Zombie Attack! Army of the Dead (Book 3) by Devan Sagliani Read Free Book Online Page B

them up like fruit? Is that it?” I asked.
    “No,” Apache explained. “Although by the looks of them you'd think that's exactly how it works. The real power comes from the roots of the Iboga plant, actually from the bark of the root, which is where the highest concentration of Ibogaine is held. Shamans used to chew on the root bark, then have powerful visions. It's also been used for its anesthetic qualities.”
    “What does that mean?” Sam asked.
    “It means it makes your skin numb on contact,” Apache patiently explained. “So people sometimes use it in small doses on painful injuries. There is a more recent use for the plant, as I am sure you are aware.”
    “It's the key ingredient to the antidote for the zombie virus,” I answered. “Without it they can't synthesize the cure.”
    “That is correct,” Apache said with a smile.
    “Why do you have so much of it growing here?”
    “This is really a small yield compared to what we'd eventually like to grow,” Apache explained. “In the future we hope to be able to provide enough to cure the whole State of California, or at least put those who are suffering out of their misery. I'm sure you've also realized by now that the cure won't work for everyone. Some people are just too far gone, their bodies physically incapable of regenerating or, in some cases, their minds broken beyond repair. For these poor souls the antidote simply seems to lay them to rest, as nature intended. These dead do not rise again, but remain at peace forever more. That's really what my life's work is about at this point, helping ease the suffering of living and undead beings.”
    “Where did you get it?” I asked.
    “We took it from some very dangerous people who were planning on using it for the wrong reasons,” Apache said. “Come inside and your brother and I will tell you more. We don't want to keep our guest waiting any longer than we have to. She's already upset as it is that we didn't let her join the rescue party, despite my explaining that we needed a strong warrior here to protect the camp in our absence.”
    Apache turned and walked into the nearest covered enclosure, ducking under the branch-covered hut at the center of a large knot of trees. Sam chased after him and we followed, eager to hear more.  
    It's bigger inside this hut than I'd have guessed , I thought, but still not as big as a normal apartment.  
    Looking around, I saw a small living space with a bed and kitchen. From behind Apache I could see the figure of a woman slinking around, looking bashful. Although her hair was now freshly oiled and braided, and her clothing was now both combat ready and form fitting, it was still easy to recognize her.
    Sonya, I thought, chills racing up my spine at the surprise of seeing her again.  
    There was no mistaking the person who had lured us into the worst trap imaginable, and then abandoned us to a horrific fate at the hands of our enemies.
    “What the hell is she doing here ?” I said, my voice gaining an octave out of frustration.
    Moto turned and followed my line of sight, locking eyes with the woman in an intense stare. Then he suddenly sprang forward, as if his feet rested on coils, moving quickly past Apache and making a beeline straight for Sonya, who stood unblinking and unafraid as he approached.  
    He's going to kill her , I thought. She did save our lives. I'm not sure she deserves to die, but she definitely deserves to be punished for her crimes.
    Guilt pricked at my conscience and rose up in the form of a blush across my cheeks. Despite wanting nothing more than to see her get what she justly deserved, I knew letting my brother take out his anger on a person who had saved my skin just wasn't right.
    “Wait!” I called out, nearly unable to believe the words as they came out of my mouth. “Don't hurt her,” I begged.
    I turned to Felicity, expecting her to look as dumbfounded at hearing the words as I was at speaking them, but instead found her