Chapter 11

ELEVEN

Emma sat in the dimly lit room, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the walls. It was the only light they dared to have for small bouts of time since the windows weren't boarded over.

Ranger must have felt safe, because he'd curled up at her feet, his warmth a comfort to her. She could hear Bash and Alex outside, their voices drifting in through the closed door, and they likely thought she was already asleep. Though she couldn't tell what they were saying, she could tell from their tone that their guard wasn't up. They weren't worried.

And you shouldn't be either then.

And she wasn't.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity since the bombs had dropped, she felt a flicker of safety. The constant fear and uncertainty that had plagued her every waking moment now seemed to dissipate, if only for a brief moment. She could finally relax her tense muscles and take a deep breath without the looming threat of danger. This small taste of security was like a warm embrace after being out in the cold for too long. It was a moment to savor and appreciate, because the traveling may not be the safest.

But for now, Emma let herself bask in its comfort and reassurance.

With a sigh, she leaned forward and ran her fingers through Ranger's coarse fur, her thoughts a whirlwind. Three days ago, five men had shown up instead of one, and everything she thought she knew had exploded like a firework.

In just three days, she'd learned enough about these five to see why they survived together. Each one was a puzzle piece whose personality and even skill set filled a different role. She didn't think they'd function without a single person missing.

Her thoughts drifted to William and even though her eyes were open, all she could see were the green eyes of the man who rushed toward William.

"He's going to be okay." She whispered more to herself than Ranger.

He'd even been down for the small dinner with a smile and a promise to everyone he was fine. William was so different from the others, and seeing him hurt had alarmed her. He was so young in his ways—as if he hadn't seen the same amount of horrors as the others.

These men were so different yet similar. Liam, with his charm and easy smile, always quick to ease the tension. Alex, on the other hand, projected a careless indifference through jokes that belied his caring nature. He was a paramedic for a reason, and it wouldn't have been clout. Chris was so set in his path and determined she wondered if he ever took his eye off the prize to smile and breathe that he was still alive. Bash has a gruff exterior, but when he'd held her earlier, she'd felt the change in him—and it hadn't been entirely sexual.

All of them, as different as night and day or summer and winter, but they shared the same goal.

Saving her.

It was dizzying to think that she, a simple woman, could be the object of such importance in this dystopian wasteland.

Emma thought about their group tattoos. A star, emblazoned with their initials, a symbol of camaraderie and brotherhood. It was a reminder of the sacrifices they'd made to survive in this unforgiving world. Emma knew, in her heart, that they'd make even more dangerous sacrifices if it meant keeping her safe. The weight of that knowledge was suffocating. They were willing to stare down death itself for her sake. It made her feel like a burden but also important.

She wanted to reach out to them all, touch them somehow, and feel their strength under her fingertips. But she knew that was impossible, at least for now.

Ranger barked playfully, and his head lifted seconds before he jumped up and walked across the bed to her. His tail thumped against the wall as if he wanted to alert every one she wasn't asleep and wake up Chris, Liam, and William.

"Hush, you silly pup," Emma whispered, an image of Ranger barking playfully with the others before the bombs, drawing a tear from her eye.

She had made sacrifices she never thought possible to regain her humanity, but Ranger would always remain as a bittersweet reminder of the life she left behind. His presence served as a constant reminder of the cost of her transformation, like a thorn in her side that she couldn't pluck out. Yet despite the pain and longing it brought, she couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence, for the connection she had to her past life.

When you get to the safe haven you can check in on Shadow and Bo.

She lay down on the dusty bed, her body not yet screaming at her for all the things she did today. A few tears fell, and Emma tried not to focus on them .

Ranger dropped his weight on the bed just in front of her, and Emma's hand went to lay on his back. Her thoughts began to blur as the need to sleep from the longest day ever slowly took over everything else.

Slowly, Emma drifted off to sleep, her mind filled with images of her old life and the one she was currently living.

Emma's eyelids fluttered open, and she took a deep breath, letting out a soft sigh as she woke.

The warm air was stifling, making it hard for her to breathe. It was almost like being bathed in a thick fog that made everything seem distant and muffled.

She blinked a few times, trying to get her bearings before realizing where she was—an abandoned house with a group of men with Chris beside her for some unknown reason.

Her eyes scanned the room slowly, taking in every detail—the way the dust motes danced in the shaft of light coming from between the shutters, the way his eyes seemed to stare directly into her soul even a small smile spread over his lips.

An odd sense of comfort washed over her at seeing him there beside her, almost as if he were her champion, coming to protect her from what would come next.

Emma blinked up at Chris standing next to the bed, his expression oddly soft as he watched her. She licked her lips nervously, taking in his tall frame clad in black fatigues that hugged every muscle on display. His hair was slicked back from his face for once, but a small lock had fallen forward, resting against his scarred cheek. It softened him somehow as if it sought to pull back the curtain and show an uncharacteristic vulnerability.

His dark eyes were penetrating as they studied her face intently before moving down to Ranger curled up beside her on the bed. He seemed to consider something silently for a moment before he spoke up.

"You sleep like you mean business," he murmured with an almost-smile playing on his lips.

It took Emma a moment to register what he'd said before she smiled shyly in response, glancing over to where Ranger continued to snore softly at their feet—safe by their side.

"Guess I must be tired," she answered quietly, her voice husky from sleep's edge. She could have added or felt safe, but she didn't know if she should give the men that level of power over her.

"Aren't we all nowadays?" He offered her a smile that was both gentle and as genuine as she thought his tense features could make. "It's time to go," Chris finally whispered. "William needs proper medical attention and we have a long journey." His words carried a hint of urgency.

With a gasp, Emma threw the covers off her body, her heart racing at the mere thought of William being in worse condition. Her breaths came in short, panicked bursts as she swung her legs over the side of the bed, causing Ranger to lift his head with a low whimper. Her mind whirled with worry and fear, but she refused to let her emotions consume her. Instead, she focused on positive thoughts that Will would be fine.

Chris shook his head. "No, he seems fine, but as good as Alex is, I want him checked out properly. I won't put him in harm's way if he's truly injured."

The looming possibility of his absence felt like a weight pressing down on her heart, suffocating her with a mix of sorrow and uncertainty.

"And he'd just stay behind?"

"Likely not, but it's not his call to make." Chris patted his thigh with a small whistle. "Come on, boy, Liam's out back to get you to do your business, and we'll be off."

Ranger jumped off the bed and followed happily behind Chris.

Content that William was okay, Emma's heart rate slowed a bit. Moving with less urgency, she went to change her clothes, stopping when she realized there was no more clean underwear.

"Well, guess there will be laundry when we get to the base." She would never understand why, but the idea of clean clothes and dirty underwear was a hard no in her book.

She slung her worn backpack over her shoulder and scanned the room. The walls were covered in graffiti, the windows were cracked, and there was a lingering smell of urine. But despite its rough appearance, it had provided shelter for the past two nights, and she was grateful for it.

"Onward," Emma left the room, glad for the sounds of the men chatting away as she moved through the hall and down the stairs. "William!"

Emma moved quickly to his side when she saw him sitting on the couch. His eyes weren't as bright as usual, but they focused on her perfectly.

"I'm sorry to have let you down."

"Don't be stupid. You got injured because you were trying to teach me something. I'm thrilled you're okay."

"He's up and moving, the docs will determine if he's okay." Alex cut in, moving past them and out the front door with the supply bags that had been in the kitchen.

Ranger trotted in a second later, Liam behind him, seemingly cleaning off his glasses.

"Morning," he gave her a small wave when he put his glasses on. "Ranger's good to go. "

"Thank you," Emma tucked a strand of hair behind her ears. "I'm not used to having help with him."

"Good thing we're here." Liam gave her a wink. "Chris is in the car. Will, you're up front with him. Bash, Alex, feel free to rest when we get moving."

"Someone likes giving orders," Bash snickered and nodded to Emma. "I will not turn down a nap." He looked at Emma and gestured for her to go before him. "After you," he said.

Ranger gave a bark before Emma could say anything and trotted out the front door, forcing her to follow.

She nodded to Chris when she climbed in the open back door, taking the same seat she'd sat in before, and turned to wait as the group loaded everything in.

The men's muscular figures were a sight to behold as they efficiently loaded the supplies into the truck. Bash slammed the trunk shut with a loud thud, his bulging biceps flexing under his sleeveless shirt. She couldn't help but imagine what it would feel like to run her fingers along those rippling muscles.

Emma!

She hissed at herself, but her gaze lingered on the tattoo's peeking out from under his uniform. Even when he sat across from her, Emma found herself unable to take her stare off the brutish giant who seemed to have a softer side under all his muscles. He gave her a small smile before stretching out on his side.

Alex hopped in next, grabbing the space along the back of the truck, but stayed seated while Liam finished loading up. Alex's eyes met hers, and for a moment, Emma could think of little else save for the idea of his hands running as gently over her body as he had used when showing her how to apply a bandage.

Liam came in next, his hair falling into his eyes as he looked down, waiting for Ranger to jump in. He sat beside her again, his knees brushing against hers .

Emma's cheeks flushed, and her heart raced as she leaned in closer to Liam, hoping for a reaction. But he remained oblivious, his eyes fixed on Ranger. She exhaled in frustration and leaned back in her spot, annoyed at herself for being upset by his lack of awareness.

Liam's muscles flexed as he leaned forward to scratch the dog behind the ear, his focus entirely on the pup.

"All right then," Chris said as Alex slammed the back door shut and twisted the inner lock. "Three hours on the road and we'll need to stop to unload some of the gas cans into the tank. Let's try to make it an uninspiring three hours."

The engine roared to life as if agreeing with Chris.

Emma watched through the small open window that connected the front and the back. Chris's strong grip on the wheel kept the truck steady, while William seemed fine as he diligently looked down at the maps spread across his lap and pointed for Chris to follow left.

Chris's arms flexed as he shifted gears effortlessly and navigated along the debris-strewn road as if it were nothing. Even though he was in a different part of the truck, his presence filled the space with a protective aura that Emma knew wasn't just about her being with them.

She caught herself admiring how Chris moved. How the hands that gripped the steering wheel to cover up something he chose not to disclose could likely be so gentle when it mattered most.

If she weren't careful, she would wish a life with these men, and not whomever the safe haven likely had waiting on standby with perfect sperm ready to save the human race.

Her thoughts drifted to Liam sitting beside her, his focus still on Ranger as he gently pat the dog's head. Emma couldn't shake off the desire she felt for him. She wondered what his hands would feel like roaming over her body the way Bash's had the day before, even if it had been during a training.

Why can you think of nothing but how handsome and kind they are?

She knew it was useless to dwell on such fantasies. She needed to focus on finding this safe haven and the duty that would come with their protection. A duty she ran from, choosing to keep herself locked away alone until she couldn't bear it any longer.

As if sensing her thoughts, Chris spoke up and his eyes meeting hers in the mirror used for communication, not as a rearview. "Everything okay?"

Emma nodded quickly, forcing a smile onto her face.

"Yeah, just trying to get comfortable," she replied, hoping they wouldn't see through her false bravado.

Chris gave her a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to the road ahead. Emma let out an internal sigh of relief and leaned back in her seat.

She lost herself in thoughts of nothingness, oddly comforted by the soft snoring coming from Bash. A glance at Alex showed he had laid down too, likely asleep himself.

William and Chris were quiet up front, and Liam seemed entirely content with his time spent with Ranger.

Emma marveled at the way Liam effortlessly commanded Ranger's attention, each word and hand signal resulting in another perfected trick. Liam's fingers danced through the dog's fur with a tenderness that tugged at her heartstrings.

The care and patience he displayed, even now, reminded her of the world they'd lost. There were likely so few like him in the world— so few would be willing to care for someone else and show a love and vulnerability that could gain trust.

When Liam's dark blue eyes looked up and found her staring, she knew the warmth of a flush crept up her neck, but she did not look away.

"You're really good with him," she said, her voice laced with admiration. "It's like you're meant to work with dogs."

Liam looked down at Ranger and then back up, his eyes holding a hint of sadness that vanished as quickly as it came. "I always wanted to train service animals," he said, ruffling Ranger's head affectionately. "I had just gotten my certification when," He gestured vaguely as if the surrounding desolation weren't enough of a reminder.

Emma's heart ached, imagining the life he might have led in a world before the bombs changed everything. "What made you want to do that?"

Liam sighed, lost in memories. "My younger brother, Aiden. He was born deaf. He taught me the power of communication, of never underestimating anyone's potential. It had been my responsibility to train the service dog for him. Not many people know it, but the deaf can use service dogs the same way as the blind do, by letting them alert them of dangers that hearing loss could hide." His eyes closed tight for a moment before Liam cleared his throat and looked at her again.

"Training dogs, it was my way of giving others the same gift he gave me, a new lease on life."

Emma's eyes prickled with tears, and her chest constricted at his words. She reached out to squeeze his hand, their fingers lacing together as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

At this moment, they weren't part of a dystopian nightmare. No, they were just two people mourning the lives they'd left behind.

Liam gave a gentle squeeze, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring the mood down."

"No," Emma said, her voice catching. "It's okay. It's nice to remember what we've lost, to honor those we've lost. Even if that's thinking about the lives we were meant to live and missing them, too. "

Liam's grip tightened, the warmth of his skin searing into her bones. "Yeah," he muttered, his voice rough with emotion. "We survive for them, right? For Aiden. For your parents."

Emma nodded, her eyes brimming. "For everyone we've ever loved," she whispered.

In that moment, tucked away in the back of the truck, they weren't just survivors anymore. They were two people connected by loss, by love, by a bond forged in the ashes of the world they'd known. And in the face of such devastation, she didn't want to ignore her burgeoning attraction. Instead, it was a fleeting reprieve from the horrors of the world outside.

Liam's gentle touch brushed a stray curl from Emma's cheek, his fingertips lingering on her delicate cheekbone. Her heart rate quickened, and her breath caught in her chest at the tender gesture. Her gaze locked with his, and she saw a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes, mirroring her own inner turmoil. The soft warmth of his hand against her skin sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but lean into his touch. It was a moment suspended in time, their souls seeming to connect without seeking the connection.

"Emma . . ."

Liam leaned in, his lips mere millimeters from hers, the electricity between them was palpable. Her breath hitched, and her eyes slid shut in anticipation.

Liam's lips brushed against hers, tentatively at first, as if seeking permission. Emma's heart raced in her chest, and she couldn't help but respond, her lips meeting his with equal fervor.

The kiss was hesitant at first, two broken souls finding solace in each other's touch. But quickly deepened, their bodies pressing closer together in the confined space of the truck. Emma's hands found their way to Liam's hair, tangling in the soft strands as his arms wrapped around her waist.

They kissed as if they were trying to convey all their unspoken words and emotions through this one act. Their lips moved in perfect rhythm, an unspoken understanding between them. It was a moment of pure bliss amidst the chaos of their new reality.

But just as quickly as it had begun, the moment was over. Liam pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers as they both caught their breaths.

"I'm sorry," he stuttered out, his cheeks flushing red with embarrassment.

Emma shook her head and cupped his face in her hands. "Don't be sorry," she whispered. "I needed that."

A small smile tugged at Liam's lips before he leaned in for another kiss, this one more urgent and passionate than before.

For a moment, they forgot about the world outside and all its dangers. They forgot about the two sleeping men who seemed to draw equally as much attention from her. In this cramped truck bed surrounded by blankets and pillows, they were just two people finding comfort in each other's touch.

When they finally pulled away from each other, both slightly out of breath and with flushed cheeks, Emma couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of their situation.

"This is definitely not how I expected my day to go," she chuckled.

Liam grinned back at her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Me neither."

They settled back into a comfortable silence for a little while longer until Liam broke it with a sigh. "I hate to say it, but that's not something we can do again." he ran a gentle thumb over the back of her hand. "As enjoyable as it was, the unit needs to focus on getting you to safety."

The silence that followed Liam's words felt heavy, and Emma's heart sank a little. She knew he was right, but the thought of not being able to experience that kind of intimacy with him again caused a flutter in her stomach .

Looking at Bash and Alex, Emma realized that kissing Liam was not the first time she'd had a moment of undeniable connection with one of the men.

There was something about them—or maybe just their situation—that magnetized her to them, pulling her closer with no possible control.

A control that could threaten their unit if she didn't stop herself from fantasizing about the touch of these men. She wasn't a damsel in distress, but they were rescuing her all the same. She needed to let them do that, earn their valor and see where life took her next.

Because at the end of this journey, her entire life would be different.

His mind was a whirlwind of lustful thoughts, but Liam reined in his baser instincts, reminding himself of the greater good. They couldn't afford to get attached like this, not in this world, not when there was still so much at stake. Besides, her interest in him wasn't what he sought for the group.

Could you give it all up for her?

He didn't need time to answer that. She was beautiful and something to be learned and cherished, but the woman that would fulfill his unit, would love them all, was still what he hoped for.

And you crossed that line.

His lips still held the phantom touch of hers against his. He'd never had a kiss send a spark through him, until Emma. She wasn't his to claim—or even the unit's.

She was a fertile female who would be taken in by the safe haven and given a life of luxury and safety in exchange for becoming little more than an incubator.

But she accepted that .

Liam needed to get his shit together and quickly. Even Ranger could sense the turmoil in him and had moved to lay beside Bash.

Liam cleared his throat and straightened, taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart.

He looked up at her, his piercing blue eyes softened by his desire for her. A bead of sweat dripped down his forehead, and he wiped it away quickly before turning back to look at his hands again.

Their journey was just beginning, and the safe haven was nowhere close.

"Will, pass me the base map." Liam rapped on the window between the front and back. "I want to get a sense of where we'll end up and how to go from that stop to the next." Liam stuck his hand through the small open window, tugging the map back.

He looked at it, but his mind was on anything but the piece of paper. Liam found comfort in the planning, but he couldn't help but think about the moment he witnessed between Emma and Bash yesterday.

Liam couldn't know what happened, but something had. In the last two and a half years, Bash had never looked at anyone the way Liam caught him looking at Emma. There had been genuine tenderness in his eyes and a little bit of fire as he'd watched Emma.

Then there was the way Chris insisted on being the one to get her ready to go. Or how Will's first words when he woke from the injury had been to apologize for putting Emma in danger.

She was having a profound effect on all of them, and maybe they were on her as well.

This was technically all his fault. He was the one who came with the crazy scheme, and now he was the one who couldn't help but think of all the possibilities.

Emma could easily be the one that accepted all of them. A journey to safety would open them all up to experiences and conversations that would easily bridge the gap between accepting one person to love or accepting five.

Which doesn't matter because she's going to be fucked by so many men she won't even care about the five of us.

Though he had a hunch the women were inseminated, not fucked to impregnate them, the idea of another man creating such an intimate relationship with Emma would leave a bitter taste in their mouths and drive a wedge between them.

They would love and cherish her as a unit, the way they did everything. But sharing her with the outside world?

That was something they would never—could never—do.