Well, hi guys. Words cannot express how much I've missed this story and you all. I know that life has been a little hectic for everyone this year, and mine has been no exception. Writing hasn't been as high on my priority list as I'd have liked it to be, what with two moves, starting a new job, and a pandemic sort of getting in the way. While I can't promise a strict update schedule, I have absolutely zero plans of abandoning this story. If that upsets you in some way and you decide to stop reading any new updates for this story (as some have mentioned in previous reviews), I can only understand and respect your decision and move forward. For everyone else, I am so happy that you are here and continue to be here, giving me support no matter what. I sincerely can't thank you all enough.

I specifically would like to make a shoutout to Starcrier who was incredibly sweet and helpful in the beginning stages of writing this chapter. She's such a gem and was so encouraging at a time when writer's block had fully taken over.

As for those wondering about the playlists I've made for this story on 8tracks, I am currently working on recreating them on Youtube instead so you'll be able to enjoy them there while you read along! The full playlist should be complete in the next week or so and I'll have the link in my bio when it's all ready to go.

Hope you all enjoy this one! It's a bit of a turning point for the characters.


"Close your eyes."

His voice felt like velvet as his words ghosted across her face. Regine found herself fluttering her eyes closed before thinking twice.

She vaguely registered his hands on her, rough and determined, grabbing her hips with his fingers clenching her skin to keep her secure. A sudden gust of air whipped all around her and before she knew it, her feet were planted firmly on the ground in front of her apartment complex. Shaking her head, Regine snuck a glance at David but he was already stalking away from her, obviously in a hurry to flee the scene and not in the mood for her next round of twenty questions.

Her eyes adjusted to the darkness of her silent neighborhood instantly as she nearly skipped to keep up with his long strides, briskly distancing themselves away from the party that was getting shut down behind them, away from Jane who would no doubt be confused and probably hurt at Regine's sudden departure.

That thought didn't bother her as much as it should have, but she was still buzzing from David's blood coursing through her as they disappeared into the night. The fact that she was walking down a darkened street with a cold-blooded killer, a monster, should have made her a nervous wreck. It would have, if she didn't feel or know what she did now. If she didn't understand David at a deeper level by seeing him for what he truly was.

What she was becoming.

This was not new, this feeling. She had consumed David's blood before, but she had somehow forgotten the sensations that followed it. Absentmindedly bringing her fingers to trace her lips, she allowed the power of his blood to take hold of her body and mind. There was no way for her to remember such euphoria without his blood on her tongue, the hunger slowly overtaking her and being all she could seem to feel without him near. Suddenly, her worries were pushed to the back of her mind, shrinking with every step forward. The chill of the ocean breeze swept through her hair, wrapping her in icy comfort as she shivered in exhilaration rather than discomfort, and she felt free.

Daring to glance over at the broad figure walking next to her made her stomach burst into butterflies again. The memory of what had just taken place between them mere moments ago made her breath hitch as she struggled to remain composed by his side. David's expression was as inscrutable as ever and his eyes were hard and focused, staring forward into the dark as they were mostly likely making their way to his bike parked across the street, tucked away and almost completely hidden in plain sight.

All she could hear was her ragged breathing as they pressed forward.

"Where are we going?" she asked, her words barley audible but she knew he'd heard her.

"My place," his voice gruff as his pace quickened. "Just need to run a small errand first."

Her brow furrowed. "What kind of errand?"

David shot her a look. "A small one."

"Doing what?" She knew she was irritating him but couldn't help it when he seemed to enjoy giving her zero information about anything.

She heard him sigh. "Don't push it, Regine."

"I wasn't. I just think I deserve to know where you're going if I'm supposed to be going with you..."

He ignored her as they briskly passed by the police cars parked right outside her building, their red and blue lights glowing against the dark night's sky. Suddenly, Regine was met with the familiar weight of his arm swung over her shoulders as they drew closer, no doubt trying to appear as normal as possible, his scent invading her senses and sending shivers up her spine. Just two innocent people taking a late evening stroll in a quiet neighborhood. Nothing to see here.

Regine couldn't find it within herself to be worried about getting stopped by the cops and David's hold on her made her feel even more comforted, as much as that thought disturbed her.

Finally he let out a sigh, glancing down at her as the police lights disappeared behind them. "We're making a quick stop at the boardwalk. Satisfied?"

She shrugged under his grip and tried not to press herself closer to his intoxicating scent. "Guess so."

They continued to walk in silence until she heard a small laugh escape his lips, so quiet she doubted she'd be able to hear it had she not been pressed so firmly to his body, his face mere inches from hers.

"What is it?" she asked, knowing that asking him this many questions in one conversation was just going to put him in a mood but she didn't care. His blood seemed to make her less cautious about such things.

"You're cold," he remarked as she felt his gloveless fingers stroke the soft skin of her bare arm.

Regine made a face but couldn't help the shiver that spread through her at his gentle touch.

"So are you?" she retorted while finally looking up at him, suddenly on the defense. Had he really no idea that touching his skin was like putting your hand in an ice box?

He rolled his eyes but the grasp around her shoulder tightened.

"Thanks for that. I know I am. But you are, too." He paused for a split second as he continued to guide her, or pull her if you were to ask Regine, to his bike. "Didn't think I'd like it," he murmured quietly, more to himself than as a response to her.

I am becoming like him, she thought.

It was subtle, but nothing about her ever got past him, now matter how small of a change it was. After a few more steps, Regine gathered the resolution to ask yet another question.

"But you do?" she asked, the insecurity in her voice starting to creep in despite her attempt to sound uncaring.

He paused briefly, before giving her a subtle shrug of his shoulders and turning to meet her gaze. "Maybe."

Regine fought the blush that spread across her cheeks and tried to remain focused.

"Does that mean you'll finally tell me what's going on, what's happening to me? I still feel so…I don't know. Hot and cold." She couldn't put how she felt into words, but hoped that he would understand. He must know, must see what she was becoming and be able to help her.

He had created this after all. Created her.

He released his hold on her shoulder and gave her a look of warning. It was clear she'd asked enough questions for the night and he wasn't interested in playing along with her prying any longer. She felt so silly for even considering that he'd actually tell her the truth, even after all this time.

They'd finally arrived at his Triumph and all she could do was watch him easily position himself on the bike before turning his head towards her, his eyes looking quite sunken in and weary. Unconsciously taking a step closer to examine his face under the flickering street lamp above them, he turned away from her to face forward, using his teeth to slip his riding gloves on and revving the engine to life. The sound must have woken up every one of her neighbors but she could still hear his words and the biting tone underneath them.

"All good things, princess…Get on."

With a huff, she did as he said and swung her leg over the back of his bike. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his middle and her fingers intertwined tightly.

Riding on the back of a bike after getting a fix of David's blood was almost too much for Regine to handle. She felt every sensation ten fold, the wind whipping through her hair was transcendent, the intense rumbling of the bike in her ears intoxicating, but nothing felt quite as good as being wrapped around David as tight as she was. Her muscles twitched in pleasure as she clutched his abdomen tighter, prompting him to accelerate forward even faster down the near emptied streets. She shivered with every exhale as she breathed in the delicious ocean air and she couldn't help but nuzzle into the back of his neck, the need to feel everything all at once becoming almost unbearable.

It wasn't long before she registered the glow of the Ferris Wheel coming into view ahead of them. The muscles of David's back tensed against her body and Regine could only wonder what they were doing there. He effortlessly maneuvered them to a small alcove across the entrance of the pier, bringing the bike to a smooth stop along the railing overlooking the gray sand and murky waves of the ocean ahead of them.

She moved to hop off first and couldn't help but notice his eyes on her, his head turned to watch her over his shoulder. Daring to glance back at him, she felt her cheeks warm as his gaze traveled from her face down her body, drinking in her form with unabashed interest. His eyes were rimmed with dark purple circles and his shoulders were slouched somewhat, but Regine still couldn't help but lick her lips as she studied him back. Their mutual gaze never faltered as he moved from his bike and walked slowly towards her, his hand reaching out to sweep her blonde hair away from her face and grasp her chin with his fingers. He inclined his head so close that Regine was sure he was going to kiss her but at the last minute, he buried his face at the crook of her neck instead, breathing her in with a deep inhale.

"Wait here. I'll be back before you know it," he murmured against her skin, his breath so warm that his words sent shockwaves down her spine.

She sighed and took a small step back to see his face.

"David. Just tell me where you're going. Please. I don't wanna be here alone."

His hand had traveled from her chin to glide across her throat, his fingers taking hold of her hair at the base of her skull. He gave her a charming smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"You got me all spun up is all. Just need to go take care of something to feel better," he said, releasing his hold on her and slowly retreating away. "Do not move."

Regine's eyes widened.

"Are you talking about drugs?"

He had already turned away from her but that had seemed to make him pause. He looked back at her curiously, his lips curving upwards.

"Not quite."

With that, he turned his head and strode over to the steps leading down to the sand on their right.

Regine huffed, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back against the railing.

"Okay then, I'll be here," she called to him but he was far enough away that she doubted he'd heard her.

Before she could register his movements, he had turned swiftly on his heel and was making his way towards her again. His strides were long and determined as Regine felt her breath catch. Placing his hands on the railing on either side of her, he towered over her with a confident grin on his face.

"How about some sugar before I go?" he asked but didn't wait for her response, his lips quickly finding hers as she couldn't help but lean into him.

It was like instinct. Any preconceived hatred she had for him was buried so far under this feeling that she willingly kissed him back, opening her mouth to him as his tongue sought hers. She could drown in this feeling, his scent invading her senses and his lips moving against hers with enough need and desire to make her knees actually feel like they might buckle. Just as she moved to wrap her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss and feel more of him, he pulled away, her body nearly having a painful physical reaction to his absence.

His blood was making her ache for him in ways she hadn't expected. He seemed to take notice and smirked down at her, his fingers tucking a few loose strands of her hair behind her ear.

"Remember what I said." His voice was low and deep, a warning.

Regaining her composure, Regine let out a frustrated sigh.

"I know...don't move."

"Good girl."

She didn't watch him leave, willing herself to ignore his retreating form instead of watching his every movement like her body was begging her to.

Placing her elbows on the railing to cradle her face in her hands, Regine couldn't help but wonder why they were here at all. What possible errand would David need to run so late at night? And why did he have that look in his eye when he turned away from her? She could just barely catch it before he had walked off, the sudden drop of his easy smile and eyes darkening to the point that they looked almost entirely black.

Shoving her fingers through her hair, she glanced around to take in her surroundings. Her vision being as heightened as it was, Regine could see across the entire span of the boardwalk, could study the faces of each person from at least a few hundred feet ahead of her. It was late and with hardly any of the rides and attractions still open, most of the boardwalk's occupants were close to her age, seemingly relieved that the families with screaming children had finally vacated the premises for the night. Most seemed to be moving in groups to the sand with drinks and towels in hand for a late night bonfire that would last well into the early hours of the morning.

Regine was starting to feel restless and it had only been a few minutes since David had left her there, nearly drunk off his blood and buzzing with nothing to focus her energy on.

Her curiosity at his motives were beginning to take hold of her, occupying her thoughts as she couldn't stop theorizing what he was doing on the beach at this time of night alone. Whatever he was doing clearly did not involve her and he clearly would not entertain any of her questions following his return, no matter how much she pushed the subject. He was a closed book, especially when she had the gall to ask anything remotely personal about his life or actions. She would most likely never know what he was up to…

Unless she followed him.

Surely he wouldn't notice, she surmised. He had seemed a bit distracted ever since she'd had her taste of him earlier that night. David obviously was preoccupied by something and wouldn't notice her presence if she was smart enough to keep just enough distance to go undetected. With her inhibitions lowered and her confidence heightened from the blood, it was more than easy to convince herself this was a solid plan of action.

So, without much thought at all of the consequences involved, Regine felt herself take a step forward and then another until she was at the bottom of the stairwell and felt her feet sink into the chilled smoothness of the sand stretching out across the beach before her.

It was darker than she expected without the lights of the boardwalk to guide her, but her eyes adjusted quickly enough as she put all of her focus on her breathing. Inhaling deeply, Regine centered herself and allowed her instincts to take control. With her eyes closed and her chest expanding with every breath, she sifted through the hundreds of scents hitting her nostrils, trying to find the one she knew would lead her to him.

It didn't take long.

His scent, though farther than she would have liked, was just as potent as she remembered. She felt it enveloping her body like a warm blanket and she stood there a little longer than necessary to bask in its soothing glory. She didn't bother paying attention to where she was going, letting her feet move instinctively towards the scent, chasing after it and letting it draw her towards him like the world's strongest magnet.

She'd used his scent to track him once before but this time Regine felt more in control. She wasn't thirsty nor was she on a murderous rampage that would undoubtedly end in killing one of her coworkers if she didn't find him first. She let that odd realization comfort her rather than disturb her like it would have if she were in a different state of mind, if she weren't still riding high from David's blood.

Regine didn't feel invincible, but her confidence was damn near impossible to shake. She guessed she had him to thank for that.

She was going to find him, and when she did, she had to make sure to stay hidden. Along the way, she had passed a few groups sporadically surrounded by the rising embers of makeshift bonfires, momentarily distracting her as she watched the flames ignite and lick at the dark sky above them. Boomboxes blasting rock music echoed through the air and a few rowdy teenagers had taken to dancing wildly on her right, kicking up sand and shouting as they did. Regine paid them no mind. No one seemed to notice her persistent trek across the beach and she was grateful for it, not wanting David to discover her out in the open before she could see what he was up to.

She'd made it past where most of the others had congregated and seemed to be surrounded by nothing but an expanse of sea salted air and sand as she propelled forward, briefly wondering if she had taken a wrong turn somewhere as she surveyed the empty space ahead. But when his scent had grown so strong that her legs began to shake, she knew she was close. Walking parallel to the boardwalk, she pivoted and tucked herself away behind one of the large wooden legs holding up the landing of the pier. Her eyes searched wildly in the dark, trying and failing to locate the tall and broad figure she had been searching for.

After a few minutes of nothing, Regine was beginning to second guess whether this was a good idea before her wide gaze finally landed on that shock of blonde hair about fifty feet down the beach, just enough distance to know it was him but far enough away to stay out of his sight.

It took about another second for her to realize that he wasn't alone.

She froze and tried to blink away the disbelief that hit her instantly, fighting to focus on his shape and the girl he had cradled in his arms. With her back facing Regine, she could see she had long brown hair that cascaded down her slender shoulders and wore simple jean shorts with a black tank top and flip flops. Regine tried not to cling to the fact that she was beautiful but could see that she was even at such a distance. She felt the blood drain from her face as she reached out to clutch desperately at the wooden plank in front of her to steady her trembling body.

The embrace was so intimate, Regine felt her stomach drop as she watched him grip her body in his strong hands, crushing her to him as the girl's head tilted backwards in bliss, eyes fluttered closed and lips parted in his passionate grip.

This was what David had left her behind to do?

The cold shock of betrayal hit her like a dowsing of ice water as he nuzzled his face into the girl's neck, almost exactly in the way he'd done to her not just ten minutes before. The tears welled in her eyes before Regine could stop them, feeling absolutely idiotic for crying despite the hurt she felt as she continued to watch the scene unfold before her.

Slapping them away with her hand, she took a defeated step backward to turn around and walk away, to leave everything with David behind and forget any of this ever happened before she heard a sound.

A sound resembling a strangled gasp and then…

A scream.

It was short, cut off before it could reach a blood-curdling crescendo, but it had wretched through her ears regardless. Her head whipped around from her makeshift hiding place and finally saw what deep down she knew she should have expected, the confirmation of all her deepest darkest thoughts right before her very eyes, the truth that she'd been hiding from herself ever since David had shoved his bleeding wrist into her wanting mouth.

David was a monster.

David was a vampire.

And so was she.

There was nothing to prepare her for the sight of David ravaging the girl's throat with his teeth, her blood pouring from his mouth, slipping down her neck and raining down on the sand. With zero warning, Regine threw her hand over her face to cover her mouth and nose as the scent of blood shot like a bullet to where she currently stood, frozen to the spot. Before realization of what she was watching could truly take hold and crumble her to pieces, she felt something deep inside her trying to claw its way out, something that had been lying dormant ever since she'd consumed her first taste David had offered her.

An all encompassing need to tear into something and bathe in its blood.

She fought to subdue it with all her might but the air was now soaked with the girl's blood as David continued to rip into her throat, Regine finding it impossible to tear her eyes away from him. His movements were too animalistic to be anything close to human yet there was a grace and fluidity to them that told her everything she needed to know.

He'd done this before. Many many times.

And he was enjoying himself. He liked what he was doing to this poor girl who was now violently convulsing in his grasp.

Her shallow breaths could inhale nothing but the thick metallic heaven that had permeated the night's sky. Regine briefly registered that the girl's eyes had now glazed over and with her spasms calming, appeared to be in some kind of trance, the only sound coming from the pair being David's deep breathing and thorough swallows of her warm blood.

Dropping to her knees, Regine was panting with her fingers digging into the skin of her face. God, she wanted to claw her own eyes out. The need to consume blood, to feel it dripping from her lips as it slid down her throat, was more powerful than anything she'd ever felt. Not even the scent of David's blood had smelled this good. Scrambling backwards to put even more distance between her and them, she felt her heart raging wildly in her chest, so fast she thought she'd die of a heart attack right there, under the boardwalk in the pitch black darkness. Still, her eyes never left David's face.

Cradling the girl's skull in one hand and grasping her waist in the other, she saw him lift his head slightly away from her gaping throat, his eyes opening slowly to look directly at Regine, meeting her horrified gaze with a cold stare and a smile spreading across his crimson covered lips.

"Enjoying the show, sweetheart?"

He said it as a whisper against the girl's skin but Regine had heard him perfectly, his tone pleased, like he was reuniting with an old friend. She could only watch with a mixture of dread and uncontrollable interest as David let the girl's body drop to the sand before turning towards her direction, his eyes never once leaving hers.

Regine jumped to her feet, not sure which instinct was stronger: her need to propel herself towards him and lick off the remaining blood from his face or the overwhelming urge to take off running in the opposite direction in case she was his next victim.

In the end, it only took her a millisecond to decide before she turned and bolted towards the boardwalk lights and people and safety. Her legs felt like lead as the scent of blood was still calling to her, its song so seductive that Regine wondered if she was strong enough to overpower it.

She kept moving.

Flinging herself forward, her heels dug in the sand and she could just barely make out the sounds of Aerosmith blasting from one of the bonfires before she felt something grip her hips and yank her backwards. She let out a yelp and lost her footing, toppling onto the sand with David's heavy weight pinning her body under his own, knocking the breath right out of her lungs.

Flipping her over to face him, she blinked away the stars that clouded her vision as she glared up at him, her fury at him overpowering her fear for her life. He'd secured her hands above her head with one of his own in an iron grip as he leaned down to breathe in her scent, his face so close to hers, the girl's blood already drying on his pale skin. He was pressed against her so hard that breathing was quickly becoming a losing battle.

"Why can't you just stay where I put you, hm?"

Her chest was crushed against his as she fought for air.

"I don't know. I don't - " she spluttered, unable to find the words. "David, what did you do?"

His eyes bore into her with not an inkling of remorse behind his grey irises. She tried desperately to examine his face, wanting to find some kind of humanity there and could find nothing but sick satisfaction gracing his features. His smile was more a bearing of teeth before chuckling, his body vibrating above hers.

"What I had to do. But if we're speaking candidly…" his voice trailed off as his other hand not gripping her wrists traveled down her body to clutch her waist, his fingers roughly massaging her flesh as she couldn't help but jolt under his grasp.

"I did what I wanted."

And he leaned down and captured her lips in an unforgiving kiss.


We are going to the cave in the next chapter so there's going to be some fun interaction with the other Boys. I hope you're all as excited as I am.