Rose 7: Carlisle

   I felt incredibly satisfied when I got home. I’d crushed John to a pulp; his screams still echoed in my head.

   One down, four to go.

   And only one would matter.

   I was immensely proud of myself; I hadn’t been tempted once to bite him. I’d only thought about my actions: his smell only made the thirst a tad bit more pronounced. I was glad I’d gone hunting yesterday.

I unlocked the door of my new home, trying to be stealthy until I remembered our super hearing. I quickly dropped the façade, and was shocked silent when I saw Carlisle blocking the entrance to the living room, and, therefore, my room. His face was calm--I’d never seen a man as calm as he--and serious.

“I was wondering if you would like to talk with me for a minute, Rosalie,” He said quietly, getting up and pulling a chair next to him. I sat without a word, fearing what he would say. I’d only known him a week, but I respected him and I feared his rejection.

“I was called down to the Hotel Newport today,” he started once we were at eye level. The fear coursed through me. “They asked me to investigate a murder.” I remained mute; I had no idea what my face displayed. “There was no evidence of a forced entry; there was no evidence at all. And the body--it was completely destroyed. The bones were crushed, disconnected: the neck bone was the last to break. That mean that poor man--John, his name was--that John had lived through 176 of his bones breaking before he died.” Carlisle shuddered, as did I. He suddenly glared at me, and I became frightened. The expression was odd, out of place, on his loving face. “I’m not pleased, Rosalie.”

“I know, Carlisle,” I whispered, avoiding eye contact. “I just couldn’t let him live--he may’ve attacked again!” He sighed, putting a hand to his head.

“I realize this, Rosalie. But it doesn’t mean I like it.” I nodded feveredly, although I couldn’t fully agree. My murder had made me blissful; I couldn’t imagine how exalted I would feel as I killed Royce, slowly, painfully--

“Rosalie?” Carlisle’s sudden voice made me jump; he was standing beside my chair. He slowly shook his head, and turned away from me. “Don’t kill any more than necessary.”