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  “Was’ the biggest bag I could find when we were at Walmart”.

  Yeah, but a black duffel?

  “All that food’s gonna spoil ya’ know?” I picked up a lone raisin oatmeal cookie and examined it. So much raisin...

  “Not, if we preserve it the correct way”. She huffed, zipping the bag shut and balanced it over her shoulder.

  “Preserve as in...You’ll eat everything in a matter of minutes”.

  I took a bite from the oatmeal cookie, and made a face at the con-sistency. I gagged and spit the chewed up crap into the garbage.

  “I thought you liked that kind”. Nika was perched atop the counter opposite me, nibbling on a muffin from her stash.

  “Yeah, these people obviously have no idea how to make it the right way. The heck was with the flavor?” I threw the rest of the cookie into a corner. “It was crunchy, the thing irritated the heck out of my teeth”. Like freakin sand paper.

  “Not everyone is as good a baker as you, Jade”. Elise tossed a few chocolate covered almonds in her mouth. She spoke, “Times are touf mow, woo can’t be picky wif food anymore”.

  I glared at her, “What did I say about talking with your mouth full?” She stopped and stared at me for a few seconds. Then began chewing again.

  “Sorry, mom”. She flung an almond at me, I managed to dodge in time before it was able to hit my eye. I frowned. She smirked and walked back into the hallway.

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  “And no mocking!” I shouted back. Geez, was that too loud? I turned back to Nika, who by the looks of things was finishing her pile of sweets.

  “You done in here, or are you still searching?” I asked her. She shook her head slightly and hopped off the counter. She jogged into the hallway leaving a trail of crumbs on the floor.

  I paced the kitchen, looking into the other pantries they haven’t looted yet. Nothing of use, a few boxes of sweets mostly decora-tions and fondant. I walked into the very back of the shop and checked the office. It was compact yet comfortable. A thin black Mac desktop filled the space of a small mahogany desk. Sheets of paper litter the floor, some information left pinned to the walls. A couple of pictures scattered here and there, of perhaps the people that ran the shop. I only glanced at their faces, no use trying to remember how they looked. They may be dead.

  I shook my head in frustration and exited the room. I checked the back entrance and found it locked. Nothing has been disturbed. Walking back towards the front I heard the shuffling of feet, maybe a few feet away from where I stood. They were heavy and weary. Not at all like Elise’s has who stridden with purpose or Nika’s light footfalls. My heart began to hammer against my chest.

  It couldn’t be one of those things either.

  I took a couple breaths in and exhaled through my nose. Silent.

  I took my time, my fingers skimming the wall beside me. The shuffling stopped. I stood there for a good while, listening to the sounds echoing against the cream plaster walls. The air was stifling, it got hotter and it irked me somehow for not noticing until now.

  A scrap sounded ahead of me, I eased one foot in front of the other, careful not to make a sound of my own. The element of surprise.

  I reached slowly behind my back for the katana. The black leather hilt held firm in my grasp. Once I got to the corner of the hall, I crouched down low and waited. An eerie silence stretched across the space. My still panting breathe the only sound.

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  Scratching, shuffling

  Quiet voices filled the silence. Their murmurings too soft to make out. But their definitely human. Doesn’t mean they ain’t dangerous. I nodded to myself and bent my knees. In a mid-crouch I drifted towards the voices.

  “-were here. The place is cleared out already”. A small voice rang out.

  “Let’s check the back then”. Another, deep and sure.

  “What about the Hummer in front?” This person sounds tired, his voice is scratchy. Is he sick?

  “If you’re so hyped on the Hummer then get you’re scrawny arse to it, we ain’t the only ones lookin’ for a ride”. He sounds...

  well, pissed. And the kind of guy I’ll most likely hate upon meeting. I groaned inwardly, just what I need...inconveniences. I sighed, and loosened my grip on the handle. They seem like trouble, especially the men, but maybe...If I played it out right-

  “Who the heck are you mongrels!?” Nikas high pitched voice boomed into the shop. Oh great. Just great!

  She could have let me handle this my way. I stood up and walked into what I would call, a freakin mess of all messes.

  Four people stood in a circle in the center of the shop. They all had make-shift weapons in their hands, their clothes dirty, dried blood splattered against them from their killings. They stood in formation, their bodies turned towards Nika. She already had her own weapons on display. Two knitting picks in each hand and a somewhat threatening glare in her eyes. This is not good. Do something you nitwit!

  I relaxed my body, and leaned against the glass case. The sheath of my katana knocking lightly against it. The four jumped and turned towards me. This way I could get a better view of who I might have to go against. There were three men and a women.

  She might be a little older than me, but it’s hard to tell with all the dirt on her face. Wow, they look so worn. I wonder how I must look to them.

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  The smallest of the three men, was indeed scrawny. I was almost concerned for him. His limbs were willowy, his complexion pasty.

  Sweat dribbled down his hallow face and lazy brown eyes peeked from long frayed black bangs. He does look sick...did they notice?

  Maybe I’m being paranoid.

  I looked to the right of him, and there stood a heavy set man.

  Late thirties I would assume. That with the thick beard on his face, tiny gray hairs were visible. And might I add, he was bald.

  Does he like polish that thing? Lord! It’s totally winking against the sunlight.

  I mentally slapped myself not to stare for too long at it. And that I didn’t need to thanks to his beady black eyes literally staring holes into me. I crossed my arms against my chest and gave them all a steady look. Alright you can do this.

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  “G ood afternoon”. I nodded to each of them. They looked at each other and back to me puzzled. “Be at ease, we don’t want any trouble. We’re just a couple of gals looking for some food, no harm done there. We’re already done searching, so we’ll be on our way. Hm?” I gave them my best comforting smile.

  Which works wonders

  They all eased a fraction, weapons still in hand. I sighed and motioned to Nika.

  “Put those things away, there’s no need for them”. With that, I gave her a look. The look which says, ‘I’m not messing around, I’m totally serious, so you better listen to me or I’ll do something to right you’.

  She physically shook and placed her weapons back into her belt strap.

  “We’re all just trying to survive here, surely you must understand the precautions”. I swear it took them at least an eternity to nod in agreement and tuck away their own weapons. Thank...you I glanced to the wall, and found the final member of their little group. As he leaned casually against the wall, he stared right at me. His arms crossed over a... let’s see, wide chest. I took my time looking over this mysterious being. He’s older, maybe by a few years. I started at his shoes, black track boots perfect for running and hiking laced tightly around well-muscled calves. Like all the others his clothes were dirty with dried blood and dirt. What... I

  JOHN EDWARDS

  tracked upwards, loose fitting dark jeans hung...perfectly around narrow hips. Oh...

  Before I knew what I was doing, my eyes roamed over what his sweat soaked short sleeve shirt could provide, defined abs peeked through the thin cotton. Toned arms flexed once, twice. My...

  Finally, my eyes ma
de it up to his face. God! A strong square jaw jutted out of a tanned face. His nose pointed and even. Not like that crow like muzzle the pasty dudes sporting.

  Thank goodness I had something to lean against for support because I would have ended up sprawled on the floor unconscious. Surrounded by full lashes, his eyes—good lord his eyes. A light shade of storm gray. I’ve no way else to describe the color.

  Clearly I lack in vocabulary skills...again. What have I just walked into? And how the heck has this Greek god not shown himself to me until now? Is this fate playing with my life again? Because this ain’t fair! I wasn’t prepared!

  “Do you use the same old line every time you come across someone?” He spoke. Jeez, even his voice sounds sexy. Keep it together!

  I switched positions and settled my weight on the other leg.

  “No, I just want to assure you guys, that my people aren’t trouble, that I’m not trouble. Unless, you give me a reason to be”.

  There!

  He nodded slightly. And smirked. Holy mother Mary, why have I not noticed those lips sooner? I’ve only ever seen lips like those in magazines. He’s gotta be a model or something, I mean c’mon.

  Okay, enough gawking, focus.

  I noticed Nika still standing in the doorway of the shop, her gaze locked on Mr. Man.

  I cleared my throat, and Nika snapped her head back to me.

  “Where’s you’re sister?” I asked. Making sure not to look at... him.

  She shrugged, “Dunno, She told me to wait in the truck while she looks at the store next door-”.

  “She did what?!” I really hope my eyes weren’t about to pop out of their sockets.

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  She shrugged again this time with a jerk. “Ah, she also told me not to tell you. Said you’d overreact about her safety and what not”. Her eyes were roaming around the room, looking anywhere but where I stood. How can she be so stupid? Sure the store over was pretty close but what if...

  “Did you see any Bodies outside?” I started forward not even paying attention when the three losers stepped back with their weapons drawn again.

  “A couple, but they were far off—jade I think you should calm down...” She placed both her hands in front to, protect herself?

  Maybe? Just how pissed did I look?

  “I’ll calm down when I wring you’re sisters neck”. Course I won’t do it.

  I was half way towards the outside when a firm hand gripped my arm. I shivered at the sudden contact and spun around. I had to crane my head back farther than what I was used to took look at the giant in front of me. I’m like, five-six but this dudes probably six feet and infinity! Okay, so maybe I might’ve exaggerated, like six-three or so.

  Long fingers tightened around my arm, and I winced. Hopefully not outwardly.

  “W-what?” Oh yes, the stuttering has begun!

  “Where exactly do you think you’re going?” He stared down at me. Is he glaring? And do I detect a bit of teasing in those eyes?

  “I-I’m gonna g-go look for my f-friend”. Don’t stutter you fool! A corner of those tempting lips perked up slightly. Oh god—is he getting closer?

  “It’s rude to leave in the middle of a conversation. Even ruder to leave without telling me your name”. He spoke slowly as if I were child, as If I were slow in the head. Maybe I am slow in the head. I can’t even process anything at the moment. Nika help me!

  “J-Jade...it’s Jade”. I answered in a whisper.

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  “Jade”. He repeated back. He even makes my name sound dirty when he says it. Alright, it’s enough right? Let go of my arm before you rip it off!

  “Uh...” I tried to tug my arm away but, it was like it was encased in steal.

  “Good to meet ya’ I’m Evan”. He jabbed his thumb towards the three behind him. “Big guy is Tony, skinny fellow is Dean, and the lady is Samantha or Sam”. He didn’t even look at them during the introduction. Someone shoot me...soon.

  “Uh-huh”. I can’t even talk anymore. I’m done. At that his smirk turned into a full on grin. I’m dead...yep.

  “Wasn’t so bad huh? Didn’t take too much of your time right?”

  he was just too close to me. And the fact that his voice got husky— which doesn’t help my current situation the least bit. Anyone...

  “Am I interrupting something?” The lust filled smog cleared right out of my head, I jerked my arm free and whipped my attention to my one and only savior.

  “Nope, not at all. In fact you saved me from making the worst decision of my life”. I shot a dirty look towards Evan and hid behind Elise. Placing both hands on her shoulders, I heaved a heavy sigh.

  “Thank god, you’ve returned. I was gonna kill you for leaving Nika behind to check the other store, you could’ve waited”. Ah!

  Today is just so exasperating.

  “I’ve no patience when it comes to that girl. It was an in—out operation, barely took me ten minutes to search the place”. She looked back at me and to Evan. “Who’s this person?” I snook a peek over her shoulder, he was still grinning like the arsehole I’ve now tagged him to be, he caught my look and raised an eyebrow.

  Could Elise feel my hands warming?

  “That’s Evan, the three over there are Tony, Dean and Samantha”. Hopefully she’ll rule out who’s who, I’m too tired to explain it myself.

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  “Okay...and when did you all get here?” Her tone no-nonsense like. She was poised, a hand on her hip, back straight, chin up. Are ya gonna rumble Elise?

  “I’d say, half an hour or so ago. You must be the one Jades been screamin’ about”. Evan has this weirdly alluring air about him. And tell me I’m not being egoistical or something but, he’s been looking at me the entire time...right? I mean I’m not all that interesting to look at. Personally if I were a guy I’d probably look once then stalk off without a second glance, that or otherwise.

  “You? My names Elise by the way, thank you for asking. And the one with the goo-goo eyes is my little sister Nika”. I suppressed a chuckle.

  “Goo-I don’t have goo-goo eyes!” She shrieked, shaking her head from side to side. In rapid motion, she stilled and I might have been surprised but I knew the peaceful moment wouldn’t last forever. I righted myself and turned towards the door. Nika was inside the shop in seconds, she darted to our side producing her deadly knitting picks in each hand. I had my hold on the hilt of the katana, ready to charge at any given moment. Elise was by my side baseball bat held firm against her hip.

  We turned towards the door and heck, what do you know. A couple turned into about thirty of those things. It’s a horde.

  I looked behind me and found Evans grin gone, in its place something else. Hate? Determination? A sort of fire in his eyes, told me that the playful Evan has disappeared for the moment.

  Still, that face is even hotter than that cocky grin he had on earlier.

  I shook out my arms, loosening the muscles from when they tensed in his presence. The decaying monsters came closer to the shop, looking even worse here than they were where we came from. Game face on, game face.

  Shouldn’t be a problem, thirty against seven. Hopefully those behind me knew how to fight their way out of this. I can take on three at a time. Just need to pull through smoothly.

  “Okay, let’s go-”. A fit of coughing sounded from behind. I turned towards the noise and gasped. I knew it. Dean had his

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  arms braced against the glass case. His back bones peaked against his long sleeve shirt. I hope no one’s squeamish in this room. His breathing labored, he gagged and hacked, black liquid shooting out of his mouth onto the glass. After a few moments of watching him shower the case in blood, he stilled, a low growl emitted from him. His skin took on a more ashen color. His body swayed, I clutched the handle producing a sound from the leather. He turned to the noi
se; glazed over gray eyes met mine, dark drool dripping down his chin to the floor from his nose and mouth. This is wrong, so fudging wrong.

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  Chapter 14

  I never knew my thought process was so excessively slow. Or maybe the scene happening in front of me, was just slowing down fraction by fraction.

  “Hold him back!” Evan shouted towards Tony. Everything became a blur in a matter of seconds. Tony tried to hold back Dean, but totally underestimated his strength. Dean latched onto Tony’s arm, he struggled to break free, and he didn’t notice the puddle of blood on the floor and slipped right into Dean’s arms.

  Dean howled before sinking his teeth into Tony’s arm. His screams practically shattering my ear drums.

  “Tony!” I didn’t even notice Samantha’s small form huddled in the corner of the room. She tried to race towards him, but I caught her hand and yanked her to my side. For someone so small she was stubborn, her sobs so loud even that rose above the incoming threats outside the shop. She wriggled in my arms, fighting my hold.

  “Hey!” Her head snapped towards my voice, she stared at me, tears streaking down her dirt covered face.

  “H-help him!” She bawled.

  “I can’t! He’s gone”. I wish I could have been a little more sensitive but all the sensitivity in me flew out the window. She has to learn to get over the loss right now and fast. Still she kept crying, her fingers dug into my arm. The sting from her nails did nothing to me.

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  “Jade!” I looked to the door, Elise was outside next to the Hummer. They were everywhere. Elise and Nika held them off brilliantly, steal bat flying through the air smashing heads. Nika’s knitting picks jutting out of eyeballs here and there. Girls got great aim.