Zach blew warm breath over her skin. “I had a job to do. Infecting all of those people took time, and it also kept the authorities busy.”
“Zach, look at me.” She had to get his focus off biting her, damn it. Her voice trembled as she asked, “Why did you infect all those people? I mean, why would you do that?”
He blinked, clearly perplexed. “To thin the herd. You really don’t get it, do you?”
“No,” she whispered.
He sat back. “This is new. I’m something new—in the chain of evolution.” He glanced down at his arm. “Since I survived the infection, I’m stronger. Smarter even. It’s time for the next species on earth—it’s time for me. People who survive the illness are different. Surely you know that.”
The tests were still coming in, but was it possible? Could it be that the infection actually allowed its host to use more of the brain than humans normally were able to access? “Then we should get you into a facility for testing, don’t you think?” she asked, hoping to reach the scientist he used to be.
His gaze sharpened. “No. Why would I let lemmings study me? If the scientists survive, once we’ve gotten rid of lower beings, then I can be studied. No problem.”
A tear rolled down her cheek while her brain fought to get through to him. “I’d like to study you. Please let me.”
His lips spread in a pleased grin. “As soon as you prove you’re worthy, we’ll find a place to study each other. Now I’ve waited long enough to taste you. Stop trying to distract me.” His gaze intent, he leaned toward her breasts.
“No!” She shoved back against the chair. His saliva was infected, but so long as she didn’t have any cuts, she’d probably be all right. She kicked out again and nailed him in the ankle.
He growled and slapped her across the face. Hard. Agony bloomed along her cheekbone.
Her vision blurred, and her ears rang.
“Bitch. Now I bite.” He bared his teeth and grabbed her neck, moving toward her breast.
She screamed.
The door burst open, and Deke barreled inside. He took one second to assess the situation and ran full bore for Zach, manacling him around the waist and lifting. Zach flew through the air to strike the wall and fall down. Hard.
Deke turned toward Nora just as Zach stood up and rushed him.
“Deacan!” she yelled.
Deke pivoted and kicked Zach in the chest, sending him sprawling again. Circling around, Deke kept his body between Nora and the threat. The image of her, pale and terrorized, half-naked in the chair, would haunt him forever.
Zach shoved to his feet and smiled, blood covering his teeth.
“Don’t let him bite you,” Nora said, her bare feet slapping uselessly against the floor.
Sirens trilled outside, while blue and red lights swirled through the partially closed blinds. “My backup is here,” Deke said calmly. “Get onto your knees, and I won’t have to shoot you.” He drew his gun and pointed.
Zach smiled. “You won’t shoot me. They need me alive.”
“No. Theywantyou alive. I’m okay with you dead.” Deke kept his gun pointed levelly. If he shot, blood would spray. While he could probably block Nora’s body with his own, he couldn’t be absolutely sure no blood would get on her.
Zach spat blood toward him.
Nora cried out.
He turned his head to avoid the liquid touching his face.
The door opened, and the blonde ran inside, knife in her hand, heading for Nora.
Time slowed. Deke’s focus narrowed. Drawing on training, drawing on history, he launched himself into action. Spinning, he kicked Bobbi full in the jaw, throwing her back into the door. Her head hit with a sickening thud, and she dropped hard, eyes closed. Without missing a beat, he turned just as Zach leaped for him.
Deke clasped the man in a bear hug, pivoted, and slammed him face-first onto the floor. Blood arced over Deke’s hands and flew in every direction, along the floor, spattering Nora’s feet. Zach slumped into limp unconsciousness.
His hands slipped, but Deke clicked handcuffs into place. He jumped to his feet. “Any cuts on your feet?”
