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

around, taking in the busy vampires using blow torches to seal the steel bars for the containment units in place. There were others atop of the new steel gate applying extremely dangerous razor wire for added protection. Five cells were being constructed far away from the area where thick metal gates were being built to separate the containment units from the lab. All of the steel barriers were their first defense. The vampires themselves would be their second. “You've done well here.”
    “Thank you, Master,” Donovan nodded appreciatively.
    “Well, with the extra fuel tankers we have... it will ensure our generators will have some longevity. When the powerful finally goes down.”
    “It helps that we're outside the blast radius of the nearest nuclear power plant, too.” Donovan pointed out.
    “If it becomes too much of a risk, I'll have our engineers disable the nearest plant so it won't be a problem.” Ovidius turned towards Donovan. “Who do we have that can do that?”
    Donovan pursed his lips. “I'll have to find out.”
    “Please do.”
    “Yes, Master.”
    Ovidius pulled out his cell phone to get the latest news report. He groaned. “Those bloody things will be here soon. They made quick work of Springfield.”
    “I heard several cities have been bombed, Chicago included, but it's still spreading fast.”
    “That's because those things aren't lingering in one city. They follow the essence of life or the scent of blood. They know how to seek it out. That's why they enter buildings and homes, searching for humans in every corner. To hunt and feed, that is their only purpose. I've never seen anything like it.”
    “I wonder how many of Cassian's vampires made it out of Chicago?”
    “Those who were strong and wise enough to take quick action. The rest, are unfortunate. We can only hope that they were able to survive the bombing.”
    Donovan gave Ovidius a quizzical look. “I'm surprised you feel that way, Master.”
    Ovidius brows knitted. “Why does this surprise you? I wish Cassian's vampire no ill will.”
    “His vampires outnumber us. He is your maker.”
    “When this situation gets even more dire... we will need him. It's all about our survival.”
    “Yes Master. Of course.” Donovan nodded humbly.
    “How are we with the lab?” Ovidius asked, changing the subject.
    “Currently working on that, Master. We're gathering all of the necessary equipment as we speak.”
    “Excellent.” Ovidius nodded approvingly. “Carry on.”
    “Yes, Master.” Donovan walked back towards the under construction lab.
    Ovidius was following behind him when the ringing of his cell phone stopped him. He looked down, recognizing the number. He answered. “Yes, Cassie?”
    “Logan arrived with two soldiers.”
    “I would speak with him.”
    “Of course,” Cassie said. “See you soon.”
    They ended their call and Ovidius left the lab in the capable hands of his people and taking to the skies, quickly returning to the Costco sanctuary. He could sense where his child was and immediately zeroed in on him. He found Logan standing over the terrified humans the other vampires had gathered who were to be 'of service' which was the code they were all using. Logan was observing them as well as drinking in their scent of fear. It was an aphrodisiac to him, the smell of fear. Ovidius suspected Logan only wished it was night, so that he could completely indulge in his not-so-guilty pleasure.
    “Cassian sent you back?” Ovidius asked, coming up the rear.
    Logan turned. “Yes. He wanted me to save these two.” He gestured toward Nicholas and Gary, both of whom were still unconscious.
    “Ah, makes sense. We'll never fall out of need of warriors,” Ovidius commented.
    “To what capacity?” Logan asked.
    Ovidius frowned. “Your meaning?”
    Logan took Ovidius gently by the arm, ushering him away from the humans so that they could speak privately.
    “What purpose does Cassian have for obtaining more soldiers for his