Dead Hearts (Book 2): Forsaken Hearts

by Susanne L. Lambdin

  “I’ll do it,” said Thor. He laid the crossbow on the ground and waded out.

  Grabbing the back of the jacket, Thor hauled the corpse to shore. A pair of dull, gray eyes met his own, and he shivered. The soldier tried to bite Thor’s steel-tipped boot, so he stomped on the zombie’s head until it was mush. Raven gave Thor a disapproving glare.

  “I know,” said Thor. “I’ll be more careful.”

  “One screw up is all it takes,” Raven said. “Let Logan fish out the next one. I don’t care what happens to him.”

  “I heard that.” Logan gave Raven a hard look before examining the gory remains. “This one is a zombie. The next one might be a vampire. I figure Rafe is behind this. Someone clearly knew the easiest way in and out of the camp, along with the guard rotations, who would be up at Midnight Falls, and who would be dumb enough to follow. The Elite and A-Team didn’t put up much of a fight. If you were a real scout, you’d already have noticed the Shadowguard aren’t covering their tracks. We are clearly meant to follow, so I suggest we go back to camp.”

  Thor frowned. “I have a scout,” he said.

  “And that is me,” said Baldor, pushing his way through the team. “I’ll take it from here, scavenger. I’ve noticed how you’ve been rubbing out footprints with your boot when you thought no one was watching. The Shadowguard came through here with Blaze and Star, but I agree they are leaving a trail. They’re dragging their prisoners. What I’d like to know is why you’re fouling up the trail, Logan. Don’t you want us to find our friends?”

  Raven took a step closer to Logan. “Answer Baldor. What are you trying to do, Logan? They’re leaving tracks, yet you’re covering them up. Why?”

  “Because this is a bad idea, and I think we should all turn back,” Logan said, stepping around the dead body. “If you want to continue, send your scout on ahead. Your little team of Vikings is no match for the Shadowguard, any more than the dead soldiers that we left behind on the trail. I’ve advised you to turn back, so don’t say I didn’t try to warn you.”

  “It’s my call,” said Thor. “I say we push on. Move out, Baldor.”

  Baldor headed out, his M16 at his shoulder. Loki walked with Heimdall, and Odin walked behind them. Raven, Dodger, and Smack shuffled down the path next, with Logan and Thor in back.

  “Have any of you killed a vampire before?” asked Logan.

  “Zombies, you shoot in the head,” said Raven. “Vampires, you shoot in the head and the heart. It’s a double-tap. Thor and I killed one a few weeks ago, right around here.”

  Logan snorted. “If we do find Star and Blaze, they’ll be already turned. You can count on that.”

  With a snarl, Thor connected a haymaker with Logan’s jaw. Logan spun around and fell on his back. The rest of the team kept walking as Logan stumbled to his feet. No one stopped the scavenger when he stomped down the path, passed the others, and disappeared into the gloom.

  “Logan’s trouble,” said Raven. “I don’t trust him. It was a mistake to bring him.” She spat on the ground.

  “We’re not following after you, Logan,” said Loki, laughing. “You’re going the wrong way, dork. Baldor knows where he’s going. You don’t.”

  Thor quickened his step and caught the two Tigers. He took Smack by the arm and pulled her to a halt. Dodger and Raven kept going.

  “Hey, hot stuff,” said Thor. “I need a messenger. Cadence needs to know what we’ve found up here. There are probably more zombies and vampires back on the trail. You want me to send Dodger instead?”

  “I got this, sergeant.” Smack glanced back in the direction they’d come. She checked the magazine in her gun, giving the butt a pat. “Don’t worry about me. If anything with glowing eyes jumps me, I’ll shoot first and ask questions later.”

  “I’m not kidding about zombies or vamps,” said Thor.

  Smack took off running, the moonlight guiding her nimble steps. Thor watched until he could no longer see her and then caught up with his team. Raven was standing beside yet another body, lying on the path in tall grass. She flashed the light on the corpse. Another large, red A was stitched on the coat. There wasn’t much left between the shoulders and hips. This one wasn’t getting back up.

  Two more members of the A-Team were shredded on the trail ahead. There was no sign of Uther or any member from the Elite, nor was Logan visible. Thor wanted to turn back, but he had to find Star. She’d trusted him with her life.

  Thor changed the order of his team, sending Heimdall to the back with his large battle axe, and caught up with Baldor. His scout was more bloodhound than human. He had a curious way of walking hunched over, eyes pinned to the ground. Whenever Baldor crouched down, Thor raised his left fist, and his team paused. Baldor used a pen light to examine the tracks, confirming they were headed in the right direction, and took off. Thor lifted an index finger, and the team moved on.

  The next time Baldor crouched, Thor pulled the AK-47 off of his shoulder. Every sound in the woods gave Thor the creeps. They were being watched. He’d rather have been hunting zombies. Baldor gave a nod and pointed off the trail. Logan came out of the brush holding a dripping knife.

  “Find a friend?” asked Thor, walking on down the path. “Stick with the team, scavenger. We’re not your babysitters.”

  “I was in a special branch of the F.B.I. that handled the recovery and capture of supernatural beings,” said Logan, falling into step behind him. “Your pretty boy is following a cold trail. The Shadowguard have come and gone. If your ego wasn’t in the way, you’d have realized that and turned back by now.”

  “Baldor has the scent,” Raven hissed, trying to brush past Logan. Baldor had continued on and gone around a corner in the trail where she couldn’t see him anymore. “Shut up and keep moving. You make too much noise, Mr. F.B.I.”

  “They’re traveling with a Maker. I killed a vampire. Rafe has to be behind this, and you know it,” said Logan.

  “Where’s the body?” Raven said, not buying it.

  Thor cocked his head. “I don’t need to see a dead vampire to confirm whether or not we’ve been trailing a vampire Maker, but I know it’s not Rafe. He’s a jerk, but he’s loyal to Cadence; that much I know about him. If you’re so anxious to go back to camp, then leave, Logan. We’re going on with or without you.”

  A scream ahead of them jarred the team into defensive positions.

  “I believe that’s Baldor,” said Logan. “That’s my cue to leave.” He saluted Thor and backed up, vanishing into the dark.

  Loki and Dodger turned their flashlights on and lit the trail. Baldor lay face down, motionless. The team formed a circle around him facing outward, and were encircled by glowing yellow eyes. Their gunfire pierced the night air as figures moved around them in the darkness, but Thor and his team found it impossible to hit their targets.

  “Stay tight,” shouted Thor.

  He heard Heimdall’s war cry and the clank of steel. Seconds later, Heimdall was dragged from the group by a Shadowguard. Logan ran past, laughing. Filled with rage at being tricked, Thor fired off a few rounds at Logan. Although he missed, the rounds hit the vampire in the head, and the creature stumbled and fell. Logan ran past Heimdall again as he rose to his feet, dazed and confused.

  “Make your shots count,” shouted Thor. “Heimdall, get over here.”

  A helicopter rose from beyond the cliff, hovering at the edge. The sudden roar of the blades buffeted their senses. Thor saw people inside, and he searched for Star and Blaze to no avail. Logan ran right for the chopper. Thor fired a full clip at the traitor’s back and reloaded. Two vampires appeared, seizing Heimdall, and ran for the cliff’s edge, easily traversing the gap to the Black Hawk.

  “Keep up with me, guys,” shouted Thor, charging forward. He fired at the chopper, strafing the sides of the Black Hawk, killing one vampire which took a nose dive. “That’s more like it!”

  The moment the words were out of Thor’s mouth, a net was thrown over his head, dropping him to the gr
ound. He watched helplessly as Raven, netted as well, was dragged through the grass by a vampire in a long trench coat.

  “Your turn,” said a female vampire, appearing beside Thor. She grabbed the edge of the net and ran forward, dragging Thor across the ground.

  The thunderous noise of the chopper filled Thor’s ears, and he knew he was about to be tossed into the Black Hawk. He struggled to free himself, bleeding from a dozen cuts, but Thor knew it was impossible to escape.

  The unmistakable roar of a werepuma caught him by surprise as four large werepumas charged out of the trees. A large white werepuma charged Thor’s captor and leapt onto the vampire’s back, dragged her to the ground, and ripped her apart in seconds.

  Dodger was carried past in the arms of another vampire, and Luna dropped her kill and bounded forward. The Fighting Tiger was tossed to the ground as his captor raced for the chopper. Gunfire exploded from the chopper, and Luna veered out of the way, but a big black werepuma brought the vamp down. Two more werepumas dashed past Thor, but they turned around as the vampires in the chopper fired at them. He had no idea how many vampires were trying to reach the chopper, but the four werepumas were kept busy. A soldier wearing a coat with a large, red, letter ‘A’ ran by Thor. The A-Team vamp was tackled to the ground by the black werepuma, not to rise again.

  Rising onto his elbows, Thor looked inside the Black Hawk. Raven was being held in the arms of a big blonde vampire. A short vampire in a black military uniform stood in the front. There wasn’t anything extraordinary about the vampire accept for his eyes. They were large as saucers and radiating a black-yellow color that seemed supernatural. Thor knew instantly that he was the Kaiser. The Black Hawk lifted and flew north toward the former Air Force Academy.

  “Get this net off me,” shouted Thor.

  Loki reached him first and cut through the net with his knife, making a hole large enough for Thor to wiggle through. Thor crawled out as Luna trotted over to him, licked her chops and sat down.

  “Luna, you were freaking awesome,” Loki said with a laugh. His only serious battle wound was a cut on his chin. “The pride killed ten of those blood suckers, Thor. I wish they’d caught Logan. Did you see how he was laughing when he ran over to the chopper? He wasn’t a prisoner. I saw him get on the chopper, and the vampires greeted him like one of their own. Why would he do that?”

  “I saw it too,” said Thor. “We can discuss this later with Cadence.” He stood, and an incredible pain in his ribs suggested he’d cracked a few while he was being dragged. “Loki, did you see who else they took? I know they got Raven and Heimdall.”

  “Uther, the Elite, and a few soldiers,” Loki said as he started to reload. “The Kaiser went after our best fighters. We know a Maker was here or our guys wouldn’t have been turned into vampires. I figured he was the short guy with the big, glowing eyes. There was something about him...can’t explain it, but he has this aura about him...like he’s pure evil.”

  Thor nodded. “I got the same feeling. Come on. I need to check the rest of our team.”

  Luna and Loki followed as Thor headed to where Dodger and Odin stood beside the mangled body of Baldor. All four werepumas trotted over and gathered around what was left of the Viking scout, which wasn’t much.

  “Why kill Baldor?” asked Dodger, choked up. “I don’t understand. They were taking prisoners. Why did they have to kill him?”

  The big black werepuma came over to Dodger and nudged her large head against his chest. Dodger threw his arms around the cat and let out a loud sob. The small tawny werepuma and large brown cat went over to Odin. The sniper collapsed on the grass, showing signs of being in shock. Thor removed his coat, grimacing with pain, and tossed it over the grizzly remains.

  Tears streamed down Odin’s face. “Why?”

  The white werepuma trotted over to Thor, growling softly.

  “If that means the Kaiser is evil, I agree,” Thor said. He kept his hand pressed to his ribs; the pressure made it easier to breathe. “No doubt they killed Baldor because he was the first on the scene. If we’d gone back like Logan said to do, none of this might have happened, but we wouldn't have known that Logan was a traitor.”

  Loki was still worked up. “How come the vamps have a chopper, and we don’t? The Kaiser has everything, including choppers. If they come at us again, there’s nothing we can do to stop them.”

  Thor gave a nod at the group, not knowing what to say to console Loki. “Each of you fought well. Luna and the pride turned the tide. All the credit goes to them. If it hadn’t been for you, Luna, we’d all be on the chopper or dead.”

  In an instant, Luna stood in human form before the boys. She was beautiful, with long, white hair and a shapely body. Loki took off his coat and put it around her shoulders. As a human, Luna was able to express her grief. She sobbed as she walked over to Thor. He managed to put one arm around her.

  “They took Raven,” said Luna. “I’ve lost her.”

  “I’ll get her back, Luna. Somehow.” Thor kissed the top of her head. “How did you know the Shadowguard were here? I thought you were up in the mountains.”

  “All things smell,” said Luna, raising her head. “Vampires have a distinct odor like vanilla. When we picked it up on the wind, we were ten miles away. We came as fast as we could.”

  “Did you know Freeborn was bitten?” asked Thor.

  “No!” Luna exclaimed, looking shocked. “The last time we were in camp was two days ago. We’ve been out hunting. Are you sure Logan is with the Kaiser? I thought he was involved with Rose? If you’re right, she’ll be deeply hurt…this is a horrible betrayal.”

  “It makes sense though,” Thor said. “Logan let the zombies into the Peak. We lost our camp. Now he’s led the Kaiser here, and we’ve lost some of our best people. There’s no telling what Logan was promised. But why would such a powerful vamp bother to go on a mission?”

  “Boredom. The thrill of the hunt. Maybe to create more vampires and send them back to your camp. Who knows?” asked Luna, loud enough for everyone to hear. She wiped a hand across her face. “We’d stay at camp, only we don’t really feel welcome. People don’t realize that all therianthropes still think like people. We assume the form of the animal that infected us. We have their instincts, but we’re still human. But it’s because we are infected that we were able to sense something different in the air. Not only the vampire scent on the breeze, but you could feel it coming, like a storm. I don’t know what the Kaiser is, but he’s not a mere vampire. He’s far more than that, Thor. The Kaiser was the storm. He is true evil. We all felt it.”

  Taking a closer look at the werepumas, Thor realized they’d grown more in tune with nature. The werepumas were also incredibly fit and healthy. They had to be happier living as animals. Being able to go where they wanted, when they wanted, seemed incredibly enticing. Not that he wanted to be a werepuma, but Thor envied their freedom as well as their power and speed.

  “Things won’t ever be the same,” said Loki. “The Shadowguard will keep coming here, until there isn’t anyone left to take.”

  “We met a werecoyote who mentioned the Kaiser is collecting fighters for the Death Games,” said Luna. “Vampires need entertainment. The werecoyote said the games have been going on in Denver and a few other big cities for months now. Zombies. Humans. Vampires. Therianthropes. The Kaiser has no prejudice concerning who dies in the arena, as long as it’s exciting.”

  Dodger groaned. “Then we’re doomed. All of us.”

  “We’ve held out this long, Dodger. It’s not by coincidence or because the Dark Angels bring that much to the table. Cadence knows how to fight. Don’t discount her ability to tackle this new problem. Vampires can be killed; they aren't immortal. If you can see them, you can fight them, and they go down real fast.”

  “Another reason why your pride should keep close to the camp for a while. We can’t see vamps, and we can’t kill them fast,” said Thor. “In fact, if you don’t mind, I’d appreciate an escort bac
k to camp. Besides, I don’t think I can get Odin back without Barbarella. He needs something, someone, to hold onto.”

  “I understand,” Luna replied. “It’s not a problem, Thor. Give me a second. I’ll change back.”

  The coat dropped. Luna turned back into a big, white puma. Barbarella started down the path with Odin holding onto her back. Sheena went with Loki, and Skye with Dodger. Thor went to Baldor’s body and collected the mess inside his coat. Baldor had always looked after the group. A true Viking, loyal and brave. More than once he’d saved Thor’s life. It was hard to believe that Baldor was dead, but he wouldn’t be forgotten. He’d be given a proper burial and laid to eternal rest at the ripe old age of fifteen.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Twelve

  Dragon’s team met the Cheyenne Mountain Wolf tribe not far from Pulpit Rock Park. The tribe had pulled weeds and vines back, revealing the mouth of a cave. A nauseating odor permeated from within.

  “Good thing werewolves can see in the dark,” said Cricket, coming over to Dragon. “But it would make it easier if they could talk in their animal form. Red Hawk is nervous. I’m getting the feeling that not all of these tunnels are natural. I’m not saying the vampires made them, but without flashlights, we won’t be able to see for ourselves. And that smell coming from the cave…that’s like nothing I’ve ever smelled before.”

  Dragon shared a bottle of water with her. “We’re all nervous, Cricket. Chayton said earlier that some of these tunnels are new. What I don’t understand is why the Shadowguard doesn’t know about them. They have to be man-made.”

  The sound of a helicopter approached. The team scurried inside of the cave. A Black Hawk followed Interstate 25, due north.

  “The Shadowguard must be out scouting the area,” said Tandor.

  “Do you know the layout of the Academy?” asked Dragon.

  “Not well. Chayton says he can get us inside the Citadel. The tunnel takes us right under the science building, and once inside, we need to find the music hall. I know your team is worried about the tunnels, but the wolves use them frequently, and it doesn’t seem to matter who built them. I didn’t pick up any vampire scent inside the cave, nor have the wolves or we wouldn’t be going in.”