"See?" Lestat repeated. "I think you underestimate the boy. And there was nothing else in his mind that I can use against him, trust me. I'd figured there would be more."
"He's a smart boy," Lestat explained dully. "If he knows how to kill this Dracula person, I'm sure he'd have no problem getting around you and your binding to your girl."
"Very true," Lestat agreed, smirking at Edward's reaction. "Yet I have a feeling the boy will find a way around you."
"Do not worry," Lestat shrugged. "I don't even like her. I enjoy the effect, not the actual person, for your information. I know she's always technically going to be yours... and you almost had her tonight. Why didn't you let the boy kill himself?"
Lestat chuckled. "I don't think I could teach you, John," he began, grinning. "I mean, I could try, but most of it is just my natural charm... and that is something you will never possess."
"Really?" Lestat teased, stepping forward. "He seems to be much more important and powerful in her eyes than you. I've no idea how you plan to get her, especially without my help."
Interesting... Lestat muttered to John. Did I really make you that jealous?
Stupid boy! Lestat demanded, his eyes narrowing. Enough! Walk away!
You're being foolish, Edward, Lestat said cooly in the werewolf's mind. I would leave or John and I can kill you... hell, just I can kill you with one hand!
"She lives," Lestat differed politely. "Just as John's girl does... for much longer and better than you ever will."
Lestat grinned from nearby, his deep yellow eyes glittering. Ours? he repeated in his head. Not something I'd prefer, but I can work with it...
Lestat took out his pocket watch once more, glancing at the time. John should have gotten back to them already...
Lestat flinched, though he tried to hide the look on his face. Stupid boy, he thought. Even after what he's done, she is still there and he... Lestat sighed to himself, blowing a lock of curly blonde hair out of his face.
Lestat listened, frowning. I figured he'd be happy and kind to her, try to win her back... what on earth is his problem?
"Must you listen to them?" Lestat asked John. "Whatever it is can't be that important for you to hear."
Lestat followed John, half of him satified with himself, the other regretting what he'd done.
Lestat looked at John. It's your decision, he shrugged.
"A guilty excuse," Lestat laughed. "You'd best go, Edward, and stop hurting John's girl."
Oh, shut up, Edward, Lestat snapped, cutting off the man's words. Try speak again and I will rip your mind in half and you'll have no idea who she is by the end of it. "I'm sorry you had to see that, mon cherie," Lestat said now, standing, coating his low, warm voice in pity and sweetness. "Like John said, it's best you stay with us."
Lestat laughed, not in the least bit offended or bothered. "It's alright, mon cherie," he murmured softly into Hannah's hair, running his hand along her back, feeling the tremors against her spine. "Edward will be gone from your mind very soon... John," he began. "Come here." And you, he slashed at Edward. Get back in the mud. "I know this is the last thing you want to hear, sweetheart," he whispered to Hannah, "but let John hold you for a moment." He let go of Hannah, passing her to the vampire next to him, and knelt next to Edward. Look at me, he said softly, and Edward's head titled off the ground an inch, his cheek coated in mud. Good. Now, this, surprisingly, isn't going to hurt... think of something for me... something that would hurt Hannah beyond belief and make her turn away from you forever. I know there's something in your head that fits the description...
