"That was good," Edward sighed. "But I know Jinx will still want to talk to you alone later, whenever we stop." He leaned back, stretching out completely on the benchlike seat of the carriage. "I'm going to rest, though," Edward yawned. "Care to join me?" he asked, lifting an arm out of her way.
Edward grimaced, but was able to free his mind as relax now; the pain was finally gone.
"No, you wouldn't," Edward whispered to himself, shutting his eyes.
"A thousand times worse!" Edward snapped up at Van Helsing, hearing the last part of his statement. "And he's never heard of you!"
Edward tried to hear Hannah talking, but the noise of the carriage and the wind were too much. All he could decipher were mumbles. When are we going to stop? was the only thing going through his head.
Edward grunted. "Go," he said, rubbing his head and wincing once more. "At I can lean back without screaming..."
"Shouldn't have what?" Edward asked, finally able to sit up. "You didn't do anything wrong."
Edward sighed, his breathing back to normal. He looked over at her and tried to smile... it didn't work. "Look at my back for me," Edward requested. "I can't see what it looks like now... better or worse?"
Edward shook his head. "Lestat..." he gasped, and then shut his eyes tighter, focusing on his breathing. He tried to calm down, to swallow and ignore the sharp ripples of pain that were rebounding around inside his head from the main impact of the vampire's strong attack.
Edward didn't hear her, only feeling her next to him, Lestat's voice still in his head. Fine, he snapped, increasing his mental volume. Edward screamed, unable to stop himself. If you don't want to tell me now, I'll just have to see for myself whenever you decide to stop. To let you know as well, John is following. Watch for him... keep her close. And with that, Lestat withdrew from his mind like a knife out of a wound. Edward gasped, lifting his head so rested his elbows on his knees, barely able to breathe.
Edward shook his head, swallowing a cry of pain as the connection strengthened. He bit his lower lip, shoving one of his fists in his mouth to deafen the sound. He risked speaking once: The connection is stronger... you're closer...
Edward chuckled to himself, and then cried out, Lestat's voice suddenly popping into his mind: Ah, good, you can hear me again, it started. How is your back coming along... I'm deathly curious!
Edward sat up immediately, too hurt and tired to grab her in her speed. He put his heads between his legs, stretching and arcing his back muscles, reaching to feel the gashes. Most had healed almost completely; none tore from the strain he placed on his skin.
Edward smiled back, shutting his eyes. "Be nice," he murmured. "We... need him, too..."
"I'll sleep, if I can, then," Edward muttered. "If you don't mind... I don't know if I can, though; this carriage is bumping like mad."
"I'm sorry," Edward apologized. "Lestat made me so angry that I couldn't hurt him, and when I saw John I let it all go... But you can rest if you want, dear... I would watch his mind for you, but thanks to Lestat, that hurts more than ten silver bullets."
Edward nodded, his chin rubbing the top of her head. "He can't do anything to me... unless he has Lestat again. Did you not see what I did to John?" I
"What does he do to you when you shut your eyes?" Edward asked, hoping he wasn't behing intrusive. "I don't understand."
Edward smiled, his back suddenly not hurting that much anymore. "Thank you," he whispered. "Just know I would never say anything just to make you feel better. Now, you can rest if you want, dear," he smiled. "I cannot think of anything else to ask you at the moment. And you look like you need rest."
"Thank you, love," Edward sighed. "I have a feeling about Lestat... and it doesn't bother me," he added, pulling her close to him again. "You're always cold and my back is burning... it helps... And Eljiah," he continued after a moment, "is in the past. Don't worry yourself with it."
