I tell her everything, including my past as the ripper they once called me. The one who didn't care who he hurt. I tell her about Sloane's murder of those girls. She is attentively watching me as I speak while she is seated. She never takes her eyes off of me. As I relate my story, I get lost in them. As I wrap up my justification, I wait for her to speak. She is reflecting. I'm positive I can see this girl's mind at work inside of her head.

"So Sloane is a trigger for you? She makes you do things like this; I guess I'm asking, why do you still let her in your life?" She asks.

"I'm not sure; she is easy for one," I smirk, and Raven smacks my arm and laughs. "I think many female vampires are scared of her, so she walks all over people. Human girls stay away because of the rumours they have heard."

"Which are true." She interjects. I nod. "She won't touch Brie because of Logan. He will rip her to pieces."

"So why would you allow her to hurt the girls who liked you?"

"Logan loves Brie. He will do anything to protect her from harm. I never loved any of them." I answer honestly. "I just used them to pass the time."

We remain silent as we wait. She is ruminating on everything we just discussed. It surprises me that she has fearless eyes because any other female would be bolting for the hills. She takes both mugs, and places them in the sink. She circles around and gives me a direct gaze.

"Thank you for telling me the truth, and for the record, I'm not scared of you, and I don't think you're a monster. I think you were just broken for a bit and needed to find your way back," she says, walking toward me. I stand up and meet her halfway; she is staring up at me, and I can see the goosebumps forming on her arms. She feels something for me just like I do for her. She walks around me and heads towards her room. I know that's my cue to leave, but instead, I follow. I stand at her doorway, taking her beauty in.

"You are aware of one of the best aspects of being a vampire is, right?" As I approach her, I challenge her. She is pulled toward me as I grip her by the waist. I whisper in her ear, "I can hear your heart beating; it races every time I'm close to you."

She bites her bottom lip as she blushes and turns to face me. I carefully cup my hands over her face. My tongue divides her mouth as my lips press firmly into hers, engulfing her completely. She is delicious. Even though I may not mean anything to her, I will find a way to get through her wall. I desire her. What makes me want her? I'm not certain. I feel an attraction to her. As she is absorbed in the kiss, I can feel her blood rushing through her veins. There won't be a happy ending to the game we're playing. She moves aside and takes a step back.

"I thought we were just friends?" She says, confused. I stand there, not knowing what to say.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that." I step back to give her space.

"You're not sorry. You did that on purpose!" She steps back.

"No, honestly, I didn't mean to." She walks over to her bag. "What are you doing?"

"I'm looking for my receipt." She pulls it out. "That's what I thought. I didn't buy your bullshit. That kiss was sensual, Clay. We were only supposed to be having fun. You can't do that."

She tells me that I need to go; she looks hurt. I hurt her, but I don't argue with her. I turn around and leave. As I walk away, she says something that feels like I am being stabbed.

"I think we should stay away from each other." I stop, take in her words, and then walk away.

⁂

I notice Logan is home as I make my way up my driveway. I walk inside to see them both sitting in the living room.

"How was your time with Raven?" Logan asks, with Brie sitting there with a stupid smile on her face.

"We met; we talked. It was epic! What more do you want?" I say with frustration.

"Then why are you so upset?" Brie asks.

"I'm not upset. Upset is an emotion specific to those who care!" I growl.

I enter the kitchen, take a blood bag out of the refrigerator, and go to my room. I'm going to go insane over this woman. I go to the shower after locking the door behind me. Hot water pours down on my body. Never has anyone caused me to feel this way. I only want her, you know. I want to be her first love, and I intend to be her last. What is going on with me? With girls, I adore playing this game, but with her, it's different. I no longer desire to play.

I want to be serious and committed. The thought of her being with anyone else makes me feel sick to my stomach. I can't believe I am feeling this way. I never thought I would be the type of guy to fall head over heels for someone, but here I am. These thoughts race through my mind as I finish my shower and try to gather my thoughts. I know I need to pull myself together and focus on the day ahead, but it's hard when all I can think about is her. The way she laughs, the way she looks at me... it's like nothing else matters.