Free Younger, Bree - Burn [All American Vampires 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Bree Younger Page A

linings, Lib .
    “So how come more people don’t know about vampires?”
    He kept his back to her and took his time about answering, but he finally volunteered, “We make a point of keeping that information as secret as possible. People are scared of things they don’t understand.” He darted a speaking glance over his shoulder, and she squirmed guiltily. She didn’t know why she felt guilty. She’d handled things pretty well, all things considered. “We’re pretty vulnerable during the day, not helpless, but weaker. It’s just better if we keep that knowledge from coming to the public’s attention. In the past, things have gotten really bad. Blood baths and massacres. Not pretty. So the Council works really hard to keep our presence known only to a limited few humans.”
    “Council? What’s that?”
    He came toward her, a plate in one hand and a glass in the other. Setting it down on the battered coffee table, he said, “Eat.”
    She picked up the plate. Some sliced cheese, peanut butter and crackers, pickles, and—was that beef jerky? She looked up to find him studying her. “Eat it all. You need to rebuild your strength. From the blood loss.” She thought she saw a hint of guilt flash over his face, but it was gone so fast she wasn’t certain. He went back to the kitchen and returned with a bowl and a spoon. “Vegetable beef.”
    She just nodded and picked up a chunk of cheese. “So…the Council?”
    He sat back down in the chair and leaned his head back, studying her through slitted eyes. “The Council of Nine. They—police us—govern us. Human law isn’t really capable of that so we have our own.”
    She thought about that for a moment before nodding. “That makes sense.” There was no way regular police would have any idea how to handle a vampire. “And you work for them? As a—what did you call it—a Shield?” She chewed the cheese slowly, realizing just how hungry she was, as she waited for him to answer.
    He nodded, “Yes. Indirectly. I answer to the Master Vampire of the area, and he answers to them.”
    She stopped eating. “Master Vampire?”
    “Yeah. He’s like the dominant vampire in a territory. Makes sure everything runs smoothly, helps keep us hidden, that sort of thing. My brother, Quinn, is the Master on the coast. Now no more questions, Libby. Eat.”
    Frowning at his bossiness, she reached for the spoon and tasted the soup. It was good and hot. She ate all of it without stopping. When she’d finished, she looked over at him where he sat. He looked whipped. Even though the burns were gone, he still didn’t appear completely well. In fact, it seemed like he was in pain, his forehead knotted and a tight set to his mouth. His eyes were half-closed. “Aren’t you eating?” As soon as she said it, she could have bitten her tongue out. Oh, hell. He didn’t eat food, did he? He ate…
    His eyes opened wider, and he met her gaze. A sardonic grin kicked up one side of his mouth, the hint of a fang flashing. “That won’t do me much good. I’ll have to go out in a bit to find my—ah, meal.”
    She could feel his eyes on her as she took a bite of the jerky and chewed over what he had said. Finally, she swallowed and said, “Oh. You’re—ah—going to find someone to—bite?”
    He shook his head. “I doubt I could find anyone around here, not without drawing attention to myself. But I can make do with animal blood when I have to. These woods are full of deer. I might even find some horses or cattle.”
    “You mean, you don’t have to feed on people? Well, then for God’s sake, why do you?”
    “No. We can feed on animals as well, for short periods, but animal blood doesn’t supply us with everything we need.”
    She took another bite of soup, thinking over what he had told her.
    Ty had closed his eyes again and leaned his head back. He was really an attractive guy, if you liked the incredibly handsome and bloodthirsty sort. He had strong, chiseled features and his