Crimson Moon Read Online Free PDF Page A

think,” Caleb answered, keeping his tone neutral, betraying nothing.
    There were a number of reasons I didn't answer directly. I didn't speak of my parents often; it was a sensitive subject. No strike that, it was a big blaring sore spot.
    Caleb sat patiently as he waited for my answer, observing me from behind impossibly long lashes. His eyes darted over my face, indigo blue pools cool, calm, and collected.
    I cleared my throat, managing to keep my temper in check. “There isn't much to know. My Dad split when my Mom found out she was pregnant. She died a couple of years later in an automobile accident."
    "Shit! She doesn't know?” Derek's loud and sudden outburst caused me to jump. He cackled and slapped the steering wheel with his hands, obviously finding humor in the situation.
    "I don't know what?” I snapped hotly.
    "You, my girl, are related to royalty. Tied to one of the greatest families of them all—"
    Caleb interrupted Derek. “Emma, your Father sent us, and he wants to explain everything to you. It's not as simple as you might think. Things are far more complicated.” Derek started to speak again and Caleb kicked the back of his seat. “Shut it, man! Before your mouth writes another check your ass can't cash."
    "Damn it!” Derek bellowed, whipping his head around to scream, “I'm trying to drive here!"
    "Then let me talk!” Caleb's deep yell reverberated inside the van.
    My eyes flickered to the floor, stopping at the brown shag carpet.
    My jacket was discarded on top; the blood dried along the ragged tear in the arm, leaving it ruined. My hand touched the edge of the leather and a brown piece of stain flaked off, sticking to my finger. I shook the dried blood away and eased out my legs, sitting Indian style. My arm still throbbed and my body still ached. I was exhausted and scared, frustrated and confused. But more than that, I found myself wanting to believe him.
    What if my Father did send for me? That would mean I wasn't as alone as I once conceived. But that didn't excuse the fact he had left me and my Mother behind.
    What kind of man does something like that?
    How complex could it be?
    You either left someone or you stayed.
    The new surge of emotions fluctuated between sincere hope and blinding outrage.
    Something else surfaced in my brain, a question I meant to ask long before I had seen torrents of blood streaming down my arm.
    "And what exactly are those things we were running from back there?"
    Caleb closed his eyes at the question and rested his head against the wall. I sat in the eerie quiet, uncertain of what to say.
    Seconds ticked by slowly and his face retained that same serene look, never wavering, never flinching. He seemed to be calling upon some hidden inner resolve, and when he found it, he reopened his eyes, lifting his head and leaning forward.
    "What if someone told you all the things you thought weren't real actually are?” he asked, staring into my eyes with an intensity that made me squirm uncomfortably.
    I assumed he would say something about genetic mutants that hid behind small town streets—only coming out when they got extremely annoyed or agitated. Or perhaps all the garbage diving had driven our homeless to shave their teeth into razor sharp points and go around chasing people at random. Or better yet, the rat population was infected with some new strain of Ebola virus that filtered down into the community.
    I expected anything, so this wasn't that far off if I was being honest with myself.
    "I suppose.” I drew out the last word, lifting my head to glance at Derek. He was quiet now, listening. “I would ask what kinds of things you're talking about."
    "Several things,” Caleb answered evenly, “Like vampires or werewolves for example."
    His expression gave nothing away and his eyes continued to bore into mine. I kept waiting for the punch line, and when none came, I puckered my face playfully, shaking my head and laughing.
    Vampires and werewolves—that's real