Dead Hearts (Book 1): Morbid Hearts

by Susanne L. Lambdin

  The figure continued to approach, stepping into the stream with a splash. She moved closer to the stream. The clouds passed and moonlight revealed a forest ranger ravaged from exposure and disease. He was close enough for her to see flesh hanging from his brow and his lower lip missing. The zombie lunged, grabbing her by the shoulders. His body bore the harsh odors of decay, feces, and kerosene.

  Cadence drew her pistol, but his grip was fierce. He had been strong in life and shook Cadence hard, causing her to drop her gun. She was frantic and tried to push him away. His rancid breath assaulted her face as he lowered his head. A scream froze in her throat as his teeth sank and ripped away a portion of her exposed neck, releasing a stream of hot, red blood.

  “Get off her!” shouted Rafe.

  He pulled the zombie away from Cadence. She pressed a hand to her throat, watching as Rafe raised the creature high. He snapped it backward, breaking its spine, and tore its head off before the body hit dirt. Cadence sank to the ground as her legs collapsed under her. She could feel the life rushing out of her body. A burning pain spread through her entire being and she sagged forward, watching her blood flow over her hands and to the ground, mixing with the stream. Rafe knelt and lifted her head. His eyes were aglow with the most beautiful shade of blue she had ever seen. A hard cough forced a foul taste from the pit of her stomach. Panic set in and Cadence fought back tears as Rafe folded her into his arms.

  “We don’t have much time, Cadence. The bleeding won’t stop. You know what’s going to happen to you,” said Rafe. “But I can save you. I can make you a vampire.”

  Cadence turned her head as a mouthful of bile bubbled from her throat. He wiped her lips. Her tears stopped as Rafe’s face began to blur. Rafe pulled her fevered body close to his and pressed his face to her cheek.

  “Is that what you want? Do you want me to save you?” “Yes,” she gasped.

  Cadence felt the pinch of fangs sink into her neck. He moved quickly, slicing open his wrist with his own teeth and held the open wound to her lips. Without hesitation, Cadence drank from Rafe, finding pleasure in this consummation. Thoughts of murder flashed her mind. Highbrow drained of blood, Freeborn missing chunks of flesh, Smack and the others, dead, the camp in flames. Cadence shook her head, fighting the images, unsure of what they meant. In a sudden rush, she raised her head and nourished the vision of the full moon.

  “How do you feel? Answer me, Cadence. Have I lost you?”

  “I’m here,” said Cadence, meeting Rafe’s stare. His eyes were bright blue. She wondered if hers glowed as well. “I’m dizzy and I feel . . .”

  Looking at the moon again, she listened to the wind and heard strange cries of animals in the dark. She could sense her team nearby, chasing a certain werepuma. A scent on the breeze turned her thoughts to Highbrow and she focused, able to grasp a vision of him in her mind. He was racing through the brush and trees toward her, panicked.

  “Cadence!” Highbrow emerged from the trees. He saw Rafe and raised his rifle. “You bit her, didn’t you? Get away from her, you soulless bastard.”

  Still clinging to Rafe, Cadence looked at Highbrow. Her fangs extended and she opened her mouth lusting for his blood. Turning away, she concentrated on the heartbeat of the forest, smelled its primal earthiness and felt her skin tingle as the leaves rustled in the breeze. Cadence detected more humans approaching. Had it not been for Rafe holding her firm, she would have attacked Highbrow and the others.

  “I can’t let go or she’ll kill you to feed,” said Rafe. “A zombie slipped through. He was on her when I arrived. The only way to save Cadence was to turn her. I didn’t want this for her, Highbrow. This is your fault. What the hell were you doing? Why weren’t you here?”

  “Luna,” said Highbrow. “We saw her in the trees. I was only gone a moment. The Tigers and China Six are right behind me.”

  Cadence heard the two teams crashing through the underbrush like elephants. She looked away from Highbrow and begged Rafe to go with her into the night.

  “I’m so sorry, Cadence,” pleaded Highbrow, his voice ridden with guilt. “I promised to protect you and I failed you. Please forgive me.” He lifted his rifle.

  The scent coming from Highbrow turned from guilt to fear. Cadence smelled the change as if smelling sunshine and then night. Rafe put his body between Highbrow’s aim and Cadence.

  “Just let go of her, Rafe,” said Highbrow. “Let me do what I can to make her comfortable. I’ll take care of her. And then you.”

  “If by that you mean kill us, I think I’ll decline.” Rafe held Cadence back. “You’re not safe, pal. She’s hungry. I might not be able to hold her much longer. Return to camp. I’ll take it from here. There’s a place we can go that’s safe for us.”

  Cadence watched as Highbrow lowered his weapon. She broke free from Rafe and grabbed hold of Highbrow. As she leaned in to feast, the howl of a werepuma echoed in the distance. Turning, she threw him to the ground.

  “This wasn’t supposed to happen,” said Highbrow, sobbing. “I love her. I love her, Rafe. It’s my fault this happened. What am I supposed to do?”

  “Deal with it,” said Rafe.

  Spinning to face Highbrow once more, Cadence regarded him with glowing blue eyes. He seemed so young and stupid that all she could do was smile at him, as she would a child. Another cry from the werepuma filled her with excitement. She sniffed the wind, picking up the scent of cat and took a step in its direction.

  “She understands me?” asked Highbrow.

  “Cadence isn’t dead, you idiot,” Rafe said. “But I doubt your proclamation of love makes her feel any better knowing you also want to kill her. I hear the cat, too. She’s calling to you, Cadence. Go to her. Go chase the moonlight.”

  Cadence lingered beside the stream, smelling the rich, brown earth and feeling the silver light of the moon on her face. There was so much to see. A brand new world beckoned her. She wanted to race the wind. Cadence moved forward, feeling the ground soft beneath her feet. She didn’t look back, but kept running, answering Luna’s call.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Luna’s scent was strong. Cadence scaled a rocky ledge to its peak, gravity holding less sway than before. She was not surprised to find a large white cat waiting when she reached the top. Luna peered at her with luminous violet eyes. Cadence stood transfixed by Luna’s eyes and the silver light dancing on her white fur. A sudden ripple crept down Luna’s spine, transforming her into a human girl.

  “Hello, Cadence,” said Luna. “I’m sorry I didn’t reach you first. I knew you were at the stream and I smelled the zombie and the vampire. When I knew the bloodlust was upon you, I called to you so we could talk.”

  “Am I a zombie or a vampire?”

  “You smell like a vampire,” said Luna. “Rafe reached you in time, at least I think he did. When I died and came back, all I could think about was killing everything around me. I took my pride into the mountains, thinking we’d never return. I sensed you were in trouble so I came back to find you.”

  Cadence sat back against the cliff so she could stretch her legs out in front of her. She could not feel the chill in the air, nor did Luna. Luna didn’t seem real, so she reached out for her hand. Shen needed to touch her to believe.

  “When the sun comes, I’ll return to the mountains,” said Luna. “Don’t vampires turn into dust in the sun? Aren’t you afraid?”

  “I don’t think I’m that kind of vampire,” said Cadence. “This feels like a dream to me. It didn’t really hurt. I knew I was dying when the zombie bit my neck, but when Rafe gave me his blood everything changed. I can run for miles and never tire. Everything is so beautiful. And you’re beautiful, Luna.”

  “I’m happier this way. I don’t know how or why it works, but when I’m in my animal form everything feels right with the world. I’m not scared of zombies or vampires or others like me. Don’t you see? No matter what happens, I’m not afraid anymore. This is the cure. At least for m
e.”

  Cadence released Luna’s hand and stood. Luna rose with her. They gazed across pine- covered mountains and silently breathed in the scent of all that was alive and beautiful. It was strange, but Cadence no longer felt afraid either. She finally felt free.

  “I don’t know what I want,” said Cadence. “But I feel like I can have anything.”

  “Why don’t you come with us?” Luna looked over the edge. “This is all new to me, too. I’m not sure what I can and can’t do, but I know I’m going to jump down. A normal cat couldn’t make that jump and maybe I’ll break my legs, but I have to find out. Come with me and let’s run until the sun rises.”

  “Maybe I’ll go back to camp. Should I go back?”

  “If you want to. I’ll come back for a visit sometime. But if you ever need me, Cadence, simply call. I’ll hear you and come running.”

  In the wisp of a breath, Luna jumped over the ledge. Cadence didn’t look to see if she landed as a cat. She heard no sound, and assumed Luna was fine. Everything was going to be fine.

  ***

  Returning to Seven Falls, Cadence marveled at how still the morning was and how wonderful it all smelled. From the last of the summer flowers to the decaying leaves on the ground, rich and strong, they reminded her that she was bound to the earth in a way she had never considered before. She was reborn. It was strange, scary, and fantastic.

  Two pairs of footsteps walked the path behind her. She paused to sniff the air. Logan’s fragrance was clean, but the rank odor of Nomad begged for a bath. She caught a deer during the night and fed, yet the desire for human blood was difficult to ignore. Cadence wrapped her arms around her body and turned to face the hunters. Neither noticed she had changed.

  “Good morning,” said Cadence. “Been up all night, have you? Did you find what you were looking for?”

  Nomad coughed a gruff ‘no.’ He limped as he walked past, a sour expression on his face. Cadence marveled Nomad didn’t notice any difference in her and kept marching, the smell of blood wafting by. She turned to Logan, who was in much better shape than his companion. He was dirty and looked tired, but had the strength to go another ten miles if necessary.

  “Nomad’s injured,” said Logan. “He took a hard fall. The gash in his leg is still bleeding. It’s pretty deep and will need some stitches.”

  “You should both go back to camp.”

  Logan grasped Cadence by the arm. His eyes scrutinized her face and lowered to her neck.

  “My lesser evolved friend didn’t notice, but you’ve changed. Those are two sets of bite marks on your neck. My guess is that Rafe bit you, but that other mark, well, that’s not from a vampire.”

  Cadence jerked her arm loose and threw herself around Logan. He tried to break free, but she laughed and held him tighter. He didn’t call Nomad back to help.

  “I wonder if I’m a Maker?” said Cadence. “Does it have to be blood or is it any fluid transfer that spreads the virus?”

  “Blood. Only the blood,” said Logan. “Frankly, I don’t want to find out what I’d turn into if you bite me, Cadence. My suggestion is let’s not find out.”

  Still wrapped in her arms, Logan managed to reach inside his coat pocket. Cadence wondered what he was doing and looked down. The mist from a bottle of bug repellent absorbed into her eyes. The sting was rapid and fierce. She released him and rubbed her eyes with her fists.

  “Sorry,” said Logan. “I don’t like taking chances.”

  “I should kill you for that, jerk! It burns!”

  Cadence sank to the ground, expecting Logan to shoot her in the head. Rubbing her eyes only made it worse, so she stopped. It didn’t take long for the burning to stop. Her body healed fast, but it made her hungry. She looked up at Logan to find his rifle pointing at her head. It would not have been difficult to take him, but she resisted the urge.

  “What were you doing out here anyway? Hunting Luna? Or were you hunting me?”

  “Actually,” said Cadence, “I was running with the pride. Luna, Barbarella, Skye, and Sheena are adapting very well to their new lives. I’m a bit envious. I can’t decide if I like being a vampire or if I miss being human. You smell really good, Logan.”

  “I’m not your next meal,” said Logan. He let her stand up, keeping his barrel trained on her head. “Now, should I kill you or be stupid and trust you? You’re a strong person and should be able to fight the urge to feed on me.” He lowered his gun and extended his hand.

  “What’s that for? Are you being gallant now?”

  “Come on, Cadence. I feel compassion for you right now and that’s not normal. So, while I’m under your thrall, let’s go talk to the kiddos and figure this out.”

  Reaching out for his hand, Cadence glimpsed something whiz by her cheek. Logan’s fingers coiled around her hand, but she yanked it back. A small buzzing made her flip her head around. A bumble bee landed on her bottom lip. Cadence turned toward Logan. His eyes widened as he spotted the bee. The back end of the yellow and black bee wiggled, revealing its stinger. Cadence narrowed her eyes in an attempt to look past her nose at the insect. Logan started to laugh and she grinned. At the movement, the bee stung and Cadence swatted it away. It hit the ground and writhed for a moment, then stilled.

  “You okay?” Logan said. He reached out as she puckered her lips and removed the tiny stinger from her swelling bottom lip.

  She licked the wound.

  Cadence licked again, tasting something sweet. It was like honey and her body shuddered. She reached for Logan to steady herself, but missed and fell forward onto her face as a spasm seized her entire body. A deep, painful cough twisted from her lungs and caused her to writhe with pain. Her tongue flicked across her bottom lip again. It was inflamed and searing with pain. She tasted fetid mucous and a shiver coursed through her body. The morning air was chilly, but that couldn’t be right. She had been out all night and not felt cold. She thought to sniff at Logan, and leaned toward him to breathe him in. He shoved her back and raised his aim at her once more. Cadence fell to her side, laughing, crying, and experiencing a full spectrum of emotions.

  A crushing wave of torment hit Cadence without warning. One after another, spasms ripped through her body, setting every nerve on fire. Her muscles strained, agonizing, and her joints ached like hell. If this was death, it was horrible. A final shudder clutched her body and she lay motionless, mouth gaping and eyes wide open.

  “You okay?” said Logan. “You’re as white as a ghost.”

  Cadence gasped, sucking in air. Blood rushed to her checks and tears fell from the corners of her eyes. She stared up at Logan. He looked worried as she drew in deep breaths.

  Everything had changed, again.

  “What’s wrong with you? Are you allergic to bees?”

  Logan took a hesitant step toward her. Cadence remained on the ground, fatigued and too worried to speak. He knelt beside her, studying her face.

  “If I didn’t know better, and I don’t, I’d say you just died and came back to life. Only you look healthy. In fact, you look better than you did a few minutes ago. You’ve lost that pale vampire look and your body temperature is up. You don’t feel like a corpse. Still want to bite me?”

  “Yes, but not because I want to suck your blood.”

  Cadence lifted her arms and stared at her hands as she spread her fingers. The warmth of the sunlight on her hands and face felt wonderful. She tried to sit up. Logan steadied her with his hands and helped her stand. Their eyes locked.

  “There was so much pain. I thought I was dying again. And now….”

  “Now?” Logan was excited. He squeezed her shoulders.

  “I feel human. I can’t smell the wind or feel the leaves moving. It’s weird, but all I want is a big, juicy hamburger with fries. And a chocolate shake.”

  Logan gave her a hug. Cadence remained very still in his arms. She could smell him, but she didn’t want to sink her teeth into him. Moments ago she felt like she could do anything. Now, she felt embarra
ssed and clumsy.

  “Maybe you’re allergic to bees,” said Logan. “Your bottom lip is as big as a slice of lemon, which it wouldn’t be if you were a vampire. It would be falling off if you were a zombie.”

  Cadence raised her hand to her lip. It was huge and it still hurt. If she was vampire, it should have healed. Logan was right. She licked her lips again and started to laugh. She sneezed, and then sneezed again.

  “I wouldn’t think it possible, but that bee may have cured you.”

  “Huh?” Cadence wiped her hand across her nose and looked at the ground. “We’ve got to find the bumble bee. Look for it, Logan. If I was a vampire or a zombie, I wouldn’t be having an allergic reaction at all. I have to be cured!”

  He scrambled forward, looking for the insect. “I’ve seen a lot of strange things in my life, but I never counted on a bee curing a plague. Where’d the damn thing go?”

  “I’m cured, Logan. I’m too sore and tired to be anything but human.”

  “Maybe it’s an act of God,” said Logan. “I believe you. I think you are cured.”

  It was possible. Anything seemed possible at this point, thought Cadence.

  “Do you think I could cure Rafe? What about Luna and the others? What about zombies?”

  “Let’s not try to find out until we figure this out,” said Logan. “We need a way to run some blood tests. As for curing everyone else, we’ll need someone a little more knowledgeable than me, but it’s good to have you back, commander.”

  Cadence waved at Logan to follow her as she skipped to the stairs. He followed close. She paused when she spotted Highbrow and Rafe standing together at the side of the pool. They saw her and she waved at them. She glanced at Logan, smiling even wider.

  “We can do this, Logan. We can make things right.”

  “You’ll cause a lot of confusion down there,” said Logan. “Coming back as a human is going to require answers we just don’t have yet. Tell them it was a bee sting and they’ll turn this place upside down looking for one.”