Van Helsing

John grit his teeth at Lestat's words. Shut up. I'll be seeing her very soon. Once Edward is asleep, she'll come to me.

Hannah shook her head slowly. "I don't want nightmares right now...."

 

"Then what can I do?" Edward asked, yawning. "I'm not tired... what do you need?"

 

Lestat laughed. I doubt Edward will sleep, or let her out of his sight again after what happened yesterday. Good luck with that plan.

 

I'm just going to talk to her. John rolled his eyes. Though it would be more convenient if he wasn't there.

"You are tired," Hannah countered. "YOU should get some sleep. I'll stay right here; I promise."

 

"No," Edward insisted, being stubborn. "Every time I shut my eyes or turn my back, something goes wrong or something bad happens to you. And you want me to sleep? That's not the best idea..." But he couldn't stop himself from yawning again.

 

I can take care of him for you, if he wakes or follows, Lestat smiled. It's up to you...

 

Hannah smiled and took Edward's hand, entwining her fingers through his. "You'll be able to notice if I leave."

You have my thanks, Lestat. John smirked.

 

Edward smiled worriedly. "I suppose so... you think it's a good idea, then?"

 

Edward, Lestat snapped quickly. Watch yourself... and then left before the werewolf could retort, he withdrew from his mind, floated silently out his window, and wandered among the streets of the little town.

 

"It's the best I've got." Hannah laid down and gently pulled Edward down with her. "Besides, you'll probably pass out if you don't sleep."

 

Edward chuckled, kissing her cheek. "So true," he murmured, shutting his eyes. "It will be..." he paused, yawning. "It will be fine... you'll see..."

 

Lestat wandered toward the forest's edge now, tying his hair back in a loose black ribbon and playing with the lace on his collar. Thoughts from his past threatened to overcome him once more, that sense of nostaliga that seemed to unavoidably follow him no matter where he went or what he did. But he shut his bright, blue eyes momentarily and shook his head.

Not tonight, he thought stubbornly. Tonight I can instill some fear into that boy, show him that information does not come lightly from someone like me...

 

Hannah's smile faded, but she kept her thoughts as clean as she could. She tried her best not to think of her most recent nightmare or about the hunter or about John. She closed her eyes tightly, hoping Edward wouldn't have nightmares as well.

 

Edward only pretended to sleep, his eyes shut, his mind wandering. He tried several times to ask Lestat what he had meant, to break into the vampire's mind and find out what he meant, but the man was simply too strong. Every attempt he made, he met a strong wall that stung his brain each time he tried to get near it. He gave up, breathing steadily, thinking about Lestat's words instead and how he was going to accomplish what he had to do.

 

Lestat ignored Edward's attempts, walking deeper into the forest, blending into and becoming the nearest shadow.

 

Hannah opened her eyes and stared at the wall, sure that Edward was sleeping. I hope we leave tomorrow. I don't want to have to stay here any longer than I have to.

Hannah, my little dove, I'd like to see you in the stables. I know you're not feeling well, and I'd like to help if I can. John sent to her.

Hannah forced herself not to tense, afraid that any movement would wake Edward. She closed her eyes again and stayed stone still.

 

Lestat, please answer me, Edward began once more, unable to stop trying to get an answer. What do you mean, watch myself? I don't understand.

 

Don't be overprotective, Lestat snapped, purposefully hurting Edward's mind with a stab of pain. That's all I have to say for now.

 

Please don't be difficult. John sighed. Just come here now. You don't have to come too quickly if it makes you feel ill.

Hannah uncurled her fingers very carefully took her hand from Edward's. She sat up slowly and then hurried to the bathroom. She hoped her retching wouldn't wake Edward. The sight of the blood sent another wave of nausea through her, but she just turned her face away from the toilet, flushed it, and then leaned against the wall.

Honestly, Hannah, John refrained from sighing again. I can guarantee you that you'll feel better if you see me now.

 

Edward didn't shift when Hannah moved, keeping his eyes shut and listening very carefully. He hoped that Van Helsing and Carl were still awake so they would maybe hear her if she left. Lestat's order was still painful in his mind, and he obeyed the vampire, keeping his breathing steady.