There was an awkward
silence after I was shoved aside.

“What are you d…?” but one look at the hungry expression in
my eyes and my fangs that were now clearly visible gave him an answer. “Oh. I
see. Well, I’m sorry Aralynne, I can’t let you feed on her.”

What? Not fair.

“I saw her. She’s mine.” I growled at him. It was a mistake
to speak, my throat felt even rawer. The burn….there’s only one thing that can
soothe it…I need to feed.

Seconds passed and I chose to sit down. The pain was
extremely intense.

His expression changed, but I still won’t back down, but I
just can’t wait much longer.

“Can’t you find someone else?” he asked. Geez, of all the
times he could have decided to be heroic, he picks tonight.

“No. There isn’t time. Why can’t I take her?” I was growing
impatient.

“Because in your current state, you are likely to kill any normal human, and if
you do that, you won’t forgive yourself.”

I growled at him, grabbing the girl again.

“How would you know?! I NEED to feed. I’ll worry about the
consequences later.” I hardly recognized my voice. It was all becoming too
much. The burn was actually starting to cause pain.

Seth just shook his head. 

“Contrary to popular belief, my dear, I do know you. I know
that it kills you that you still crave human blood, and I know it would hurt
you even more if you murder that girl tonight because of your nature...”

I sighed. He was right...but I needed to soothe this burn.

“I’m sorry.  I can see
that this is hard for you, Aralynne.” Did I spot a hint of emotion in those few
words? Was he really sorry?

“Drink from me instead.” He offered. My eyes darted up to
meet his. Was he serious?

He took a few steps closer to me and pulled the collar of
his T-shirt over his shoulder, moving it out of the way. It was much too
tempting.

“Come on, what is there to be afraid of? You’ve done this
before.” Yes Seth, I have done it before…but things were different back then.
You have changed, haven’t you? Nonetheless, I felt shy when confronted with the
memories. Back in the day, when temptation became too much...Seth became my
familiar, offering me some of his blood when the thirst became unbearable. A
part of me hated it, but on some of our long missions, there was not much of a
choice- I either had to drink from him or go on a rampage, killing more humans.
Back then, he trusted me enough to know I won’t kill him. That trust is what
made the original circle so strong. Knowing that he trusted me that much,
strengthened our bond. We became much closer than any human and vampire should
ever be...

Does he still trust me?

Slowly, hesitantly, I leaned in closer. The scent was
absolutely overwhelming. So delicious and so familiar. Of every victim I’ve
ever had, Seth’s blood was the most intoxicating....Even more venom formed in
my mouth.

“Are you sure?” I asked. This was so…wrong in so many ways.

“Yes.” He breathed and braced himself for the impact. I
lowered my mouth onto is skin, my cold lips standing in contrast to the warmth caused
by his beating heart. licking the tender spot, feeling his rapid pulse with my
tongue, feeling for the thickest vein. I placed my hand upon his other cheek,
positioned my fangs and slowly started to add pressure until I punctured his
skin.

There was an audible gasp.

No matter how many times he has experienced this before, I
know the pain must be excruciating. But it was too late to stop now. His body
relaxed as the venom started to take effect. My venom isn’t able to kill, it is
merely a tranquilizer, but also highly addictive, almost like a drug. I’m told
that many vampires capture humans and use them as “slaves”, almost like the
Ba’al do. The Ba’al just prefer other methods... The humans are so addicted to
the rush the vampire venom gives them that they will do almost anything to
experience it over and over again, even if it means putting their own lives at
risk. It was worse than any other drug on the planet.

 Cautiously I
retracted my fangs and immediately started sucking up the precious crimson,
making sure none of it escapes.

The sensations were indescribable. The blood soothed the
ache in my throat and bit by bit I could feel my strength returning. It all
felt right, even if it most probably was wrong.

For those few moments, it was just me and him; no one else.
Two old friends turned enemies lost in the silence of the night, one drawing
strength from the other, despite the hatred and bitterness caused by his
betrayal.  Odd though it may be, I was
comfortable with it.