Justin is still fighting with the one bastard he's been kicking for what seems like forever.

An easy kill for me since this infected is practically lying on the ground. "Justin move, NOW!" I make quick work of stabbing the fucker in his cranium, I then snap his head clear off his shoulders.

"Thanks Wunder."

I give a slight nod and hand him the only gun I have left which now leaves me with just a few stars, four grenades, my dagger and bare hands to finish off the few that are left.

He takes off toward Ron while shooting down a few zombies in his path until the gun empties, making it to Ron and getting a new piece locked and loaded.

Tank runs up beside me while I'm trying to sense how many are left. It's difficult to explain how I can sense the infected and tell the count. It's almost like a second pair of eyes floating around and seeing everything through night vision goggles. Similar to green hued auras...I only see three-no make that two left.

Ron gets one right between the eyes and it drops hard.

I sense more behind the warehouse and I tell Tank as much, so we head in that direction. I only sense seven of them. But there's no way I'm about to let any of them live. I pull out a star and separate the smaller one from the larger one and am ready for the kill.

What we see before us is an absolute horror. The four infected are feeding on two children, one no more than eleven years old. The other victim is even younger-so tiny and helpless.

I quickly swallow the lump that forms in my throat and aim for the kill. I drop two within a few seconds and Tank tales down the rest with his gun.

I don't sense any more infected around as far as my senses go. But the children that were just attacked are going to come back once the infection runs its course. "Tank...I-I can't. Those poor kids. What are we going to do?"

Just then Justin, Ron and two others come running around the corner and stop in their tracks. "Oh shit!" They shout in unison.

"I got this ya'll"

I shift my eyes and look at this monster of a man. This dude is HUGE! I thought Tank was large and in charge. But this guy makes him look miniscule. His accent sure as hell does not fit his look. But who am I to judge? I've not heard many accents except for some German, Irish and Italian throughout the years. I'm thinking a Texan; maybe.

He looks at all of us and his eyes stop right on me. "Ya'll go about your business. I'll wait and take care of what needs to be done here. Go on. There are others that need you."

We are all staring at him.

I turn to Ron and he gives me a nod. Right now, I honestly don't care what the guy's name is or even who he is. I just can't stomach this part of the job. Those poor kids. They barely got to live and now...?

"Let's go, Wunder. We need to get the supply trucks back and help whoever is left and get them settled in their new homes. It's one long ass night for us." Tank tugs my arm to get me to start moving where we need to go.

We walk back a bit slow to where the supply trucks and others are and I see some of the other RIP members moving infected bodies, so a path is clear for traveling through. Both by foot and by vehicle. I mean the ground is covered with infected bodies beyond belief right now.

Just then, I hear someone say, "We need to pile them in the center over there, so nothing in the surrounding area can catch fire when we burn them."

A faint recognition flows through me. That voice. It's so damned familiar. I feel warmth in my abdomen and every tiny hair on my body is standing on end. I look to my left and cannot believe what I am seeing. I think it's him. The boy-make that the man from my dreams. It has to be! It's as if I've seen him before and I'm feeling the same warm feeling I experience in my dreams whenever he is near. I only see his side profile. But WOAH! What a profile. He's built like a man who works out daily. A sleek, tall and incredibly attractive piece of perfection. I want to see his full face. If only he'll turn around.

I'm staring right at him, mentally asking him to please look at me over and over in my mind.

Suddenly, he stops chatting it up with his friend and whips his head in my direction.

Those eyes! Oh my god-Those eyes. They're beautiful. He's beautiful. I'm rooted to the spot. I cannot look away as he stares at me.

He looks stunned. He says something and his friend turns to him. But it seems as if he brushes him off.

I try to read his lips, but all I can make out is the words shit and myself. I can't stop the smile that blooms on my face. Did he just say he shit himself? For real? Nah, it can't be that.

He says some other words to himself or his friend maybe?

I try, but I just couldn't make them out from this distance. I've never been a good lip reader. Right about now, I really wish I would have practiced more. I need to know what he's saying. His gaze is so intense and I feel as if I should move towards him. I get a moment of doubt. What if it's not him? The one from my dreams...

Tank nudges me. "Wunder? Come on woman. Let's go. I would like to get some sleep tonight at least."

"Yea, alright. One thing first. Do you know who that guy is right there?"

"Which one? There's more than one over there you know."

"The one with the jet black hair, bright eyes dressed in all black. He's standing next to Raul."

"Oh yeah, that's one of the new guys. His name is Pete. Don't know anything else about him though."

I forced my eyes away from the man I think might be my destiny and follow Tank in the opposite direction. I feel dream-boat's gaze on me as I walk away. It's fine. I'm not worried. He's going to be coming to live in my town now. I'll see him again. I know it. I feel it in my soul...

The Wunder Series http://tinyurl.com/WUNDER-KINDLE Wunder Book One (The Approach) The Wunder Series from Debut Author, A.R. Von A Semi-Zombie Erotic Treat Wunder isn't your average girl; in fact, she isn't even an average human. In a world ravaged by Zombies, she was born amidst the chaos. Where can a girl like her find the man of her delicious dreams? She has an idea and it leads her to the hottest new club in town, where she finds what's been missing in her life.

Pete has his own secrets to tell, and when they come together, another story unfolds while the sparks fly.

Coming Soon: Wunder's life has been far from perfect, being part Zombie in a world devastated by the plague of the walking dead. Still, she knew there was something special awaiting her, someone out there who could change everything and she did find him. Pete is everything she dreamed of and more, as she discovers passion and fulfillment for the first time in her life.

Now her life turns into a journey of discoveries. Secrets from the past come full circle and her world is changed forever. In the coming chaos, can she keep her new found happiness and the man of her dreams?

Don't miss the awesome trailer! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sipAihP2MhQ&feature=youtu.be BIO:.

A.R. is a mother of two entertaining teen boys (as well as a lovely fawn Chihuahua, whom she considers her furry daughter.) She's also a wife to a delightfully handsome and amazingly funny man-beast.

She's an avid reader of many genres which include (but are not limited to) erotica, paranormal, menage, fantasy, YA, western (she has to have a hot cowboy, or two, here and there) and some historical.

She also loves to exercise, listen to music, hike, cook, dance and write. She writes to free her mind of its constant wondering and loves the fact she can share it with readers that have the same passion for a great story.

She loves to hear from her reader's and chat away, so feel free to reach out to her any time.

http://dreamzofdragons.blogspot.com/ OR at: https://www.facebook.com/ARVon2 Annie Walls

Dedication.

To Alisha, Mac's biggest fan.

A Note From The Author: This short is a companion to The Famished Trilogy.

Then...

When the door of the quaint house opened, annoyance flared up, which is a familiar feeling. The short brunette peered back at me with a flushed face and puffy eyes. She was cute, and no doubt in any other situation I'd charm her legs open. My mother couldn't be subtle about anything. I hadn't even spoken to this girl yet but deep down, I knew.

I held up a finger. "Excuse me a second." Shifting the brown bag from Jason's Deli to my other arm, I slipped my phone out of my pocket while walking down the sloped driveway.

"Yeeees," she answered after the first ring in a conspiring voice.

"You're trying to set me up!" I gritted out in a low tone.

"Why would you think that?" Innocence oozed out like honey from a jar.

"You have a criteria. She meets it with flying colors. Except she looks like she's on her death bed." I looked out at the rolling hills that made up the streets of Chattanooga. The setting sun allowed the hills to cast shadows along the dips and curves.

A sigh went through the phone. "Jaclyn doesn't have anyone to help her, Mac. Like I said, she just moved here to go to the community college. I can't get away from the store right now. So be kind to my newest cashier." I didn't say anything while I fumed. She knew it or else she wouldn't have told me to be kind. Another sigh. This one sounded exasperated. "I'm getting old! Is it too much to ask for grandchildren from you? By the rate you're going I'll be 75!"

My lips twitched. "You have grandchildren. And stop being dramatic, forty-nine isn't old. I have it on good authority you'll outlive the cockroaches."

She laughed, knowing I'm kidding. "At least she's not a stripper."

The irritation that had dissipated returned ten-fold. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you? I might as well go ahead and tell you... I can't wait for you to meet your new daughter-in-law. Found her down at Saucy Sally's, love at first sight. The pregnancy is going"

"That's not funny!" she interrupted. "I'm not saying get serious too soon. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone to come home to? Besides me?"

I blinked and scratched the scruff on my face. "Think my honey would get mad if I practice impregnating Jaclyn? Guess we'll find out. Bye, Ma!" I snapped the top button on the phone, and slid my finger across it to shut it off. It wasn't her fault she was lonely and wanted someone to coddle while I was gone. My brother and his wife lived two states away with the whole two point five kids and the white picket fence. Not that he ever invited me over to see. Anyway, I just didn't want anyone waiting around for me.

It wouldn't be fair because I'd die in the field just like my dad. With honor, but I wouldn't be leaving anyone behind. I wouldn't subject anyone having to accept my death as heroism when it felt anything but.

Jaclyn watched me from her small porch as I walked back up the drive. "Sorry about that." I held up the bag. "Soup and Tylenol."

A small smile touched her lips. "You didn't have to." She opened her door and waved me in. "I've heard a lot about you."

I flinched and followed her into the kitchen. I doubted any of what she heard was bad, but I trusted she wasn't hoping for anything my mom sprouted. Looking around the kitchen, the only things she had on the counters were a microwave, a jar of instant coffee-nasty but you got to do what you got to do-and a dish drainer with a lone coffee cup in it.

Jaclyn looked at me as I set the bag on the table. "She's proud of you and only wants someone else to be proud of you, too. Although, I don't feel up for any baby making sessions." The wry tone wasn't lost on me.

Trying not to wince, I said, "You heard that?"

"The whole neighborhood heard it." I guess I should feel relieved Jaclyn knew my mom's antics, but I was endeared more than anything. She rubbed her forehead. "I really need that Tylenol. My body hurts all over."

"You have the flu?"

She shook her head. "No, I had to get some vaccinations to start school. I went to the clinic yesterday, they were giving them out for free."

"You went to the free clinic? No wonder you feel like shit."

A glare shot from her brown eyes, but she rolled them. "Gee, I didn't think to use my hard earned cash from working at the general store for a prestigious doctor. I don't really need to eat after all." The sarcasm flowing out of her endeared me just a little more. "Besides, I've never reacted well to vaccines. It won't last."

"Need me to do anything? Warm up that soup?" I pointed to the container she put next to the microwave.

"I'm not hungry, just tired. You can go. I know you only have a few days of leave left. You're going overseas, right?"

I nodded, not really wanting to talk about it. She probably thought I'd rather spend the time with my high school buds at Saucy Sally's only to leave with no money and bad case of blue balls. Even though the place would disgust me more than give me a hard-on. Casting a glance around her house, I caught sight of her little TV and the DVDs surrounding it. Her couch was in the middle of the space and the bedroom was beyond that. "We can watch a movie."

She peered at me, looking for any signs of pity or sympathy I assumed. "I don't have cable, so it's the only thing to watch."

Even though she felt like shit and obviously getting worse, we found ourselves laughing at our one-liners and sarcasm well into the night. I didn't even remember falling asleep.

"No, Gwen! Ben didn't want to, and I'm very proud of Mac's decision. You should be, too." My dad said, but it was muffled through the wall of their bedroom. I sat at the table eating Lucky Charms.

"I'd be more proud if I thought it was his decision." My mother threw back at him. I wished they'd shut up and not argue. He'd only be here for another week and we're supposed to go fishing today.

"Leave it alone. The ROTC program will prepare him."

Time disappeared. I sat on the couch with a mouth full of popcorn and my thumbs tapping the game controller rapidly in my hand, killing zombies on the screen. The phone rang and soon after a wail sounded throughout our house. I ran into the kitchen to see my mom crumbled in a ball on the floor. Looking back at the TV, the screen was red in hue from zombies feasting on my avatar. My mom growled from the floor. I snapped my attention to her, and she hurled herself at me with dead eyes.

My eyes sprang open but squinted in the morning sunlight. Sweat gathered like dew on my upper lip. My mouth tasted like someone shit in it. I sat up from the couch, rubbing the burn from my eyes. The TV screen softly moved with the old-as-hills DVD player's screensaver. The bedroom door was cracked open, but Jaclyn was probably still sleeping. I don't even remember her going to bed.

I walk into the kitchen and opened drawers to find a spoon. The jar of instant coffee was calling my name as I twisted it open and stuck the spoon in. Squeezing my eyes shut, I stuffed the spoonful into my mouth. The bitter grains rubbed against the roof of my mouth. I filled the coffee cup with water and downed it. I stood a moment. Fuck it. I took another giant spoonful with a water chaser.

Walking back into the living room, I froze, noticing Jaclyn's body on the floor behind the couch. Adrenaline pumped into my veins. "Shit! Jaclyn?" I bent, feeling for a pulse, and jerked my hand back when I found none. Goosebumps spread up my arms and my breathing became heavy. I ran to the other side of the couch plopping on it and reaching for my phone on the coffee table.

It seemed to take a million years for it to boot up. When it did, numerous text and voice messages popped up. "What the hell?"

Where are you?

Answer your phone!

Call me!

An eerie groan came from behind the couch. As I lifted myself up to see what it was, Jaclyn flew over the couch, knocking us both to the floor. Pain splintered through my head when it hit the coffee table. Panic rose and almost seized me, but I grabbed her face. She kept screeching while snapping her teeth at my face with dried and cracked lips. The whites of her eyes were completely full of blood.

"The fuck?" The thunder of my heartbeat plunged into my ears, making my voice seem far away. I kicked up my feet and threw her off me. She crashed over the coffee table and into the TV. DVDs scattered around her.

I jumped up and went for the door, but she was right behind me. Her arm had twisted in a weird way, and she could only grab me with the other. She managed to throw herself at me, and we hit the wall. I maneuvered around and put her in a headlock. She immediately went to bite my arm, but I tightened my hold on a pressure point, hoping she'd pass out. Her muffled snarls and desperation kicked a chill up my spine as she struggled. Twisting her other arm to keep her from grabbing me, I realized how clammy and cold she felt.

Snorting from the vileness of it all, I released and kicked her away from me, and she fell face first into the couch.

I watched, dropping into stance as she righted herself without being stunned and came for me again. Punching her in the nose, thickened blood emerged out abnormally as her head snapped up right. I grabbed the large umbrella perched next to the front door and swung in an uppercut. The impact caused her to fall back on the floor, but she sat up. I swung it again hitting her in the head and finally stabbed her in the eye with the point of it. Pulling the umbrella from her eye socket with a sickening noise, bloody matter came with it, but she was still.

The silence that followed was deafening. I dropped the umbrella, keeping an eye on her corpse. Blood seeped out onto the cream carpeting. My arms shook and the shaking took over my body. I just killed a civilian. Dropping to my knees, I stared at her one-eyed corpse. Maybe it was just self-defense? No, it was instinct. I'd never hurt a civilian, let alone a girl. I'd spent the past four years of my life protecting them and planned on doing it until I die. She should have passed out from lack of blood flow, but she didn't.

As the adrenaline calmed down, someone screamed in the distance. I ran to the front window and peered out. There was a car crashed into a brick mailbox down the road. Other than that, I couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, but I could hear it.

My phone trembled as I looked at the messages again. A few of them were from my mom and even more from my commanding officer.

Putting the phone to my ear, I started with the first received at three o'clock this morning. This wasn't out of the ordinary. She passed on the Collin's Curse to me. Insomnia. Although, mine wasn't as bad as hers, she said it would get worse in time. "Mac? Sorry to bother you, but I'm out in the garage working on my project and the neighbor is banging on the door. I called the police, but there's a busy signal. Could you come home please? He's scaring me." The heavy metallic banging could be heard in the background. Beep. Next one received at four-thirty six. "Honey, where are you?" Her voice shook and my body broke out into a sweat. "I'm barricaded in my bedroom. I tried calling your brother, but...just stay where you are. I love you." The last one at received at five oh four. "Please be OK," she whispered and barely audible from crying.