Im sorry, I said, because there was nothing else to say. Only Sarren would think of something that horrible. What had it been like, I wondered, being trapped on an island with a huge army of rabids? The one place that was supposed to be safe for humans, suddenly turning into a nightmare. I couldnt imagine it.
Everyone out there has lost something, Hendricks continued, gesturing vaguely at the door. A child, a parent, a friend and, at the very least, their home. We are stuck here. Every day, the soldiers go back to the island to look for those still stranded. Every day, they dig up and kill as many rabids as they can before the sun goes down again. But its not enough, and were running out of time. Supplies are almost gone, and the doctors cant keep up with the sick and injured. Something drastic has to be done, or Eden will be lost forever.
And then, Hendricks went on, eyeing me again, I get word that four strangers fought their way through the horde outside the gate to get here, and that one of them was Zeke Crosse. The same kid who left Eden to bring back a vampire for the scientists, because apparently they need vampire blood to finish their research. The mayor glanced at Zeke. We all thought he was dead, or at the very least, crazy. But here he is. With a vampire, no less.
I caught Jackals knowing smirk from the corner of my eye and deliberately did not look directly at him or Kanin. So, what do you want me to do? I asked, feeling Zeke tense beside me. Clear out your island? Even I cant take on hundreds of rabids by myself.
From what I understand, the mayor continued, glancing at Kanin, we have a far bigger problem to worry about.
I glanced at my sire as well, and Kanin slid out of the corner to stand before us.
Yes, he said, mostly to Mayor Hendricks. The rabids, as I explained before, are only a distraction. A very clever, dangerous distraction, but they are not the source of your problems. You have a vampire on that island. It was he that set the rabids on you, and it is he that is using Eden for his personal testing grounds.
The mayors gaze grew dark. For the first time, he looked dangerous, like he wasnt someone you really wanted to cross. I suddenly understood how he was in charge. Why? he asked softly. What does he want?
Hes after the cure, Zeke said. He wants the Rabidism cure, either to destroy it or to turn it into something horrible. He already destroyed New Covington with that virusthink of what hell do to Eden if we dont stop him. Allie is the only one who stands a chance
So, well send a vampire to fight a vampire, the mayor mused quietly, and gave a grim smile. What a strange way to answer our prayers, but Ill take what I can get.
Glancing up at Kanin, his tone became businesslike. What do you need? he asked briskly. Weapons? Ammo? I would send some of my men with you, but I honestly dont have many to spare. Or supplies, for that matter. But well give you what we can.
That wont be necessary, Kanin said. Transport to the island is all that we require.
I can get you a boat, Hendricks said immediately. And a pilot, if you need one. The ice hasnt completely frozen the lake yet. Itll be a bumpy trip, but you should be able to get there. When are you planning to leave?
Tomorrow. My sire spared a glance at me. As soon as the sun goes down.
Hendricks started to reply, but gasped and started to cough, causing the doctor to scurry forward with a syringe. Im sorry, but he really needs to rest, he told us, over the mayors breathless protests, pushing the needle into his arm. Youre welcome to stay in the infirmary, provided you can find an empty bed. And that the...er...young woman isnt a danger to the patients. His bespectacled gaze went to me, which I found ironic, given the circumstances. Especially with Jackal leaning against the corner, watching us all. I felt the smugness radiating from him even without turning around.
I wont stay here, I told the doctor. So, you dont have to worry about that.
Its fine, doctor, said Hendricks, having recovered from his coughing fit. Look at her. Shes not going to go on a killing spree. He glanced in my direction. Will you, Allison?
No, I said simply. Im not the vampire you have to worry about.
Oh, and Mr. Crosse. Hendricks looked at Zeke. I had someone track down the names you gave me, he said in a solemn voice. Would you like to know what happened to them now? I warn you, you might not like what you hear.
Zeke closed his eyes for a moment. I could see him bracing himself, preparing for the worst. Opening his eyes, he gave a stiff nod, his voice grim. Tell me.
Very well. The mayor nodded. Silas and Theresa Adams died of natural causes not long after you left the island, he began, making my stomach clench. They were both found in their bed one morning, no signs of struggle, no apparent wounds or sickness. It seemed they both just went in their sleep. He gave Zeke a sympathetic smile. Theyre buried in the town cemetery on Eden, if you wanted to look for them.
Very well. The mayor nodded. Silas and Theresa Adams died of natural causes not long after you left the island, he began, making my stomach clench. They were both found in their bed one morning, no signs of struggle, no apparent wounds or sickness. It seemed they both just went in their sleep. He gave Zeke a sympathetic smile. Theyre buried in the town cemetery on Eden, if you wanted to look for them.
Zeke took the news stoically, though a muscle worked in his jaw. And the others? he asked in a voice that wavered only slightly.
Hendricks sighed. Jake Bryant and his wife, Anna, managed to escape the chaos when it first broke out, he continued. Unfortunately, Mr. Bryant was struck with a stray bullet and badly hurt. He remains in the clinic with his wife, in critical condition, but they dont think hes going to make it. The others... The mayor paused, and by the expression on his face, it was clear that he was reluctant to go on. Mrs. Brooks made it off the island, but her husband was killed in the first attack, as was her adopted son, Matthew. Her other two children, Caleb and Bethany Brooks, remain missing. Alive or dead, were not certain. All we know is that they are not here.
Zekes voice was choked. No one has gone to look for them?
We send out search parties every day, Hendricks replied, his voice gentle. The men leave as soon as the sun rises, and remain on the island until an hour before it sets. Any longer, and it becomes far too dangerous for them to continue. They cant be everywhere at once, and lately, theyre finding fewer and fewer survivors each time they venture in. This last time, they didnt find anyone. Im sorry. He shook his head, genuine regret spreading over his face, then added, I think you need to accept that they might be gone.
Zeke clenched his fists. Without a word, he turned and left the room, moving past me with his head down. I watched the door swing shut and hesitated, torn between rushing after him and giving him space. If he was upset, he might want to be alone to grieve for his family in peace. But he was also a vampire now. And I knew how quickly sorrow could turn into a blinding, bloodthirsty rage, as the monster lashed out at everything around it.
I looked at Kanin, and he nodded. Go, he murmured, and I went, slipping through the door into the hall, searching for Zeke.
Chapter 15
I found him on a narrow pier over the lake, well away from the building and the wounded people inside. The icy wind tugged at his hair and shirt, tiny flurries dancing around him and settling on his bare skin, but he didnt move as I approached.
Zeke.
He didnt answer. Stepping up beside him, I peeked at his face. It was dry, no red tracks slicing down his cheeks, but his expression was blank once more. Alarmed, I put my hand on his arm, trying to get him to look at me. Hey.
Im fine, Allie. His voice was low, tight. He didnt sound fine. He sounded like he was barely hanging on to a swirling mess of emotion inside. I stared at him, worried. Ill be all right, Zeke insisted. Im just...
Bowing his head, he shuddered, and the first red tear slipped from his eye, dropping into the water. It made my throat tighten with sympathy, but it also sent a shiver of relief through me. Horrible as it was, he was still letting himself feel something.
Theyre gone, he whispered, making a lump rise to my throat. And I forgot about the monsters indifference, wishing I knew what to say. My family is dead. Im the only one left.
We dont know that, I said gently. Near his feet, the waters of Lake Erie lapped against the pier, a quiet, somehow ominous rhythm. They could still be out there.
Theyre kids, Zeke murmured. And its been days. How could they survive, alone, with the rabids? And Sarren?
I swallowed. I didnt know how they could still be alive, either. It wasnt fair that those two little kids had to die, killed by rabids and a deranged vampire, after theyd come so far. That theyd survived the entire journey to Eden, only to die in the very place that was supposed to be safe.
But the world didnt care about that; it was ruthless and brutal and merciless, just like Sarren, and not even people like Caleb and Bethany were immune to its darkness.
Zeke suddenly raised his head and roared, baring his fangs and making my heart jump to my throat. I tensed, but immediately after, he dropped his head, clenching his fists so hard his knuckles turned white. My fault, he whispered. This is my fault. I gave Sarren the information. I told him where Eden was. He wouldnt have come here if it wasnt for me
Stepping forward, I slipped my arms around him, pinning his arms to his sides as I pressed close. He stiffened, but didnt fight me, and we stood there on the banks of the lake, the wind tugging and snapping at our clothes.
Enough, I whispered against his back. Enough with the blame, Ezekiel. We all have things we regret, things we wish we could change, but we cant dwell on them. Thats part of being a vampire nowlearning to move on.
You did everything you could for them, I continued, as his hands came up to grip my arms, squeezing tightly. You brought them to Eden, you gave them a real home. It is not your fault that a psychopathic lunatic wants to wipe out everything.