Chapter One

Darren's Pov

My cold heart beat slowly as I neared Ava's grave. I looked around the empty gravesite and I dropped a white bouquet at the foot of the grave. Today marked the twenty fourth year since Ava died and not a day went by where I didn't blame myself for her death.

She was the only woman I planned to marry, throughout my eight hundred years of existing as a vampire on earth.

She was the only woman who wasn't affected by my curse.

I felt hot tears roll down my face as the memory of Ava's painful death flooded through my head like it happened yesterday.

I was there. It all happened too fast but I stood and watched my fiance get crushed by a red truck while she tried to help a pregnant lady cross the road. Vampires of my kind were blessed with uncanny abilities to read minds, hypnosis, unfathomable speed and strength. I had all these abilities but I couldn't save the only person I had ever loved.

I felt a burning sensation deep in my chest and I clutched my shirt as the burn spread down my stomach.

Then my knees gave way and brought me to the floor, right next to her grave stone. I leaned on it and wept shakily. Sniffing continuously and hating my lonely, eternal life over and over again.

I had begged the goddess through my dreams and my every passing thought to take my life and relieve me from the agony I felt but I got silence in return.

I had all the money, businesses and companies but still, I was unsatisfied, lonely and in pain.

I craved for happiness but it seemed like an illusion and a height I couldn't attain.

I was about to stand up when the burning sensation moved to my throat. Now I felt it stronger than ever.

I knew what this meant.

I quickly looked around and caught sight of some people who had come to the grave site too.

Damn it! I chose this day to visit Ava's grave because I thought there wouldn't be anyone else here, since it was a sunday.

I let out a small groan as the burning sensation increased. This was happening because I was in the midst of humans and I hadn't fed on blood for days.

The fresh scent of human blood wafted across my nostrils and my throat burnt some more. I also felt a weakness spread through my body, hindering me from standing and running out of here.

My fangs began to grow out from my gum and I knew I had to make use of every modicum of self restraint I possessed, because if I didn't, then I would end up killing a human.

I inhaled deeply, forcing air into my lungs as I calmed my raging heart.

I stayed on the ground, next to Ava's grave stone for some minutes, as I gathered strength to get on my feet.

After several attempts, I finally stood up. Clutching my collar, I staggered out of the grave site with my head bowed down.

Then I bumped into someone.