"Beatrice, I told you to stop him from doing anything stupid." Hannah sighed. "He's fast." Beatrice amended. "And you're about one hundred times faster than any of our group." Hannah pointed out. "Sorry," Beatrice hung her head. Hannah looked back at Edward. "We just talked." She told him. Despite her efforts for it not to, the sickening memory of John's kiss came back to her. She quickly pushed it away and looked at the floor.
"He's probably off making another collection." John said in a low voice. "It's a hobby." Hannah bolted up. "What did you do?!" She was glad for Beatrice's supporting hands; s he knew she would have just fallen back down without them.
"We both will." John muttered back. Hannah was already half-awake, but she kept her eyes shut, hoping for the dream to continue. "Hannah...?" Beatrice tried again uncertainly. Hannah groaned. "If I was dead, you'd know, Beatrice." Beatrice sighed, relieved. "Well you seemed upset. Was it another nightmare about your parents?" Hannah opened her eyes. "No," She answered. "I'm not sure if this was better or worse.... Is Edward back? I don't think I should, but I want him with me now." "Oh, okay. Then you won't be mad at me for letting him in." Beatrice tried to smile. "He's in the bathroom, but I think you should just stay still."
No, stay with me. Hannah pleaded. This is a dream... I'm sure of it.... And I don't really understand it, but I want you to know that John will kill you unless I do what he says. When Hannah moaned again, Beatrice lightly shook her shoulder. "Hannah, are you okay?"
"I'm sure he'll let her go if that's what she wants." John countered. "And she's a very convincing actress." I can't. Hannah argued. I don't want to say what he told me to....
"So you're saying he'll hurt her to stop her?" John smirked. Hannah moaned and rolled over. Edward...? She knew none of her nightmares would have him in it unless she was dreaming about doing what John had told her to. No... Edward, go away. I don't want to talk to you.... Please, just let me be. Beatrice knelt next to the bed. Should I wake her up?
"You think he can do against what she wants?" John questioned. Beatrice made a face, but opened the door and went in with Edward. She felt the only thing she could do was make sure that Hannah was as comfortable as possible, and that meant doing what Hannah told her. She looked over at Hannah, cracking a smile when she saw Hannah was sleeping sounding, curled into a ball again. I wonder if that's because her stomach is still upset.
"True. Well, I won't have to worry about him soon." John stated. "You can use Van Helsing and Carl's room." Beatrice pointed out. "She doesn't want anyone with her."
"You should have just killed him." John muttered, quickly next to Lestat. "Hannah wants to be alone." Beatrice explained. "She asked me to make sure she could be for a while. She's not feeling well at all."
Beatrice's eyes widened. "What happened?!" She shook her head. "Did you go after John?"
Beatrice waited for Hannah and then took her back to the bed. "Is there anything I can do for you?" "I just want to be alone...." Hannah mumbled. "Do you think you can keep Edward at bay for a little while when he comes back?" Beatrice nodded and adjusted the pillows for Hannah. Beatrice felt the guilt well up in her again when she looked at Hannah lying on the bed. "I'll be right outside." She told Hannah and then went to stand outside the door and wait for Edward.
Hannah stood back up quickly. "No, I should go find him." She swayed with a wave of dizziness. Beatrice quickly helped Hannah to the bathroom, turning her head away and trying to block out the sound of Hannah's second round of vomit. Maybe that was too much for her to handle so soon.
Once Hannah was sure she wouldn't start bawling again, she went inside and up the stairs, practically running in to Beatrice. "I'm sorry, Hannah," Beatrice helped Hannah steady herself. "He wouldn't listen to me; he left." "Damn it...." Hannah murmured. "Beatrice, will you please try to find him?" Beatrice brought Hannah into her room and over to the bed. "I can try."
Hannah stopped outside the tavern, trying to pull herself together. Beatrice stood her ground firmly in front of the doorway. "She told me to make sure that you didn't do anything stupid, too."
Beatrice cringed. "She said she was going to see John. That he knew of something to make her feel better."
Hannah hurried her way to the stables, holding her cloak tight to herself. She slowed as she came closer to the stable entrance. She didn't want to push herself too far. John grabbed Hannah by the waist as she came into the stables, holding her close and surprising her with a kiss. Hannah was stunned for a moment but then pulled away from John. "You said you just wanted to talk." She accused. John held Hannah tighter and tilted her head so she was looking up at him. "How could anyone just talk to you?" He kissed her roughly again, hold her still as she tried to struggle. After a moment, Hannah stopped fighting against John. Even if she hated John for what he'd done to her, and probably what he was planning to do, part of her was starting to enjoy spending time with him. John gently broke the kiss, smirking at the light pink coloration that was coming to Hannah's too pale cheeks. "Now I need you to do something for me." Hannah nodded, not fully away of what was going on anymore. "I need you to tell Edward exactly what I tell you to tell him, okay?" John gently ran his fingers down Hannah's neck. "You're going to make him believe that you never want to see him again. That you've weighed your options carefully and you've decided that you'd rather be dead than cooperate with a werewolf. So you're coming to me. Where you belong. Don't listen to his arguments. But if he should say something touching, have fun ripping him apart. Not physically of course, this would all be pointless if you go yourself killed." John ran his fingers back up Hannah's neck to rest them on her cheek. "Understood?" Hannah bit down hard on her tongue, the pain distracting her from John's seductive voice for a second. She shook her head defiantly. "I didn't want to have to threaten you this way, " John sighed. "Hannah either do as I say, or have Edward's death on your conscious." Hannah stiffened. She would do anything to keep Edward alive, even what John was asking of her now. As she nodded, she hoped Edward would be able to move on once she was gone. She didn't bother to try to think of some witty plan that might get her out of this. If there was a chance that Edward would be hurt, she'd go quietly. "That's my good girl," John crooned. "Now go back before anyone worries." He let go of Hannah, turned her around, and lightly pushed her forward. Hannah hung her head as she walked back to the tavern. She didn't dare go faster that a slow walk in case she got sick again. I have to do this. She tried to convince herself it was best all around. Beatrice has Jinx. Van Helsing will have one less vampire to worry about. Edward- She forced herself not to think of him right now. They'll be able to got to Dracula without having to worry about John or my petty problems. Maybe Lestat will leave them alone too. Hannah wiped away her sudden tears. That's good, Hannah, John sent to her as painlessly as he could. Cry. Your tears will make you more convincing. Hannah choked back a sob at John's words. She knew she had to get through with whatever John told her to do or Edward would be hurt... killed.
"Are you sure you're okay to walk around?" Beatrice asked. "Beatrice," Hannah started. "I really need you to do this for me, okay?" Beatrice was taken back by Hannah's tone. "Is everything okay?" Now, Hannah. John said quietly. Hannah shook her head. "I change my mind. Stay here and make sure Edward doesn't do anything stupid." Beatrice squeezed Hannah's hand. "Tell me what's wrong." Hannah took Beatrice away from Jinx. "I'm going to talk to John." Seeing Beatrice's expression, she added, "We're JUST talking. He said he knows something that can make me feel better. I don't really believe that, but it's worth a chance." She pulled her hand away from Beatrice's. "Oh, and don't go in the bathroom. I'll clean it better when I get back." She hurried down the stairs before Jinx could get a chance to bother her as well.
Beatrice was about to knock on the door when it opened. "Oh! Um, Hannah, are you feeling better?" "I need to get something out of the carriage." Hannah lied. "Will you come with me?" Beatrice smiled and nodded. "The fresh air might do you good." She took Hannah's hand, still surprised by the warmth. Hannah was glad for Beatrice's cool touch. "Let's go quickly."
Get up. John ordered. Hannah stood as slowly as she could. Stop.... I told you I just wanted to talk. John reminded Hannah. Now come to the stables. Hannah headed for the room's door. Please, John, not now. Quickly, Hannah. John ordered impatiently.
Hannah moaned, but stood up despite her dizziness. She wanted to say with Edward so she wouldn't have to move anywhere. She placed a hand on the wall to support herself and just stayed there for a moment. I made a promise, I can't leave. You'll be back before he can notice. John told Hannah, ignoring Lestat. And you can talk to him about everything we did. Hannah looked back into the main room at Edward. I won't leave, John. You can tell me what you want to right here. She slumped back down onto the floor.
