by M. D. Massey
When I came back, the hooker was sitting next to him on the bed, stroking his hair. I handed Claire the cloth. The next thing I did wasn’t exactly the best decision in my life, but I jumped up on the bed over Henry and grabbed the hooker by her vest, which tore. Oops.
“You bitch! What the fuck is wrong with you? You could have killed him!” I had her pinned down, my knees on her shoulders and my hand around her throat. “And you laugh at the door instead of telling us it was urgent?” I felt like a rabid animal.
Nick jumped on me and pulled me off her. “Let go of me!” I flailed around, trying to get free. “She could have fucking killed him!”
“Elaina, calm down. Please. You have to calm down.” Nick held me until I gave up. I cried, then the hooker got in my face.
“Listen, you little piece of shit. Do that again, and you’ll be undead food. Got it?” She tried to adjust her vest so it stayed together.
“Leave her alone, Sophie.” When Henry spoke, he was a bit raspy.
“Henry!” I yelled. Nick let me go and I ran to him. “Henry, are you okay?”
“My head hurts a bit, but I think I’ll be fine. I’ve had worse injuries.” I latched onto him.
“I thought you were dead.” I laid my head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat, just to be sure. He was cool to the touch, like usual. I kept repeating myself. Henry rubbed my back while I held onto him.
“It’s okay, love. I’m fine.” He consoled me while I broke down.
“I thought I lost you…”
“You could never get rid of me that easily. You’re stuck with me forever.” He looked down and smiled at me.
I realized at that moment that it didn’t matter if he were Henry, Liam, or Luke. I still loved him. I was hopelessly lost in the world, and he was the only one who could keep me from running in circles.
“Henry, I want to get married.”
“I know, love. As do I. I promise you, come hell or high water, we will get married.” I nodded at him, the tears running down my face. I was a little embarrassed that everyone saw me in such a weak state. Claire sensed my discomfort.
“Come on. Let’s leave the two lovebirds alone.” Claire ushered everyone out, closing the door behind them. I heard them talking, while Henry and I lay there holding each other. I didn’t think I had ever loved him more before that moment. He played with my hair, like he always did. It was such a soothing feeling for me.
“I love you, Luke…Liam…Henry…whatever the fuck your name is,” I whispered.
“I love you, too, soon-to-be Mrs. Richards-Daniels.” We both let out a quiet chuckle. I nuzzled his nose and gave him a peck on the lips. He groaned a little from the pain.
“Can I get you anything?”
“Hmmm… How about water and aspirin. My head is pounding.”
“I will be right back.” Thankfully, the sun was almost fully up, so I didn’t kill myself tripping over stuff.
When I got out to the kitchen, the others were sitting at the breakfast bar talking amongst themselves. “I don’t think you should be making plans without Henry.”
The hooker sighed. “I’m in charge while Henry is down.”
“The hell you are.” I curled my hands into fists. I had a desire to punch the Barbie right off her face. “You nearly killed him, you crazy fucking bitch!”
“He’s alive, isn’t he?” She sounded bothered by that. If there weren’t a bar between us, I would have jumped on her again. Claire, seeing the situation getting heated, got up and walked around to me.
“Hey, Elaina. Let’s cool down. Okay, hon?” I nodded, still glaring. “I understand why you’re upset, but we all have to get along and trust each other.”
“I thought I lost him,” I said through a clenched jaw, mostly because if I said it with an unclenched one, I would have broken down again.
“I know. We were trying to decide what we were going to do for food today. Since the power is out, we thought about raiding the fridge and freezer. Henry has a grill on his deck. Maybe we could use it.” Claire pointed out the sliding doors just off the kitchen that led to a cute little deck I hadn’t noticed before. She rubbed my arm, looking for my permission.
“Let me go ask him what he wants to do.”
“We aren’t going anywhere.” She flashed me her warm, loving smile.
I grabbed Henry a bottle of water, rummaged until I found the aspirin, then headed back to the bedroom.
“You two need to cool it.” Claire looked right at Sophie.
“Pffft. She has her knickers in a twist. She just can’t get over my relationship with Henry. I mean, really, look at me and then look at her.” She chuckled.
“Get over your relationship? What is there to get over?”
“Henry and I.” Then she winked at Claire.
“How dare you? I would spit in your face if I didn’t have manners,” Claire growled. Sophie cackled. “What is your malfunction?”
“She is obviously jealous.”
“I don’t think she’s jealous.”
“Threatened then. I mean, I can’t help it if Henry and I had a ‘thing’…” She put it in air quotes, “before he came to the States.”
Claire’s jaw dropped. “Wait. You and Henry had a ‘thing’ and you aren’t just ‘besties’?” Claire air quoted two times, mocking Sophie. “I’m willing to bet she has no idea about your ‘thing’. And I’m pretty sure he has better taste than you.”
“He was an amazing lay. He really knew exactly what buttons to push to make me scream. Mmm…” Claire made a face like she had eaten a teaspoon of something bitter. “Anyway, he was my protector at the complex.” She leaned back on the stool, like she was reminiscing about the good old days. “I just hope she’s good enough for him. He loved to please me, if you know what I mean.” Sophie winked at Claire again, who shuddered.
“Ugh. Grow up.” Nate and Nick just stood there, watching the exchange. Claire looked over at the two of them. “Nobody mention this to her. Got it?”
“Ha!” Sophie laughed again.
“Yup,” Nick said, Nate chiming in right after.
“Hey, lover. How are you feeling?” I said, walking back into the bedroom, trying to put my best smile on and not let on about my interaction with the hooker.
“I’d be better if you got along with Sophie.”
I dropped my gaze. He must have heard us.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. I helped him sit up, then handed him the water and aspirin. He took a couple sips and lay back again. “Are you hungry? They are trying to figure out food. Since the power is out, they want to use the grill.”
“I don’t want anyone lingering outside for a lengthy period of time. Let them know they can have whatever they want, just stay inside.”
“Do you want anything?”
“Surprise me.” He smiled.
I left for the kitchen, feeling a weight pressing down on me. Everyone stopped, watching me open the fridge. I pulled out everything that would spoil, mostly fresh fruits, vegetables, and cheeses. For the most part, Henry ate healthy, although he had a pretty bad sweet tooth, especially for candy and baked goods. He was always right there with me, gorging on sweets during my times of need.
“Eat up, but don’t use the grill. Henry doesn’t want anyone outside for an extended period of time.” The hooker sighed. I did my damnedest to ignore her, but I turned around and smiled. I cocked my head to the left a bit. “I’m sorry, Sophie. Does that not suit your needs?” I grinned, mocking her. I was working really hard to get along with her, for Henry’s sake.
“It suits me just fine. Thank you for your concern,” she mumbled.
“Good. Now, I’m going to plate up a few things for Henry and me. We’ll be in the bedroom if you need anything.” I flashed another grin, plated up the food, turned on my heel, and walked back to my Henry.
“I’m going to knock that bitch out,” Sophie grumbled.
“I heard that, Sophie,” I said in a singsong voice, without
missing a beat. I got back into the bedroom and Henry smiled.
“Thanks, love.” He reached for the plate.
I waved my finger at him. “Not so fast, mister. I will feed you.”
“All right then.” He smiled, ready to accept my doting. I fed him small pieces of fruit.
“I should hit my head more often. I feel like a king.”
I held a grape to his lips. “Well, sir, you are my king.” I spoke in my best British accent and stood to curtsy. He thought I was hilarious. “Eat up, my lord.”
Henry polished off the plate of food.
“Thank you, love. I’m feeling better.”
“Good.”
“Can you help me up? I want to get out there so we can figure shit out.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Elaina, I’m fine. I’m just a bit sore and have a small headache. That’s all.”
I had the feeling he was trying to play me for a fool because why would he ask for my help to get him up if he were fine? I narrowed my eyes at him. “How do I know you aren’t lying to me?”
“Oh, for Pete’s sake…” He started to get up on his own. Irritated, I reached around and hooked my arm around his. Apparently, he was going to get up with or without me.
“Lean if you need to.”
“I’m good. Thanks.”
He staggered down the hall with his arm out, like he was waiting to fall into the wall. I followed close behind so I could catch him. When he made it to the living room, he sat on the couch, letting out a breath. Everyone gathered around him.
“All right.” Henry sounded a little groggy, but he seemed to be fine. He looked over at the window, eyes widening in surprise. “My front window is destroyed. Perfect. Thank you, Sophie. I paid a lot of money for this place.” She smiled, like she was proud of her accomplishment. He laughed a little.
“You are very welcome, darling. And it’s not like you can’t afford to buy another.” Then she winked at him, kissed her index finger, and pointed at Henry.
I glared at her. If it were any icier, the nipples on her fake tits would have cut through what was left of that leather vest. She felt me glaring so she cocked her head to the left and gave me that fucking grin. Once again, I wanted to throat punch her.
Feeling the tension developing, Henry said, “Anyway…,” He glared at both of us, trying to tame the beasts. “Sophie, is your issued phone working?”
“Until it runs out of juice.”
“Try using it. I want to see if the network is down, as well.” She pulled the phone out of her cleavage. I rolled my eyes. Of course! Where else would you keep your phone?
“These are far more useful than one thinks.” She grabbed her chest, winking at me. I looked down at my chest, which just so happened to be much smaller than hers…so very much smaller. Oh well. Henry seemed to like my ladies. He hadn’t complained or suggested any improvements.
“Please continue, Henry.” Nick sounded quite annoyed.
Sophie looked at her phone and held it up. “No service, darling.” I think she called him that just to get under my skin. Admittedly, it did. I had a sneaking suspicion they had fucked before, which made me grow angrier by the second.
“Shit.” Henry rubbed his hands on his thighs. “Well, I think we have to head to the southeast region.”
“Whoa,” said Nate. “I’m not going anywhere. This area is my home. I have a business to run.”
Henry broke out in hysterical laughter, then he grabbed his head and hissed. “Ah, Nate. You kill me. Did you forget what is happening out there? Are you high, mate? If so, please share. I could really use some right about now.” I stifled a giggle.
Nate was annoyed. “Right.” He sat there scowling, his arms crossed in front of his chest.
Henry cleared his throat. He still sounded a bit scratchy, so I grabbed him another bottle of water. He smiled at me when I handed it to him. For some reason, his eyes seemed rather gray, and there wasn’t much of that emerald sparkle left. I assumed it was because he wasn’t feeling well.
“Gunther Erikkson heads up the southeast region. I think…”
“Um, Henry?” Shy and innocent Claire raised her hand.
“Yes, Claire?”
“Out of curiosity, why should we leave? Wouldn’t that just increase our chances of becoming one of them?” Nick and Nate nodded. Henry looked at Sophie.
“Well, we could stay and fight all the undeads here, I suppose. Then we could lock down the area.”
I watched everyone to see how they’d react. Sophie glared at him in anger. My mind raced, trying to figure out how staying would work. Thinking about how many undeads we would have to kill, I shuddered.
“I like that idea,” said Claire. Again, Nick and Nate nodded. Frankly, I wasn’t sure if I liked that plan, but I just wanted to be wherever Henry was. I couldn’t bear to lose him. He chewed on his thumbnail, a habit he picked up from me, while he thought about the idea.
“I think Claire’s idea is good…for the time being.” Sophie scanned everyone else as she spoke. She didn’t look happy with the idea, but she was playing along. “Anyone else have any ideas? Elaina? How about you? Have you got any better ideas?” And she flashed that grin again. I was fucking sick of her.
“I’m fine with whatever Henry decides. He is our leader.”
“Of course. Right.” She shook her head. “Weak-minded people never have any ideas.”
That was it. I lunged at her, pinned her down, and punched her in the face. Surprisingly, I was quite strong when the wild animal was unleashed from inside me.
“Hey! Stop! Elaina!” Henry yelled. He jumped up to pull me off her. Sophie cackled like a madwoman, which just pissed me off more. I wanted to rip her fake lashes off and pop her fake tits.
Nick jumped up to help Henry. I was a slight handful when in a rage, as we’ve already established. Between Henry and Nick, they were able to pull me off.
“Screw you!” I screamed.
Henry stood between us. “Enough!” he roared, then grabbed his head and bent over for a second. “Shit!” He pointed to Sophie. “You. Back bedroom. Now!” She got up and strolled down the hall. Then he pointed at me. “And you need to calm the fuck down!”
“Fuck her, Henry! Throw her skank ass out to the undeads! She has been nothing but a bitch since she strolled up in here like she owned you, with all of her kisses and ‘darlings’.” Oops. Everyone turned and looked at me. Okay, I just admitted I was a bit jealous. I really needed to keep that in check.
“Just, please, calm down,” he pled. I could see he wasn’t feeling well. “I’m going to go talk to her for a minute. Nick, would you like to witness?”
“Ah, yeah, Sure. I guess.” Nick shrugged and looked at me. It seemed like he was looking for approval. I just shook my head.
“Why him?” Nate seemed to have a knack for asking the wrong questions at the wrong time, which irritated Henry.
“Because! Is that reason enough for you?” No answer. “I asked Nick because I know Elaina would trust him if she wants to know what is said. There is a method behind my madness! Anything else?”
Nate held his hands up, like he was trying to deflect Henry’s anger. “Hey, I was just wondering. Calm down. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
Henry grumbled as he turned and walked down the hall, Nick following. When I heard the door slam shut, I paced.
“What the fuck is your issue, Sophie?” Henry ran his hands through his hair while he paced.
“I’m not a fan. Besides, it’s great fun getting her all riled up.” She giggled, then walked up to him, rubbing his chest. “You’re much larger than you used to be.”
Henry backed away. “Cut the shit. We are no longer an item. Got it?”
Sophie backed away, stunned. “Darn.” She made her voice raspy. “I was looking forward to hooking up with you again. You know exactly how to make me roar.” She recovered well. She was used to swallowing her feelings, among other things.
>
“I love her with everything I have. You know that! And I know why you’re here.” He stepped away from her again, his face stern.
“That never stopped you before.” She chose to ignore his second statement.
“I’ve changed, and I grew up. I live for her. We have discussed that on several occasions.” Henry’s eyes watered and he clenched his jaw, struggling not to pour his emotions all over the floor in front of his former lover.
“I see that. Apparently, you have gone all soft on me, Liam.” Sophie gazed down at his crotch, then winked at him. He shook his head. Nick raised an eyebrow, thinking that was something he would not be repeating to Elaina.
“I’m with Elaina for the rest of my godforsaken life, however long that may be. You need to respect her and my decision to be with her. She means so much to me. Since you and I went through so much together, I would expect that if anything happened to me, you would help take care of Elaina. She will go over the edge if anything happens to me, as you saw earlier. She needs me as much as I need her.”
“I’ve got that handled.” They both spun around and looked at Nick. “She’s my sister, and I don’t trust this…thing as far as I can throw her.” He pointed his chin at Sophie.
“Well… Nick, is it?” He nodded. Sophie strolled up to him and put her finger on his lips. She was so close, he could check her pores. “How about I take care of you?” She tried to be all sultry and sexy, then she winked at him.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Sophie. Check your hormones at the door, would you?”
“What? A girl needs a little something every now and again…” She looked Nick up and down, “to keep her going, even in mad times like these.” She turned away from Nick, making sure she walked extra sexy.
“Listen. Just show her respect. Show everyone some bloody respect. Got it? Enough is enough. Or I’m going to have to ask you to leave. I can’t handle it, and I can’t handle seeing Elaina so upset.” It pained him to say it, but he felt he had to. He would never make Sophie leave, but he needed to get his point across. Eyes wide, Sophie looked shocked. She swallowed hard and looked defeated.