The Darkness Comes (closed)

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

He smile and fell upon her again, his lips against hers.

“This monster will need to be exhausted to sleep through the day.” He teased as his mouth explored her body once more. “Whatever monies you need may be found within the small chest in the living room.”

----------

They had made love twice more before he finally fell into a deep sleep with her in his arms. He awoke in darkness, unsure of the time of day, instantly he looked for Rose but she was nowhere to be found. She had said she was going out but if he was awake it meant that night had fallen. He was about to get up and put on his clothes when his door open to the sight of Rosie.

She looked beautiful, her hair a flickering flame that hung down her shoulders and he kissed her soundly.

“You’re back late, I thought……” He stopped and shook his head then smiled. “you’re safe now, that is all that matters, tell me of your day my love.” He said as he slipped his hand under her legs and lifted her to sit on his lap on the bed.

 

[heartofcourage]

Edward had treated her to a beautiful evening and when he was done, she snuggled against his body as they both found sleep. She had been exhausted and had slept well into the afternoon. When she was awake, she ate another slice of bread and dressed in her outfit from the evening before. Then she cautiously exited the home.

Her first stop was to her own home. She packed a few dresses and some of her personal possessions that she didn't know she could be parted from. A few of the girls asked where she was gone, but she simply said that she had decided to take a little trip. No one else questioned her as she left, her suitcase in one hand and her bag of chocolates in the other.

Her next stop was to a local store where she bought some meat, some cheese, more bread, and some fresh vegetables. Then she started for Edwards home again. She made sure that no one was following her on her way and the sun was just setting when she made it inside the stone structure. She put up her groceries and then entered the bedroom with her belongings.

"I'm sorry. I slept longer than I thought I would." She said softly as Edward was there, kissing her with the same passion he had shown her the night before. "It put the entire day off."

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

He smiled as he held her and she apologised explaining she slept longer than she had meant to. He kissed her again. He knew he was being slightly over protective but he thought he had a right to be given the situation.

“I’m just glad you’re safe, let me help you with your clothes.” He looked down “Perhaps I should put my own on first.” He laughed.

He gathered some trousers then put on a shirt, leaving it loose as he went to the kitchen to make sure everything was in it's place. Once he was done he walked to the kitchen to gather her in his arms, kissing her again and then looked into her eyes

“I’m so glad you’re here.”

His face frowned as he realised the danger still lurked at the back of his mind, it was like a cloud above them, threatening their newfound safety. This needed to be dealt with.

“We must speak frankly my love, that killer still walks, and as long as he’s out there we cannot be safe, he must be dealt with. I need to track him down and deal with him, we cannot hide forever.”

 

[heartofcourage]

"Then we need a plan." Rosie said as he took her in his arms again and kissed her as he was want to do. "If we're going to do this together, we to make plans so that we both remain safe. It's the only way to outsmart him."

Rosie gave Edward a smile as she moved from his arms to grab an apple and a piece of her chocolate from the cupboard, snacking as they took a seat at the table to plan out just what they were going to do with a madman running around.

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

Edward listened as Rosie told her the plan, he was frustrated, he did not want to place Rose in danger but they had no other choice. It was the best plan they had, nothing else would suffice.

Still Edward paced back and forth, restless as he tried to think of another way around it, he could think of none. He walked to her and held his forehead to hers, his hand on her head.

“I cannot bear to put you in danger, but I understand you have no other choice”

He kissed her hard “I promise I will not let anything happen to you, I love you my red rose, you are my world, my everything.”

The words poured out of him, he had not expected this at all but this was Rose’s life on the line, his still heart ached as suddenly all his soul was laid bare.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Edward, my love, I don't want to put anyone else in danger." Rosie murmured softly as he held her forehead against his own, kissing her with a fierce passion that left her gasping. "I know that you love me and I adore you. However, he knows who we are. It makes sense to draw him out using myself. I'll be safe, though. I know you'll never be far away."

Rosie kissed him again, her heart swelling with the knowledge that he loved her. She loved and cared for him deeply, even if they were two very different people. He was undead and she was still very much enjoying her life. The chocolate that was still on her tongue was one of her greatest joys and the thought that she might not be able to enjoy that anymore made her sad.

"I do love you." She said with a soft smile on her lips. "You put up with me and all of the things that I have to do to survive."

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

He held her for what seemed like forever as she spoke, soothing him and assuring him that he would never be far away, how she loved him also. Finally breaking the embrace he stroked her face and begun to steel himself. He took a moment to sit down with Rose next to him and looking at how they might best lure him.

“We need to compile everything we currently know about the killer, you said the lights went dim just before he struck. I found the smell of gas on one of his murder weapons, this means he must be using one of the gas light controls to manipulate the lights.”

This wouldn’t be a problem, Edward’s kind lived in darkness, if anything it gave him an advantage. That wasn't the problem however, the problem would be striking fast enough.

“We must be quick, he will not hesitate so neither must we. The hardest part will be trying to find out where he will strike next, you know the comings and goings of your world better than I, have you an Idea?”

 

[heartofcourage]

"He obviously likes the areas around the brothels." Rosie said as she thought about the girls that had been killed so far. "He knows where prostitutes operate and he uses that to the best of his advantage. He must know how often the police patrol the area too. He's very smart, we have to admit that at the very least."

"And he moves quickly. I only heard a short scuffle and the woman was dead. He was still in the alley when I happened upon the scene, but he was quickly off into the darkness after that." She murmured as she leaned against Edward's side.

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

They talked, exchanging information until they had a clear idea of what to do, Edward would have to shadow her closely while staying as hidden as possible, the killer was fast and Edwards supernatural reflexes would be best at close quarters. As they reached the end of the discussion he grabbed her and carried her to the bedroom where he made love to her like he would never see her again. Then they slept through the day and awoke to prepare for their carefully laid trap.

------

The killer was restless, since being seen he’d had to stay hidden for a night and was now behind schedule. That whore was to blame. He did not know if she’d seen his face but she would need to be dealt with, he could not risk his Identity being exposed and with her and the vampire around he could never be able to complete his work. Gathering his tools he stepped out into the night to look for her. He knew this area like the back of his hand and he weaved his way through the buildings, past brothels and bordellos till he spotted her.

He recognized her immediately and he hid himself as she walked the cobblestone streets, he had memorised where each valve was that stemmed the flow of gas to each streetlight, this time though she was in front of him. He would need to shut the valve down quickly as she would be gone before he would have a chance, darkness was always his ally.

 

[heartofcourage]

Rosie dressed in a dark gown of black. She had no idea why she chose that color for that evening, but it felt right that evening. She knew that Edward was there watching her, but she wanted the ability to blend into the shadows if she needed to. She left her jewelry behind as well, expect for her rose necklace which was tucked inside of her thick cloak.

Walking down the street, she kept herself alert and aware of her surroundings. She didn't know what she would do if she found herself on the sharp end of a knife. She had to trust that Edward would take care of the situation if it got that far.

Her heart was pounding in her chest, the rushing blood loud in her ears. It almost deadened everything else around her.

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

Edward had both eyes firmly fixed on Rosie as she walked through the streets. Though her dress was dark and she appeared as almost a shadow his inhuman eyes picked her up immediately from the height he was at. Edward was currently stalking the rooftops in time with her, watching her intently as he kept his pace along with hers. They had been walking around like this for about 2 hours when he Edward noticed the cloaked shape that began to follow her, hiding to keep out of sight. Edward tensed slightly and let out a low growl, he had purposefully not drunk tonight as to increase his bloodlust. Making him stronger and more aware than usual as his body hungered for sustenance.

He tracked them both, waiting for the opportunity to strike, doing so now would alert him too early. The man increased his pace, Edward growled low, what was he doing? then the man turned into a small alcove in the street and hunched over. He was dimming the street lights, Edward smiled, nothing hid from him in the darkness. As soon as the lights went out he jumped from the roof top transforming to his bat form and nosedived at considerable speed towards the ground. the killer was moving towards Rosie, how did he move so quick for a human? Edward wondered as he angled his dive towards the space between them.

Just as the man was about to strike he was startled a large cloud of smoke appeared and blew away to reveal the figure of Edward, his eyes glowing red and his teeth pulled back in a snarl. Edwards eyes suddenly widened as he recognized the man.

“YOU!”

Then he lunged.

 

[heartofcourage]

When the gaslights dimmed around Rosie, she knew that the killer was very near. Her heart beat a little bit faster as she struggled not to look towards the rooftops where Edward was following her. It would have given away his position and she needed him to be there for her. The sound of footsteps were behind her and then she heard an inhuman growl. Turning, she saw Edward in all of his feral glory, his teeth bared like a dog ready to fight to the death. Then he lunged.

"Edward!" Rosie called out, worried that he would be hurt or killed by the man that had been stalking her.

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

Edward was lost in rage; he hurtled towards the killer. The man snarled back as Edward lunged and he drew his bone handled knife. He had no chance to use it as Edward slammed into him with such force it sent them both flying a few feet and the knife spinning from his hands on to the cobblestone street. They fell hard, the man grunting with pain as Edward landed, rolling to the side and springing to his feet. The killer slowly got to his feet, his hat falling off to reveal his face. Edward’s eyes glowed red as he saw the familiar face he thought he had dealt with long ago.

“Father Marcus, you should be dead.” His eyes darted to Rosie then back to his adversary, she looked frozen in shock.

Marcus smile cruelly, his eyes shone like ice, he sighed then stroked his moustache “The creature who calls himself Edward Delano.” he sneered “you dare address a man of the cloth, you should beg for me to end your miserable existence, you and your whore.” he spat.

“You took away the first friend I ever had in this lonely existence, I will not let you take the only woman I have loved away from me.”

Marcus reached inside his cloak and removed a wooden stake “This time I will not fail, I will kill you and your sad excuse for a companion, you will both be purged from this earth and be damned to hell!”

Marcus roared and Edward struck, he was fast but he needed to be careful, one wrong move and stake would be driven into his heart. Edward clawed at his chest ripping a large wound opened that started bleeding heavily. Marcus struck back but found it halted by Edward’s hand on his wrist, thinking quickly he shoved Edward sending him sprawling. He lunged aiming straight for the heart.

 

[heartofcourage]

Rosie felt rooted in her spot as she watched Edward confront the man that he very obviously knew. She could either run or stay. If she stayed, she would have to help him fight and she wasn't sure if she was strong enough for that. She listened closely as Edward hissed to the man that he should have been dead and then the man spouted more nonsense about sending Edward back to hell...and then taking care of her.

When the fight broke out, she winced. The tearing of the man's shirt was loud in the silent street and she saw the blood flowing from the wound at his chest. Then Edward was sent sprawling onto the cobblestones, a stake held in the other man's hands. Rosie didn't even think as she took off at a run, throwing her shoulder square into the other man's belly.

She could be a scrappy fighter when she needed to be. It was a tough business to be in and a girl needed to know how to care for herself. The strike to the man's belly sent them both backwards, her landing on his chest and he landing hard against the pavement.

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

The stake flashed and then Edward saw Rosie charge into Marcus knocking him sideways and sending them both sprawling and the stake skittering across the ground. Edward jumped to his feet in time to see Marcus land hard on the pavement, the breath knocked out of him. Rosie had landed awkwardly on his chest, as she got up he saw Marcus’s hand move and a flash of steel. Edward lunged, he only had enough time to barge Rosie out of the way before the small knife struck him in the shoulder.

Edward roared, the pain was not severe but despite his immortality he felt somewhat uncomfortable by it’s presence inside his body. He whipped around, the knife still stuck inside him as he bent down, picked Marcus up and threw him towards the wall. He went hurtling through the air slamming against the wall, he crumpled to the ground and tried to pick himself up looking dazed and confused. Edward ran to Rosie to check if she had injured herself.

“Rose, are you hurt?”

 

[heartofcourage]

Rosie was slightly dazed as she started to push herself up. It was at the last moment that she saw the flash of silver in the darkness of the street around them. She thought that perhaps this would be the last of her time there on earth. Her heart was racing as she slowly closed her eyes and waited for the killing strike to land.

It wasn't meant to be. Edward shoved her out of the way, sending her rolling across the hard pavement as he took the strike that was meant for her. Edward let out a cry of pain before he threw the man against the wall and everything was quiet.

"I'm fine." Rosie said as Edward checked her over for injury. "He didn't hurt me at all. I promise. I'm alright."

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

Rosie assured him she was fine and he turned his attention to Marcus, he walked towards with him with grim determination. Marcus groaned in pain as he was suddenly dragged up by Edwards hand around his throat, holding him up against the wall. He growled.

“What are you doing here, why have you returned.” He growled, his hand was flat and straight against Marcus’ bloody stomach, ready to execute him.

Marcus coughed and an evil grin appeared on his face.

“You seemed surprised I am alive, you shouldn’t be, god has blessed me to live once more and wreak holy vengeance upon his enemies.”

He snarled and used the last of his strength to kick Edward in the chest sending him flying backwards towards Rosie. He dragged himself up and advance forward picking up the stake that had fallen down earlier, Edward got to his feet. He realised the knife was still stuck in his back and he pulled it out, the wound spitting blood before healing up, his eyes turned to Marcus who looked on his last legs, a mad glint in his eye.

"I shall cleanse the earth of your foul stench creature!"

Edward growled and jumped between Rosie and Marcus who took a deep breath then lunged.

Edward thought he was aiming for him and braced himself to strike but at the last moment Marcus changed direction. The stake went under his arm and towards Rosie as Edward's hand drove into Marcus’ stomach, his supernatural strength punching through out the other side in a geyser of blood.

 

[heartofcourage]

Rosie took a step away as Edward moved towards Marcus. She watched as he turned into a beast, demanding an explanation as to why he was there that evening and why he had been doing all of this. When Marcus swore that he would rid the earth of them, she saw Edward fly backwards with a kick to the chest. She didn't have a weapon, but she saw the look in Marcus's eyes. She would die if she didn't do something.

She was about to scream when Edward was up, pulling the knife from his shoulder. He jumped between the two of them, the stake coming towards her with malice. Then, she saw the spray of blood, the hot geyser spurting across the cobblestones as Edward killed the man that had been threatening them both.

"Edward..." She murmured, her eyes wide as she watched him closely. "Oh God..."

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

Edward had lost all control, the bloodlust had overtaken him as he watched the life drain from Marcus’ eyes. His eyes turned a deep red and he grabbed Marcus’ lifeless neck with one hand as he withdrew the other from his chest. His fangs were bared and he roared biting into Marcus’s neck draining what was left of his blood then dropping him to the ground.

He turned to Rosie, in his mouth red and his arm dripping blood he advanced on her, backing her up to the wall. His mind lost to the hunger he could not hear her acknowledge her, he vaguely heard her saying something as he breathed in her scent. He bared his fangs but stopped as his eyes fell on the bracelet on her wrist, it stopped him in his tracks and suddenly her hand was on his face.

Her hand warm on his cheek and he shook his head, her voice becoming clearer as he shook off his stupor. His eyes returned to their pale blue colouration as he realised what had happened. His eyes widened as he stepped back and look around realising what had happened.

“Rosie…….Rose…..I’m so sorry you saw this, please forgive me.”

 

[heartofcourage]

When Edward turned back towards her, his face bloody and his fangs bared, Rosie knew true fear. She took a step away from him, whimpering softly as he advanced on her like a wild animal. His eyes were blood red, searching for warm blood. She was the only thing around with that blood her so desperately wanted and needed. When she found herself back against the wall, she knew that she very well might die if he lost control.

"Edward." She murmured, trembling as he breathed in her scent deeply and bared his fangs again. "Not like this, love. Please not like this."

She reached up to touch his cheek, hoping that the humanity that he had would take over and the beast would be pushed away. Ever so slowly, he relaxed. The blue in his eyes returned and he looked at her with a bit of surprise and sorrow. When he spoke, she let out a sigh as she realized that her darling Edward had returned to her.

"There's nothing to forgive." She said softly. "If you still hunger, you can feed from me. However, I need to know that you are in control."

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

Her words cooled him slightly but the bloodlust still raged within him, he knew if he did not drink soon he would lose himself and drink Rosie dry. This was the danger he had always been afraid of when he had begun to have affections for her. This was why he had been diligent in making sure he was never with her without having fed, tonight he had not done so to increase his strength but he had paid the price and now he had no choice.

“I am in control, but I know not for how long, I need to drink or I will lose control once again and I am unsure how long for. I love your Rose, everything will be ok.”

Gently he wrapped his arms around her, on hand traveled up to her head. Gingerly, Rose exposed her neck and Edward bared his fangs, then he sunk his teeth into her and drank. Though her blood was not as sweet as it usually was when they lay together it was still a fine wine. He growled as he held her close, the small whimpers issuing from her mouth made him bite harder. He drank deeply then with great effort pulled himself away from her neck, licking the wound till it was sealed. The blood rushed through his body and he roared, finally releasing the madness that threatened to overtake him.

Rosie grew limp and Edward realised he had drunk more than he usually would, he could hear her pulse, she was still alive but she looked faint. Quickly he gathered her in his arms and sped towards his home, once there he lay Rosie so she could rest. He quickly washed himself of Marcus’ blood then set about donning some cleaner clothes. Going back to the bedroom with food and water he saw Rosie's eyes flutter open and Edward smiled, setting the food on the bed and sitting next to her.

“Thank you my Red Rose, I do not know how we could’ve survived without your generosity. I……..I love you. I am embarrassed that you have seen that side of me.” He reached out and stroked her cheek then chuckled “For all the strength I possess it pales to you and the love you have for me.”

 

[heartofcourage]

He promised that he was in control and Rosie nodded as he wrapped his arms around her and exposed her throat to his fangs. She whimpered briefly as he bared his teeth and was soon sinking them into her tender skin. She was paralyzed again, trusting that he wouldn't take too much from her body and leave her sinking into oblivion. He growled like a wild animal, biting harder on her skin until she whimpered again. She bucked against him slightly, fading away as she felt him pull his mouth back and sealing the wounds.

She was swooning from blood loss as he continued to hold her in his arms. By the time she could feel her limbs again, she was sinking into darkness. She had to trust that Edward would take care of her as she faded into black. She woke some time later, her head still spinning. Edward soon appeared with a meal on the tray in his hands. She gave him a soft smile as he sat next to her and stroked her cheek gently.

"Lie down next to me. I want to sleep a while longer." She murmured softly, sighing as he snuggled up against her back and she dozed in contentment. "I've always wanted this. Someone that could care for me and love me no matter what."

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

He held her close, the feeling of her skin on his was something he always missed when they were apart. He stroked her hair and traced her neck and shoulders down her waist and hips. He loved to marvel at her beauty, he always thought she belonged in a palace or Villa, not as an escort on the arm of some rotund greedy duke. But she had chosen this path and it was wholly up to her whether to continue it or not now that her safety was assured.

His thoughts turned to the killer. Marcus was a priest and Edward had first met him when he was younger, he had been overzealous in his efforts to rid the world of any and all creatures, human or otherwise. Edward had first encountered him with his friend at the time, a vampire called Bethany he had met when he first came to England. They had heard of Marcus from some other vampires who had spoken about him as being a threat to their kind, hell bent on eradicating every vampire from Britain. They had joined forces with other vampires at the time to eventually overpower him, slicing him open and leaving him for dead. But not before he had killed 3 vampires including Bethany.

He shook his head, these were memories now, Marcus was well and truly dead. He lay awake for some time before falling into a deep sleep. When he awoke he stretched and smiled as the Rose’s goddess like body lay next to him. He gently kissed her neck down to her shoulder.

 

[heartofcourage]

Rosie woke to the feeling of Edward's lips trailing down over her neck and shoulders. She let out a soft sigh, rolling over until her lips met his. Her fingers gently moved to tangle in his hair, pulling him close until she could press more intimately against him. She had dreamed of him and all the things that he had done for her. Now, she wanted to experience him in real life. The most intimate of moments that she possibly could.

"I love you." She whispered as the kiss broke, her lips immediately finding his again as they explored each other at a leisurely pace.

 

[The_reluctant_wordsmith]

Edward growled at her words and returned her kiss, his hands moving across her body exploring it. He rolled over on top holding her close savoring the sweet scent of her skin and the moans that escaped her mouth as he made quick work of her undergarments. He kissed down to her stomach and his hands slipped up her sides then suddenly he pulled her up, his hands holding her back, her legs either side of his waist. His hand reached through her hair and held her head as he looked up into her eyes.

“I love you too, my beautiful red rose, my fire, my flame, my everything.”

He kissed her deeply pulling her close against his bare chest, his member grew hard in his pants and he pushed upwards groaning into her mouth as his hunger to please her took hold.