Kane schooled his face, offering a light smile to Carlisle. On the outside, he appeared calm, but internally, a war was raging.
A fuckin' Vampire? I knew something was up with this world! Oh, sweet baby Jesus, thank you, secret deity, for giving me this system!
Releasing the cold hand, Kane gestured for Carlisle to follow him away from the crowded ballroom, towards the open balconies.
"So," Kane began, his voice even. "Richard sang your high praises earlier, Dr. Cullen. A family man who moved to a small town to help their struggling hospital?"
Carlisle's eyes held a gentle look as the two men stood on the balcony, moonlight illuminating the crisp, cold night.
"Forks is a wonderful town. My children were quite happy to settle somewhere a little quieter to finish their education."
"Of course, though please excuse my bluntness, you're awfully young to have children in high school," Kane murmured, his eyes subtly flicking to the vampire masquerading as a human.
Carlisle chuckled, leaning casually on the railing. "You wouldn't be the first to mention that. My wife and I, we're unable to have children of our own, so adopting was the next best option. I'm very fortunate."
Kane merely nodded. He didn't want to grill this man, but a vampire working in a hospital sounded like the prologue to a horror story.
Cullen... Forks... why does that feel so close to something?
"I haven't heard much about Forks, just that it's a couple of hours' drive from here. I wouldn't have thought it had a major hospital."
"It's peculiar, I agree. There was a rather generous donation almost fifty years ago to build the hospital. Unfortunately, most medical practitioners tend to overlook smaller towns for larger cities, hoping to make a name for themselves."
Kane nodded, deep in thought. "So, the funding's dried up since that big donation, and the hospital needs new equipment and incentives for staffing, I presume?"
He mentally ran through Carlisle's story, unable to detect any falsehoods.
Taking a moment, Kane weighed his options. There's something about 'Forks' that's nagging at my brain. Could this be from my dreams, or is there a reason I'm being drawn there?
After learning about being reborn into a new world by some deity, and witnessing the System's effects firsthand, Kane's worldview had significantly shifted.
He no longer thought in certainties but constantly looked for oddities. Carlisle being a vampire had elevated his intrigue to an entirely new level.
"If you can get the administration to send me a request that outlines the hospital's metrics, along with the renovation plans – including costs and time frames – I'll review it and arrange a meeting if necessary."
Reaching into his suit, Kane pulled out a business card detailing his phone number and email address and handed it to Carlisle.
"Of course, we can have that sent over to you by tomorrow," Carlisle said, offering a gentle smile.
Kane watched, calculating, as Carlisle pocketed the business card before returning to his leaning position. He noted the man's smooth, agile movements, almost as if they were deliberately practiced and controlled.
Most people wouldn't notice, but it's like he's putting extra effort into moving like a human. Maybe they're used to moving faster and have to consciously slow down to blend in?
Gesturing to a passing waiter, Kane picked up a flute of champagne and took a sip. Carlisle merely raised an eyebrow, staring for a moment.
"Don't judge. I've seen fifteen-year-olds with their parents at these events getting drunk," a grin spread on Kane's face.
Carlisle raised his hands in a mock surrender. "I don't judge. For a moment, I simply forgot I was speaking to someone the same age as my own children."
"Speaking of, you mentioned children. How many have you two adopted, if you don't mind my asking?"
Carlisle shook his head slightly, indicating he didn't mind. "We have five. Emmett, Rosalie, and Jasper are in their final year. Alice and Edward are a year below."
Alice...
Edward?
Vampires who live in Forks, Washington... they're the Cullens... cold to the touch. They're in high school and have golden eyes?
Kane's mind began sifting through all the fragmented dreams he could remember, trying to pinpoint why those names felt so unsettling.
He struggled to sort through the relevant ones; he'd had over 5,000 different, odd, weird, and terrifying dreams.
Coughing lightly, Kane quickly averted his gaze from Carlisle and stared out at the balcony, the starry night and cold air helping to cool his racing thoughts.
"It must be quite a dynamic household with children only a couple of years younger than you," Kane remarked before draining the rest of his champagne.
Their easy banter continued for a few more moments before a new voice cut through the soft murmur of the party.
"Carlisle, there you are."
Startled by the new voice, Kane quickly turned around, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the vision before him.
She stood around 5'9", with long, wavy blonde hair that cascaded elegantly to the middle of her back, full lips and a sharp jawline, golden eyes, and a physique that would put any model Kane had ever seen to utter shame.
"Sorry, Rose, I had some business to attend to," Carlisle spoke, pulling Kane from his subtle gawking.
Carlisle quickly walked towards the blonde woman and gently wrapped an arm around her before turning and smiling at Kane. "This is my daughter, Rosalie; she was my plus one for tonight's event."
Placing the champagne glass down, Kane wiped his hands before extending one. "Hello, Rosalie. Your father was just talking about you and your family. It's a pleasure."
Kane watched as Rosalie stared at him, her golden eyes boring into his own green ones as if passing judgment, before they flickered down to his outstretched hand.
Slowly, she extended her gloved hand, clasping his own in a soft handshake.
"It's nice to meet you, Kane."
Turning her head, she looked at Carlisle with hidden concern. "I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation, but we have a slight emergency at home."
Carlisle's eyes flickered to Rosalie for a moment, his face growing worried. "Is everything alright?" he questioned.
Rosalie nodded as she removed her hand from Kane's grasp.
"It's Edward; he said Alice saw something, and we need to come home." Her words were barely a whisper, but Kane caught enough to understand.
Nodding, Carlisle looked at Kane apologetically. "My apologies for cutting this short, family emergency. I'll make sure everything is sent tomorrow for you to look at."
"It's fine. Family comes first." Looking at Rosalie, Kane offered a soft smile. "It was a pleasure to meet you."
Watching the duo turn and leave, Kane let out a sigh of exhaustion as he stared at the dark sky, his mind replaying the conversation he'd just had.
Cold as ice, skin like stone, immortal vampires pretending to be humans who moved to Forks, Washington. The father's a doctor, the kids go to high school. Golden eyes... but they should be red, shouldn't they?
Wait, why would they be golden?
Kane scratched his neck, puzzling over the oddity.
Well, obviously, it's because they're vegetaria--
They're fucking vegetarians! Of course, how did I not know! Forks, the coldest place in the continental US, cold vampires pretending to be human.
Kane's eyes widened as the realization hit him.
Twilight. This is fucking Twilight!