Cracked Read Online Free PDF Page A

organized crime and organized religion. Sprinkle liberally with bloodlust. First Blood are power-hungry, yet the strict laws and ceremony of their society keep them in check. Vampires feed on blood, though as far as I know, the Blood-Drinkers don’t kill their victims. Maybe enthrall them somehow. They live much, much longer than we do. Rumors that they don’t go out during the day are baseless—they may be sensitive to sunlight, but they can and do walk in the day. They are godless—worshiping power to the exclusion of everything else.”
    “So why are they here?” Sarita asked. “Have they come to challenge you, Uncle Fionn?”
    “I doubt it. I met some of them when I went to Ireland with Pop and Dev a decade ago. They didn’t seem interested in shaking down with the wolves. The ones we met were respectful of my rank among wolf-kind, very polite about it all.”
    Gerard mumbled something under his breath, then looked at the wolves surrounding him. “The Blood-Drinkers are here for Sarita.”
    The room erupted into chaos. Bianca’s claws emerged, and Angelo’s teeth were bared, Mac shouted something at his father, and Fionn and Monica both snarled at the Guide.
    Finally Sarita stamped her foot and shouted, “Enough! Good grief, you all are adults. How about you let the man speak?” When everyone looked suitably abashed, she turned to her Guide and smiled, “Go ahead, Bear.”
    “Blood-Drinkers worship power, and they crave it. Freeing the Goddess will disrupt the power balance.” Gerard shrugged. “They like things the way they are. They’re very old and resist change.”
    “Sounds familiar.” Fionn and Bianca shared a knowing glance.
    “So what’s my gig in all this? I’m barely more than a pup, and I’m small to boot.” Sarita felt her wolf whine slipping into her voice, and she blushed.
    “You need to be at the proper place when the lunar eclipse occurs and the barrier is weak enough for you to pull the Goddess from her captivity. According to the prophecies, the Third Usher’s task is to make a choice. That is your task . Everything else is secondary.” Gerard tilted her chin up and looked into her eyes. “I will protect you at all costs. I am secondary. First Blood will not touch you .”
    “Why are they called that?” Mac asked.
    “It’s a translation of a language that doesn’t exist anymore.” Fionn shrugged. “Their original name is lost to the wolves, but I imagine some Blood-Drinkers can still say it.”
    Bianca cleared her throat. “Well, Bear, suddenly, you make a lot of sense.” The big man met the Albina’s eyes. “Your sister told me once that each Guide was especially suited to the Usher with whom they were paired. Sara’s vision—and visions—were necessary to me. Annie’s power and speed helped to bring resolution to Fionn’s task. You protect my baby. Frankly, it scares the hell out of me, but I’m glad you’re here.” She stood and left the room suddenly. Sarita stood to follow her, but Gerard and Angelo both pulled her back down to the sofa.
    “She’s fine, Ita. She needs a moment to compose herself,” Gerard murmured. He met Angelo’s eyes over Sarita’s head and smiled softly, acknowledging the truth of Bianca’s words.
    “Where is Annie?” Angelo asked suddenly, noting her absence. Fionn flinched and Monica rolled her eyes.
    “She’s having a tantrum,” Monica said.
    “Mo,” Fionn cautioned.
    “Well, what would you call it then? She went off in a snit a couple of weeks ago. She’ll be back soon enough when she remembers that we aren’t the enemy.” Monica waved a hand dismissively.
    “Goddess, you can be a bitch, Mom.” Mac scowled. “I’m going. I don’t need to be here for this.” He leaned across Bear and brushed a kiss to Sarita’s cheek. “Howl at me later, ’kay?”
    She nodded.
    Angelo looked pointedly at Monica, waiting for an explanation. She blushed under his gaze.
    “Long story short?” Fionn grinned. “Annie and