"I know," Edward said, a little more softly. "That's fine. I'll be back, though; Lestat won't let him kill me, I know it."
"I'm leaving soon," Edward said after a moment. "I'm going to find Lestat first and then I'll find your hunter and finish him slowly. I'm not angry with you... I'll be back soon."
"I know," Edward sighed angrily. "That doesn't matter. I'll kill him anyway... and I have plenty of ways I can think of doing it without even changing."
"I'm angry at myself," Edward growled, looking away from her. "For not being there. I'll be leaving soon, anyway. He can't have gotten far."
"I'll talk to you if you wish," Edward began coldly, finally turning around. "But not with everyone else here."
"Why?" Edward asked, a little harshly, not turning from the door. Be ready, Lestat, he hissed in his mind. I want that information tonight, and if you don't tell me I'll kill you myself.
Edward growled, a shiver running through him. He rose, but did not look at anyone, facing the door.
Edward didn't look up when the three entered the room. He kept his head down, his head between his hands.
Edward sighed, running his hands through his hair. He kept silent.
"That's not all, my friend," Edward hissed through his teeth. "Just wait."
"We should all meet up here, that's why," Edward snapped, staring at his feet. "And ask the two ladies what the hell they were up to in the forest."
"Good!" Edward sighed. "Last thing I need is you in my personal affairs."
"Nothing," Edward snapped right back, sitting on the nearest bed. "Nothing that concerns you."
What? Edward snapped, Lestat's pain not bothering him in the least. I let her go for one second... you... were you there? Not waiting for Lestat's answer, he stomped off toward the tavern, finding Van Helsing and Carl inside. "Let's go upstairs," he hissed, ignoring several stares from local people at his half-nakedness. "Now."
Edward led the horses and the carriages to the stables and set them up with fresh hay and water. The carriages would be cleaned by some men the next day from the stables. Lestat, he began reluctantly. Where are they?
"Then I won't complain," Edward replied, turning his head to look out the carriage window. "Look familiar?" he asked.
"I win," Edward laughed, kissing her through his grin. "You're no match for me, dear."
"Oh, I thought you'd be more intrigued," Edward smiled, pulling her hands off her mouth and placing them on either side of his face. "I can't see you smile if you do that."
"Do I have to make you be quiet again?" Edward grinned. "It won't be hard."
"Oh, hush," Edward laughed, wrapping an arm around her again. "You needn't be sorry or embarrassed at all. There are worse vampires out there that I can feel sorry for."
