“You knew him?” I murmured, feeling a little awed by the idea.
“Back in Colorado,” Jim replied. “He’d already been bitten by the time I met him, but we had mutual friends. I was even with the group that traveled across the country to get him to Atlanta.”
I might have lived all the way out in Oklahoma, but even I knew the story. Everyone did. Angus James and his group had traveled across hundreds of zombie-infested miles to make it to Atlanta. They’d succeeded, but before they’d had a chance to get inside the walls, they were overtaken by a horde. Angus may have been safe from the effects of the virus, but even the immunity his blood carried couldn’t save him from dozens of bites. He’d died, but not before the CDC was able to use his blood to create the first working vaccine.
“You were with him when he died?”
“No. I’d gotten separated from them a few days earlier and didn’t make it to Atlanta until weeks later.” Jim paused, either thinking something through or because he wanted me to have time to absorb all that before he dropped the next bomb. “But he isn’t dead. He’s alive and being held prisoner inside the CDC.”
The brief pause wasn’t long enough to prepare me for the blow I felt at his words. It was a revelation bigger than an atomic bomb. Angus James was alive? No way. He couldn’t have been.
“You can’t be serious,” I said as I looked past Jim to where Logan, Beth, and Juliet stood listening.
None of them registered even a little bit of surprise.
Could the CDC really be that corrupt?
When my focus was on Jim again, I asked, “How do you know?”
“I have connections,” he responded, looking away like he didn’t want me to see the secrets he was hiding. “Someone who works in the building.”
“It’s like we told you,” Logan said, drawing my attention. “The CDC can’t be trusted.”
Jim let out a long, deep sigh, making it seem like just the act of talking was wearing him out. “The best thing you can do is get as far away from the CDC as possible.”
As shaken as I was by the revelation, a part of me knew I would have been willing to do anything—including turn myself over to the CDC—if it had meant saving Kellan. Even the thought of being a prisoner didn’t fill me with as much dread as the idea of losing him.
Thankfully, it looked like I wouldn’t have to make that choice now that Jim was here.
“That’s the plan.” I focused on Kellan’s face as I spoke. “As soon as he’s well enough to travel, we’ll be heading back to Oklahoma.”
“They need to move sooner,” Jim said, looking at Logan. “There are whispers about a group searching for two immune people. I didn’t know it was connected to you until I got here, but from what I could gather, someone out there is desperate.”
“Andrew,” I murmured and scooted closer to Kellan when a shiver shook my body.
“The American Queen is arriving tomorrow,” Beth replied.
“Yeah.” Logan scratched at his stubble-covered chin as he nodded. “They can take the Mississippi down to the Arkansas River and work their way back to Oklahoma from there.”
“That could work,” Jim replied. “It will give him a chance to recover and keep you off the roads. There are going to be people keeping an eye out for you.”
“People?” I asked, my attention on the others now. “Who? Why?”
“Roamers,” Jim said, turning his blue eyes on me. “People like me who don’t stay in one place.”
I wanted to ask why he didn’t stay in one place, but before I could, Kellan said, “What’s the American Queen?”
I tore my gaze from Jim and found—to my utter shock—that some of the color had returned to Kellan’s face. His skin, too, felt cooler when I ran my hand down his cheek, and his eyes looked brighter. More alert. More like his old self.
Could this drug really have worked so fast?
“You’re okay?” I murmured.
His brown eyes moved from Jim to me, and I had to blink away a barrage of tears when his face went out of focus. Everything about him looked better, and I couldn’t believe it.
“I feel—” He hesitated, giving a little shake of his head like he couldn’t quite figure out what had happened or why. “Better.”
“It works fast,” Jim said from behind us. “But with an infection like this, he’s going to be weak even after the fever comes down.”
I turned my focus to the bite on Kellan’s arm, the bandage still gone from when I’d checked on it earlier, and to my utter relief saw that the red lines beneath his skin had faded. The bite was still angry and swollen, but maybe if we drained it again it would start to heal this time.
“Thank you.” It was meant for Jim, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Kellan long enough to look at him. The difference only a few minutes had made seemed unreal.
I ran my hand down the side of his face, and he captured it in his. His gaze held mine as he pressed it against his lips.
“Thank you for taking care of me,” he said.
“You know I’d never leave you. No matter what I promised.”
He smiled, and the sight nearly made my heart crack. “You didn’t have me fooled for a minute. You’re the worst liar.”
Behind us, someone cleared their throat, and I was forced to look away from Kellan.
“We’ll head out tomorrow,” Logan said. “In the meantime, get some rest. Traveling on the American Queen will make things easier, but we still need to be ready to fight or run in case Andrew does catch up with us.”
“What’s the American Queen?” Kellan asked again.
“A steamship,” Beth replied. “A big one. It’s a traveling settlement, really. They move up and down the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers, transporting people and goods. There are a handful of people who live on it full time, but mostly it’s just used for travel and transport.”
“I know someone who lives on it.” Jim had reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette, which he held between his fingers, flipping it in a way that made it seem like he couldn’t wait to light up. “He’s a good man, and he’ll be a good contact on the boat.”
“Perfect.” Logan gnawed on his lower lip. “Getting back to Oklahoma this way will take longer, but it will be safer, too. It will keep us out of sight.”
I didn’t miss that he’d said us. Did that mean he was coming with us?
Before I could ask, Kellan said, “Whatever we have to do to stay ahead of Andrew. I have no doubt we haven’t seen the last of him.”
I looked back at him, frowning. “Do you think he’ll go back to Oklahoma? Don’t you think he’s reached a point where he’s willing to admit defeat and move on?”
“I don’t think he’s the type of person to move on, not when his pride has been hurt this many times.” Kellan gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry. That asshole isn’t getting within five feet of you ever again. We underestimated him before, but I won’t make that mistake a second time.”
After Kellan had gotten a little something to eat and drink, he looked even better. The change was so remarkable that I found myself unable to take my eyes off him, and I didn’t even try to resist the constant need to touch him, running my hand down his arm or face just to reassure myself the fever was actually gone.
“How do you feel?” I asked for the hundredth time.
“Better every minute,” he said. “I don’t know how the CDC created that drug, but it’s a miracle.”
“It really is.” I touched his arm again, marveling at how cool his skin felt after days of scorching heat.
“Now that I’m feeling better,” Kellan said, easing himself off the bed so he could get to his feet, “I’m suddenly very aware of how long it’s been since I showered. Not since the morning we left the shelter.”
“I got some clean clothes for you. They’re already in the bathroom,” I said, standing as well, my hands already reaching for him in case he was still too weak. “Do you need my help?”
“I’m not sure I’m that recovered.” The smirk he shot me looked more like the Kellan I knew. “Of course, there’s only one way to find out for sure.”
He had my hand in his when he backed toward the bathroom.
Once inside, he stripped down, and just that simple act seemed to wear him out. After days of a raging fever and very little to eat, he was running low on energy. But I was there for him, staying with him while he showered just in case he needed a hand. It was a strange feeling, Kellan needing to lean on me after all these years of me leaning on him, but it was also a relief—for both of us.
Once he was clean and redressed, I turned toward the door but was prevented from opening it when he grabbed my arm.
“Wait,” he said. “Let’s just be alone for a minute before we have to face reality again.”
I didn’t need convincing.
He eased the lid of the toilet down so he could use it as a chair and lowered himself, pulling me closer as he did. I stood in front of him, my legs straddling his as he wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his head against my stomach.
“I wasn’t sure you were going to make it,” I whispered as I ran my hand over his head, allowing myself to voice the fears that had haunted me over the last few days.
He pulled back so he could look up, his brown eyes meeting mine. “I wasn’t either, to be honest.”
“The thought of facing the future without you almost killed me,” I said, practically choking on the words.
“Trust me, leaving you is the last thing I’d ever want to do,” he murmured, his voice husky from both pain and the aftereffects of the infection.
“Promise me you never will,” I said.
“I promise I will always do everything in my power to make sure we’re together.”
It wasn’t what I wanted to hear, not exactly, but it was the best he could do, and we both knew it. We had very little control over the future these days, and Kellan wouldn’t lie to me. It wasn’t in him.
“I love you,” I murmured as I leaned down, closing the distance until my lips were on his.
The kiss started slow, but it wasn’t long before it deepened. Kellan’s lips moved faster, his tongue brushing my bottom lip, urging me to open for him. I lowered myself onto his lap so I was straddling him and slid my hands up under his shirt, over the muscles of his back as his tongue probed my mouth. The bathroom, which had already been warm from the shower, grew hotter, as did I. Kellan and I hadn’t had a moment to ourselves since that last morning in our condo, and still recovering or not, I wanted him.
“God, Kellan,” I gasped when his hand moved up to cup my breast. “I can’t wait.”
My fingers were already working on his pants when he started on mine, our mouths frenzied as we worked to free one another from our clothes. I stood once again, and he yanked my pants down so I could shimmy out of them. His own pants were undone, and I was still kissing him when my hand slid past the waistband of his boxers. He groaned against my lips as I wrapped my fingers around him, all the while working my legs free from my own jeans.
Once they were gone, Kellan shifted, giving me the opportunity to pull his pants down. I lowered myself onto him, allowing him to slide inside as we kissed. Since he was worn out from being sick, I took over, moving slowly as he touched me, as his tongue slid over mine. Teasing me even as I teased him. It was the sweetest torment I’d ever felt.
“I never thought we’d get to do this again,” I said, tears coming to my eyes despite my best effort to keep them in.
“I love you, Regan,” he said.
“I love you,” I gasped, my nails digging into his arms, my body quivering with pleasure.
7
The hotel room was empty with the exception of Hickory, who seemed to rarely leave the bed. He didn’t look up when Kellan and I came out of the bedroom, which was no surprise. Other than the little arguments he and Ash got into, the man rarely interacted with anyone, as far as I could tell.
“Looks like no one’s around,” Kellan said.
“Yeah.” I turned to Hickory, waiting a moment to see if he would tell us where everyone had gone, but he didn’t glance our way. “Do you know where everyone is, Hickory?”
He didn’t look up from the worn magazine he was thumbing through. “Out.”
That was helpful.
I rolled my eyes and turned to Kellan. “Downstairs, I’m sure.”
“Sounds good to me,” he said, heading for the door. “I could use a break from this room.”
“You sure you’re up for that?” I asked even as I followed him.
He glanced over his shoulder, giving me a little wink. “Didn’t I just prove to you how much better I feel?”
A blush bloomed across my cheeks, something that usually would have annoyed me, but at the moment it felt too familiar to be unwelcome. It was like things were getting back to normal, and if that were the case, I would welcome every flush with open arms.
“Point taken,” I said instead of arguing again. “Although I think I did most of the work.”
All he did was wink.
Like yesterday when Logan, Beth, and I went down to get clean clothes, the hallway was alive with noise. Music, talking, laughter, and even a baby crying somewhere at the end of the hall. All were welcome sounds.
The lobby was just as bustling with activity, as was the little market Beth had taken me to before, but Logan and his group weren’t among the people milling around.
“Maybe they went outside,” I said as Kellan and I headed back to the lobby, walking hand in hand. “They could be getting the truck ready so we can head out tomorrow.”
“Yeah.” Kellan nodded, but he was frowning, his expression thoughtful.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Just trying to remember how we got away. I have vague memories of running down a dark hall and then riding in the truck, but even those are spotty. It’s like that entire night has been wiped away.”
“It was…stressful.” Understatement of the century. “We got lucky that Logan and his people found us.”
“I know.” Kellan squeezed my hand.
The sun was high and bright when we stepped outside, and the afternoon muggy with humidity. The air was thick when I sucked it into my lungs, and before I’d even begun to sweat, my skin felt moist. The perspiration wasn’t far behind. Before we’d made it ten steps, my armpits were damp and my shirt was clinging to my stomach.
“I’m not sure which is worse,” I said as we headed through the bustling parking lot, passing people who were unloading trucks or talking. “The oppressive heat of Oklahoma or the humidity here.”
“Me neither,” Kellan said.
The truck came into view, the back door hanging open, but no one was in sight. I looked around, but still not seeing anyone we knew, continued to the vehicle. Once we reached it, I rounded the back and peered inside, finally spotting Beth.
“Hey!” I called.
She spun around, her hand on her chest, and shook her head. “You scared the shit out of me.”
“Sorry,” I said with a laugh. “We were trying to figure out where everyone had gotten to.”
“Just getting organized.” Beth’s gaze moved to Kellan. “You look better.”
“I feel like a new person.”
“I’m not surprised.” She turned back to what she’d been doing when we walked up, kneeling so she could pull a container out from under one of the benches. “It’s not the first time I’ve seen that antibiotic work a miracle.”
She sorted through the container in front of her, pausing every now and then to write something on a piece of paper before returning to the box. After a few seconds, she pushed it back in and pulled out another.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Inventory.” Beth shoved her dark hair back when she looked our way. “We’ll be able to pick some things up on the American Queen, but I want to make sure we have the essentials with us.”
“The American Queen
?” I asked. “You’re going with us?”
I’d completely forgotten the conversation from earlier when Logan had said us, indicating he would be going with Kellan and me. Why would he? They had this truck and a life—of sorts—on this side of the country. Leaving to head to Oklahoma with Kellan and me seemed insane.
Beth sat back, the inventory forgotten. “We’re not going to send you off on your own. Especially if Andrew is still out there. It would defeat the purpose of us saving you.”
“You’re all going?” Kellan asked.
“Logan and me,” Beth said. “Maybe Ash, too. God knows he and Hickory will kill each other if we leave them alone.”
“You’re going to escort us all the way back to Oklahoma?” I asked, still not really believing these people would uproot their lives for virtual strangers.
“That’s the plan. We’ll make sure you get there, and once we know everything is okay, head back this way. We can meet back up with the others in a few weeks.” Beth frowned. “Did you think we’d just stick you on a boat and cross our fingers that you made it okay?”
“I honestly hadn’t considered it,” I said, looking at Kellan. “I guess I was too focused on him.”
Beth nodded and turned back to the container in front of her. “Well, Logan doesn’t do things that way. He’d love for you to stick with us, but either way, he’s going to make sure you’re safe. Plus, I think he’s hoping to run into Andrew again so we can take care of the asshole. Logan hates loose ends.”
I knew how he felt. The knowledge that Andrew was still out there was bad enough, but thinking he was looking for us was even worse.
The Oklahoma Wastelands Series Box Set | Books 1-3 Page 63
