Read Alliance for Free Online

it’s better than killing people to survive. I unzip the bag—disgusted with myself—and tip it up into my mouth. With nobody around there’s no need to be ladylike.
    I gulp it down as quickly as I can without giving myself a brain freeze. Cold blood is not appealing, but it’s my only option if I choose not to kill humans. It’s a small price to pay to keep my humanity intact and remain guilt free.
    I slurp down the first bag and then a second for good measure. I’ll be liquid-logged, but with Hannah vulnerable and unable to stop me if I lose control, I need the extra.
    I slide down to the floor while I drink the second bag, allowing my head to rest against the wall. Now that my bloodlust is under control I need to practice my control of the beast and bring the human part of me forward. Apparently I need to practice more, if my control is slipping badly enough to let loose in front of Lily.
    I focus on the guy from the hospital. Shane. He hadn’t told me his name, but that’s what his sister called him.
    What was it about him? Sure he was attractive, but it’s not like I haven’t seen hot guys before. His willingness to jump in and rescue his sister? Really, his fierce protectiveness of both girls was borderline controlling. Where were the parents? Dead, most likely, if he has custody of his sisters. I should know that losing your parents changes you; maybe his protective instincts were born from that.
    I shouldn’t be attracted to someone so completely rude, but he was freaked out about his sisters. Who could blame him for being on edge?
    My head knocks against the wall behind me as the blood runs out.
    And Chloe…
    She was another big question mark altogether. Did Shane know about her supernatural abilities? Did she?
    Did it matter? I probably would never see any of them again.
     

 
     
    6 - Shane
    “Of all the idiotic things you’ve done in sixteen years, this definitely tops the list,” I growl.
    Ignoring the beeping of all the monitors and the IV pumping fluids into Rachel makes it easier to stay angry. I’ve got plenty of anger to go around, starting with myself for letting that vampire walk out of here.
    Rachel stares out the window, ignoring me. She’s stuck in the hospital bed, so it’s not like she can get away.
    “Seriously, Rach, do you understand what you’ve done? They’re sending you to an alternative school . Do you get that?”
    The door is closed, but I’m sure people outside the room can still hear my shouts. I don’t care; my frustration is past its boiling point.
    “So you’re out of my custody, because I’m an unfit guardian to such a troubled youth, and that’s all fine and freaking dandy, but what about Chloe?”
    Our littlest sister is down the hall being X-rayed. Her arm is fractured, but we don’t know how badly yet. Thanks to the bloodsucker knocking her down.
    “You know what stress does to her, how it screws with her condition. Did you even think about someone other than yourself before you snuck out?”
    A tear leaks out the side of Rachel’s eye. She brushes it away, pops her jaw. I know she hates the show of weakness.
    Temper stalled, I sink down in the uncomfortable hospital chair and put my face in my hands. I am so tired. Why do girls have to be so complicated? Ever since our parents’ death, Rachel keeps getting more and more out of control, and I don’t how to stop it.
    I’ve already lost Cassidy, now I’m losing Rachel because of her recklessness. Thankfully, Chloe’s out of this mess, at least for now since I lied to the social worker about her being a cousin that I’m babysitting. At least, I think the lady bought my story.
    “I didn’t do this on purpose, Shane. It’s not like I set out to–”
    I glare at her. “I don’t care what you set out to do. Chloe and I are paying for your lack of responsibility.”
    If I don’t get out of here, I’m going to snap, so before I start smashing things I leave the room. I hear Rachel sob once before