Gregory's POV

23 days until the comet...23 days to search for the amulet in hope to break this cruse—the cruse Of being a vampire. I've been a vampire for so long I don't remember what it felt like to be human, I had memories but those memories were over 300 years old. I don't remember what human food taste like or what the sun felt like on my skin, I can't remember a time where I wasn't blood thirsty and dark.

Everyone in my life prays for the return of the amulet and to live as human again but I don't know how I feel. After all this time the world was different and we didn't know about it. We were in hiding for so long and once we decided to become official creatures of the night there were things we have never seen before. Women wore pants, there were no more horses and buggies, houses were larger— the world was different. Now? I don't know we would live one day with modern technology

But I continue to search for the amulet...for my family. I continue to search for hope that my younger siblings can finally return to being mortals and live normal lives. They never lost hope and their spirits never went dark. And that brings slight joy to my life.

So here I was...on a oddly warm Friday night flying back to our home (the graveyard) after another failed attempt to retrieve the amulet. Another disappointing night And another night I get to see my mother frown once more but yet trying to hide it from everyone.

I landed far away from our home because I decided to walk the rest of the way there in silence to collect my thoughts and wollow in self pity. I guess you would say I wasn't the happiest or nicest vampire. I didn't follow our families rules or morals. I couldn't help that I craved human blood more than I could described and piercing human flesh gave me a sensation throughout my whole body. But, it's been months since I've bitten anymore. Maybe even longer, I don't keep track of time anymore and the days blend together more and more. It's the same routine: sleep during the day and hide from the sun, feed and search for the amulet at night and don't get caught. That's it.

I walk over to the closest tomb stone and sit behind it, picking the grass and calming myself down. Why was I angry? Mother said it's because I transitioned to a vampire during a hard time of my maturing process and I couldn't have the same release other boys my age have. That was mother's way of saying I'm sexually frustrated and can't have sex like other boys because there aren't any teenage female vampires and I eat every human I come in contact with.

As I rest my head against the tomb stone I can hear voices from a few yards away (vampire strength hearing). It was 2 boys and 3 girls, all sounding around my 'age' and intoxicated. Finally some excitement to my night, and maybe a small snack to make this dreadful life worthy. I blend in with the darkness and fly towards the group as the approach the gate

And I see her, her blond long hair and plum lips. She was wearing a light blue outfit which the pants and shirt were connected with black shoes. I have never seen a women dress like this...her legs fully exposed. Her hair flowed in the slight breeze. Her eyes were stunning and I couldn't stop looking at her. I've seen mortal women before but not like her. She was absolutely breath taking and my eyes wouldn't move off of her

The group reached the cemetery fence and one boy climb over as the other helped the three ladies. The blond girl almost stumbling over. Once she was over the one boy wrapped is arm around her and squeezed her...to hard in my opinion. Discomfort spread across her beautiful face. I could here him making smirky comments to the girl...her name....Carter. Beautiful. Her name sent electricity thought my veins where blood should be, it's the first time I've felt something like that in Over 300 years. It was different feeling than drinking blood...less thirsty and more tingly.

The two boys of the group acted like animals (yes ironic that me, a vampire, is calling them animals) but that's what they were. They were jumping on one another, shoving and being obnoxious. But I wasn't paying attention to them but to Carter. She kept looking right at me but didn't notice because of the night darkness. But we made eye contact multiple times and I was able to look into her eyes, I could be lost in them forever.

Moments of bliss went by and I followed their group as they continued to make their way through the cemetery. But bliss never last long. Moments went by before I heard the familiar voice of the grounds keeper calling out. The group froze for a split second before they scattered in different directions. The boy grabbing Carters wrist and taking off...I followed them

As they ran I noticed the boy ran faster than Carter and was dragging her along, as she tripped over herself in her drunken state. He didn't care though, he just kept his tight grip and ran. A few turns later and Carter was faced down on the ground

"Get up Carter" the boy angrily spoke to her and he jerked her Arm harshly multiple times

"I can't my foot is caught" she spoke and for the first time I could clearly hear her voice. It had panic and hurt in it and I wanted soak in her voice for hours.

"Collin..." I heard her voice call out and I broke out of my day dream...his name...Collin

" I'm sorry babe" Collin said before running off...leaving Carter behind

I stayed in the darkness shocked. He left her, he left this beautiful goddess. Why?

Carter didn't move but I could hear the muffles of her crying. I could smell her blood, she was obviously hurt. Eventually I could see her hand moving to her trapped foot but pulling it away and moaning in pain. The smell of blood worsened and I was digging my nails in my hand to control myself.

Usually this would be a dream come true. A trapped human in my graveyard. A quick and easy meal but I was fighting myself. I didn't want to bite her but I did want her blood. I wanted it so bad that it was ripping me up inside, every inch of me wanted to taste her.

She laid silent again and the grounds keeper voice rang again. Carter still trapped and crying. I couldn't pull myself away from her, I wanted to watch over her, too see what happens next.

I noticed the grounds keeper was only about half a mile away from Carter but they couldn't sense each other in the night. Slowly, she begins to sit up and my heart pumps. She looks around but I know she doesn't see much in the dim moon light but that doesn't stop her from calling out for help

My body reacted before my brain and I was there, holding her mouth from behind to silence her calls before the grave keeper found her. We stayed there for what seemed like hours, until I felt as it was safe. But I deep down I was scared...confused. She was a mortal, why do I care what happens to her and why do I feel pitty for her situation? But I do. The moment I saw her I felt a pull to her. To watch her but now to make contact with her.

I pulled my hand away

"Gabe" she whispered and a tingle went down my spine

I didn't answer but instead I walked to her view and reviled myself to her. Her face lost all color and expression and in her eyes was pure terror. I caused that. Usually I would be proud of myself but this time...this time I felt ashamed

She went to scream and I covered her mouth again. I was finally able to look at her up close, her face had dirt on it from the fall, she had dried tears on her cheek and a small cut by her hairline that was dripping blood slowly. Besides that minor cut her legs were scrapped up and the cuts on her fingers were causing blood to drip down her hand. The smell was better than anything I've ever experienced and it took unholy amount of restraint not to just sink my teeth into her and drain her from all the red liquids. But I did it somehow.

"Listen to me" I looked at her in the moon light and her eyes formed tears once again "don't say anything okay"

Carter nods in agreement and I can't feel her heart racing and her pulse rapidly climbing. But I moved my hand away any ways