Christmas in July : Zombies for Christmas

Today you are in for a special treat! This week I am honored to post a story that originally was a part of the Christmas stories viewed on the Hellfire Herald blog last December. I hope you enjoy this story written by the lovely and very talented Keira Kroft

Prequel to Summit The Zombie Hunter Series

Coming to Hellfire Publishing in 2012

Prequel- Zombies for Christmas

First installment- New World Order, Coming soon

Second Installment- The World Must End, Coming soon

Zombies for Christmas

                                  By Keira Kroft

The floor creaked. Raven’s eyes closed, her breath caught in her chest. This was not happening, it just couldn’t be. Her entire family gathered at her parent’s home for Christmas Eve dinner. Papi was carving the turkey, stealing a piece as usual, Momi was dishing out cranberry sauce, and then everyone turned into zombies. Freak’in, flesh eating mutants. She was asleep she had to be. This had to be a bad dream. Her thoughts ran rampant, trying to digest what was truly happening. Thank god, Bailey was late? She’s my best friend. I couldn’t take it if anything happened to her or her little girl.  Oh god, Mia…Mia has to be okay, she’s only four. The contemplating in her mind had to stop…right now. Raven was aware that her family was gone—her entire family. But she couldn’t allow her mind to go there. If it did, she would surely break.

Raven turned very slowly. Their eyes were on her, she could feel it, they snarled and moaned like hungry, wild, blood thirsty animals and they were right behind her, even the children. What could she do, let them eat her? Perhaps she should.

 Why should I be the only human left in the house, maybe in the world? Raven thought, as they closed in on her. She wanted to die. It was the eve before a holiday that her catholic family took very seriously. It was all about giving and the Christmas spirit. She did her very best to keep her will to fight at bay, but couldn’t. But, her survival instincts kicked in, she found herself wanting to fight, needing to. She didn’t know how, It’s not like she was ever trapped by zombies before.

Wait. I have been trapped before, Raven remembered the junkie in the ER that had her cornered once. She had to hit him in the head to finally bring him down. Maybe ‘they’ were the same, like in the movies. Of course there was not a damn thing she could use in the storage room she holed herself in. Raven was screwed, of all the rooms in the Evanston Mansion she could go into, she picked the one with no windows and not one weapon. A faux fur coat and Dean Martin albums weren’t going to cut it.

Suddenly a loud clutter came from the living room. Maybe it’s a freakin Zombie Santa Claus. They dragged their rotting bodies to the living room. She followed slowly, it was the damn cat, he knocked down the tree.  Glass bulbs crashed to the ground. “Catman, come here,” Raven whispered and made soft noises. He was toast, she had to do something…the large sized black and white feline was her baby.

Noise. They responded to noise, she ran in the kitchen. Fumbled around for her keys, she always threw them on the counter. Where are my goddamn keys…shit! Her heart pounded, her hands shook and stomach churned. Raven did her very best to not think about her kitty’s impending doom, but that was all she could think about in that moment.

At the sounds of Catman hissing, Raven closed her eyes. “Think!” Where are your keys? “Screw it,” she yelled aloud, grabbing a dish towel out of the kitchen drawer. She ran over to the other side of the Kitchen her heart beating a mile a minute. Then she tipped over the metal cabinet where her mother kept the pans, creating a rather loud diversion for her kin, then she bolted out the back door and around to the front. Winding the towel tightly around her hand, she drew her balled hand back and pounded her fist into the window, making it through on the first try. See I knew the Tae Bo was working. Her mind was doing everything, but concentrating on the situation she was in.

The white cloth that was intended to protect her was turning bright red and blood dripped everywhere. “Oh my god. What if they smell my blood?” Raven said a little too loud.

“Their zombies not vampires. Why are you trying to get in their anyway.” A fireman, asked from behind her.

“My damn cat. Wait!  Isn’t that what Fireman do? Could you get him?”

He shook his head. “No I am not going in there, no way no how. Not to mention you just broke a window. Those fuckers are way faster than you would think.” He said carefully placing the ax on his shoulder that he’d been gripping tight.

“Okay, I understand.” Maybe it was the situation, she was in or the loneliness, but she couldn’t help but notice how attractive the fireman was. But what a pendejo. He wouldn’t even help her. Isn’t that his job?  She didn’t get to pick and choose whose life she saved in the ER, she had a job to do and she always did it. He seemed strange anyway; a trained firefighter knows that you don’t put a weapon on your shoulder, no matter how carefully it’s done.

“Let’s go, I will take you somewhere safe and get that arm looked at.”

When the very handsome stranger turned his back to walk away, Raven jumped in the window. She hesitated too long talking to the faux fireman. Indeed breaking the glass did attract her entire family to the living room. Catman was hovered in a corner, shaking, his body half up, clinging to the wall. His meows sounded like a newborn baby crying, followed by the occasional hiss.

Taking a deep breath. She grabbed him and headed toward the window…too late. Her ravenous mother was standing right in front of her. She recognized her mom because she still had on her yellow apron. And her hair, even though it was filthy looking, you could still see her blonde highlights.

“Mom why!” Raven cried, holding the cat tightly.

Because she doesn’t know you…anymore, said the uninformed man, as he was chopping the heads off her family members. After they were all dead—again. Raven put Catman down and fell to her knees—tears, and blood still dripping from her arm hit the floor.

Her savoir gently pulled her up. “Get your cat we have to go, there are others.”

Raven squeezed her head with her fists, like that was going to stop the pounding in her head or the tightening in her chest. “Who are you? How did you know they were Zombies before you even seen them.” Questions whirled in her mind.

“I am looking for Dr. Raven Ramón. Please tell me that you are her.” He seemed so in control a few minutes ago, but now, his hands shook and fear darkened his emerald green eyes. “I understand you are working on a cure for cancer.”

“Yes I am her and I am working on a cure.” she peeped. “But who isn’t.”

He put out his hand, “Michael Summit, but you can call me Summit.”

Was he kidding? You can call me Summit? She wasn’t going to be calling him anything, she didn’t know him and had no clue as to what was going on—apparently he did.

“Wait! Are you Doctor Summit the world famous scient—” her words were cut short by the sound of woman screaming, she sounded horrified.  Bailey.

“Raven! Help me! Please help me,” Baily cried. “There are these creatures in my house and Mia is trapped. Please help me!”

Bolting straight next door and directly into Mia’s closet, she pulled the tot out of the hiding place into her arms. “It’s okay, Mami, Raven has you,” She smoothed Mia’s hair and planted a soft kiss to her head, then quickly moved toward the exit, were she was stopped short by Bailey and that Summit guy, who was looking around, wildly, his head snapping back and forth. He herded them into the kitchen. That wasn’t a good idea; the kitchen was infested with those creatures, dining on Baileys, Parrots. They backed out of the kitchen. The only sound they heard was that now familiar ravenous growl. There must have been twenty of them in the house. Where the fuck did they come from? Baily and Mia lived alone.

“Oh shit, we are surrounded.” Summit snapped.

“So use your ax. You cut through my family like a steak knife to butter?” Raven rolled her eyes.

“I didn’t bring it,” he whispered.

“What…was the only word she spoke that Bailey and Summit would be able to understand, since Bailey was from Kentucky and Summit had an English accent. When Raven was upset, Spanish would flow out of her mouth, uncontrollably. She yanked the rosary from her neck, placing it in Bailey’s hand, squeezing her fingers closed around it.

 Raven held on tightly to Baily and Mia, this was it, this was how it was all going to end. It took every ounce of strength she had just to accomplish the task of standing. Fear was impeding her will to stand, sheer terror and fear churned in the form of acid in her stomach making her nauseous. 

Summit just stood there—stunned—helpless. He seemed brave, though. Raven felt a flutter in her heart, an awakening that she’d never felt before. She would have had liked the chance to know him better.

Having to be strong for Mia, Raven started singing Christmas carols, prompting Bailey and Summit to join in to keep the little girl as calm as possible. The one thing worse than death itself, is knowing that it’s coming. Raven sucked back her tears and continued to sing as Mia joined in.

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas and happy new…

Part 2

24 hours earlier...December 23^rd

 “Raven Rebecca Ramón, please clean your room,” her mother instructed, half cleaning it herself.

“What?” Raven huffed. Did she just tell me to clean my room?

“You never pick up your clothes and we are having the entire family here tomorrow. And I don’t have time to pick up after you, while you go play at that medical center.” She would think the old woman was joking, since she was a resident at one of the leading hospitals in the country. But her mother never joked. Her father was very serious too, that probably came from what he had to go through to get out of the poverty of Mexico and come to the states. He always had his eye on Chicago, so when Raven was shopping around for medical schools, she was instructed that her father would pay for it as long as she stayed in Chicago for her entire career. Seemed like a fair deal at the time, but she really needed her own place.

“Mom, I am thirty-five years old and—”, she said, feeling proud as she noticed her numerous awards, from medical school on the wall.

“Aren’t you doctors supposed to be shiny, happy people?”

 “I am Mom, but’s it’s Christmas time,” Raven huffed.

“Oh, not that old hat again.”

Her mother’s English was good, but old fashioned, like that of a ninety year old woman. “Old hat? It was last Christmas that my finance died in Iraq,” she snapped. “A brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon, wasted. And you forget that the reason I am a doctor in the first place, is because my high school boyfriend died on my eighteenth Christmas from cancer. So yeah Mom, I get a little testy around the holidays.” She could feel her blood boiling. Her mother was always a cold unfeeling woman, but this was too much! Her mother needed to get the hell out of her room. Raven couldn’t take her nagging again. “Can’t you be proud of me…just once?”

“You boast enough about yourself, enough for ten people,” her mother said, face turning red with what Raven could only assume was anger.

“Estefania,” her father scolded from the doorway. “Raven, I am so proud of you and honored that you are my daughter.”

“Papi,” she clung to her father. “I love you,” she said looking up at him. Then she noticed a mole on his neck peeping under his collar. It was probably caused from the deep tan he used to get years ago when he was migrant worker. Since then, he started his own billion dollar corporation. The sun. Oh no. The sol as her papi called it does cause spots and moles, but it also causes Melanoma.

“Oh Luis, you know how ungrateful this girl can be, the most spoiled out of the three and the most ungrateful too,” her mother said wiping her hands on her apron.

Jealousy, she could see it her mother’s eyes. She begrudged her daughter trying to save the world. “You know what Mom?” Raven smiled the biggest smile she could conjure up. She had to be convincing, if she was going to talk her mother into helping her. “I will clean my room. But I need your assistance with something, first.” Raven did her best to seem as easy going and sweet as possible, as to not alarm anyone.

“You need my help?” her mother smiled, as if they weren’t at each other throats less than a minute ago.

“Papi, can I talk to Mom alone for a moment?” Raven said calmly, her heart racing a mile a minute.

“If you promise not to kill each other,” He demanded, pressing a kiss to her head.

“I promise.” Raven made a sign of a cross on her chest.

As soon as he was out of sight Raven turned quickly toward her mother. “I need you to talk Papi into going to the hospital with me to get that mole checked out.”

“What? Why? It’s just a freckle.”

“I don’t think so.” Raven felt grim.

“But I’m telling you, if I learned one thing as an Oncologist is that the earlier you can catch something the better the chances to get rid of it and the less evasive the treatment too,” Raven explained.

“Here you go with your big doctor terms,” her mother scoffed.

“What big doctor terms?” She learned a long time ago not to use medical terms with her mother. Her father understood them because he studied with Raven every step of the way.

There was a soft wrap on the partially open door. At the site of her trouble making sister appearing in her doorway, Raven knew her chances of getting her mother to take her father to the hospital were now decreased from 50 percent to zero. Her sister Raquel always sided with and defended their mother. And the little wench actually hated their mother; she was in it for the money.

“Raquel!” Her mother squealed and placed her arms around Ravens sister, squeezing her tight. The bartender with fake blonde hair was the one she was proud of. Raven herself was pretty Americanized, but her mother and Raquel were downright ashamed of their Mexican heritage. There weren’t even allowed to speak Spanish around their mother. Raven and her brother Raphael learned Spanish from their papi, her sister didn’t know one word.

“Hey Raquel,” she hugged her sister, quickly. She needed to get down to business. “Raquel, I think we need to take Papi to the hospital.” Raven held her breath.

“What?” Raquel crinkled her nose as Raven noticed that her sister got yet another boob job, they were twice the size of last year. “Papi! What’s wrong with Papi? I just seen him downstairs and he was fine.”

“Raven, you don’t need to involve your sister in this.” Her mother scooped her arm around Raquel and walked away.

“Mom—”

“Auntie Raven,” the five year old bronze colored angel said, running into her room. “I brought you something.” She loved her brother Raphael’s daughter and his son too. But why was her room turning into a freakin freeway, when she needed a minute with her mother.  Every one must have been starting to arrive for Christmas already.

 “For me?” Raven fluttered her eyelashes.

“What is it?”

“You have to guess,” instructed little Estrella, with her arms folded behind her back.

“Hmmm, is it a Hershey’s chocolate bar?”

“Yeah, it’s just like the giant one we bought you for Christmas, only this one is way smaller.”

Raven loved that little girl, because she was so innocent and she had choc-late! She had no idea that she just told Raven what they bought her for Christmas.

“Ahhh, man, how did you know Auntie Raven?”

“Because I have a super power and I can sense Chocolate in the room.” Her laughing prompted the little girl too giggle.

“Thank you so much.”  Raven said, hugging her niece tightly.

“Where is your daddy?” Raven thought maybe her brother Raphael could help with their mother.

Raven’s mother came back into her bedroom glaring at her.

“Go find your brother, Miguel and I will be there in a while to play with you.” Raven patted her niece lightly on the behind.

Estrella skipped out right past Raven’s mother. That kid has it right, just start ignoring her now. Raven thought, but would never say something like that to her mother. Raven opened her chocolate bar, snapping off a piece and put it her mouth. Oh, that’s so good. Raven sighed.

“You are not ruining our holiday with this nonsense of yours Raven. I won’t allow it.”

Raven new her mother meant it. “But mom, he needs to go to the doctor right away, he can’t wait until after the holidays,” she pleaded, as a very bad feeling settled in the pit of her churning stomach.

“He is my husband and I say that he can. And if you bother him, you will be kicked out and cut off.” Her face twisted in a scowl.

“You have always been a cold callous bitch and I am the one who is done. I hate you!” Raven was stunned by the words that flew out of her mouth. But that was it. She was finished with her mother. “I will be here for Christmas and then I am gone forever. But if this is my Papi’s last Christmas, I—”

Her mother raised her hand, slapping Raven across the cheek—hard.

   That was it! Time to leave. Raven rewrapped her Hershey bar and walked out her room, down the long winding staircase and quickly to her father’s study. She never looked back at her mother.

   “Of course Mija, come in,” he said, placing down Catman, Raven's cat who had been sitting his lap. She could hear him purring all the way in the hall. It was clear that the cat loved Papi, too. 

    She sat across from him. The feline rubbed across her legs, prompting her to pet under his chin. “Papi I noticed a mole on your neck.” Raven said, choking back the tears she'd been fighting since she first saw it.

He ran his hand down his neck until he felt it. “Right here, honey?” he asked, tugging on his collar. “This old thing, I have had this for a couple of years.”

Oh god, her heart sank. If that was cancer, it very well, may be too late. “Papi, it would make me feel so much better if I could do some tests.”

“Of course. Do I have to go the hospital?” His eyes moistened and he fidgeted as if he was uncomfortable.

“No it’s okay I can take care of it, right here.” Not that she had a choice. Her mother was already going to be infuriated by Raven even mentioning it to him.

Her father took off his dress shirt, the t-shirt he had on underneath was perfect. She had a clear shot to his arm and neck. She quickly took a small sliver from his mole and drew some blood. When she had gathered her samples and labeled them, she needed to stop for just a minute to try easing her father’s fears, but she knew her mother would soon find them, so she had to go. “It’s going to be okay, Papi,” she said gently rubbing his arm. “I am just going to run these to the hospital and we should have results by the 26th.”

 As Raven walked out the door, she exhaled sharply. He’s going to be okay. Isn’t he? He has to be…

*****

The thought of her mother getting her way at Christmas, really irked Raven. She walked over toward her, regret already eating at the lining of her stomach.  “I have packed my things and brought them over to Bailey’s house, where I will stay until I can find a place of my own.”

Her infuriating mother just ignored her and walked away, as if Raven hadn’t said a thing.

Raven went into the next room, going over to the crystal whiskey bottle. She thought for sure her mother was going to say something as she poured the amber liquid into the rock glass. It was amazing how quickly that she forgot her mother wasn’t talking to her. Her mom nagged her entire life. But she was already feeling a disconnection and was already missing her mother’s incessant ragging. She looked over to see her mother, who was smiling as she spooned the cranberry sauce into the dish. Raven’s father delicately placed a piece of turkey in her mother’s mouth. “That’s so good.” Raven heard her say.

What am I doing? Raven thought, placing the drink down. Maybe she was too harsh on her mother. Although moving was probably a great idea, she needed to say that she was sorry. No way could she turn her back on her family. In spite of the many troubles she faced over the years with her mother, she loved her, she loved all of them.

 Choking sounds where heard from the dining room and she swore she heard a scream.

Without hesitation Raven bolted toward the family dinner table to see what the commotion was, surely she could help. Her lips quivered, her knees gave way as her body cascaded to the floor. Her family was not only dead, but they seemed to be rotting. She shook her head. Surely this was all a dream. She found strength from somewhere and got up to feel her mom’s neck…nothing.

Raven went around the table checking everyone. “Estrella, thank God. You’re okay.” Her eyes were blood shot and her skin looked disgusting. Raven jumped, her hand clutching the rosary on her chest. She silently prayed. One by one, they all awoke, growling like hungry animals. Raven could see that something wasn’t right. Her heart ached, her hands shook, her lip still trembling, she wasn’t sure what she felt. Suddenly she sensed the heat of anger on her face; she thought her blood was going to boil. Why! Why would this happen, Oh god…the children! No, not my papi, not my brother, my niece and nephew. None of them. Not my family! Tears flooded from her eyes and her heart pounded. 

She ripped the table cloth from the table letting the plate’s crash to the floor, the turkey rolled across the dining room. Her family fought each other and ravaged the turkey carcass. Ironically, it was almost like they usually were with each other. Raven was losing her mind, she took dish after dish and threw them at the wall, she screamed and thrashed. Nothing made her feel better, in fact she felt worse...scared and alone. The last thing I said to my mother is I hate you…

I hate you. She felt a hand on her shoulder; she saw her mother’s gigantic pear shaped wedding ring. “I love you Mom,” she whispered, and ran…

Part 3

Having to be strong for Mia, Raven started singing Christmas carols, prompting Bailey and Summit to join in to keep the little girl as calm as possible. The one thing worse than death itself, is knowing that it’s coming. Raven sucked back her tears and continued to sing as Mia joined in.

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas and happy new…

“I think we are angering them,” Bailey shook. “What do we do?”

The snarling was getting a little annoying. Ewwww, they were so disgusting and when you were in a room full of them, it reeked…like spoiled hamburger.

“We hit them.” Summit placed his hands up, slowly closing them into fists.

“I need a Hershey’s.” Raven said slugging as many zombies as she could hit at a time. She just needed a little breathing room, so that her friends could buy enough time to find something to smash their heads in, with.

“You would say that! Not, that you are going to die before you cured cancer, or that I or my child could die. But that you died without having a damn candy bar.” Bailey laughed. “Only you would think of chocolate at this time!”

“Not just any chocolate, only Hershey’s for me I’m afraid.” Raven sighed.  “And of course I am thinking about that, there are a couple pounds of it under the tree at home.”

Baily held Mia, close. “There is going to be an opening and when there is you run, you run like hell. You hear me?”

“Yes Mommy.” Mia held on even tighter.

“Are you broads really talkin’ about sweets?” Summit said, while the undead was pawing and snarling at him.

Raven and Bailey glared at each other, “What the hell happened to your accent?”

“Oh, I am from Chicago, I don’t really have an English accent.”

Baily shot Raven a look, but she couldn’t deal with this Summit guys craziness right now. She waved off her friend.

Summit fought his way through the mob of Zombies and found there was a small clearing.

“Okay Mia. Now…run.” Bailey instructed.

The little girl was shaking, clearly frightened. She managed to make it outside, with Summits help. “You hide under the porch and we will be right out for you,” Summit said.

“Wow so we can hit’ em?” Bailey asked, observing Raven and Summit, fending of the rotting demons.

“Uhhhh-yah.” Raven knew her eyes were getting big, like saucers as they did whenever she was being sarcastic. She could hear her mother calling her fish eyes. That woman loved the insults.

“Bailey maybe you shouldn’t hurt yourself,” Summit said, taking down two creatures at a time. “I can see Raven doing it she is a big girl, but you’re a tiny thing, with a kid.”

“Hey, I am not that big” Raven said socking him in the arm, they were in dangerous situation but she couldn’t help herself.

Baily and Raven laughed. “I learned how to box from a Billy Blanks video. Baily is a black belt.”

“Okay, then, we can use all the help we can get,” Summit said.

Bailey kicked a zombie right between the eyes, a piece of flesh still between her toes. “Oh you like that, don’t you little zombie? You want another?” She jammed her for foot into its head while it squirmed on the ground.

A strange man came running into Bailey’s house with a bat and started smashing all the zombie heads he could find.

“It’s about fuckin’ time, you got here Schmitty,” Summit griped.

“I was stuck in traffic, give me a break,” the stranger laughed.He was shirtless and had the body of a Greek god, bronze and muscular, but he was about fifty, with a salt and pepper handlebar mustache and bushy grey hair.

Ravens heart pounded, they were alive. They were alive! Her insides shouted!

“Baily—get Mia I will catch up with you.” Raven hugged her best friend quickly, she had to go.

“Where are you going?” the stranger asked.

“Please don’t go,” Summit pleaded, a loose brown curl fell in front of one of his crystal blue eyes.

“I have to get my cat. We ran over here so fast I didn’t have a chance to get him.”

 “You stay with Schmitty, I trust him. I will get your cat.” He seemed sincere.

“I am capable of getting my own cat,” Raven snapped. “Besides, I don’t know…Schmitty.” Raven glared at him. Now she had not one, but two strange men invading her life. This was too much.

To her surprise Summit hugged her. He was so tender about it. “Sweetie you can’t see them again, even if it was safe.”

Raven’s knees felt weak. Not because of Summit, but because he reminded her that her family was gone. After she somehow managed to keep them from her mind, Raven laid down, filled with anguish, the pain of losing her family, her whole family was too much to bear.

*****

Summit climbed through the broken window of Raven’s house. Her family was eating something. They seemed busy and where enjoying themselves, like pigs at the trough. He tore under their family Christmas tree, looking for that damn giant candy bar. He had the large square package, he opened it to be sure, but it was just a card. A ridiculously sized, wrapped card. He tossed it down. It wasn’t what Summit thought it was, it was a music box. When it hit the floor, it played a rather loud tune, attracting the hungry foe. Damn, I haven’t found what I came for yet.

He slammed his foot down on the tree holder and ripped the tree out. One by one, as almost a choreographed dance, he stuck the tree trunk in the temples of each one of her Raven’s family members and pulled it out again. He kept moving onto the next, until they were all dead for good this time…he hoped.

Summit didn’t really know Raven, but he felt remorse for killing off her kin.

Loud banging came from the back door. “Raven? Raven is that you?” The banging continued…damn, there are more shitheads coming. Summit lolled down, what he came for was right there, no gift wrap, nothing. When he took the tree apart, it must have moved whatever was on top of it. He picked up the 10lb chocolate bar, climbed out the window and went under the porch to pick up the cat.

A funny feeling spread through his heart. At that moment he didn’t care about his own life, only pleasing her.

*****

She could see Summit approaching Bailey’s porch, his face twisted in a frown. He looked, really sad, like something unimaginable happened. What could be more unimaginable than this? “Catman,” Raven shouted, feeling relieved to know that one family member remained. “Thank you, thank you so much,” she said, scooping up her cat from Summits arms.

“Okay you take the cat and I will carry this,” Summit grinned.

Raven thought her heart stopped. “You got that for me?” She almost thought she was going to cry, but happy or not she didn’t have any tears left.

He seemed almost like he turned to stone. “I didn’t get it for you. We need food,” he snapped. “This is the end of the world, not date night at the drive-in.”

“Oh.” Raven had that old familiar feeling of being alone.

Baily and Mia hugged her tightly. “He did get it for you…know that.” Bailey whispered in Ravens ear reminding her that she was never alone. Bailey was her best friend since she moved there from Kentucky over twenty-five years ago. She’d been there for Raven when she lost her loves and the pain of medical school and all those times she cried, because her mother’s words cut her so deep.

 Summit held out the oversized candy bar. “Here, you need to eat something because, I need you.”

Raven flowed into Spanish. She thumped the heel of her hand on her head, repeatedly. Then handed Catman to Schmitty and ripped the food from Summits hand. She remained frustrated and angry, while Bailey and the strange men argued. Finally after a few deep breaths, Raven felt her blood pressure come down a bit. “Okay, now what’s the argument about?” Raven sat down on Bailey’s porch, tearing open a corner of the foil wrap and took a piece of candy.

 “Summit needs you to go to the hospital with him. He says he needs you for something and Schmitty is going to take me and Mia somewhere safe.”

“Yeah, I am okay with that, I love you Bailey. You are my best friend and I want you and that precious little girl, safe.” Not like her family. She said, popping another piece of chocolate in her mouth.

“I figured you would say that. But it’s too dark outside.” Bailey subconsciously pulled her daughter closer to her, rubbing the little girls long brown hair.

“Oh yeah kid, it’s too hard to fight zombies at night.” Raven said with a mouth full of chocolate.

“I don’t know of anywhere around here to keep you girl’s safe,” Schmitty said. Summit just stood there quiet with his arms folded.

“I got somewhere. It’s not a permanent solution, but we would be okay for a while, maybe even a few months. Do you remember when I was about 11—my Godfather obsession?”

“Oh my god, yes, yes I do,” Bailey started snorting. “You kept making everyone an offer they couldn’t refuse.” Bailey stopped laughing. “Oh man, is it still there, the secret place?” Bailey was doing her best to contain a smile.

“It gets even better, my mom was paranoid.” Raven squealed with delight.

Summit interest seemed peaked, “you mean like a panic room?”

“No more like an underground panic mansion.”

“Well let’s go,” Schmitty smiled.

“There is a downside though.” Raven hung her head, tears rolled from her eyes. “We have to go into my Papi’s study and push a book in the book case in order for it to open.”

“Oh that’s okay,” Summit said. “We will figure out something else, it’s probably dusty and dangerous, with no food or water, anyway.” He rubbed Raven’s shoulder.

“No it’s just the opposite. Trust me it’s so worth going in that house.”

Schmitty looked around as darkness closed in on them. “We really don’t have a choice.”

“Come on, there is electricity, hot water, the whole shebang.”

“Leave it to the rich to be able to survive a zombie apocalypse,” Summit teased.

“Mia come on.” Raven placed her hand put for the tot to come by her. Mia ran right to Ravens side without saying a word. This was the quietest the child had ever been. She must have been scared half to death.

When they reached the front of Raven’s house, she let go of the little girl’s hand. Raven couldn’t do it. “The Great Gatsby, it’s big and green, you can’t miss it, push on it and it will open the bookcase.” Raven stepped back with every word she spoke, shaking her head. She couldn’t see them again, she couldn’t.

“Raven please,” Bailey, begged. “If not for yourself then for Mia’s sake, please.” Bailey’s eyes flooded with tears.  Summit picked up Mia and headed in.

“Go Bailey. Be with your daughter.” Raven hugged her, “I love you.”

Bailey tore away, sobbing.

I give up, I can’t do this anymore, they were my family. Raven went back to Bailey’s porch to get her chocolate bar. She needed comfort. Her favorite treat always did the trick. She placed her hand on the giant bar and felt it being pulled away and heard those familiar sounds. 

“I can’t believe you rich people,” Summit said from behind her. “There is even a filled litter box, satin pillow and trough of cat food down there, for the darn cat.” He scooped up Raven in his arms, in the nick of time. She was about to be someone else’s candy bar. “Cover your eyes, baby. I got you, you don’t have to see them, I promise you.”

 She clung to him and kept her eyes shut, until Summit set her down on the marble floor of the underground dwelling. “Did you stock this place?” Summit laughed.

“No why? Where is everybody?”

“You ask a lot of questions,” he laughed. Baily is giving Mia a bath and Schmitty found the home theatre.

“Cool, did you close the book case tight, Summit?”

“Of course.”

“Are you sure it’s a little tricky.”

“I got it, relax and have a candy bar,” he said, showing her a pantry with what had to be like a thousand Hershey bars. “Either they loved you or were planning to keep you down here,” Summit teased.

“Keep me down here is more like it.” Raven took a candy bar and showed Summit the kitchen. “Help yourself; I know the fridge is full. You want something to eat?” he asked examining the contents of the overstocked fridge. “I am a master scrambled egg maker.”

“I would love some.”

He removed the eggs from the fridge and all the other contents he needed in one smooth, almost choreographed, dance. Raven shoved a piece of chocolate in her mouth and stood next to Summit. “Thank you. You know you’re like hero right?” Raven examined his cool eyes, wanting to be lost in them and those lips, she need those lips. “Why do you care so much, Summit? But most of all since I want to kiss you so bad right now, I have to ask, why are you such a pig headed jackass?”

He stopped whipping the eggs, placing both his hands on her shoulders. “Because it was me and I am all over the place, right now with guilt.

“What, was you?”

“I caused the apocalypse; I am responsible for your family’s death.”

Raven pulled away. Pain flashed in Summits eyes, kind of like the pain that was penetrating her heart. “First thing in the morning, Summit…I want you gone.”

Part 4

There were no windows in the underground dwelling. Sure there was every comfort of home; electricity, beds, running water, wine and most importantly…Hershey bars. Raven hugged Bailey and Mia, tightly. “I will catch up with you as soon as I get to the bottom of this Summit thing.”

“You look like shit,” Bailey was kind enough to mention.

“I know, I couldn’t sleep at all.” Raven slumped in a stool at the kitchen counter.

“Well, we slept like a couple of babies, didn’t we, Mia?”

The little girl nodded and continued to fill a green recyclable plastic bag with food.

“Thank you so much for letting Mia and I stay here.” Bailey was always so polite, where else where they going to be? Raven would never put her best friend out in the street. She would give her own life for Bailey and Mia. They were all she had left.

“Mommy, can I have a candy bar to take with us on our trip?”

 “I’m sorry sweetheart. I love you too much to give you one of Raven’s candy bars.” Bailey said looking serious.

“Don’t be ridiculous Bailey, of course Mia can have a candy bar,” Raven chuckled. “There are numerous kinds in the food pantry. There are Snickers, Butterfingers and Kit-Kats, I saw them last night. Seriously, Mia, take whatever food or candy that you want.”

Mia giggled and went straight to the special closet made for Raven.

“No, no, no, no little girl, not that room, auuughhhh.”

“Hey, you only need one.” Bailey and Raven said in unison and hugged.

“Now this is man’s dream come true, two women hugging,” said Schmitty. “You think I could get the two of you to kiss? Hmmm. A chestnut haired angel and a tall, large breasted Latin goddess. Yumm.”

“Mommy what are breasts?”

Raven laughed. “Nice,” Raven made the ‘okay sign’ with her thumb and fingers.

“Quiet Latin goddess,” Bailey scolded, playfully. “And thank you Schmitty, thank you very much.” Bailey rolled her eyes at him and smiled.

“You’re welcome,” he smirked and blew her kisses, it was kind of cute.

“Schmitty is fine, but actually it’s Simon Schmidt.”

“Doctor Schmidt,” Raven flushed.

“You’ve come the closest anyone ever has to come to curing cancer, along with your partner Dr. Michael Sum—

“Ahhhh crap.” Summit was so annoying she forget how prominent he was to the world.

“Mia! What are doing?” Raven looked down, at the bag Mia was filling. It looked heavy and she was grunting, and dragging the bag.

“Nothing,” she replied.

“Mia, what’s in that bag?” Bailey demanded.

Raven headed toward the bag that was now moving.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Mia burst into tears.

Raven bent down, carefully opening the bag. Her heart stopped beating when Catman jumped out at her. She scooped him up, “It’s okay buddy.” Raven rubbed the soft fur.

“Mia, where you trying to take Catman?” Raven asked.

“Yes,” she shouted, tears rolling down her hot sweaty cheeks. “You’re gonna stay here and you’re gonna die and no one will be able take care of him,” Mia said, then tried to bolt, but was intercepted by her mother.

“Young lady, I don’t care what’s going on you apologize to Raven and we never, ever steal, let alone someone’s pet,” Bailey explained in a not so calm tone.

“May I?” Raven asked.

“Of course,” Bailey replied, lifting Mia up toward Raven.

Raven took Mia over to the counter and set her down. “Look sweetie, I am not going to die. And you are more than welcome to take Catman. I know you will take such good care of him, really,” Raven wiped Mia’s tears.

“I knew you’d cave, you women always fold like a cheap tent.” Schmitty finally weighing in. “My wife caved in to a child’s smile up until the day she died.”

Bailey took his hand and locked her eyes on his, “I am so sorry. Why did she die?”

Mia jumped off the kitchen counter, clapping and dancing. “You hear that Catman? You are coming with me!” She looked so adorable.

“Enough about me,” Schmitty said, “Let’s talk about Summit. I saw the two of you in the kitchen last night, you looked pretty cozy.”

“Oh, yeah?” Bailey said with the Cheshire grin on her face.

“He’s a good guy. You two would make a great couple.”

“If he’s such a great guy, then maybe you can tell me why he caused the end of the world,” Raven snapped.

“He didn’t! He told you that, that he’s responsible? That damn kid. He needs a kick in the head, I saw you yesterday, Xena the warrior princess. Maybe you can deliver him a swift boot to the brain,” he said looking directly at Bailey. “Look, the government came to him and asked him to make a drug you could use with food that would kill off our enemies. It had to be instant, painless. And the stupid kid bought it. I mean for an award winning scientist that was pretty dumb. Why would they ask him to basically make a painless rat poison? But the zombie deal wasn’t part of it and killing off the American population wasn’t supposed to be, either.”

“Oh, that’s probably why he had that fake English accent, so no one would know that he was American,” Bailey chimed in.

 “Exactly! He didn’t want it to look like he was defending America, and he is in disguise.” He opened the fridge taking out a bottle of water. “We are in a lot of trouble, by trying to put a stop to this. But it might not be the end of the world,” he said, snapping the top of the refreshment. “It only affects the ones that ate turkey or get bit. So we have to do what we can.” Schmitty took a swig of the water.” He seemed calm, but he had a few hours more than Raven did to get used to all of this.”

“The turkey, that’s why we are okay.”  Bailey sighed, with relief.

“And me? Why does he need me?”  Raven asked.

“You’ll have to ask him. Here’s the address where we will be,” Schmitty said, handing Raven a piece of paper. “We will be safe at the government facility, along with the little girl and cat too.”

“Come here, Mia, give me a hug.” Bailey joined in their embrace.

“We love you Raven. We will see you soon, right?”

“Yes and if you feel like you are in trouble, you come back here. If you need somewhere safe, anytime, this will always be your place to go, okay?”

*****

“I talked to Schmitty…” Raven leaned against the door frame.

Summit sat up at the end of the bed, in nothing but a pair of unbuttoned jeans.

Raven sat next to him, looking him in, the most beautiful eyes, she ever saw. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were double crossed and this wasn’t your fault?”

“Because, the truth is, that it is my fault,” he shouted. Raven rubbed his shoulder. “If I hadn’t agreed to make the agent in the first place…”

The sincerity on his face and the pain in his voice broke her heart. She wanted to hold him and make it all better. Raven examined his soft light blue eyes, spotting remorse and she believed that he had a soft heart. She placed her lips to his. The kisses were soft and gentle at first, then they became so deep, she felt them in her heart. With her lips never leaving his, she climbed on his lap facing him. His muscular arms on her back sent shivers up and down her spine. Her body ached. They hadn’t even known each other a day, should they be doing this? Why not, the place is empty, and safe. She hadn’t felt safer in her life. And that was hot!  

“I want you,” he said, kissing the long of her neck as she pressed her bosom to his rock hard chest. He ran his hand down her bra, took a firm hold of her breast, rubbing his thumb back and forth across her sensitive nipple. The welcome torment continued until her nipple formed a peak, and her body arched closer to his. He stopped, removed his hand and smiled. “Are you okay?” His masculine voice, made her need him more. His gaze held hers, his eyes darkened with pure desire.

“I have never met anyone like you, Raven.”

 She laughed. Did he really use a cliché right now?

“Raven I mean it. You’re strong and so beautiful,” he moved back to admire her. “Look at that bronze cleavage, your perfect. And those breast. What are you, like a size D or something?”

“Actually that would be a double D,” she smiled.

“That’s what I am talking about.” He buried his head in her bosom, laying kiss after kiss on her chest as she trembled. Her ache deepened. Her body quivered with anticipation.

Raven slid her hand down his opened Levi’s, and she felt him immediately rise in her hand. Her underpants moistened, every inch of her begging to be touched.

“Are, are you sure,” he said pulling her hand from his underwear. “We haven’t even been on a date, just last night you hated me. No I think love you, I need you.

“Oh yeah,” she said, pulling her white cotton t-shirt off over her head, revealing her purple lace push-up bra. “But Raven we have to talk about this,”

She pushed him down on the bed and pinned down his arms, her eyes locked on his, “This could be the end of the world, so you can talk about it, or you can enjoy this,” she said trailing her lips quickly downward. She pulled down his jeans and under wear just enough to fit her lips firmly on his cock. She had her answer by his moans and his light thrusts in and out of her lips. He pulled her up. Oh god, not this crap again. Can’t we just have sex? Please don’t ask me if I am sure again. “I want you Summit.” She examined his eyes for an answer. “I want you more than chocolate. In fact, I would give up every candy bar in the world, just for this moment right now.”

Summit chuckled, “And I would give you, every candy bar you ever wanted. I will spend the rest of my life finding them for you, if I have to fight ten zombies to get it. I would because that’s how much you mean to me.”  He caught the back of her bra with a single flick, then rolled her onto her back, kissing her even more passionately than before. Their passion sparked and they undressed each other urgently, there need to be together was great.  “Raven…you can call me Michael now.” His tongue ran down neck, then grazing over one of her nipples, just enough to make her whimper, he continued downward, until he reached her salivating core. He gently massaged every inch of woman hood, just the right way, sending her into a mind numbing haze of bliss. One hand moved up to tease her breast, while his tongue flicked her nub, he placed two thick fingers inside of her, sending her crashing over the edge with just a few glorious licks and thrusts.  “Oh God,” she screamed, “Oh, God.” Raven couldn’t catch her breath. The passion was so raw and pure, she didn’t think she would stop throbbing. He drew her near. She was home. There was nowhere else, in that moment that she wanted to be. Raven pressed her ear to his chest, listening to his heart.

“Did you enjoy that?” Summit asked, holding her tightly in his arms. “Oh yes,” she said breathlessly.

                                                            *****

“Then you’ll love this!” he playfully said, spreading her legs apart, then bushing the tip of his hardness over her hot folds. He held in a groan when she circled her legs around his hips. Her taut nipples poked at his chest, teasing his skin. He couldn’t get close enough. His stomach tightened as he trailed his lips over her jaw. He nipped her delicate skin, breathing in her sweet, tantalizing scent. Cautiously and with care, he entered slowly.

“I’m not going to break, Michael,” she said, shifting her thighs around his back. Her hands settled over his buttocks, urging him in.

“I love when you call me Michael.” He chuckled at her eagerness. Her authoritative maneuvers pleased him.

He pushed in one smooth motion. Her tight muscles gripped him. His mind swam, while his heartbeat accelerated as he began to move.

“Faster,” she cried.

He obeyed with deep thrusts. Only her pleasure mattered to him at the moment. His member tightened, racing for release. Slipping a single finger between them, he pressed the area right above her inner core. Raven gripped him harder. As he worked her to submission, he focused on the wonderful whimpers slipping past her lips.

“Oh God, Michael!”

“Ohhhhh,” he moaned. He moved faster as she came apart. After a few more strokes, his body clenched. Raven held him as he found his release. He didn’t think the erosion of bliss would end. She was with him, every step of the way, still climaxing with him. His gaze met hers; the emotion in her eyes held him mesmerized. Raven reached up and stroked his cheek. Bliss encompassed her pale features.

“Was it good for you?” she teased.

She curled up next to him.

He wrapped his arms around her pulling close to him, “This is the best Christmas sex I have ever had,” he laughed.

“Oh, no,” Raven sat up.

He gently massaged her back, “Are you okay? You know I was just teasing right?”

Raven sighed, “I forgot it was Christmas. I didn’t say anything to Mia or give her any presents.”

“Come here,” he said pulling her back down. “I think they forgot too. Bailey would have said something before they left”

“I am sure you are right, I would like to have wished them a Merry Christmas, though.”

“You can,” he leaned over the bed and pulled an iPhone out of his pants. He dialed Schmitty, and handed Raven the phone. “Just ask him if you can talk to her.” She grasped the phone and listened to it ring.

“They must be busy, there is no answer,” she said, shutting it off and handing it to him.

“I’m sorry we will try again later, okay?”

He looked at her with those gentle eyes, “They are okay. I am sure of it. He kissed her gently on the head and Raven lay in his arms until they drifted to sleep.

*****

Summit woke up to the sound of his cellphone ringing. A shadow swept past the doorway. He wiped the sleep from his eyes, looking at the bedside clock it was 3am. “Hello,” he said and then just listened. Although Schmitty’s words were clear, Summit wanted so badly to deny them. He pressed his cell phone to his chest and gently woke Raven, “Sweetie, it’s Schmitty.”

“Oh, good how are my girls? Are thy safe,” she rolled over wide awake and smiled.

He shook his head, pulling her to his chest. “Bailey was bit.” Raven shot straight up to a standing position, grabbing the phone off his chest.

“Hello, who is this?” Raven went sheet white as she heard the rest of what Schmitty had to say.

“She became one of those things and he had to shoot her,” Raven blurted and burst into tears, shoving the phone into Summit’s hand.

“Hey man, I know this is bad time, but I thought you might want to check the place. I am not sure if I closed that book case right and there was some vermin hanging out there this morning.”  But Schmitty was hard to hear, because Ravens soft weeping elevated into sheer wailing.

He felt her pain dig at his heart. “I am so sorry, honey. I’m sorry,” he said, wrapping himself around her. Summit was surprised that tears were falling from his eyes and that he was so overwrought with emotion. He’d never been before. But then, he never saw the woman he loved in such pain before, either. In fact, he never even came close to love before.

There was a clatter from the hallway. Summit looked at the doorway, and there was one of them, just standing there, quiet. He didn’t know that they knew how to be silent, this was a tricky one. If he hadn’t seen it with his own two eyes, he wouldn’t have known that it was there. It was wearing the remnants of a pin striped suit, his tie wrapped around his head.

“Raven”, he nudged her.

“Leave me alone.” She shoved his hand away from her.

“Raven—”

“Raven you don’t understand. Dammit, woman, look.” He gently lifted her head so that she could see the creature that had them trapped…

If you enjoyed this uncut section from the devious mind of Keira Kroft, you will love her hottest work yet, Glow in the Dark. What’s hotter than a zombie hunter scientist with crystal blue Eyes? Answer: a doe-eyed, calendar worthy fireman.

Warning! This story contains adult sexual content, if you are under 18 or explicate sex scenes do not interest you, a family friendly version of this story can be found on the Hellfire Herald. www.hellfireherald.blogspot.com

There were no windows in the underground dwelling. Sure there was every comfort of home; electricity, beds, running water, wine and most importantly…Hershey bars. Raven hugged Bailey and Mia, tightly. “I will catch up with you as soon as I get to the bottom of this Summit thing.”

“You look like shit,” Bailey was kind enough to mention.

“I know, I couldn’t sleep at all.” Raven slumped in a stool at the kitchen counter.

“Well, we slept like a couple of babies, didn’t we, Mia?”

The little girl nodded and continued to fill a green recyclable plastic bag with food.

“Thank you so much for letting Mia and I stay here.” Bailey was always so polite, where else where they going to be? Raven would never put her best friend out in the street. She would give her own life for Bailey and Mia. They were all she had left.

“Mommy, can I have a candy bar to take with us on our trip?”

“I’m sorry sweetheart. I love you too much to give you one of Raven’s candy bars.” Bailey said looking serious.

“Don’t be ridiculous Bailey, of course Mia can have a candy bar,” Raven chuckled. “There are numerous kinds in the food pantry. There are Snickers, Butterfingers and Kit-Kats, I saw them last night. Seriously, Mia, take whatever food or candy that you want.”

Mia giggled and went straight to the special closet made for Raven.

“No, no, no, no little girl, not that room, auuughhhh.”

“Hey, you only need one.” Bailey and Raven said in unison and hugged.

“Now this is man’s dream come true, two women hugging,” said Schmitty. “You think I could get the two of you to kiss? Hmmm. A chestnut haired angel and a tall, large breasted Latin goddess. Yumm.”

“Mommy what are breasts?”

Raven laughed. “Nice,” Raven made the ‘okay sign’ with her thumb and fingers.

“Quiet Latin goddess,” Bailey scolded, playfully. “And thank you Schmitty, thank you very much.” Bailey rolled her eyes at him and smiled.

“You’re welcome,” he smirked and blew her kisses, it was kind of cute.

“Schmitty is fine, but actually it’s Simon Schmidt.”

“Doctor Schmidt,” Raven flushed.

“You’ve come the closest anyone ever has to come to curing cancer, along with your partner Dr. Michael Sum—

“Ahhhh crap.” Summit was so annoying she forget how prominent he was to the world.

“Mia! What are doing?” Raven looked down, at the bag Mia was filling. It looked heavy and she was grunting, and dragging the bag.

“Nothing,” she replied.

“Mia, what’s in that bag?” Bailey demanded.

Raven headed toward the bag that was now moving.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Mia burst into tears.

Raven bent down, carefully opening the bag. Her heart stopped beating when Catman jumped out at her. She scooped him up, “It’s okay buddy.” Raven rubbed the soft fur.

“Mia, where you trying to take Catman?” Raven asked.

“Yes,” she shouted, tears rolling down her hot sweaty cheeks. “You’re gonna stay here and you’re gonna die and no one will be able take care of him,” Mia said, then tried to bolt, but was intercepted by her mother.

“Young lady, I don’t care what’s going on you apologize to Raven and we never, ever steal, let alone someone’s pet,” Bailey explained in a not so calm tone.

“May I?” Raven asked.

“Of course,” Bailey replied, lifting Mia up toward Raven.

Raven took Mia over to the counter and set her down. “Look sweetie, I am not going to die. And you are more than welcome to take Catman. I know you will take such good care of him, really,” Raven wiped Mia’s tears.

“I knew you’d cave, you women always fold like a cheap tent.” Schmitty finally weighing in. “My wife caved in to a child’s smile up until the day she died.”

Bailey took his hand and locked her eyes on his, “I am so sorry. Why did she die?”

Mia jumped off the kitchen counter, clapping and dancing. “You hear that Catman? You are coming with me!” She looked so adorable.

“Enough about me,” Schmitty said, “Let’s talk about Summit. I saw the two of you in the kitchen last night, you looked pretty cozy.”

“Oh, yeah?” Bailey said with the Cheshire grin on her face.

“He’s a good guy. You two would make a great couple.”

“If he’s such a great guy, then maybe you can tell me why he caused the end of the world,” Raven snapped.

“He didn’t! He told you that, that he’s responsible? That damn kid. He needs a kick in the head, I saw you yesterday, Xena the warrior princess. Maybe you can deliver him a swift boot to the brain,” he said looking directly at Bailey. “Look, the government came to him and asked him to make a drug you could use with food that would kill off our enemies. It had to be instant, painless. And the stupid kid bought it. I mean for an award winning scientist that was pretty dumb. Why would they ask him to basically make a painless rat poison? But the zombie deal wasn’t part of it and killing off the American population wasn’t supposed to be, either.”

“Oh, that’s probably why he had that fake English accent, so no one would know that he was American,” Bailey chimed in.

“Exactly! He didn’t want it to look like he was defending America, and he is in disguise.” He opened the fridge taking out a bottle of water. “We are in a lot of trouble, by trying to put a stop to this. But it might not be the end of the world,” he said, snapping the top of the refreshment. “It only affects the ones that ate turkey or get bit. So we have to do what we can.” Schmitty took a swig of the water.” He seemed calm, but he had a few hours more than Raven did to get used to all of this.”

“The turkey, that’s why we are okay.” Bailey sighed, with relief.

“And me? Why does he need me?” Raven asked.

“You’ll have to ask him. Here’s the address where we will be,” Schmitty said, handing Raven a piece of paper. “We will be safe at the government facility, along with the little girl and cat too.”

“Come here, Mia, give me a hug.” Bailey joined in their embrace.

“We love you Raven. We will see you soon, right?”

“Yes and if you feel like you are in trouble, you come back here. If you need somewhere safe, anytime, this will always be your place to go, okay?”

Warning! This next scene contains adult sexual content, if you are under 18 or explicate sex scenes do not interest you, a family friendly version of this story can be found on the Hellfire Herald. http://www.hellfireherald.blogspot.com/

           “I talked to Schmitty…” Raven leaned against the door frame.

Summit sat up at the end of the bed, in nothing but a pair of unbuttoned jeans.

Raven sat next to him, looking him in, the most beautiful eyes, she ever saw. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were double crossed and this wasn’t your fault?”

“Because, the truth is, that it is my fault,” he shouted. Raven rubbed his shoulder. “If I hadn’t agreed to make the agent in the first place…”

The sincerity on his face and the pain in his voice broke her heart. She wanted to hold him and make it all better. Raven examined his soft light blue eyes, spotting remorse and she believed that he had a soft heart. She placed her lips to his. The kisses were soft and gentle at first, then they became so deep, she felt them in her heart. With her lips never leaving his, she climbed on his lap facing him. His muscular arms on her back sent shivers up and down her spine. Her body ached. They hadn’t even known each other a day, should they be doing this? Why not, the place is empty, and safe. She hadn’t felt safer in her life. And that was hot!

“I want you,” he said, kissing the long of her neck as she pressed her bosom to his rock hard chest. He ran his hand down her bra, took a firm hold of her breast, rubbing his thumb back and forth across her sensitive nipple. The welcome torment continued until her nipple formed a peak, and her body arched closer to his. He stopped, removed his hand and smiled. “Are you okay?” His masculine voice, made her need him more. His gaze held hers, his eyes darkened with pure desire.

“I have never met anyone like you, Raven.”

She laughed. Did he really use a cliché right now?

“Raven I mean it. You’re strong and so beautiful,” he moved back to admire her. “Look at that bronze cleavage, your perfect. And those breast. What are you, like a size D or something?”

“Actually that would be a double D,” she smiled.

“That’s what I am talking about.” He buried his head in her bosom, laying kiss after kiss on her chest as she trembled. Her ache deepened. Her body quivered with anticipation.

Raven slid her hand down his opened Levi’s, and she felt him immediately rise in her hand. Her underpants moistened, every inch of her begging to be touched.

“Are, are you sure,” he said pulling her hand from his underwear. “We haven’t even been on a date, just last night you hated me. No I think love you, I need you.

“Oh yeah,” she said, pulling her white cotton t-shirt off over her head, revealing her purple lace push-up bra. “But Raven we have to talk about this,”

She pushed him down on the bed and pinned down his arms, her eyes locked on his, “This could be the end of the world, so you can talk about it, or you can enjoy this,” she said trailing her lips quickly downward. She pulled down his jeans and under wear just enough to fit her lips firmly on his cock. She had her answer by his moans and his light thrusts in and out of her lips. He pulled her up. Oh god, not this crap again. Can’t we just have sex? Please don’t ask me if I am sure again. “I want you Summit.” She examined his eyes for an answer. “I want you more than chocolate. In fact, I would give up every candy bar in the world, just for this moment right now.”

Summit chuckled, “And I would give you, every candy bar you ever wanted. I will spend the rest of my life finding them for you, if I have to fight ten zombies to get it. I would because that’s how much you mean to me.” He caught the back of her bra with a single flick, then rolled her onto her back, kissing her even more passionately than before. Their passion sparked and they undressed each other urgently, there need to be together was great.

“Raven…you can call me Michael now.” His tongue ran down neck, then grazing over one of her nipples, just enough to make her whimper, he continued downward, until he reached her salivating core. He gently massaged every inch of woman hood, just the right way, sending her into a mind numbing haze of bliss. One hand moved up to tease her breast, while his tongue flicked her nub, he placed two thick fingers inside of her, sending her crashing over the edge with just a few glorious licks and thrusts. “Oh God,” she screamed, “Oh, God.” Raven couldn’t catch her breath. The passion was so raw and pure, she didn’t think she would stop throbbing. He drew her near. She was home. There was nowhere else, in that moment that she wanted to be. Raven pressed her ear to his chest, listening to his heart.

“Did you enjoy that?” Summit asked, holding her tightly in his arms. “Oh yes,” she said breathlessly.

*****

“Then you’ll love this!” he playfully said, spreading her legs apart, then bushing the tip of his hardness over her hot folds. He held in a groan when she circled her legs around his hips. Her taut nipples poked at his chest, teasing his skin. He couldn’t get close enough. His stomach tightened as he trailed his lips over her jaw. He nipped her delicate skin, breathing in her sweet, tantalizing scent. Cautiously and with care, he entered slowly.

“I’m not going to break, Michael,” she said, shifting her thighs around his back. Her hands settled over his buttocks, urging him in.

“I love when you call me Michael.” He chuckled at her eagerness. Her authoritative maneuvers pleased him.

He pushed in one smooth motion. Her tight muscles gripped him. His mind swam, while his heartbeat accelerated as he began to move.

“Faster,” she cried.

He obeyed with deep thrusts. Only her pleasure mattered to him at the moment. His member tightened, racing for release. Slipping a single finger between them, he pressed the area right above her inner core. Raven gripped him harder. As he worked her to submission, he focused on the wonderful whimpers slipping past her lips.

“Oh God, Michael!”

“Ohhhhh,” he moaned. He moved faster as she came apart. After a few more strokes, his body clenched. Raven held him as he found his release. He didn’t think the erosion of bliss would end. She was with him, every step of the way, still climaxing with him. His gaze met hers; the emotion in her eyes held him mesmerized. Raven reached up and stroked his cheek. Bliss encompassed her pale features.

“Was it good for you?” she teased.

She curled up next to him.

He wrapped his arms around her pulling close to him, “This is the best Christmas sex I have ever had,” he laughed.

“Oh, no,” Raven sat up.

He gently massaged her back, “Are you okay? You know I was just teasing right?”

Raven sighed, “I forgot it was Christmas. I didn’t say anything to Mia or give her any presents.”

“Come here,” he said pulling her back down. “I think they forgot too. Bailey would have said something before they left”

“I am sure you are right, I would like to have wished them a Merry Christmas, though.”

“You can,” he leaned over the bed and pulled an iPhone out of his pants. He dialed Schmitty, and handed Raven the phone. “Just ask him if you can talk to her.” She grasped the phone and listened to it ring.

“They must be busy, there is no answer,” she said, shutting it off and handing it to him.

“I’m sorry we will try again later, okay?”

He looked at her with those gentle eyes, “They are okay. I am sure of it. He kissed her gently on the head and Raven lay in his arms until they drifted to sleep.

*****

Summit woke up to the sound of his cellphone ringing. A shadow swept past the doorway. He wiped the sleep from his eyes, looking at the bedside clock it was 3am. “Hello,” he said and then just listened. Although Schmitty’s words were clear, Summit wanted so badly to deny them. He pressed his cell phone to his chest and gently woke Raven, “Sweetie, it’s Schmitty.”

“Oh, good how are my girls? Are thy safe,” she rolled over wide awake and smiled.

He shook his head, pulling her to his chest. “Bailey was bit.” Raven shot straight up to a standing position, grabbing the phone off his chest.

“Hello, who is this?” Raven went sheet white as she heard the rest of what Schmitty had to say.

“She became one of those things and he had to shoot her,” Raven blurted and burst into tears, shoving the phone into Summit’s hand.

“Hey man, I know this is bad time, but I thought you might want to check the place. I am not sure if I closed that book case right and there was some vermin hanging out there this morning.” But Schmitty was hard to hear, because Ravens soft weeping elevated into sheer wailing.

He felt her pain dig at his heart. “I am so sorry, honey. I’m sorry,” he said, wrapping himself around her. Summit was surprised that tears were falling from his eyes and that he was so overwrought with emotion. He’d never been before. But then, he never saw the woman he loved in such pain before, either. In fact, he never even came close to love before.

There was a clatter from the hallway. Summit looked at the doorway, and there was one of them, just standing there, quiet. He didn’t know that they knew how to be silent, this was a tricky one. If he hadn’t seen it with his own two eyes, he wouldn’t have known that it was there. It was wearing the remnants of a pin striped suit, his tie wrapped around his head.

“Raven”, he nudged her.

“Leave me alone.” She shoved his hand away from her.

“Raven—”

“Raven you don’t understand. Dammit, woman, look.” He gently lifted her head so that she could see the creature that had them trapped…

Part 5

“Raven”, he nudged her.

“Leave me alone.” She shoved his hand away from her.

“Raven—”

“Raven you don’t understand. Dammit, woman, look.” He gently lifted her head so that she could see the creature that had them trapped…

“Listen to me, I am going to count to three and then I want you to make a loud noise and run and lock yourself in the bathroom. Okay, can you do that for me,” he asked, his arms wrapped tightly around her forearms. He couldn’t help but picture her squeezing his forearms during the throws of passion.

“Okay.” Surprisingly, she didn’t argue with him.

Summit took off and found an ax on the wall in the hall and broke the glass, attracting the zombie from the bedroom. Summit whacked him the neck so hard the things head flew off and his body dropped to the floor.

                                                            *****

Raven sat on the bed next to Summit, her heart fluttered, when she was near him. She definitely wanted what happened last night to happen again. But somehow just being with him was enough.

“We never did get to why you wanted me?”

“Because you’re so damn fine,” he teased.

“I didn’t mean it that way.” She playfully hit him in the arm.

“Actually, it was Schmitty who insisted that we find you. You are one of the pieces to the puzzle of what’s going on here. I know this much, you cured cancer.”

“Oh, yes and I turn into a wolf at every full moon.”

“Do you?” he laughed.

“Yes. According to Schmitty not only did you cure cancer, but you did it by entering a single cell of some sort, into the human bloodstream and it would completely reversed it in one day with no pain, no radiation, no illness. Impressive really; I am a scientist and I can’t understand how you did it.”

“See that’s what I don’t get, that I did find a cure, but the other doctors, the chief of staff and the science department said that I didn’t.” Raven was so proud that she couldn’t contain her smile that was bubbling beneath her lips. Maybe I really did it.

He exhaled sharply running a hand through his hair. “As far as we figure it, the government apparently didn’t like the overpopulation statistics, so they tried to hide it from you and that they should start killing off people, to be safe.”

“Why do you keep saying government?”

 “Well that’s too long of a story, but I was approached by some officials and once people started dying, Schmitty and I started looking into what might be going on and we found no answers. We were hoping if you could get us your files, maybe we could find some sort of clues, usually where something starts…is where it ends.”

“Okay I have to change the subject, let’s talk about Bailey. Some things don’t add up here. Tell me exactly what happened to my best friend.” Raven realized she must seem rude and uncaring, but she was trying to cope with all of this.

“She was apparently bitten, then turned and Schmitty had to shoot her. And he said that Mia didn’t know and he was bringing her back here because he figured you wanted her,” he shrugged.

“Is that all he said? I know he is your friend, but it all sounds weird. I just don’t get it. To die that quickly and…

She’s a black belt for chrissakes, and her daughter—she would fight for her daughter. And where was Mia, while he was shooting her mother and you can’t fire a gun with ‘them’ running around.” God, he killed my best friend, didn’t he?

“It’s the black-belt thing that has me stumped, why is such a tiny American girl…a mother, have a masters in karate?”

“Oh, that’s an easy question to answer, but very painful.” Raven shoulders slumped, her stomach soured at the thought. “Bailey was at bar and somebody slipped something in her drink.”

“She was rapped? How horrible.” His lips twisted in a scowl and the red pigmentation on his face, made him look angry.

“That’s not the half of it, so he slipped her something and had his way with her. I know that doesn’t sound life changing… Except the sick fuc—”

Raven couldn’t control the tears. “Oh god. Is it safe to get a Hershey bar?”

Summit laughed. “Yes it’s fine. I will follow you, to make sure you are safe,” he said rising from the bed and extending out an arm to help her up. “But tell me, what’s so extreme about something that’s already so god awful.”

“Whoever had his way with her beat her brutally. Bailey’s ribs were broken, he slashed her breast, and her private area had to be stitched. I could go on, but it was awful. She already knew karate somewhat.” Raven opened the ‘special’ pantry and took out a chocolate bar. “But after that she went on a quest to always be able to protect herself and her daughter. The worst part of it is what if Mia ever finds out. Can you imagine?” Raven tore open the wrapper and took a large bite.

“Mia is a child of rape?”

Raven put her hand up, she couldn’t talk her mouth was too full. But it was so good, that she felt better already. “Yes, and we have no idea who her father is.”

Donny McGee, Raven thought. “Oh my god…I need my phone.”

“I am afraid to ask you this. But is your cellphone in the house?”

She nodded her head smiling.

“Why your phone, you can use mine,” he asked, pulling the iPhone from his pocket.

“Because, I have problems with how Bailey died and I have counseled enough people during the grief process to know, that it’s normal to suspect foul play. But I really think she was murdered. We have a code, if either one of us in danger and we can’t call 911, we call and say I saw Donny McGee.”

“Why?” Summit asked, looking through the fridge for food.

“Because that was the name of the guy, that Bailey was talking too before the attack. But when they looked for him, it turned out to be a fake name.”

“They never found him?”

“No. We better get going soon.”

“Wait, one more thing,” He said pulling her close, kissing her passionately. “You’re right we better go,” he said pulling away.

“Can you cover me while I go to my room?”

“Okay but we need to find distractors, loud things to throw or maybe raw meat and a very tall ladder.” His nose crinkled whenever he thought really hard.

“I appreciate it MacGyver. But this underground mansion was made for me, so there is a passage way that leads to my room. I meant could you cover me if there were rotting corpses hanging in my room.”

Summit flushed. “Sure I can do that my…little taco.”

“Ummm no, try again, sweetie,” she explained leading him up the stairwell to her bedroom. “We won’t even go into what it means to call a girl a taco. Are you trying to think of a nick name for me?” How sweet.

“Yes I am…bran muffin.”

“So I taste grainy and constipate you?” Raven thumped the heel of her hand into head. He had such a way of frustrating her.

Raven and Summit opened the door at the top and stepped into her closet, she’d left the doors open. She took a deep breath and laced her fingers through Summit’s as they entered her, seemingly quiet room. It wasn’t quiet yesterday when she told her mother that she hated her or treated her sister bad, or scared her Papi with the thought of cancer, only for him to die anyway. Raven dug her hand into her purse and pulled out her Blackberry, turning it on with her thumb.

“I am so sorry, Summit. I know there are more important things at stake here, but if I don’t find out what happened to Bailey now, any signs of what happened will disappear and then I may never know.”

“Okay let’s find out.”

Damn was he sweet. The phone lit up, and the ‘battery low’ message flashed. “Darn, my phone needs to be charged.”

“Oh now, maybe we could…”

“Before you have me steal a car battery, let’s just take the cord out of the top drawer and plug it in,” Raven said, cutting Summit short.

“Sure if you always want to take the easy way out.”

Raven plugged in her phone and a message immediately popped up, her heart pounded.

First message: I saw Donny McGee at the “government facility”.

“Okay. We have a code, but this is a weird variant, she has government facility in quotation marks.” Raven took in a gulp of air. “Have you seen the place where he was taking her, because you know, I am getting a weird feeling about this guy.”

“Schmitty nah, I have known him for ten years. He is a little quirky, but he is not capable of killing someone,” Summit replied with sincerity in his eyes.

“Well let’s hope you are right. I need you to please do me a favor.” Raven continued on, “I need you to call Schmitty and tell him, it’s not safe here and you want to meet him and Mia somewhere else, anywhere else, and I will go to this government facility. Oh hey there a second message.”

Second message: He is Donny McGee.

“Oh god, she must be saying that Schmitty is bad, like I thought.”

“I am not sure, it was weird. Let’s go check out the zombie situation shall we?”

He took her arms in his and they sauntered out the upstairs hall overlooking the foyer, as if they were going to look out on a party. It was a party alright. “Do think that they climb the stairs? It reminds me of my mother’s book club,” Raven laughed.

                                                         *****

Raven arrived at the so called government facility. Damn that don’t look safe, she thought examining the old abandoned warehouse on the dirt road. Raven found some steel on the side and started banging it, making loud noises, but no vermin followed up. There didn’t seem to be any zombie’s around and definitely no government officials. It hadn’t even been a half hour since she left Summit, so that he could meet Schmitty and get Mia, but she was missing him already. God, it’s freakin’ cold in here. There was so much going on, that she hadn’t realized how cold it was outside, until now.

Taking a deep breath, Raven went inside. It was big and dark. You could only see where sunlight streamed through.

She pulled her phone from her jeans pocket. She had charged it in the car on the ride over, hopefully it was enough. She called the number that Summit programed in her phone, before she left. He answered on the first ring.

“Raven are you okay?”

“Freezing to death, but okay.”

He chuckled, “Yeah it is.”

“Did Schmitty say where he put Bailey’s body?”

“No, and he’s not there yet. But I told him 1pm and it’s not yet, it’s about 12:58.”’

“Okay, I am going to look around here a bit and I will call you if I find anything.”

“Please do. Hey Raven, I miss you.”

“I miss you too,” Raven professed and clicked off the phone.

God this is a needle in haystack. Looked around she saw there were rats everywhere, and the place certainly didn’t appear stable. Raven shook with fear, what if she did indeed find Bailey’s body, could she handle it?

Raven headed toward the back door. Maybe, Schmitty buried her somewhere back here. Her hands rubbing her folded arms to keep warm. Thump! Raven’s heart raced and her chest ached, from the noise that startled her. Then she heard it again, and then again. Like a thumping sound coming from upstairs. What if Schmitty was there? But what if it was someone that was too hurt to cry out and they needed medical attention. She couldn’t walk away, no doctor would.

She searched for something heavy, to protect herself with. She couldn’t find anything. Raven fled to her car and fumbled with her keys. Why did I lock the car in the middle of nowhere? Finally she got her door open and grabbed her Mag-lite out of the car, hoping that would do the trick.

Back inside, she found the metal stairs that led to an office. Clutching the Mag-lite in one hand, she used the other to cling to the railing that felt, like it, along with the stairs, was going to collapse any minute.

Somehow she made it to the top. The thumping grew louder. She lifted the flashlight high in the air and grabbed the nob and flung the door open.

The Mag-lite fell from her hand. She clutched her chest, immobile. Baily…

The tiny thing look so sad tied up, but at least she wasn’t dead and she didn’t look hurt. “Oh, my god! Schmitty said you were dead.”

The duct tape kept Bailey’s sounds muffled.

    Raven found strength and moved toward her best friend. Seeing Bailey alive almost knocked her off her feet. She quickly removed the duct tape and untied her.

    She rubbed her red, chaffed wrists. “He’s not a killer, I guess,” she blurted, breathing heavily and shaking uncontrollably.

   Raven pulled her off the chair and into a corner. Scanning the room for some kind of cloth, she spotted an old rain coat hanging from a hook. She yanked it down and wrapped it around her friend and held her tight in her arms to warm her. A familiar feeling brushed against her legs, "Meow". Her head shot downward. Catman, thank God. "Hey buddy, Mama will take you somewhere warm in a bit, okay?" he stood up rubbing his precious paws on her leg. She wanted to pet him, but she had to take care of Bailey first.

    “It wasn’t you that he wanted. What Schmitty wanted was Mia.” Bailey sobbed, pressing her head against Raven’s chest.

    “What? Oh god, why?”  Raven shifted up.

Bailey sucked back her tears, clutching the raincoat tight. “He said he needed his daughter.”

Daughter? “What do you mean sweetie? Schmitty is Mia’s father?” Raven stood up pulling Bailey with her. “You know we need to get you to the car, where there’s heat.”

Bailey held up a hand. “I have to tell you this.” Her face was swollen from crying. “Schmitty said that it was time to get all his kids. He made perfect children, half genius like him and half stupid whore like me.” She convulsed with sadness.

“Why? Did he say?” Raven asked concerned, a bad feeling twisting in her gut.

“He said, kids from stupid sluts were obedient and compliant, smart children would make perfect soldiers.

Raven felt sweat beading on her forehead. Mia, she could never let anything happen to that little girl and what if Schmitty was up to something awful. She knew Summit was a good guy she could feel it, but she worried for his safety.

Mia! Raven tore her phone from her pants pocket. The phone rang three times before he answered. “Please tell me you have Mia, please.” Bailey clung to Raven’s arm and examined her face closely while Raven spoke.

“Schmitty and Mia didn’t show. What did you find out?” Summit asked.

                                                                                                             The end

Continue to follow Bailey, while she hunts for Mia, Raven on her quest for answers, and Summit as he kicks zombie ass until he and Schmitty meet again…

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