Star, Starland Vamp Series, Book 1 by Theresa Oliver Read Free Book Online

pain. Its howl cut off abruptly with a gurgle. I closed my eyes, relishing the moment as I drained the life giving substance from its body. But the blood would no longer give life to the beast. It would give life to me instead. The life essence in this animal was strong and would sustain me well. The cougar lazily made a few final swipes of its paws in a futile attempt to live, but I drank my fill until its veins ran dry and it lay limp within my arms. Then I laid its body gingerly upon the ground, and gently closed its eyes with my fingertips. 
    The insatiable burning within my throat was almost quenched, but not quite. The burning need for blood was not as strong. I could easily catch smaller game on the way. Then I decided to see some of the sights. Rays of light were beginning to make their appearance on the new day, but I had enough time. I ran, exhilarated, as the wind quickly rushed past my face, and my brown hair and black leather jacket billowed behind. I heard the powerful roar of millions of gallons of water rushing toward its final destination long before I saw it, but soon, a lightening in the forest alerted me to its end.
    Looking down at my torn, blood-stained T-shirt, I quickly pulled my black leather jacket around myself, buttoning the front, then stepped out of the safety of the forest and onto the cliff’s edge.
    The powerful rush of millions of gallons of water hastening down the Niagara River was truly an amazing sight. The view was better from the Canadian side, but I didn’t feel like going swimming and soaking my clothes for the run home. But the view from the American side was truly spectacular despite the dim light of morning. Deep blue water ran down the Niagara River, bending and turning, becoming white caps lining the top of the falls before spilling over, turning various shades of blue again. I marveled at the gallantry of the humans brave enough to go over the fall’s edge in nothing more than a barrel and shook my head. No wonder few lived to tell about it. Of course, I could do a swan dive from the top and wouldn’t suffer a scratch. Hum … maybe later. 
    Bright rays of light peeked through the clouds, refusing to be ignored. I knew it was time to start home. Rick would be upset if I was late, not that I cared, but it was never right for a lady to keep a gentleman waiting. Even Rick. I grinned broadly, shaking my head, thinking of him.
    I quickly turned and ran with lightning speed toward home. In minutes, I was within the cover of the deep forest of evergreens and silver maple, watching forest animals quickly scamper out of my way. Suddenly, I caught the scent of white-tailed deer on the bluffs, as rays of light peered through the canapé above. I knew I didn’t have much time. Hiding, I silently stalked the herd, spotting my prey, when they caught my scent and tried to run. Bolting like an arrow from a hunter’s bow, I quickly took one down. As I sank my razor sharp teeth into the sinew and muscles of its neck under its fur, the life giving blood rushed down my throat, promising to quench the burn. The deer struggled, but was no match for my powerful grasp, and soon grew limp as its veins ran dry.
    Years ago, I used to take the deer meat to orphanages to feed the hungry bellies of the children. At that time, the caregivers welcomed any food donations they could get, for it was difficult to provide enough food to feed forty some children. They didn’t ask questions.
    The white-tailed deer wasn’t much of a challenge, but I had already had my workout for the night. I wiped a spot of crimson blood from my lips.
    Evergreens brushed past me in a blur as I ran, quickly making my way back home. Home. We had just arrived and already I thought of it as home.
    Twenty minutes later, I walked into the front door of our cottage. It was really more like a mansion, but there as something about the stone walls that made me think of it as a cottage.
    “Well,” Rick was waiting in the kitchen with