Tainted

By Cheyenne Gross

The search for Julian continues, even without Keelan. However, not everything is as it seems. Everyone is hiding secrets, the group slowly becoming untrusting towards each other. As tensions become high, the group becomes closer to Julian. And closer to the cure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365363634

Book preview

Tainted

Tainted

A Virus novel

Cheyenne Gross

Tainted

Copyright © Cheyenne Gross 2016

ISBN 978-1-365-36363-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information Lulu Press Inc., 103 Dunn Circle, Troy, Alabama 36081.

All rights to the image goes to Katt Phace.

All characters and situations in this book are purely fictional; any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/ShamelessLove

For Katie, who told me to get my butt back to work and write this thing. Thank you to Angela, without you I honestly may have killed everyone in my horrible writer’s block and ended the story with And everyone died. The End.

Finally, thank you to all my family and friends who have supported this series. You guys are all wonderful people!

Chapter 1

Gemma

I sat outside, feeling the wind gently brush through my hair. The smell of pine from the surrounding forests that inhabited Idaho mixed with the smell of rain. The only sound came from Ronan’s and Aden’s angry voices. They’ve been planning what to do this week.

It’s been six months since we lost Julian’s, my little brother, trail.

And…

I glanced at the wooden cross that Conley had made over five months ago.

The words Keelan Emerson, were etched onto the wood.

Keelan gave up his life to protect us. He gave up his life so that we could continue looking for my brother. So that we wouldn’t be constantly on the run from a herd of zombies hell-bent on killing us.

Though…I guess you could say we lost more than just Keelan. Not only did we lose him, we lost Julian’s trail. And Conley lost his family. Among the nest were Conley’s older brother, Gil, and his parents who all caught the Virus and turned into zombies.

Even though Conley said that he didn’t care and that they weren’t his family anymore, I would sometime see him look really sad. I never asked him about it. The only time I did, he gently pushed me away and directed the conversation elsewhere.

It was one of the things that changed about Conley. He wasn’t very open anymore and tended to keep things inside. Then again, I had no room to judge him.

In the last six months, everyone had changed in one way or another.

Aden, about three or four months back, gave up on being the lone wolf. He joined a pack in order to cover more ground. Apparently, they were more than happy to not only give us supplies, but search for Julian as well. Aden was actually enjoying himself, though he can be gone for weeks at a time.

Ronan, who had been so quiet and low-key, started going to blood clubs to buddy up with the vampire lords. He goes out almost every night, and he doesn’t always return the next day. When I ask him about it, he just looks down and fiddles with his ring. He’s been trying to find out if any of the vampire lords have a child they’ve been keeping as a blood slave.

So far, no luck.

I stood up and walked inside, the chilly air becoming a little too cold for me. Aren smiled at me as I came in, but continued to work on the map he was sketching.

Our lifestyle wasn’t the only thing that changed. In six months, we’ve all seemed to grow up just a little more.

Aren had always looked clean cut, but now his sand-colored hair that had once been very short had now grown past his ears and he was a little stubbly on his chin. It was hard to find razors, but it seemed like Aren gave any that were given to him to others. He hadn’t kept up with his appearance since Keelan died. Sometimes, he’ll leave for hours at a time and never say where he goes.

Ronan had to completely change his looks so that he could get whatever information he could. He had cut his midnight blue hair short, leaving it longer in the back. He styles his hair so that if it did fall in his face, it would make him look even more attractive. He had pierced his ears at some point in the last couple of months. He tried to tell me that he had his ears pierced before and just decided to wear studs, but I couldn’t be sure if he was telling the truth or not. It’s also been at least a month since I’ve seen his pine colored eyes. They were almost always silver now.

Aden had grown slightly more muscular. His shaggy dirty blonde hair had grown out. It was already pretty crazy before, but now it was complete mess. Aden had tried to cut his own hair one day and it didn’t exactly work out. It was completely uneven. He had grown a bit taller as well, his face a little more mature than before. I kept forgetting that he was younger than me.

I caught my reflection in the mirror. I…didn’t look good. I mean, I looked good, I suppose, but not really. I’ve slowly lost my tan that I had acquired in the Nevada desert. I was still thin, but it was more from not having an appetite than dwindling resources. I had cut my black hair to my shoulders. I felt lighter, having it cut, but I felt like I had lost a piece of myself when I saw what was once my hair lying dead on the floor. Even my eyes. I used to have such a fire in them, ready for anything. Now my gray eyes just looked tired and sad. A permanent sadness.

Where did you say Conley went? Aren asked without looking from his sketch.

He didn’t really say. Ronan answered.

Back to that city? Aden said, shrugging.

Conley…hadn’t really changed physically. He was a zombie, so his body didn’t know how to change anymore. He still had the same length silver hair. His heterochromia, one blue and one green, was still present. He was still the tallest in the group. He still had that thin layer of sinewy muscles that hid a secret strength many young zombies have. He never said anything to how the rest of us were changing, he just went out to find clothes that we could grow into.

Do you know, Gemma? Aren asked, looking at me right in the eyes. His golden eyes were piercing. I glanced down.

It was hard to look Aren in the eyes anymore. I don’t know why, but I felt like he blamed me for Keelan’s death, though I know he actually doesn’t. They were just so close that I can’t help feeling guilty.

He didn’t tell me. I mumbled.

Really? Ronan asked, his eyebrows shooting up. Usually he tells you when he’ll be home.

Aden didn’t say anything, just fiddled with a can on preserved peaches that Conley found.

My newfound relationship with Conley wasn’t exactly a secret. They all thought we were dating when we first met anyways, but now it was confirmed. While they all supported us, they all had their doubts. I haven’t told them that Conley and I have kissed on multiple accounts.

Exchanging of fluids was the easiest way to get the Virus, but I haven’t been affected. Maybe I’m just lucky, but I’m sure my luck will run out. I didn’t want to stop, though, so I definitely could not tell them. They would tell us to stop while we’re ahead.

He doesn’t tell me everything. I said quickly.

Still, he should be home soon. Aden said, continuing his pawing of the can.

Our ‘home’ was a two story cabin surrounded by the Idaho forests that Ronan loves. Since we left Payette, Ronan looked like he really missed the place. Then we found this little cabin that was perfect. It had a working generator that connected to solar panels. It was a little overgrown at first, but we’ve made it livable. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. I don’t like staying in one place. The only thing that made me really like it was the fact I had a place to return to when we find Julian.

What are you doing? I asked Aren, wanting to move on.

Just putting down more marks. Aren answered, looking down at his map.

I had to admit, he had down a lot of work. The map was covered in little red dots. They were all the places we had looked for Julian in the past six months. It extended well over four states.

And yet…nothing.

We’ve checked Nevada, all over Idaho, multiple blood clubs in Oregon, Montana, and Washington.

Even so, no trace of Julian has been found.

Maybe we should head east next. Aren said, noticing how congested the west side of our map was.

This is getting ridiculous. Ronan muttered, sighing. How far can Julian have gone?

If he was taken east, who knows where he is. Aden said, shaking his head.

I’m sorry, guys. I started. You know you can stop here. I’ll be fine by myself. I said, leaning forward.

You know we can’t do that, Gemma. Aren said gently.

We’ve gotten so far together. How can we back down now? Ronan asked, smiling and showing off his fangs.

We’ll find Julian. Aden said, giving me a slanted smirk. I’m excited to finally meet this kid.

I smiled wide. A true, actual smile. The three of them seemed to relax at seeing my smile.

Thanks. I whispered. I really love all you! I said, laughing.

Whoa, careful there! Aden said, chuckling. I don’t want Conley kicking my ass just yet.

Glad you learned your lesson the first time you told Conley you liked Gemma. Ronan snickered.

I’ve never seen a fight end so quick! Aren laughed, taking off his glasses to clean them.

Shut up. Aden grumbled.

I laughed, feeling light. It’s been a while since I’ve actually laughed. My ears pricked to footsteps.

Oh, he’s home. Ronan said, turning to look at the doorway.

I’ll go see if he needs any help. I said quickly, running outside.

Conley was walking up with a sack slung over his shoulder, his eyes looking down at the ground. He looked up and caught sight of me. I gave him a little wave, my heart beating faster than usual. He smiled and waved back.

Where did you go? I asked. I noticed the bulging sack on his shoulders. It was a good raid.

Don’t know. He said as he walked up. All the signs were trashed. He shifted the bag. I got a good haul. Also got you some new shirts. He winked. "You know I love the tight shirts, but since I get so jealous, I’m afraid you’ll have to wear oversized shirts."

Fine with me. I said, laughing.

He walked up and wrapped an arm around my waist, bringing me closer. He stared into my eyes. I felt my face slowly start burning.

What? I asked.

Just refilling. He bent and kissed me quickly on the lips. I pulled back, glancing back at the house.

I checked. He said, sighing. He pulled away, looking upset.

He didn’t like keeping it a secret. He thought the others would understand, but I just know they wouldn’t. We were risking so much just being together, let alone kissing.

After Keelan died, everyone has been especially protective of me. Anytime I so much as sneezed they would back away from me, afraid that I may have contracted with Virus. Who knows what they’d do if they found out what Conley and I were risking.

Hungry? He asked, walking towards the house.

A little. I answered, jogging to catch up with him. He put his hand in mine. This much, at least, he could show off.

Well, get a lot hungry. I got the good stuff. He said, grinning. I rolled my eyes.

We walked into the house. I slipped out of his grasp out of reflex.

Did you get food? Aden asked before I could say something to Conley.

Yeah. When did you get back? Conley asked, setting the bag on the table in front of Aren. Aren gave him a glare before rolling up the map.

Guess this means I’m done for today. He said with a sigh.

Good to see you too, Aren. Conley said with a wink.

I got back in this morning. Aden answered.

Any news? Conley asked quickly.

None…yet. Aden said sadly.

Well…fuck. At least there’s still a yet. We’ll find him if we keep on keeping on. He continued to unpack his bag.

While we all had hope of finding Julian, I think Conley had the most hope. He was completely determined to finding Julian no matter what. After Keelan’s death, Conley became my pillar of support. The fact that he had so much hope is the reason why I’m still here.

Where’d you go? Aren asked Aden quickly, apparently wanting to mark the spot.

Conley took out a pan from his pack. Conley had taken up cooking for everyone. The first couple of times, it was a complete disaster. But after a few tries he cooked the best meals I had ever eaten.

Ah. Aden went quiet.

What is it? Ronan asked as he watched Conley. Conley took out a box of matches and walked over to the stove where he lit a burner.

We…we went to a faerie town. In Nevada. Aden finally answered. No one looked at me. I clenched my hands into fists.

Keelan, on the day he died, told his story. How, after his best friend Jared died, he contracted the Virus and turned into a faerie. He was on his way to a faerie town so that he could live both his and Jared’s dream of leaving the orphanage when he met us. I knew there were probably couple handfuls of faerie cities in Nevada, but I still kept thinking about that last conversation of his that he had with us.

The only noise came from Conley messing with his pan. He’s been there to hold me at night when I curled up and cried, trying to think of ways I could have saved Keelan.

And they didn’t know anything? Conley asked, ending the silence.

Um, no, uh, they didn’t know anything. Aden scratched his neck.

Hm, damn, thought that would work. Conley continued. Since they can communicate with each other.

Silence.

Look, Conley said finally, sighing. We’re all still really upset about Keelan but we need to move on. I loved the kid too, trust me, but I’ve come to terms that he’s probably in a much better place. If we keep thinking about it, we’re all literally going to go insane.

Aren smiled slightly. I guess you’re safe, then. He said. Conley rolled his eyes.

Please, I’ve been crazy. Before and after the Virus. Being zombie just made me a little crazier. Just a pinch though.

Aden snorted up a laughter, and then we were all laughing. I glanced over at Conley, still smiling. He caught my eyes and winked.

Need any help? I asked as we all went back to what we were doing.

Um, no offence, but the last time you helped me my already disaster of a dinner turned even worse. I couldn’t even serve…whatever the hell it was.

Well…mom always cooked for Julian and me. I was always busy with other things, and it never crossed my mind to ask her how to cook. About all I was able to do was set up campfires and heat things up.

I can at least cut something up. I said angrily.

Mhmm, cause we all know how skilled you are with a knife. He smiled jokingly.

I smiled back and started chopping up the wild lettuce Aren had started to grow in the back.

A few weeks back Ronan had started teaching us how to hunt big game. He was tired of being the only one that could hunt while Aden was away, and with him going to clubs when he can, he wanted to teach us. When I was given a knife I practiced for days to learn how to use it.

When I was first put into action I threw the knife and killed a deer almost immediately. I was pretty satisfied when I saw their shocked faces. Conley wouldn’t come near me anymore if I had a knife in my hand.

I mean, yeah, I may have threatened him one night when he started to get a little too handsy.

I slowed on my cutting and glanced over at Conley. Conley was a man. He was a zombie, sure, but he’s still a man. I didn’t let him go further than kissing. I was scared of the Virus, just like everyone else. We’re already taking a risk just by kissing, but sex? No. I won’t go that far. Too many things could go wrong.

So what are you making? I asked, moving on to the tomatoes.

A delicacy that we haven’t seen or heard of in ages. He held up his prize. Behold! He held up a loaf of bread.

No way! I grabbed it. It was soft and smelled fresh. I hadn’t seen bread since the first month of the Virus.

How did you find this? It’s not even moldy! I said excitedly.

Yeah, well, I’m just that good. He said, taking it from me. He looked down and started to cook the meat. I felt like he was hiding something, but I didn’t want to press him if he didn’t want to tell me.

What kind of meat is that? I asked, changing the subject.

I think it’s leftover pork. Aden brought that wild pig, remember?

The one we salted? I asked.

That’s the one. He said easily.

We continued making the sandwiches in silence.

Dinner is ready. I announced, grabbing the slightly cracked plates we found.

Great, I’m starving. Aden said, smiling wide.

Good, cause we’re using the pork you brought back. Conley said, laying the plates down in front of everyone.

I thought we were going to save that. Aden muttered.

Stop complaining. Ronan said, sitting down.

I didn’t cook yours, Ronan. That ok? Conley asked.

Yeah, it’s better if it’s raw. Ronan said, smiling.

Gross. Aden muttered, scrunching up his nose. I gave him a look and he held up his hands. He grabbed his sandwich.

Where did you get the bread? Aren asked, taking a bite. He looked to be in bliss. I took a bite of my own sandwich and just about melted. The bread was so soft!

I’m just lucky. Conley said.

Ronan smelled the bread. It’s fresh. He said, squeezing it slightly.

Yeah. It’s still warm. Aden continued for Ronan.

"Okay, cool, great! I got lucky." Conley sounded annoyed.

Why don’t you just tell us where you got it? I asked.

Why is everyone suddenly grilling me? Conley asked between clenched teeth.

Ok, ok, let’s calm down. Aren said quickly. We’re not trying to grill you, Conley. You don’t have to answer. We’re all very grateful that you went to the trouble to find bread. It’s…it’s been a long time since we’ve had something like this. Right? He looked at everyone. We all looked away. It’s been awhile since we’ve been chastised by Aren.

Thanks. Conley said, finishing off his sandwich. We all ate in slightly awkward silence.

So, Aden rubbed his neck after finishing his meal. Uh…the bread? Conley glared at him.

Look, He sighed. I-It was given to me. By a friend.

By a friend? I asked doubtfully.

Yes, a friend. Conley continued, not looking at me.

I think it’s my turn to clean up. Ronan said, standing up and collecting the dishes. Can you help me, Conley?

Yeah. He grabbed the rest of the plates.

Wonder if I should have stayed with the pack another day. Aden muttered.

You sound like you like them better than us. Aren said, chuckling.

Oh, yeah, love them way more. He rolled his eyes. I love being treated like delicate puppy. Now I know how you feel, Gemma.

Yeah, love you too. I mumbled. I kept looking over at Conley. Ronan was whispering to him frantically, his thin eyebrows scrunched together. Conley just continued washing the dishes using the lake water from the forest behind our house. Ronan shattered a dish, causing all of us to jump.

I’m heading out to the club tonight. I’ll be back…later. He grabbed his leather jacket and walked out of the house.

Someone tell him not to take the car. Conley said, not turning.

Uh, I will. Aden said, standing. He ran out, his head ducked the entire time.

The only sound that could be heard was Conley washing.

It’s a lovely day to go flying. Excuse me. Aren fixed his glasses and walked out, leaving Conley and I alone.

I sat at the table until Conley finished washing the dishes. I opened my mouth to speak to him but he immediately went to work drying the dishes. I sighed and stood up.

Fine, if he was going to ignore me, two can play at that game.

I walked up the stairs and into my room.

When I had my mental breakdown after losing both Keelan and Julian, I was given the master bedroom. Aren and Conley were both pretty handy and were able to pump water from the freshwater lake, filter it, and then have it distribute it to the showers. It was a nice luxury, but it didn’t make me feel all that good.

I took a quick shower and then filled the tub, deciding I wanted to soak for a little. I closed my eyes when I got into the warm water, closing my eyes.

Too bad we don’t have bubbles and candles. I opened my eyes to glare at Conley.

After ignoring me and blowing up, you decide to risk walking in on me? I asked.

What can I say? He smiled, leaning against the doorway. I’m a man full of risks.

Just get out. I said, sighing and looking away from him.

…Can I talk to you? He asked.

No. I answered shortly.

Gemma, He took a step forward.

One more step and I will actually kill you. I growled.

Sorry, sweetheart, I know a bluff. You’ll actually have to stand up for that. And I know you hate it when I even get a glimpse of your naked.

Because you stare. I grumbled.

Damn right I stare! He sat down on the toilet. Why the fuck wouldn’t I? My girlfriend is naked in front of me. I’m not going to not stare!

I smirked. I quickly forced myself to frown. I was not going to smile with Conley around. He doesn’t deserve it.

Anyway, I said, quickly changing the subject. If you want to talk, make it quick.

He didn’t say anything for a few minutes.

Well? I asked in aggravation.

I was given that bread from a girl I know.

Ok? I said, not really following. If that’s so, why did you make a big deal about it? I looked over at him. He was looking down.

…Should I be worried? I asked flatly.

Not really. He mumbled. I just stared at him.

I, she just has a thing for me and gives me a lot of stuff. She made that bread for me. She’s good at cooking.

Is that so. I said, turning to look forward. Well, maybe you should go make her your girlfriend then.

And this is why I didn’t want to tell you anything.

You’re the one cheating on me. I pointed.

I’m not cheating. He grumbled. She’s a good source of resources, but I haven’t done anything with her.

Oh really? I asked, raising an eyebrow. Aren’t you pent up? He just stared my, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Are you testing me?

I smirked. We’re talk more after I get out. I waited.

Do you mind? I asked.

No, not at all. Continue. He motioned for me to continue. I glared at him. Ok, ok, I’m going. He walked out of the bathroom, closing the door behind me.

I got out of the bath and dried my body with the slightly tattered towel. I wrapped my hair up and got dressed. I walked out to see Conley sitting on my mattress. The bed frame that was left here was used for firewood to get through the winter. I was fine with just the mattress.

I paused when I noticed his eyes. They were pink.

Why are you tense? I asked, sitting down in front of him.

I didn’t flinch as he reached out, brushing his thumb across my cheek. Conley keeps doing this more recently. There were some days I would catch him with pink eyes all the time. He changed when he was like this. He became…more, more confident. It wouldn’t be much of a bad thing if I wasn’t afraid that he would pull me along with his pace. If he did that, it would all be over.

Why are you? He asked me.

What? I asked in confusion.

Why are you so tense? He threw back.

Because my boyfriend is cheating on me? I asked. Even with his pink eyes he could still look one hundred percent done with me.

Really, Gemma? He asked.

Well, of course I’m tensed. I finally pulled away from him. We’re basically just sitting here, playing house. My brother is out there, Conley. God knows what’s happening to him. Yet here I am, sitting on my ass for six months. I breathed out, my heart pounding at my outburst.

We’re doing everything we can. He said, drying my hair for me. I glanced at him. His eyes were still pink. So, he really thought we’re doing everything we can.

And? He asked gently. Anything else your worried about?

Like Julian isn’t enough?

You know what I mean. I tensed when he suddenly kissed my bare neck.

You don’t have to be afraid of me, Gemma. I joke about it, but I will never do anything you don’t want me to do. He pressed his forehead against mine, the pink dissolving. So, just let me at least spend time with you when I can. Clothed or not.

Do you really want to jump me that bad? I asked jokingly, leaning back against his chest.

Yes. He breathed, wrapping his arms around my waist.

I froze.

Conley… I started. He pressed his forehead against my back.

I know. The last thing I want to see is you becoming infected. I wouldn’t be able to handle seeing you in pain. I-I wouldn’t be able to handle losing you if that happens. He squeezed me tighter. I feel like you’re keeping me sane. A chill went through me.

What does that mean? I asked, turning to look at him. His eyes were open, but very sad.

There are times when I’m gone, getting supplies, and I’ll see zombies. I’ve never cared for them, never. But sometimes I find myself wondering over to them. Like I want to be with them. His breath turned shaky. "What if I’m losing it? What if I actually, actually make love