“I hope you get bitten,” Ericka said, her face contorted in a grimace, marring her beautiful features.
“Damn, Ericka, I wouldn't even wish that on my worst enemy,” Elijah said, chuckling uneasily.
“You bitch, I'll make sure my Master knows your sentiments,” Robert said.
“So!” Ericka shot back.
“Enough!” Roman yelled, silencing the room momentarily.
“Robert is right. You all may hate that fact, but it is true,” said Veronica, human to Alexias and Alexis. “Now, having said that...” She turned towards Robert. “Shut the fuck up, you're being an ass.”
Robert chuckled, unaffected by the insult. “Fine. I suppose it's enough going on out there. Turn the TV up.” He gestured to the screen.
Roman glared at Robert for a few seconds before acquiescing. Pointing the remote control towards the television, he increased the volume just as another state was being reported under attack.
“Well, there goes South Carolina. Fuck!” Elijah hissed.
Chapter Nine
Cassian landed on the roof top with the human female in his arms. He'd sent Chloe off to look for more while he returned to deal with matters at the stronghold. He suspected Ovidus had addressed their human stock already on the matter of their importance and why they were being spared. His child was always very diplomatic in that sense. He had little patience when it came to having to explain his motives to his subordinates. He gave orders, you followed. You didn't stop to ask him why. That pissed Cassian off and normally, those who were dumb enough to do so, found themselves in a terrible predicament.
Using the rooftop door, he made it down to the main floor and walked the female over to the other humans. He tossed her down roughly onto the floor next to several others who looked terrified and a bit angered with his rough treatment of one of their own. Cassian didn't acknowledge the mean glares or muffled sounds of protest or pain at his rough treatment of the petite female. Instead, he walked away to seek out Ovidius. He found the other Master in the manager’s office watching the news. He closed the door behind him and took a seat in one of the wood and upholstered chairs with the ugly yellow, blue and brown flowered pattern.
“I conducted a little test today,” Cassian began when the other Master didn't bother to tear his gaze from the television set to acknowledge his presence. Cassian held back the sneer that wanted to mark his face at such an insult. Though Ovidius was Master of his own territory, he was still, after all, his child.
Cassian's words did what he'd intended and Ovidius turned from the television monitor to him.
“Oh, and what test was this?” Ovidius asked, an eyebrow cocked.
“I wanted to see how many humans it would take to satisfy the bloodlust that this virus inevitably triggered within us,” Cassian said. “The results were alarming, to say the least.”
“How did you test this?” Ovidius asked, turning in his seat and resting his elbows on the desk as he peered at Cassian.
“Marco, who is rather young by our standards, took the virus into himself. He feasted on five humans before he came back to his senses,” Cassian answered.
“Is he here? If so, he needs to be quarantined. I've been making sure every vampire that's been infected is set aside from others, as we agreed,” Ovidius informed.
Cassian gave an offhanded gesture. “Marco is no longer with us. He disobeyed me, and you know how I will not tolerate that. Needless to say, ripping the heart out of a vampire and possibly even a human will not be enough to kill them once they're infected. Decapitation has proven to be the sure method.”
Ovidius refrained from making any comment about Marco's untimely demise. As a Master himself, he had to agree. Disobedience could not go unpunished. With a quick nod, he went on. “It's good that you performed that test, at least now we have an idea.”
Cassian nodded, then leaning forward pulled one of the metal balls back on the Newton's cradle sitting on the desk, then released it. He sat silently, both he and Ovidius watched as the balls alternated, clacking from one end to the other as kinetic energy was transferred through movement. “I remember when this first came out. Many people thought it was magic of some kind.”
“Humans are simple creatures,” Ovidius commented.
“Then I'm ashamed to say even some vampires did as well,” Cassian admitted with a chuckle.
“Did you?”
Cassian shook his head. “Like what's going on out there, it's science and there is an explanation. We are the only beings on this earth that cannot be explained. We are true gods, and what is happening now is the unfortunate result of when lesser beings trifle with what is not theirs to claim. Greatness, infallibility... true power. They cannot begin to comprehend.” He sighed as he settled back into the cushion. The balls stopped hitting together and were now just swinging. “What is the current state of affairs around the nation?” He looked up at Ovidius.
Ovidius grimaced. “Not good. South Carolina has been overtaken. Reports just came in that Oklahoma, Kansas and Atlanta are now breached.”
Cassian nodded slowly, a frown on his face. At first glance of Chicago and the condition it was in, he had predicted this outcome and far worse. “What about the government?”
Ovidius snorted and sat back into his chair. “Fucking clueless. However, I'll give them credit for trying to set up safe houses. Unfortunately, they aren't secure enough and zombies have broken into them.” He shifted in his chair to get more comfortable. “Now, on another note, in this digital age of cell phone cameras, several people have managed to capture vampires on video. There have been six sightings currently.”
“Recognize any one?” Cassian asked, eyebrows raised.
Ovidius nodded. “Just one. Jean-Pierre, Master of South Caroline battling it out with several infected zombies. But then he was bitten and fled the scene.” He leaned forward, finally, placing his forearms on the desk, hands clasped together, fingers interlocking.
Cassian hissed, baring his teeth. “Damn it!”
“No doubt, right after that, the spread grew further south.”
“It won't stop until a cure is created, if it can be.”
Both vampires looked up at the television screen for the latest news. California, Nevada, New Mexico and many other states out west were issuing evacuations. Airports were overcrowded with people waiting for the FAA to lift the ban so that they could fly to other countries not infected. Mexico's and Canada's boarders were backed up with people trying to enter the country. Parts of Canada were now under attack from the zombie outbreak as well; Ontario and Quebec.
The reporter on the screen cut away to scenes of people trapped on rooftops, some still waiting to be rescued. Others, not as fortunate as zombies broke though doors and attacked. The reporter giving his report watched in horror as people jumped to their deaths rather than being eaten alive.
“Oh my God, I hope you can see what I'm seeing, Tracy,” the reporter stated. “This is unbelievable! This is horrible. If you're watching this, people are literally jumping off of the roofs to their deaths and the zombies are jumping after them. Oh God, there's another one, do you see this?!”
The camera was able to catch both a man jumping off the roof just as his coat was caught by a male zombie. The zombie didn't let go, but instead jumped off the roof chasing his victim. The two were falling as the zombie bit into the man's shoulder. The cameraman turned his lens back to the rooftop to show the zombie feasting on their victim until they resurrected. At that point, the zombie moved away and searched for more victims, some leaving the rooftop.
“Did you catch that? Did you see that?” the reporter asked. “They don't want to eat their own kind!” he said excitedly. “Did you see that? I hope someone in charge saw that and can make heads or tails out of it. We've got to do something, Tracey. I swear, I've been in war-torn countries while under siege and I've never been as terrified as I am now.”
The camera turned back to Tracey who was paler than she was befo
re cutting away to the live action. She swallowed hard before being able to speak. “Please stay safe, Trevor. That was Trevor Mason on scene, giving you the most up-to-date news on the Apex Zombie Outbreak. Please keep watching CNN for the latest and what you can do to stay safe.”
The show then cut away to a group of commentators via satellite and so-called experts on viral outbreaks and the group was discussing theories on what caused it and how to contain it. The two vampires listened for a few minutes before they determined the humans had no clue as to what was going on or how to stop it. Ovidius muted the television then returned his attention to Cassian.
“I've informed the humans as to their purpose here,” he said, bringing the other Master up to speed.
Cassian smirked. “I figured you did. You know me all too well, I wouldn't have bothered.”
With a soft chuckle, Ovidius nodded. “I'm sure you would have just snatched one up and fed. If they panicked, you'd put the fear of God into them.”
Cassian nodded. “So how did they take the news?”
“As well as can be expected, especially after I showed them footage of the alternative. They should be grateful. They live while others beyond these walls parish or become those horrid things.” Ovidius sneered as he thought about the zombies that were literally ruining their way of life.
"Well, at least we acted quickly to preserve this territory,” Cassian said.
“Indeed,” Ovidius agreed. “So, what do we do now?”
“We wait until our guests arrive. I want us to remain together to show a combined force just in case our guests seek to start trouble,” Cassian said.
“Are you expecting them to do so?”
Cassian shook his head. “No, but it's best to make an impression, none the less.”
Ovidius nodded, then checked his watch. “They should be here within the hour, I would think.”
“So, we have an hour to kill. Turn the volume up.” Cassian gestured to the television.
Ovidius pressed the volume button up on the remote control and the loud voice of the reporter, Trevor Mason boomed over the speakers as he gave commentary on another zombie attack.
“Ade can't be too pleased. They're in his territory now,” Ovidius stated.
Cassian ran a finger along his bottom lip, his eyes staring forward in deep concentration. “No, I suppose he wouldn't be.”
~*~
Ade watched the latest on the news report concerning Atlanta. His mouth turned down in a tight frown as his light brown eyes panned over several different screens. CNN, MSNBC and every other major news network still on the air were focused solely on what was happening in parts of America and Canada and what other countries and states were doing to prevent the spread.
“Master, Nicolas and the others have returned from the CDC,” Dahnay said. She was his second lieutenant, as fierce as she was loyal. She had to be in order to make the ranks among his male dominated hierarchy. There were plenty of females within his coven, but only three held rank. She was his only lieutenant, and he had two female lords. Sasha and Brittney.
Ade didn't bother to turn his gaze from the screens as he spoke. He stood at six-four with his back toward her, hands stuffed elegantly in his pockets. “Were they able to gather the resources I requested?”
“Yes, Master. We now have several doctors and scientists and samples of every bio-toxin, anti-viral, medicine, virus or whatever the hell else they had in that place. We took what was there, so if that pace goes down--”
“When it goes down, because it will, we'll have on stock everything that was once stored there.”
Dahnay give a short nod. “Yes Master.”
“Very good.” He looked at one screen in particular showing an attack on Gainsville, Georgia, particularly, the Melrose community. The helicopter from the Atlanta local news hovered far enough to keep what they assumed was a safe distance while the camera zoomed in. Ade turned up the volume to hear what the reporter was saying.
“...this is just unbelievable, unbelievable. If I wasn't seeing this with my own eyes, I would think I was on some Hollywood set somewhere and everyone down there were extras. This is really happening people, please do not try to stay in your homes. Your homes are not safe! I repeat, your homes are not safe! Oh my God, look at how fast they are ripping through this housing complex.” The reporter pointed to several identical two-story red brick buildings that housed several apartments. The camera zoomed in on what looked to be thousands of zombies climbing through windows, some boarded up and breaking through doors. You could hear the screams from the residents who were trapped inside. Some managed to make it out of their homes, either by jumping out of windows or climbing on to the roofs. Those who jumped out of windows were quickly overtaken by the dead. Dozens of the things chased down the humans, biting into arms, legs, buttocks, any body part they could get their teeth into. The human was then devoured piece by piece, limbs literally ripped away from the body in a spray of blood and gore. In the background, you could hear the retching sounds of the news crew, but the cameraman kept his lens focused on the action below.
“Oh lord, save us,” the reporter panted. “God please save us!” he prayed.
The cameraman directed his lens to several people jumping up and down on rooftops, waving them over. “Should we go over there, help them?”
“NO!” the reporter said all too quickly. “We have to report the news, make sure people know what's going on.” He managed to say in a vain attempt to save face and stay professional. In the background, Ade and every vampire watching was able to hear the truth to his refusal to help. “We can't. We can't risk exposing ourselves to the infection. Those people could have been bitten, we can't bring them on board,” the reported whispered to his crew.
“That's fucking close,” Dahnay commented.
Ade nodded grimly. “It is, but we've prepared for this.”
“I'm glad I never questioned your motives behind the bunkers.”
“It wouldn't have been wise for you to. Besides, I've seen enough plagues and war to know that it's always smart to prepare for anything.” Ade turned, finally, facing her. “How many humans do we have per location?” His light brown eyes regarded her with a sternness that only a Master vampire could give. His regal stance sent a chill down Dahnay's spine that was a mixture of respect, awe and lust. Her eyes panned over the powerful muscles under his smooth, dark complexion, drinking in his masculinity and handsomeness. He was better than any man she'd ever known for some many reasons, one of which was his mind and she worshiped him completely.
“Five thousand, forty-seven, in Atlanta, Master,” Dahnay replied. “Three-thousand, seven-hundred and ninety-four in Miami, sir. We have enough for each of our four-thousand, nine hundred and thirty-seven vampires combined... and then some.”
“Very well, tell everyone to lock down. No one goes out until I give word,” Ade said, then he raised his hand. “One thing, I would have you pay a visit to St. Louis. Cassian is there, it's where he's taken sanctuary.”
“Two Masters, one territory. I don't see that ending well,” Dahnay said, giving a harsh chuckle as the prospects flowing through her mind of warring factions.
“Ovidius is his. He wouldn't dare challenge him. But the balance of power will have to be respected between the two. As far as last minutes plans, go... it was the best he could do considering he obviously didn't plan for such an attack. Arrogant as always, although I'm sure he would disagree.” Ade made an offhand gesture. “Regardless, whatever resources they were able to gather from that miserable little lab in Chicago will most likely not be enough. They will need what we've gathered, therefore, I would make a bargain with them.”
Dahnay's shoulders tensed, but she remained silent as she waited to hear what her Master wanted her to relay.
“I would like all of the research data they have on hand in exchange for whatever resources we have that they will no doubt need, I'm sure. Let them know this offer will be extended only once and if they ref
use, our fate will be our fate. I will not seek to help them again,” Ade said. “Do you understand my orders?”
Dahnay nodded once. “Yes Master. You want to work on a cure, as well?”
“Of course. This... whatever this is, affects us all. I would have had the scientists brought here upon arrival had he not intercepted their route.” He turned back around to look at the monitors again.
“What about that scientist? Shouldn't we bring him here?” Dahnay asked.
Ade chuckled deeply, the rumble vibrating through his chest. “Cassian's no fool. That scientist is on every vampire’s most-wanted list. He'll turn him, I'm sure. Bind the man to him, it's what I'd do. I would be surely turned down if I were to make that part of my bargain. No, at this point, the research is good enough. If he agrees, it will open our lines for collaboration in the coming days.”
“Very well. I'll leave now,” Dahnay turned and Ade calling her name stopped her. “Yes, Master.”
Ade looked at her over his shoulder. “Be careful. Do not get bitten, I don't want to risk you being eliminated by another Master.”
“Trust me, I will be careful. I'll take two blades with me,” she gave him a cocky half smile then turned and walked away towards the winding staircase that would lead her to the mansion that was several stories above ground. The main mansion was dark, all of the titanium shutters were sealed over the windows and doors. She would take the roof access through the attic, but first, she went to the weapons room.
The room was filled, wall-to-wall with weapons and cabinets that contained even more weapons. If it was one thing vampires invested in, it was weaponry in all its many glorious forms. At any time a war could break out between covens and one must always be prepared. It was also the reason why vampires were very particular about who they turned. Warriors first and foremost. Men and women who were born to fight and had no qualms about killing. It was why she'd been chosen. In her village, she was a great hunter, but she was an even better fighter. Fearless and savage in her attack against her enemy. She was a rarity, even when she was human, but it was that reason alone why Ade turned her himself, giving her the status of Lieutenant. A position coveted by all and held by only four. The second life skill that was important to vampires were people who knew how to create things. Architects, contractors, mechanics, engineers, seamstresses, etc. It was how Ade was able to build so many bunkers. The human had to be of use. The only professions they didn't need were scientists, doctors... that is, until now.
The Dead War Series (Book 2): Desperate Times Page 17