Author's Note: This chapter introduces a new character. I'm sure ya'll will like him. Other than that, I don't want to spoil the surprise! Thank you to those who've stopped by, rated, and/or reviewed my story! I greatly appreciate any mention. Now, enjoy.
Death on Two Legs
"It's a Hard Life"
Chapter Four
Vampire sight brought many things to the surface. Colors enhanced, textures became prominent, and the simple delicacies of life weren't spared. One could see emotion whether it be frustration, joy, or adoration. Things taken for granted by mortality, opened one's eyes to possibility. Before, the idea of romantic love seemed farfetched. It was a state that neither Swan was willing to adapt. Carrying their human memories into damnation, they skidded around the opposite sex. Each bore previous heartbreak and refused its release. They allowed the pain to guide their dead hearts into eternity. Forever frozen, father and daughter leaned on each other.
Had Garrett never interrupted their lives, the tradition would've continued. The Canadian mountains would've swallowed the family whole. Their only earthly imprint resting on a rocky terrace, a cabin built from the surrounding forests and furniture carved by boredom. No one would've known of their stoned existence. The thought sautéed misery into Charlie Swan. He had prayed for salvation every day upon awakening. The chief wasn't a religious man, but he believed in fate. Astoundingly, something heard his pleas. A weary solider stumbled into their obtrusive pit. Covered in earth and just as broken, the ancient solider placed a kink in their plans. He bestowed promise and normalcy into the family. Charlie wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth. The newborn saw what the vampire brought to the table: hope. It was such a rarity while tucked away in the wilderness. So, he jumped at the opportunity. Lavishing attention and asking questions, the men bonded. However, Charlie wasn't stupid. The human drinker kept a strained eye on his daughter. Every time she moved, Garrett followed. It worried him at first, but then, the father's new sight took shape. He saw his greatest wish, undeniable love.
Bells was oblivious to the young man's draw. She waved it off as restlessness. One could assess it through her nonchalant gestures. She'd raise an eyebrow, ignore his curiosity, and even wander off. Any moment she became interested, Bella would label the connection as ridiculous. The hurt on Garrett's face intrigued Charlie. He'd chuckle to himself because he
knew. At some point in time, the ancient bloodsucker would act. He was too old to resist the temptation of Bella's allure. So, the chief merely waited. To his surprise, he didn't have to wait long.
The couple bounded from North America, a certain glow radiating out their pores. Garrett stepped up to the plate and asked to court his daughter. It angered him at first. What father would want his nineteen year old to date? It's a natural reaction. Fortunately, Bell's expression halted the nos. She moved to the side and hid an entertained smile. Charlie barely remembered that particular smile. It was the one reserved for the Cullen kids. Whenever Alice dolled her up or that linebacker toyed around, her lips turned upward in an amused motion. His heart almost flickered a beat. He gave his blessing right then-and-there.
Now, the lovebirds canoodled around the clock. They scampered around the mountains trying to keep their sexual ventures low key. Of course, Charlie knew their conquests by two factors: scent and internal radar. Their bodies would fuse from time-to-time like dots at an intersection. When the kids returned, their entities would separate, but the stench of lust prevailed. He wanted to voice more ground rules, but what could he say? Their kind couldn't have children or pass sexually transmitted diseases. The chief couldn't fault them on their scent alone. He just had to grit his teeth and bear it.
To keep his mind busy, Charlie explored. He tested his senses on overgrowth and animal populations. Through trial and error, he discovered what was decent to eat and what wasn't. Fish, for example, fell under the disgusting category. Catfish used to be his favorite catch. Now, the fatty creatures tasted like stale Keystone. He decided after that experience to avoid anything with gills.
The next animal on his checklist was gopher. There seemed to be an ample supply surrounding the drier areas. Typically, he wouldn't bother with such a small mammal, but the hunt killed time. While the kids were running around, he needed an all-consuming distraction. He trotted east in search of his newest conquest, which led him to a deserted area in the Okanogan National Forests.
For roughly an hour, the chief rummaged through tall grasses. Unlike humans, animals had a sixth sense for danger. The damned rodents scampered into their burrows attempting to evade capture. Charlie refused to be outsmarted by a seven pound creature. He picked a newly formed hole and dug. The yellow teethed critters began to squeak realizing their impending doom. With a chipper hoorah, the newborn snagged a wiggling female and bit. She lasted around six seconds. The tragic lesson was learned. Gophers tasted like roasted ragweed.
Returning the shriveled carcass into its home, Charlie rose. His hungry mind turned onto other potential prospects. He caught wind of something different and followed. In hind sight, the seasoned hunter should've surveyed the land first. Superiority reared once a human underwent change. It formed under basic advancements: marble skin, inhuman strength, and immortality. To his knowledge, the only beings that rivaled his person were the undead. That simple fact should've clued him into what waited across the bend.
Step-by-step, the unfamiliar aroma shifted into a god-awful stench. The invisible foe showed no signs of fear. It lingered, silent amongst the trees. Charlie could feel watchful eyes upon him. However, only the heartbeats of the wild polluted his ears. His first guess was a starved bear. A predatory essence filtered through the air. He wasn't exactly wrong. As he inched closer to the horrid smell, the prowler attacked. Diamond-like fingers wrapped around the chief's neck.
With trained ease, Charlie whipped away from the man's grasp. Enraged snarls passed between them. The former cop pivoted his heel and prepared for his opponent's next move. He wasn't disappointed. The built vampire charged with newborn rage. Its pungent odor magnified while making contact. Charlie choked on the sensation and took the hit. The distinct need to run overclouded his senses. Unfortunately, the blonde brute continued his assault. He was trapped between mud and the boy's abdomen. Things needed to simmer down and quick.
Sucking in a deep breath, Charlie hollered. "Young Man, you best get off me. I don't want to hurt yah, but you're testing my patience."
The response was instantaneous. Blondie leapt off his dirtied form and edged towards the pines. Charlie cautiously followed his example. He picked himself off the ground and eyed the vampire appreciatively. Like Garrett, the newborn appeared to be in his early twenties. He was built like a forward receiver but sported preppy attire. Unneeded thick glasses framed his red irises, while a pair of penny loafers accompanied his feet. Despite the previous tumble, the kid looked clean as a whistle. Only a few specks of dirt rested in his cropped hair. If the chief had to guess, the boy was a well-to-do college student. The only thing going against him was the wretched stench. His parents were probably worried sick.
"You've got quite an arm," he complimented trying to ease the tension. Blondie merely stared him down. The distrustful look spoke volumes. "Look, I'm sorry we got off to wrong foot. The name's Charlie Swan."
"Fred," he stated simply.
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Fred. Are you from around here? Looks to me like you eat humans. There aren't any around."
He ignored the first question. His attention latched onto the feeding comment. "Of course, I drink from humans. We're vampires." The tone matched the prestige of his designer clothing. Charlie huffed. He wouldn't stand for that kind of attitude. Sass had always been one of biggest his pet-peeves.
"Son, it's about time that I enlightened you. I, myself, was hunting for animals. You can feed on mammals without the guilt. That's why I'm out here. I'm surprised your maker didn't explain. However, Bella did mention most vamps chose to prey on humans."
"Bella… is she your wife?"
"
Wife," the chief snorted. "No, she's my daughter. If you want, you can meet her. We built cabin up in Vancouver. It's nothing much, but it's away from the outside world. You can relax without people bothering you."
Whatever he said, flipped a switch. The putrid aroma dissipated. For the first time, Charlie scented the comforting aroma of aged paper. It reminded him of the Forks Public Library. Fred's body relaxed, shoulders slumped. He slowly closed the distance between them and offered a hand. The police chief accepted the gesture with a smile. It seemed his new acquaintance had an ability. Bells would be thrilled. He only hoped that the kid wasn't involved with the redhead.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to accompany you."
"Sure, I just have to ask one question. Are you in anyway affiliated with Victoria? I'm only asking because Bella will. I trust yah, but she'll inquire. We're trying to keep a distance from her. She's plotting to kill us."
A knowing spark flickered behind Fred's lenses. He released the tracker's hand and sighed. "Yeah, I know
of her. She's the reason why I'm a vampire. A man named Riley turned me to become one her of soldiers."
"And, I take it you're running from her?"
"They've been changing teenagers for the last year. It's been a bloodbath. I never wanted this life. Riley promised a new beginning. Had I known, I would've preferred death. For months, I rotted in an abandoned warehouse. All of us were told that the sunlight would kill us. It was that reasoning that brought me here. I thought I could just step into the sunlight and turn into ash. When nothing happened, I left. I'm sure that they'll search for me. They wanted talented vampires."
"Ah, you'd be talking about the smell."
"Yeah, it repulses people. It's probably the only reason I'm still alive."
"Well, I have no qualms with you joining our flock. You're better off with three vampires than alone."
"Three? There's another," he asked.
"Well, there's Bells and I. Victoria tried to kill me and made a mistake. I survived, but I turned my daughter in the process. We came to Canada to avoid humans. Another nomad found us. His name's Garrett. He's been teaching us about vampires. I'm sure you could use a dose yourself."
Fred nodded, slightly shaken. He really couldn't blame him. Underneath the pompous exterior resided a scared, little boy. What life he had lay within reach, but the fear of draining his folks dry stopped him. The truth was that they were monsters. Charlie was blessed enough to have loving support. Maybe, fate intersected their paths. He'd always wanted a son. Sure, Garrett personified ideal offspring, but he was a grown man dating his daughter. Their familial ties knotted in their common relationship with Isabella. The veteran could play the role of his son-in-law, while Fred assumed the adopted position.
"Let's say we head home? It's about a ten minute jog."
Without another word, the two newborns trudged through the countryside. During some points, Fred fell behind. He wasn't necessarily slower, but the boy seemed to be having an internal debate. If the chief had to guess, Blondie was probably second guessing his decision to join. To be honest, Charlie began contemplating his initial offer. He could already see Bella's reaction, pissed. Trust wasn't something the girl handed out freely. Even her budding relationship with Garrett had boundaries. The underlying fear of betrayal ran thick as molasses. Bringing home one of Victoria's potential pawns would challenge her inner-demon. He might be her father, but Bells ran the show.
Soon, the familiar mountain side came to view. Charlie allowed his concerns to pass. There was no sense worrying over the inevitable. He'd stick up for the kid, handling his daughter's rage as it came. The former cop stole another glance at Fred. As if the boy could sense the others, his ability flared. The repulsive stench drifted into the crisp air like toxic waste. Charlie held his breath bating for time. It was extremely difficult. His instincts begged to eradicate the newborn. For a brief moment, the chief understood Garrett's initial assessment of his character. The companions shared one attribute: an additional predatory threat.
The duo managed to clear the rocky slope without interference. Of course, the moment they reached the cabin, Bella pounced. Her golden irises receded into darkness. Luckily, Garrett snagged the lioness before she could strike. Feminine snarls poured from her throat. She struggled in his grasp, clawing at the air. Charlie found the display slightly entertaining. She'd never showed such hostility towards the soldier. Maybe, the mating pull subconsciously lowered her defenses. A low chuckle vibrated within the cop's chest. Eventually, it snowballed into laughter.
"Bells, calm down. You're scaring the boy. That's no way to treat a guest."
"
Guest," she fumed. "I can feel him poking and prodding my shield!"
"Well, wouldn't you," Garrett reasoned. "If a newborn charged me, I'd do my damnedest to protect myself. Plus, Charlie brought him. You should trust your father's judgment. He wouldn't bring someone dangerous into our home."
The hell cat scoffed but relented. She settled into a submissive posture, slouching into her boyfriend's grip. The nomad purred with blissful contentment. He nuzzled into her neck before minding the company. Grinning like a fool, Garrett introduced himself. He apologized for not shaking Blondie's hand, joking that he was otherwise occupied. Bella swatted him playfully.
"Fred," the newborn responded, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Decided, Charlie claimed the reins. The tension was still palpable between the college students. Their narrowed eyes locked into a pissing contest. "As you can guess," he started, "this is Isabella. Despite what you might think, she's a sweetheart. She just doesn't trust easy. She's been around quite a few bloodsuckers. Let's just say that they weren't kind experiences."
The boy's face relaxed, curing the god-awful smell. It aided in Bella's mental recovery. In a flash, she returned to a normal state. A twinge of smile pulled at her rosy lips. "It's Bella," the newborn corrected. "I'm sorry for trying to attack you. Dad's right. I get jumpy around unknown vampires. It might just be paranoia, but when I meet a nomad, I automatically assume that they're trying to kill us. If it makes any difference, I reacted the same to Garrett."
"I understand," Fred stated, simply.
"Yeah, we need to talk. Why don't we go inside? Get comfortable."
Garrett nodded, throwing Bells over his shoulder. The girl fussed like a babe. "Put me down! Gah, you're such a barbarian!" He trembled with amused laughter, slapping her ass. Charlie shook his head. The reminisce of a scolding blush traveled up his neck. He could've swore the burn existed. Trying to bleach the scene from his sight, the Forks' officer reconnected with Fred. He clamped a sturdy hand on the boy's shoulder and ushered him inside. Like a traditional family, they encircled the multipurpose, dining room table.
"There are some things that need to be said," Charlie voiced. "There will be no fighting, yelling, or accusations." As expected, Bella's perfect face contorted with suspicion, a leery eye landing on Fred. She knew immediately that the information involved the redhead. The chief stomped a booted foot against the dirt floor. The loud noise diverted the menacing glare. "Isabella, I mean it." Her lips formed a tight line, but she remained quiet.
"Fred
is affiliated with Victoria. Apparently, she's kidnapping kids to form some sort of army. She's using another vampire, Riley, to collect them. Fred's one of the unlucky few. They've been storing these newborns in a warehouse, lying to keep them imprisoned. Fred figured he'd light up like a Christmas tree walking into the sun. When nothing happened, he ran. That's when I found him."
"You wanted to die," Bella asked point-blank.
"Yes, I did. Imagine spending eleven months trapped in an abandoned building. I was told that I was a stereotypical vampire - allergic to sunlight, a monster craving blood. Knowing that I'd never see my parents again, I sank into a depression. It's what triggered my gift of repulsion. I was a cursed adult living amongst rapid teenagers. Some turned around the age of thirteen. It was the epitome of hell. I thought stepping outside would be my saving grace."
"That's horrible."
"It was worst for others," he shrugged, emotionally detached.
"It's against our laws," Garrett seethed. "Two vampires cannot single-handedly control an army of newborns. The fact that she's changing children will draw the Volturi's attention. They'll be eradicated."
Thick silence passed between the group. Charlie used the time to sort through his thoughts. A disturbing sense of responsibility consumed him. Dozens of youngsters brought into this life because of his maker's desire for retribution. She undoubtedly intended to send the newborns to their death. Each created to destroy
his family. Something needed to be done. If the revolutionary solider spoke truths, the guard would descend to murder innocence. He was a man of action. Being a police officer engrained formidable justice into his psyche. Victoria's fate pointed in one direction: death. If he could save one soul, it'd be worth the consequences.
"We need a plan," Bella announced.
"You know, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."