by Kris Norris
Ham forced himself to breathe, widening the neck so he and Wolfe could slip the damn tee over her head without hurting her side. Her beautiful face disappeared behind a flash of blue before reappearing out the top, her eyes filled with disbelief. Ham wanted to lean forward and kiss the cute lines creasing the bridge of her nose, but he held firm, tugging the shirt the rest of the way down her body.
Her shoulders relaxed as the fabric fell to her hips, their hands leaving her side. Unspoken questions swirled in her eyes, and he couldn’t resist tucking a curl of hair behind her ear. The silky feel jackhammered his heart against his ribs, and he knew he’d spend the rest of the day wondering what it’d be like to hold the thick mass in his hands as she kissed every inch of his skin, finally taking his straining cock inside her mouth. He could practically feel the wet heat of her tongue, the sweet pressure of her touch. Then he pictured her doing the same to Wolfe and Gunner and damn near creamed his pants.
Ham pushed the images out of his head, taking a moment to look at her—really look. In all the commotion, he realized he hadn’t taken the time to commit every feature to memory. Sure, he’d noticed the brilliant green of her eyes and the way her hair hung in a long mass halfway down her back. How her button nose and high cheekbones highlighted the easy symmetry of her face or the way her lips glistened when she swiped her tongue across them, accentuating the delicate shade of pink that matched the light blush of her cheeks.
But when he gazed deeper, he saw so much more than just a stunning smile and passionate eyes. He saw strength that equaled that beauty. Saw the pain she’d suffered fighting to survive. How the battle against unknown forces had left scars, the worst of which she’d hidden inside, shielding them from view. But they were still there—in the dark smudges beneath her eyes and the oppressive tension straining her shoulders and back. No amount of bravado and avoidance could bury her fears from anyone who cared enough to look. And Ham swore that he’d fight his way in—slay whatever demons still lurked inside her, threatening to kill her from within.
Morgan twitched under his perusal, and he realized he’d spent the last minute just staring at her. Drinking in the simple pleasure of being close to her.
He chuckled and took a step back. “Sorry, baby. You’re just so damn beautiful it makes my eyes hurt.”
A genuine smile lit up her face, her cheeks staining a delightful pink color. He waved at the couch, and the smile faded. Fear replaced the pleasure that had momentarily gleamed in her eyes as she glanced at the old sofa then at each of them.
Ham sighed, reclaiming the lost distance between them. “It’s okay. Like I said before. We’ve got all day… The night, too, if you need it. No matter how long, we’ll wait. Do you know why?”
She shook her head but didn’t speak.
“Because we know the kind of men we are. That we’d rather die than break a promise. That there isn’t a force on this Earth that could ever make us hurt you. If it takes you a day, a week—hell, a year—to see that then that’s how long we’ll keep trying. Keep proving that your trust in us will never be misplaced. That it’s not going to change from day-to-day. So take your time. We’ll still be here.”
With that he turned, silently telling Wolfe and Gunner to return to their seats. Gunner pressed his lips tight then headed for the chair by the table, kicking the seat back enough to slide in. Wolfe claimed the other chair, his gaze scanning the front yard again. Hamilton smiled and collapsed on the couch, leaving enough room for Morgan should she decide to sit. He relaxed his head against the back of the sofa, closing his eyes as he released a slow breath, praying she didn’t take the opportunity to dart out the door. Not that they couldn’t catch her. But somehow chasing her across the hard ground didn’t seem like the way to build their trust.
The room grew quiet, nothing but the steady whisper of their combined breathing sounding in the small space. Ham remained still, wanting to open his eyes but knowing the decision had to be hers. Time crawled by until the floor next to the sofa creaked a moment before the cushion beside him dipped from her light weight.
He didn’t smile, didn’t do anything that might be taken as a sign of arrogance. Instead, he actually relaxed, content in the knowledge that she was safe. That if he needed, he could reach out and touch her. That anything threatening her life would have to go through Wolfe, Gunner and him in order to reach her.
Morgan sighed, the gentle brush of her hand on his catching him by surprise. His eyelids flew open, and he straightened, scanning the room before gazing at her. She pursed her lips together, following suit as she surveyed the space before focusing back on him. Her expression clearly suggested that she thought he wasn’t quite sane, but it didn’t matter. All he saw were those green eyes looking at him.
He leaned a bit closer. “You okay?”
She nodded, glancing at Wolfe and Gunner. Indecision furrowed her brow before she sighed, finally easing back in the cushion. She seemed to have come to a decision, and he held his breath, praying he’d like whatever she was about to tell them.
She interlaced her fingers in her lap, staring at them for what felt like forever before raising her gaze. “Ten months.”
Hamilton frowned, quickly looking at Wolfe and Gunner. They shrugged, scraping their chairs over until they formed a semi-circle around her.
Ham reached for her hand, damn near moaning when she placed her delicate fingers in his. God, it was like holding his dreams in one small caress. “I’m afraid we’re not following you. What’s been ten months?”
Her lips twitched. “That’s how long I’ve been alone.”
“Christ, Morgan. That’s a lifetime in this fucked up world.”
She shrugged. “You get used to it. But I guess I’ve forgotten how to be around other people without assuming the worst. The few I’ve run into…”
She shuddered and Ham heard Gunner and Wolfe’s low growls. Hell yeah. He whole-heartedly agreed. Nothing and no one would ever threaten her again. Period.
She stared at them, looking as if she’d never had anyone care about her. Choose to put their life on the line for her. “I assume those growls mean you get how the story ended. It wasn’t pretty. Thankfully, I’d learned how to fight well enough to hold my own before the damn world ended. Got me out of situations alive.”
Gunner chuckled. “Honey, the way you downed Bobby was more than just ‘well enough’. The man’ll be singing soprano for a week. And Hamilton told us about that first night—taking on two guys with your hands bound.” He tilted his head. “Don’t suppose you’ll tell us what you used to do?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” She motioned to the cabin. “Forest ranger. And trust me. Creepy guys are nothing compared to a pissed off elk.”
Wolfe snorted. “Damn, I didn’t see that coming. Figured you for a state cop or something. But I like the surprise. So how did you end up at Beau’s camp?”
The lines around her eyes deepened and for a moment, Ham thought she’d shut down again. Instead, she took a deep breath, playing with the end of the blanket half-pooled on the floor.
“I needed to do a supply run. Despite my best efforts, it’s next to impossible to avoid any excursions into the towns. I thought I’d be safe, sticking to the more remote ones. But Beau and a couple of his men cornered me inside a store. Said they’d give me food, medical supplies, bottled water, if I came back to the camp. I’ve known Beau for twenty years. Worked with him on a few wild animal cases in town. Never thought the man was capable of…” Her voice faded off and she seemed to swallow with some difficulty. “Anyway, it was just a lie to get me there. Outnumbered. Alone.”
Gunner reached forward, gently taking her other hand. “Not everyone still breathing is like Beau. Our compound… The people there are decent. Respectful. It’s far from perfect, and we’ve all had to make concessions—”
“Like what?”
There was no mistaking the panic in her voice.
Gunner glanced at him, silently asking him how much Ham thought
he should tell her. Ham sighed, aware that if they withheld anything—were anything less than completely honest—she’d run. Maybe not now, but she’d run, and they’d never find her again. He gave Gunner a nod, praying the truth didn’t send her screaming from the cabin.
Gunner gave her hand a squeeze. “First, folks have agreed to remain inside the barriers unless they go out with a suitable team. It’s a bit restricting, but it keeps everyone alive. Wolfe, Ham and I are one of a few reconnaissance teams there. It’s been our job to search for survivors. Bring those that are willing back to the complex.”
Her eyes narrowed. “So when you said you’d been casing Beau’s camp, you meant you were trying to determine if they were a good fit?”
“Pretty much.” He huffed. “There’re damn few humans left, honey. We have to give any possibility a fair chance.” He scowled. “I’m sure it isn’t a surprise that the bastard failed the test.”
“That’s comforting.” She snagged her bottom lip, looking incredibly sexy as she worried it between her teeth. “Anything else?”
Gunner’s mouth pulled tight. “Besides the obvious rationing and shit, there is one other issue we had to compromise on.”
“And that would be…”
“Couplings.”
She frowned. “You mean you control who has sex?”
“No. Nothing like that.” He scrubbed his hand down his face. “It sounded reasonable when we all first discussed it. But having to say it out loud, yeah, it’s not quite as sane.” He took a deep breath. “Because of the limited number of women, the men agreed to court prospective lovers as a group. To avoid physical confrontations.”
She snorted. “As a group? What the hell does that mean?”
“It means multi-partner relationships. Three men for every woman.”
Morgan’s eyes widened, and she stared at them as if seeing them for the first time.
Wolfe moved forward, clasping his hand over both of hers, seemingly indifferent to the fact Ham and Gunner still had a hold beneath him. “It’s not what you think. The groups already established… They make it work. And not because they have to. Fuck. This is going to sound crazy, and we don’t want you to think we’re trying to get in your pants—”
“Aren’t you?”
Wolfe chuckled. “Damn, you’re feisty. And whether we want in your pants or not isn’t our call to make. It’s yours. It’ll always be yours. But you’re missing the point. What I’m trying to say is that these groups are more than just a way to keep peace. It’s a connection. A common goal if you will.”
Gunner huffed. “What Wolfe is trying to say is…we finally get why it works. How three guys can put their pride aside to ensure the woman they care about is safe. Loved.” He eased back. “We just thought you should know. So there aren’t any surprises if you agree to come back with us. To the compound, I mean.”
She nodded, glancing at where they still held her hands, but surprising them by not pulling away. “Is this a requirement?”
Gunner frowned. “That you pair up? Hell no. We’ve been there since the start and never considered it…at least not before…”
That lovely blush stained her cheeks again. “I think I understand. It’s just…”
Ham gave her fingers a squeeze. “You’re not sure whether to believe us or not. It’s cool. Trust takes time. It has to be earned. Proven. We get it. All we’re asking for is a chance.”
The indecision returned to her gaze as she stared at them.
Hamilton gave one last plea. “Please. Just a chance.”
Her shoulders drooped as if she’d allowed herself to relax slightly. “Fine. A chance. But I’m not making any promises.”
“Wouldn’t expect you to.”
Gunner and Wolfe grinned, finally releasing their hold. Hamilton held on for a few moments more, not wanting to lose the contact, however innocent. He stared at her hand in his, wondering how she fought so hard when her hands seemed so small before she cleared her throat. He glanced up, pinned by the stunning smile gracing her lips. God, she was breath-taking.
She nodded at her hand. “You okay?”
“Fine. I just…” How did he say he didn’t want to let go without it coming across as a line?
“I guess I don’t need that hand right now. But it doesn’t mean—”
“Anything more than what it is.”
She nodded, taking one last look around before letting her head fall back against the cushion as she closed her eyes. He watched her give herself over to exhaustion, humbled by the fact she’d allowed him to keep ahold of her hand. Though it seemed a simple gesture, he knew it meant more.
Hamilton shuffled a bit closer. He’d meant what he’d said. They’d give her all the time she needed. And that time started now.
Chapter Eight
“Fuck!”
Wolfe ran along the rocky path, stopping just long enough to down two infected closing in fast before hoofing it again, using his years of training to fight through the incessant burning in his muscles. He had eight shots left, which was at least a few dozen less than he’d need if they didn’t reach the next ranger cabin soon.
He crested a small rise, gaining on Gunner, Morgan and Hamilton as they continued north, Morgan positioned between the other two men. They’d only been able to stay a couple of days at the first cabin, just until Morgan could move without feeling as if she might pass out from the pain in her ribs. There’d been no sign of Beau, but Gunner hadn’t wanted to risk that the creep might come looking for them. They’d headed out in the truck, but the damn thing had run out of gas within a few hours, and they’d been on foot ever since.
Thankfully, Morgan knew the area intimately, her years as a ranger a godsend, and she’d been taking them from one remote cabin to the next, giving them a relatively safe place to stay most nights before striking off again in the morning. They’d been heading steadily northward for three weeks, sticking to the trails and dirt roads, only venturing into the small towns when forced to. Their unconventional path had allowed them to avoid most of the small pockets of roaming zombies that seemed to gather close to the built-up areas, leaving the four of them to travel in peace the majority of the time. That was until they’d stumbled upon a group of the creatures nearly an hour ago. They bastards had immediately given chase, their increased speed and agility proving to be far more dangerous than Wolfe had originally thought. And if they didn’t find some form of shelter soon, he and the others would run out of steam.
He clenched his teeth as the inklings of a cramp built along one thigh. He hadn’t drank nearly enough, not that the others had, either. But damn. He didn’t know how much longer he could run without a break.
The path along the ridge grew steeper, the increased elevation making his lungs burn. He followed the others, ensuring nothing got past him as they headed toward another tree-lined trail. Hamilton had just reached the start when he skidded to a halt and bent his head low beside Morgan’s. Wolfe cursed and drew up next to them, glancing over his shoulder. Close to a dozen infected bobbed along the path, their heads appearing above the distant incline. No more than a few minutes behind them, the creatures just kept coming, seemingly oblivious to fatigue or the reduced amount of oxygen. Grunts and howls echoed the thunder of footsteps as they pounded along the dirt, their movements disturbingly steady.
Wolfe grabbed Ham’s arm, careful not to clench too hard. They were all on the brink of exhaustion. Wolfe didn’t need to make matters worse by allowing his frustration to color his actions. “We need to keep moving. They’re gaining on us.”
Ham glanced at Morgan. Wolfe followed his stare, cursing again at the shadowed look on her face. She was in pain.
He crowded close to her. “Your ribs acting up again?”
Guilt swam across her expression. “I just need a moment.”
“We don’t have any of those left, sweetheart. I’ll carry you.”
He reached for her, but she took a step back.
“I don’t need yo
u to carry me. Besides, we’ll never outrun them. They don’t get tired. They don’t quit. We need to lose them.”
“I know what we need to do, but damn… There’s nowhere to go.”
“I have a plan.” She glanced at the running horde then back to them. “Do you boys trust me?”
“Fuck yes, just make a decision and make it now.”
Morgan’s eyes widened then she was off, darting into the trees then down a small path off to their left. It headed back toward the ridgeline, and Wolfe got a sinking feeling that he knew what she had planned. Even with all the advances in the creatures, they still lacked a few key abilities. And he’d bet his ass she was about to capitalize on that fact.
Hamilton sped up, staying beside her even when the trail narrowed, the encroaching brush slapping against him. Morgan yelled something that sounded like, ‘get behind me,’ but if the man had heard her, he’d simply ignored her request, keeping his vigil at her side. Wolfe heard her huff as she took a vee in the path, heading toward an opening in the trees. They broke clear of the woods as they entered a rocky section of the cliff, a noticeable drop-off looming ahead.
Morgan continued toward the edge, finally stopping just shy of the lip. She glanced behind him, swearing under her breath. He didn’t need to turn around to know the horde was close. He could hear the steady scuffle of their feet as they broached the rocks. Feel the ground tremble from their close proximity. If there were going to make a move, they needed to do it now.
He touched Morgan on the arm. “Sweetheart…”
“Trust, right?”
Then she turned and ran at the edge, launching off it. Hamilton screamed her name, racing to the drop-off, reaching out as if he could grab her and pull her back. But she’d already hit the water below, a ring of waves marking her entrance. Wolfe held his breath, hissing it out through clenched teeth when she finally surfaced, glancing up at them as she moved into the center of the pool.
