“Show yourself!” I crouched down defensively and growled at the stranger with surprising anger.

A tall black male then appeared from between two buildings. He was wearing what looked to be an expensive business suit and my eyes then were drawn to the large scar along his left cheek.

“Ashley, you can relax. I’m not going to hurt you.” He stated calmly.

“How do you know my name?” I was very skeptical now. How was it that a man I had never met knew my name? I don’t even know my name! I then wiped the blood from my mouth, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

“Haven’t been feeling yourself lately have you?” He asked me with what seemed like an enthused tone. Obviously this man knew more about me then I did.

“What’s going on here?” I was starting to get more and more agitated as he kept dodging my questions.

“See for yourself.” He then reached for something in his pocket to reveal a lighter. He threw it into a nearby garbage can, which the contents inside then burst into flames. Unfortunately the light was enough to reveal dead bodies and blood everywhere.

“Did- did I do this?” It was as if my heart had stopped beating. Was I truly a monster?

“Actually, you’re heart technically isn’t beating right now. And you’re not a monster. You’re a vampire.” He said as if none of this was a big deal.

Wait a minute.

“How did you know what I was thinking? And vampire!?” I now cradled my head in my hands wanting to just die upon hearing the news.

“How many times do I have to tell you… you are dead. Didn’t you get that when I said you have no heart beat?” He said and I glared at him angrily.

“Do you think you can tone it down on the sarcasm? This is kind of a lot to take in.” I turned away from him and began to pace back and forth. The tall man then walked over to me and placed a firm hand on my shoulder.

 “I know this is really hard to take in, but I am here to help. Name’s Clay Carlin” He reached out his hand and offered to shake. I reluctantly took his hand and he flashed me a big smile, revealing a set of fangs like mine.

I gasped and jumped back a bit. “You’re like me?”

“Yes and you must know Ashley, there are many others out there like us.” Clay told me, and I was happy to hear that I wouldn’t have to go through this alone. “But you should know that they are not all going to be friendly like me.” His voice grew serious and it kind of frightened me. “You saw what you were capable of tonight… well that’s normal of a first transitioned vampire, but there are others that chose to live that lifestyle.”

“You’re saying we have a choice?” I couldn’t possibly see a way to fight the excruciating urges for human blood, but after seeing what I had become with it in my system was not something I could just accept. I refused to give in to being a monster.

“Yes. That’s why I’m here.” Clay smiled at me.

“Can I ask you something?” I was nervous to know the truth, but I was dying for answers.

Apparently Clay already knew my question, because he answered immediately.

“In time Ashley. You are too young to handle the truth of your creation now, but when you’re ready, I’ll tell you.”

It was 24 years ago that I meat Clay Carlin. What us vamp’s call the birthday of my new life. I still have yet to learn the purpose of my creation, but I have a feeling that day is soon coming.