Children of the Apocalypse: Mega Boxed Set

by Baileigh Higgins

  “That’s right. Remember Max?”

  “Max?” Martin rocked back on his heels. “You know Max?”

  “That I do,” Logan said. “Max Rees. Max is short for Maximillian. He was enlisted in the army with you, permanent force. You both went AWOL when the shit hit the fan. Am I right?”

  “My God!” Martin let out an explosive breath, astonishment written across his features. “After all this time. He’s alive?”

  “As far as I know. He’s running a camp of survivors back on his home turf.”

  Martin shook his head and stuck out his hand. “Always a pleasure to meet a friend of a friend.”

  “Likewise,” Logan agreed.

  The two men shook hands, and Martin waved at the guards on the wall. They relaxed, and their gun barrels lowered. “Guess we’ve got a lot to talk about. Pull in, and I’ll get you sorted out.”

  “Thanks.”

  Logan got back into the Landie and grinned at Nadia. “Ready for this?”

  “Nope,” she replied.

  “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back,” Logan said. She bobbed her head in answer and relaxed a little.

  He drove through the gates. They closed behind him with a clang, sealing them inside. No turning back now.

  Before them lay the town, hushed and waiting. The stars had come out, twinkling above the sprawling streets and houses like diamonds. Martin waved them onward to show the way.

  For a moment, Logan hesitated. “We don’t have to tell them what you are unless you want to. Just be careful and stay by my side. Deal?”

  Nadia stared at him with surprise. “Deal.”

  “Ready?” he asked.

  “Ready.” With a firm nod, Nadia signaled her agreement.

  The bargain was struck, and Logan stepped on the accelerator, following behind Martin. As they crept deeper into the town, Logan wondered what awaited them. Time to find out.

  The End.

  Live Another Day

  Chapter 1 - Nadia

  Nadia awoke before dawn and stared up at the ceiling above her head. It was still dark, the black only beginning to fade to gray. From experience, she knew enough to know that few people would be up yet. Only in about an hour, or so. Sufficient time to do what she did every morning since she arrived at St. Francis without being subject to too many curious stares.

  She slipped out from between the warm sheets that covered the bed. Her bare feet touched the smooth tiles, and her toes curled when a chill shot through her soles. For a second, she was tempted to crawl back into bed, but the sea beckoned, and she dismissed the thought.

  Her clothes hung across the back of a sturdy chair, and she slipped on the black tights and cowl-necked sweater she’d been given by the kind lady who managed the central stores of St. Francis Bay. Supplies were plentiful here, and she had more clothes now than she’d had in a while.

  Bare-footed, she padded across the floor toward the sliding door that opened onto the patio. She unlocked it and took a deep breath of the salty sea air. A breeze stirred her short hair and brushed across the nape of her neck. It was chilly. The bite in the air announced that winter was here. For now, though, it was still bearable. The seasons here were far more moderate than further inland, rarely going to extremes of cold.

  In the distance, the ocean called to her, the crashing of the waves soothing to her ears. She closed the door before she left, or else the monkeys would ransack her room. They were a constant nuisance, and almost worse than the zoms, in her opinion.

  She cut across the garden to a small gate, pausing once to admire a beautiful rose bloom, the last of the season. Its petals were white, coloring to a dark pink around the edges. Nadia inhaled the heady scent and marveled that she was able to enjoy such a pure pleasure in these times.

  The wooden gate opened onto the street, and she let herself out. With swift strides, she walked downhill, following the winding road. She nodded at an old couple who were out walking their dog and threw a wave at Ayesha who worked in the creche. “Morning.”

  “Good morning, Nadia,” Ayesha replied, her lashes lowering shyly over huge doe eyes.

  Nadia passed two armed men who nodded but didn’t pause in their patrol, and then she reached her destination, the beach. Her feet sank into the fine golden sand, and she headed toward her rock. A stone slab, smoothed and weathered by the elements, jutted into the air and offered a gorgeous view of the sea.

  She hurried over and clambered up to find her customary seat; a hollowed out ledge. Her legs dangled down, and every time a wave crashed around the base of the rock, her feet got splashed.

  Nadia let out a deep breath and let her eyes wander across the horizon where the vast ocean stretched as far as it was possible to see. It was a stirring sight, one that never failed to soothe the raw pain that coiled inside her at all times.

  A month. That was how long it had been since she and Logan arrived at this refuge. And a haven it truly was.

  The beautiful houses with their whitewashed walls and deep gray thatched roofs were the pride of St. Francis. Lush gardens and trees filled all the backyards and lined the street. On the canal, wooden jetty’s jutted onto the green waters of the river, while the beach was a stretch of gold that edged onto the deep blue of the sea waters.

  The inhabitants were kind too. At least all of those she’d met so far. Marie, the lady in charge of supplies, Kimberley, Martin’s young daughter, and Thys, Martin’s second in command. Even Martin was likable. He was stern and uncompromising, yet fair. The type of leader that led by example.

  There was no need for fear or to go around armed all the time. The town was safe, kept so by the dedicated men and women who manned the walls and kept watch. It was a beautiful feeling, this freedom from death. I’ve enjoyed my time here. It’s so calm and peaceful. Like time has ceased to exist. Is this it? Is this what home feels like?

  She’d never known a real home. A place where she felt safe and loved. Growing up with a drug addict mother and alcoholic stepfather had been hell. A hell made bearable solely because of her brother Bobby.

  Until that day.

  Another loss. Another cut to the heart.

  So many.

  When will it ever end?

  A deep voice intruded on her thoughts. “Good morning, Nadia.”

  Caleb.

  “Morning,” Nadia replied, conscious of a sudden stirring in the pit of her stomach. She twisted in her seat to look down at him. Her mouth went dry at the sight of his face.

  “Do you mind if I join you?”

  “If you want.”

  She moved up a bit to make room and watched as he climbed up the rock with the lithe ease of a leopard. He sat down next to her, so close that their legs touched. Her skin prickled at the contact, even through the material of her tights.

  She swallowed. “It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re up early,” she tried again.

  “So are you.”

  It was evident that neither the weather nor the time of day interested him. She knew very well what did, however, and it flustered her. “I―”

  “You know why I’m here,” Caleb interrupted.

  “Yes,” she admitted.

  “It’s the same reason I’m here every day.”

  “I know.” A knot of heat formed in her breast, spreading out to her extremities until it felt like her whole body was on fire.

  From the moment she’d met him, Caleb was an enigma. In his mid-twenties, he was a man of few words and intense emotions. He’d made it clear that he wanted her and would stop at nothing to get his way, much to Logan’s irritation who viewed him as a meddling boy.

  “It’s the same reason you come here every day,” he said. “Because you know I’ll follow.”

  “That’s not true,” she protested. “I come here for the view. For the peace.”

  “Perhaps,” he conceded. “But that’s not the only reason why you come here. Admit it.”

  “I�
�” she sighed, at a loss for words. What Caleb said was the truth. She did come here because of the view, because of the calm it infused into her raw soul, but she also came because he’d be there. Every day, without fail.

  “You cannot deny it.”

  “I can try,” she whispered.

  Her own emotions confused her. She still missed Branden, of course. Not a day went by that she didn’t feel guilty over his death and wished that she could take it back. But Caleb stirred something in her that she never knew existed. Just another complication in my life.

  “You know I’m right. We belong together, Nadia.” His green eyes cut her to the quick, the sharp angles of his face harsh in the morning light.

  Nadia shivered at the sound of her name on his lips and longed to reach up to him. She didn’t. Instead, she shook her head miserably. “You’re wrong.”

  “Just give me a chance. That’s all I ask.” His earnest look pleaded with her. An expression not typical of his haughty features.

  “I’m telling you I can’t.” She looked away with a determined set of her shoulders and gritted her teeth. Usually, at this point, he would back away and leave her alone. Today, the touch of his fingers on her jaw startled her, and she whirled around with a gasp.

  “Nadia,” he said. His eyes bored into hers, and he leaned in for a kiss.

  For a breathless second, she wished she could let him. Then reality set in, and she jerked away as icy fear washed through her veins. I’ll kill him. “No, I can’t. Leave me alone, Caleb.”

  “You know I can’t. I won’t.”

  “You have to; you don’t understand.”

  “Then tell me why.” Frustration twisted his lips. “Just tell me.”

  “I can’t.” She scrambled off the rock and onto the sand.

  “Can’t, or won’t?” he called after her retreating back.

  “Both,” she whispered as she rushed back to the house. Silent tears streamed down her face. I’m sorry. I can never touch you, never let you close. Or you’ll die.

  Once inside her room, she slammed the door shut before leaning against it for a moment to gather her wits. Since the moment she’d met Caleb, he’d been problematic. Both for her peace of mind, and the secret she kept from this town. Nobody here knew what she was. Nobody here looked at her with condemnation or loathing. Only she and Logan knew the truth, and that’s the way she wanted to keep it. It was a selfish desire, but one she couldn’t let go of.

  After wiping her face and brushing her teeth, she put on her shoes and padded down the hall toward the kitchen. Right then she longed for a cup of coffee. Anything to warm up the core of ice inside her heart.

  At the breakfast table, she encountered Logan. He looked good, fresh from a bath and clear-eyed. He’d kept his promise, not touching a drink since the day he tossed out his stash. He’d held her to that promise too, ensuring she stayed off the pills and cigarettes no matter how much she might long for them. A fact that earned her gratitude even though she begrudged him for it at times.

  “Morning,” he said, mouth quirking in a wry greeting.

  “Hi,” she replied as she hurried toward the gas stove where a kettle of coffee stood, still warm from the flames. She poured herself a cup and took the seat opposite him, avoiding his sharp gaze. He was oiling his handgun, his fingers moving with well-practiced ease.

  “Everything all right?” Logan asked.

  “Yeah, I’m good.”

  “Are you sure? You look upset.”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “Is it that boy again?” His voice deepened to a growl. “Because if he’s becoming a problem, I’ll chop off his knackers with a blunt knife.”

  She shook her head, a reluctant giggle escaping her lips at the mental image his words evoked. “Nothing’s wrong, Logan, and Caleb isn’t bothering me so you can keep your torture fantasies to yourself for now.”

  He grunted and eyed her for another long second before nodding. “Well, whatever it is, it’ll have to wait. Martin’s called a meeting.”

  “Oh?” She looked up in surprise. “What for?”

  “He wants to discuss my proposal.”

  “Really?” Her eyebrows arched at this bit of news. “Took him long enough.”

  Ever since they arrived, Logan had lobbied for Martin to allow an expeditionary force to travel to Max’s camp to establish cohesiveness between the two surviving groups. Maybe even set up a trade route. But for weeks now, nothing had happened, and they’d been forced to sit and wait.

  Logan shrugged. “I don’t blame him. It’s a tough decision, and he’s got his people to worry about.”

  “True, but shouldn’t we survivors stick together?” Nadia asked. “There’s few enough of us left as it is.”

  “I know.” Logan emptied his cup and sat back in his chair. “It isn’t that easy though.”

  “Nothing is anymore,” she grumbled as she finished her coffee.

  “Ready to go?” Logan asked.

  “I’m ready.” She pushed back her chair with a scrape and flexed her spine.

  “Good,” Logan answered with a grunt, sliding his gun into its customary holster. “Time to find out what the future holds.”

  Nadia followed Logan out of the kitchen with mixed feelings. Was Martin finally approving the expedition? And if so, what about her? What did her future hold? And whom?

  Chapter 2 - Logan

  Logan left behind the warm kitchen and made his way downhill. The asphalt crunched beneath his boots, and the breeze felt crisp on his skin. It tugged at his collar and carried with it the briny scent of the sea. The brisk walk invigorated him, and he enjoyed the feel of his muscles stretching and moving with ease. Since he’d decided to stop smoking and drinking, his health had returned faster than even he had anticipated.

  “Do you think Martin will agree to the expedition, at last?” Nadia asked. She hurried along beside him, her shorter legs struggling to keep pace with him. The vigorous movement stained her cheeks pink, and her blue eyes glowed like aquamarines. No wonder that boy Caleb is so infatuated with her.

  “I don’t know. I hope so because I’m just about done waiting.” He shook his head as impatience overwhelmed him. For all of a month now, he’d sat around twiddling his thumbs while Martin held meetings and deliberated with his advisors. Though he understood Martin’s position, he had little patience with red tape and longed to get back home.

  “You’d leave without them?” Nadia asked. “You wouldn’t stay?”

  “No, I have to go back, whatever happens.” He turned his head and regarded her. Something in her tone of voice alerted him to trouble. “And you? Are you thinking of staying?”

  “No, of course not. Where you go, I go. That was the deal, right?”

  “Right.” Logan slowed his pace and thought his next words over carefully before saying. “You know, Nadia. You don’t have to leave just because I am. My goal was to find you somewhere safe to live, and if that place is here, you should stick around.”

  Nadia bit her lip and looked away. “I could never stay here without you.”

  “If you feel you can make a life here, then stay. Don’t leave because of me.”

  “That’s just it! How can I make a life here, knowing what I am? What I can do?” Nadia shook her head, a miserable expression crossing her features. “I don’t belong here, Logan. I’m a freak, and if these people realized it, they’d throw me out.”

  “How do you know that? Sometimes, you just have to give people a chance.”

  She snorted, her disdain evident. “Don’t be stupid, Logan. They’d look at me the same way they look at the zoms.”

  Logan sighed. “Is this about Caleb?”

  “No, of course not.” She flashed him an angry glare, and he decided to back off even though instinct told him he had a point.

  “Well, whatever you decide to do, you have my full support. As long as you do it for you, not me.”

  “Thanks, I’ll remember that.”

  Logan
nodded and turned his attention to the direction their feet had carried them. Down a steep hill and toward a small whitewashed building that was hidden between a stand of ancient trees. It was an old house of historical value and now served as a city hall and museum of sorts.

  It was from these premises that Martin conducted most of his business. From coordinating the latest raids and fishing expeditions to who would man the walls during the long days and nights. Though Logan had been there a few times, he’d never been summoned to a meeting before and was curious as to the procedures involved.

  A small knot of people already stood outside when they arrived. As one they turned to watch Logan and Nadia approach. He recognized most of them, but a few were unfamiliar.

  Martin was already there as well, and he turned toward Logan with a stern nod. “Glad to see you could make it.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it,” Logan replied as they shook hands.

  “Morning, Nadia. I trust you slept well?” Martin asked.

  She returned his smile. “As always.”

  “Good, good. Now let’s get out of the cold, shall we?” With practiced courtesy, Martin ushered everyone inside, and they filed in through the front door.

  A small foyer and a formal parlor met the eye as they walked toward the meeting room. Expensive paintings dotted the walls, and antique vases languished in glass cabinets along with rows of old books, now precious in their rarity. Anything of historical importance had been placed here after the infection began in a bid to safeguard it. A smart move, no doubt.

  A large table awaited them in the old dining room that moonlighted as a meeting room, complete with jugs of water, coffee, and tea. A platter of fresh fruit served as breakfast.

  Logan chose a seat at the far end with his back to the wall. He folded his long legs beneath him and picked a shiny green apple from the tray before nabbing a bottle of water. While munching on the tart fruit, he leaned back and watched the rest of the gathering file into the room.

  Nadia took the open spot next to him and sat with stiff reserve, her lips pinched into a thin line. She looked worried, and he heaved an inward sigh at her neuroses. Yes, she was a carrier of the virus and therefore dangerous, but as long as she was careful, it would be all right. Sure, if people found out a few would have a problem with it, but most would accept it. A nagging voice at the back of his head told him it wasn’t quite that easy, but he chose to disregard it.