“Well, I guess we have to find out.” Rae shrugged, “Who’s going to help?” She said letting go of Evie and Jen to walk over to the window and open it. She pulled out her gun as Nix came over with his bat.
“You’re not leaving me, ever again. I’m too young for a heart attack” He smirked. Rae grinned back. She looked back at her dad who was rocking Jake.
“I’ll stay with Jake.” he winked.
“Who’s Jake?” Everlynn asked, jumping to see the baby. Andrew bent down and showed Everlynn, introducing them as Rae climbed out the window with Nix following. They put their backs to the wall, waiting for a zombie to pass the entrance to the alley, then grabbed its arms and pulled it in to the shadows with them. Nix held onto the zombie, her teeth gnashing at Rae who was standing in front of it. She bent and picked up a piece of glass that was lying on the floor, her gun aimed at the zombie in case she attacked, or broke free from Nix, and by the screwed up features on his face, Rae knew it was a real possibility. Using the glass, Rae pierced her hand to draw blood then went around to where Nix had the arms of the zombie captured. She struggled and screamed trying to break free but Nix grunted and held her tighter so Rae could squeeze blood from her hand on to the zombie’s arm. The blood reacted immediately to the zombies deteriorating skin and revitalized the cells before her eyes. The skin went from a grey, loose texture to a natural tanned complexion that tightened around the girl’s flesh. It returned the skin to its natural state right up to the elbow, then stopped. That single drop had done that much repair, but it wasn’t enough. And Raelynn only had so much blood. They had to get it to someone who could do something with it and make it last.
“We need to find someone who can distribute it widely, like a spray. Someone who won't kill me in the process.” Raelynn admitted as Nix struggled to hold the creature. She held her gun up to shoot it, but Nix stopped her.
“Woah, what are you doing?” He asked. She frowned.
“Shooting it, obviously.” She said. He shook his head and threw the zombie away from him, picking his bat up and taking out her legs. The zombie collapsed on broken knees, clawing at the ground but remaining in the same spot.
“We just found out that there is a cure. We can’t kill them.” He said. Rae looked at the zombie then rolled her eyes and turned back to the window, tapping their code. It opened for them.
“Fine.” She said then climbed through the window, Nix getting in too and shutting the window behind them.
“And?” John asked sitting on the couch with Everlynn as Andrew had the babies on a blanket on the ground, playing together in a way that had her heart warming. She grinned and came over.
“And it worked. My blood healed it but only a small radius around the testing spot. We’re going to need a better way to distribute it to make it effective and non-lethal.” Rae admitted sitting down on the blanket with Nix. Jen was sitting by Kenji’s body, but she looked over at them with wide eyes.
“We could contact the CDC. The radio from the RV said they are still running; they’ve been running an automated message with a number to call.” She revealed and now wasn’t the time to mention how great that information would have been before. Pushing that aggravation aside she nodded. John stood.
“I volunteer as tribute.” He called, chuckling then walked over to the window “Alright, I’ll get the number from the radio in the RV.” He grinned but before he could climb out, Jen spoke up.
“I remember it.” She admitted. Rae refrained from rolling her eyes, Jen’s earlier silence never having been so frustrating. It just would have been nice to know earlier. She got out her phone and handed it to Jen.
“Type in the number. I’ll call them.” Rae said. Jen tapped it in as John sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, eyeing the open window. That’s when Rae remembered his real battle. She walked over as the phone rung and closed the window for him.
“You don’t need it John. It won’t solve anything.” Rae whispered. He cleared his throat and nodded.
“Yeah, sure.” He brushed her off then went to sit down at the couch with a huff. Rae grabbed her phone back from Jen and pressed call. It seemed to ring forever before someone finally answered in a gruff voice. Rae told them everything she knew about what had happened and where they were and asked if they could have help. Whoever was on other end was screaming orders to get someone else on the line and tell them to get their Humvee ready, so she guessed that was a good sign. Finally, the guy came back to her.
“Thank you, Raelynn. A team will be there to pick you and your group up within the next few hours. They will take you back to their military base just outside of Albuquerque. From there we will work with you and your blood to find a cure, and to record your story on what has happened, it may take a few months of living at our base, but together we will end this epidemic. Stay where you are.” The man said. She agreed, then hung up just as her phone died. She turned to the group and repeated what she had just been told.
“They'll take us in, and we can stay there for however long it takes to turn my blood into an effective cure. He said they would look at helicopters and spray as well as a pill for those not infected, so they can be inoculated. We’ll be safe there and they are sending transport now to pick us up.” Raelynn breathed, as the light in everyone’s faces beamed. A safe place, a sanctuary, a cure. An end to the fight for survival. They packed all their things up and waited by the window for the Humvee. It took just over half an hour for them to get there and they fidgeted as the time stretched out. Finally, it rolled in front of the barricade and Rae let out a sigh. They pushed everything out of the way and burst into the building, loading them up into the truck as quickly as possible, armed men either side, holding guns and taking out zombies who tried to take advantage of the new arrivals. Rae was slightly embarrassed that they were all covered in blood, but it was Jen’s face as she picked up Kenji’s camera to take with her and looked back at his body with tears in her eyes, that got her. Rae bit her lip and just before she was gone, she stole the lighter that John kept in his pocket and flicked it open. One of the men tried to stop her but she didn’t care. She threw the zippo onto Kenji, his body lighting up in flame. She wasn’t leaving him there to rot in the cold and lonely building, even if he was dead, he deserved to rest easy. She climbed into the back of the Humvee where men guarded them with guns. She sat next to Nix, opposite Jen who mouthed ‘thank you’. Rae nodded with a small smile, not caring that the man who was shutting the back of the Humvee, glared at her. They drove in silence to the military base, Rae grabbed Jake and held Nix’s hand as her dad talked to Everlynn and cooed at James. He was enjoying being Poppa and she loved it, because there was no way she was letting Evie and James go into a foster system once everything was over, she was keeping their family together, no matter what. They made it to the base and were led from the vehicle, over the concrete that was covered in the sunrise glow and up to a man with his arms folded as the guards stood next to him, armed and ready. They started checking them over.
“I told you, the bite doesn’t turn.” Rae bit as she smacked the military guys hand away. He glared at her but stepped back at the command of his superior.
“We were just making sure none of you needed medical help, so you could be directed there first. But if you don’t, then we can show you to your room.” The captain said hiding a smirk but not very well. Rae sighed and looked over at Evelynn who still limped from her leg.
“I want to put our things away and get the babies settled, then can we please have someone see to Everlynn? Her leg was cut, and we stitched it but we’re not doctors.” Rae admitted. The man nodded.
“Follow me.” He said and led them through a compound that was covered in buildings and planes. He walked them down a path, going into one of the buildings where there were corridors and corridors of doors, with a lunchroom on the bottom floor.
“This is housing. Nothing fancy but it is where you will be staying for the next few months. Food will be available at me
altimes, there’s an itinerary in your room. Each room has a toilet but for hygiene, there is a communal bathroom on each floor. And as per your information on the phone, we have placed two cots in the room for you.” The man explained, his hands behind his back as he led them down a hall on the second floor, his tall, masculine build using up most of the walkway. He opened a door on the left leading them in to where there was a small apartment type room, with an open plan area with a kitchenette, plain living space and three open doors that revealed bedrooms. “The adjoining room to this is available too, but it is a one bedroom with two singles. Anyway, once you’re settled, we’ll get your girl patched up then I would like to take you to the lab, Raelynn. We have some stumped scientists who are very keen to meet you. We need to get started on this cure.” He said. Rae nodded and the stern man bowed before leaving. Rae blew out a breath as relief poured through her. Everyone was checking the rooms out as she pulled Nix aside. He kissed her deeply, pulling back to smile.
“We’re safe, Rae.” He grinned. She smiled and looked over at where her family was.
“Nix, I want us to always be safe. And always be together.” She hinted, looking over at Everlynn who was laughing at something Raelynn's dad had said. He had James in his arms as Jen walked around with Jake. Nix grinned and nodded.
“I want that too, Rae. Anything that keeps a smile on your face and I’m down.” He kissed her again. She sighed against him then went over to Everlynn.
“Everlynn, can we talk to you?” Raelynn asked her. She plonked down onto the bed and her dad discreetly left the bedroom.
“What's wrong?” Everlynn frowned.
“Nothing sweetie, we just have a very important question.” Raelynn started and Everlynn nodded.
“Okay,” She said waiting for the question.
“We were wondering if once this is over and everything goes back to normal, if you would like to stay with me and Rae? With James of course.” Nix offered. Evie lit up, her face beaming.
“Yes, yes, yes! This means you guys have to get married then, right? Can we get a dog? Oooooh, can I be your flower girl?” Everlynn rambled and Rae looked at Phoenix with eyes wide as he looked back at her with a smile. Rae covered her mouth with her hand.
“I don't have a ring, but that’s a great idea, Evie.” He said getting down on one knee, “Raelynn Grace Wilson, will you take my last name and be my wife?” He asked. Rae grinned, as she looked down at him. It was the zombie apocalypse and he was proposing. Of course, he was. He was Nix, Phoenix. The guy who loved her more than anything, the guy who stole her heart and the guy who wanted her kids as much as she did. Damn right, she wanted to marry him. She looked at his expectant eyes.
“You bet, I do.” Rae smiled as he stood, picked her up and swung her around in his arms, kissing her hard as Everlynn clapped from the bed, giggling as John, Andrew and even Jen came in with whoops and cheers of their own. Rae broke away from Nix and laughed at their reaction.
“You know this means you have three kids now Nix, you might have to get a minivan.” John piped in with a chuckle, making Nix’s face drop, his eyes widening. Rae laughed as her dad came forward and shook Nix’s hand, clapping him on the back. Rae looked at her kids and shrugged.
“Don’t worry, Nix. It’s not rocket science.” She teased, laughing with her family as they congratulated her. She might have a few months to wait to get her happily ever after, but she was going to get it and after everything that had happened, she damn well deserved it.
Epilogue
Six months later
Raelynn flattened the last box of their things and threw it on the others in the corner of their new home. After getting out of the housing at the military base and returning to Iowa a couple of months ago, they had decided to move, to get out of the area, settling on Michigan. Her dad had agreed and convinced John and even Jen to join them.
Her dad and John had opened up a bar together, naming it “Hero Kenji”, even placing a fake medal of honour on the wall and naming the house drink after him. Jen lived with John and Andrew down the road from Rae and Nix. She had picked up a mechanic apprenticeship and even a new girlfriend that had come to the last few family dinners with her. They were happy and that made Rae ecstatic. Rae looked back from the kitchen and into the lounge where her husband was playing with their ‘twins’ on the floor with Evie climbing on his back. They had searched for Evie and James’s parents when they had made it back to Iowa, they had left messages at their house and on the phone but they hadn’t been there and it had stayed abandoned, so they had decided to start the paperwork for legal adoption. Of course, having some very grateful friends in the military and government, meant it had gone straight through and now she was a married mom of three beautiful kids and had a damn amazing husband. As if hearing her thoughts, Nix looked up and grinned. He was her rock. When things were hard, he kept her grounded. He untangled himself from Evie who started her new school on Monday. He came over to Rae with that lopsided grin she adored and wrapped his arms around her.
“You’re staring.” He whispered and pressed his lips against hers. It lit her up the way it always did, her insides burning to have him. She kissed him back, sighing against him as he backed her against the kitchen counter, his hands holding her against him, as close as they could be. Nix kissed down her neck before whispering by her ear.
“What do you say, we put the boys down for a nap, put Ana and Elsa on the TV for the millionth time this week and take a little parental break.” He teased, kissing her again. She smiled.
“It just seems surreal after everything that happened and then six months in quarantine, it all seems like another life now that we have everything we dreamed of. We have a home and a family.” She breathed as he peppered her face with kisses.
“We did it though, Rae and we deserve to be happy because of it.” He said before kissing her again. She kissed him then pulled back, her face serious.
“You don't have to stay, you know? You don't have to take on three kids, it’s a lot for you when you’ve never even had one before. I’d never expect it of you.” She told him and he shook his head quickly, holding her face between his hands.
“I didn't marry you to leave, I'm not going anywhere.” He said grabbing her hand and running a finger over her diamond ring. She smiled and nodded up at him, kissing him deeply, pulling him against her as his earlier idea suddenly seemed really good. Except they were interrupted. A knock on the door broke them apart. Nix pouted as Rae laughed.
“Are you expecting someone?” Nix asked and she shook her head, moving out from between the counter and Nix. She answered the door warily to see a postwoman there holding a box.
“Special delivery for Raelynn Clarke?” She asked and Rae nodded.
“Just need you to sign here.” She said pointing to the machine. Rae grabbed it and signed then took the parcel.
“Thanks.” Raelynn smiled then put the box on the ground as Nix closed the door behind her, waving the lady goodbye. Together they opened the box and at first, all Rae could see, was bright pink paper covering the contents of the box with a tablet in the middle. Raelynn turned it on, and pressed play on the waiting video, gasping as she was met by the familiar faces of Maria and Julian. Except Maria’s face was different, it was tan, smooth and smiling with vibrant life. The background of the video was blue sky and a palm tree so Rae guessed they were somewhere tropical, so it might have been that helping, but Maria looked stunning. She was healed which meant the blood had worked. Rae grinned with tears in her eyes.
“Hey Rae, and probably Nix! Thanks for healing me. I’m okay now and even though my brain condition is slowly coming back, I’m not dying, and all the effects of the drug are reversing. Thank you so much.” Maria grinned into the camera. Julian smiled at his daughter who was leaning over from behind what looked like a beach chair. He was a lot darker skinned, with aviators on and his gold chin hanging down his shirtless torso that was dusted with dark hairs.
“You healed
my daughter, Rae and that makes me in your debt. I don’t like being in anyone’s debt, so this gift is to say thank you and we’re even. Thank you for what you did for my daughter and I hope your dad made it through once I unlocked the door before I left and let him in. You’re welcome. Goodbye guys and spend it wisely.” He smiled holding his daughter who blew a kiss then laughed and the video cut out. Rae frowned and looked at Nix, Julian had let her dad in? She had never been more grateful and that was enough to make them even, so why was he gifting her anything? And what was it? Rae pulled out the pink tissue paper in the box, gasping as her fingers brushed stacks and stacks of hundred-dollar bills, bunched together in the box. Rae looked at a wide-eyed Nix with the same expression.
“Jackpot, baby.” Nix winked as he picked up Rae and swung her around. She laughed and kissed her husband. She finally got her happy ever after.
***
He sat silently at the table, his thumb and forefinger holding his chin as the men around the table, took their seats, whispering, fixing their suits. Finally, the boardroom was called to attention by one of the suited men at the head of the table. The blinds were shut, the only light was a dim lamp under the man at the front.
“The outbreak has finally been eradicated and now it's time for the clean-up.” The man announced, with the others nodding. One of the men across the table stood up.
“How?” He asked. A lady with slicked back, dark hair and red lipstick, stepped forward from the outskirts of the room. She held up a vial of clear liquid.
“With this,” She grinned “This will be put into every water system out there and it will wipe everyone’s minds completely of the entire incident. It will reprogram their brains into thinking that there was an outbreak of influenza, but it has been sorted. They will know nothing of zombies or Exalt.” The girl said turning back to the man at the head of the table, who was sporting grey hair and an impressive beer-belly hidden behind his expensive suit.
Survival Instincts (Book 1): Sacrifice Page 19