Vampires Don't Sparkle: Deathless Book 3 Read Free Page B

there’s no farmland. We need to reclaim Marin and Sonoma, set up military compounds where people can start rebuilding their lives,” Jordan replied, folding his arms as he stared north. The wind ruffled his hair, cool enough that it would have made Trevor’s teeth chatter had he still been alive.
    “You’re right,” Trevor said, returning his attention to the refugees gathered near the docks. “We’re going to have to do that sooner, rather than-.”
    He trailed off, eyes narrowing as he focused on the soft waves lapping against the shore. The sun was sinking below the hills to the west, but there was still more than enough light. Especially to his enhanced senses.
    “What is it?” Jordan growled, taking a step closer to Trevor.
    “There,” Trevor replied, stabbing a finger in the direction of the water. Right off the shore. “Something moving under the water. Something big.”
    Big didn’t begin to describe it. A pair of hairy shoulders broke the water not far from the dock. The creature’s face was inhuman, with long incisors and too-large eyes. Those eyes flared green, twin to Trevor’s own. This thing, whatever else it was, was clearly deathless. Smaller shapes broke the water all around it, these ones far more recognizable as once having been human. They moved too quickly and with too much purpose to be simple walkers, though. Their eyes glittered with intelligence as they sought targets.
    “Get down there and see what you can do,” Jordan said, giving Trevor a shove.
    Trevor fought down the urge to clock the commander, but he did turn to face him. “And just what the hell will you be doing?”
    “Contacting Blair,” Jordan shot back, tone full of contempt. “We’re going to need help on this one, or people will die. Now get the fuck down there and stall. I’ll see if I can get Blair and Liz here to help.”
    He was right. Trevor gave a tight nod, then turned back to the dock. He summoned the reserve of power deep within him. It had been growing for days, fueled by the sun. That seemed to be one of the advantages deathless possessed over werewolves. He could gain strength daily, while they had to rely on the moon to fuel their abilities. It looked like he was about to need every bit of that strength.
    Trevor blurred, leaping down the trail toward the dock. He flew over rocks, bounded off pines. Faces peered up at him from in between tents. They were scared, but also curious. He ignored them as he rapidly approached the dock. The screams had already begun there, mostly from fear, but more than one shriek of pain. Trevor slid down a twenty-foot cliff, rolling back to his feet when he hit the bottom. He was near the water, close enough to get a good view.
    Careful, my host. You are dealing with true deathless now, not the nascent deathless you so often encounter. They may be every bit as powerful as you.
    “Great,” Trevor muttered, peering over a boulder as he sized up the attack. He’d known they’d eventually have to deal with greater threats than zombies, but he’d hoped they would take longer to show up.  
    His risen was right. The attackers were leaping through refugees much more quickly than a zombie could manage. They also attacked more intelligently, incapacitating without killing. He watched as a pale-skinned deathless in a black tank top and jeans shattered an Indian man’s leg. The man collapsed, clutching his knee with agonized grunts. The deathless kept going, downing another target as he moved on.
    They are gathering food. Once they have enough they’ll return and feed at their leisure. His risen said, tone emotionless.  
    Trevor was revolted, but also painfully aware of the rumble in his stomach. He badly wanted to feed, something he’d resisted as often as possible. He’d confined his meals to zombies, and even then he’d made sure no one saw him feed. If they found him disturbing now, that would only make it worse.
    A roar drew his attention, and Trevor’s mouth fell