Van Helsing (Cont.)

"A bit better, yeah. The pain's going away." Hannah answered.

"Probably." Beatrice agreed. "Want me to go wake him up?"

 

Michael noted the change in Beatrice's voice when she spoke of Carl. So that's how it is.

 

Edward shrugged. "It's up to you," he spoke aloud, and then looked to Michael. Don't even mention it aloud, he sent angrily.

 

"Are you hungry?" Lestat whispered, his fingers finally stopping their movement along her back and resting on the back of her neck. "I'm sure you are."

 

Michael looked at Edward. "Whatever you say."

 

Hannah nodded slowly.

Beatrice sighed. "You did it again. What did I miss this time?"

 

"Nothing," Edward sighed, giving her a smile. "Go check on Carl if you wish."

 

Lestat grinned, taking one of his arms out from around her and putting the inside of his wrist against her cheek. "I know you hate killing, whether it be a human or lower," he said softly. "I can help you with that."

 

Hannah stiffened. "What do you mean, Lestat?"

"Okay," Beatrice looked back and forth between the two, and then left, feeling she really was missing something.

 

"Why didn't you just tell her?" Michael asked once Beatrice had closed the door.

 

"I told you that she's sensitive," Edward repeated a little immpatiently. "I don't want to upset her by mentioning her feelings about him."

 

"My blood," Lestat whispered, brushing the tips of his fingers along the base of her neck. "It's powerful enough that, if you drink it, you won't have to kill for months at a time at least. Doesn't that sound like a good idea to you?"

 

"I- I don't know." Hannah replied, still rigid. "I... Edward might get upset."

 

"Does she know her feelings?" Michael asked. "Is this Carl human?"

 

"Yes, I'm sure she knows her feelings even if she doesn't vocalize them," Edward replied. "And Carl is human... why do you care to ask?"

 

"That's true," Lestat sighed. "I was just trying to make it easier for you... and, in turn, for him."

 

Hannah reached up and took Lestat's hand. "I... want to. But I told you, I don't trust myself."

Beatrice knocked on Carl's door. "Hey, Carl? You awake?"

Carl jerked up from the bed. "Has something happened?" He asked when he opened the door.

"Yes," Beatrice responded. "But it's not bad. Or at least, I don't think so."

"Oh, well, what is it?" Carl adjusted his robes.

"Edward and I came across a lycan." Beatrice said simply.

"You what?" Carl squeaked.

 

"I've had my experience with an odd relationship." Michael replied quietly. "I'd hate to see someone like her get hurt because of that kind of thing."

 

"You don't know her," Edward began. "You don't know anything and you're lecturing about relationships now?"

 

"I trust you right now," Lestat whispered, tightening his fingers around hers. "You're doubting my strength, Hannah. Why don't you give me the chance to prove it to you?"