Dead World 1 Read online

  Dead World 1: Red (Deadworld Trilogy)

  Jordan Summers

  Contents

  Dead World 1: Red

  Copyright

  Back Cover Copy

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Thanks For Reading!

  Bonus Excerpt

  Related Dead World Titles

  Dead World 1: Red

  Copyright

  Dead World 1: RED

  Copyright 2013 Jordan Summers

  Originally published by Tor in 2008

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return the book to the author and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

  Back Cover Copy

  What if Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf turned out to be the same person?

  In a near-future world, a blood war is brewing. Elite Tactical Team member Gina Santiago has devoted her life to protecting the world by apprehending the most heinous criminals.

  On the trail of a murderer, the clues lead her to a tight-knit town, clinging to the fringes of society. A town determined to get rid of her. Until Gina can prove otherwise, everyone’s a suspect. Even the sexy as sin sheriff, Morgan Hunter.

  The closer Gina gets to discovering the secrets hidden by the sleepy town and its prickly sheriff, the more frightened she becomes…because they aren’t the only ones with a secret to keep. Gina has a secret, too. One she’s unaware of. A secret that will change her life forever and make her the killer’s next target.

  1

  Not many people can handle the pain of being ripped apart, of having their limbs twisted and morphed until they are convinced their mind will shatter into a thousand tiny shards.

  I can.

  And I am tired of hiding my true nature so that humans can sleep better at night, convinced they’re actually in control of this tiny blue-brown planet.

  It’s time they know the truth.

  They need to realize that they are not at the top of the food chain.

  I am.

  We are.

  A permanent shift in power is necessary and I intend to bring about that change one body at a time...

  Pain sears my flesh, flaying it from the bone. I scream and throw my head back as blood sprays across the inside of the car, painting the dirty windshield crimson, moistening it for the first time in months.

  Pressure explodes beneath my gums, as a sharp row fangs push out my blunt teeth. My arms and legs snap, breaking bone, tearing sinew, to reshape.

  The change feels like it is taking an eternity as I drown in a flaming river of agony, but I know it’s only been seconds. One last cry rips from my raw throat, and then suddenly I am reborn.

  Lungs heaving, I sit up and look around. It takes a moment to adjust, when you go from blindness to absolute clarity.

  The coppery odor of blood assails my senses, along with something feminine and delicate.

  Memory evades me, but the scent intrigues. I try to catch it again, but it’s quickly overwhelmed by the stench of synthetic fabrics. Something in the center console jabs me in the ribs. It looks like a stick, but there are other things protruding out. Things that hinder my movements.

  The urge to escape the caged confines is great. In my struggles, a paw hits a latch. There’s a hiss. I bare my teeth and prepare to attack an unseen enemy, then the night air comes rushing in. Claws scrape against the unnatural material as I leap out the newly formed opening. My feet touch the ground with a soft thud and I circle my prison, snarling and growling my displeasure.

  Outside the high desert comes alive, as a breeze stirs the air. The musk of scurrying vermin and rusting metal collide until it’s hard to tell one from another. Bare branches groan and creak, their dead arms extended to the sky in supplication.

  A twig snaps in the distance. My ears perk up in an attempt to locate the source of the noise.

  The sound comes again—louder.

  My steps are silent as I lope through the snarled woods to investigate. Nothing green lives here anymore. Not the trees. Not the bushes. Not even grass. It isn’t long before my attention is distracted by something else. The feminine aroma I’d caught earlier is stronger now. Sweet, and delicately alluring. I seek its source.

  Quickly scanning my surroundings, I glimpse something running ahead of me.

  Prey.

  Something about the unusual sight pricks my memory, reminding me that I am not alone. I came here with a guest—

  Lisa Solomon.

  Her long, curly auburn hair flaps in the wind as she scrambles through the dead underbrush.

  Where is she going? She can’t possibly hope to find sanctuary amongst the bones of the trees.

  Branches moan in the darkness, their sad voices vacant of life. Ghosts of the leaves rustle, haunting my footsteps as I give chase. Despite her determination to get away, it takes no effort at all to track Lisa’s movements. Even if I couldn’t see her, I could still hear her heart thud and her breath wheeze. It’s obvious she wants me to catch her.

  Prey.

  The sun-scorched ground is hard and oddly cool beneath my rough pads, the perfect consistency for hiding my presence from those who wish to discover my kind. I could run for miles, but she can’t.

  “Get away from me! Go away!” Lisa screams when she catches sight of me.

  The harmonious sound reaches my sensitive ears. The notes soar into the night, then abruptly cut off as she labors for air. I yip excitedly in hope that she’ll cry out again. Lisa doesn’t disappoint me.

  Such beauty.

  Such shrill perfection.

  And she’s all mine.

  She rushes on without looking at where she’s going. In her haste, Lisa trips over a stone imbedded deep in the ground, sending he
r crashing to her knees. She cries out, but the pain doesn’t slow her. Lisa claws at the earth, leaving deep furrows behind. Clumps of clay fly up behind her, then rain down like arid teardrops as she tries to regain her footing.

  Her ripe ass lifts enticingly. She stays in that position for a few seconds, then pushes off and scrambles forward. I recognize the invitation. Suddenly, the urge to mate supersedes all others.

  I thought I’d found my perfect match before, but in the end she failed me. This time will be different. Lisa is different.

  Special.

  A growl rumbles out of my chest like thunder from a distant storm.

  Lisa whimpers. “Why are you doing this? I thought you l-l-liked me. We were friends.”

  Friends?

  We were meant to be more than friends. Why would she think such a ridiculous thing? I shake my head. If I could laugh in my present form, I would. All I can do is snort in derision.

  Lisa has to know what she means to me. Perhaps her coy teasing is a form of human foreplay? In my present state, I can’t remember. Nor can I tell.

  The ravaged remains of bushes surround her. Lisa doesn’t slow. She collides with their fragile corpses. They crackle and break under her weight, turning to dust.

  Her legs are long-limbed perfection, even with the red welts and scrapes from the bushes forming macabre celestial designs on her skin. In her panic, Lisa’s heart surges with blood, pumping madly in her chest.

  I close my eyes and listen to its melodious cadence.

  Thu-thump.

  Thu-thump.

  Thu-thump.

  It’s all I can do to keep from drooling. If I thought Lisa would appreciate the compliment, I would.

  Licking my muzzle, I try to recall if I ever saw Lisa in anything other than her navy blue Quadrant Inspector’s uniform. Funny how the details fracture and slip from my mind’s grasp.

  Lisa glances over her shoulder and screams in terror.

  My tongue lolls out of my mouth in an attempt to convey my affections. My thoughtful expression tells her that it won’t be long now. Lisa needs to prepare herself.

  Her oval face turns ashen in the burgeoning moonlight and her shrieks grow even louder.

  Such beauty.

  Such frailty.

  Too excited to wait, I close the distance between us.

  “Get back.” She keeps running.

  Lisa’s rejection stings but does little to dampen my desires. I don’t think anything can.

  “Stay away from me,” she snarls. “Y-y-you...monster!”

  Monster?

  My ears ring with the word. Like a slap across the face, it stops me in my tracks. Shock is short-lived. A wave of anger that’s so consuming I can barely breathe sweeps through me. My vision bleeds red until the world around me turns scarlet.

  How dare her! I’m not the one who made me this way. I did not ask to be turned into an Other. The procedure was forced upon me, but I accept what I am. No longer will I cower in the shadows. The days of pretending to be inferior are over.

  Lisa’s fear laps over my lightly pelted skin, hardening my shaft. She’s taunted me for the last time. I continue my pursuit.

  The distance between us diminishes as quickly as the remaining fragments of her hope. I know this because Lisa’s slowing.

  The wind howls, sending the sweet scent of her sweat-covered body to my nostrils.

  Ahwoo! Ahwoo!

  I’m close, I say.

  So close.

  Lisa darts frantically left and right, her hands out in front of her, as she gropes for a weapon to defend herself. She finds a branch.

  She should know I’m not easy to kill.

  The branch’s bark breaks off in her grip, crumbling like ash on her fingertips. She drops it with a frustrated cry and keeps running.

  Prey.

  My muscles quiver in anticipation. Should I fuck her first or after?

  There’s still plenty of time to decide.

  I move in.

  My long claws extend when I swipe at her. Material rips. The tatters from her blue shirt fall to the ground, but Lisa escapes my taloned grasp. No matter. I’m relishing the chase.

  Prey.

  Lisa bounces from tree trunk to tree trunk, then stumbles once more. Her body makes a loud thwack as it hits the earth. She rises, but not fast enough.

  Leaping, I cover the ten feet that separates us. My weight instantly throws her to the ground, knocking the breath from her lungs. Lisa’s head smacks the earth, tearing her delicate skin. Blood coats her beautiful auburn hair.

  I close my eyes and inhale.

  Delicious.

  The smell intoxicates.

  “Get off me.” Lisa struggles, managing to turn over. She scratches, claws, and bites at my skin like a wild cat. Her long nails break as her attempts to penetrate my thick hide fail.

  Doesn’t she realize her actions only excite me?

  Mate.

  Prey.

  Mate.

  Prey.

  The urges swirl through my head until I can’t tell which one is stronger. I rip Lisa’s useless skirt and black panties from her body, then quickly toss them aside.

  Wrenching her bleeding hands above her head, I hold her still so I can bury my wet nose between her legs. She stiffens, then her body weeps.

  For me only.

  I’ve wondered what Lisa would smell like for months. It’s better than my wildest imaginings. The musky spice envelops my senses and my body trembles as I fight to maintain control. I give her folds a quick swipe with my long tongue.

  Ambrosia.

  I debate where to part Lisa’s succulent flesh first.

  So much time, so many orifices to choose from.

  With a flick of my jagged talons, I remove the remains of her torn shirt. I need to see every inch of her fervent skin. The nipples I’d only been able to dream about until now, stab skyward. Ripe berries on hills of creamy flesh, waiting to be plucked and harvested. I can’t resist one quick lick.

  Delectable.

  Lisa trembles. When her gaze focuses on my elongated face, her screams turn to terrified wails. She attacks me with renewed fervor, tearing her hands out of my grip, denying her destiny.

  I fend off her blows easily and wait for her to tire, before settling my weight between her ample thighs. We’re now eye-to-eye, nose-to-snout, mate-to-mate.

  Tears spill down Lisa’s cheeks, watering the parched ground beneath her. I lap at them, but they continue to flow like salty treats upon my tongue.

  Don’t cry, I want to tell her, but I can’t. The words come out garbled like razors have slashed my vocal cords.

  Lisa shakes her head back and forth in denial, though I don’t understand why. From the start, she pursued me. I thought she would be happy once I let her ‘catch’ me. But Lisa doesn’t look pleased.

  Why does she continue to deny our love?

  “I won’t tell anyone your secret. I-I-I promise. Just let me go. I’ll leave. You’ll never see me again.”

  Let her go. Why would I want to do that? We’re made for each other. Doesn’t she understand that she’s perfect?

  Peering into her tear-blotched face, I watch as acceptance fills her blue eyes. Her full lips part and her tongue darts out to moisten them in preparation for my embrace. It’s all the invitation I need.

  I open my mouth and lower my head to taste her. Colors explode behind my eyelids upon contact, a kaleidoscope of emotions whirling in my mind. Disjointed nude images of sprawled limbs cloud my vision, erasing everything but the power gushing through my veins.

  So this is love.

  My heart swells.

  Lisa flinches and twists, arching beneath my expert touch. I raise my head. She gasps for air. One kiss is not enough...for either of us.

  All thoughts of sex forgotten, I delve in again. Deeper.

  Lisa gurgles.

  Her cries stop along with her struggles, and she goes limp beneath me. My mate’s submission pleases me. Wanting to remem
ber this moment forever, I sit up to get a better look at her face.

  Lisa’s expression seems odd, unnatural. Steam rises from a carotid opening in the darkness. That can’t be right. I nudge her with my moist nose, but Lisa doesn’t move, doesn’t blink.

  Sightless blue eyes continue to stare at the star-dappled sky, ignoring the approach of the three-quarter moon. Cocking my head, I wonder why she isn’t moving as my mind struggles to understand what has happened.

  Blood drips from my face. My tongue swipes out, catching crimson drops before they can hit the ground. The air around me changes. It no longer smells like parched earth. An enchanting coppery sweet aroma has replaced the arid scent.

  I want to bottle it, roll in it, capture it for all time. And it’s all thanks to my exquisite Lisa. I gaze lovingly upon her.

  She doesn’t move.

  Doesn’t speak.

  My toothy smile fades as comprehension dawns. Lisa’s dead. I must admit I am disappointed. I chose her to be my one, my only. I had such divine plans for us. Our future all but mapped out.

  Perhaps I’m mistaken. It’s possible she’s asleep. I dip my head to check her pulse. Blood runs down my chin and onto my hairy chest, burning my throat in an ecstasy unlike any other.

  Hot, sweet, sticky, and delicious. I fight my instincts, but losing is inevitable when confronted with mortally wounded prey.

  One claw at a time, I slowly release Lisa’s lifeless hands. There’s only one thing left for me to do. I proceed to gorge myself, taking care to relish each tender bite. My teeth rip and masticate with ease as I feast upon Lisa’s glorious flesh.