Devour Read Online Free Page A

seems like a lot of pressure, b ut I’ve grown up in this environment. Politics are a dinner conversation, with no breaks in duties. Mom makes me hold many seats in charities and various functions. It is all part of being royalty. I could, someday, rule this race, even though I’m like third in line for the throne.
    After feeling thoroughly stretched , I slip downstairs for another blood infusion. Even though Chase just fed me and it recharges me for the week, I still need our special mixture to maintain my strength. My eyes glow purple as I’m indulging in the blood. It may not be enjoyable, but the vampire in me still needs the blood like humans need water. It’s 80 percent of our makeup and we would go into stasis without it.
    Our race is immortal but our hearts still beat. We have to pump all that blood through somehow. It also keeps us from looking like zombies and having our flesh rot. We’re still paler than humans due to the volume of blood in our system.
    Just because we are immortal doesn’t mean we can’t be killed. We could be put in stasis and staked or beheaded, just like anyone else. Being captured is always a fear in our community so that’s why it’s so important for us to remain a secret. The humans must remain ignorant of our existence.
    Wit h that final thought, I finish my infusion and turn my thoughts to the blood ball. My internal thoughts don’t have long to muse over things, though, because my Mom rushes in, looking excited. Uh oh, that’s never a good sign.
    “There you are Callie. I just went up to your room to look for you.”
    “I’m right here Mom. What’s up?”
    “The Gregorias have invited us to their bar for cocktails tomorrow before the blood ball. I told them that we would love to attend. I think the Lucias are going to be there, too.”
    I groan a little too loudly. “Do we have to? I’ll see Cody and Thayer at the blood ball as eligible bachelors. I don’t need to see them before, too,” I whine.
    Cody is very attractive with ear length, blonde hair and stunning, hazel eyes. Any girl would be lucky to catch his attention. Too bad I’m not just any girl. I just don’t have interest in dating any of them. It’s nothing personal. Cody is a great catch, but more suited for someone like Jane. She is actually buying into this whole coming out thing.
    Thayer , on the other hand, is just obnoxious. He always has been. He spent his younger years razzing all the girls until many of us threatened him within an inch of his life. That subdued him, but didn’t stop him altogether. He’s handsome enough with green eyes and shaggy, brown hair, but he’s still stuck with boyish looks instead of those of a mature, male vamp.
    “Come on , Callie. It won’t hurt you to be polite for an hour before the ball. Cody and Thayer can’t be that bad. I know Thayer was a little wild in your earlier years, but I’ve heard he’s really grown up. This is a coming out party; you need to see the males. They also need to see you. Don’t hide like you usually do. I expect you to participate in this event. “
    “But , Mom,” I start.
    “No buts this time. This is the rest of your life we’re talking about. If you don’t take control of it, then I will. You may be eighteen, but until you’re mated, you live by our rules. I don’t like blackmail, so don’t make me resort to that. This ball is about dancing and mingling. You are going to participate and have fun doing it. Am I making myself clear enough, young lady?” Mom asks sternly.
    Defeated, I look down at the tiles on the floor. “Yes, ma’am, I will be on my best behavior. I’ll participate and act appropriately so I don’t embarrass you.”
    “That’s better. Jane will be there with you for the ball, at least. I bet she’s taking this whole thing seriously,” she quips.
    “I just want to go to college and see. Maybe I’ll find the vampire of my dreams there. I would hate to settle.”
    “You could just as easily find