A Shade of Vampire

No. In my eyes, she was most beautiful because at a time when she had every right to be terrified, she managed to show comfort to another person who needed it.

I know an excuse when I hear one. Don't you dare deceive yourself into believing that you're the victim, Derek Novak.

Because I don’t believe that you are a slave to what you’ve become. I don’t believe that you simply can’t.

What's on your mind, Derek? she whispered. "You..." I saw no reason to lie "...how I can't imagine life without you.

What is it with these people and shoving me up against hard surfaces?

I realized that the whole time I was holding this beautiful stranger in my arms, feeding on her, it felt like I was betraying Sofia.

I’ve always found myself completely attuned to all five of my senses, but that night, I was to all but one. My sight was blurred by the tears I was fighting to hold back. I couldn’t appreciate the exotic scene around me. All I could think about was the disappointed expression on my best friend’s handsome face.

I had only myself to rely on. And that, I thought, was the most frightening aspect of my predicament. After all, how could I rely on someone I couldn’t trust?

The younger will rule above father and brother and his reign alone can provide his kind true sanctuary.

If my goal in life was to not go insane, this sure was not helping me meet my objective.

I’d expected to wake up to a pitch-black night… Instead I woke up to her.

From the moment I got here, all I’ve wanted to do is escape and go back home, but Derek…” She leaned toward me and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. “You’ve begun to feel like home.

In the middle of his performance, it dawned on me that this was exactly the effect Derek Novak had on me; one way or another, he always took my breath away.

I know an excuse when I hear one, Sofia. Don’t you dare dupe yourself into believing that you’re the victim.

Most people who have LLI do end up going crazy, Sofia … unless they have a high enough IQ to handle it. You’re one of those lucky few.

With Sofia, it felt like I’d finally found my compass. I knew that as long as I had her, I had someone to keep me grounded, someone to direct my way. If only for Sofia, I had a reason to stay awake.

I know an excuse when I hear one. Don’t you dare deceive yourself into believing that you’re the victim, Derek Novak.

She was beautiful because, at a time when she had every right to be terrified, she managed to show comfort to another person who needed it.

he saw me the way nobody else did. I

With Sofia, it felt like I’d finally found my compass. As long as I had her, I had someone to keep me grounded, someone to direct my way.

Wherever this place called “The Shade” was, I had no allies. No

I knew he was going to kiss me and if I were to be honest with myself, I wanted it to happen. But I pulled away.

That night, just before I drifted off, I realized why. It was because I was certain that if I ever gave in to him in that way, if I surrendered to that kiss, I wouldn’t be able to keep myself from falling for him.

I was going to drive that stake through his heart to protect the woman I loved.

I love you too much to leave everything hanging like this.