Chapter Two

I rushed to the cemetery. My eyes are looking around to make sure nobody has followed me. I know I would fight anyone who tries to hurt Riya. She is already my number one priority, and I only met her a few hours ago.

A few hours early.

Rushing to the cemetery like I do normally, my eyes are looking all around for zombies. That's my least favorite part about this job is destroying them. They were once people too, and sometimes I feel like a murderer. I really don't think any member of the pack likes it though.

Finally seeing them, there were three. I know I'm technically supposed to howl for help if there are more than three, but I am pretty sure I can handle this. I take out the first one, and the decay taste hangs in my mouth. I hated it. I can't even begin to describe what rotten flesh tastes like. But in moments, all three of them lay dead on the ground.

Taking a match, I set them on fire, as burning flesh feels the air putting a smoky fog on the cemetery. Then my ears hear crying. As soon as I hear her cry, I feel my wolf going insane. The desire to find her and protect her was really strong. It ate my insides, piercing into my very soul.

Then my eyes see her. She had dark brown curly hair and deep golden brown eyes. Even with her ripped up clothes, she was stunning and simply gorgeous.

Shit, how do I even fall in love with a zombie? How is a flipping zombie my mark mate? She looks at me with those innocent eyes, then covers her face. How scared she was, it enhances my desire to protect her.

I kneel, before her, she was sitting on the ground behind an oak tree, her hands over her face crying.

"I am not going to hurt you."

She looks at me through her hands, just taking a peek. I chuckle myself inside my mind.

"You hurt the others," I see tears streaming down her face.

"I know, but you're special to me."

Though I find this really peculiar, because zombies usually are not this responsive. She has to be part werewolf, especially since she's my mate.

I take my hand gently, stroking her cheek.

"What's your name?" She asks me, uncovering her face and showing me those beautiful eyes.

"Dev."

She smiles. "Dev," she repeats my name.

I feel a smile break over my face just hearing her say my name.

"Yours."

"Riya." She tells me.

"Pretty name." I smile, hoping she starts to feel more relaxed. I know where Mark mates, and she feels the same feelings I feel.

I slowly take a seat next to her to try not to alarm her. She watches my every move. Her eyes showed love, but her face showed fear.

"It's okay, you're alright."

Even though I know Alpha orders are clear, we destroy every zombie. No matter their age, gender or alertness. I shake off his voice in my head, barking orders at us.

"Why did you destroy the others?"

I frown, I know what she saw is the reason why she's scared of me.

"The other zombies are out of control, crazy ripping apart anything they can, we have to."

"Who's we?"

"My pack and I. I'm under orders from the alpha. I have no choice."

"What if they destroy me?"

I analyze her face. "Riya, I won't let them."

"How can you stop them?"

Seriously, I am not even sure how I'm going to answer this question. Can I rise against Ajay? I know one person would have my back, and that's Chetan.

"As of right now, I'm going to make sure that I volunteered to go in every single Zombie run, but if you do not see me, you stay hiding, if you do not show yourself or make a scene, they won't seek you out."

She nods.

"You understand what I am telling you Riya."

"Yes."

I lift her face, so I can stare into her eyes.

She looks down, I feel like she's sad, but clearly for other reasons now.

"What's wrong?"

"Why would you like me with these decay spots on my face?"

I rub my finger on her lower lip. She makes me want to kiss her, just to show her what she means to me.

"I don't care what you look like, you're beautiful to me."

She smiles, and my heart skips a beat.

Then I hear the dreaded howl from the alpha. I put my head back and groan in annoyance. I am not the one to usually disobey him. So I doubt his howl is even about me, but I must return.

"I'll be back sweetheart." I pat her leg.

"You're leaving, how do I know you'll be back?" She looks panicked.

"I will, I promise."

"Tonight?'"

I smile and nod.