Jade: "I've been on a mission!"
Philip: "Is that so?"

Her enthusiasm and high-pitched voice brought a genuine smile to my face. Combined with the fact that she'd chosen to talk to me first instantly put me in a good mood- this was going to be easier than I'd first thought.

Jade: "Yep! I'm going to find the best Cosmopolitan in the world."
Philip: "How's that going for you?"
Jade: "The past few nights have been disappointing, but this place seems promising."

When you've been a hunter for nearly 70 years, you forget that it's possible for you yourself to become the hunted. The thought never once crossed my mind- after all, these are humans we're talking about, no different to me than cattle or sheep on the food chain. I never thought it was possible for these lowly creatures to have it in them the ability to be any sort of threat to me what so ever.

We spent the next half hour engaging in small talk, each testing the other's reactions in a bizarre dance of words and body language. She told me her name was Rhiannon, though I would later find out it was something she'd come up with on the spot.

Jade: "So, what do you say we blow this joint? Go find out if there are any better Cosmopolitans to be had."
Philip: "Sounds like a plan to me. Let's go- I can drive. I know of a real hole in the wall place that you probably haven't tried yet."

She was up and dragging me toward the exit before I'd hardly finished my sentence. Her heart was pounding, the scent of excitement coming off her was intoxicating. As we made our way to the parking lot, I was still trying to work out if I was going to just feed outright, or have a little fun before hand.

I can try to come up with excuses for what happened next, but the bald truth of it is that I was sloppy. I should have paid more attention, been more aware of my surroundings instead of assuming that I was invincible.

Jade: "Actually, I think I'll drive."

There was a loud crack of static & a pulse of bright blue light. Two men were on me before I even had a chance to register that we were no longer alone in the dark parking lot. I was just starting to fight back when one of them jabbed a needle into my arm as they lifted me into the back of a van. There was a burning sensation that raced from the point of injection all the way up and into my chest. I felt my heart beat three times- the strangest and most foreboding sensation I've ever felt. Then, there was nothing but utter darkness.

I'm not sure exactly how long it's been since that night- the intervening time is little more than a blur of searing pain and confusion. I only know for sure that I woke up on a cold floor, unable to scream except in my own head.

There were other changes, as well- besides the obvious outward changes in my appearance, I was suddenly aware of the thoughts that flickered across the minds of those around me. I knew that I wasn't alone in the brightly lit lab- there were other vampires, at least one of which wasn't locked up with the rest of us. Their thoughts were much clearer to me- it was as if I knew their innermost fears instantly. I also found that I could get them to do things for me against their will.

In all the thoughts I read on the minds of those who were around me, one name stood out from all the others- Andrew Stone. This is the man responsible for my pain and misery, and I'm going to make sure he pays with his life. I'm waiting now- waiting for the opportunity to strike. There won't be a need for it to knock twice.