Dead Hearts (Book 2): Forsaken Hearts

by Susanne L. Lambdin

  Star slid her arms around his neck and stood on her tiptoes. The top of her head reached his shoulders. “It’s okay if you can’t say it now. You’ll tell me one day. I know you will. I’ve loved you since the first day we met. I just know we’re meant to be together.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  Wanting to end the conversation, Thor kissed her. It worked.

  * * *

  Dragon sat beside Cadence on the cot. His attention was divided between making Cadence drink water and trying to keep up with Rose’s movements. The vampire doctor moved around the room so fast that he only saw her when she paused to jot down a few notes at the work table. Logan and Raven sifted through a basket of flowers, taking turns looking at them through a microscope and placing them into labeled jars. He glanced at his girlfriend. Freeborn was chewing on her fingernails, making the tips bleed.

  “I wish you wouldn’t do that,” said Dragon.

  Freeborn snarled in response.

  “She can’t help it, Dragon.” Cadence leaned the wall. “My head hurts. I think they’ve drained me dry.”

  The commander finished a bottle of water, letting it drop to the floor. An IV was hooked to her arm feeding liquid into her body. One bag had already been depleted. She was on her second. He lifted her legs onto the cot and covered her with a blanket. He sat on the end, rubbing his temple. His hands felt clammy.

  “My head hurts too. Sorry I’m complaining. You look worse than I feel.”

  “Because I’ve been leeched,” groaned Cadence. “Don’t worry. Freeborn is in good hands. Rose is a good M.D. She worked at a cancer research center before the Scourge. Picasso said they found Rose and a few technicians holed up in their lab outside of Denver. I’d love to get a look inside Kaiser’s lab at the Academy. I’m sure he has one.”

  “I’m sure it’s pretty much like Frankenstein’s lair. His lab team would love to get their hands on you. You’re not like anyone else. You were a zombie, a vampire, and now you’re human.”

  Dragon pointed at the two sets of scars on her neck. One scar was a square patch that was slightly discolored, which came from the bite of a zombie. Rafe’s two small puncture wounds were lined up directly above the patch.

  “I’m sure you wonder how it happened, and how Rafe became a vampire Maker?”

  “Yeah,” Dragon said. “Those two kids he saved, Cinder and Cerberus, along with the Kaiser, are the only Makers we know about. But there are far too many vampires at the Academy to be from only those few. There has to be more, Cadence. Lots more. I want to know how the Makers were created.”

  Cadence tried to sit up. “Rose could probably tell us. All I know is that Rafe and those two vampire kids somehow ingested zombie goo on the same day. On that day, and that day only, the virus mutated. They became Makers. All other vampires just make zombies.”

  “Yeah, but can Makers turn animals when they bite them? Whenever infected animals bite a human that person has the ability to shape change into what attacked them. What about the werepumas? What if Freeborn was given Luna’s blood? Can a zombie be turned into a shape shifter? Would Luna’s blood turn her into a werepuma?”

  “At this late stage? I don’t think so,” said Cadence. “I’m immune to any form of the virus, but I’m a Maker. I wish I was, Dragon. I wish I could cure Freeborn.”

  “It’s been five hours. Freeborn is a zombie. I don’t think anything is going to help her at this point,” Dragon said, feeling more depressed than he had when his mother turned.

  A sad smile appeared on Cadence’s face. “You think Rafe is a prisoner of the Kaiser. I do too. Do you think it’s worth heading to the Academy to see if he’s there?”

  “The Shadowguard called it the Citadel now, and yeah, I want to check it out.”

  “Rafe may not be there, Dragon. He might have decided to leave town.”

  “I can’t sit here and do nothing. The Dark Angels will help me. I like Tandor. I know he would come with me, Cadence, if you’ll let me go.”

  “Highbrow would never allow it. While I’m stuck here, he’s taken over running things.”

  “You’re still the commander. If you give the order, Highbrow has to go along with you. Picasso could take me to the Broadmoor, and maybe some of the Dark Angels would help locate Rafe and bring him back here. I’d go nab one of those nasty little vampire Makers at Miramont Castle, too, if they wouldn’t put up a fight. Rose is doing her best, but I think this is our best option. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life without Freeborn. I love her, Cadence; I have to try and help her.”

  “I’m telling you it’s the foxglove, Rose.” Logan set aside the basket as Rose appeared behind her computer. “It’s the one flower that hasn’t been gathered, and I made it clear that’s what we needed. That’s what the bee was sitting before it stung Cadence. We’ll just have to keep looking for it.”

  “What Freeborn needs is a transfusion. My mother and I were once in a serious car wreck a few years ago,” said Dragon. “I wasn’t injured, but she was thrown through the windshield. She lost so much blood that she needed one. We shared the same blood type, so I donated my blood. If I hadn’t been there, she would have died. It was my blood that saved her.”

  “You’re grasping at anything, Dragon. My blood can’t cure Freeborn,” said Cadence.

  “How do you know? Rose has tried everything else. It wouldn’t hurt to give Freeborn some of your blood. Maybe you are a Maker, technically, and I want to cover all of our options. If your blood doesn’t work, then I’m going after Rafe.”

  Cadence gave a nod. “Your logic makes sense. I’ll tell Rose to give Freeborn a dose of my blood. If it doesn’t work, take China Six and Whisper and go find him. If Tandor or Picasso will join you, all the better. Tell Highbrow that this is a direct order so he doesn’t give you grief. He may have a few ideas on how to get inside the Citadel; he knows the place pretty well.’

  “You have no idea how much this means to me. Thanks, Cadence.”

  “Rose, come here,” Cadence called out.

  “I’m here,” said Rose, appearing at the foot of the cot. “What is it?”

  “Let’s see if my blood can cure Freeborn. Give her a dose If it doesn’t work, then we can try later to give her a full transfusion. Forget about the foxglove. That’s an order.”

  “I’m not promising results but I’ll do it,” said Rose. She pointed at Dragon. “If we’re going to do this, and do it right, I don’t want you getting in the way. Stay here. Logan, come help me. We’re going to give Freeborn a dose of Cadence’s blood. How many vials do we have now?”

  Logan grinned. “Six. It’s my pleasure to help, Doc.”

  Feeling like he was sitting on a pin cushion, Dragon watched as Rose and Logan approached the cage. Logan opened the door and Rose slipped inside, pinned Freeborn to the floor on her stomach, and secured her hands and legs with rope. Freeborn fought back, snarling viciously, but the vampire was stronger.

  “Get in here, Logan,” said Rose. “Give her the first shot.”

  Logan lifted the syringe, waiting for Rose’s signal. At her nod, he slammed the needle into Freeborn’s neck, giving her the full dose of Cadence’s blood. A loud, miserable moan came from Freeborn, and she snapped her teeth.

  “Get out of the cage,” said Raven. “Do you want to get bitten?” She grabbed hold of his arm, pulling him to his feet and out of the cage.

  “Gee, I didn’t think you cared,” laughed Logan.

  After a few minutes, Freeborn stopped struggling and lay still beneath Rose. The doctor used her stethoscope to listen for a heartbeat.

  “Is she alive?” asked Dragon, hope in his voice.

  Rose nodded. “Well, she has a pulse, and it’s steady. This may be the miracle I was looking for, folks. This is a very good sign.” She rolled Freeborn onto her back, took out a small flashlight, shining the light into the girl’s eyes. “Pupils are dilated. Her temperature remains elevated but it’s starting to drop. Let’s give it a little more time.” She re
moved a syringe from her pocket and injected Freeborn. “This isn’t blood. I’m giving her another shot of painkillers. I want her to remain as calm as possible. I don’t want to get bit.”

  The doctor untied Freeborn but the girl wasn’t moving. Vanishing from sight, Rose reappeared outside of the cage with the door closed. Rose glanced at her watch.

  “I’m starting the official countdown now. Say a prayer and hope this works.”

  “It’s a crazy idea,” said Logan. “We could be here all night.”

  “That’s right. I’m not leaving my patient. If you need to do something else, Dragon,” said Rose, “then you might as well get to it. Rafe may be locked in a cell at the Citadel. He’s a Dark Angel. We can’t just leave him there.”

  Dragon stood. As he turned to leave, he noticed Freeborn’s foot twitch. He ran to the cage, quivering in excitement as Freeborn opened her eyes. The gray glaze had faded. Her eyes looked only bloodshot. “She’s awake. She’s looking at me, Doc!”

  “Move aside.” Rose put a restraining hand on his shoulder. “Freeborn seems to be improving, Dragon, but she’s still infectious. If your girlfriend bites you, you’ll end up in the cage with her.”

  “When I get back, I know she’ll be better.” Dragon saluted the commander. “Wish me luck. I’m going after Rafe.”

  “This time I’m coming with you,” said Logan. “I figure I owe you one. Get your team ready. I’ll meet you at the front gate.”

  With a nod, Dragon ran outside and gazed at the crescent-shaped moon. He said a silent prayer to Freeborn’s ancestors, not only for her recovery, but for his own protection. In the distance, he heard a wolf howl.

  Good omen or not, he was going after Rafe.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Seven

  Hidden within a small cluster of pine trees, Rose stood with Logan, gazing up into his dark brown eyes. He held onto her hands. Her vampire senses told Rose that he was nervous and anxious to leave with the team, but something else was also troubling him. Logan had so many layers it was impossible to peel them all back at once. In the past, she’d have avoided complicated men like Logan. When things started out difficult, it was a good indication the relationship was going to be a roller coaster ride. Now that she was a vampire, Rose’s heightened senses enabled her to get a clear read on most humans, but Logan wasn’t like anyone she’d ever met. His air of mystery was part of his lethal charm, and she didn’t want to give up on the relationship before she’d given it her all.

  “I want to understand,” said Rose. “Being part of this camp isn’t easy for you. You were the leader of your own band of survivors and brought them here. I know what the kids say behind your back. Once a scavenger, always a scavenger. Maybe I’m naive, but I don’t see you that way. What you’ve done for Nomad, Betsy, and the others, in my opinion, puts you right up there with Cadence and Highbrow.”

  Logan smiled. “High praise coming from you, Doc,” he said in a husky whisper. “I’m not sure putting me on a pedestal is a good idea; when I fall back to earth, I’m going to fall hard. I have many flaws. Comparing me to Captain Pallaton would make more sense and would also keep you from having any illusions about what type of man I am.”

  “Pallaton saved the Dark Angels. He’s the only reason we got out of Denver.” Rose felt her thoughts jumble together when Logan pulled her into his arms. His lips glided across her cheek and down to her neck. “I trust Pallaton with my life,” she continued. “He told us to come here and it was the right decision.”

  “Now you’re making me jealous,” said Logan. He took hold of her chin, pulling her head up and kissed her. “This isn’t about leaving you to do all the dirty work, Doc. I’m a man of action. Picking flowers is about as low as you can get. Dragon isn’t going to be able to lead a night mission without someone with real experience.”

  “I thought all of that talk about your being in the F.B.I. was meant to impress me.” Rose slid her arms around his body, holding him close. “You don’t need to impress me. The simple fact that you saved the lives of so many people tells me what type of man you are, Logan. What happened at Pike’s Peak wasn’t entirely your fault. The Captain could have let you in without a fight. Maybe Highbrow and some of the others think you still have something to prove, but I know Cadence believes in you. I do too.”

  Logan released her. “Then you understand why I have to leave with Dragon? I do have something to prove,” he said. “These kids don’t trust me. If I can help bring Rafe back to camp, I might earn their trust. I have to do this, Rose. It’s important.”

  “More important than finding a cure for Freeborn?” asked Rose.

  “I know you don’t think Rafe can help Freeborn,” Logan said, zipping up his coat. “I don’t either, but that’s not why I’m going. I’d like to think I’ll make a difference. I may even keep those kids alive. They have no idea what they’re dealing with. The Kaiser isn’t some fly-by-night villain. Both you and I know why he came here and what he plans to do with this camp. Right now we need everyone that can help us fight the Shadowguard. Rafe may be a jerk, but he’s good in a fight.”

  “Fine,” said Rose. “Go. If you think this is the right thing to do, then go with the team…but be careful. You don’t know the Kaiser like I do, Logan. I’ve met him. Be careful out there.”

  A glint of anger appeared in Logan’s dark eyes, and he abruptly turned away from her. Rose wasn’t sure whether he was upset with her or the situation. He walked over to an ATV parked near the mess hall and glanced back at her. Rose felt a tug on her heart. She cared for Logan more than she wanted to admit. She watched him start the four-wheeler and drive off.

  Feeling dampness on her cheeks, Rose reached up and brushed aside a tear. Vampires cried but it came out as blood drops. The blood was plain to see on the index finger of the Latex glove. Logan hadn’t mentioned Rose was wearing them when he held her hands, nor had she noticed until she touched her face. Her skin was cool to the touch; another vampire trait. Logan had certainly noticed that about her. Rose slipped back inside the building and went straight to the bathroom. Her reflection in the mirror was ghastly. Streaks of blood tears stained her pale cheeks, and a few bloody tears had stained her lab coat. She removed her gloves, dropped them into a waste basket, and washed her face.

  At a light rap at the door, Rose opened it to find Raven standing outside. The girl looked worried and gave off a strong scent of fear.

  “Cadence doesn’t look so good,” said Raven. “I’m worried. I’ve replenished her fluids like you told me too, but she has a rash on her neck. What does that mean? You think she’s turning back into a zombie?”

  “Calm down,” said Rose. “Don't jump to conclusions. Having a positive attitude is the only reason I’ve managed to survive this long.”

  “Okay. I’ll work on it,” Raven said. “But you better check on her all the same.”

  Rose turned off the lights and stepped into the room. She put on a new pair of gloves. At this rate, she was going to need more supplies, and soon. With Raven at her side, Rose went over to check on the commander. Cadence opened her eyes and smiled when Rose leaned down to examine the rash that had spread from her neck up to her cheeks.

  “I have hay fever,” said Cadence, with a sniff. “I’m allergic to flowers. In fact, I’m allergic to just about everything that grows, Doc. It’s no big deal.”

  “I’m not worried.” Rose turned to Raven. “Give Cadence two Benadryl and open the windows. It smells like a morgue in here.”

  With a quick nod, Raven went over to a cabinet. She grabbed a bottle, took out two pills, and came back to hand them to Cadence. The commander had a bottle of water lying beside her. She popped the pills in her mouth, washed them down with a big gulp of water, and lay down. Raven also brought over a box of tissues, even though Cadence wasn’t sneezing or congested. Cadence placed the box on her chest, yawned, and closed her eyes.

  “How is our patient doing?” asked Rose, walking over the cage. Freeborn was fa
st asleep. “Rest is the best thing for her.”

  “I like you, Doc. You’re good at what you do,” said Raven. “Maybe it’s not my business, but I don’t think Logan is good enough for you. When you’re not around, Logan is always snooping through your files. He thinks I don’t notice, but he’s not that clever.”

  “You’re right,” said Rose. “It’s none of your business.”

  “So it’s okay for him to read your files?”

  “I’ve nothing to hide. If Logan wants to see what I’ve been working on, he’s more than welcome to go through my files, Raven. You can as well. They’re not locked up.”

  The girl gave a shrug. “I think you should keep your files locked up, but I’m a pessimist. I see the worst in people, and that’s why I’ve survived as long as I have.”

  Returning to her work table, Rose tried to ignore what Raven was implying about Logan. She didn’t believe he was at the camp to spy for the enemy. He was as concerned as anyone else about finding a cure. Granted, Logan thought picking flowers was a waste of time, and he might be right. All this time she’d been trying to find out what made Cadence’s blood special, and she knew it had something to do with the type of pollen that was on the bee’s stinger when it had stung Cadence’s lip. She’d spent weeks looking for the right flower, but it was the commander’s allergic reaction to flowers that had made a difference in her recovery.

  “Raven, I know this is boring work,” said Rose, “but what we’re doing is important. I appreciate your concern for my welfare. Logan rubs a lot of people the wrong way, but I need both of your help.”

  “Yeah, well, Logan’s not here, is he? Some big help.”

  Rose couldn’t argue. Logan had picked a fine time to get an adrenalin rush. She didn’t imagine Dragon or Tandor really needed his help finding Rafe, but then again, he’d acted like he knew more about Rafe’s disappearance than he was letting on. It certainly didn’t build her trust in Logan, but then again, it wasn’t cause for alarm, either.