The Virus Within: Third Wave (Book 2)

Chapter 14

There were less than three hours until sunset when we pulled up to a gas station with a flat roof.

"Most people keep driving for several hours and stop in a Stronghold to the east, but that place is somewhat scared of Daniel, so it's easier to camp here," Nina said as she got out. "We will reach Ironwind tomorrow, probably around midafternoon."

I subtly tested the air, but her words were truthful and not a polite cover story for Luke's limitations around people. Luke was intrigued about Ironwind, although understandably apprehensive. He'd never gone near a Stronghold before, and from his long discussion with Nina, he knew how many people were out and about during the day. She had happily answered every one of his questions, while sneaking in quite a few of her own.

Even I had learned a bunch of details I hadn't known about the Stronghold, such as that the rabbit forest was pretty much considered off-limits to the citizens of Ironwind, mostly because it gave me a place close to the Stronghold to relax without human scent trails. Nina was equally certain no one would have gone in there during our absence, which was an unforeseen perk for Luke.

I jumped to the ground and unhooked the ladder from the side of the truck. Luke helped me unlatch it before backing up as Nicky got to her feet. The oils were wearing off again, so he was being cautious. I was going to have to take him hunting later tonight or find some other way to ensure Luke had a successful kill.

I leaned the ladder against the store with a clang and extended it. I kept lengthening it until the modified handrails were above the roof. Once the first step was level with the edge, I set the locking clamps so it couldn't slide back down.

As I climbed up the ladder, I smirked at the lack of scabs on my arms. Even most of the lingering pink marks had faded. The bandage still hid the larger cut, but when Daniel had seen it at lunch, my rate of healing made him do a double-take.

I walked onto the roof as Nicky clambered up behind me. Daniel waited for me to look at him before tossing up the sleeping bags. Then the tent, which Nicky started dragging away for me. Nina began scaling the ladder to help.

Luke watched from below. "That's a handy trick."

"It sure beats carrying it all up the ladder," I replied, catching the box of carefully packed pots, pans, and dishes.

Minutes later, everything was on the roof, and Daniel began climbing the ladder. I grabbed the firepit and took a couple of steps before pausing and looking down at Luke, who was glancing between the ladder and the bustle of activity on the roof.

"Luke, do you mind gathering some wood so we can start a fire?" I called down. "That's one of the few things we don't pack with us."

"Certainly," he said, faint relief present in his voice.

Perhaps it was a good thing the ride had been calm and uneventful, otherwise the two of us could be competing for the same chores away from people. Me, due to my temper, and him because he was worried about his control slipping.

After putting the firepit upwind of where Nicky and Nina were unrolling the tent, I went to help them. To my surprise, Daniel joined the three of us. We had the perfume-laden shelter completely set up before Luke carried his first armful of wood onto the roof.

"One second, Luke," I said and went to dig in my backpack. I tossed him a couple short lengths of rope, which he caught. "You can use that to tie the branches into bundles and toss them onto the roof. We'll need enough wood to keep the fire burning all night. Daniel and I will help, so don't feel like you have to gather everything yourself."

Daniel might tolerate having no light source while he was indoors, but outside? Not a chance.

"Thanks. I don't mind gathering as much wood as we need," he replied, already on his way back to the ladder. "It's the least I can do." The fact that he was walking away while talking was a definite sign he needed a break from human proximity.