by Zoë Archer
“Yes.” Well, he certainly didn’t pull his punches. She would give him that. “You should think hard about moving onto the base until this is all over. As you saw firsthand tonight, it isn’t safe to be out here in the woods all by yourself.”
“What the hell was that, Simon? I saw his face. He looked like…like some kind of monster. Like something had been eating his face!”
She’d seen more than he’d thought. More than he’d hoped. More than she should have.
“Come clean with me, Simon. You know I won’t share classified information or blow your mission. I need to know what that was and…if there are more.” The crack in her unsteady voice moved him.
He shouldn’t tell her anything more. She had seen too much already. On the other hand, she was an experienced Naval officer with a distinguished record. He knew her personally, and knew she could be trusted. Furthermore, he knew her personality and that she was likely to try digging for answers on her own. That path could only lead to trouble.
For her sake, he would give her a little more information. It was a judgment call on his part, and he trusted her to be circumspect.
“There are more, Mari. That’s why you need to get out of here. They come out at night. The sun makes them hide. Clouds and twilight are their friends. Whatever you do, don’t go out in the woods when it’s overcast, or at night. If they bite you, you’re dead.”
“What about if they bite you? God, Simon! Your mission is to take out these things, isn’t it? That’s why you’re here and why everything is so hush-hush.”
“You always were quick, Mari. And now you know way more than you should.”
“But not nearly everything, I’ll bet.”
“I’ve said too much already.”
“Who am I going to tell? You know I would never put you or your career in danger, Simon. I’ll keep your secrets, but I’m worried for you and scared to death of what I just saw.” She was still trembling. He hated seeing her in such a state. “You’ve been living in the woods, hunting these things, haven’t you?”
He couldn’t deny that. His bivouac was very close to her house, in fact. “I’ve been nearby,” he hedged.
She crumpled, sinking into one of the kitchen chairs. “Then you might as well stay here during the day. This house is practically in the woods and after that injury, even with your new superpowers, you should be sleeping in a bed, not on the ground in the elements.” He heard the sarcasm and the very real concern for his well-being in her voice.
He weighed his options. Her plan had merit, loath as he was to admit it. She worked during the day and wouldn’t be in the cabin except on her days off. He worked nights on this mission and the cabin was convenient to his hunting grounds. The only thing that stopped him from accepting her offer was the possibility that he might bring more of the zombies to her door.
Of course, at least one of them seemed to have found her on his own. That was a troubling development. If they were ranging closer to the few houses that dotted this area, they were getting more adventurous. Not a good sign at all. He had to work fast before the infection spread any further.
“All right. I’ll camp out on your porch during the day. At night, I’ll expect you to either hole up tight inside or stay on base for your own safety. As you saw tonight, I can’t be everywhere at once. This one slipped past me. I’m sorry, Mari.” He hated to think what had almost happened. “If I’d been any later—”
“You weren’t.” She cut off his words with a gentle touch of one hand on his forearm. His compassionate lover was back, comforting him when she was the one truly in need of comfort. His Mari had a heart as big as the world. “Thank you for coming to my rescue.”
“If one of them ever gets that close to you again, I want you to promise me you’ll run, Mari. Regular bullets don’t work on these guys. If they bite you, you’ll die. Then you’ll become one of them.” Unspoken went the thought that he would have to destroy her if the worst happened. It would kill him.
“They’re infectious?”
“Highly. The contagion is in their bite. And they really like to bite.”
“You got bitten.” Understanding dawned in her eyes. “That’s what happened to you, isn’t it?”
Grimly, he nodded. “I’m a one in a million case. I survived. And I’m not a carrier. I’m not contagious and can’t give it to anyone.”
“That’s why they sent you after these things.”
“The virus doesn’t work on me. Something in my system gives me immunity, though it did make me very sick the first time. Since then, well, you saw the changes in my healing. That’s what the virus was designed to do, but…” He trailed off, realizing he was saying too much.
“But something went horribly wrong. Simon, this is terrible. Truly awful.”
“You won’t get an argument from me.” He leaned back against the kitchen counter. “Look, I have to get back out there. I was tracking two more of them when I heard the commotion over here. They can’t be far and I want to get them before they go to ground for the day.”
“You’ve been doing this every night for the past four months?” He read the disbelief and horror on her beautiful face.
“I spent the first month scouting. These guys were once Marines. They still retain some of their knowledge and training, as far as I can tell. They know how to evade capture and hide in the woods.”
“How many more are there?”
“Near as we can figure, just a few more. We’ve accounted for all but a handful of missing Marines. A few more weeks and I’ll be done laying them to rest.”
That made her pause. Those…things…had once been men. Marines, from what Simon had said.
“Did they volunteer for the initial experiment?” She was almost afraid of his answer—if he’d answer at all. He’d been surprisingly forthcoming so far, but she knew he hadn’t told her everything. She also knew there were limits on how far he would go in briefing her.
“The initial group was made up of Marines who had fallen in battle with no family other than the Corps. They left their bodies to science and one of your colleagues in the medical world used them for the initial round of tests.”
“They were reanimated after death?” The horror of that didn’t bear thinking about, yet it had been done.
“An unintended consequence of what was supposed to have been a much simpler test. Something to do with cellular response. I’m no expert on the science part. I guess they figured there wasn’t a need for any security on the lab. No need to protect a few dead bodies, right?” He paused and shivers coursed down her spine. “Then the corpses got up and walked out of the lab in the middle of the night. Being good soldiers, they headed for cover in the woods. Soon after, the first attacks began. A platoon of Marines was sent after them and only a few made it back. The rest became what you saw tonight. Me and my men were called in and we learned how to fight them. The science team came up with a toxin that disrupts the bioelectric connections that keep them going. They sort of disintegrate as their cells lose cohesion. It’s the only thing that stops them. Regular bullets don’t even slow them down. They feel no pain and can’t really die. Because they’re already dead.” He straightened and checked his weapons. “I’m going to leave this with you.” He handed her a pistol loaded with what looked like a dart. “Only use it if absolutely necessary. Aim for any exposed skin. The toxin works fast once delivered, but stay clear until the zombie disintegrates. That’s the only way to be certain it’s finished.”
“Zombie? You’re calling them that?” She was appalled.
He shrugged. “It seemed to fit. They’re dead. They’re walking around trying to eat people. Sounds just like one of those old horror movies to me.”
“Good Lord.” She took the weapon gingerly, checking the safety automatically. She noted his approving nod.
“Be very careful with the darts. The substance inside can kill you as easily as it does the zombies. It’s highly classified and usually kept under lock and key
unless I’m out hunting.”
“That’s why Commander Sykes was so keen to take control of your weapons while you were in the clinic.”
“And why only his staff has access to the vault where my ammo is kept. I’m probably breaking a half dozen rules giving this to you.” He impressed her with his serious mien. “I figure you’re a doctor, you probably know how to handle this stuff without hurting yourself, and as we just saw, you’re in the line of fire. If you won’t agree to leave, you should at least have some protection.”
“I’m not leaving.”
“We’ll argue more about that later.” The slight roll of his eyes and lift of his lips told her he was taking her refusal better than she had expected. Simon could be very autocratic at times. Luckily, those times were rare.
“I’m not driving anywhere in the dark tonight with more of those things nearby. I think I’m safer here, for the time being at least.”
“Fair enough. For now. Look, I’ve got to go. Lock everything. Barricade what can’t be sealed any other way. Hunker down and lay low. I’ll be back at dawn when they go to ground for the day. If you have any problems before then, call this number.” He scribbled on a pad she kept on the counter near the door. “Put that in your speed dial. I have a cell phone set on vibrate. I’ll feel it, even if I can’t answer, and come running. Be vigilant.” He paused by the door. “I don’t like leaving you alone here.”
“Go do your job, Si. I’ll be all right until you get back. And I do know how to shoot. Remember?” Once upon a time, they’d shared a memorable afternoon at the shooting range followed by a spectacular night of lovemaking. It had been their third date and the first time they’d made love.
“I remember, Mari.” In a lightning quick move he pulled her into his arms for a quick kiss that left her weak kneed. He let her go all too soon, while her world was still spinning. “Lock this after me and stay out of view of the windows. If they see you, they’ll coming looking.”
“Aye, aye, sir.” She tried to hide how scared she really was. Scared, but she was staying in her house. She wouldn’t abandon ship when Simon was out there, in danger. She would wait for him. Just like she had been waiting for him since he left the last time. Only this time, he’d promised to come back. She didn’t know how long he would stay this time, but for at least one more day, he’d be in her world.
She was beginning to think any time with him was better than forever without him.
It was a dangerous path she was on, in more ways than one. He had broken her heart once already. More than likely, she was already setting herself up for another fall, and putting herself in harm’s way just to be near him. If he didn’t break her, the zombies just might.
Chapter Four
Simon returned just after dawn. Mariana hadn’t been able to sleep a wink, but it didn’t matter. She wasn’t on duty today and didn’t have to go anywhere.
She’d spent the night making a fortress out of her little cabin in the woods, barricading windows and covering them with curtains, blankets, and any kind of dark fabric she could find. She didn’t want to be seen from outside as she moved around in the house. All the while, she had kept watch on the woods, dreading seeing another one of those monsters staring back at her. Or worse, seeing Simon emerge, covered in blood the way he had been the day before in the infirmary.
When he finally did show up, he looked tired. Tired and unharmed. Thank heaven. She let him in, surreptitiously looking him over to be sure he was truly all right.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes,” she admitted as he walked past her shouldering a small pack.
“Miss me?” He looked tense and a little grim even as he teased her.
“What’s wrong?”
He paused, lowering his pack to the floor. “You always could read me like a book. Nobody else can, Mari. It’s a little unnerving.”
She was surprised by the moment of candor and decided to repay it in kind. “Nothing shows on your face, Simon. It’s your eyes…I can read a whole story from the way they sparkle at me. It’s subtle and it took me a while to figure out your secret code.” She gave him a lopsided smile. “I doubt a casual acquaintance would be able to read you at all. Never fear.” He regarded her for a minute more, then turned away. He was clearly uncomfortable with her words. It wasn’t the first time she’d said something that made him wary and it likely wouldn’t be the last. Not if he stuck around for any length of time. “Did you get your man?”
His lips tightened. “I got them both. It’s…not easy to end them. They were Marines. They shouldn’t have died that way.”
She realized he was dealing with some serious emotional issues on this mission in addition to the danger and sheer weirdness factor. Mariana had thought about it all night while she had been cowering like a mouse in her cabin. She felt a certain amount of sympathy for the Marines who’d died only to become monsters, but the zombies themselves freaked her out. Big time.
“From the little I saw last night, it has to be done, Simon. They’re lucky to have someone like you on the job.” His compassion and insight didn’t surprise her. She’d long suspected he had a sensitive soul hidden under that tough as nails exterior.
“Did you have any trouble here?”
He was changing the subject again. Her cue to let it go. For now, she would let him have his way.
“No trouble after you left. I took your advice and shored up the cabin. I made a place for you in the spare room.”
“I’m happy on the porch. I don’t need anything fancy.”
“It’s not fancy. It’s just a bed, Simon. Why sleep outside on the porch when you can be more comfortable in a real bed just a few yards away?”
She motioned him toward the short hall off the kitchen and he followed with his pack.
“So you’re not leaving, I take it?”
“I’ve been thinking about it and I’m staying. From what you said, those things have been out in the woods for months now and I’ve never seen one until last night. Chances are, I’ll be fine out here, right?” She opened the door to the small guest room and preceded him into the tightly furnished space. The bed took up most of the area, with a little room to squeeze by to get to the chest of drawers and small table in one corner.
“I’d feel better if you stayed on base until this is over, Mari.” He had stopped in the doorway, crowding her into the small room with just his presence. She’d forgotten how huge he really was in comparison to her. He was overwhelming…in the most deliciously masculine way, of course.
“I’ll consider it if there are further problems, but for right now, I’m staying put. I’ve barricaded the doors and covered the windows. This place is sealed up tight and unless they have access to C4 or other high explosives, I doubt anyone will be able to get in here once I’ve shut it up tight for the night.”
“The fact that you saw one of the zombies at all means they’re getting more adventurous, ranging farther afield. It’s not a good sign, Mari.”
She couldn’t respond to the appeal in his voice. She needed to be here, to be sure he came back every morning, to see him and talk to him. Maybe it was foolish, but she’d gone for months without seeing him and this might be her last chance to store up memories of Simon before he left again. If memories were all she could have of him, she wanted as many as possible to hold against the long, lonely future ahead.
“Don’t ask me to leave, Si.” Her voice whispered through the space between them, making the moment more intimate. Simon moved closer, holding her gaze.
“Mari, I didn’t want you involved in this.” She saw the caring in his expression, for once unguarded and open. “I worry for your safety. I’d die if anything happened to you.”
He cupped her cheek as he moved closer still. Those were some pretty serious words and she knew he meant every syllable. They warmed her, as did the longing in his eyes.
“I could say the same for you, Simon. I worry about you. I don’t ever want to see you covered in blood the way you wer
e the other day.” This time, she stepped closer, bridging the gap between their yearning bodies. She stepped right into his arms and pressed herself against him as his hands slipped around her waist and shoulders, drawing her close.
“Mari…” He whispered her name with need in his voice as she raised her lips to his.
The kiss was uncontainable. She felt the strength of his arms, the passion in his embrace and the undeniable hardness of him pressing against her. It was intoxicating. He was intoxicating. As he always had been. She was swept away as he walked her two steps backward until her calves came in contact with the edge of the bed.
When he eased her downward, she didn’t demur. She wanted every second, every moment she could grab in his arms. His tongue worshiped her, sweeping into her mouth in stark possession. His hands caressed her, carrying her down to the bed as gently as his passion would allow.
When the kiss ended, he only took her deeper, settling over her on the bed that was barely big enough for the two of them. Her legs parted, cradling his hips and she despaired of the fabric that lay between them. She wanted to feel the rough skin of his thighs, the smooth, muscled contours of his abs and buttocks under her hands, the way she remembered.
His lips trailed kisses down her neck and onto the small expanse of skin accessible in the vee neck of her shirt. Then the nuisance became too much and she tugged at the hem of her top, wanting it gone. He helped, pulling it off over her head and throwing it aside. He made short work of the front clasp on her bra and then her breasts were in his big hands, her nipples kissed by his possessive lips, then licked, then sucked in the most delicious way. Simon had always known how to touch her, from the first time they’d been together.
They’d made love many times in the comparatively few short weeks they’d been together, but each time had been special and unique. Simon was an inventive lover and the most satisfying of any of the men she had bedded in her admittedly limited experience. She hadn’t been able to bear another man’s touch since he had left. She hadn’t dated, she hadn’t even flirted. She’d felt no desire to attract any other man’s attention and worried that she would end up alone with only memories of Simon to comfort her in her old age.
