Текст книги "A Mad Zombie Party"

Автор книги: Gena Showalter

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Текущая страница: 8 (всего у книги 21 страниц)

I’m trapped in a freaking day from hell. But the part that sucks the biggest balls? This is a day from hell in a long string of days from hell. And really, one should be indistinguishable from another by now. Somehow, though, this one stands out as the worst yet.

First, I woke up to find Frosty sneaking out. As if I was a one-night stand he couldn’t wait to forget. Then, of course, I ran into Chance, my brother’s best friend—and a former “boyfriend” of mine—as well as Chance’s two younger cousins. Oh, and my personal fave, the Z toxin in my system is causing the nightmares and who knows what other problems.

From now on, I probably need to ask myself one very important question each and every day. Do I want to eat my friends?

I’m not sure how much more bad news I can take.

Frosty catches up to me, grabs me by the wrist and tugs me to his truck. I don’t protest, but I do look around to make sure no one sees us.

As he speeds down the highway, he says, “I’m not embarrassed to be seen with you. You didn’t have to pretend we’d only bumped into each other.”

My heart melts. Until he adds, “Besides, they probably know about the vision.”

Right. Because he wouldn’t hang around me for any other reason.

I won’t cry. It’s not like this is news.

“Do you miss your crew?”

I’m not sure I like the way he hammers to the heart of the matter. “I do. As much as a limb.” Seeing the trio had hurt like hell. They might have lost all respect for me, might hate me to my rotten core, but I still love them.

“Your betrayal put them at risk, saved only your brother.”

At least he’s not spitting the words at me. His tone is calm, factual. I rub my Betrayal tattoo—and the compass next to it. A reminder that no matter how lost I am, there’s still a way home. I just have to find it.

Needing a reprieve, I stare out the window. The sky is pretty, baby blue with puffy white clouds. Towering oaks line the side of the road and dot the rolling hills. I’ve lived in Bama all my life, but I’m still awed by the scenery.

“Camilla?”

If I continue to maintain my silence, Frosty will let the subject drop. I know this. Personal conversations aren’t our thing. But I finally say, “At the time, I had tunnel vision. Save River. My eye was on the prize, and I was blind to everything else.”

“I still don’t understand how you did what you did to them...to Ali.”

She’s easier to talk about, so I say, “Before I’d even met her, I knew I had to betray her. I decided to find fault with her, no matter what. A smile meant she was making fun of me. A frown meant she disapproved of me.”

“Seems pretty twisted.”

“It was.” Anytime I felt myself softening toward her, I purposely snipped and snapped at her, creating strife between us. A task my inner bitch enjoyed. “Desperate girls do desperate things.”

A moment of silence. “Where we’re headed... River is there. He’s been staying there. Can you handle seeing him?”

Good question. The brother who used to hold me when I cried, who used to tell me everything would be okay, that he would always take care of me, the brother who did his best to save—

I’m just supposed to smile when he turns his back on me?

And he will turn his back on me. Our crew lives by a single motto. Lie and Die, Betray and Pay. When my association with Anima was first found out, protocol demanded River feed me the barrel of a .44. He kicked me out instead, still in protector mode, I suppose.

“You won’t know anything is wrong with me,” I say on a trembling breath. I’m needed, and there’s no way I’ll let anyone else down just because I’m cut to ribbons inside.

“I won’t know anything is wrong with you...but something will be wrong with you.” The words should be a question, but he’s made them a statement. “You can’t... You shouldn’t...” He jerks a hand through his hair. “Damn it. You’re twisting up my guts. Stop.”

“How am I twisting—”

“Stop.”

Fine. Whatever. I answer his nonquestion. “I can’t control what I feel, but I can control how I react to those feelings.”

“And that makes your pain any less real?”

“No, but feelings change all the time, for a million different reasons. They’re unreliable and therefore inconsequential in the big scheme of things. Why give in to the worst of them?”

His lips purse. “What about love?”

It’s a very personal question, but I find myself saying, “Love is a choice, not an emotion.”

He’s shaking his head before I’ve finished speaking. “You’re telling me a man and woman should decide to be together, rather than waiting to fall for each other?”

“I’m talking about love. You’re talking about chemistry.”

“I love Kat. I don’t chemistry her.”

I don’t know why, but hearing him say he still loves the girl who continually tells him to date other people is worse than River’s potential rejection. “Real love never fails, never fades, and the greatest expression of it is giving.”

“I give—gave—her everything.”

“Did you really? Did you give her your time and attention when you were busy with other things? Did you put her happiness before your own? Did you give her what she needed or what she wanted?”

A muscle jumps beneath his eye. “I’m done with this conversation.”

Well. Score one, Milla.

He turns onto a redbrick road, where a towering, intricately twisted wrought-iron gate blocks our entrance. As we slow, that gate opens automatically and we’re able to cruise down the drive and park in front of...a hotel?

No, I realize. This is Reeve Ankh’s new house. A massive plantation with white shuttered windows, massive columns and a wraparound portico. Pecan and apple trees intermingle along the front of the property, a display of nature’s best. To the left are strawberry and blackberry vines, and the sweet fruits scent the air.

“While we’re here, you stay by my side,” Frosty says as we climb the porch steps. “Got it?”

“Sir, yes, sir. Do you?”

“I won’t try to ditch you, if that’s what you’re hinting at. Not here, at least.”

His determination to keep me in his sights gives me pause. Usually he can’t wait to ditch me. Why would he—

The truth hits, and for a moment, I’m blindsided. After all the time we’ve spent together, he doesn’t trust me. Not even a little. He thinks I’ll sneak off, maybe try to destroy the security system or something equally disastrous.

I don’t know why I expected better. He’s giving me what I deserve. What I will always deserve. I need to take my licks like a big girl and move on.

Feelings are inconsequential, right?

“We’ll get Reeve to run those tests before we leave,” he says. “I want to give the newest dose of antidote time to do its thing first.”

“Pleasure before business. Got it.”

The moment we reach the tall, arched front doors, they open from the inside. The reason pats Frosty on the shoulder. Justin Silverstone.

I wish I could hold out hope for the same forgiveness he was granted after working with Anima, but I know better.

“Hey, man.” Justin clasps hands with Frosty and the two perform some kind of manly chest bump. With his dark hair and even darker eyes, he’s a big ole bowl of puppy-dog cuteness.

Frosty scans the open foyer, which is currently devoid of furniture. Are Cole and the others afraid something will happen to this new place, so don’t want to bother decorating? Or did they just not have time?

“Cole and Ali still around?”

“Yeah. Everyone’s in the gym.” Justin gives me an appreciative once-over. “You’re Milla, right?”

“That’s right.” If he insults me, I’ll...take it.

“Sweet.” He slings his arm over my shoulders to urge me forward. “You, lucky girl, are getting a personal escort.” When we’re several feet ahead of Frosty, his tone goes low and quiet. “I heard you switched to Team Awesome. Congratulations.”

“Actually, I like to think I never really switched.” I match my volume to his. And then I offer him more than I’ve offered anyone else, the words bottled inside me for far too long. Maybe because he’s the one person in the world who will understand. “I somehow convinced myself it was okay to do the wrong thing for a very good reason.” Maybe, if I’d gone to my brother, told him what Anima had said, we could have come up with a plan to protect him and bring down the company, without putting anyone else in danger.

Frosty remains behind us, but follows close to our heels. “What are you two muttering about?”

“If it was any of your business, we’d talk louder,” Justin says without looking back. Going quiet again, he adds, “Don’t worry. I’ve been in your outcast shoes and I know how difficult it can be, but it doesn’t last forever.”

I rub at Betrayal. “How did you win everyone over?”

“Time. Action.”

I sigh. “An eternity wouldn’t be long enough for me.” People died because of me. Innocent people. I deserve a dagger, not a welcome-back party. “But I’ll make things right, no matter what.”

“Hey, we all make mistakes. The others will remember that fact.”

I don’t believe him, but I offer him a smile of thanks anyway. He’s trying to make me feel better and I’m grateful.

As we enter a spacious room filled with workout equipment and a boxing ring, my brother comes into view. I trip over my own foot. Frosty grabs a fistful of my shirt, yanking me back so that I never actually fall.

“Thanks,” I mutter, watching as River laughs and enters the ring with Cole. Like me, my brother has a body covered in scars and black-and-white tattoos.

Black and white. Right and wrong. Nothing in between.

My heart swells with different emotions. Love. Joy—he’s here, he’s safe. Regret. Remorse. Happiness. Sadness. Anticipation. Dread.

Cole is shirtless and sweaty, muscled and just as heavily tattooed. He bears names and symbols to honor the loved ones he’s lost—and those he just plain loves. Like Ali.

With his black hair and violet eyes, he’s more beautiful than any other boy I’ve ever seen—with the exception of Frosty. I once tried to pick him up. Not because I’m attracted to him but because I hoped to use him against Ali. Anything to push her toward Anima.

Now, shame stabs at me.

Both boys are expertly skilled at combat, and it’s clear they know each other’s habits. When one swings, the other ducks. When one kicks, the other jumps.

“You on your period again?” Cole asks.

“Your mom is on her period,” River responds.

“No mom jokes,” Ali calls from the sidelines. “Or I’ll punch you both in the ovaries.”

“No girl jokes,” Cole tells her.

“Fine. I’ll punch you both in the apple bags,” she amends.

“Apple bags?” River laughs. “My new favorite phrase.”

“My girl gives good poetry.” Cole smiles fondly, then nails River in the jaw with a hard right cross. “I give good aneurisms.”

“You aren’t the only one.” River lands a punch of his own before spinning out of range to avoid Cole’s retaliation. He stills, but his gaze keeps going, moving through the room. Always check your surroundings. You never know who’s trying to sneak up on you.

He stops on me, and a humiliating whimper escapes. He loses his smile, regret pulsing from him. For a single heartbeat, at least. Does he miss me? He must. Then his expression shutters, and he nods a greeting to Justin and Frosty.

I am not a slave to my emotions, remember?

But...I think my heart is actually breaking inside my chest.

That’s okay. I’ll heal. Failure isn’t the end; it’s just a delay.

“Come on.” Justin tugs me forward. “I’ll introduce you to our new recruits.”

I dig in my heels, staying in place. “Frosty?” I haven’t forgotten my promise to him.

“Go on. But stay nearby. I mean it.”

“We will, Dad.” Justin flips him the bird. “We’ll be in the room next to this one. Happy?”

“Only when my fist goes through your chest cavity, douche-purse.”

Douche-purse. The entire crew has always loved to tease Ali about her grandmother’s attempt to be cool. “Be careful,” I mutter to Justin. “I’ve seen him do the chest cavity thing.”

Justin flashes me a wicked grin. “If you think I lack the skill to protect myself, you just haven’t seen me fight.”

Poor, deluded boy. Frosty will wipe the floor with his face.

Frosty can beat anyone.

“Come on.” Justin gives me another tug.

This time, as I allow him to lead me away, I glance back at Frosty. One last glance because...just because. I expect him to be locked in a conversation with one of his friends. Instead, his eyes are glued to me, his hands clenched at his sides.

He’s angry? Why?

When Justin punches the security code into the back door, I force my attention to my feet. I didn’t mind spying on Frosty when I thought he would try and hurt me, but I’m not being threatened right now and I don’t want the ability to go places I’m not invited. Not here. Why flirt with temptation? Why make these people suspect me of wrongdoing? Well, more than they already do.

The new room is just as spacious and filled with even more equipment. Besides a punching bag and boxing ring, there’s a row of treadmills, stair-steppers, elliptical machines and stationary bikes.

Love, Gavin and Jaclyn are instructing a group of eleven people to run the treadmill at top speed for two minutes, then move to the stair-stepper for another two, then the elliptical for another two, then the bikes. Then they have to do it all over again.

The recruits range in age from older teens to men and women in their midthirties. But no matter the age, these people have clearly never trained before, their stamina seriously lacking. The majority of them look as if they’re about to go into cardiac arrest.

How did Cole—or whoever—find them? River and I used to hack names from databases in mental institutions, searching for anyone who sees monsters the rest of the world is too blind to notice.

Love smiles and waves at Justin. When she spots me, all hint of friendliness vanishes.

She’s a beautiful girl with curly dark hair and brilliant green eyes. No wonder Chance is into her. Not that the two are officially dating, but really, it’s only a matter of time. Chance has never chased after a potential conquest, or hung around an actual conquest this long. Love ’em and leave ’em, that’s his usual style.

I should know.

I look at Justin. “Why did you bring me in here?” Not to introduce me to the recruits, that’s for sure.

“I’ve been in your shoes, remember? I know you need to burn off some dark emotion, and this is the perfect place to do it.”

“Take five,” Love announces, the recruits practically falling off the bikes. “What’s she doing in here, Silverstone?”

I bristle, even as I wither.

“She’s on our side now.” Justin steps in front of me. “Cage the rage.”

The recruits stare at me with open curiosity.

“Bathroom,” one of the girls calls, disappearing into what looks to be a locker room. I catch the barest glimpse of her hair—jet-black, straight as a pen—swishing from a ponytail.

My heart skips a beat. Why such an extreme reaction?

Love growls, “Don’t be a fool, Justin. She’s here because she has nowhere else to go. The moment she gets a better offer she’ll take off. If she survives the day.”

“Is that a threat?” I ask.

Gavin crosses his arms. “Out,” he barks at the recruits, and they quickly scurry from the room, following the same path the dark-haired girl took. When our group is alone, he points to the boxing ring. “Justin suggested you cage the rage, and I agree...only, I want you to do it in an actual cage.”

I blink at him, incredulous.

Love rubs her hands together with glee. “Yeah. That’s a very good idea.”

“Ladies.” Gavin waves to the ring. “If you’d be so kind as to climb inside, you may pummel each other to the death while the rest of us watch...and take bets on the winner.”

I’m not sure what’s wrong with me. I’m not Justin Silverstone’s biggest fan, but he’s not a bad guy. Despite the mistakes he made in his past, he recently helped us destroy Anima from the inside out. He’s proven himself. And yet, the moment he put his arm around Camilla and turned on his megawatt smile, I’ve wanted to open him up from navel to nose, just to play Operation. Same way I reacted when the waiter touched her.

I think I’m on my period.

I stride to the ring where Cole and River are still hammering at each other. I remove my shirt and drop it on the floor.

“Woo-hoo,” Ali calls. “Take it all off.”

Ha! Looking at Cole, I hike my thumb behind my shoulder. “Out. It’s my turn.”

He struts over, pats me on the back. “Go easy on River. He’s delicate.”

River wipes a streak of blood from his cheek. “Last night I didn’t go easy on your—”

“No mom jokes!” Ali shouts.

“Dad,” River quips, and everyone snorts with laughter.

A side door opens and in strolls an older woman with silver-streaked black hair and kind brown eyes. Ali’s grandmother. Everyone calls her Nana. She’s carrying a tray of cookies and small plastic cups of milk.

“All right, everyone. Recharge with a snack,” she calls.

“Are those chocolate chip?” Cole reaches her first and claims one.

“Oh, my goodness.” Nana sets the tray aside and coos at the guy. “Cole, dear, you have a boulder-size knot on your jaw.”

“River did it.” Cole smirks at the guy. “And he insulted my mom. And my dad.”

“River Marks.” Nana shakes her head, as if her heart is actually breaking. “How could you be so rough? And so insensitive!”

River glares at Cole before bowing his head. “I’m sorry, Nana.”

“The human body is like a flower. Treat it well, and it will bloom.” She approaches the ring and extends two cookies. River and I accept with eager thanks. “Let’s be kind to each other and keep our punches away from the face and groin.”

“Yes, ma’am,” we say in unison. Then, of course, we devour the offering as if we’ve never tasted sugar.

“Good, good.” She brushes the crumbs from her fingers. “I’ll leave you kids to your practice.” She kisses Ali, then Cole, and leaves.

“Are you a rose?” River sneers at Cole. “Or a lily?”

“Orchid. And your jealousy is showing,” Cole responds.

“I’m a weed.” I crack the bones in my neck, then my knuckles. With as much pent-up aggression as I’m dealing with, I need an opponent that will fight as dirty as me. River fits the bill. I also have an urge to hurt him for hurting Camilla.

Dude. I shouldn’t even like the girl, and now I want to defend her? Protect her? Avenge her?

“You ready for—” River begins.

I pop him in the mouth before he can finish his sentence. His lip splits in the center and blood trickles down his chin. He wipes the drops away and smiles with relish. A smile that only whets my appetite for more. More pain, more violence. I take another swing at him, but he’s ready this time and ducks, coming up to nail me in the stomach. Air explodes from my lungs, pain shooting through me. When he draws back his elbow to take a double jab at my kidneys, I spin to the side...behind him...and elbow him in the spine. As he stumbles forward, I turn the rest of the way and kick him from behind.

Yeah, I’m that guy.

He lands on his face, but rolls forward and comes up to meet my new approach with a roundhouse kick, Chuck Norris style. Impressive. I’m the one who lands on my face this time, but like River, I don’t stay down long. In a blink, I’m up and slamming a fist into his sternum. I think I hear bone crack.

“Man-meat in action!” Ali calls. “Hurt him! Hurt him so bad!”

I’m not sure which of us she’s cheering for.

River circles me, his expression no longer tolerant and eager, but tense and dark. “You shouldn’t have brought her here.”

I don’t have to ask who “her” is. “Oh, you claim her now? A minute ago, you looked through her as if she didn’t exist.”

His eyes slit, his black lashes practically fusing together. “She betrayed me, betrayed us all. What kind of leader would I be if I showed her favoritism?”

“Maybe she doesn’t want a leader. Maybe she just wants a brother.” And damn it, I’m not doing this. I’m not pushing her brother to forgive her when I will forever hold a grudge.

I nail him in the cheek, and his entire body rotates with the blow.

“That all you got?” he taunts.

I nail him with my other fist, sending him flying in the other direction. The dual forces make him dizzy, and he shakes his head. I use his distraction to my advantage and throw another punch. But he’s expecting it, and he uses my own move against me, spinning to come up to my side...behind me...and elbowing me in the spine.

Adrenaline prevents me from feeling the pain—right now—but doesn’t save me from a fall. My hands absorb my weight as I kick back with both my legs. Contact! River stumbles backward, hitting the rings. He bounces forward. I meet him in the middle, throwing a punch while winding my foot behind his ankle and tripping him.

“Not even close,” I say.

He goes down, and I use my knees to immobilize his shoulders. He isn’t so easily subdued and quickly bucks me off. I land on all fours. Outside the ring, I catch a glimpse of Ali standing beside Kat and a little girl I recognize only from pictures—Ali’s dead sister, Emma. The three are talking, and none are smiling.

River drills a fist into the back of my head. As I go down, stars wink through my vision. I come up swinging, popping River so hard I’m pretty sure I break his nose. Oh, well.

Blood pours down his lips and chin, and his knees buckle. He howls in pain.

“Have Cole use dýnamis on you, and the injury will heal in minutes.” Or a few days. Whatever. He’ll heal faster than usual, and that’s good enough.

“Kat.” I jump over the ring, lowering the top rope with my weight while allowing my legs to soar over. “What’s wrong?”

She wrings her hands as she focuses on me. “I just... I’m feeling guilty. Emma found out about– Well, she pointed out that doing to your enemy what your enemy did to you makes you a hypocrite. And she’s right. I know the devastation such an action causes, and yet I’m doing it anyway.”

“I don’t understand. Doing what?”

“Anima...betrayal...”

I’m still lost. Feelings of guilt...taking a play from Anima’s book... “Have you lied to me about something?”

“No. I’ve told you the truth.”

“Are you worried about the company?”

“In a way. In the vision, Camilla saves you from a person, not a zombie. Why would a person unaffiliated with Anima attack you? They wouldn’t. You’re awesome.”

“I hate to be the one to shatter your illusions about me, but I’ll never be voted most likable. Lots of people unaffiliated with Anima would pay huge stacks of cash to hurt me. Plus, there could be a newly formed antislayer group. Or a previously unknown group. The government. Military. Or anyone, really.”

“Well, it’s still logical to consider the possibility that some part of Anima is still in business.”

Emma clears her throat. “You’re digressing, Kitty.”

Hearing such a little girl use such a big word—digressing—is weird.

Kat shoos her away. “Anyway. You’ll be voted whatever I want you to be voted. Nothing else. Meanwhile, wipe your face. You’re bloody, and it’s gross.”

Before, whenever she called me gross, I yanked her against me and planted kisses all over her face. She squealed and I laughed. Now...the urge just isn’t there. I think I’ve grown used to not touching her. Used to being kept at a distance and told I’m just a friend.

I love her, I’ll always love her, but the intensity to be with her is gone.

The knowledge rips through me. I’m moving on. Starting the next chapter of my life. A chapter I never expected to start, and it’s bittersweet.

“So...how are things with Camilla?” she asks, her tone light. Too light.

“She’s not as bad as I thought.” I won’t mention the moments of attraction and jealousy. No good can come of it.

“Well, she’s sucking at her job right now.” Kat scans the room. “Where is she?”

Good question. At least half an hour has passed since she took off with Justin. I should probably go check on her.

When River opens the door that separates this room from the one holding Camilla and Justin, cheers ring out. Ali and Cole share a confused look before following River inside. I take a step forward to do the same, only to stop.

“Go.” Kat waves me away. “I’m due back at court.”

I don’t say I love you. I just nod, and she’s gone, that sense of bittersweetness only growing.

I barely make it through the door, which locks automatically behind me. Mental note: learn the codes.

Kids I know and kids I’ve never met surround a ring just like the one River and I used. As the cheers intensify, I scan the heads for familiar platinum and come up empty. Damn it, where is she?

“Kill her!” someone yells. “Make it hurt!”

Bets are flying. Five on Love...ten on Love. Five on Camilla.

What the hell?

I push my way through the crowd and curse. She’s in the ring with Love, the two punching and kicking each other, and there’s nothing catlike about it. There’s no scratching, no hair pulling. Just sheer aggression. A battle for domination.

Both are bruised and bloody, but still steady on their feet, still throwing punches, ducking, throwing more punches. The problem is they aren’t just fighting physically. After Camilla nails Love in the jaw, she pushes her spirit out of her body and punches through Love’s jaw, hitting the girl’s spirit. Love recovers fast and pushes out her own spirit to block Camilla’s next blow. But Camilla is already back inside her body, throwing another punch.

I’m impressed. And maybe I’m a little proud—something I don’t like. Love is my friend. Her defeat should not give me a thrill. “Twenty on Love,” I call.

Camilla must hear my voice over all the others, because she stiffens and hesitates to make her next blow, allowing Love to land a double jab to her side. As Camilla gasps for breath she no longer has, I tighten my hands on the ring, fighting the urge to jump inside...and help her.

I don’t know who I am anymore.

Gavin comes up beside me and grins a toothy grin. “Sweet, huh? I sent the recruits away, but they heard the commotion and begged for the opportunity to watch.”

“You’re an ass,” I growl.

“That’s not exactly an insult. A great ass is something everyone wants.”

An alarm suddenly rings out, assaulting my ears. I cringe, everyone around me going still and quiet as they look around. The recruits begin to panic, spinning in circles. Trying to decide where to run?

“I’m going after Nana and your dad,” Ali shouts to Cole.

He nods, knowing what I know. Someone tried to open a door they shouldn’t. Everyone we trust already has access.

He throws orders at the others. I can’t make out every word, but I get the gist. He wants some of us to escort the recruits to a safe room and the rest of us to search the house for an intruder.

Gavin and Jaclyn start gathering the recruits, pushing them underneath the ring, where there is, apparently, a trapdoor leading to a secret room in the basement.

My first thought is: get to Camilla. But as I step into the ring, I realize she’s no longer there. Scanning the room, I see her race through the open door in back. To search for the intruder?

I take off after her, growing madder by the second. Waiting for backup can mean the difference between life and death.

I lift a revolver from a table of weapons and burst into—a hallway. The lights are out, the windows covered. Darkness greets me, but I never slow my step.

“Camilla,” I shout.

“Cemetery girl...stop her...”

I can barely make out the words.

“Camilla,” I shout again, increasing my speed. I pass through another door and grind to a stop. Damn it. I’m in a large ballroom that has eight other doors.

When I find her...

There’s going to be trouble.