Broken Dreams(122)

“I have no idea what the fuck is going on, but tap me if you need to.” My words were groggy, and my knees were weak. I had to hold onto the truck’s door to stay upright because I felt every rotation of the earth. Claire spun around when she heard me speak.

“Elaina, love…” Henry’s ridged features softened when he saw me. “No. Absolutely not.”

Claire ran over to me, and helped hold me up. “You need to sit down.” Claire was trying to direct me back into the truck.

“I’m fine.” I was angry at them for treating me like I was fragile. I could hear Nick growling. “Get whatever you need to help him!”

Sophie, while still keeping an eye out for undeads, grabbed a pack, and started pulling out the supplies we needed to perform a draw. She stood, waiting for permission from Henry.

“I will not allow that to happen!” Henry snapped at me.

“It’s not your choice, is it? It’s my body!”

He shook his head, and began pleading with me. “Elaina, please. I feel you may have a concussion.”

“Okay. Okay!” Claire held out her arm to Sophie.

“Are you sure?” Sophie asked.

“Yes. Do it before I change my mind.” I have to admit, I was relieved Claire stepped up to the plate because I was pretty sure I would have passed out again.

While Sophie was performing a draw on Claire, I maneuvered my way to Nick and Henry. “Henry, let him go.”

“No, he can’t be trusted at the moment.”

“Sort of like you,” I mumbled. I looked at the scene around me, and I was finally able to speak about the nightmare that was consuming us. “I cannot believe you hid this from me! I still can’t believe I have been fucking a dead person. Do you know what that makes me? A necrophiliac!”

“Elaina...”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I had a right to know who I was sharing my bed with. I had a right to know who I was marrying!”

“I’m sorry. Please believe me when I say that I love you so much.” I looked at him with disgust, and I would have slapped him across his face if he wasn’t holding my brother. Henry tucked his Sig in the back of his pants. Nick was still struggling underneath him, trying to get free. “You know why I didn't say anything.”

“Am I going to get infected now since you stuck your tongue in my mouth? Or since you...?” I looked around, hoping no one was listening to our conversation. I figured Nick was too focused on himself so he wouldn’t even hear me, “released in me?”

“No. No. It doesn’t work that way. There has to be a blood/saliva mix in order for it to infect. My saliva, your blood.”

“So other fluids...?” I tried to say it without notice. I was blushing. I didn’t want to say out loud that I was wondering if his juice was contaminated. We had a few slip ups but, for the most part, we stayed protected…until recently.

“No. It doesn’t work that way. You’re safe. If not, I would have made sure to wear protection every time. I wouldn’t have risked your life just for sex.” Nick was still growling. I could see he was deteriorating, second by second. His eyes were graying.

“Hurry up, Sophie!” I yelled.

“I’m doing the best I can. I can’t force her blood to come out any faster!”

“I thought you said the process was slower for your kind!” Claire yelled.

“Once we become stable. He isn’t stable yet. It’ll take a few days. He needs a lot at first, but then his need slows down. Eventually, he will be able to live on a vial daily, plus a bag every few weeks, like Sophie and me.”

“This is a bunch of bullshit!” I was still feeling a little dizzy and I grabbed my head.

“Sophie, grab Elaina some water and something sweet to eat. Sit down before you fall, love.” I was happy to. With no grace at all, I plopped my ass down on the ground and rested my head on my knees.

“I only have two hands, boss. I’m trying to fill a bag here.”

Henry grumbled. “Shit.” He started sitting up, then he remembered. “Thomas!” he yelled. “Thomas, get your scrawny ass out here!”

The truck door opened, but he didn’t get out. “I’m not comin’ out there wit’ you freaks!” he shouted.

“Get Elaina some water and food.” Thomas was frozen in place. “I’m not asking. That was an order!” Henry had a knack for intimidation. He could intimidate Godzilla.

Thomas scrambled to the back, finding the items Henry demanded. He slid out of the truck and handed it to me, while keeping a close eye on Henry.

“Thank you, Thomas,” I murmured.