Dangerous Days: Boxed Set (A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Thriller Books 1-4)

by Baileigh Higgins

  “Oh, my! Is that really me?”

  Elise smiled at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes sparkling in the early morning sunlight. “Yes, it’s really you, and you look so beautiful, Julianne. Breytenbach is one lucky man.”

  Julianne smiled, turning in a circle to admire the wedding dress she’d chosen for her big day. It was simple. A long sheath that covered her from neck to toe in pale mint-green silk. Pearl buttons adorned the sleeves and back, but that was the only decorative details it possessed.

  Sparkly heels showed off her dainty feet while her hair and makeup was courtesy of the local beautician, a kind woman named Alice. She’d done a stellar job, and Julianne’s skin glowing skin was accentuated by her blue eyes and polished blonde chignon. Pearl earrings finished off the look, one of timeless elegance.

  “I can’t believe I’m getting married…again,” she said, sucking in a nervous breath.

  “Me neither,” Elise admitted. “Who’d have thought fate could treat us so kindly after everything?”

  “Yes. We’ve lost much. Too much.”

  For a moment, both women were silent, reminiscing over loved ones who’d passed, and times they would never have again. A tear shimmered in the corner of Julianne’s eye, and she brushed it away. “I’ll never forget them.”

  “No, we’ll honor their memories today, and we’ll always keep them in our hearts,” Elise said. “Now, are you ready? The ceremony is about to begin.”

  She moved toward the door where an anxious Martin waited to escort Julianne down the aisle. While it should’ve been Max, he couldn’t do the honors that day. Not when he was also getting married in a double ceremony alongside her and Breytenbach.

  Julianne squared her shoulders and tightened her hold on the small bouquet of wildflowers she carried. “Yes, I’m ready.”

  Elise opened the door, and Martin straightened up from his slouch with an apologetic smile. He held out his arm to her, and she placed her fingertips on the crook of his elbow.

  “You look lovely, Julianne.”

  “Thank you, Martin,” she replied with a graceful incline of her head.

  He led her into a carpeted hallway where they found Kirstin already waiting on the arm of Ronnie. Julianne sucked in a shocked breath at the vision her new daughter-in-law to be presented.

  And indeed, Kirstin did look lovely, but more than that, she looked like a Nordic warrior, a woman of both strength and beauty. Her hair was braided on either side with the crown left high and voluminous to fall to her waist in a platinum waterfall. Smokey shadow gave her eyes an exotic slant while her torso was encased in a tight bodice, accentuating her slender middle. Long sleeves and a train trailed behind her when she walked.

  “You look stunning,” Julianne exclaimed, reaching out to clasp hands with Kirstin.

  “As do you,” Kirstin replied, her smile warm and brilliant.

  “Are you prepared for this?” Julianne asked.

  “I confess, I am nervous.”

  “So am I,” Julianne said with a chuckle. “But how hard can it be after facing a horde of zombies?”

  “I think, I would rather face the zombies.”

  Julianne laughed out loud this time. “Come. Let’s not leave our guests waiting.”

  Kirstin nodded, and side by side the two pairs approached the double doors leading both to the chapel and to their futures. With a final look exchanged between the brides, they lifted their chins in preparation.

  The doors swung open, and music piped through an organ announced their arrival. On either side of the aisle, the guests rose to their feet, and all eyes turned to the brides.

  Kirstin went first, her tall body swaying gracefully next to the stocky Ronnie. Max stared in rapt adoration at the woman that was to be his bride, his love stamped on his features for the world to see.

  Julianne felt her heart swell with pride. This was a beautiful moment for her, and she was happy to overflowing for her son and new daughter. Then her gaze fell on Christo, and everything else fell away.

  Nothing mattered but the look on his face; a look that told her she was the most beautiful woman in the world to him; a look that promised love and fidelity for all eternity.

  Sam sat in his arms, her chubby arms waving to and fro in her excitement, while Meghan stood next to him, a pretty picture in her flower girl outfit. The only people missing were Morgan and Lilian, but as tears filled her eyes, she could almost swear she saw their spirits smiling at her over Breytenbach’s shoulder. They’ll always be in my heart.

  When it was her turn, Julianne swayed down the aisle as if floating on air. Elise took Sam and Meghan away, and Martin handed her over to Christo. She felt his rough hands enclose hers, and a knot formed in her throat. Don’t cry, don’t cry!

  From that moment, the ceremony took on an ethereal quality for her. None of it felt quite real. She couldn’t believe when it was over, and they kissed to the announcement that they were now man and wife.

  Julianne clung to Breytenbach as they left the chapel, guests tossing handfuls of confetti over them. They walked the short distance to the reception, followed by Max and Kirstin.

  It was a beautiful day. Streamers of white clouds were strung across the clear blue sky. Seagulls dipped through the air, their familiar cries echoing in the background. In the distance, the ocean sparkled with azure lights while chokka boats fished its length.

  “I can’t believe we stay here now. It’s so different from what I’m used to,” Julianne enthused, her face wreathed with smiles.

  “I don’t care where I stay as long as it’s with you,” Breytenbach replied gallantly.

  “I didn’t know you could be charming!”

  “Even an old dog can learn new tricks.”

  The reception hall took Julianne by surprise. Bedecked in ivy and white streamers, it looked beautiful and rustic. The decor inside was simple, the food plain but well prepared. During the opening dance, she looked up into his face. “Is this real? Or am I dreaming?”

  He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. “It’s real.”

  She looked at all the smiling faces around them, some familiar, some not. “I can’t believe it.”

  “Neither can I.”

  “Not just the wedding,” she said. “All of it. I can’t believe we made it to this wonderful place, and that we’re safe. Well and truly safe.”

  “Yes, and the people. The way they welcomed us, made us feel like we belong. It’s amazing,” Breytenbach agreed.

  With the dance floor opened, bodies flooded forward, and the real party began. Max’s people mixed with Martin’s people, and they all got to know each other better throughout the night that followed.

  As with all weddings, the cake was cut, the garters removed and thrown, and the bouquets tossed to hopefuls. The adults drank wine and danced while the kids ran around laughing and screaming like little monkeys.

  Julianne enjoyed every second of it. When would such an occasion arise again? Happiness was scarce in the zombie apocalypse, and she was profoundly grateful to the people who had made it possible. Those who had given them this day without complaining at the cost.

  Martin danced with his daughter, Mike chased after a red-headed girl, Ronnie taught some boys how to sword fight, and Kirstin fended off a succession of admirers.

  Julianne was introduced to a group of people until it all became a blur. A man called Thys brought her a glass of wine and introduced himself as Martin’s right-hand man.

  “You know, we could always use fresh blood in the council. You and your husband look like capable people,” he said.

  A stern-looking woman named Ada nodded. “We’ve been meaning to talk to you about the possibility of joining.”

  Julianne nodded. “Of course. If there’s anything I can help with, I’d be glad to.”

  “Count me in,” Breytenbach said, “though I can’t imagine what I could add to this lovely place.”

  Ada snorted. “This town requires a great deal of maintenance t
o keep it so.”

  “Yes, and materials are becoming scarcer by the day,” Thys said.

  “The solution lies not in trying to maintain what’s there, I think,” Breytenbach said, “But in finding a new road forward. The old way of life was based on stripping the earth of its resources. We now have the opportunity to do things differently.”

  “Yes, I believe you are right. We no longer have the luxury of factories, shipyards, and mines,” Thys agreed.

  “Perhaps, our futures will be more closely aligned to Mother Nature and what she provides,” Ada said. “But we’ve taken up enough of your time. Come, Thys. Let’s leave these fine people to enjoy the rest of their party.”

  With that said, Ada hustled Thys away despite his protests, and Breytenbach swept her onto the dance floor once more. The hours passed swiftly, and before she knew it, it was time to retire.

  “Good night, sweetheart. Enjoy the rest of the night,” she said to Max before turning to Kirstin. “Look after my boy. He can be a bit thick sometimes.”

  Kirstin smiled. “I will.”

  Elise had volunteered to babysit, and Martin now led the way to their wedding present, a three bedroom house with a lush garden and gorgeous views. He unlocked the front door with a flourish and waved inside. “I know it isn’t much, but it’s all yours. Max told me you love roses.”

  Julianne frowned. “Roses?”

  Martin backed away. “You’ll see.”

  Suddenly, Breytenbach swept her up in his arms and carried her inside. “I’ve always wanted to do that.”

  She giggled, feeling like a school girl. “It’s nice.”

  He let her down and pulled her close for a lingering kiss. “Want to see what our new home looks like?”

  Breathlessly, she nodded. “Yes.”

  He switched on the lights, and room by room showed her the house. Julianne said not a word as they walked, her lips pressed together to keep them from trembling. When he showed her the backyard, though, she swallowed on the sudden tears that threatened to burst free.

  “It…it’s perfect,” she whispered, clutching the wooden railing of the porch overlooking the garden.

  Steps led down to a stone path that wound its way through thick banks of rose bushes, each plant carefully tended and manicured. The season was wrong, so there were no blooms, but she had no problem imagining it in the summer. The scent, the riotous colors.

  “You like it?” Breytenbach asked, looping his arms around her middle.

  “I do. What about you, though? Won’t you miss all the action? You’re raiding days?”

  Breytenbach shook his head. “You know what? I’ll never miss it again. Not while I can be here with you, and Meghan, and Sam.”

  “I’m glad.” Julianne leaned back in his arms and closed her eyes, taking it all in. She reflected she’d been given a second chance at happiness, and she wasn’t about to waste it. Not this time.

  Epilogue II - Nadia

  Nadia watched the double wedding from the edges, drifting through the crowds with little purpose or joy. Inside her chest was a hollow void, one that shied away from the happiness so evident on the faces around her. Not even the high of the medicine Jonathan kept forcing on her could take away the raw agony that burned inside her chest.

  She found herself plastering on a fake smile for the benefit of others, but couldn’t fool herself. She didn’t belong. Not anymore. Had she ever really belonged, or had she been kidding herself all this time?

  “Are you all right, Nadia?” Max asked, abandoning his bride for a few seconds to talk to her.

  “Of course. I’m fine,” she said.

  He studied her face. “You don’t have to pretend. Not with me. Logan was my friend, and Caleb…I didn’t know him that well, but I can imagine what it must be like for you.”

  “Can you?” she asked, a bitter note stealing into her voice. “Can anyone?”

  Max sighed with regret. “Probably not.”

  She swallowed and pushed aside the anger that swirled within her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “No, you’re right. It was a thoughtless thing to say.” Max shook his head. “I’m not very good at expressing myself.”

  Nadia gave him a half-smile. “Neither was Logan. Nor Caleb.”

  “Yes.”

  They stared at each other for a few more seconds, before Nadia turned away. “Be happy while you can, Max. It never lasts.”

  She pushed her way through the crowd and slipped away unnoticed. On silent feet, she made her way to the small flat she shared with Cat, Lisa, and Vera. She’d have to hurry if she wanted to push through with her plans. The wedding was the best chance she’d ever get.

  Nadia grabbed a backpack from the closet and filled it to the brim with her clothes, personal items, toiletries, an extra blanket, a water bottle, protein bars, travel mixes, and a first aid kit. She tied a bedroll and umbrella to the bottom, tucked a box of matches, a torch, and batteries into the side pocket and pulled out a hat.

  She stripped off the silly outfit the others had made her wear for the wedding and put her regular clothes back on: Biker boots, torn jeans, sports bra, a mesh vest, and a leather jacket. She tied her growing hair into a ponytail, having given up on dyeing it further, and slipped on her belt with her t-bar spikes, a hatchet, and a pistol.

  A quick glance in the mirror revealed a pale face. One with huge blue eyes brimming with pain and uncertainty. She pressed her lips together. “It’s for the best.”

  “What’s for the best?” a voice asked from behind her.

  “Shit!” Nadia yelped, spinning around with her heart in her throat. Three faces greeted her. Cat, Lisa, and Vera. “You scared the crap out of me. What are you doing here?”

  “We could ask you that same question,” Cat said.

  “Yeah, it looks like you’re going somewhere,” Lisa added.

  “Maybe,” Nadia replied with a defiant shrug. “I can do as I please. I’m not a prisoner here.”

  “You’d leave without saying goodbye?” Cat asked, her tone one of disbelief.

  Nadia sagged. “I’m sorry, Cat, but I couldn’t face you. This is hard enough as it is.”

  “Where are you going?” Vera asked.

  “Away from here. I don’t belong anymore. I never did, not really.”

  “What are you going to do?” Vera shook head. “You know what’s out there.”

  “I know, but I can’t stay,” Nadia replied. “Maybe there’s some purpose out there for me. Something better than losing myself in a bottle or at the end of a knife.”

  Nadia stared at her sleeves which hid her old scars. She couldn’t go back to that place. Couldn’t start with the cutting and pills again. She owed Logan that much. He got her off the stuff in the first place, and she knew that if she stayed, she’d succumb. I’m already dangerously close with Jonathan’s meds.

  “Well, you’re not going alone,” Cat said, her mouth set in a stubborn line. “I’m coming with you.”

  “What?” Nadia dropped her bag on the bed. “You can’t.”

  “Why not?” Cat said.

  “What if you get hurt? I’d never forgive myself.”

  “It’s not up to you. I can make my own decisions.”

  The two squared off against each other, each more stubborn than the other. Cat with her dark hair and eyes, set in a pale but hard face. Nadia with her skunk look, the roots blonde and the ends black while her blue eyes sparked outrage.

  “Looks like a stalemate,” Vera remarked.

  “Not for long. I’m coming too,” Lisa said, breaking the stand-off.

  “What?” Nadia and Cat cried in unison as they both turned to look at her.

  “You as well?” Vera asked before shaking her head. “I’m sorry, but I’m out. Clara needs me.”

  “That’s okay,” Cat said. “Could you look after Juan and Tessa for me? I’ll miss the little buggers.”

  “Of course, but you shouldn’t be leaving in the first place,”
Vera said. “It’s too dangerous, and you could be of real use here.”

  “Perhaps, but I’m not letting my best friend go out there alone. I’m going with her, and that’s that.”

  Vera shrugged. “You’re funeral.”

  “It might be,” Nadia said.

  “It won’t,” Cat replied.

  “Whatever. There’s nothing for me here either,” Lisa said. “I’m tired of letting others decide my destiny for me. It’s my life, and I’ll live it the way I want to.”

  Nadia slumped down on the bed. “So you’re serious? Both of you?”

  “We are,” they said in unison.

  “Well, you’d better get packed then. The wedding is the best time for us to make a break for it. You know what Max, Breytenbach, Julianne, and the rest will do if they find out.”

  “I know,” Lisa said. “We’d better hurry.”

  Cat and Lisa rushed around the rooms, packing their things and getting ready for an extended stay while Vera watched them with a worried frown. When they were ready to go, she gripped Cat’s shoulders and asked, “Are you a hundred percent sure about this?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “We’ll miss you, you know? All of us. We’re a family,” Vera said, sniffing when a sudden wobble in her voice betrayed her.

  “I know, Vera. I’ll miss you too. All of you, but this is the right thing to do. For me, at least. Say goodbye to everyone, please.”

  “All right. Now go,” Vera said, brushing her tears away. “I’ll cover for you until morning.”

  “Thanks.”

  Nadia slipped out of the flat and into the cold evening air, followed by Lisa and Cat. While it had never occurred to her to take them with her, she was suddenly glad they’d joined her. It would be a lot less lonely with them by her side.

  “So, any ideas on how to get through the gates?” Cat asked.

  “I nicked a pass from Martin’s desk earlier today. It gives us permission to come and go as we please, and I can even commandeer a vehicle.”

  “Wow, you’ve really thought this through,” Lisa said.

  “I have.”

  “Any idea where we’re going?”

  “We’ll work it out,” Nadia said. After a few more steps, she paused and turned to face the other two. “Are you sure about this? I mean, really?”