Page 68 of Glass Rose
The door flies open with a metallic screech, cool night air rushing in to battle the smoke. We burst outside like rats fleeing a sinking ship, lungs burning as we gulp fresh air. Behind us, the windows flash orange with gunfire, black smoke billowing from the main entrance where John’s mines did their work.
My eyes dart to the parking area where Green’s SUVs sit unattended. This is too easy, or am I paranoid? Three vehicles, keys probably inside if we’re lucky.
“I’ll hot-wire the middle one.” Marcus moves forward.
Min-Ji and I follow, weapons raised, scanning the darkness and surrounding forest. My finger hovers near the trigger, a sick knot twisting in my stomach at the thought of actually using it.
Killing infected is one thing.
Killing people, even Green’s people, is another.
But Gavin and John are buying us time with their lives. We can’t waste it.
We’re halfway to the SUVs when a dark figure steps out from behind them.
Alex.
The camera still dangles from his neck, forgotten, while apistol that looks too big fills his hand. Shadows obscure his face, but I know what I’d find there—that half-smile, that calculated charm that always got him what he wanted.
Including me, once.
I was so fucking stupid.
“That’s far enough,” he says. “But nice plan. Almost worked.”
Marcus shifts slightly, positioning himself in front of Min-Ji and me.
“Heroic, Marcus. Really?” Alex’s gun tracks to follow him. “Unnecessary. I’m not here to hurt anyone. Just making sure you don’t do anything stupid.”
“You’re with them?” Min-Ji’s voice drips with contempt. “Tell me, what’s the going rate for betrayal these days?”
“Green has resources. Shelter. Protection. What do you have?” Alex asks. “A warehouse that’s currently being overrun, and a wild-eyed survivalist who’ll probably shoot you himself when supplies run low.”
“You sold us out.” My voice shakes with fury. “You fucking sold us out!”
“I made a choice.” His tone turns cold. “The same choice anyone with a brain would make. Green’s group is organized, well-supplied, and has plans to rebuild society.”
“Built on what?” I spit back. “Human experimentation? Compliance viruses? The same shit that caused this entire apocalypse? The same you wanted to expose!”
Alex sighs like I’m a child who just doesn’t understand. “The old Green Industries died with the old world, Sofia. Gabriel’s starting fresh. Building something better from the ashes.”
“You really believe that?” I laugh, a harsh sound that scrapes my throat raw. “What if we refuse?”
“Look,” he says, “just surrender. Come back with me. Green needs you two—” he nods at me and Min-Ji, “—aliveand cooperative. Your expertise. Your knowledge of the virus.”
“And Gavin?” I already know the answer.
He stays quiet.
“You’d let them dissect him? After everything he’s done to keep us alive?”
“He’s not even human anymore.” Alex’s face softens with what looks like genuine pity. “He’s got you wrapped around his little finger. You’ve seen what they did to him. What he can do. He’s a weapon, not a person.”
“He’s more human than you’ll ever be.”
“You’re angry. I get it. But think logically. That’s what you’re good at, right? The rational scientist.”
“There’s nothing logical about what Green is doing,” I say. “He’s collecting assets, not saving people.”
