Page 67 of Dealing With Drak

Drak frowns, and Caleb winces. “Not my idea. Leaving you felt like shit.”

I pat his arm and nod. “I know. I don’t blame you, Caleb.”

As mad as I have been about the plants, replaying the memory of my family leaving me behind everytime I pass them, I’m still grateful as they were essential in our survival.

Our sorority made it through all of this time because of straight-up luck. We had a mesh of circumstances that set us up for success.

My family brought us plants, guns, ammunition, some batteries and other bullshit. Yes, all useful bullshit that saved our asses time and time again—most notably, the weaponry. And still, all I really wanted was for them to stay.

I’m devastated that Landon isn’t here, but I can’t wallow it in. Not when I finally have Caleb again.

“I’m glad you’re safe,” I croak, throwing my arms around his neck to hug him again. We’ve never been an overly affectionate family, but I can’t help it.

“Same,” he rasps, embracing me tightly.

I don’t know how long we just hold each other before I finally pull back.

“Can we get the fuck out of here?” he says, chuckling at himself. “If aliens are real, I’m definitely ready to be whisked away in a spaceship. My feet fucking hurt.”

A laugh bubbles out of me, and Drak smiles. “Come, Cay-leb. I shall guide you both to our ship, and An-nana can show you her favorite weapons of my planet.”

“What a good idea!” I compliment. Turning to my brother with a grin, I add, “Want to see a laser grenade that’s reusable?”

Caleb’s eyebrows shoot to his hairline. “I don’t even know what to say to that, sis.” My heart warms, hearing him call me that.

“Come on, I’ll show you. I have some food I can give you on the flight, too. Drak can fill you in on all things alien, and I can get you up to speed on the state of the sorority.”

“I’d like nothing more,” he replies softly.

God, it feels nice to know he’s alive.

And it’s all thanks to Drak.

Fuck, I love him.

26

Anna

As soon as we step foot off of our small ship, we’re flooded by people.

“Anna! You’re back just in time, and holy shit! Is that Caleb?”

Megan skips right past me, her long brown hair flowing behind her as she runs straight into my brother. I’m surprised she even remembers his name, let alone feels friendly enough toward him to hug him. But then again, Megan’s always been a better friend than I have. Of course, she’d want to make him feel welcome.

“It’s me,” Caleb confirms with a chuckle. He returns her friendly hug and smiles down at her. “You didn’t think I died, did you?”

Megan scoffs, playfully hitting his chest. “I figured you found some rich man who owns a compound and made him fall in love with you. You have a child together, and the zombies are of no concern to you, my friend.”

“If only,” Caleb jokes in return.

She lowers her voice and tells him, “You see the orange one with half a head of black hair? That’s Al’rik, and he’s mine. Set your sights on a different one, please.”

My brother snorts. “You got it.”

She taps the side of his face adoringly. “I knew you’d understand.”

“So, you went to find him, then?” Brooke asks, having quietly stepped to my side.

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