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Chapter 4

Author: Radiant Wolf
"Did you have any symptoms?" I pressed.

Nora glanced nervously at Spencer.

He stepped in front of her. "She's hurt. Stop treating her like she's done something wrong!"

I tugged down my collar, exposing the grayish-white veins spreading up my neck. "Look at me, Spencer. I'll be lucky to make it to midnight.

"Now look at her. She's got color in her cheeks, and she's completely alert. Does she look infected to you?"

Several squad members looked down. Frank Brock muttered, "She had plenty of room to dodge that zombie..."

"Frank!" Spencer snapped.

But I had heard enough. Nora let herself get scratched.

And once again, Spencer had given her the antidote meant for me. Twice now, he had chosen her in front of the whole squad.

"You left me to die for her," I said quietly. "Again."

His face drained of color. "That's not what happened! I just..."

I gave a weary laugh. I didn't even have the energy to be angry anymore.

"Let me guess. You're responsible for everyone in the squad, and you can't play favorites.

"Or do you just not love me anymore?"

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

Nora clung to his arm, her voice shaking. "Gemma, I'm not lying. I really was infected. Look..."

She started unwinding the bandage, but Spencer caught her hand. "You don't have to do that."

He turned to me, disappointment in his eyes. "I can't believe you're acting like this.

"Nora's part of this squad. She got hurt. Was I supposed to let her die?

"Is that what you wanted? For me to stand there and do nothing?"

I sneered, "You're right. You did exactly what a good captain should do. Fair and impartial."

Spencer went still.

I looked at him standing protectively in front of Nora, then at the satisfied look she gave me from behind his back.

Around us, some squad members watched me with pity, while others couldn't meet my eyes.

The strange energy inside me surged again, and I struggled to keep it under control.

When I spoke, my voice was flat. "Well, I'm about to turn into a zombie. What are you going to do about that, Captain Dawson?"

The camp went silent. Everyone looked at Spencer.

He struggled for an answer, then clenched his jaw. "I'll keep looking. There's another research facility in the North District—"

"There's no time," I cut in.

He said nothing.

Nora spoke softly, but her voice carried. "Spencer, isn't it dangerous for her to be here? What if she turns..."

Spencer stiffened.

I searched his face. He used to look at me with love. Now, he couldn't seem to decide what to do with me.

The energy inside me surged again. This time, I could barely hold it back.

"Gemma." His voice sounded strained.

Then he straightened. "You're my second-in-command. You know the rules.

"Anyone who's infected has to leave before they turn. Otherwise, I have to put them down myself."

He spoke about killing me as if he were reciting a rule. Hearing it from him hurt more than I could bear.

The others shifted uneasily. Some looked away, while others edged back. A few reached for their weapons.

Nora pressed against Spencer. "Spencer, you have to think about everyone else. Look at her. What if she suddenly—"

"Shut up." I stared straight at her.

Nora flinched and shrank behind him.

Spencer drew a deep breath.

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