Tears poured from her eyes, sobs strangling her attempt to breathe. Struggling to stay afloat, the sounds of the undead swarmed around Cora.
When she saw a boy sitting quietly on the bench at the edge of the sidewalk, she grabbed at him, surprised to see it was Joel.
Unsure if it was truly him, Cora hollered in his face. “Joel!” She shook his shoulders. He seemed lucid, yet vacant. “Your brothers and sisters… We have to find them! The undead are going to kill us! We need to find your daddy!”
Joel gazed up at her, his hazy gray eyes meeting her baby blues. He tilted his head and walked off, vanishing.
“Joel!” Looking around, she screamed, “What’s happening?”
Everyone around her was disappearing. The only sounds she could hear were the snarls, growls, and the shuffling coming straight for her. All that remained was Cora and the undead.
They closed in on her…
Waking with a start, Cora jumped out of bed and grabbed the first thing she saw—the lamp from the nightstand. Her nightshirt clung to her body from the sweat. She listened for any clue an undead was about to come out of a darkened corner. As she looked back and forth, she realized she was at home.
Cora let out a small sigh of relief and set the lamp back down. She needed to go check on the kids, wanting confirmation they were all still in their beds, sound asleep.
With quick but quiet steps, Cora headed to the babies’ room first. She cracked open the door and peered in.
“What?” she whispered as she ran into the room.
Peeling back Callie’s blankets, she wasn’t there. She ran to Everette’s crib… Gone.
“No, no, no!”
Cora ran out of the room and went to Silas and Grey’s room, throwing open the door…
Both boys’ beds were empty. Panic washed over her. Her throat constricted and she clutched her hand around her neck as she dashed out to Kate’s room. She flung open the door…
Empty.
Cora let out a scream that tore her throat apart. She choked on the blood and fell to the floor…
Unable to breathe…
Unable to scream for help…
Unwilling to carry on.
Faintly hearing footsteps and doors opening around him, Gunther rolled over with a groan. He cracked open one eye to check out the time on his phone.
Two-thirty.
“What the fuck is going on?” he grumbled, throwing the blankets off. He pulled a pair of lounge pants over his boxers and stalked to the door.
He opened it just in time to hear Cora scream and see her pass out in Kate’s doorway.
“Cora!” He ran out into the hall and dropped to the floor next to her. “Cora…”
She was unresponsive. Full of fear, he worried he was reliving Quinn’s death. He pressed his shaking fingers to her neck, looking for a pulse. Gunther let out a loud sigh when the rhythm beat against his fingers.
The kids began filing out of their rooms.
With a stuffed puppy clutched tight under his arm, Silas sleepily asked, “What’s wrong with momma?”
“It’s okay. Go back to bed. I think she was sleepwalking.”
Kate knelt and rested her hand on Cora’s head. “Is she okay?”
“I think so.” Everette began crying. “Shit…”
“I’ll go rub her back.”
“Thanks. I’m going to take your mum back to bed.”
Gunther scooped Cora up. The feel of her breathing against him was comforting. He pushed open her door and headed toward her bed.
Laying her down, he shifted her body and adjusted the pillows so she would be comfortable. He ran into her bathroom to wet a washcloth, then rushed back and sat beside her. With a soft touch, he wiped her sweaty face down. When he made it to her bare arms, she startled awake.
“You okay?” he whispered.
She sat straight up. “They’re gone! We have to find them!” She tried to scurry out of bed, but Gunther grabbed her arms.
“Cora…”
“Gunther! The kids…gone…undeads… Let me go!” She struggled against his unyielding grip.
He shook her slightly. “Cora, listen to me…”
She fought. “They’re gone… Oh god. My babies…”
Gunther tightened the grip on her shoulders. “Cora! Look at me!” Finally, her eyes tracked to his. “You had a nightmare. I found you screaming, then you passed out in Kate’s doorway. The kids are fine.”
“You’re just saying that!” she yelled, falling into a sob.
Kate walked into the bedroom. “Momma, we’re fine.” Cora’s head jerked toward the door. “Everyone is okay.”
“Kate…,” she whispered.
She stepped into the room. “Everette’s back asleep.”
“Thank you, lass,” Gunther murmured.
“They’re all okay? You aren’t lying?” Cora asked, still in a panic.
Gunther swiped away the strands of hair stuck to her damp face, then wrapped his palm around her cheek. “I promise you. Everything is okay. Trust me.” As he wiped away a tear with his thumb, she nodded and fell into his shoulder. “Kate, why don’t you go back to bed so I can get your mum settled,” he murmured. She nodded, closing the door behind her as she slipped out.
“I was so scared. They all were gone. I went into their rooms… All gone.”
“I think you were sleepwalking, love.” His eyes widened, realizing what he called her.
She lifted her head and gazed into his eyes. Swallowing hard, Cora said, “Thank you for helping me.”
“Are you okay? Do you want me to stay with you for a while?”
“Yeah, I would like that.”
“Lay down then,” he whispered.
Hesitant, she settled back, then watched him snuggle next to her, pulling the blankets over them. One arm slipped under her back, the other wrapping around her waist, showing Cora he was there to protect her.
“Thank you,” she said as they faced each other.
“You’re welcome.”
“I feel safe with you.”
“I’m happy to hear that.”
She reached up and ran her thumb down the scar on his face. “I know you would do anything in your power to protect us.”
“You’re right. I would.”
Before she lost the courage, Cora kissed him. Shocked, he didn’t respond. Months had passed with her avoiding almost every touch. Gunther wasn’t sure what to think.
As she pulled away, she whispered, “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” he whispered back.
Chapter 52
Cora woke in the same position in which she had fallen asleep. Gunther was still in bed with her, arm around her waist. He had been there in her time of need and she appreciated it. Seeing him in a peaceful slumber, not an ounce of stress hardening his face, made her smile.
Opening the gym had been exceedingly difficult on Gunther. He had a few run-ins with Henry, then knowing he had so many kids to care and provide for…
Cora worried what the stress was doing to him. His feelings for Quinn and her were tearing him up. She wasn’t being too helpful with the situation, either.
Avoiding even the slightest touch made him sad every time. She supposed she was still upset at him for just using her as a release. She wished he would acknowledge his feelings for her and do something about it.
As Cora tried to snuggle closer, she felt Gunther’s hardness against her thigh. She wanted to take matters into her own hands and treat him to something special as a thank you for all he did.
Slowly, Cora moved her hand into his pants. She gazed at his face, watching for a reaction as she wrapped her hand around his thick length.
A slight moan pushed from his chest as he exhaled. As she caressed his silky skin, he rolled onto his back. His lips parted, his eyes fluttering open.
Swallowing, he said, “Cora… Stop. You should stop.”
“Why? Doesn’t it feel good?” She circled her thumb around his blunt tip.
“Feel good?”
“Yes… Fuck, yes. But… Oh god. You need to stop.”
Still caressing and massaging, she uttered, “I want to treat you.”
“You can’t. You… Fuck…,” he whispered as her hand stroked faster.
“Enjoy the moment, Gunther.”
“Cora, you’re going to make me… Oh god. You have to stop. You shouldn’t be…doing this.”
“But I want to,” she purred, continuing to increase her grip and speed. Her gaze tracked up and down his body. “You have the most amazing body, Gunther.”
“Oh god…” He slapped his hands over his face.
She leaned close to his ear. “And your cock… It’s glorious. So thick, so big, so hard.” He pulsed in her hand.
“Cora… Fuuuck. I’m going-”
She smiled, watching him become unhinged from pleasure. His seed jetted out all over his abdomen, his uncontrolled pants making her feel empowered.
“Stunning,” she murmured.
Gunther lowered his hands and gazed down. “Sorry.”
“For?”
“Kind of made a mess…”
“A beautiful mess.” She reached across him and to the nightstand, picking up the washcloth. With tender affection, Cora cleaned him.
He lay there, not knowing if he should thank her or ask her why. Eventually, he blurted out, “Thanks. That was great.”
“You’re very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.” She kissed him on the cheek and climbed over, straddling him. Their gazes locked as he rested his hands on her hips, but she climbed off. Covering him with the blankets, she said, “I’m going to go hop in the shower. Take your time.”
“Yeah… Okay. Thanks.”
He watched her hips shift as she walked into the bathroom. He wondered if he should join her, then realized things were moving at a rate he could actually handle. A small smile lifted his lips. He threw the covers off, launched out of the bed, and headed downstairs to make a pot of coffee before heading off to work.
Chapter 53
I made sure to dress in the same outfit as I gave Erik. I scrubbed the kitchen down three times and made coffee before Elaina woke. Nicky babbled as she brought him downstairs.
“Okay, settle down, little man. We’ll get you some food,” she murmured.
It was horrible knowing it could be the last time I would hear her voice. The last morning I would see her and Nicky come downstairs for their normal routine. The last time I would hear my son babbling up a storm.
They appeared around the corner and I forced a smile. She looked so beautiful in her messy morning afterglow. Then my Nicky… He looked just like his uncle, Elaina’s brother. It was uncanny.
“Morning,” I murmured, leaning on the edge of the counter.
“Mmm… Good morning, lover.” She coasted up to me and placed a kiss on my scruffy cheek.
“Here. Let me take him. You drink your coffee and get breakfast started.”
“Okay. I’m just going to make him some oatmeal,” she said, yawning, handing him over.
“Yummy. Icky porridge. Sound good, Nicky?”
He let out a deafening squeal as we walked into the family room. I set him on the couch, grabbed a book off the shelf, and we read together while we waited.
My emotions stirred to the surface from the possibility those were the last moments with my lad. I pulled him into me and held on tight, whispering in his ear, “I’m so sorry. Daddy loves you so much. This is something Daddy needs to do so I can come back to you. Be well for you. You need to be a good lad for Mummy and Granny.”
“Breakfast!” Elaina shouted as she walked into the room. “Henry?” I turned away and wiped my face. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just… I just love him so much.”
She stood in the doorway with a furrowed brow while Nicky chanted, “Mum, mum, mum,” his fist in his mouth.
“Henry, if you need to talk, I’m here for you. I want to help you no matter what. That’s what a good wife does.”
“I know. You have no idea how much I appreciate you, but I’ll be fine.” Maybe. I forced another smile. “Better feed him before he gnaws off that fist of his.”
She didn’t move from the doorway. “Henry, please. Talk to me.”
“I’m fine,” I grumbled.
I stood, walked past her, and set Nicky in his chair at the table. Elaina followed behind me and sat to feed him, and I settled in my usual spot at the head of the table and watched the loving care she provided for my son. She was the most amazing mother. I was so proud to be able to share that with her.
“I was thinking…” Here it goes. I breathed out. “Why don’t you take Mum and Nicky out for the day? Get away from the house. Shop, go to lunch, whatever you want to do. I gave you a wad cash last night and I believe you have some new panties to buy.”
“That does sound like a good idea, but I’m not buying sexy panties with your mom around. Why don’t you come with us? You could use some time away from everything, too. You are either here or at work.”
“Thank you, but I’m spent.” With a frown, she turned back and gave Nicky another spoonful. I watched her every movement, savoring each one. “You know… I love you so much.”
She faced me again. With a gentle smile, she said, “I know. I love you, too.”
“It’s going to be okay. Just remember that… Always.” I wondered if my words would haunt her forever. The letter I needed to write would be a constant whisper in her mind.
Her concern was evident as her brows dug furrowed. “Henry?”
“I’m going to go upstairs and lie down. I’ve been up since…” I glanced at my watch. “Well, I don’t know. The sun wasn’t even above the horizon when I got out of bed.”
Actually, I did know. My phone had vibrated about four in the morning. It was a text from a random number, but I knew it had to be one of Erik’s associates. It read…
Can I borrow your gardening tools?
The shed. I just had to hope no one went near it. Thankfully, big trees lined the yard so it would be hard to see unless you parked in the driveway.
Heading upstairs to our bedroom, I closed the door behind me and climbed into bed. I picked up my latest journal, hoping she would think to look in it.
After starting and stopping several times, the dreaded note was finished. I tucked the journal under my pillow and lay there, staring at the ceiling.
Elaina peeked in the door. “Hey. We’re going to take off.”
I sat up as she came into our room, Nicky on her hip. “Okay. I’ll see you when?”
“Probably after lunch. I think you’re right. I need to get out of the house. Anne is excited, too.”
“Good.”
“We can wait for a bit if you want to come.”
“I would love to, but I can’t. I’m just too tired.”
“Okay. Well, we’ll see you later.” She blew me a kiss. I played along and caught it with a smile.
“Always, Elaina. It’s going to be okay. Go and have a great time.”
She came over to the bed and ran her hand through my hair. I kissed her on the cheek, then gave Nicky a kiss.
“You be a good lad for Mum and Granny.”
He sputtered some sort of noise, drool dripping from his lips, then he laughed. I would miss him terribly, but he probably wouldn’t miss me. He wouldn’t even remember me and that was fine. He didn’t need to remember how much I tortured his mother.
Elaina left the room and my mum peeked in. “Hey, son.”
“Hey.”
“You sure you don’t want to come with?”
“Yes. Just go and have fun. Get away from my craziness for a change.”
“I’d much rather stay here if you need help.”
“It’ll be fine, Mum.”
“I love you,” she murmured with a sad smile.
“Likewise.” She gave me a s
mall wave and headed down the stairs. I hated that I would be breaking her heart, as well. We hadn’t been reunited for very long. All the advice she had given me had been priceless, but I will never forget the moment we met again after being apart for so long.
“She was looking for you for five years. Roger kept you hidden from her. She wasn’t allowed contact. He forced her to watch some of the things they did to you. She wanted to save you, but she couldn’t. He has beaten and raped her for years. Henry, she didn’t abandon you. She didn’t sell you. She did not throw you away. She loves you. Always has. It was him who took her away from you.”
“Please, my son, I beg you. Listen to her. I love you. I have never stopped trying to get you free.” I slowly reached my hand to her face and touched her, checking to see if she was real or some sick hallucination. “I begged and pleaded for your release from that prison. I did what I could. I tried so hard. I tried for you…for us.”
“Mum…,” I whispered.
Thomas died when Roger kidnapped Elaina. Then Josiah died from a stray bullet when I killed Roger. Both lads’ deaths were tragic. More deaths that laid heavy upon my shoulders.
More I couldn’t save. More who died because of my actions.
The murmur of Elaina’s, Nicky’s, and my mum’s voices filled the lower level, breaking me out of my trance. I listened intently until I heard the front door open and shut, the lock engaging. When I heard the truck start, I got out of bed and looked out the window, watching Elaina back out of the driveway.
After letting out a jagged exhale, I padded back to the bed, adjusting the blankets so it looked as if I wasn’t even there. I pulled my journal from under my pillow and placed it on hers. Before walking out of the room, a particular item on the top of her dresser grabbed my attention.
I picked up the picture of us my mum took when we first moved back. Touching the image of her face, I already missed the feel of her skin on mine.
At that moment, I lost all control and broke down.
“Elaina… I’m so sorry. I’m not doing this to you. It’s for me. I need to. I can’t handle it anymore. I need to be whole… Have a true life. I’m going to get better, then nothing can stop us.”
Blind Faith (Shattered Lives, Book Four) Page 44