Even though I still felt nervous, there was a part inside of me that almost felt…excited? Only almost though. Possibly because of not having to have secrets between Donavon and me.  Being accepted for who I was would feel much better. I used to put up so many walls around everyone and myself. Now walls were the thing I hated most. I wouldn't have to tell him everything since it might not apply to me—just the vampire basics. If my aunt did it, so could I. If I could just get past this day, everything should be better.

Once at school, I pulled my phone out to see a text from Donavon: Sorry my mom's needing help, so going to be late to school again. Go ahead and grab a seat without me.

Feeling a little disappointed, I entered the school hallways alone. I had been feeling almost brave enough to hug him… But I always could after class right?

As I neared my class room, I smelled something ridiculously good smelling—a totally different and unique smell that caused my brain to freeze. 

What on earth? I had to find out what that was.

I turned the corner to see Kyson Conway dabbing a tissue to his ear and mumbling to himself.

"You would think it would stop bleeding after a freaking fifteen minutes. Guess a guy can't shave in safety."

He then noticed me staring bluntly at him. I took a few steps closer to him and just kept staring. For some reason, I didn't even think about how odd this was, but only how that amazing smell had gotten even stronger.

"Umm…well…Avery, you gonna say something?"

I ignored his question and stared at a thick blood drop on his ear that started to slowly drip down. Very slowly, I reached up and touched his ear, getting his blood on my finger.

"Umm okay… You're really creeping me out now, so I'm just gonna go to class."

Again, I ignored his comment and stared at the blood on my finger. The amazing smell had indeed come from it. If it smelled so good, wouldn't it taste even better? But wasn't that bad to do? It seemed something forgotten inside knew I shouldn't, but with it right there, the only thing I could think of was tasting it. It was just a small taste anyway. What could it possibly hurt?

The moment it hit my tongue, all of its incredible flavor seeped deeply throughout my senses. I never knew something could taste so good. Amazing feeling tingles spread through my brain, and I simply stood in awe.

I'm not sure how long I stood there for, but it was probably a while because I finally noticed that all the hallways were cleared of people, and Donavon was walking toward me.

"Hey, why aren't you in class?"

I just stared blankly at him for a moment.

"Are you feeling alright?" he asked, facing me closely.

"Me? Oh yes, I feel great."

He gripped my hand for a moment. I neither denied it nor embraced.

"Okay, we better hurry to class."

The morning went by in a daze. I wasn't even sure what I was thinking—just that I felt good.

At lunch we sat with the usual group—Jen, Kyson, and their friends. I used to hate it, but now I enjoyed the scent of him being close. It wasn't as strong as before but still nice. Donavon held my hand which I allowed, but my mind kept on going to the taste of that blood.

Finally, the school day ended and Donavon drove me home.

"You seemed pretty happy today," he commented.

"Of course I am," I replied. 

"I'm glad," he smiled at me. "Did you talk to your aunt about things?"

"Yeah, I guess we did."

"Well, what did she say?"

"I can't remember, but everything is great."

"Oh wow, well that's good. So I was hoping maybe I could take you somewhere this weekend if you're not busy, maybe the zoo or something."

"That's fine." Wait, what did he say again? I couldn't remember, but it didn't matter.

Once at my house, I exited the car silently. Donavon got out and met me in front.

"Hey wait," he said. I turned to meet his arms which went around me. For a moment, I stood and let him hold me. The warm fuzzies I felt from earlier were starting to fade, and I could only think about how tired I was feeling. 

"I'll see you tomorrow," he said, then we parted ways.

Once on my bed, I instantly fell asleep.

Upon awaking in the darkness, the first thing I noticed was a slight pain in my head. And then I remembered—the smell, the blood, the feeling, and what it did to me. 

Oh no…no no no… This could not be happening. 

This wasn't supposed to happen. Had it really finally happened to me? Or was it a weird glitch? And Kyson? NOT KYSON! He was the worst possible person it could have ever been on earth. It was supposed to be Donavon if anyone. 

Was this some evil joke? Did I not get a choice? I started to cry. So much for hopes and dreams…

I had to pull myself together. Wouldn't I be fine if I simply didn't have his blood? My mind went back to what my aunt had told me years ago about what might happen to me someday—that animal blood wouldn't be enough forever. But maybe I was different from the others. Couldn't I resist? Maybe it would all be okay. I would just have to stay away from Kyson. 

I hated him already and now I hated him even more.