Exterminators Infected (The Exterminators Book 1) (16 page)

The brute got back to its feet. It fumbled around, blood pouring from the wound hole on both sides. It still held strong, snarling, angry at its attacker. Nick let out a painful moan as he crawled back to his feet. He didn't have time to recover, as the beast pounced once again. He was back on top of Nick before he could reach for his sword. It went to dig the long claws back into Nick’s chest, but he grabbed the beast's head and slammed it into the street while rolling over. The creature growled, he reached his other hand up to put it behind the beast's head and slammed it again. It yelped it pain. Nick did it again, the beast cried once more before sagging to the side. Nick rolled out from underneath the bloody monster. He wobbled his way up and then took a breather.
He saw the crowd of kids from down the block surrounding the truck driver. He was bleeding badly and one kid was trying to hold pressure on the wound. The other three were on their cell phones. Chances they were calling their parents or the police. Nick stepped forward; he had to get his Rod back. Being invisible it would be no problem.
He then heard the hiss again.
“Are you kidding me?” he muttered angrily. He turned back around to see the beast was on all four, its face pushed in slightly. Blood dripped from its long snout. “Do you not know how to die?” He moved to one side. The beast reacted and dashed to the other side before launching at him. Nick rolled to the opposite way, just in time, as the beast flew past him and smashed on to the sidewalk. It tumbled over but recovered quickly. Nick backed away. He could hear the ambulance sirens now.
“I can't go near the kids to get the Rod. This thing will follow me, it'll hurt them. My first mission is to protect the innocent. What to do?”
Nick looked around for anything. The beast stepped forward, this time making sure it didn't leap the wrong way. It wanted its prey badly but it wasn't stupid enough to pull the same mistake. Nick moved backwards, slowly, trying to find something, anything, to use as a weapon.
The beast howled as it moved forward. He spotted a brick loose near the steps of a house. He quickly dashed for it. The beast growled again and rushed forward. Hot on his trail, it was only a few feet away. Nick came low to the ground, scooping up the brick, turning around and slamming the brick down. The beast took the brick to the side of its face. It flew to the side, a thud sounded as it hit the ground. Nick backed off, dropping the brick.
He let out a sharp breath; he could feel his chest burning even more. The movements must have made the wounds bleed out. He knew it wasn't horrible; the wounds were not too deep. They still hurt, causing him to wince in pain with every step he took towards his Rod. The ambulance must have been close because he heard the sirens even more loudly now. His vision was becoming blurry. Fatigue and loss of blood during the fight was expected but it was taking a toll on him more then he imagined. If he had his weapon it would have been a lot easier, but getting knocked down and thrown around took too much out of him.
The hiss returned.
Nick turned around in shock.
The beast was back on its feet. It looked confused. Nick was thinking the brick had damaged it badly. It’s one eye barely opened. The other eye that was fully opened peered straight at Nick. “Are you freaking kidding me?”

The beast stepped forward. Nick stepped backwards. They were almost to the street now. He couldn't believe the beast was still able to stand. Its brain should have been damaged beyond repair. It should have been dead by all accounts. Yet it was stalking closer towards him.

As the beast was almost upon Nick it was hit by a bullet through the head. Its red eye gave one more look at Nick before the glow disappeared. It fell over, blood spilling out from every wound that it had. The beast laid still, finally dead.
Marshall stood there, gun aimed where the beast once stood. He let the firearm drop to his side and transform back to his Rod. “You okay?”
“Yeah, thanks.” Nick leaned on a car. He could feel the pain in his chest grow. He survived another fight. Yet, barely.

Marshall came over, bending down near the beast. He moved it to the side, checking out its features. The bullet wound was right above the jawline. The beast was certainly dead. Marshall still felt pity every time he put a creature down. However, when his partners were in danger he did not question it. Shoot first, wonder why he had to shoot later.

“My Rod is over there,” Nick told him pointing to the group of kids. The ambulance was now parked in front of where the truck was. The emergency crew was trying to get the stretcher ready to load the truck driver up. “Mind grabbing it for me? I need to rest.”
“Yeah, no problem. Stay here.” Nick watched Marshall make his way towards the crowd. Nick look to his beeper, clicking the “finish button” then waited. He could feel the nice cold air brush over him. It felt good on his burning wound. Another fight. Another kill. This was now Nick's life. He sat up and laid his head into his knees, wondering what Kelly would think of him tomorrow.

Chapter 17 – Lust & Love
Jin watched as his Bora and Carl began to approach him. He was finishing a warm up in the gym, using a blade for his main weapon. He tried all different combinations as of late. He loved using his blade as well as elemental gloves. Another favorite of his was taking the elemental powers and combining them with his gun. Instead of shooting bullets, it shot small electric bullets. It was less deadly than a bullet per se, but to trap or stop someone it was perfect. As an Exterminator, his missions changed. As he hunted other things, besides just the beasts, he had to learn to use all different types of strategies.
“Hello Ram, how are you?” Jin said as he stood back up. He could see his Bora, Ram, smiling.

“I'm good Jin. You've been away as of late. See this one taking up all your time.” He elbowed Carl. Carl laughed, pushing back.

“Yeah, Carl's a great Bora. He's been teaching me some wonderful tips. Not that you don't, I just like to get a variety of skills.”
“Plus, I'm nicer,” Carl added in.
“Ah, always the modest type.” Ram gave another hardy laugh, Carl and Jin joined in.

“So, you guys wanted to speak with me?”

Carl looked at Ram. Ram nodded. “Carl's students are advancing quite well. They've done really well on their last few missions. Taking down the Unknowns in only a matter of minutes. No casualties yet. Only one innocent was injured and last I heard he would be okay in a few weeks. We've been discussing the next step for them.”

Jin looked quickly at Carl. “Are we talking Summoner hunting? This soon!?”

“No, a face-off training. They haven't even had trainings with humans yet. We wouldn't send them on the hunts.” Ram assured Jin. Jin calmed down, as the hunts against Summoners were too dangerous at this point. The war behind the scenes was getting worse.

“The reason Ram came today is to find out if you and Emily would try a face off against the boys,” Carl said. Jin nodded.
“I don't see why not. Do you really think we need two facing off, though? I think I can handle them.”
“Trust me when I say these boys have some sneaky tricks up their sleeve. They train like I've never seen kids train. Almost every single day, in and out of this gym. At this rate they'll become amazing Exterminators.” Carl felt proud speaking of the boys. His unit was growing in multiple ways. From becoming stronger in body to mentally expanding in strength. In a few short weeks they had achieved what he hoped most trainees would achieve in months.
“Not to mention Emily complains you don't spend enough time with her,” Ram added. “I love the girl but she's your girlfriend, not mine. I hear more complaining from her than I do from my own wife. It's not very fun, I can tell you that.” Ram informed Jin, giving another laugh.
“All right, I'll call her up. Tell the boys to be ready by next week.” Jin began walking towards the exit. “Oh and Ram...” he began.
“Yeah?”
“Soon I want a face-off against you. I have a few new tricks up my sleeve as well.” Jin’s grin was massive. So Ram responded with one of his own.
Nick's knuckles tapped on the door. He circled around the front of the house trying to come up with an excuse. Two nights ago he left his girlfriend at the dance. He was rushed to the Station, where his wounds were sealed. He could still feel a bit weak but was more worried of what he'd tell Kelly. He heard shuffling of feet behind the door way.
“Just stay calm. Look at her and tell her you're sorry. She'll understand.”
The door swung open. “Baby!”
The door slammed in his face. It took a second for him to register it. “Baby, please.” He could hear her body slouching against the other side. “Baby, I'm so sorry. I got really sick.”

“Sick!?” She threw the door open. “Sick? Seriously? That's the best you could come up with!?” Her eyes were so wide he thought they might pop out of her head. Her nostrils flared up, she was breathing heavily.

“I'm being honest. Marshall had to get me home. I was throwing up everywhere, I felt like I was going to pass out.” He tried pleading with her. The anguish she felt reflected on her face and was making him feel guilty.
“Listen, don't lie to me. I know you and Marshall just left suddenly. Lucy was even more upset than me. She finally trusted someone to take her somewhere and he bails half-way through. I almost felt sorry ‘cause it was YOUR fault!” She pointed at him. “You not only ruined my night, but hers too. So don't lie to me. Where did you go?”
He hadn't realized he might have ruined Marshall's chances with Lucy. After they both got to the Station and Nick was getting healed up Marshall went home. He hadn't talked to him since the events with the Jackle, which they found out was the name of the Unknown they fought the night before. He felt even worse; the regret he had started to feel was building up.

“Well? Why did you leave?” She stood there waiting.
“Cause if I didn't a beast would of passed in to our realm. Then probably run around tearing off people's heads.”
“Cause I was sick-” he began then stopped. He felt horrible lying, but he couldn't tell her the truth. “Listen, I can't explain it. I know it sounds like an excuse but something terrible happened and I had to get home. I swear I didn't want to leave you.”
“Well, you did,” her voice slightly cracked as she responded. He could see her eyes becoming watery.
“It won't happen again.”
“Says you. They always say that.”
“I'm not them. I'm me. I'm Nick. I swear I won't do that to you again.”
“I don't want to hear it,” she said as she began to close the door.
“I love you.”
The door stayed half-way open. She was looking to the side of her living room, not moving. He felt his heart pounding. A heavy rhythmic-based sound ringing in his ears. He wasn't sure why he said it. Could it be the guilt? Could it be the anxiety? The fact that he might lose her? These were the questions racing through his mind. The reason though didn't seem important enough; the point was he actually felt that way. He had to make sure she understood that.
“You...” she began. She opened the door again, facing him. “You what?” Her voice was very low. Almost impossible to hear.

“I love you,” he said again, this time with more conviction in his voice.
“You love me?” her voice cracking again.
“I love you. I'm not them, I'm me. So don't shut the door again. Cause I need you.” He stepped up to her, his hand pushing the door open wider. She now felt her heart pounding. She wanted to speak but no words came out. “I love you,” he told her once more.
“I-” she began, eyes brimming with tears. “-I love you,” she cried out and grabbed him close. He let her lips lie on his for what felt like a lifetime. He wanted to stay right where he stood forever. He held her close, feeling her every emotion during the kiss. The feeling of lust was gone, replaced by love. There was no better feeling in the entire world.

Marshall texted Lucy, but to no avail. She wouldn't respond no matter what he said. He wasn't sure why he was trying so hard. Most girls he liked he just moved through quickly. He liked them, eventually they hated him, and he moved on. This one was different though. She was the odd one. The one most people didn't care to notice. This made him want to get to know her even more.
I'm sorry about the other night. I’m a jerk
.

He waited after texting her again. He just wanted to hear back. He wanted to know she still had some interest in him. After a couple of minutes his phone lit up. He checked to see a message.
Just leave me alone.

He closed his eyes and rested his head on his pillow.
“Come on smooth talker, write something nice.”
But he felt like no matter what he wrote she would just continue to ignore him. He didn't really know what to say, so he typed something different.
What if I told you I had a secret?

He wasn't sure what he was doing. He knew very well he couldn't tell her he fought Unknowns. For one, she'd just call him crazy. On the other hand, she might be in danger if she knew. Still, he couldn't help but feel like she was owed the truth.

What type of secret?
It was the first time she responded quickly.

It's top secret. I can only tell you in person.

Lame. Try harder.

Seriously. I can't say it here. Meet me in the park near your house. I'll show you.

He laid his phone next to him. He gritted his teeth. What exactly could he show her? He couldn't bring her to the other realm. He couldn't show off the Rod. Would he tell her he was a demon hunter? Would she just laugh it off or would she report him? Would she scream and run away from him? Would she punch him and call him a liar? Too many questions were roaming around in his head.
Fine. Be there in fifteen minutes.

He jumped off his bed, slipped his feet into his shoes, and ran out the door. He was ready to finally see her again. The feeling of being close to her again like when they danced together beckoned. He yearned for that feeling.
“What the hell am I going to show her?”
he thought. He still wasn’t sure what to do about that problem.

Fred woke up in the white room. He began to feel a strong hatred for the place, yet it calmed him. It felt like all his troubles began to disappear in it. “All right it, speak to me. Tell me that you want to comfort me and love me,” he joked out loud. The voice in the room tried to always sooth all his problems away.
“Why do you always distrust me?” the voice boomed. He jumped at how loud it was. Every time he entered the room he noticed the voice was getting closer.

“It's not that I distrust you, it's more of the fact that I'm inside my own head,” he said as he did a 180 around the room. Looking for some type of clue as to why he was in his mind in the first place. “It's like you want to tell me something but you never do. What is it you want me to know, Self? Am I just going crazy?”

“I am trying to let you rest. You've been through so much. This is an area of rest, yet you do not want to.”

“I can't. I have obligations I have committed to. Things I can't just back out of. People who count on me every single day. I can't just walk away from those things.”

“See, you say you can't but you can. You can let these clinging issues fade away into nothing. Let me deal with them while you rest.”

“Tempting...” he started. “like I said though, no thanks.” Fred touched the wall. He could feel its coldness. He knocked against it. Hollow and frail. “Why this room, though? Why place me in here, Self? Are you trying to tell me something?”
“Do not hit the walls!” The voice was even louder, angrier. He backed away from the wall. “Now come, rest here,” the voice soothed, returning to its calm tones.
“All right then. Do not touch walls. Got it.” He wanted to touch it again though. He wanted to know why he was in this room. He slowly crept over to the wall. He awoke before he had a chance to do anything else. He got up from the couch, sweat dripping from his chin. Each time he came back from the room the sweats got worse, the pain in his shoulder felt like scorching lava. He wasn't sure what was happening, and because of that it scared him even more.

Marshall was in the park waiting. It wasn't warm anymore, and he hid his hands in his sweater pocket. He even let out a breath of cold air. He wondered how long till it became so cold it would be a pain to fight. Heat is one thing to battle in, cold is a whole other story. He just hoped the next creature he fought would be an easy target. He didn't want to fight something so dangerous in such cold temperatures.
“This better be good,” Lucy said as she arrived from the side. She had a small little beanie hat on with a skull printed on it. Her leather jacket matched with a tiny little “V” symbol on the left pocket. She walked up closer to Marshall, but still kept a little distance. He could tell she was still upset with him. “I don't really know how to say it.” He wasn't lying. The whole way over he tried to figure out what to tell her.
“Just spit it out.”

“It sounds crazy.”

“You left me at my first dance. You danced with me like you cared and then you left me there. So, unless you have some amazing excuse to why you did this, I don't want to hear it.” She was getting anxious. She wanted nothing more than to storm out of the park, yet she was intrigued by the possible secret that he held. Something so serious he couldn't speak over the phone about it.

Yet, he stood there,still battling his mind on what to say.
“If I tell her, and they find out, then what? What if they go after her? Try to hurt her? Then it's all my fault.”
He tried to figure it out as quickly as possible. Time was running short however, she was about to leave.
“This was a waste of my time,” she barked as she began to walk away.

“Wait,” he begged.
“No,” she said as she kept walking.

“I fight...” he began. She stopped walking but didn't turn around, waiting to hear the rest of the sentence before decided whether to walk away or stay. “I fight monsters,” he finally said after a few moments.

“I hate you,” she said as she continued to walk away.

“No! Wait! I just told you!” he screamed, chasing after her. He grabbed her arm, but she pushed him away.

“You leave me at the dance. I cry all night, because I thought MAYBE for once a guy cared. Maybe for once, someone in this hellhole we call a world cared enough to take me somewhere. It was so perfect, and you up and leave. Now days later you come to me and say you fight monsters. MONSTERS!? Is that really the best you could come up with?” she yelled. Her face was bright red from the cold and anger.