Being Human Read Online Free PDF Page A

rhythms beating out life. I trudged through it, feeling weak and fatigued, unable to focus or concentrate.
    I needed blood.
    I melted back into the shadows, pushing every thought but one away. My stance turned predatory, instincts whispering what to do. Each step became more careful, every sound taken into consideration as I hunted. I scanned the city streets, a sliver of nervousness tickling my mind.
    This was my third time hunting, but the first time in the city. What if something went wrong? What if the human fought? What if Vampire Forces caught me and destroyed me?
    Down a dark alley, a rhythm called to me. A human was curled on a pile of discarded newspapers, his snores bouncing off the alley walls. I moved closer, scanning the darkness. Why was he alone? Humans in the city knew to stay in groups.
    I stalked around the alley, checking and double checking for signs of other humans hiding, but there were no others hidden in the darkness. I turned to the human, rolling him over and exposing a dirty neck. A stale odor was thick on his breath, his body reeking of sweat and waste. Was this why this human was alone? The other humans were repelled by his filth?
    I rubbed at the dirt, trying to clear a spot. I licked my fingers, spit on the skin and cleaned until there was a sizable spot. Need warred with a nauseous feeling, the odor turning my stomach. My fangs refused to cooperate. Finally, I forced them out and bit.
    The stale smell of his breath was also in his blood. I gulped it down, choking as I struggled to finish. The stale taste coated my mouth and I licked at my lips, smacking them. Now I understood why this human was safe alone. I was tempted to find another human, wash the bad taste away. But I didn't. The weakness was gone and I was ready to begin my search for my brother anew.
    The air around me begged to differ, growing warmer as the sky lightened. It wouldn't be long before for the first rays appeared. Minutes maybe. I fled the city, heading for the cabin. A tingle crawled over my skin, the start of a burn as I rushed through the trees. I slammed to a halt and started digging, immersing myself in the ground.
    I waited in half awareness, trying to be patient. The stale blood had revitalized me and I was eager to resume my search. My mind mused on places to look, each spot revealing my brother. By the time the sun disappeared, I could barely stand it. I clawed my way out of the ground, racing towards the city.
    A scent drifting on the night air stopped me and I fell forward, my sudden halt throwing me off balance. I scrambled to my feet, turning in circles and catching the scent again. I raced back the way I came, the scent leading me straight to the cabin. Of course, the one night I opted to go straight to the city was when I should have checked the cabin first.
    I dashed around the car parked next to the cabin, smelling my brother's scent. It led me to the front and I raced up the steps, stopped only by the energy surrounding the building.
    “Danny?”
    “I thought you said not to use each other's names?” He was relaxed in one of the sheet covered chairs, feet kicked up and a grin on his face. The smile faded as I remained in the doorway. “Can't you come in?”
    I lifted my hand, pressing against the energy. A snap cracked through the air, blue lightning spidering from where I touched it. My hand was thrown back, a jolt of pain running up my arm. “You have to welcome me in.”
    “Damn.” He jumped up and stopped on the other side. His hand was unaffected as he waved it through the doorway. “I wonder why it does that.”
    I tilted my head at him, then remembered he didn't like that. “Wouldn't it be bad if vampires could enter homes? There'd be no humans left. We'd kill you and then starve.”
    “Disturbingly, you have a point,” he sighed. “Well, come in.” He gasped as I lifted him off the floor in an embrace. He squirmed and struggled, face turning a little red. “Tommy, let go!”
    It was