Currently, there is no standard test for psychopathy in children, but a growing number of psychologists believe that psychopathy, like autism, is a distinct neurological condition — one that can be identified in children as young as 5.TessaI knew there was something different about me since I was a kid. I had been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder at a very young age. As a little girl, I got into trouble on school grounds a lot. My privileged parents might just set off my behavior, maybe, you know, being young and borderline and all. Some even said it was genetics. There was this one time when I watch a boy stumbled, knowingly tripping his leg will cause him to fall. At that instance, I wanted to see him as his hands break his fall and his palms came in contact with the asphalt. I didn't feel any remorse as my teacher told me I should. I just told her that I wanted to see how he reacted. I wanted to hear his pain and I tilted my head watching him closely, when his eyes
Definition of Psychopath:: a mentally unstable person especially: a person having an egocentric and antisocial personality marked by a lack of remorse for one's actions, an absence of empathy for others, and often criminal tendenciesTessa"Okay I'm being nice, I'll let you choose, right or left."The man whimpered, shaking like a leaf, probably pissing his pants off by the smell of it. I stood to his front, clicking the steel cutter waiting for him to choose which pinkie finger he was going to let me cut.Ted, the sleazy bartender decided he can steal liquor from his boss Ardian Kreshnik Dovolani, the Albanian mob boss from one of the ruthless crime families in the country. The newly hired bartender didn't know who he was messing with, and the boss didn't take lightly to people who stole from him. Ted thought stealing two crates of top-shelf liquor will just get him sacked and went to jail for a couple of months. The pale-looking guy was desperate for money and he didn't think when
Asphyxiation: deprivation of oxygen that can result in unconsciousness and often death : an act of asphyxiating a person or animal or a state of asphyxia.Tessa I ran after him, the bastard had the nerve to punched me and make a run for his life. Well, to be fair I was about to torture and kill him, so running away was a thing people do in time of panic. This morning the boss had instructed me personally to kill one of his member who was a snitch. Nope, no cutting fingers for the tattletale, instead he said to kill him and make him suffer and confessed everything on tape. So I did, I was setting up my confession booth and camera when the guy managed to wiggle and set himself free. My mistake since I haven't bound him properly and now I'm paying it by playing cat and mouse with him in the abandon factory building twenty miles away from the city limits. The man couldn't survive this but he sure did make me work for it and I was not happy about it. "Come out, come out wherever you a
Bloodlust: : the desire to kill or to see people killedNero There was no intention for me to go to the abandoned factory site, but the screaming and stench of fear were too intriguing for me to pass over. And then as I was getting closer the woman's voice pulled me nearer. I could hear her threatening the man with her smooth voice. There was a menace within her words, the evil behind her threats made the man oozes fear for his life.She was human, I could hear her heart beating excitedly as she spilled out her intimidation. It was in contrast to the male who was practically whimpering from her questioning. Then the smell of blood grew in the air, sweet blood induced in fear from the male strapped to a single chair in the middle of the room. The woman was whispering in his ear, and pressing the tip of her knife to his torso down to his stomach while her other hand gripped his throat almost choking him. The image was too alluring, it made me hard just to watch her from afar. Her br
Lust:1 : usually intense or unbridled sexual desire : lasciviousness 2a : an intense longing : b : enthusiasm, eagerness. 3 obsolete. a : pleasure, delight.TessaThe feeling stayed, I knew someone was watching me. The whole fucking night. I was not threatened, but I was so goddamn curious. Until the man showed himself the second my assailants were trying to mug and force me to hand them the keys to my bike. I almost laugh if not for the mysterious man who decided to step out of the shadows. Well...well...The guy was dressed in all black, my favorite color. He was tall and pale, so fucking pale that I could almost see the veins on his flawless face. His eyes were so strikingly intense, it was like he was poking into my soul. Weird. The man looked poised, and elegant as if he was too cool for the parking lot. He seemed like he belonged in a Venetian mansion, all dark, pale and mysterious. His gaze was studying me, he did not interrupt as I handle the two lame guys and sent them ou
Mafia: A hierarchically structured secret organization allegedly engaged in smuggling, racketeering, trafficking in narcotics, and other criminal activities in the U.S., Italy, and elsewhere. Tessa"You shouldn't challenge him," Chad reminded me. "What? I would never, well, maybe I did...but the man was such a pussy." Chad was lecturing me about the importance of keeping peace in the workplace. I mean seriously, I was an assassin what do you expect? morning coffees and discuss their gold-digging wives? Honestly, I was not missing much with my co-workers, I was glad not to be on their boss's monthly payroll with daily obligations and stuff. Never been one of those who come to the office everyday types of people. "You know better than to let the boss invite me here, I'm okay with you being my handler. I am satisfied with our communication via phone so I don't have to look at your ugly face. I love it, even more, when you texted." I smirked, knowing Chad was actually just like his nam
Definition of Vampire: A mythological undead creature said to feed on the blood of the living.NeroIt has been days. I could still savor her sweet metallic blood on my tongue, and since drinking victims made vampires get a taste of the human's desire and deepest thoughts I have sampled her lust for blood. The robust flavor lingers on my taste buds. I've fed in between but none was making my thirst subside. I craved the little killer and it was not a good thing, not for a vampire as old as myself. Because when one gets obsessed, nothing else matters our instincts will win and the monster will surface. Tonight was not a good night, not when I was scheduled to attend a meeting discussing the sudden rise of dead bodies on our west sector across the river. Vampires are creatures of hierarchy, they are expected to be obedient to their leader. They followed the rules, they know the consequences, and when too many bodies started showing up drained of blood there has to be someone responsi
Framed: Produce false evidence against (an innocent person) so that they appear guilty.TessaI've always considered myself a team player, at least that's what I want people to think of me. In actuality I just wanted them not to bother me, I'm a very individual person. Always has been.Rules are meant to be broken, but I'd never intentionally do so if it'll put me at risk. Once again, I was in my comfort zone with the current situation. I'd never do something stupid as being a snitch.So when I was accused of tipping information to the authorities I was truly offended. "Why would I want to do that? what's in it for me, Chad? you can't be serious?" I couldn't say that I was mad, well, maybe annoyed. But I was surely bothered and in my mind, I started listing people who might benefit from my downfall, those whose pinky fingers were missing will be my prime suspects."Honestly, I don't even know. I just heard about it today. I'm telling you to watch your back. It's not that I'm defendi
Three months laterNero"He will cause trouble that spoiled son of yours," I grumbled after Emilian's bodyguard reported that once again the kid played with fire when he decided that it was okay for him to follow Tessa's footsteps and play assassin for one of the local gang members."Oh, my sweet king, he's your kid too. I know you adore him. He's just finding his place in the city, Emilian just moved from his hometown. There's nothing wrong with him. He's perfectly perfect." My little killer said in her sweet loving words placing her legs on mine, straddling me, and placing her arms around my shoulders. We were having a nice quiet evening away from our children and the hectic affairs of vampire younglings, on top of Emilian's. Now that almost all of our sired children were mated, they're busy with their own families. I shouldn't have anything to complain about when my bloodline was expanding and getting stronger. Still, little stuff got me agitated even when I have my Queen to take t
Vampire cult: is an alternative lifestyle and subculture based around the mythology of and popular culture based on vampires.Tessa"Well, I guess I should tell you from the start. It might came a shock to you but I want you to open up your mind about us. Promise me not to run out of here once I tell you about who we really are."He gave me a little chuckle promising me that he won't. He looked at me as if I was out of my mind. But I sat straighter trying to compose myself, after two decades of being a vampire it was my first time telling anyone what I truly was and not killing them in the end.Do I want to tell him? Yes. Do I wish he stumbled on the knowledge of me and Nero being vampires instead of me sitting to his front trying to compose my words? Yes, please.I cleared my throat before I start my explanation. "My name is Tessa and I'm a Xerxes, my husband, my mate, your future king is Nero Severus Xerxes. He is a vampire and so am I." I paused trying to get a feel of how crazy did
Loss: the state or feeling of grief when deprived of someone or something of value.EmilianI did not expect help from a stranger. Mom and I had been surviving without anyone's help since the day Dad passed away. We use to be a small happy family until we were not. Losing Dad had taken a great toll on Mom's health until she too passed away and I was alone in the world.I didn't know how I'd cope if it wasn't for Tessa who took pity on me. She adopted my grown ass and moved me to their castle. I was ashamed for a few moments before I told myself what the hell and let them take me in. I was nineteen, I should be able to defend myself, be independent, and just...live. But I was so damn tired, it felt good for once to have someone taking care of me. When the third day came, I was wondering why haven't I ever seen them in the daylight. Yesterday I thought that they were working, but when I asked the cook who was preparing breakfast for me, she basically said to ask Nero and Tessa myself w
Anomaly: something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.Tessa"Then there was Helena. It was more than two decades ago, I think. I'm just saying that you're turning me into a jealous killer. At least you're not giving me wrinkles." I pushed him back to our sofa in the middle of our living quarters and straddled his thighs.On quiet nights there was nothing more I'd like to do than to climb and situated myself on his lap. We usually have our meals from blood bags to fill my thirst for human blood since I'd be too tired to move my limbs after a satisfying orgasm between us."Tomorrow I'm taking you out for a hunt.""Sounds like a perfect date. Now, cuddle me close. You've turned me into a cuddle slut." I hummed in appreciation when he wrapped his pale hands around me and rested me on the crook of his shoulder.But the hunt that was supposed to happen the next day, happened two days later when we visited Florence, Italy. We bought a castle together a couple of years
Jealous: feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages.Nero"I'm still not sure about sending him off with Vesper. Remind me why am I doing this again?" Tessa asked me for the third or maybe fourth time already. I know that I should be bored by now. She had told me that she did not expect sudden care for other humans or vampires. Tessa confessed that it came so suddenly that she didn't think it was in her to give a damn in the first place."Tessa, you know your half-brother is not going to be safe going back to his place.""Ugh, I shouldn't even care about these things. This is me giving a damn. I should work more. I think this is what free time does to my brain and I don't think it's pretty."I was not expecting her to be back working, she still needs to control her urges. I did not need my little killer on steroids. With her new urges for human blood, I need eyes on her all-time making sure she behaved accordingly. Pissing off our human liaison and trigger
Docile: well-behaved, quiet, and easy to control.Lowell"I don't understand, why can't I go home?" It has been days maybe even more than a week since they held me against my will. Honestly, I've lost track of time with the days and nights being the other around. Here, the place came to live at night, surely because they were vampires and they checked in on me during their waking hours.At least my new room was better than the dungeon where they shackled me when they first took me in, still, I had no freedom. Okay, I admit that it was my fault for wanting my half-sister dead because of her money. But still, I'd prefer they decide what they'd do to me rather than not having a clue about the days to come."Lowell, you're our new Queen's half-brother. At the moment she's still adjusting to her new role as our queen and she's yet to determine how she's going to proceed with you. Besides you're safer here. Imagined Yubkin's men wanting revenge on you.""I have a life." I interrupted with a
Snitch: to secretly tell someone in authority that someone else has done something bad, often in order to cause troubleTessaDays flew by easily when being Nero's queen meant having mind-blowing vampire sex. But when Ammar reminded me that I still have a traitor out there and told me that no one messed with their queen. I willed myself to unlatch myself from daddy king to handle the matter of my informant."Aww...this is sweet," I remarked when he opened the car door for me. "Thank you, son, now tell me, what have you found out? I bet it was my informant, that guy had always been sleazy but I thought I have scared him shitless a long time ago."I could almost see the imaginary roll in Ammar's eyes when I called him Son. And my heart fluttered with strange playfulness. I should really check if being a vampire has cured my psychopathy disorder. Not having to pretend my feelings around humans have been quite relaxing and working together with Ammar and Aldrich to catch my traitor would
Fated: be destined to happen, turn out, or act in a particular way.Nero"You do know what they say about the couple who hunts together stays together, right?" I told my new bride as I ushered her down to our dungeon. Ammar and Aldrich were in front of us while the rest of my children were still in the main hall, getting to know Marshall better."Wow...now, you're just putting words in my mouth.""It'll be only time before I put something better in your mouth," I licked her ear and felt her shudder when my hand rested on her waist."It's rude of you to tease with promises of a good time when we're heading down the dungeon with your son and your guard.""Our son, the moment you bound yourself to me, you bound yourself with all of my sired children.""Well, it's a good thing that I'm wrinkle-resistant now. I don't exactly know what vampire-sired children got up to these days, I'm just hoping they won't distract our sexy times.""Seriously Mother, you know we have excellent hearing right?
Bride: a woman on her wedding day or just before and after the event.TessaMy body felt like it's been hit by a ton of bricks. Every part of me ached and my mind kept on repeating back to the day when Yubkin managed to hurt me at the restaurant. I know I needed to heal first before I take my revenge.Having a personal healer on my side was even more helpful. But it didn't take long before my mind started piecing stuff together. I drank Nero's blood. Marshall drank his blood too. Would that make me his daughter? Ew... Would that mean that I couldn't have sex again with him since that'll be incest? Ugh... The vampire thing was getting more and more complicated. Especially when my mind was working on other things.I still need to find out how Yubkin had gotten to me. It was my informant for sure. Yubkin might have something on him. I also need to know if Chad was in on it, or worse if the Albanian mob boss was too. Maybe he wanted to branch out his business and he knows that Yubkin wante