After The End Read Online Free PDF Page B

magical beings should also be possible.”
    The guard was backing further into the camp,
probably alarmed by the sight of a vampire shouting and
gesticulating wildly. Cal rebuffed his protégé, his fists clenched
and eyes burning red at the edges.
    “It succeeded because that is the nature of
our existence; we do not bear children so we must bring across
other humans to carry on our lineage. When we turn them, our
vampiric DNA overruns and changes their human DNA. Our blood works
more like a virus as part of our procreation; hence the reason we
can only feed on human blood. Their biological components replenish
ours.
    Our species evolved to adapt differently and
– unlike other offshoots of mankind that failed — we are able to
thrive. We develop powers because of our differing genetics; some
abilities are simply tapping into more of our brains and others are
far more complex adaptations. Essentially, we maintain a certain
amount of stem cells in our blood throughout our lives. They allow
us to heal and function at a higher level than our human
counterparts.
    It is not magic but simple science and nature
at work. That is why we exist, and those supernatural creatures are
pathetic stories told to scare children into behaving so their
parents can get some sleep.”
    He ceased his rant, fury cascading off of him
as he scowled at the fledgling. His nose flared and his final
statement was more growled than spoken; the seething could be felt
from where I sat staring wide-eyed.
    “Cool. Thanks Cal. So what do I learn to do
first?” Daemon asked with the innocence of a toddler.
    My sword hilt jabbed me in the stomach as I
rolled over cackling; my eyes watered and sides ached from the
laughter. Both immortals looked at me as though seeing me for the
first time. I wondered if all sires had to train new vampires like
this.
    Probably would limit their population
growth.
    Cal strode off towards the forest shaking his
head,
    “I’m taking a break. Squirrel, please check
the camp’s perimeter and traps with Daemon.”
    In an instant, the young Undead was at my
side.
    “You always have to screw with the teacher on
the first day; it’s like a law.” He explained with a smile.
    I rubbed my ribs as we patrolled, the pain
was minor but distracting. Daemon turned to me. “So what kind of
ninja genius were you before the outbreak? Everyone seems to follow
you; your skills must be killer.”
    I shook my head.
    “Not even close. I’m just a regular
twenty-three year old woman who worked a cruddy job in theme park
sales. I had to wear cheesy polyester outfits and have my hair in a
ponytail just to work a register. When our little Zombie Apocalypse
started and everyone fought over guns, I raided gaming shops for
swords and axes. That’s it. I’m the dorky chick who hit up the
library for a calendar and some books. How about you?”
    He chuckled and gave me a grin that made my
cheeks feel warm.
    “Some girl I met at a party after junior prom
brought him across. I only recently tracked her down after she
bailed on me; before she got killed of course. Sucky part is, I
still didn’t get laid; she was fine with guzzling my blood and
changing my species, but a little nookie was pushing the line.
That’s why she dipped out. But it’s okay; I figured out how to
fly.”
    I raised my eyebrow at him. “Okay, I need
some practice, but at least I remember some dirty jokes from high
school.”
    We chatted until we heard Cal returning. He
was holding a possum and looking more composed.
    “Were there any issues on your patrol?” he
asked politely. I told him all was quiet as we looked at the animal
in his arms. For a good three minutes, we stood watching Cal hold
the struggling marsupial. He took his time before answering the
unasked question.
    “We shall continue with training. This time,
however, there will be no questions until I ask for them.” He added
under his breath, “Probably sometime next century.”
    I sat back down and Daemon