Year One (Chronicles of The One, #1)

by Nora Roberts

In the scramble for vaccines, distribution ran through complex and maddening loops. Delays incited rioting, looting, violence. It didn’t matter, as the vaccines proved as ineffective as the fraudulent cures selling briskly on the Internet. Across the globe, heads of state urged calm and called for order, promised assistance, spoke of policies. Schools closed, countless businesses locked their doors as people were urged to limit contact with others. The sale of surgical masks, gloves, over-the-counter and prescription flu remedies, bleach, and disinfectants soared.

Commercial air travel shut down in week two in the vain hope of stopping or slowing the spread. Most who fled before the travel bans, leaving their homes, their cities, even their countries, died elsewhere.

“Jesus, get off his back.” Eric patted Shaun’s knee. “It’s not the end of the world because, hey, that pretty much already happened.” Hands clenched at his sides, Max stepped forward. He knew his brother. He recognized the attitude. “Did you help yourself, Eric?” “What if I did? Are you going to vote me off the island?

I’m Flynn. “His name is Flynn.” “Huh? How do you know?” “He just told me. He has elfin blood.” “He has … He’s an elf?” Mouth gaping open, Eddie swiveled around to look back. “Like, you know, Will Ferrell in the movie?” With a delight he’d all but forgotten, Max laughed. “Christ, Eddie, you never fail me.

“Ain’t that some shit? I met a fucking elf. Well, I guess he’ll be all right then. And he’s got that big dog, too.” “That’s not a dog. His name says what he is. Lupa. Wolf.” “Now you’re shitting me. You’re not shitting me,” Eddie realized. “I gave a Milk-Bone to a wolf? I petted a wolf? That is freaking awesome!” “It’s a brave new world, Eddie.” Max made the turn at the bend. “It’s a brave new fucking world.”

And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. —John 1:5

“When’s your birthday?” “My birthday?” “I need to know something more personal about you.” “Weird, but June second.” “Your middle name.” He smiled a little. “James.” “The first time you had sex.” “Come on.” “I’m serious. You’re about to study my vagina.”