Read Online Crossroads (Crossroads Academy #1) by J.J. Bonds - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: J.J. Bonds
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glasses. And a pocket protector. “We do not feed
freely on humans. While it is not expressly forbidden, the more
sophisticated factions of our society make valiant attempts to
source blood more humanely. Why is that?”
“Because we’re civilized. Because we have the
technology to feed without killing. Because all life has value,” I
return simply. “If an innocent life does not have to be taken, if
even one can be spared, the extra effort is worth it.”
“What a crock. We don’t kill humans openly
because the Council frowns on it,” one of my classmates mutters
derisively. “It’s self-preservation. Too many dead bodies mean a
visit from the Linkuri. Not to mention too many questions and the
risk of exposure to the humans.”
I whip around instinctively to see my
challenger. He’s sitting a few rows back and is slouched in his
chair, legs extended lazily into the aisle. Everything about his
disposition suggests the entire discussion is a bore. He’s tall and
lanky with hooded dark eyes and even darker hair. His hair is
spiked on top and fades into a closely cropped buzz which makes his
thick brows that much more prominent on his overly thin and overly
pale face. His pierced ears only further compliment his grungy
look.
“Interesting perspective, Blaine.” Lynch
knows this student already.
“Interesting? Soccer is interesting. Music is
interesting. Killing simply because you can is not interesting,” I
counter with disgust.
“Get a grip,” Blaine laughs. Several of my
classmates, including Jade and Lexie, join in. “It’s the truth.
Fear, not compassion or moral obligation, is what keeps us from
taking what we want when we want. It’s a shame really. A finer
predator has never been seen. It’s natural progression. It’s
evolution.”
“So, what you’re saying is that if it weren’t
for the Linkuri the blood would flow freely?” I ask innocently.
“It’s only an affinity for your life that keeps the thirst in
check? Keeps you returning to the blood bank instead of a dark
alley?”
“Exactly. Survival of the fittest. Darwin had
it all figured out,” he replies with a wave of the hand. He looks
pleased that I’ve finally gotten it through my thick head.
“Coward.” I know I shouldn’t provoke my
classmates, but his attitude is unbelievable, and it’s clear he
can’t be reasoned with. The look of disgust he gives me easily
matches my burgeoning opinion of him.
“I do love a spirited debate!” Lynch is
clearly enjoying the exchange, but he does the right thing and
redirects the discussion before it gets too ugly. “Does it matter
why we don’t kill humans? As long as we don’t do it, does
motivation matter? Katia respects life. Blaine respects order. Is
one view better than the other?”
“Motivation is definitely important,” answers
Nikolai. “But this goes back to the point Katia made before. What’s
right to one is not necessarily right to all. She holds a different
belief structure than Blaine. His view is a bit more amoral. He
sees humans as a food source. No different than a human sees
livestock. There’s no right or wrong to it. Katia, on the other
hand, sees a symbiotic relationship that can prosper in
harmony.”
Why am I not surprised? He’s making fun of my
argument, belittling it in front of the entire class. I should’ve
just kept my damn mouth shut. I sit there fuming. I swear if looks
could kill, he’d be a goner.
I feel the stares of several of my classmates
on me as I wait out the remainder of the class, a stony look
plastered on my face. As soon as we’re dismissed, I bolt from my
desk. Just being in the same room with these people is making me
claustrophobic, and I need to get some fresh air.
Nikolai catches up with me in the hall, but I
don’t slow down. I have no interest in talking to him.
“Moral imperative, huh?”
“What do you want?” I return acidly.
“Well, I thought perhaps you might be
interested in continuing the discussion
freely on humans. While it is not expressly forbidden, the more
sophisticated factions of our society make valiant attempts to
source blood more humanely. Why is that?”
“Because we’re civilized. Because we have the
technology to feed without killing. Because all life has value,” I
return simply. “If an innocent life does not have to be taken, if
even one can be spared, the extra effort is worth it.”
“What a crock. We don’t kill humans openly
because the Council frowns on it,” one of my classmates mutters
derisively. “It’s self-preservation. Too many dead bodies mean a
visit from the Linkuri. Not to mention too many questions and the
risk of exposure to the humans.”
I whip around instinctively to see my
challenger. He’s sitting a few rows back and is slouched in his
chair, legs extended lazily into the aisle. Everything about his
disposition suggests the entire discussion is a bore. He’s tall and
lanky with hooded dark eyes and even darker hair. His hair is
spiked on top and fades into a closely cropped buzz which makes his
thick brows that much more prominent on his overly thin and overly
pale face. His pierced ears only further compliment his grungy
look.
“Interesting perspective, Blaine.” Lynch
knows this student already.
“Interesting? Soccer is interesting. Music is
interesting. Killing simply because you can is not interesting,” I
counter with disgust.
“Get a grip,” Blaine laughs. Several of my
classmates, including Jade and Lexie, join in. “It’s the truth.
Fear, not compassion or moral obligation, is what keeps us from
taking what we want when we want. It’s a shame really. A finer
predator has never been seen. It’s natural progression. It’s
evolution.”
“So, what you’re saying is that if it weren’t
for the Linkuri the blood would flow freely?” I ask innocently.
“It’s only an affinity for your life that keeps the thirst in
check? Keeps you returning to the blood bank instead of a dark
alley?”
“Exactly. Survival of the fittest. Darwin had
it all figured out,” he replies with a wave of the hand. He looks
pleased that I’ve finally gotten it through my thick head.
“Coward.” I know I shouldn’t provoke my
classmates, but his attitude is unbelievable, and it’s clear he
can’t be reasoned with. The look of disgust he gives me easily
matches my burgeoning opinion of him.
“I do love a spirited debate!” Lynch is
clearly enjoying the exchange, but he does the right thing and
redirects the discussion before it gets too ugly. “Does it matter
why we don’t kill humans? As long as we don’t do it, does
motivation matter? Katia respects life. Blaine respects order. Is
one view better than the other?”
“Motivation is definitely important,” answers
Nikolai. “But this goes back to the point Katia made before. What’s
right to one is not necessarily right to all. She holds a different
belief structure than Blaine. His view is a bit more amoral. He
sees humans as a food source. No different than a human sees
livestock. There’s no right or wrong to it. Katia, on the other
hand, sees a symbiotic relationship that can prosper in
harmony.”
Why am I not surprised? He’s making fun of my
argument, belittling it in front of the entire class. I should’ve
just kept my damn mouth shut. I sit there fuming. I swear if looks
could kill, he’d be a goner.
I feel the stares of several of my classmates
on me as I wait out the remainder of the class, a stony look
plastered on my face. As soon as we’re dismissed, I bolt from my
desk. Just being in the same room with these people is making me
claustrophobic, and I need to get some fresh air.
Nikolai catches up with me in the hall, but I
don’t slow down. I have no interest in talking to him.
“Moral imperative, huh?”
“What do you want?” I return acidly.
“Well, I thought perhaps you might be
interested in continuing the discussion
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