Fractured Hearts (Shattered Lives, Book Three)

by Blakeley, Rissa

  A couple months had gone by and Quinn just couldn’t put all the little meetings Henry and Gunther had been having out of her mind. They seemed to be hinting at something, but were talking in circles. They kept venturing outside together, like they were looking around or investigating something.

  She thought about it day and night, losing sleep and thinking something was up. Gunther had asked her several times what was going on with her, but she would just say she was exhausted.

  But what she needed to share with Gunther could be addressed later because she needed to clear the air about his behavior. She had a sneaking suspicion something was up and she was going to pin him down until he told her.

  Quinn glared at Gunther while he was sitting in a chair, feet propped on a desk, reading a history textbook. He felt her eyes burning through him, making him set the book down. “What’s going on, love?”

  She licked her lips, ready to speak. Terrified for a moment, she looked at him. “Something is bugging me.”

  “I knew it,” he muttered. “All right. Out with it.” Gunther stood and rubbed his face.

  “Are you going to tell me what’s going on? You and Henry keep going off to have meetings and whatever else you two are doing.”

  “That’s what has been making you lose sleep, act nervous, and become rather mental?”

  “Yes! Now out with it!” Gunther paced their room. He looked at Quinn with worry in his eyes. “Gunther, I have a right to know what’s going on here.” He pursed his lips, like he took a vow of silence. Wanting to try a new tactic, she went to him. “Gun, I can see that you’re worried. You have been sleeping less, and are more antsy and nervous. Please, tell me what’s going on.”

  He cleared his throat. “Uh…well…” Little Grey started making a few noises that made Gunther smile, but then his face fell again.

  “Gunther, please. Tell me what’s going on. Is Grey in danger? Are we in danger?”

  His eyes closed for a second, then he used his fingers to rub them, sparks igniting in the darkness.

  “Sit, please.” He pulled two chairs across from each other, waiting for Quinn to sit first. He plopped down in front of her. “This is confidential information, so I beg you not to say anything to anyone…including Henry. You can’t tell him that you know.”

  She glared at him. “All right.”

  He took a deep breath. She shifted in the chair, putting Grey on her shoulder. Gunther reached out and touched his curly locks.

  “All the undeads we’ve been running into lately are all wearing the same type of clothing.”

  Quinn stared at him for several long seconds. “What does that mean?”

  He closed his eyes and exhaled. “They’re the same outfits Henry and I used to wear in the program.”

  “So…does that mean…?”

  “Yes.” He swallowed hard as she continued to stare at him. “If he came over on the same ship we think he did, it’s full of cells. We believe he loaded the cells with recruits or whoever else he could round up, injected them, and dropped them off in strategic locations…trying to flush us out.”

  “How would Roger know exactly where you are?”

  “We haven’t figured that out yet. This area was where we were supposed to meet, but closer to the port. We hoped since Henry went rogue and both of our tracking devices have stopped, he would have changed his plans. But Roger’s an evil man, Quinn. He would do anything to make himself happy. He’s twisted and will stop at nothing to make his agenda happen.”

  The tension became unbearable. “What exactly is his agenda?”

  “Well, the last time we talked, I was to make Henry true dead and board the ship. I don’t know what the plan is now. I assume the same.”

  “But with removing your tracking devices, wouldn’t he think you’re dead?”

  He shrugged. “Quinn, I don’t have the answers. I’m sorry,” he whispered.

  “So, essentially, we’re sitting ducks.” He couldn’t hold her piercing stare another second and had to look away. “Gunther…” Her eyes filled with tears. “He’s going to come after you with everything he has, isn’t he?” He nodded. “You’ve been walking around with this and didn’t tell us? Or, at least, me? Your fiancée…the mother of your child?”

  “Henry and I were thinking there’s a possibility he wouldn’t send anyone because of what a clusterfuck this has turned out to be. But after what we’ve seen lately, I can’t imagine he would leave us totally alone. He knows Henry went rogue because Sophie didn’t bring him back, and his second attempt to bring him back with Kellan ended up in failure. I have a feeling, if he hasn’t already, he’ll be sending recruits at some point to scout the area.”

  “And they would try to bring you all back?”

  “More than likely.”

  “Would he want you alive or dead?”

  “He would want us all alive so he could do what he does best.”

  Quinn stood and paced while bouncing Grey. “Would he take all of us? Me, Grey, Josie…any of the others around you?”

  “No,” he whispered.

  “So he wants you to walk away from us?”

  “Fuck.” He scrubbed his face. “Our instructions were to kill everyone we met, then head to the port, board the ship, and get back to the facility.” The tears flowed freely from Quinn’s eyes. He got up and faced her. “Please know I would do anything to protect you, and I know Henry feels the same.”

  “Did you intend on following his orders at the beginning?”

  “Of course I did. He beat into us that we are worthless, weak-minded individuals so we wouldn’t allow ourselves to get attached to anyone. So we would follow orders without pause.” He reached for her and she stepped away. “Quinn…”

  “I need some time.”

  “Quinn, please. I love you. You know I do. You know I would die protecting you and our little bear.” She nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything.”

  “What baffles me is we developed this relationship before we made it here. You continued to follow orders when you insisted you were no longer following orders. Then, after that little spat we had before we got here, you said you would rethink killing Henry.”

  “Henry and I talked about this a few times. He came here to kill me. I came here to follow orders.”

  Her face dropped. “So you were going to kill us?” She clutched Grey to her chest.

  “No! Christ! I could never hurt either one of you. I was going to kill him, but with your urging and after getting to really know him, I had a change of heart.”

  “Then what? Surrender to Roger?”

  “No.”

  “Then what?!” she yelled in anger, startling Grey and making him cry. “Shit.” She bounced the baby, trying to calm him.

  “I don’t know, Quinn. I don’t know. I hadn’t figured that part out at the time.” He sat back down. “Since then, I haven’t wanted to think about it. I just wanted to have a somewhat normal life with you.”

  “You put us all in danger!” she yelled.

  “We’ve been in danger this whole time.”

  “You knew he could’ve shown up before we got here, but you still had what you were supposed to do in mind. I’m glad you teamed up and made amends with Henry, but to keep from me that Roger may already be here… I don’t even know what to say to that.”

  He sagged and put his head in his weathered hands, knowing he fucked up. “As you know, I didn’t follow through, Quinn. Nor will I! I will protect you with my life!”

  When the door opened and closed, Gunther peeled his hands off of his face. Quinn had left their room.

  His heart sank into his stomach, and a wave of nausea hit him. The debate in his head went on for a while until he decided he had to find her and convince her she would be safe with him around.

  Gunther jumped up and ran out of the room. Looking both ways down the hall, it was quiet.

  No Quinn—no Grey.

  Panic set in. He jogged to the cafeteria…

&n
bsp; Not here.

  He bolted down to the library, then the gym.

  Not here, either.

  His body went rigid with trepidation and he decided to try the art room.

  Nothing.

  He felt himself shutting down and stepped out of the art room, hearing James’ voice coming from his room. Gunther paused to take a breath, then decided to check and see if she was in his room with him. If she was, he wasn’t sure he would be able to hold back.

  With a snarl, he stalked to James’ door. He had to take a few additional deep breaths, knowing if he went in there in an explosive mood, he would kill the fucker.

  Gunther faintly knocked on the door. When James opened it, he peered over his small frame. Immediately, fear riddled him.

  “Is she in here?” Gunther asked rather composed, considering his mental state wasn’t so solid.

  “Who?” Gunther glared at James. “I’m not supposed to be around her. Or has that slipped your pea-sized, primitive mind?”

  “I am asking you if she is in here.”

  James smiled. “Did you two lovebirds have a fight?”

  “That’s not any of your concern,” Gunther growled. James’ grin grew much larger as he leaned onto the door frame with crossed arms, looking like an arrogant twit. “Just tell me if she’s in here.” James rubbed his stubbled chin with his fingers. The anger surged through Gunther. He tried to be calm and control himself, but then he grabbed him by the throat and slammed him against the door, pressing his face into James’. Gunther shouted, “Yes or no?!”

  “No,” he choked out. Gunther released him and walked away, leaving James bent over, coughing.

  With one last idea in mind, Gunther headed toward the back door of the school. He looked outside…

  They were sitting on a bench under the arbor at the edge of the woods. Gunther slammed open the door and ran to her, worried sick she was outside without his protection.

  “Quinn!” he yelled. “You aren’t supposed to be out here by yourself. You need to come back inside.”

  “Why?” Her eyes were red and puffy, her face tear-stained.

  “Quinn…” He dropped to his knees, surrendering to her. “I love you so much. I promise you that is not a lie.”

  “I don’t know what to believe anymore.”

  “I love you so fucking much, and I feel so honored you gave me Grey. I never imagined we would happen. That it would go this far between us. You and Grey mean everything to me. I live for you and I would die for you. I would die protecting you. You have to believe me.”

  “I don’t have to believe anything you say.”

  His jaw trembled. “Quinn, please.” His voice cracked. “Please, believe me. I beg you.” He inhaled and his body shuddered as he exhaled, working hard to hold in his tears. “I want nothing more than to be by your side, raising my lad.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “I didn’t want to scare you. You worry enough as it is.”

  “You kept things from me. Important things. Things that are life and death.”

  “I’m not denying that. But Henry and I will take care of it.”

  A meek laugh from her left him feeling raw. “You two will fight off however many he unleashes?”

  “I feel confident we can handle it. There are others to help us fight them off. He will run out at some point.”

  “But what if Roger never runs out of people to inject? How many recruits like you and Henry would you have to fight off?”

  “We will figure it out. I’m sorry I did this to you. I knew I shouldn’t have acted on my feelings. Because of that, I have dragged you and Grey into my fucked up situation.” He stood and turned away from Quinn.

  “So you regret us then?”

  “To be honest, in some ways I do.”

  “Do you regret Grey?”

  “In some ways I do.” Quinn’s gasp was audible. “But not for the reason you think. I do because I’m only going to bring harm to both of you. I’m not good enough for anyone, let alone you and my lad.”

  Quinn’s heart ached knowing he still felt that way. Deciding she needed to tell him her little bit of news, she approached Gunther.

  “I’m pregnant again.” Her voice shook. “I planned on telling you tonight. Josie was going to watch the baby for us so we could have a few hours to ourselves.” He turned around just as Quinn sobbed. He grabbed her and held her tight. “What if my babies die because of him?”

  Stepping back, he rested his hands upon her shoulders. “Quinn, look at me.” He tipped her chin up. “I won’t let that happen. I promise you, no matter what happens, our children will be safe. I won’t allow any harm to come to them.” She tucked her head into his muscular chest as he wrapped his arms around his family in a protective embrace. “Does anyone else know?”

  “No. I just took a test yesterday,” she sniffled and wiped her nose with her free hand.

  “Is it okay if I’m excited? I love this little lad so much. You do such an amazing job taking care of him. I would feel like the richest man in the world as long as you continue to have me.”

  “I’m scared, Gun,” she whispered.

  “I know. Come on. Let’s get you inside before it gets too cold.”

  Gunther turned them around and took two steps toward the school.

  “Hold it right there.” Gunther froze. “Turn around slowly.” Holding onto Quinn, they turned together. He reached to palm his Sig, but realized it was back in their room. A sadistic chuckle surrounded them. “Feeling safe? And I’ve found you unarmed? Isn’t this a lovely sight?”

  “Drew,” Gunther said in a low growl. He had a rifle aimed directly at Gunther.

  For size, Drew was evenly matched, but he was olive-skinned and had dark hair. The only other similarity? The trademark emerald eyes.

  “We were just passing through this area, and what did we see? Two company-issued trucks.” Then he narrowed his eyes. “Or maybe we knew precisely where you were at all times. It’s been quite a journey, Gunther. And such a long time.” Drew stepped closer. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your pretty little bird?”

  Quinn’s body tremored against his.

  “Fuck off,” Gunther growled.

  “Tsk, tsk. I suggest you watch yourself.”

  Drew stepped even closer so he was right in front of Quinn. Gunther was stiff and ready to strike—eyes ticking back and forth, watching Drew’s every muscle twitch. He tugged the blanket back to see Grey’s face.

  “Well, now. A little Gunther. Such a big lad! I’m quite sure he’ll fare well in the program, yes? Roger is going to be so thrilled you’re breeding for him now. Well done, mate.”

  “Get away from my son,” Gunther growled. “Quinn, take him inside.”

  With hesitation in her movements, she stepped away.

  “Tut. I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

  “Let them go. This is between you and me. They’re innocent.”

  “I can’t believe the whore that you are finally settled down.” Drew tugged at Quinn’s finger that held the engagement ring.

  She let out a sharp cry.

  “Don’t touch her!” Gunther barked. “It’s okay, love. Just go inside,” he reassured, his eyes focused on Drew.

  Once again, she stepped back.

  “No, I want her to watch. I want her to see you get beat down like you used to.” Drew laughed with venom. “I want her to see how weak and useless you are. I want her to see how much of a fuck up she’s involved with. I want her to watch you turn, and then…,” he laughed again, “she’ll be the one to end it for you. Oh, this is going to be great fun. Isn’t this exciting?”

  “I can take you any day of the week,” Gunther growled.

  “Oh, maybe. But can you take on all of us?” Three more men, all equal in size, stepped out from the woods. A vicious laugh exploded from all of them. “Tick tock. Time’s up, mate.” They circled, like lions stalking their prey.

  “Quinn, run.”
/>   “I’m not leaving you out here alone!”

  “Quinn, please, run. Take Grey and run!”

  “No!” she cried.

  “They are going to kill me either way. Just go. Please. I don’t want you to see this. You’ll be all right without me.”

  Quinn was struck at how unafraid Gunther was. “No!” she bellowed over and over again. Grey screamed right along with her.

  “Take care of my own,” he murmured.

  He swallowed hard, knowing the last sounds he would hear would be Quinn and Grey crying. Although he knew he would never meet his second child, Gunther kept a stern face, trying not to show his anguish, knowing they would feed off of it.

  Quinn finally decided to make a run for it, but as soon as she turned around, she was grabbed by one of the others.

  “Let her go!” Gunther roared.

  “Oh, this is priceless. A fucked up freak, his whore, one bastard child, and an unborn bastard baby. Now, why would I let her go? So she could go get Liam? I’m not a fool, Gunther. I know how this works, remember?”

  Trying to lure Drew in, Gunther said, “Just kill me already and get it over with.”

  Drew laughed. “Oh no. This is going my way, not yours. I will get Liam when I’m good and ready. Dex, Malcolm… Take a side.” The two men each took one of Gunther’s arms. “Bas, make sure you hold his whore snug and keep her facing the action.” Grey continued to cry in Quinn’s arms as she struggled against Bas’ strength. “Bring her around front. I want to make sure she has a good view. And shut that baby up! Christ.”

  Bas dragged her kicking and screaming around to face Gunther. Grey wailed away in her arms, feeling the fear and tension all around him.

  “Quinn, calm down. You’ll be okay, love.” Gunther tried to console her, even though he knew he was about to die.

  “No! Please…no.” She dissolved into a pool of tears, struggling in Bas’ arms.

  Taking two long strides, Drew stood in front of Gunther, flipping the rifle around. “Now…let’s get this show on the road, shall we?”

  He swung the rifle and smashed it into Gunther’s face, breaking his nose and splitting open the left side of his face. Tainted blood splattered everywhere. He bellowed in pain. Sobbing, Quinn fell to the ground, but Bas held strong so she couldn’t escape.