Zone Zero: Vengeance (Book 3 of 3)

Epilogue Part 1

Alex's POV

The trees are but a blur as I race by at an astonishing speed. I don't even need to look at the car's speed indicator to know that I am going way too fast. But it's still not fast enough.

Its been far too long since I've made this trip and I can't seem to get to my destination quick enough.

I think back to the last time I drove down these roads and what was waiting for me when I arrived and smile fondly. Two sets of gorgeous green eyes met me with love and excitement last time and hopefully this time will be no different.

I turn down the long and overgrown driveway and make my way closer towards the lake house. The trees that stand as cover for the lake house's entrance are green and lush as expected for spring time.

Finally, the house comes into view and I slow my speed down before coming to a complete stop.

The next thing I see melts my heart in more ways than one.

The scene before me is picturesque. If I had a camera with me I would take a thousand pictures to never forget this scene.

Annerly is playing with a doll on the steps to the front porch and her eyes dart to me as soon as the car comes into her view. She knows it's me before I even stop the car and is waving at me from the safety of the lake house steps.

Once I step out of the car and quickly make my way to her, the smile she was wearing triples in size.

"Alex!" She screams with her arms in the air for me to pick her up.

I do as she commands and grab her in my arms and swing her around wildly as her fits of hysterical laughter fills my ears. When I stop and set her down she looks dizzy so I am sure to help her stand.

"I've missed you so much!" She shouts before wrapping her arms tightly around me as I do the same to her.

"I've missed you too Annie. How old are you now? 20? 25?" I ask jokingly.

"No silly. I'm 6 and a half!" She exclaims loudly standing straight as ever to show how tall she now is.

"What? 6 and a half? Are you sure? You're so tall for your age."

"Uh-huh. I'm tall like my daddy was." She nods as she speaks and I can sense her pride at being like her late father.

"You know, when I first met your daddy I wasn't sure he was going to like me. But soon enough, we became friends. Well, kind of." I explain.

"Aunty Evie says that daddy was a really nice person and he liked you because you saved her a bunch of times."

I rub the back of my neck as she speaks about times that were almost forgotten.

"I don't know about me saving her a bunch of times but I know that she saved me a few. In fact, she was so strong she even saved me from dying."

Her expression grows into one of astonishment and her smile grows wider to showcase her missing tooth. Evie mentioned the tooth when I spoke with her few days ago.

"Is that a missing tooth I see? I hope the tooth fairy came to visit you."

"Uh-huh, she sure did. She bought me a new dolly. See?"

With that she shoves the doll she was holding under my nose until it blocks my vision completely. I laugh at her excitement and pan her head sweetly. Her Auburn hair has darkened and grown way past her shoulders in loose curls and reminds me of the first time I ever saw Evie. Her hair curled down her back the same way and looked as soft as silk. It even felt that way too. I must admit that playing with her hair is a favourite past time of mine.