What Remains: Untainted

by Kris Norris

  Colby slowed, glancing behind him. “We can’t chance the route through the buildings. Abby didn’t have time to lock the doors after our first meeting, and I don’t want to get stuck in there only to discover it’s crawling with Gray.”

  “Then we’d best go up.”

  “It’ll take a few minutes to climb that high.”

  Darcy patted his guns. “Barrett and I have it all under control.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Colby checked the corridor then darted down to the rope still hanging halfway along the building.

  He gave it a few hard tugs then made a quick loop, securing it around his waist. “Abby, give me your bag.”

  She huffed but handed it over, knowing he was far stronger than her. Hell, she wasn’t even convinced she could get all the way to the top.

  He touched her shoulder. “I’ll toss the rope back in a couple of minutes. Don’t go anywhere.”

  She wasn’t sure where he thought she’d suddenly wander off to, but she nodded just the same, watching as he shimmied up the first few feet before placing his feet on the wall and clambering up as if it was something he did every day. Fear roiled through her stomach as he crested the building, disappearing for a moment before looking over and throwing the rope at her. It snapped to the ground beside her.

  Darcy grabbed the loop and snugged it around her waist. “Make sure you keep your body hinged and your feet against the building. Colby will help pull you up.”

  She wanted to argue that she didn’t need Colby’s help, but the words wouldn’t form on her tongue right. Instead, she zipped up the line as Darcy gave her a shove from below, swinging to plant her feet on the wall. She’d only managed to climb a few feet when Darcy yelled something. She swung her gaze to her left, gasping when several Gray rounded the building, their hollow grunts echoing down the corridor. Colby tugged at the rope from above, raising her half a foot, when she realized they wouldn’t all make it.

  Instinct took over, and Abby dropped her feet off the wall, easing her grip as she slid back to the ground. She yanked at the rope, ignoring the frantic shouts from Colby as she ran to Barrett and handed him the line.

  He turned, looking at her as if he’d seen a ghost. “Abby? What the fuck? Get your ass back on the rope and up the wall!”

  She shook her head, swinging the assault rifle against her shoulder. “Listen to me. It’ll take me twice as long to climb that damn thing as you two combined. I’m just not strong enough. But if you and Darcy get up there, the three of you can pull me up in a matter of seconds.”

  He growled, killing three zombies before glaring at her. “You’re not staying down here alone.”

  “You have to trust me on this one, Barrett. I can hold them off.”

  “And if you can’t?”

  She motioned to the doorway of the other building. “Then I’ll take my chances inside until we can rendezvous.” She shook the rope this time. “Please.”

  Barrett cursed but grabbed the rope, not even bothering to tighten it around his waist as he jumped up, covering half the height of the wall in a matter of seconds. She turned her attention to the creatures, taking her spot beside Darcy. The man didn’t talk, just kept himself between her and the dead hurtling down the alley, never missing a shot. They’d killed a couple of dozen when the rope landed again, the loud thud making her jump. She handed it to Darcy, praying he wouldn’t argue.

  Darcy took it, shucking the bag from his shoulders. He paused to kill more Gray as they swarmed in from both sides, their pale flesh ghost-like against the shadowed buildings. Abby stood at Darcy’s side, unloading her entire clip before reaching into her pocket and grabbing another magazine.

  “Damn it, Abby, forget the fucking magazine and wrap your arms around my neck!”

  She stared at Darcy, not sure what the hell he was planning when he yanked her against his chest, slipping the rope over her head and tugging it tight.

  “No. Darcy. I’ve got the keys. I’ll just—”

  “My neck! Now!”

  She obeyed, cinching her arms around his neck and under one shoulder as he grabbed the rope and launched them both up, planting his feet on the wall as he pulled at the rope, inching them along the wall. Abby’s gut clenched, her breath heavy in her chest as she watched the ground fade away, the undulating horde clawing at the wall as Darcy lifted them above the rotting limbs, the sound of their bones scratching against the brick sending shivers down her spine. Shots echoed through the air as Barrett and Colby leaned over the edge, dwindling the numbers swarming below them with every bullet.

  She tightened her hold, not sure how Darcy moved both their weight, praying she hadn’t just signed his death warrant. Her hands started to cramp, and she dug her nails into her wrists, the stark reality of Darcy’s strength compared to hers making her eyes burn. Darcy grunted, his breathing short and labored as he climbed the wall, his muscles clenching beneath her arms as he somehow raised one hand over the other, his feet striking the wall. Colby and Barrett swung their guns to their backs and reached toward them as they neared the top, their hands closing around Darcy’s arms as they pulled from above, dragging both of them over the lip.

  Barrett snagged her by the waist, gently lowering her to the roof. “You can let go now, love.”

  She tried to unclench her hands, but her body didn’t seem to be listening. The inklings of panic crawled up her spine when Barrett sighed, gently releasing her fingers before slipping her arms free, pulling her to her feet. She closed her eyes, resting her forehead against his chest as she wiggled her fingers, assuring herself they were still there. Barrett rubbed his hand along her side, his heart hammering with hers.

  She took a few deep breaths, pushing away and turning to Darcy. “I don’t know how you…I mean…” She swallowed. “I’m sorry about the other bag.”

  She moved into his arms, wondering how she’d survived without them. How she’d ever convinced herself to keep going without knowing there was something worth fighting for. She owed them so much more than just her life.

  He gave her a squeeze, dropping a kiss on the top of her head. “You’re insane, you know that? And I don’t give a damn about the bloody bag.”

  “If I hadn’t let Barrett go first, you two would have been overrun, and you know it.”

  He sighed. “Being right doesn’t make me feel any better…or change my mind about it. We’re just damn lucky you weigh next to nothing.”

  She snorted, smiling against his chest. “Thank you.”

  He chuckled, tapping her butt as he backed up. “Just don’t get all pissy when I toss you over my lap later.”

  Her grin widened. “As long as I get fair turnabout. I wasn’t the only one who risked my life out there.”

  “Touché. But I get to go first.”

  “Get me to this compound of yours, and you’ve got yourself a deal.”

  “Then show us the way, darling. The Hummer’s by the main gate.”

  She tiptoed up, giving him a quick kiss before repeating it with Colby and Barrett. Then she dashed off, her ponytail slapping her shoulder. One more obstacle and they were free.

  * * * *

  Survivor compound. Northern Colorado. Three months later…

  Abby rubbed the bridge of her nose, hoping the simple action would ease the pressure building between her eyes. She’d been on her feet for eighteen hours straight, and it was getting to the point she wasn’t even sure if she was awake or dreaming. She braced her hands on one of the tables they’d set up for patients, hoping the current emergency was over. An outbreak of Cholera had kept her up for the better part of the past week, and as she’d reminded the boys more than once, she still wasn’t used to treating humans.

  The thought made her laugh. Since they’d arrived at the command center a few months ago, she’d barely seen the outside of the damn building. They’d returned to a much graver situation than the men could have anticipated. A member of one of the other recon groups had returned infected and had in turn i
nfected the doctor before the man had realized the danger. Several others had suffered a similar fate, and command had still been in the process of controlling the chaos when they’d pulled up to the gates.

  She sighed. At least no one had batted an eye about their unusual relationship, not that theirs was a first. As Colby had alluded to at the tower, several multi-partner groups had already been established, and the powers-that-be hadn’t done so much as blink when Colby had briefed them on their mission. Though she personally believed the fact she had medical knowledge had helped sway command’s opinion regarding the guys’ change in operational status. They’d held true to their promise and had only left the compound on aid missions in the immediate area, though knowing what they faced outside the center’s walls still scared her.

  Abby straightened. Life had risks. It was as simple as that these days, and agonizing over the fact her lovers put themselves at greater risk for the sake of others was a reality she had to accept. And if she was being honest with herself, their self-sacrifice only made her prouder of them.

  She rolled her head, trying to stretch her neck when a set of hands settled on her shoulders. She jumped, ramming her elbow backward as she dropped her weight and twisted, successfully freeing herself. A surprised grunt sounded behind her as she lunged forward, turning to face her attacker.

  Darcy stood behind her, shaking his head as he rubbed the spot on his chest where she’d made contact. “Tough day, darling?”

  Abby shook a finger at him. “Don’t scare me like that. You know I haven’t slept much this past week, and I tend to react on instinct.”

  “I thought I was being romantic, but…”

  She exhaled a weary breath, walking over to him and resting against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, placing a kiss on her forehead as he held her tight, the easy beat of his heart soothing some of the rawness she hadn’t realized she’d been harboring.

  She pulled back slightly, offering her mouth, smiling when he raised one hand and speared it through her hair, tilting her head back as he ravaged her lips, kissing her as if he’d forgotten how she tasted. She matched his intensity, tangling her tongue with his until he finally eased off, still holding her tight.

  Darcy hummed, trailing one hand down her back to cup her ass. “God, I’ve missed you. And I know Colby and Barrett feel the same.” He motioned to the room. “Please tell me you’re done for the day.”

  “No new cases in the past twelve hours. I’ve got everyone on electrolytes and rehydration therapy with volunteers watching them for the next several hours. So yeah, I’m done. And not a moment too soon. I’m so tired, I can’t even see straight.”

  He gave her a sexy smile. “Not too tired, I hope.”

  “I’m never that tired, baby, especially when it’s been a few days.” She chuckled. “Call me crazy, but I thought having three lovers meant I wouldn’t have to go without.”

  Darcy scoffed at her, clutching his chest. “Are you actually questioning our virility, darling, because I’m fairly certain that’s grounds for an all-nighter, assuming you can stay awake long enough to get naked.”

  “I’ll do much better than simply getting naked. And whether I’m challenging you depends on how long I’ll get if I’m not.”

  Darcy tsked her. “What you’ll get is tied to the damn bed.” He snagged her arm, tugging her hard against him again. “But before we head down that road, we’ve got a surprise for you.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Surprise?”

  He nodded over his shoulder, and she pulled back enough to see Barrett and Colby standing at the doorway. Their hands were hidden behind their backs, their mouths curved into smug grins. She snagged her bottom lip between her teeth as Darcy led her across the room, stopping just short of the men. She gave them all a confused look when Barrett and Colby stepped aside. A low whimper sounded behind them, and she looked down, her breath catching when her gaze clashed with two sets of deep brown eyes set against thick white fur.

  Her heart skipped a beat as she went to her knees, staring in disbelief as the dogs moved toward her, sniffing her outstretched hand before giving it a lick. Tears pooled and fell as she gave them each a scratch behind the ears, laughing when they curled against her, their tails wagging across her arm.

  Abby drew a deep breath, knowing her voice would be shaky but not really caring. She stared up at the men, not sure she knew what to say. “Where did you find them?”

  Colby crouched beside her, rubbing the dog closest to him. “They were hiding in one of the abandoned buildings in town. Barrett saw them and decided we couldn’t leave them behind. I think they might be mates because the big guy got pretty possessive over the little lady.”

  She focused back on the dogs, her training kicking in. She stood, giving them each a quick once over, smiling as she turned to the men. “He has good reason. Seems our little lass here is pregnant—due any day, I suspect.”

  She leaned over and picked the dog up, whistling to the male. It followed along, not giving her so much as a growl as she placed the female on the table. “Barrett. Hold on to her for me. I wouldn’t want her to fall.”

  He nodded, stepping forward, scratching the dog as she gathered supplies. None of the men spoke as she examined both animals in turn, taking blood samples and checking vitals, enjoying in the simple privilege of working with animals again. When she finally finished, she put down a couple of bowls of water, watching them share one before moving to the next.

  Barrett moved in behind her, dropping his hands on her waist. “Well, doc? What’s the verdict?”

  “Besides being underweight and in need of a bath, they’re both doing just fine.” She looked over her shoulder at him. “Don’t suppose you found any bags of dog food in those buildings you scoured?”

  Barrett grinned. “Colby already piled several in the cabin. And there’s more when you run out of those.”

  Her throat tightened around a lump of emotion, and she met each man’s gaze. “I don’t know what to say to you guys. How…”

  Colby closed the distance between them, brushing his thumb at the new wash of tears streaming down her cheeks. “We may have more brawn than brain at times, but we’d have to be blind to see how much you miss doing what you were born to do. Humans are a poor substitute for the four-legged variety. We thought you might enjoy living here more if you had a couple of real patients to fall back on. Besides, who doesn’t love dogs?”

  She laughed, pulling him toward her and locking her lips on his. She kissed him hard, needing him to know how much she loved them. He groaned against her mouth, deepening the kiss before breaking off, allowing Barrett a chance to receive her thanks. It wasn’t until one of the dogs barked that she managed to ease up. She patted her thigh, and the dogs moved to her heel, looking as if they’d always belonged there.

  Barrett shook his head, taking one hand as they headed for the door, the dogs still on her heels. “How the hell did you get them to do that with nothing more than a damn whistle and a nod? It took me damn near ten minutes to get them calm enough to slip a rope over their heads and lead them out to the Hummer.”

  She shrugged. “It’s all in the delivery. I guess they just know an alpha when they see one.”

  Darcy laughed, lunging forward to get the door. “Bro, she just totally sassed you.”

  Barrett sighed, stopping her before they breached the threshold. “You know you just issued a challenge, right?”

  She gave him a quick kiss. “You can try and prove me wrong, but…”

  Barrett gave her a light spank, rolling his eyes when one of the dogs ruffed at him. “Okay. I don’t mind them living with us, but they’re not sharing the bed.”

  Abby gave him her best smile. “Not even at the foot?”

  Colby strolled up beside her, taking her other hand. “I’d just give up now if I were you, Barrett. You know we seldom win an argument.”

  The man huffed. “Fine. But not until after we finish playing.”

  She
laughed, feeling human for the first time in a long time. “I can live with that. Thank you all for the best gift ever.” She winked at them, patting her stomach. “Guess all we need now to complete the picture is a baby…or two.”

  Barrett stopped dead. “A baby?”

  Colby turned her. “Or two?”

  Darcy coughed. “At the same time?”

  She smiled. “What can I say? Twins run in the family.”

  She laughed at their dumbfounded expressions then darted out the door and across the compound toward their cabin, the dogs still trailing behind her. The men yelled her name, their footsteps beating in sync along the gravel. She made them work just hard enough they were breathing heavy when she slowed, pivoting to meet them. Three sets of hands closed around her, sandwiching her between them. She exhaled a contented breath as each man placed a hand on her belly, their smiles making her heart soar.

  Colby shook his head. “Are you serious? You’re pregnant?”

  She nodded. “It’s still early on, but…guess you guys aren’t all show and no go after all.”

  Darcy laughed. “You’re wicked, darling.”

  “But blessed. Now I believe you promised me you’d uphold your manly duties.”

  Barrett frowned. “Is it safe? I mean…you’re pregnant.”

  “Perfectly. Besides, I understand there’s a period of time where women can’t get enough.”

  Colby smiled, bending to lift her in his arms. “Then I guess you’re lucky you’ve got three men to keep you satisfied.”

  “That I am. Now quit talking and make me scream.”

  About the Author

  Author, single mother, slave to chaos—she’s a jack-of-all-trades who’s constantly looking for her ever elusive clone.

  Kris started writing some years back, and it took her a while to realize she wasn’t destined for the padded room, and that the voices chattering away in her head were really other characters trying to take shape—and since they weren’t telling her to conquer the human race, she went with it. Though she supposes if they had…insert evil laugh.