What Remains: Wasteland

by Kris Norris

  A finger touched her cheek, jolting her from her thoughts. She opened her eyes to see Rhys staring at her, worry etched in the furrow of his brow. Like Hunter, he’d always been able to tell when something wasn’t quite right, even if he was completely clueless to the fact he was part of the cause.

  His eyes narrowed as he leaned closer. “You okay? Maybe Kace should take another look at your head.”

  She waved Kace off when the man looked as if he was about to dart over. “I’m fine. It’s just been a long few months. Now I believe you were about to grovel for forgiveness.”

  He chuckled. “Right. Grovel.”

  He ran a hand through his shaggy locks, tousling the hair about his face. The messy look made him appear even sexier, and Emersyn had to bite her lip to keep the hum of approval building in her chest from escaping.

  His hand fell to his lap, and he motioned Hunter to join them with a nod of his head. Hunter limped over, settling beside her. His thigh brushed hers, sending a spike of longing straight to her core. God help her, but all it took was a single touch from these men and she was lost. Hunter reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze before he looked at Rhys. She glanced down at where their fingers twined together. It wasn’t unusual for him to hold her hand. He’d done it a thousand times before. But this time felt different. Maybe it was the blow to her head, or the fact she’d confessed her undying love, but either way, the simple act made her heart race as her skin erupted in a rash of goose flesh.

  Rhys’ gaze dropped where her hand held Hunter’s then back again. He gave them both an arch of one brow before shrugging. “I’m not sure where to start.”

  She snorted. “How about with the fact you have a brother you never cared to mention.”

  He glanced at Kace, giving the younger man a guarded smile. “Guess national security isn’t a factor anymore.” He sighed. “I never mentioned Kace because as far as the world was concerned, he didn’t exist.”

  Emersyn frowned. Maybe Kace had hit her harder than she’d thought because she didn’t have a clue what Rhys was alluding to. She opened her mouth to ask, but Hunter beat her to it.

  “Blame it on the blood loss, buddy, but I have no idea what you’re implying. The man’s standing right there. How the hell doesn’t he exist?”

  Rhys pulled his lips tight, once again glancing at Kace. “The man known as Kace Scott died eight years ago. I had no idea he was still alive until I heard his message via the old shortwave radio channel at the center eight months ago.”

  Emersyn stared at Rhys, wondering if he’d finally lost his mind. She looked at Kace, reading the man’s face as he pursed his lips, absently kicking at the worn tiled floor.

  She shook her head, pushing to her feet and pacing across the room. “This is crazy. How the hell does a dead brother just show up eight years later when ninety percent of the human race is wandering the Earth as monsters out of a horror movie?”

  Kace stepped forward, signaling his brother with a raise of his hand. “I never meant for this to get so messed up. All I wanted to do was make a difference. To finish my research. But then a bunch of different governments wanted to abuse my work, and my only option was to disappear…permanently.”

  Emersyn rubbed the bridge of her nose, knowing it’d do little to stem the sudden pounding in her head. “Again. You’re not making much sense. You need to tell the story straight through from the beginning.”

  Kace nodded, leaning his hip against the table. “As Rhys told Hunter, I’d originally planned on becoming a doctor. I went through the first two years of med school before I worked on a case that changed my life. I was on one of my practicums when a group of kids were brought into the emergency room. They were victims in some grotesque school shooting and this one little girl had taken a bullet to her back. I wasn’t yet qualified to operate at that level, but I got to watch.” He shook his head. “Up until that point, I’d thought doctors were invincible. I’d seen them bring people back from the edge over and over again, but not this time. The girl lived, but she was paralyzed. Just the thought that she’d never walk again ate at me, and I decided there had to be a solution. That the answer was just waiting to be discovered.”

  Hunter snorted. “So you left med school and went into research.”

  Kace nodded. “Got myself a meager little grant and worked my ass off. A year later, I was making progress. Real progress. The kind that gets you noticed by the less than scrupulous factions outside our country. Then one night I was walking home from the lab and this guy jumped me. Stuck me with some kind of needle. I landed a few shots, drew some blood before I blacked out. Much to my surprise, I woke up in a hospital, a high-ranking member of Homeland Security at my bedside. Seems they’d been following me for some time, waiting for the right opportunity to offer me a job. The attack was just the ticket they’d needed to recruit me.”

  Emersyn snorted. “So you went to work for the government. Not seeing how this ties in to the world thinking you’re dead.”

  “That’s the thing. I didn’t accept their offer. Being somewhat idealistic, I didn’t want my passion to be corrupted into some kind of genetic warfare. Do you have any idea the kind of applications cell regeneration could spawn? And I’m not referring to the beneficial ones.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “So, I told them thanks, but no thanks. Then about two weeks later I received a package in the mail. It was full of photos of family, friends. Pictures of them grocery shopping, working in the yard. Hell, they even had one of Rhys out on maneuvers.”

  Hunter slapped his good thigh. “They were sending you a message.”

  Kace laughed, but it was hollow. “And I can assure you I got it loud and clear. I went straight to the federal building. Met with my contact and told him I’d take the job on the condition he provided protection for my family. Little did I realize that the protection was my death.” He shook his head. “I didn’t want to go through with it, but…I knew he was right. That as long as there were people I cared about, they’d be at risk.”

  Emersyn moved over to the man. Damn it if her heart didn’t ache for the decision he’d had to make. “And since they couldn’t protect everyone you loved, they eliminated the need.”

  Kace looked at her with pleading eyes. “I didn’t want to put my family and friends through that, but I knew I’d never forgive myself if just one of them got killed because of me. I even offered to stop my research but…”

  She gave him a tentative smile. “But that wouldn’t have stopped anyone. They already knew what you were capable of, and they would have continued to hunt you.” She gave him a light pat on the arm, surprised by the unexpected warming in her chest when her fingers connected with skin.

  She pulled her hand away, taking a much-needed step back. Obviously, her head injury was playing tricks on her. It was the only explanation for the sudden attraction she felt for Kace.

  Kace gave her a quizzical look before glancing at Hunter. “I never saw anyone I’d ever known again. After the infection spread out of control, the researchers were moved to a secure facility not far from here, along with whatever equipment they could spare. I suppose they thought we might be able to stop it. But things turned ugly pretty fast. The soldiers started vying for power, eventually erupting into a full-scale battle. They locked me down here with a few meager machines, thinking I was cut off from any form of communication. No offense, but you brawny types aren’t too smart.”

  Hunter laughed. “Not all of us are borderline Neanderthal, but I get your gist.” He glanced around the room. “Let me guess. You made a radio.”

  Kace laughed, the sound much more genuine than before. “Shit, there was already one down here. It only broadcast on shortwave, but I knew that if there were still organized groups out there, someone, somewhere would hear me.”

  Rhys stepped forward for the first time since his brother had begun his story. “I was working in the main office that night when Kace’s message came across the radio. At first, I thought it was a prank. I a
lmost ignored it until he told me his name. Can’t tell you what went through my mind at that moment. After all those years…the possibility that maybe, just maybe, my little brother was still alive.”

  Hunter moved over to them. “Look, Rhys. I think Em and I get why you left. What I don’t understand is why the hell you didn’t tell us! We would have come with you. Had your back. Shit, you’re lucky you made it here alive, let alone—”

  “Which is exactly why I didn’t tell you. I knew the chances of getting here were slim. Add in a dozen crazy army-types and the outlook was a thousand to one.”

  Emersyn spun to face him. “The outcome would have been a far sight better if you’d cared enough to ask. Damn it, Rhys. We should have been the ones to decide, not you. At the very least, you could have left us a note. Anything to let us know you hadn’t become infected and just walked off to die.” She swiped at the tears that broke free and traced down her cheeks. “Do you know what it’s been like these past eight months? How many times I’ve grieved the fact you were lost? How I’ve checked the face of every fucking corpse I’ve cut down just in case it was you. Of all the pain I’ve ever felt, nothing compared to the sheer agony of not knowing. After four years and a mountain’s worth of blood, sweat and tears, you owed us that much.”

  Rhys growled, grabbing her by the vest and pulling her close. His lips brushed over her mouth as his breath mixed with hers. “Don’t you think I wanted to tell you? Do you know how long I stood outside your quarters, warring with myself on what to do? What choice would cause you the least amount of pain? But I knew what you’d all say. I knew you’d come regardless of the viability of the mission.” He released her, stalking over to lean against the doorframe. “Hate me if you must. I’d rather have that than your blood on my conscience. Even I’m not that strong, Em.”

  His words hit home, and she had to turn away before the pained look on his face broke the last of her armor and made her into nothing more than a blubbering idiot. Damn the man and his compassion and wounded pride. And damn the fact she’d have done the same thing given the situation. Footsteps sounded behind her before a hand slid around her waist, tugging her against a wall of hard male flesh. She resisted the embrace for several heartbeats before her strength waned, and she leaned into him, allowing her head to rest in the crook of his shoulder.

  Warm breath feathered across her neck as the hand around her waist tightened. “I’m sorry.”

  Rhys’ voice trembled, slightly off key, and the mere thought that he was on the verge of losing control humbled her. He’d left to save them. She couldn’t fault him for that.

  Emersyn released a slow breath, allowing him to hold her for a few more moments before turning in his arms and gently pulling away. She couldn’t think when he was that close. Couldn’t breathe. Like Hunter, Rhys jumbled her thoughts until they became nothing more than a wash of their skin and hers.

  She gave him a small half smile. “Fine. You did what you thought was best. I don’t like it, and I certainly don’t agree with it, but I can’t blame you for it.”

  Hope gleamed in his eyes. “Is that your cryptic way of saying I’m forgiven?”

  Hunter stumbled over, stepping between them. “I think what Em is saying is…we understand. But answer me this. Why wait until now to call in the cavalry? You could have been back at the center several months ago.”

  Rhys motioned to the room. “Look around.”

  Hunter chuckled as he scanned the room. “I know the compound’s not the Hilton, but damn, it sure as hell beats this place.”

  Rhys smiled his first genuine smile since Em had kicked him on his ass. “I mean the equipment. Kace thought he was getting close to an answer. He didn’t want to leave when he knew we couldn’t take the damn machines with us.”

  Em stepped forward. “Oh my god. You’re the guy with the possible vaccine?”

  Kace shrugged. “In theory. It’s my best guess to date. I think it’s close, but I have no way of knowing it’s effectiveness—whether it’ll simply prevent infection or halt those newly infected before the parasite has a chance to fully integrate into the host. I’ve been having issues with some of the strains altering their structure to combat my attempts, so I might need different serums for different varieties. And call me crazy, but it’s not something I want to volunteer to test on myself just yet.”

  “Parasite? This thing’s a parasite?”

  Kace smiled and waved at the machine in the far corner. “Step into my office, and I’ll show you.”

  Chapter Four

  Kace held his breath, waiting to see what Emersyn’s response would be. Though he’d only just met her and Hunter, his brother had talked about them endlessly over the past several months, and he’d started to feel as if he was already part of the team. Then they’d showed up and reality had reared its ugly head. While he knew details about them that made him feel connected, it didn’t come close to intimate awareness they appeared to share. The way they seemed to read each other’s feelings or thoughts with nothing more than a twitch or a sigh. And it didn’t take a genius to see the sexual tension strumming between the three of them. Either they’d finally succumb to the passion and become one of these groups his brother had mentioned, or they’d kill each other.

  He suppressed a chuckle, realizing how wrong he’d been about Emersyn. She was far from fragile and every bit as badass as his brother had claimed. Maybe more so. But there was a wounded edge to her she couldn’t hide. An emptiness that reflected in her eyes and echoed in the way she looked at the other men. He sensed she’d fallen in love with them and that the very notion scared her.

  The inklings of uncertainty wove down his spine. Hunter had offhandedly mentioned there was a minimum of four to a group at this compound of theirs, for reasons Rhys had explained on more than one occasion. And Kace had no doubts that the spot had been reserved for this Billy they’d talked about. But with the guy dead, was there any chance they’d accept someone else? Was he man enough to fill shoes of a guy who’d given his life for the cause? Did Kace even want that, considering one of the men was his brother?

  He pushed the irritating thoughts away as he looked at Emersyn again, noting the easy symmetry of her face and how her body curved in all the right places. He’d never been much of a ladies’ man, preferring to immerse himself in his work. Sure, he’d had a few lovers and been on more first dates than any man should admit to, but he’d never found someone who appreciated the intellectual side of him. Who didn’t eventually resent his intelligence or see it as a fault. He knew he wasn’t easy to live with. He often worked well into the night, forgetting to eat and neglecting to sleep. He didn’t have flowery lines to fall back on or the rugged good looks of his brother to make his partners overlook his shortcomings. If it wasn’t for the fact he was also obsessed with keeping himself in shape, he had no doubt he’d be a ninety-pound weakling. And after the first impression he’d made on Emersyn, he wouldn’t blame her if she decided to shun him.

  Emersyn glanced at the microscope, raising a brow. “I’m far from stupid, but…is this going to make me look that way?”

  He smiled. “Not in the least.” When she seemed to resist, he cupped her elbow. “I promise.”

  She glanced down at where his hand held her captive but didn’t try to pull away. Instead, she allowed him to escort her over to the far wall, accepting the chair he scraped back for her.

  He waved at the machine. “Have a look.”

  “Is it safe?”

  “That’s why the microscope is sealed inside that container. It’s perfectly safe.”

  She gave him an apprehensive scowl before leaning forward and sealing the external lenses to her eyes. Her head shifted a bit, as if she was trying to get more comfortable before easing back and staring at him. “Okay. I see some cells. Maybe an amoeba or two. But honestly, I don’t have a clue what any of it means.”

  “That’s where I come in. Let’s put the images up on the screen so Hunter can see them, too.”
>
  Kace typed in a command, launching the image onto a white screen on the wall. He moved over to it, pointing to a long, spiky object. “See these cells? They’re neurons. They’re the building blocks of our nervous system. They tell us to move our legs, to feel pain when we get knocked on our ass…to feel pleasure when touched. Basically, they transmit information throughout our body.” He nodded at the image. “See those other cells that appear to be leaching off the neurons. Those little bastards are some kind of parasite. Don’t ask me what because frankly, I have no idea. I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s as if a new organism just manifested itself overnight, though I have strong suspicions they’re the result of some highly secretive experiment gone horribly wrong.”

  Emersyn frowned. “So, we did this to ourselves?”

  Kace shrugged. “I really doubt this is the biblical ‘rising of the dead to inherit the Earth’, so yeah, we’re responsible. At least, some form of government research is.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “Anyway, these parasites are ambitious little buggers. They enter the bloodstream, make their way to the brain stem and basically hijack our own neurons. Now since neurons don’t regenerate, the infected cells have no way of being destroyed because to destroy them would mean death to us.”

  Hunter snorted. “But isn’t that what happens? Don’t these things kill their hosts and somehow bring them back to life as those…things?”

  “It certainly appears that way, but it’s an illusion.”

  Emersyn pushed to her feet. “I’ve been fighting these bastards for eighteen months. Believe me. There’s nothing living inside them.”

  Kace gave her a reassuring smile. “Just hear me out. Do you know how bears and other animals hibernate? Their breathing and heart rate slow until they seem almost dead. This is similar only on a far greater level. My studies suggest that after these parasites gain control, they start shutting down all non-essential systems. Various parts of the brain, the digestive system…everything until the host is in such a deep coma, they appear dead. No heartbeat, no respiratory actions. Hell, even the brain shuts down with the exception of a very small part of the stem. But to a doctor with all the usual machines, the patient appears dead. Then something miraculous happens. The parasite reboots the system, turning on only what it needs to survive. To us, it appears the recently departed regenerates and voila, we have our version of a zombie.”