Read Online The Awakening by Mary Abshire - Free Book Online

rounding a corner, I saw Jonas sitting on a stool with a band around his upper arm. He held his fist tight in a ball. Next to him, I saw a small tube of blood.
    “Stay there,” Boss said as we passed Jonas.
    At the end of the dark hall, Boss pushed open the door using my feet. Light trickled in and I saw a large bed covered with a maroon comforter, entertainment equipment across from the bed, and a chair in the corner. Boss laid me across the end of the bed.
    Sharp pain jabbed at my gut and every muscle in my body cramped. I clenched my teeth and curled into a ball.
    Boss brushed the hair away from my face. “Hold on.”
    I let go of the air I had been holding and whimpered softly.
    Tabby appeared near the door looking panicky. She was biting her lip, and tears swelled in her eyes.
    Boss left me and headed for the door. He grabbed Tabby’s arm. “Stay with Jonas. I don’t want you near her.” He pulled her out of the room.
    My heart pumped violently while my head felt ready to explode. I smelled blood and I wanted it more than air. Boss rushed into the room. Jonas stood at the door, holding his arm with Tabby at his side. I gripped the comforter.
    “It hurts so bad,” I said, and closed my eyes.
    I heard a snap above me, then felt Boss's cool hand pressed down on my head. “Don’t move.”
    I felt a slight sting on my neck, and winced. Boss held me still as a warm fluid flowed into me, and spread quickly into my chest. My heart thumped faster. The ache in my muscles lessened. I felt warm all over, every part of my body soaked in the elixir.
    Boss lifted his hand from my head. Two seconds later, something pierced my neck again, and more warm fluid spilled into me. I relaxed as it ran through my veins, ridding me of all the ache and discomfort. I was at peace. I was warm with my heart beating steadily.
    Darkness invaded my mind, and I drifted off into a deep sleep.
     

 
    Chapter 8
     
    Stars twinkled in the dark sky as if they were winking at me. Sitting on the steps of the deck, I held a mug of hot cocoa and had a smile on my face. The cool air chilled me, even in the sweatshirt and pants Tabby had loaned me. I sipped on my drink and for once, I didn’t feel sick.
    As I held the cup under my nose, I savored the sweet aroma of the chocolate. My body felt normal, and I had a new stirring in my belly. My stomach growled.
    The patio door swung open behind me, and heavy footsteps thumped over the deck.
    Jonas sat next to me. “How are you feeling?”
    “Better, thanks.”
    He flashed a bright smile and placed a hand on my back. “Glad I could help.”
    “I hope I never have to go through such horrible pain again.”
    He put an arm around my shoulders, and tugged me closer to him. “Now that you know what you are and what you need, you can control it.”
    “Boss said you were his donor. Any idea where I can find one so I don't have to go such a horrific ordeal again?”
    He rubbed his chin. “Well, I'm sorry to say there's not a clinic you can go to, and if you showed up at the hospitals, they'd give you the cold stuff. You can survive on hospital plasma, but it'll leave you thirsty for more, at least that's what Boss told me.” He paused and took in a deep breath. “You're best option is to find a companion or friend who doesn't mind sharing a little every now and then.”
    I lowered my eyes. Jonas and Tabby were the only two members of the living that I knew and felt semi-comfortable around. I wondered if either one would share with me until I could find someone else.
    “Don't worry, I've got enough blood to keep you and Boss content.”
    I lifted my gaze. “Really?”
    “Yeah, you can survive fine on a tube every other day. Boss does. If you're body isn't used to the amount, it might take time to adjust, but you can do it.”
    A tube every other day seemed miniscule, but if Boss was surviving on such a small amount, I sure as hell could too. “But what about you?”
    “I'm a healthy man. A tube a day