Jenny Undead (The Thirteen: Book One) by J.L. Murray Read Free Book Online

first, and everything else seemed to annoy him, as if the
world were in his way. Jenny had been in his way, along with Casey,
until one day he decided they could be useful to him. After that,
Jenny wished time could reverse and they could go back to a time
when he was annoyed and uninterested in them, before they were
useful. She blinked and shook off the thoughts. She didn't have
time to feel sorry for herself right now. Bierce had lost the right
to take up space in her head a decade ago. He was gone now, finally
gone. The sadistic bastard wouldn't hurt anyone ever again.
    Jenny sat down on the mat that served as a cot.
It was just old, dirty fabric filled with newspaper. Hardly even a
mat at all. There was another just like it just across from hers,
where Lily slept. Hers was empty, of course. A small shape peeked
out of the thin blanket on her cot. In the dim light Jenny could
make it out. A teddy bear. She must have been hiding it in her
bedding.
    “Jesus,” Jenny muttered under her
breath. “She's just a baby.”
    Jenny heard the scuff of a foot near the opening
in debris that served as a door. A moment later Joshua
appeared.
    “Deep in thought?” he said. He
crossed his arms, his small frame blocking the door.
    Jenny smiled a tight smile. “I guess
so.”
    “What are you thinking so hard about,
Jenny?” He gave her a condescending look that he probably
thought was wise and fatherly. She gritted her teeth as she smiled
again and searched for an answer.
    “Um, God,” she said. “I
guess.” She pushed herself off the cot and stood up.
    “Anything in particular?”
    Jenny shook her head, brushing dirt and an
insect off her dress. “Just, you know, Him. Saying a
prayer.”
    He crinkled his eyes as he looked at her. She
may as well have been naked. Goddammit, she wanted to punch this
guy. “You know, Jenny,” he said, taking a step inside.
“You've been here a few days now. Do you feel comfortable
with us?”
    She nodded. “Sure.”
    “Good,” he said, sounding genuinely
pleased. “I want you to feel comfortable.” He took
another step toward her across the tiny room. Jenny moved back,
until she could feel the chill of the concrete behind her. Shit.
He's doing this now?
    “Lily should be back soon,” she
said, trying to look innocent.
    “Lily is helping the women repair some
clothing,” he said. “As I was saying, you've been here
a few days now, Jenny. I'm glad you're comfortable, but it's time
you made a contribution to the group, don't you think?”
    “Cleaning and making dinner is a
contribution,” Jenny said. She balled up her fist so she
wouldn't reach for her knife. The gun on the other leg felt heavy
and comforting as well. But the knife seemed to itch. She wanted to
be holding it. But as much as Joshua deserved to be gutted, she was sure she knew
where Casey was now. An altercation could ruin everything.
    Her back was pressed hard against the wall now
and Joshua was right in front of her. His eyes glinted in the oil
light. “Cooking and cleaning is in your nature,” he
said. “It's time to contribute to the group, little cat. We
need children, Jenny. Have you seen any since you came?”
    “Yes,” she said.
“Lily.”
    He smiled. “Don't be silly. Lily is a
fully-grown woman.”
    “She's a teenager,” said Jenny,
grinding her teeth together.
    “And you?” he said. “Are you a
child?”
    “No,” said Jenny. “But you've
come to the wrong girl. I'm barren.”
    He smiled. “A young woman like you? How
could you possibly know that?”
    “Why would you want to bring children into
this world?” Jenny said, forgetting her revulsion for a
moment. “It's Hell on Earth right now. Why would you want a
child to suffer like that?”
    “God wills it,” Joshua said.
“I only obey.”
    He pushed her harder against the wall, pinning
her arms and shoving his small body against her. He made an attempt
to kiss her neck, but her collar was too high. “You need to
get off of me right