The Kiss: An Anthology About Love and Other Close Encounters(78)

“War?” Abbie asked. “I do hope you’re being dramatic.”

“I wish that were true,” Wallace said. “A lot of people have died while you were asleep, Sister. Millions.”

Abbie felt sick.

Millions.

It just didn’t seem possible.

“I know it’s a lot to take in,” Wallace said, “but I don’t really have time to break it to you slowly.”

“Tim mentioned werewolves,” Abbie said, “not vampires. That whole TV thing…”

“It was real,” Wallace said. “And yes, it’s what started this. Dr. Bates should have never televised the transformation. If the declaration video is any indication, the werewolves are in charge. From what we’ve seen, vampires aren’t exactly thinkers. They run entirely on instinct. Most likely, the wolves are using the vamps as foot soldiers.”

“Did you know this was coming?” Abbie asked.

“Humanity had no idea this was about to happen,” Wallace said.

Abbie cocked an eyebrow. “You’re hiding something.”

“I’m not hiding anything,” Wallace said, “but I am leaving out some details, for security reasons. You can trust me, though. This attack was a complete shock to the human race. We lost several major world cities on the first night. Since then, we’ve gotten our footing, but things are bleak, Sister. Very bleak.”

“Why do you want to recruit me?” Abbie asked. “I’m not a soldier. I’m a nun.”

“The two professions aren’t mutually exclusive,” Wallace said. “Not anymore.”

“They told you, didn’t they,” Abbie said. “They told you what I did.”

Wallace smiled. “Of course they did. You’re a hero to them. Hell, you’re a superhero to them. You have a very rare ability.”

“Can you explain it?”

Wallace shook his head. “Not really. During the first assault, we got a few reports of others who could do what you did. They were able to hurt vampires with a touch. We don’t really know why. This is all very new. We’re still trying to separate myth from reality.”

“The others who could do it,” Abbie said. “Were they religious people?”

“Some,” Wallace said, “but not all. As far as we can tell, there’s no correlation between religion and this ability. We’ve found Christians, Jews, Muslims, and atheists who can do it. The only thing we know is that it’s very, very rare. Probably less than one percent of the population.”

“Interesting,” Abbie said.

“And,” Wallace added, “we know the vampires call you ‘channelers.’ Whatever that means.”

“That’s why you want me to join you,” Abbie said. “Because I have this ability.”

“That’s one of the reasons,” Wallace said, “but it’s most certainly not the main reason.”

“What’s the main reason?”

“You’re a warrior,” he said flatly.

Abbie laughed. “I’m many things, Mr. Wallace, but a warrior isn’t one of them. I despise war.”

“Spoken like a true warrior,” Wallace said with a smile. “Sister, I don’t know how much you remember from the other night, but you killed hundreds of vampires. Hundreds.”

“I simply did what I had to do,” Abbie said.

“Exactly,” Wallace said. “The world isn’t what humanity thought it was. Evil creatures exist. In the past week, humanity has learned that evil is not a point of view. It’s a tangible thing. A thing that must be stomped out of existence. There are other channelers, Sister, but there aren’t many like you. You’re not just a channeler. You’re not just a warrior. You’re both.”

“What exactly would I be joining?” Abbie asked. “An army?”

“We don’t have a name yet,” Wallace said. “At least nothing official. Right now, we’re simply a coalition. Every military organization in the world is working together. We’re pooling all resources, from information to soldiers.”

“So it took an invasion of vampires to make us finally stop killing each other,” Abbie said.

Wallace chuckled. “I suppose so.”

“I’ll think it over,” Abbie said. “I have a thousand more questions, but I suppose they can wait.”

“I hope that’s a yes,” Wallace said. “I really don’t have time to court you. Just know, we need you, Sister. Humanity needs you.”

“Of course it’s a yes,” Abbie said. “It’s not like I have a choice.”

Wallace sighed, obviously relieved. “I’m sure the doctors will want to keep you for observation for another day or so. As soon as they release you, we’ll start your training.”

“So when I join your group of soldiers,” Abbie said, “what will I be doing? I have no military training.”

“All that stuff can be learned,” Wallace said. “And let me be clear about something… I’m not asking you to join my soldiers. I’m asking you to lead them.”

Abbie fell back onto her bed and stared at the room’s ceiling. “Nothing will ever be the same again.”