Maybe it's a mistake, but you want to give Mark a chance. Letting the soldier walk past you as he heads towards the beasts.
"Thanks mate. Get everyone near the radio. I'll let you know what those fuckers are doing."
You look to him, and the area behind him. Mark walking straight to the city, not turning around nor stopping for any reason. You just continuing to watch him go, unsure if what you've done is smart or not, and also entranced by where he approaches. The buildings are still intact, from this distance it looks as if nothing is wrong. Yet you know there's infected everywhere, and you are about to face their full force. You take a deep breath, then rush off to notify the rest of the squad.
From there, word spreads. What you tell the others is ambiguous at best, but they take it as some sort of hope for this upcoming battle. Even the sergeant gives orders to gather and prepare near the radio in case a message comes through. All of you getting geared up in the central structure, radio nearby as you wait for any sound. Hearing that sudden static as Mark's voice is heard.
"They're coming from the east, full assault this time, no strategy. Set up a line, mow em down."
Then silence. The squad suddenly upbeat as more orders are given and defences are set. Facing towards the east, guns and soldiers lined up and pointed downhill. Giving a good look at the area ahead and any possible approach. Spirits high as you all watch and wait... longer and longer as the sun starts to set, and moon starts to rise. Lights turned on so you can still see their point of assault. Still ready to pull the trigger...
"BEHIND!"
You hear the sergeant shout out, turning to see several infected low to the ground and sneaking towards you. The monsters growling. One near the front, a wolf, letting out a long howl as they break their stealth and charge towards you all. A few soldiers quick enough to ready their guns and fire at the beasts. Others not so lucky as they are killed on the spot. Though not everyone is killed, while fighting for your life you see the sergeant thrown to the ground by a male lion. Large and covered in gold fur, mane a light brown. The beast a mass of muscles that easy immobilizes the sergeant. Throwing his gun far away before pinning the man in a tight hug.
"I missed you, 'honey'."
The beast laughs alongside growls. Biting into the sergeant's shoulder as he is helpless in the monster's grasp. You keep trying to fight the infected off. Seeing squamates either killed or bitten. The sounds of gunshots quieting as barely anyone remains. The few human soldiers trying to escape with their lives, yourself included as the furries pursue those who flee. Your body pushing itself past its limits, sprinting away from the monsters. Only to feel incredible pain strike you as a creature tackles into you. Some beast with a large torso and almost inflated looking limbs, wrapping both arms and legs around you, keeping you locked and tight. Short black fur pressing against your skin. You seeing your captor as a grinning gorilla, one whose voice is all too familiar.
"Thanks for letting me go, 'mate'. Let me give you your reward."
Mark moves his mouth near your arm, giving a quick bite as you yell in pain. The beast then holding you still for another few minutes, before licking off the remaining blood and backing away. Returning to the rest of the infected, as you stand there. Completely shocked and at a loss for what to do. Heart racing as you look to the wound and see nothing but the bite mark. Maybe you're alright...?
You try to convince yourself of that, but you know it isn't the case. The infected aren't trying to kill you anymore. They're either feasting on corpses or speaking with one another. A few even look you over, gesturing for you to join them. One in particular, a large male stag wearing tattered army fatigues walks to you. Crossing his arms and grinning as he asks.
"Hey. We're going to clear out the humans trapped in the cars. Want in?"