Broken Dreams (14 page)

“I just don’t understand why he would do that.”

“He’s mental. I do wish I had all the answers for you. The only thing I can really think of is that Roger felt like he could get the upper hand. If he could release this virus and have the agents contain it at the borders, then England…or shall I say, Roger…would have control of the world, essentially. Now I need to try to protect the innocent. The virus is here and we need to fight it.” He took a deep breath.

“Elaina, I am so sorry I got you into this mess. This is killing me. Because of me, you have lost most of your family and friends. And you may even lose me, if Roger’s bleeders find me. Obviously, he doesn’t want me to release the program information or his agenda. They will protect their secret at any cost.”

“Henry.” I reached out to him. I was really worried about his safety. “I believe this would have happened with or without you. If I didn’t have you on my team,” his eyes lit up at that term, “I might be one of the undeads right now. Or true dead in the streets somewhere.”

“I’m not even sure if survival is the best thing. You saw how rapidly it spreads. They are savages. This will change the human race. It may even eliminate it.”

“Right. Well, I’m glad to take on this fight with you.” Henry looked at me with intensity. I could see the love in his eyes.

“I hope you don’t regret this.”

“Honestly, I don’t really have a choice, do I?” He shook his head, then cupped his hands around my face and started to kiss me.

I returned his kiss, and it became more passionate by the second. He tipped me back and positioned himself over me. My body was buzzing with excitement. He groaned as his tongue attacked mine, exploring every part of my mouth. He ran his lips over my jawline, and laid soft kisses down my neck…then someone knocked on the door.

“Fuck me,” Henry grumbled.

“Nope.” We both laughed a little. He got up and cracked open the door. Nick was standing there with his arms crossed. I sat up and tried to look casual. Nick looked down and ran his hand through his hair. He was embarrassed, but probably not as embarrassed as I was.

“Uh...I’m sorry if I interrupted anything, but I have been pacing back and forth. I want an explanation. You promised me that.” Nick looked at Henry.

“Yes. Yes, I did. Give us a moment, please.”

“Sure.” Henry turned to me. Nick stayed in the doorway, arms crossed. I looked at Nick so Henry knew he was still there. He mouthed
Thank you
to me and kissed me on the forehead. I smiled and we walked out to the living room.

Chapter 4

t was a bit of a cold reception for us in the living room. I was wondering what they were talking about. Then again¸ they were probably wondering what Henry and I were talking about…or maybe doing. The thought made me blush. Everyone was cleaned up and trying to relax some. I didn’t realize we had been talking that long. Henry nervously cleared his throat.

“Has everyone eaten something?” Henry asked.

Nick chimed in, “Yes. Thank you for your hospitality.” Henry nodded at him. Then Nick continued, “Okay, here’s the deal…”

Henry put his hand up. “Wait a moment. Keep in mind that I am calling the shots here.”

Nick was appalled and barked out, “Who the fuck died and made you captain of this ship?!”

“Shut it, Nick,” I snapped. “He’s the only one here right now that is equipped to deal with this situation.” Nick sat down, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and glared at Henry. He was pouting like a five-year-old.

“Thank you, love. Now, you all deserve an explanation.”

“You’re damn right,” Nick mumbled.

“Nick, we aren’t going to get anywhere if you continue to give me shit,” Henry said in an irritated tone.

“Whatever.” Nick rolled his eyes, turning so he could look out the window.

“Anyway, I’m not American, obviously. I’m English. My real name is Liam. But, please, continue to call me Henry. I don’t go by Liam, for more reasons than I want to discuss at the moment. I’m a Special Forces agent for the English government. Check that…I
was
an agent.” He was purposely leaving out some information, and I went with it.

“Perfect. A secret agent.”

I walked over to Nick and got between him and the window. I grabbed him by the shirt collar to get his attention. “You will shut the fuck up, and you will listen to Henry, or I will lock you outside and let the undeads have their merry way with you. Got it?” Nick rolled his eyes and nodded, but he wasn’t amused. “Tell me you understand.” I then looked around the room. “I want everyone here to understand. You aren’t going to go all batshit crazy on any of us. We’re all going to work
together
. We’re taking this on
together
. If anyone wants out, go now...without supplies.” Nick cleared his throat. I’m not sure if he believed my threat, but no one moved an inch. I had a feeling they would stay, knowing that we had weapons.

“Uh...I’m sorry, Henry. You’re in charge and I will follow your orders...humbly,” Nick grumbled, and everyone else agreed.

“Thank you.” I let go of him and went back to stand next to Henry.

“I owe you one, love. Anyway, this is a man-made, rapidly spreading virus that was somehow released into your country. All it needed was one host, and boom…it’s a bloody epidemic.” Claire shuddered. “I’m not going to stand here and apologize for all that has happened. We have to move forward and live in the now. If you are here, plan on staying here for the duration. We’re a team and I’m in charge. I will do my best to keep you safe, as you will do your best to keep yourselves safe.”

Nate got up and headed toward the door. “Uh…I didn’t sign up for this so I think I…”

Before Nate could finish his thought, Henry aggressively jumped toward him and got in his face. Angry Henry had returned. “You will sit the fuck down and listen! You’re stuck with us now. Elaina gave you your chance to leave. No one, not even me, signed up for this motherfucking bullshit.” I went and pulled Henry back before he made Nate piss himself.

“Right. Okay, okay. I’m sitting. Geez, you brute.” Nate readjusted his ill-fitting shirt.

“Sophie, another agent, is on her way and will be here in a few hours. She will also have a vehicle and an arsenal of weapons. You will respect her and follow her direction, as she will be second-in-command.”

I really hoped Roger’s behavior hadn’t rubbed off on him. I wasn’t sure if his behavior was for show, or if he was really bonkers. Claire raised her hand, tentatively, like she was in grade school. “Yes, Claire.”

“I have a question. Is there a cure?”

Henry sighed and looked down. “No. I’m afraid not.”

“Then what do we do?” Claire sounded like she was ready for revenge. I looked over at Henry.

“We fight it,” Henry said.

“Fight it?” Claire questioned.

“Yes.”

“Like what we did earlier? Kill people?”

“They aren’t people once they are exposed to the virus.”

“Do they die when they are exposed? We haven’t seen anyone turn yet.”

“I have,” Nick spoke up. “Jenna lost a lot of blood after she was bit by my father. Then she passed out…or died, I guess. I don’t know. I couldn’t wake her. I held her for a bit, then started to leave to find help. I got about twenty feet away when I heard some sort of moaning growl.” He took a deep breath. “She started to sit up. I ran to her and her eyes were this…this lifeless, putrid gray. I went to grab her and she lunged at me, mouth open.”

Everyone was fixated on Nick, still staring out the window while he told us what he saw.

Claire asked, “What was the time frame?”

Henry cleared his throat, getting our attention. “The change usually happens anywhere from five to fifteen minutes. There isn’t much time between bite, suspended animation, then reanimation. It truly depends on the wound. Plus, it’s very aggressive.”

“And you know all of this because…?” Nate seemed to be questioning Henry’s knowledge.

“Let’s just say I’m experienced with the change.” I almost got the feeling he wasn’t telling us something. Henry clapped his hands together before anyone else could interrupt him. “Alright. Well…the only thing left is weapons.”

He walked to the trunk and pulled out his keys. He opened it and started to display his arsenal of weapons. There was everything from small guns to shotguns, double-sided axes to different types of rifles.

Henry pulled out the shotgun that he had used earlier in the day. “This is a twelve gauge, pump-action Remington. It’s high-powered, has a decent recoil, and holds six plus one rounds.” He checked to make sure the shotgun was empty. “I’ll show you how to load it when we need it. You’ll need to find a wide stance and pump.” He put himself in a wide stance and showed us how to pump it. “Take aim quickly, and pull the trigger.” He raised the gun and pulled the trigger. Click. “You will need to pump before each shot.”

Then Henry grabbed a rifle. It was scary looking and he smiled when he picked it up. He was in his element. “This beauty is one of my favorites. It’s an H&K, and it has the ability to shoot seven hundred and fifty rounds per minute. If you hold down the trigger, you’ll blow through ammo. I ask that no one uses this unless you are experienced. I’d rather not spend my entire cache of ammo in one outing. It will only be used when we need high volume.”

Henry pulled out another rifle. Again, with a smile. I didn’t understand his joy over the weapons. “This is a sniper rifle. An AWS. It’s good for picking off the buggers at a distance. About three hundred meters. I have two of these. Again, I ask you to refrain from using this unless you have experience.”

Lastly, he pulled out several identical handguns. “These Sigs are what we will be using for the most part. They conceal nicely.” He turned around and lifted the back of his shirt. His Sig was neatly tucked into the back of his pants. “This is what I normally carry, and what I had at our wedding.”

Wait, normally carry? How did I miss that he had been carrying a gun?

He continued, “I have twenty round clips for each one of them. I do not have an unlimited supply of bullets, though. Until we can hit up a sporting goods store to grab more, we need to conserve as much as possible. That’s why we have these.” He picked up a couple of axes and knives.

“Those will make them dead dead?” asked Nate.

“You have to make sure you damage their brains with these. It will make the undeads true dead.”

“True dead?”
Holy shit, not again.

“Yes, true dead,” Henry growled.

“I’ll take that gun, thank you.” Nate reached over to grab the shotgun. Henry reached out and grabbed his wrist with such speed, it amazed me. Nate whimpered in pain. I have a feeling if he squeezed his wrist any harder it would have snapped.

“You do not touch these unless I hand you one.”

“You just said we will get weapons.” Nate was really pissed.

“I will hand out what I think you can handle. And you, Mr. Fabulous, will not be able to handle that shotgun. It has a major kick. Got it?”

“How do you know what I can or cannot handle?” Nate snapped.

I sighed. I wish people would just shut the fuck up. I exhaled, at great length, in annoyance.

“I’m highly trained in weaponry. You just have to trust that I know what I’m doing.” He handed Nate a handgun. “You can start with this and, if I have time, I will train you all on the other ones.”

“Gee, thanks.” Nate shrunk back into the couch with his new, unwanted toy.

Henry glared at him. “Like I said, conserve. It’s late. Everyone try to get some rest. Sophie should be here in a couple of hours. Do not open the door for her. Come and get me, and I will let her in.” Everyone nodded. “Now, Elaina and I are going to get some rest, and I suggest you do the same.” Henry turned and walked toward the bedroom.

Nick sarcastically saluted him.

“Nick, quit your shit.”

“I don’t trust him.”

“Then give me your Sig and take a fucking hike.” I pointed at the door. Nick swallowed hard. I held out my hand, waiting.

“I’m only staying so I can protect you.”

“I can take care of myself, and if I can’t, Henry will.”

Nick looked defeated. “You don’t need me then.” He dropped his Sig in my hand and started for the door.

“Wait!” Claire yelled, and jumped up out of her seat. “Nick, don’t go. She may not need you to protect her, but she needs you
here
. You two could be the last of your family.” Her words grew quieter as she realized what she was saying. “Besides, I need you. I have no one to watch over me.”

I thought,
Really, Claire? I do believe that Henry said, not that long ago, that he wouldn’t let anything happen to either one of us.
I rolled my eyes.

“Right.” He looked down at his feet. “I’ll only stay if she wants me to then.” I was wondering if he was still processing what Claire said, or if he ignored it on purpose. I guess that was my cue to apologize, like a good sister.

“Please stay. I’m sorry. You’re my brother and I do love you.” Nick walked over and gave me a short, but tight, squeeze. He started reaching in his pocket and pulled out a quarter to determine who was sleeping on the couch.

“Call it, Nate,” he said, as he flipped the coin in the air.

“Tails, of course.” Nate smirked.

Nick showed me the quarter. “Darn. It’s heads.” He shrugged. It was tails. Nick was just trying to have some sort of control over something.

“Okay. Since all the sleeping arrangements have been made, I am going to bed. Don’t forget what Henry said.” Claire got up, and we both headed back. She put her arm around me and smiled.

“Make sure you get some sleep.” She winked at me. “Does Henry have any ear plugs I can borrow?”

I blushed. “I’m pretty sure we won’t be doing anything like that.”

We said goodnight to each other, and I headed to the bedroom, where Henry waited for me.

***

Henry closed the bedroom door, leaving the room lit only by the moonlight. As soon as he locked it, he jumped me. I didn’t care who he was. I still loved that man. His kisses made me feel excited and my nerves tingled from head to toe.

He pulled off his shirt and I ran my hands down his familiar, cool body. I knew he desperately wanted me. His breath caught in his throat as I ran my hands around the taut part of his jeans, where his thickness was demanding to make an appearance.

He peeled off my shirt and, in one move, unhooked my bra and threw it to the side. He picked me up and carried me to the bed. We dropped down together and he possessively pinned me down, rocking his hips into mine.

He rasped, “Let’s continue where we left off earlier.” He dove into my mouth, taking complete control. His strong, cool hands ran over my breasts, pausing for a moment. He released my mouth and took up shop at my swollen pink pretties. I moaned as his hands trailed down my abdomen. I took this opportunity to unbutton his jeans. Then, suddenly, he yanked my pants off.

“Henry...,” I whispered in his ear while he kissed my neck. I wrapped my hand around his thickness, and he groaned while I slowly stroked him.

He was panting as he looked me in the eyes. “I need you,” he growled, “right now.” He kicked off his pants. I wrapped my legs around his hips, giving him greater access. He sunk himself into my begging, slick core. I tried hard not to make a sound, but he felt so good in me…stretching me, filling me.

He groaned when I sunk my teeth into his shoulder. He began his usual assault, pounding himself into me. I rose faster than normal. He put his hand over my mouth to contain my sounds when I cried out and fiercely pulsated around him.

I loved his method. He knew exactly how to please me, but then he would slow down to make it delectable, one slow stroke at a time. He knew it drove me crazy, and always had great hopes of forcing me over the edge more than once. He wanted to hear me beg him.

“Henry...”

“Hmm...?” he groaned as he slowly pulled out. His eyes danced in the darkness.

“Please, Henry.”

“Please what, my love? Tell me what you want.” His accent made me buckle.

“More. I want more of you.”

“More?”

“Yes. Please.” He pulled out and flipped me over. I made myself as taut as I could as he slammed back into me. He moaned so loud, I was afraid someone would hear.

“Shit,” he said, as he paused. He groaned as I kept myself as tight as possible. He began his assault again. Deeper and harder he went. I gasped as he pounded against my inner limits. I felt like he was getting some of his aggression out on me, but I loved every second of it. His breathing changed.

I knew he was close and I clamped down on him. I could picture his face: biting his lower lip, his eyes rolling back, his jaw slack. He looked so goddamn sexy when he’d come.