POV: Kathryn Taylor – Newborn Vampire – Original Character (I Invented Her)

"Stop," Jared pleaded. "Please, please stop."

And somehow, I did. I felt the pain in my throat retreating, and reality suddenly came into focus as the thirst withdrew. I knew that it had only receded for the moment, and that it would resurface as soon as it was capable, but it was still wonderful to be temporarily free of the bloodlust. I exhaled a sigh of relief.

Jared's expression suddenly turned furious. "What were you thinking?" he growled.

Truthfully, I hadn't been thinking of anything but the thirst. It had controlled my mind, suffocating all rational thoughts. So, not wanting to sound stupid, I didn't answer Jared. I remained silent, hoping that his anger would pass.

"You could have gotten us both killed!" he shouted. "Is that what you want?"

I weakly shook my head no.

"Then what is your problem?" Jared challenged. "I ordered you to stay here!"

"I tried," I whimpered fearfully, cringing away from Jared's wild gaze. "I don't know what happened. I lost control."

"You were only inches behind Heidi!" Jared shrieked. "She could have destroyed you!"

Heidi? I thought. I hadn't even noticed her, consumed by my instinct to kill.

"You must have a death wish!" Jared raged. "And then, when I tried to help you, you attacked me! I saved your life – is that how you repay me?"

Attacked? I hardly had any recollection of striking Jared, only short memories. I had been thirsty. I had lunged for a human. Something strong had held me down… that had been Jared? I hadn't even recognized him. The thirst had blurred my surroundings, catapulted me into a world where nothing had mattered but the need for blood. I had attacked Jared. He was my only friend in this terrifying vampire world, and I had attacked him!

"I'm… sorry," I gasped.

"'Sorry' isn't enough!" Jared snapped. "You almost got me killed, and you're just 'sorry'? I should have just eliminated you while you were still transforming!"

I shuddered. Jared's sudden outburst was frightening me, and I feared that, if his rage escalated any further, his threats would be turned into action, and he might actually hurt me… or kill me.

"Jared, I'm sorry," I hurriedly stammered. "I won't let it happen again. I'm still new, and this was my first time smelling human blood since my transformation."

Jared growled, and the growl grew louder until it was a guttural snarl of utter fury. "You're an instinct-driven, worthless child!" he shouted. "I've had enough of tolerating you! If you make one more stupid mistake, I'll end you for good! I can escape Volterra on my own!"

I wanted to shout, to protest, but as terror overcame me, I suddenly felt speechless with fear. Jared paused, breathing hard, and he stormed to the door. "I've had it with you!" he bellowed, and he slammed the door, disappearing down the hallway in less than a second.

I stood there, traumatized. I'd turned my only remaining friend against me, and now he had threatened to destroy me… forever.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror on the wall – the perfect planes of my immortal face; my thick, wavy blond hair cascading down to my shoulders; my pale flesh… and my eyes. The bloody red voids of a horrifying monster. That's what I was… a monster…just as Jared has said – an instinct-driven, worthless child. In that moment, I knew that he was right. I was useless, violent, and impulsive.

I was a monster.

And I would remain a monster.

For eternity.

I was unable to master my instincts, and, if I failed to control them, Jared would do away with me. I felt alone and uncared for – like a lost, neglected puppy – and I suddenly felt utterly hopeless and miserable. I closed my eyes, whimpering pitifully, and wondered what my future would hold. Most likely, it would be a future of loneliness and heartbreak.