“You always like this?” Logan sounded amused.
“Pissed off and mean? Yes, always! I thought I told you to bring a flag.”
Logan held up his hands. “I surrender!”
Cadence fumed.
“The last thing we want is more trouble,” said Logan. “Okay, so I didn’t handle things right and the Peak fell. I admit I was wrong. I’ll even admit I deserve to be shot and tossed out to the zombies, and you almost got your wish. If Nomad and your pal, Captain Highboy, hadn’t shown up and saved our asses, you wouldn’t have the pleasure of meeting me. But hey, it’s been a rough couple of days and I’m throwing myself at your feet.”
“Charming,” said Cadence. “And his name is Captain Highbrow. Show him respect and knock off the cute remarks. Highbrow saved your lives. I hope it was worth it.”
Logan held his hand out again. His confidence was infuriating. She ignored the offer.
“Get your gear and set up camp in the tunnel, Mr. Logan. We have cots and sleeping bags in there. All other buildings are booked solid. Sorry.”
“It’s just Logan. My last name is….”
“We have no last names here. I don’t want to hear it.” “Not a problem. Nor are your rules, commander.”
Whisper and Freeborn led the newcomers to the tunnel. Logan and Nomad shook, glad to see each other again.
“Welcome home, you scallywag,” said Nomad. “You smell horrible.”
“Not as bad as you.” Logan laughed. “Seems you found the perfect spot to camp. One entry point cuts down the odds of probability. No matter what happens, I can always rely on you to land on your feet.”
“I’m part cat.” Nomad quipped.
Cadence found the comment in poor taste. They were not aware of what had happened, but it still pissed her off. When the two men started chatting as if she and Highbrow were invisible, she considered tossing them both out of camp.
“Did you see the corporal? He’s a hard one,” said Logan. “Pure army. Several generations I’d wager. Pity I didn’t get a chance to shoot him last night.”
Cadence didn’t let the remark pass. She turned and put a foot in Logan’s gut. He let out a woof and bent over, coughing hard. Nomad stepped between them, lifting his hands high.
“Tell your friend to mind his mouth,” said Cadence. “If he causes any trouble, any at all, he’s out the door along with the rest of you. You’re an okay guy, Nomad, but I’m not in the mood for games. It’s my way or leave.”
Highbrow cleared his throat. “Nomad,” he said, in a soothing voice, “please explain to your friend how things work around here. Cadence means what she says. He’ll need to learn that fast.”
“Logan, tone it down. We don’t need any trouble,” Nomad grizzled. His expression changed and he let out a shout as he looked past Logan. “Betsy! You beautiful, crazy dame! You made it! Come give me a hug!”
With a belly laugh, Nomad ran forward with open arms and embraced a woman with the scavengers. Betsy returned the gesture and the two met with excitement. He lifted her into the air and spun her around. When Nomad set the wild blonde down, he gave her a kiss that left everyone watching feeling lonely. Cadence couldn’t help but like the guy. Logan didn’t realize how close he was to exile. Nomad was his saving grace.
“Wow,” Betsy blushed. “You really did miss me!”
“We’ll catch up later,” Nomad gave her a wink. “I’m having a chat here with the command team. Go join the rest of the gang and tell them we’ve found a new home.”
“Where’s Savannah?” she asked.
Nomad’s smile faltered, but he gave her a comforting hug. “It’s going to be all right. Promise.”
As Betsy turned to leave, Sturgis met up with her. They walked away giggling and chattering as if nothing in the past twenty-four hours had happened.
“We need to talk, Commander,” said Logan. “In private, if you don’t mind.”
“Why?” demanded Cadence.
“What I have to tell you might cause a bit of a panic.”
“If you’ve got something to say, then you can share it with my team,” said Cadence. She led Highbrow, Nomad, and Logan to a table under a tree. Nomad plopped down on a bench beside Logan.
“So?” prompted Nomad. “What happened to you after I last saw you?”
Logan fumbled with his hands for a moment. Cadence noticed the tattoo of a snake that curled around his neck. She was scrutinizing too closely and letting her emotions rule.
“I don’t have all night, gentlemen.” Cadence’s voice was sharp.
Logan stared at her long and hard before he shared his experience at Miramont Castle. He spoke of Rafe and two demon children. Cadence recognized the children he described as Cinder and Cerberus, sharing an alarmed look with Highbrow.
“Is Rafe a friend of yours?” asked Logan. “I take it by your reaction that he is, or rather was, a close friend of yours.”
“Rafe was a former love interest,” said Highbrow. Cadence nudged him. “Must we?”
“The two kids you mentioned showed up during the battle,” said Highbrow. “Cadence observed them as they destroyed over fifty zombies in less than a minute. What you’ve described are vampires. Of course, they’re not really vampires. I mean, there’s no such thing as vampires. Zombies aren’t the zombies from movies, either. They’re humans with a disease that can only be remedied with death. We call them that because they’re easier to kill if we think of them as, well, zombies.”
“Call them whatever you like, Captain,” Logan said with a shrug. “They had fangs, claws, and moved with lightning speed. They sucked blood and enjoyed it. Sounds like a vampire to me.” He took a deep breath. “And let’s be clear on what happened before Pike’s Peak fell. I had two hundred fifty-three people under my care. I did contact your captain and he told me that you didn’t have the resources for more survivors, so he turned us away. Now, I wouldn’t have come in guns blazing if we hadn’t been desperate. I did what was necessary to give our people a chance to survive. Sure, you took a loss, but I’m down to only twenty souls in less than two days. I had forty of my own people, and nine soldiers when we arrived at Miramont Castle. The soldiers may or may not be alive. I’d be dead if Rafe hadn’t thrown me out the door. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think he’s a killer. Betsy said a fourth vampire tried to kill her. Some girl with long, red hair. I think it was Savannah, but it was all a blur. The way I see it, the vamps pose a bigger threat than zombies.”
“Savannah is alive?” Highbrow turned bright pink. “She’s a vampire?”
“Yeah,” said Logan. “With big teeth. You got a thing for her, pal? Trust me, she’s not capable of a long-term relationship. She’s a monster now.”
Nomad sat back, taking the news pretty hard.
“Stay calm,” said Cadence as Highbrow got up from the table and started pacing. “We already know about the two kids. We just didn’t know they were vampires. But you said Rafe saved you? That’s not like him at all. When Rafe was human, he only cared about himself.”
“From what I saw, those kids intend to make an army of vampires. Rafe is the only thing that kept them from killing all of us. Maybe he wasn’t such a great soldier, but he makes a damn good vampire. I like the guy.”
“Like him?” Highbrow quivered with anger. “It’s because of him that Savannah was taken!”
“Son, try to keep things in perspective,” said Nomad in a fatherly voice. “I’m sorry about Savannah, but if the virus can turn people into zombies and vampires we’re in big trouble. Both multiply fast.”
“That’s not the only thing out there,” said Cadence. “Animals are being infected now. An infected puma attacked two of our teams up at Midnight Falls. Two are dead and three were bitten. Thor and Dragon are tracking it down.”
Highbrow turned and faced the table. “How can you be so sure the mountain lion is infected if they haven’t caught it yet? Maybe it is rabies?”
Not wanting to argue, Cadence gave Highbrow a st
ern look. He sat back down, but refused to look at anyone. His inability to act professional had Logan amused.
“I’m sure that animal has the virus,” said Logan. “I’ve seen this before. I think you’d better put the injured girls in quarantine, commander. They’re about as safe as a pet zombie and if you don’t want anyone else hurt, you should keep them in a cage.”
“I can do that,” said Cadence. “I’m sorry Highbrow, but Savannah isn’t our main concern right now. Nor are the vampires at Miramont Castle. If you’ll excuse me, I need to check on my friends and find a way to quarantine them.”
“It’s nice to know that one of you has brains,” said Logan with a know-it-all tone. “I’ve been killing things weirder than zombies and vampires since I was a kid. My dad and his partner, Stan Parish, were cops. We tracked down things that aren’t supposed to be real. Trust me when I say I know what I’m talking about. Once bitten, even if killed, they’ll come back in the form of whatever bit them. With your blessing commander, I think Nomad and I should go up to Midnight Falls and take a look around. I know how to deal with therianthropes.”
“Is that what you call them?” Cadence got up from the table. “Fine. You have my blessing. Track that puma down, kill it, and bring it back. I want to be sure it’s a . . . whatever you called it before we start freaking out every time a squirrel runs by.”
Logan stood up. “You might want to know how to kill therianthropes and vampires,” he said. “A bullet through the heart or head is all it takes. I came loaded with silver bullets, but lead works just as well on a werewolf. Or a werepuma. Hopefully you won’t need that when your dead girl gets back up.”
Highbrow glanced toward the cabin. “Luna’s not dead?”
“The ones that die and come back are the strongest,” said Logan. “Come on, Nomad. Let’s go find these Vikings and show them how professionals hunt.”
“You got it,” said Nomad.
A scream filled the air. Whether cat or human, Cadence couldn’t tell. More screams escaped her cabin, followed by gunfire. She raced toward HQ with three men on her trail. She imagined Luna and the injured girls as something much more dangerous than she had last seen them.
* * * * *
Chapter Nineteen
Rafe and Savannah watched the soldiers burn the dead from the porch of Miramont. It had taken all day for the humans to clean inside the mansion, scrubbing blood off the walls and furniture, but nothing could be done about the smell of death. The windows on the first level were kept closed. Vampires with sunglasses watched from second story windows, keeping their eyes on a large group of zombies following the scent of burning flesh. When a zombie came within range, vampire snipers ended their hunger.
“I was thinking I might go into town and find supplies for the prisoners later,” said Rafe. “Living on dog food isn’t going to cut it. These people need food. I know a few places in town where I can get my hands on some canned goods. You want to come with me?”
“This used to be such a pretty place,” said Savannah. “I don’t want to go into town. It’s depressing. Besides, if we both leave there’s no telling what Cinder and Cerberus will do to the prisoners. There are far too many vampires here now, and not enough food. You should be looking for survivors, Rafe, not worrying about feeding the ones we’re going to have for dinner.”
“What made you so unpleasant? You get bullied too much as a human or did you always want to be a bitch?”
“I am what I am because you made me that way, sweetie. Where are you going?” asked Savannah. “The sun is up.”
Rafe didn’t bother pointing out that they were standing outside and not turning to ash. Sunlight didn’t affect vampires, but the queen and lord remained locked away in their new bedroom refusing to come out. Annoyed with the entire situation, Rafe walked down the steps carrying an automatic rifle and walked the street that led to Miramont Castle. The snipers stopped targeting the zombies. Left on his own, Rafe began mowing down the mangled-faced corpses lumbering toward him. The road leading to the mansion was clogged with zombies. A staircase near the castle met a path leading back to the main street in Manitou Springs. If he was to visit town tonight, Rafe would need to take the alternate path. He trotted back toward the prisoners.
“We’re done with the bodies,” shouted Sarge. He kept his expression blank when Rafe approached. “What now? Do you want us to help take out those zombies? If you don’t do something about them, they’ll overrun this place before dark.”
“Or you could let us go,” said Destry, his head wrapped in a bandage.
Rafe had rounded up eight more soldiers the past few days, increasing the group to seventeen. The vampires decided to eat the scavengers first and were locked in the basement.
“The road is blocked,” said Rafe. “You can’t drive out of here. The only way out is by foot and take the stairs. There’s no telling how many zombies are in Manitou Springs. If you find a car that still operates, you won’t have much gas to get far.”
“You know Cadence will move the camp,” said Destry. “The best location is Seven Falls. We’ll go there and take our chances with the gas. It’s better than staying here. Come on, Rafe. Help us out.”
Sarge bristled. “You’re still nothing but a punk. Where’s your spine, soldier?”
A zombie wandered from the group to sniff out the remains of a car wreck. The body inside had already been picked clean. The creature turned toward Rafe and the soldiers and expelled a hungry moan.
“Keep your rakes and shovels for protection,” said Rafe. “Take the stairs and don’t look back. I’ll try to give you a few minutes, but the newer vampires might decide to follow you, so don’t stop for anything. If you’re lucky, you’ll find weapons among the dead in town.”
“You mean you’re letting us go?” Destry motioned to the soldiers. He was surprised when Rafe handed him his rifle. “Why don’t you come with us?”
“I’m a vampire,” said Rafe. “I don’t think Cadence would want me around. Just get going. If you make it to the camp, tell Cadence where I am. Tell her I’m okay.” He grabbed Sarge by his collar and pressed his lips to the man’s ear. “Tell her I want to meet her Friday night at Midnight Falls. At midnight.”
“I’ll try to remember that when we’re knee-deep in moving corpses trying to get out of here,” snapped Sarge. He pulled away from Rafe. “Move out, men.”
The soldiers shadowed the side of the mansion and disappeared around the corner. Rafe could hear them running down the stairs. The zombies noticed them and stumbled toward the parking lot. Rafe waited at the door, watching the monsters fill the lot. Only a few figured out where the soldiers had fled and followed them. When the creatures reached the porch, Rafe went inside, locked the door behind him, and retired to his room.
Savannah sat in front of the vanity, gazing at her reflection in a mirror. She had changed into a lavender dress, braided her hair, and was toying with jewelry that didn’t belong to her. Being a vampire brought out her natural beauty and amplified it. He figured it was the amount of blood she consumed that added a blush to her cheeks. She turned and held her arms open.
“Come here, my handsome man,” she enticed. “Kiss me and tell me something nice. Stay here. Don’t go into town.”
Despite her beauty, Rafe found his hatred for Savannah grew. “You want a kiss? What about all the other boys? Isn’t there someone else you want more? They all flirt with you. It’s pretty obvious I’m not your first choice. How many did you seduce before me?”
“There isn’t anyone I want more than you. Why do you have to be so mean to me? Why can’t you be happy like me? We have everything we want right here.”
“I was never a nice guy, Savannah. I loved one person, but I couldn’t even be faithful to her. Stop pushing. Getting serious is the last thing I want. Whatever this is between you and me is temporary.”
Rafe shrugged out of his jacket and moved to kiss her. She wrapped her body around him, pulling herself close. He allowed his
thoughts to imagine Cadence.
“I admit I do want you,” he whispered. His hands caressed her body. “I want you so much, Savannah. Right now.”
“It’s daylight,” she said, kissing him. “Shouldn’t we be resting?”
“We’re not vampires, Savannah. Not the kind you’re fantasizing about. Sunlight doesn’t burn us and zombies like the way we smell. There is a multitude of them outside, too many for me to kill on my own. If they get inside, they’ll eat us all.”
“Talk about something else or I’m not going to be in the mood.”
A wicked smile seized Rafe’s face as he continued to seduce her. He played his kisses along her cheeks, pressing his lips into her neck, and across her collarbone. Her soft moans convinced him she bought his game. Rafe felt her soften against him. He slid his strong hands around her head and whispered in her ear, “Look at me.” As Savannah met his gaze, a single, violent twist snapped her head from her shoulders. Rafe’s chest was splattered with blood as her body fell to the floor. Without regard, he tossed her head in the fireplace.
“I’ve wanted to do that since I turned you.”
Not wasting another moment, Rafe sped to the small room that imprisoned the scavengers. His only concern was free the prisoners and leave Miramont forever. He opened the door quietly and stared into the darkness. Twelve scavengers crammed into the tight quarters. A few were bitten, but had not yet turned. Sampling humans was the only way to ensure they didn’t turn.
“Stay quiet,” Rafe told them. “I’m letting you go. Zombies are outside, but if you take the stairs you may be able to catch up with the soldiers. I set them free a few minutes ago. Go east and head to Seven Falls. That’s where the survivors have relocated. If you’re lucky, you’ll reach them.”
Dead Hearts (Book 1): Morbid Hearts Page 18