something. I didn’t know what because for some reason Edward was reciting the Texas Declaration of Independence. Alice grabbed my hand and practically dragged me to the car, Edward following behind us. She let me go and climbed in the back and I got in the front. Edward started the car and drove. He was still reciting the declaration,
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude, and didn’t seem to be quitting anytime soon.
“You are not helping to find the newborn,” Edward suddenly turned to me.
“What?” I said. “Since when do you decide to do for me?”
“Newborns are dangerous around humans,” Edward turned away from me. “More so than normal vampires.”
“Don’t listen to him,” Alice spoke up from the back. “He’s just worrying over nothing.”
“I am not, Alice,” Edward spoke quite harshly to her.
“Yes, you are,” Alice argued. “She is perfectly capable to fight.”
“Fight, yes, but not survive. She could be killed.”
“But she could get away. Maybe not unscathed but still breathing.”
“But she could get bitten, and then what will happen?”
“She’ll be a vampire?”
I watched them arguing and wondered if they had forgotten I was there.
“Alice!” Edward groaned. “Stop thinking that! That will not happen to her!”
I wanted to know what Alice was thinking but I didn’t need to look into her mind. Alice’s thoughts had interrupted Edward’s thoughts of the human rights and were still fresh in his mind. It was me. But it wasn’t me exactly. I was pale white and absolutely stunning. My black hair was flowing around me as if there was a breeze and my green eyes were red. I was a vampire.
I hope that was her thinking and not the future,I thought to Edward.
Purely her imagination.He looked behind him and gave Alice an evil glare.
“It could happen,” Alice said, sticking her tongue out at him.
“So this is all you wanted to talk about?” I asked him. “To tell me I can’t go and find some newborn?”
Edward nodded, holding the steering wheel tightly. We were driving past the woods near my house. He suddenly braked.
“Out Alice,” Edward said, his voice tight. “I need to speak to Kayla alone.”
Alice jumped out the car and became a blur as she sped off.
Edward didn’t start the car again but his hands remained on the wheel.
“Why won’t you let me go?” I asked him. “It’s what I was born to do. Literally.”
You don’t understand.
You don’t explain.
He sighed.
If something were to happen to you...
It wouldn’t be your fault.
But I would have let you. How would I explain it to Charlie if something happened to you?
He would understand. It was him that said this is what I was supposed to do. It’s my purpose.
I looked at him earnestly, willing him to understand that I wasn’t normal.
Do I need to prove to you that I could fight a vampire?
His eyes widened in shock.
No. He growled.
Come on,I opened the car door. In the woods. Me and you.
I stepped outside and walked to the edge of the woods. Edward remained in the car.
Kayla, I am not fighting you.
I sped back to the car and opened his car door.
Yes, you are.
I would have an unfair advantage. I have more experience.
I’m sure I’ll be ok.
I took one of his hands on the steering wheel and pulled him out the car. He looked at me, shocked by my strength.
I’m stronger than I look.
I noticed.
Come on!
Still holding his hand, I sped into the forest. I knew that he would have no trouble keeping up. We ran until we found a clearing big enough to fight in.
Are you sure? He looked at me, uncertain.
Yes, I stressed.
He stood there, debating whether he should fight me or not. He was worried in case he hurt me.
You won’t hurt me, I assured him.
He nodded and bent into a crouch. He smiled at me and bared his teeth. A low snarl emitted from him.
Scared?
You wish!
I let instinct take over, knowing he would be able to read my thoughts. I bent into a low crouch too, keeping arms loose, ready to defend or attack.
The seconds ticked by, each of us waiting for a surprise attack. I was starting to wonder whether he was convinced that he would hurt me and wasn’t going to fight when I saw a white blur fly at me.
