Paradigm Shift

First impressions

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Dean

Change is an inevitable part of life and its essential for growth, but when that change is involuntary or out of your control, it can be difficult. I understood how that felt, and now, so did Roman. Ever since he'd returned from his transformation period, he'd been a shadow of his former self. The funny, caring and supportive Roman I knew had gone and in its place was someone I didn't recognize. He was struggling just like I had; I knew it just from the negative emotions that emitted from him whenever he was around. Uncertainty, stress, anxiety, helplessness and fear...just to name a few. Seth had not only taken away his human life; he'd taken away his spirit. This was made worse because Roman hadn't received a power after his newborn era was over and although Frederick had insisted that "his power just needed to be triggered in order to manifest" Roman was sure that he wouldn't get one. 

Seth, of course, didn't have a care in the world. He was positively gleeful because he could see the future through his visions and because of this; he had an advantage over everyone else. Tonight was the night that we were going to meet the mystery brunette that would become our friend and I was terrified. It was the Hall of fame ceremony and as the three of us got changed into our suits; we were all lost in our own thoughts. Seth was thinking about his appearance and wondering if he should wear his hair up or leave it down. I was full of fear of meeting the woman that had affected me more than any other human had and Roman. Well, he was just existing. He was there, physically, but mentally he was somewhere else.

When we arrived at the arena, we quickly located our locker room and I pulled the tin container, where I kept my blood capsules out of my pocket. I popped a couple into my mouth and offered some to Roman. He took a few and placed them into the pocket of his slacks. If there was ever a time when I wished I could sleep, it would be now because I'd be in better shape to tackle what I knew would be the toughest night of my vampire life so far. This was yet another test of my willpower. There was no other explanation and there was a very real possibility that tonight would be the night when I finally lost all control.

Seth smiled as he looked at his watch. "It's showtime boys"

She wasn't concentrating as she rushed around the corner. She came to a stop when she walked straight into Seth.

Tears were falling from her eyes. "Oh..I'm so sorry I wasn't looking..."

Seth smiled as he looked down at her. "Don't worry about it. There's no harm done. Why are you crying?"

She looked up at him, and her eyes widened with the realisation of who she had bumped into. She took a moment to look behind Seth at Roman and me and as she looked at me, her scent hit me like a freight train. Just like before, I froze. I'd never felt more like a monster than I did at that very moment. Her glorious, mouth watering scent was all I could focus on and for the first time since I had become a vampire, I felt absolutely no connection to my human side.

"You are probably busy. I don't want to bother you with my problems" she dismissed as she took a step backwards.

"Nonescene" Seth insisted "What kind of men would we be if we didn't help a beautiful young lady such as yourself?"

She looked uncertain as she wiped the tears from her face

"Let me introduce you" Seth insisted as he wrapped an arm around her and led her towards Roman and I

As she moved closer to me, instinct kicked in. My prey was standing right in front of me. Humans are naturally fascinated by vampires. When we move or speak, the human mind can't fully understand what it's seeing. I could quickly end her life. She wouldn't even see it coming. Venom filled my mouth and my throat burned with more intensity than I'd ever felt. She introduced herself to Roman and, although reserved; he was polite and controlled himself as he shook her hand. As she approached me, my thoughts were in a loop. Need. Bite. Taste. Drink.