AFTER + Zombies

Chapter 2

Steph and I walk up the steps to the frat house, the music blaring and colored lights shining through the windows.

I shake my head at the commotion. "They might as well put up a flashing neon sign that says 'ZOMBIE CHOW HERE.'"

Steph laughs. "Yeah, it's not exactly under the radar. But after the week we've had, we deserve to let off some steam. Besides, the threat level has been downgraded. We should enjoy it while it lasts."

I adjust the strap of my katana holster on my shoulder and nod. "I bet as soon as the military hear about this they'll shut it down. I'd say we have about an hour before they spot the lights or a neighbor calls it in."

She puts a hand on my shoulder and grins. "All the more reason to start the fun now."

When we walk through the door the first thing I see is Hardin strutting down the stairs, dressed in black skinny jeans and a white t-shirt that is thin enough to show off his many tattoos underneath. He smiles when he sees us. "Hey, I didn't expect to see you here."

"Why not?" I ask.

He shrugs. "I assumed you would be studying, what with classes starting again tomorrow."

"We've just had two days off. All I've been doing is studying." There wasn't much else to do while we waited for campus to be cleared of corpses and the perimeters secured.

He rolls his eyes. "Of course you have."

"What have you been doing the last two days?" I ask.

He smirks and gestures to the party going on around us. "This."

I scoff. "Of course."

"Tessa!" a voice calls, and I turn to see Zed walking over with two drinks in his hands. He holds one out for me. "Drink?"

I nod and take it. "Thanks."

He smiles wide and eyes my sword. "Why don't you relax, take your sword off."

I shake my head sternly. "No, I'm good. I don't like to leave my katana lying around, especially with everything that happened this week."

He winks at me. "I'll protect you."