Read Beginnings (The Trifectus Series - Book One) for Free Online Page A

androidian, you have no choice at birth.  Two androidian parents have a mortal, human child.  Within a few days after birth, the parents surgically implant various cybernetic and mechanical parts into their child as they please.  Whatever they want them to have can be done if they have the money.
    Some people, mortal humans, will choose to become androidian on their own.  We call these people drifters.  They have no real place in the world or society so they turn to a group that will welcome anyone willing to lay their bodies on the line. 
    They are a dangerous race of people, some say even more dangerous than vampires or werewolves.  They are great at hacking computers and networks, making them a serious threat.  They live mostly underground.  Sewers, old bunkers: that kind of thing.  Their technological aptitude makes them almost impossible to find.  They create their own products to shield from infrared scanners and computer systems. 
    In the off chance that one is found, they are captured and dissected of their mechanical parts for scientists to study them and figure out ways to find the others. 
    “Can you believe that?” my dad exclaims.
    “First the vampire attack and now this.  I guess now we just wait for those feral dogs to come attack us,” my dad said angrily. 
    “I’m sure it will be okay,” I said, trying to be reassuring.
    “NO!” he exclaimed at the top of his lungs.
    “I will not stand for this any longer.  The next one of these freaks to be spotted will be shot on contact,” he said with fire in his eyes.
    This frightened me.  I knew my father was a man of his word.  If he told you to your face he would kill these people, he would the first chance he got.  With all of the attacks in the news, he wanted to make an example of these people.  He wanted to show them what happens when you mess with him.  He wanted to exterminate them.
    As he walked away, I started thinking about James.  What if he got caught in my father’s crosshairs?  He wasn’t even violent.  He was loving and kind and I am sure there were more vampires out there just like him.  I needed to try to protect him: I needed to shield him. 
    I knew I could help him, but only if he would be honest with me.  I needed him to tell me what he was: a vampire. 
    The next day at school I was on a mission.  I was going to confront James and trick him into telling me.  At lunch, I saw him making his way to the cafeteria.  I stood up and bumped into him.
    “Oh hey, James!  How are you?” I asked smiling.
    “Oh, Juliet.  I’m well, and you?” he replied.
    “Oh, I’m so starving.  Why don’t you come get food with me!” I told him.
    As I said that, I grabbed his hand and pulled him into the line with me. 
    “I’m so hungry,” I said.  “What are you going to get?”
    “Oh, I’m not really that hungry,” he said trying to pull away.
    “Nonsense,” I said.  “You’re a teenage boy, you need to eat.”
    James reluctantly took a few pieces of fruit and handed the woman his money. 
    “My sister is probably looking for me.  I should go.”
    “Okay, James!” I said.  “Talk to you later,” I said, smiling.
    As I sat down with Ariel and my new friends, I kept a watchful eye on James.  He sat down with Emma and she looked confused, as if asking why he had fruit on his plate.  Emma didn’t have any food, just like James.  It made me wonder.
    After lunch, I saw James get up.  I followed him to his locker and confronted him.
    “How was your fruit?” I asked.
    “Oh, um, it was good.”
    “Are you sure?  You didn’t seem to eat any of it.”
    “What are you trying to say?”
    “I know what you are,” I whispered into his ear.
    “Not hungry?” he said with an uncomfortable laugh.
    “Vampire,” I whispered.
    Right as I said this to him, he looked me in the eyes and then took off.  As I followed him, he started to move faster.  He was trying to ditch me and escape.  He knew that I