Shane:

The moon is high in the sky, but I continue walking deeper in the city. Sleep is no where to be found, so I just walk, letting my thoughts go wild. Guilt presses heavily on my mind. I never meant to hurt you, Night. Yet, another feeling occupies my thoughts: jealousy. The way he touched her hand, spoke to her, even the way he looked at her infuriated me. But the thing I hated most was the way Mary responded to his advances. Ugh! Why are feeling so confusing? I wish knew what my heart wanted...

"Someone help me!" a woman screams. The voice breaks into my thoughts and puts my training into action. I raise down the sidewalk, turning into a alleyway, following the screams. I feel disgust when looking at the crime scene. Three men surround one helpless woman. She tries to resist their advances, but she simply doesn't have the strength. The woman wears a black, skin tight dress; attracting their unwanted attention. Her beautiful blond hair pools around her delicate face. Having seen enough, I take out her attackers. They run into the night, crying like children. "Are you okay-" I start, but I am cut short by a shocking revelation. Her sightless, grey eyes look up at me. She's blind.

"I'm okay, all because of you," she smiles. The woman looks down at her shameless dress, blushing sheepishly.  Rubbing her neck nervously, she says: "I guess its my own my fault. I just...wanted to impress my boyfriend."

"You shouldn't have to dress like that to impress him," I reply, without thinking.

"I know..." the woman says, her voice trailing off. I feel a pang of guilt, my careless words must have touched a sensitive spot. I look for a way to change the subject.

"What's your name?" I ask, changing the subject.

"Widow," she answers. That's an odd name.

"I'm Shane," I reply.

"You deserve a reward," Widow smiles. I open my mouth to protest, but she quickly presses her finger against my lips. Her eyes are sightless, but its as if she can see right through me. As she leans closer, the overwhelms urge to run grows stronger, but my body is frozen. Her lips press against mine in a soft kiss.

"Thanks for recusing me," she says, pulling away. I stand there, speechless, trying to piece together what just happened. Then she turns around and walks away, giggling to herself. I get that she thought I needed a "reward," but was kissing me really necessary? She has a boyfriend! I feel like I should apologize to the boyfriend... But what would I say? Ugh! Woman are confusing!

Night:

I race toward our favorite meeting place, my mind consumed with thoughts of Shane. I look at the small teddy bear in my hands, bought with any money I managed to spare. I imagine myself giving him this gift; I know he'll love this. I yearn for the way his face lights up when he talks about something he loves. I relish the way he smile when we hold hands. I love everything about him.

I finally make it to our meeting place, out of breath, but overjoyed. "Shane?" I ask, looking for a reply. My heart beats faster as I see his body leaning against a tree. Running to him, I look around the tree to get a better look at him, but I see something I never expected to see. I watch, frozen in shock, as another girl presses her body against his, their mouths hardly pulling apart for air. Our eyes meet, he pushes her off him, but the damage is done.

"Night...its not what you think...I mean...I love you!" he stammers. It happens so fast. In seconds, I am swallowed up by my rage. Shane. Must. Die.

"I'll kill you," I say, almost mechanically.

My eyes flutter open, cutting off the dream. I sigh, grateful that I don't have to relive my greatest mistake. I destroyed an entire town. I push the guilt behind a wall of rage. Anger is better than guilt. Speaking of anger, I remember I why I hate him, why I yearn for his blood. He betrayed me. Its not the first time someone betrayed me, but I thought he was different. I was wrong...I was so wrong.

James (the priest):

I step into work with a convincing fake smile. I am accurately aware of Shane's jealous glares and Mary's positive mood change. Yesterday, she was living ball of stress, snapping at anyone and anything. The only one with enough patience to deal with her was Julie. Now, Mary is back to her normal, sour mood.

I glance behind me, locking eyes with Shane. He looks away, ashamed of himself. You should be ashamed of yourself...I hate people like you. They act like heroes, but they don't fool me. Just looking at Shane brings a familiar face to mind, but I quickly push it to the back of my mind. I don't want to remember...I forgot him long ago.

"You can't pretend to forget him forever..." echoes a voice in my head.

"I can and I will," I reply telepathically. The voice rings in my mind, causing me unspeakable pain. Following the headaches are the hunger pains; strong enough to make a man go mad. I tune it out, determined not to give into the blood lust. I won't become a monster.

A certain smell brings me back to my senses, rescuing me from my thoughts. The scent lingers in the air, reminding me of why I'm here. Someone reeks of demon. I smile; finally, a lead. I follow the odor with my eyes. My gaze settles on Shane, the smell hovers around his lips.

"Do you have any new leads?" Mary demands, taking my attention away from Shane.

"Actually, I do," I say, relishing Shane's look of jealousy. "I think one of us has had contact with a demon." The group goes rigid with shock, glancing at each other with suspicion.

"Do you think we have an...traitor?" Mary asks, her voice becoming a whisper.

"Not at all, demons are very convincing. The person is probably being deceived," I answer.

"Who is it?" Julie questions, her voice trembling. I turn around, my eyes studying him. Shane involuntarily jumps as everyone's eyes stare at him. Have I answered your question, Julie?

"Shane, have you met anyone suspicious lately?" I ask, my eyes narrowing.

Shane:

I stand frozen as I feel everyone's eyes on me. One names comes to mind: Widow. The woman set my alarm bells ringing every time I think about her, which was becoming more often, but I decide to keep quiet. "Uh...no one comes to mind," I stammer, but my protests are fooling no one.

"You're a bad liar," the priest states. It feels as if the air is being sucked out of my lungs. The trust I worked so hard to build is vanishing, broken by one question. I can't stand the way he looks at me, like he's already condemning me.

"I need air," I say, pushing towards the door without waiting for answer. I continue walking, trying to ignore the feeling of being watched. Finally, I reach the door. I waste no time opening it, taking deep breathes. Its been awhile since I had a panic attack... Looking up, I see the reason for all this turmoil. My blood runs cold and I'm speechless. I have horrible luck!

"Are you okay?" Widow asks, her voice thick with concern.

"Widow, what are you doing here?" I stammer, my stress rising.

"What do you mean? I'm just going for a walk, silly," she answers giggling.

"Oh...okay," I say, feeling stupid.

"Is everything alright?" Widow questions, her hand touching my shoulder. I shiver at her touch, my instincts scream for me to run, but I ignore it. Its comforting talking to her...

"No..." I reply, my voice trailing off.

"Shane, you can tell me anything. You can trust me," Widow says, making me forget all my troubles. Maybe, I can trust her...