Shiver Read Online Free Page A

what were now two deep holes on the side of his neck.  
    “I can offer you sustenance,” the woman said with a smile. “For a price, of course.”
    “I don’t have any credits.”
    “I would like to read your heart so much— that would be the price.”  
    This woman was creepy but beggars couldn’t be choosers. Starvation was making his stomach cramp. His life was doomed anyway. He hesitated for a moment. “So if I let you read my heart , you’ll give me food?” His stomach rumbled at the mere mention.
    She nodded. “But I will have to go first.”
    He was sick of wasting time, so he nodded when she motioned to the small chair across from her. As he sat down, he peered at the crystal ball between them and watched as it somehow projected his image along the shiny surface. He looked away and focused on the woman instead.
    The old coot was dressed in what looked like a one-piece, silver spacesuit that hung baggy off her bony frame. The brown wig twitched, revealing a single, blinking, yellow eye with a vertical pupil, staring right at him.
    She leaned over and placed her left, wrinkly palm over his chest, right above his heart. As soon as she did, he felt warmth flow through him and forgot about the creepy wig. Her smile disappeared, replaced by pursed lips that caused the wrinkles on her lined face to appear deeply etched. The humor faded from her twinkling eyes.
    “What’s wrong?” he asked, swallowing his uncertainty. What did she feel?
    “It’s just as I suspected. You have a sick heart.” She closed her eyes for just a moment. “And it will stop beating soon.”
    “Nah, I don’t think so.” This woman had no idea what was going on with him. Vampirism didn’t equal a sick heart.
    “When you find something to live for, your heart will stop beating for a short time. And as soon as it beats again, you will be a blood-getter.” Her dark eyes shone brighter. “That’s how the change works.”
    “How the hell—”
    “Becoming a blood-getter doesn’t mean death, but finding a purpose makes all the difference in your new life.”
    He scoffed at her words. He doubted anything would ever strike any sort of passion within him again. But he was here for only one thing. “Okay. Now, where’s my sustenance?”
    Her features darkened and the dog barked. “Don’t you want to know more about your condition? You might be facing a long life, but there’s much you don’t know. There are different paths you can take.”
    “Listen, lady, I just want something to eat—”
    “If all your focus is on feeding, then you’re already doomed.”
    “I haven’t eaten for days.”
    She hesitated for a long moment, too long, before finally exhaling and meeting his gaze. “Fair is fair, I suppose.” She removed her hand from his chest a little reluctantly. Reaching behind her, she grabbed a silver goblet from a small shelf and poured liquid into it from a colored flask. “Here you go.”
    Knox took it from her and as his mouth filled with liquid, he gagged so violently he leaned to the side and spat it out. “What the fuck is this?” He wiped his mouth and coughed a few times, then dumped the goblet beside the crystal ball. The glass turned to red and was still reflecting his warped and elongated face.
    “Blood,” she answered, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
    “ Blood? I’m not a bloodsucker yet. I asked you for food.”
    “You expected herbal tea, perhaps?”
    “I expected a protein drink, at least.”
    “I delivered the sustenance you need.”
    “Did you just con me, old woman?”
    Her eyes flashed amber before returning to brown. “I am a woman of my word, so don’t you dare accuse me otherwise. The parasitic nature will soon overcome you. When the first drop of fresh blood hits your stomach and spreads throughout your body, the change will begin. The sooner you get your system going, the better. I was trying to help you along.”
    “Good thing I didn’t drink that