No Mere Zombie: Deathless Book 2 Read Online Free PDF Page B

for several long heartbeats, but there was nothing. Maybe the zombies hadn’t heard.
    “I know you’ve got no reason to trust me, so judge me by my actions. There’s a church up on that hill with a tall gate around the grounds. We’ve already cleared the zombies there, and we’ve stockpiled guns and food. If we can get you inside, you should be safe,” Blair explained, praying they’d accept his help. “If you stay here, sooner or later they’ll get in. We can’t protect humans everywhere, so we’ve got to get you to where you can protect yourselves.”
    Silence reigned for several moments as the people eyed each other in the darkness. No one seemed willing to make a decision until Miguel finally spoke. "My brother was killed by those werewolves. Hell, for all I know, it could have been you that killed him. I'm not going anywhere with you."
    “So what do you suggest?” Juan asked, glaring up at Miguel. The little kid had spunk. "If we stay here, we're going to die. Besides, if he wants to kill us, what are you going to do about it?"
    “He’s right,” the quiet one finally said. Carlos, that was his name. He stood, hefting a backpack and settling the straps over his shoulders. “There were six of us yesterday. Ten a week ago. We’ve got to do something or in a few days there won’t be anyone left. What’s your name, mister?”
    “Blair. Blair Smith,” he said, offering Carlos a hand. The man had a firm grip. “My friends can be a little frightening, but I want to remind you that we’re here to protect you. Follow me.”
    Blair moved confidently to the door, hoping that Liz wouldn’t reveal herself just yet. He’d just gotten through to them, but his control was tenuous. One sudden shock and these people would scatter like a flock of birds.
    They made it into the parking lot, a dim expanse of cracked asphalt bordering a two-lane road that led back to the church. Getting there was going to be a lot harder on foot with refugees in tow. Blair turned to face his charges. “I’m going to start by introducing one of my friends. Her name is Liz. Don’t be startled when she appears. Liz?”
    Liz shimmered into existence, stepping from the shadows. It helped that she’d remained in human form, a beautiful redhead in tight clothing was a lot less intimidating than a nine-foot werewolf. She gave their new friends a warm smile. “Hi there. Like he said, my name is Liz. I’m going to help you get to safety. Just stay between the two of us. Move quickly and quietly and we’ll all get through this.”
    They gave her the deer-in-headlights look, all except Juan, who was just old enough to be ruled by hormones and therefore far more interested in Liz’s figure than the fact that she’d just stepped out of thin air. Blair found himself liking the kid.
    “This way. Quickly,” Blair said, moving up the middle of the street. Juan filed after him immediately, the others a few moments later. Liz brought up the rear as they wound around a low squat building that looked like a school. The road grew steeper until they rounded a block of apartments and finally spotted the church.
    Blair scanned the roof until he located Jordan. Line of sight was a limitation for his abilities, as was distance. This was within range, though. He concentrated, sending a thought towards the beefy soldier. We’re coming up the main thoroughfare. Send Bridget to meet us, but hang back with your rifle and pick anything off that gets too close.
    Blair didn't wait for an answer. Jordan was having trouble adapting to his mental abilities, and hadn't learned to send responses yet. He kept moving, slowing a bit as the breathing behind him grew more labored. Sometimes he forgot how much being a werewolf had changed him. Blair had never been in great shape, but since the change things like this were effortless. He could sprint uphill for miles without growing winded. He glanced over his shoulder to see Juan helping Yvessa up the hill. Carlos and