Read The Dead War Series (Book 2): Desperate Times for Free Online Page A

he'd happily oblige.
    He signed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. “We'll have to find out which one works when the times comes. Let us hope it doesn't.”
    Madison nodded. “In the meantime, I have arranged for a few of the extra cargo trailers to be sleeping quarters for all of the vampires coming to live with us. Oh, I took the liberty of getting a couple of nice trailers for us royalty to call our own for now.”
    “Did you think of this yourself?” Ovidius inquired.
    “It was a collective thought process between Cassy and myself.”
    “Are these the mobile home sort with all of the finery?” Ovidius asked, one eyebrow cocked.
    “But of course.”
    He gave her one quick nod. “Very good. Make sure they are reinforced from the outside. I don't want to be caught unawares because my door was too easy to open.”
    “Yes, Master.”
    “I want you to continue to bring in more trailers, as many as we can find. I want this barrier wall to be higher, three trailers stack ought to do it. Also, make sure we have plenty of fuel for the generators.” Ovidius rubbed a finger over his eyebrow. It was a habit he did when he was a bit stressed which was rare. However it would be his fourth time doing it since he woke up that morning.
    “Yes, Master,” Madison said, then she turned, walking away.
    “Oh Madison,” Ovidius called.
    She faced him again. “Yes sir?”
    “We'll have to speed up our efforts. Those things have breached my city.”
    Madison nodded. “I'm on it.” She started to walk away, but stopped, turning slightly.  “So, the notice goes out that vampires must not get bitten, or risk death if captured.”
    “It is what it is,” Ovidius said.
    “Very well.” Madison left, heading back to supervise the reinforcing of their location.
    Ovidius looked around their Costco sanctuary. What few entries they had were already being sealed with titanium slates on the inside and all of the shutters had been lowered and sealed in place on the outside with an extra layer of titanium shielding creating a triple defense. Only one entrance door was being utilized and the other was barricaded by a large steel slate. The perimeter, not including the gas station, was still being rounded off with trailers being stacked on top of each other, now by the threes after receiving the new orders. They had stolen several bulldozers, tractors and other construction machinery in order to get the job done as fast as possible. Their biggest tool however, was their own strength and speed. Even at limited power, vampires were an extreme force to be reckoned with. And time was ever of the essence. They knew that St. Louis would be overrun by the zombies within the hour. With the combination of Cassian's vampires, who were still arriving and his own, things were moving as swiftly as they could. He didn't know how bad it was going to get, but he was going to do the best he could to prepare. Ovidius walked out into the parking lot and took to the skies to check on the other location, the Target pharmacy.
    ~***~
     
    Ovidius landed at his destination. He took a walk around the entire building, checking on the progress. All of the windows and doors had been sealed off with thick steel plates. The only way in or out of the building would be through its rooftop entrance. As inconvenient as it might be, it was imperative. He had wanted more safe house locations, but that was out of the question at this point. The two locations would have to do for now. He leapt atop the roof, landing lightly on his feet and was greeted by one of his lieutenants.
    “Sire, progress is running smoothly,” Donovan, the tall and ruggedly handsome blue eyed, chestnut brown haired vampire updated. “As you can see from the exterior, all access points have been sealed off. With the technology that we have, sodding the metal has been a breeze.” 
    The two men entered the building and began taking a tour of the interior.
    “Very good.” Ovidius looked