Free Decay (Book 2): Humanity by Linus Locke

Layla said. Her smile was wide yet anxious. She looked as though she awaited the approval of her parents.
    “Congratulations!” Jonathan exclaimed. He stood up and hugged Layla across the table then reached for Tyler’s hand.
    “Thanks,” Tyler said.
    “What is wrong?” Jonathan asked, sensing hesitation from Tyler.
    “We’ve been talking. We think it is best if we stay here.” Tyler looked away from Jonathan.
    “This is exciting news!” Laikynn chimed in. “I’ll just step over here.” She stood and began to walk away, but Layla called to her.
    “Please stay. This involves you as well.” Laikynn sat down at her request. “After all, we need your approval to stay, right?”
    “You certainly have it, lass,” Laikynn said merrily. “We need to celebrate! With a pint! Well, I’ll drink yours,” Laikynn said as if she was taking one for the team.
    “You are welcome to make your own choices,” Jonathan said. “Given the circumstances I think it is a great idea for you to stay. It may be cold here, but at least it is safe. You need to think about the new addition to your family before you concern yourself with helping me find mine.”
    “Thanks for understanding, Jonathan,” Tyler said. After another round of hugs and handshakes, the couple headed off toward Guillermo to spread the news.
     
    Laikynn had prepared a celebration in honor of Tyler and Layla’s exciting news. A large bonfire in the center of town cast its light on the surrounding mountains. There was music and beer, and all of the fresh food they had on hand was cooked and laid out in a large feast.
    “Jonathan!” Laikynn called. She came walking from the common area toward the fire where Jonathan stood. “I want you to meet a good friend of ours, Eric. Eric, this is Jonathan.”
    “Nice to meet you, Jonathan. Laikynn talks about you pretty much nonstop,” he said. He was shorter than Jonathan, in his early-forties, and had short brown hair with a friendly face.
    “I do not!” Laikynn exclaimed blushing. “Anyway, Eric is our master brewer. He can make a perfect stout from anything.”
    Jonathan smiled. Laikynn looked like she had been hitting the stout a little hard already. “It is very nice to meet you, sir,”
    “There are so many people here that want to thank Guillermo. He has taught our farmers how to build better greenhouses and grow all year long. Too bad none of that is ready yet.” She chuckled as she spooned some thin soup out of a bowl she had been carrying.
    “He is amazing with the plants,” Jonathan agreed. “Have you seen Elliot anywhere? I have not seen him in days.”
    “I didn’t want to say this, but I think he is staying here, also. He too heard about our hordes in the mountains – maybe we need to talk about a little secrecy around here – anyway he has been up at the cages since. He is very interested in our security here.” Laikynn pointed out.
    “He is welcome to stay as long as you are fine with it. I think it may be best if I head out on my own, anyway.”
    “Or maybe I’ll go with you,” Laikynn said, stepping closer to him. Jonathan could smell the alcohol as it overpowered her sweet scent.
    “Don’t these people need you?”
    “Not if they have Elliot and Guillermo,” she replied. “I think the two of them could build something amazing here if given the chance.”
    “Jonathan! Laikynn!” yelled Tyler. “Jonathan!” Tyler waved frantically as he ran down toward them.
    “What is it?” Jonathan asked.
    “There are people coming down the mountains. Lots of people. I didn’t think there were any other populated towns nearby.” Tyler hunched over as he tried to catch his breath.
     
    Elliot stood in a narrow man-made cave. He was amazed by how many fiends they were able to squeeze into each cave. There were three total, each one was essentially one large cage. Over the course of several months they worked to dig out the caves. Small explosives did most of the work. When Laikynn