Chapter 12

TWELVE

Alex's eyes fluttered open when the truck's motion noticeably changed, waking him from the needed rest. The slow and steady motion stopped, meaning they'd either run into trouble, or it was time to gas up.

No one is screaming, so it must be time to gas up.

He yawned softly, stretching his arms out above his head as he blinked sleep from his eyes. He glanced around the interior of the vehicle, not surprised to see everyone else awake.

Alex had always been a sleeper. Some things would never change, sleep just was less frequent when they were on missions, making him all the more lazy when they were safe on base.

"How are you doing, William?" Alex leaned his neck to the side, smiling as the tension cracked away.

"Good. Better if someone would let me sleep." William eyed Chris.

"He shouldn't. It's better to stay awake. You're not totally out of the woods for a brain bleed."

"On that note," Liam pushed open the back door. "I think we better gas up and get William to a doctor. "

The door opened to show the sun just beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the mostly barren and empty landscape.

"Would it be possible to stretch my legs for a bit?" Emma asked sheepishly.

"I'll go," Alex volunteered before Chris could deny her the small ask. "I've been asleep, a stretch will be good for me."

"Fine. Five minutes. Everyone stretch. I'll fill the gas."

"I'll keep watch. Ranger, stay with me buddy?" Liam grinned at the black lab who barked happily and lunged for him.

"That one is a traitor." Emma whispered before turning to Alex. "Thanks. I'm used to being cooped up, but not sitting still."

"It's not a big deal. There's not too many places people could hide up here. Once we get into the mountains, stopping won't be possible. Too many places for people to hide."

The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm glow over the barren landscape. The air was heavy with the smell of gasoline and decay, but Alex pushed it to the back of his mind. He didn't want to think of anything ugly while walking with Emma.

They walked in a comfortable silence, broken only by the crunching of debris under their boots. He couldn't help but admire her curly brown hair as it caught the dying light, and he wondered how it would feel between his fingers.

The thought was foolish, but if he didn't break the silence, he was going to let that singular thought lead him down a rabbit hole of problems.

"So, Emma," he started, breaking the silence with a cocky smirk, "You're not like the other women we usually meet." Her resilience and optimism in the face of such hardship intrigued him. Not to mention the way she seemed so at ease with them already.

Emma turned to him, her striking hazel eyes questioning but not afraid. "Really? What do you mean?"

Alex grinned, enjoying her spirit. "Well, most we come across are either terrified of us and run further into danger before we can help, or have found their way in this fucked up world and don't want help." He gestured to the desolate surroundings. "But you, you still have fire in those eyes. It's refreshing."

Emma looked away, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "I've had to learn to adapt, I guess. Can't afford to break down when there's no one else left."

"Fair enough," he agreed, nodding in understanding. "But it's still admirable, believe me."

As they continued their leisurely stroll, they came across a hidden gem nestled amidst the debris—a cluster of vibrant, red roses. The delicate petals danced in the gentle breeze, adding a burst of color to the otherwise dull surroundings. Alex, always one for theatrics, gracefully plucked two wilted blooms and presented them to her with a flourish, like a knight offering his lady a token of his affection.

"For the prettiest survivor I've seen in a long while."

Emma laughed, accepting the flowers with a smile. "Thank you, Alex." Her tone held a hint of sarcasm, but he could tell she appreciated the gesture.

He took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He didn't want her to think of him as nothing more than a jokester—not when he found himself so intrigued by her.

"So, Emma," he began, trying to sound casual, "would you mind telling me more about your life before all of this?"

Emma glanced up, a look of surprise in her eyes. "What do you want to know?"

Alex shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Anything, really. School? Family? Boyfriends?" He winced internally, regretting the last part.

Emma didn't seem to notice his blunder.

"Well, I was studying to be an librarian. Not everyone's forte, but I love the escape I could help people find." she said, a sad smile playing on her lips. "My parents were great, always supportive. My mother passed before the bomb dropped—cancer. My father just last year. I wish I could say I know what stole him from me, but he was just fine one minute and didn't wake up the next morning."

Sorrow seemed to wrap around him like a vine. Had he been there, he could have helped her father, and noticed a sign she missed. And how could you have been there?

"And boyfriends? None worth mentioning."

Alex felt a surge of relief and jealousy, an odd mix. "What about now? Besides trying not to die, I mean?"

Emma laughed softly, the sound gentle, almost like she tried not to show her amusement.

"I guess I just want to find a place where we can all be safe again, you know? Start over, maybe even rebuild."

Alex remained silent, pondering her words. Start a new life with her? It was a foreign, terrifying thought. But he found himself unable to discard it.

His unit was everything to him—and she was the way to a better future.

But maybe a future with us?

Alex didn't know enough about what went on behind the walls, but something told him his swimmers weren't up to snuff. He'd sowed his oats all over L.A. for over a decade. No protection. No children.

"What was it like?" He stopped walking and turned to face her, truly wanting to understand how she'd found the will to continue.

Emma stopped beside a tree, her slender fingers tracing the rough bark as her body leaned into it. She closed her eyes, the warmth of the sun on her skin a welcome change from the cold metal of the walls.

"It wasn't awful at first. Once the terror wore off, at least." she began softly, her voice laced with a nostalgia that made Alex's heart ache for her. "My area, we set up groups and looked out for one another. People would share food, talk about things they were passionate about—music, art, anything to take their minds off the tragedies they'd faced."

The wind picked up slightly, rustling her curly brown hair around her face and neck as she spoke; she brushed it aside with gentle fingers.

Alex couldn't help but notice how soft her touch was even amidst the hardship they all faced.

"Dad and I used to have quiet evenings at home, listening to old records on his antique record player and baking cookies. We tended to the animals, and he told me tales of the life I never knew he lived." She blew out a breath and closed her eyes. "It wasn't exciting, and it was more dangerous than it was safe, but it gave me something I didn't know I needed. Time."

Alex watched as she remembered, pain etched into every word. He longed to wrap his arms around her then but held back, waiting for more. As if sensing his unspoken question, she let out a small sigh before continuing.

"After he died, well, it was really hard," Her voice caught halfway through the sentence, but she held herself together. "The loneliness was horrible," she admitted softly. "I knew a few people—those who managed to survive the danger. We would occasionally meet up and share stories over canned goods and rationed water. But I never felt entirely safe around them."

"Men?" He asked, realizing his hands had clenched into fists at his side.

Emma nodded, her eyes downcast. "Yes. Men."

Alex felt a swell of anger rise in his chest. He couldn't imagine anyone taking advantage of someone as small and delicate as Emma, but he knew it was all too common in the new world they lived in .

"I'm so sorry," he said sincerely, reaching out to touch her shoulder but pulling back at the last moment. He didn't want to overstep any boundaries with her, especially since they had only just met.

Emma looked up at him. "It's alright," she said softly. "I learned to take care of myself."

Alex could see that she had indeed become stronger and more resilient during her time alone. He couldn't help but admire her courage and determination. He hadn't known her before the change, but he could somehow tell it hadn't destroyed her, only made her stronger.

"But I'm glad I found my way to survive for this long," Emma continued, looking around at the trees and grass surrounding them. "It's wasn't perfect, but it's better than being gone."

Alex nodded in agreement, feeling grateful for it as well for reasons he didn't think he'd ever be able to share with anyone but his unit.

"It's been tough here, too," he admitted, wanting to open up to her as she had opened up to him. "We've faced our fair share of challenges and losses, but we've also managed to create a sense of community here."

Emma smiled at him warmly, and Alex's damn heart skipped a beat at the sight of it. She was truly beautiful, both inside and out. She was a ray of sunshine in this bleak world. A ray he wasn't certain he would be able to walk away from.

"I'd love to hear more about your life before all this happened," he said, hoping to learn more about her.

"Well," she chuckled softly, "it wasn't anything special or exciting like yours."

"Hey now," Alex protested playfully with a grin. "I never said my life was exciting. Only that I was a paramedic."

Emma laughed, the sound like music to his ears. "Well, you're handsome, funny, and saved lives?" She winked playfully at him. "Something tells me it was very exciting to be you."

If he wasn't careful, she would notice the slight flush creeping its way up his neck.

I've never been more grateful for your skin coloring, Mom . He smirked, remembering all the times he'd hated his mother's Mexican heritage growing up. He'd been a target in Los Angeles, despite the hundreds who looked exactly like him. A target that learned how to be charming to disarm those who wanted to insult or attack his family. A target who needed to be more than just an immigrant to make a difference.

"I think you're giving me far too much credit," he teased.

As he spoke, he noticed the scent of jasmine and citrus that clung to her skin, the soap. It was intoxicatingly alluring. Her hair curled softly against his fingertips as he reached out to brush it away from her cheek gently, feeling an unexpected spark run through him at the simple touch.

"You know," he started softly, tracing circles on the back of his free hand with his index finger as if deep in thought, "I think you might be right. But seriously," he added more his tone shifting, "It was quite the adventure saving lives every day."

Alex leaned in close enough that their bodies almost touched, his warm breath fanning the lobe of her ear. He hesitated, unsure if his next move was wise, but if he didn't try, there was a chance he'd never be able to be around her.

"Emma." His voice was husky, low, and dangerous, like the growl of a wild animal. "This is insane, but so is this entire thing we're doing." He cleared his throat, wincing at how stupid he sounded.

"What's wrong?" Her brow furrowed as she no doubt thought he was ill.

He knew that the others felt something for her that went beyond just helping or completing a mission. Alex could see it in the way they all looked at her, even Chris who pretended he was only there to lead them was not immune to the brunette.

Alex leaned in, his mouth hovering close to hers. He brushed his lips against hers gently, feeling the softness of her full lower lip underneath his. She tasted sweet, even if the idea was likely all in his head.

Emma melted into Alex, fitting against his taller frame as if she'd always been meant to tuck against him.

To protect.

To hold.

To taste.

He couldn't explain the sudden urge to kiss her, but at that moment, this kiss was the most natural thing in the world.

Emma's hands instinctively tangled themselves into his hair as she deepened the kiss. Groaning at the sensation, Alex tugged her closer, wanting every inch of her against him.

Never in his life had he experienced such a strong physical connection to anyone. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Alex's lips lingered against hers for just a moment before trailing down the side of her neck until he reached the pulse point there. He pressed a light kiss against her skin, tasting her salty sweetness. It was intoxicating, an addictive taste that made him crave more. His tongue darted out to taste again, teasing and exploring the thin column of flesh where life pulsed so close to the surface.

Chris's bellow from back by the truck somehow broke through the haze and Alex stopped, leaving his lips still touching Emma's.

"Wow," she breathed out, letting her hands fall out of his now-tangled hair.

Alex chuckled nervously. "Yeah…wow is right. "

Her pulse raced as his smirk played across his lips, accentuating the angles of his jawline and the rough stubble that graced his strong jaw. She couldn't help but return the smile, feeling alive again for the first time in months.

His touch was electric, sending shockwaves of desire through her slumbering body.

The same way Liam had.

"Liam," she whispered, realizing what she'd done not once but twice.

"Trust me, if I know my boy, he's well aware that the five of us would come to the same conclusion."

"And what is that?"

"We're a team. We live together. We die together." He took a step back. "We love together."

The world tipped on its axis and Emma swore she crashed onto the solid ground beneath her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I merely meant to explain that if you're experiencing things for or with more than one of us, we're all well aware of what it could mean."

He leaned in closer to her ear, his warm breath teasing her skin as he spoke softly. Alex's voice was like honey poured over gravel, rough but smooth. It melted her insides like hot wax dripping from a candle onto fresh snow.

The scent of his musky cologne mixed with something uniquely him—maybe sweat or maybe just pure masculinity—filled her nostrils, making her head spin slightly. His mouth curled into a smirk when she failed to say anything, revealing a hint of white teeth against his tanned skin.

"What does that mean?" her mind swam with the possibilities.

Was he saying they didn't mind sharing her? Or was he saying that they had every intention of sharing her.

Did I make the biggest mistake of my life?

The panicked thought was quickly stifled when Alex set his hand on her shoulder. His desire for her would not be what scared her off. Not when she could still recall every detail of the day before when he took every ounce of energy to save her and William.

"I'd say penny for your thoughts, but I have a hunch where they might be headed. Forget this ever happened."

The pain in that single sentence could have destroyed an army.

These men may have secrets, but they weren't the enemy.

They wouldn't hurt her.

"I think I'm just confused."

He gave her the same charming smile that seemed to undo her senses, having apparently shaken off any hurt she caused.

"We'd better get back. If he calls a second time, they'll all come running with their guns out."

Emma blushed at his words, her cheeks flaming as she nodded.

She couldn't believe how quickly she had become attracted to them all, but the world was a different place, and every woman she knew seemed to gravitate toward a life with many men to please and to please her. And the way Alex had just looked at her, it made her heart skip a beat.

As they walked back to the truck, the late afternoon sun painted the horizon in shades of gold and orange, casting long shadows across the barren landscape. The sound of their boots crunching against the gravel beneath them echoed in syncopated rhythm like a drumbeat leading them back to the truck.

"You stretch enough?" Chris lifted a brow but seemed to be looking at Alex despite talking to her.

Again, she knew the way her cheeks heated would be a sign of what they'd done. Instead of answering, she slipped past his muscular form and slipped back into the truck, snorting when she saw Ranger curled up and asleep in Liam's lap.

"What can I say, he likes me." Liam gave her a smile .

And he's not alone.

Emma sat in what she now affectionately thought of as her spot, and couldn't help but notice that Alex seemed engrossed in his shoelaces.

The doors slammed up front as Bash tugged the back one shut.

"We're about five hours from the base. When we get there, Emma, you're going to get settled with Liam and I. We didn't tell the government about you because it was unsanctioned that we rescued you and it could take time to explain. It's gonna be a long drive. Get some sleep while you can." Chris leaned back to look through the small connecting window.

"Wait a second," she blinked, trying to understand the bomb Chris just dropped. "You're not qualified to guide me?"

"We're qualified," Chris snorted, and she noticed the way it made the scar on his cheek seem to dance. "There're just men who've been assigned the right to escort women to the haven't. We're technically not one of those units."

Her stomach rolled. "And what unit are you?"

"One who goes in and cleans up messes." Bash's voice was a low hiss.

Emma leaned into the side of the truck. The men had lied to her. They'd posed as people they weren't.

In an attempt to better their lives in the hellish world. Can you blame them?

"Why not tell me that?"

Chris turned back to face her, his eyes filled with sadness. "We didn't want you to be afraid of us or reject us because of what we do."

Tears pricked at her eyes as the image of the five of them appearing out of the damn empty field came. Had they told her they couldn't do what she'd asked, she would have fled.

Handsome or not, she wouldn't have trusted five, muscular men with her safety had she not believed it was their job.

"And we were also afraid that if anyone knew we were sneaking a woman into our base, we'd all get in trouble," Liam added quietly.

"I understand," the whisper was so quiet she wasn't certain it hadn't been in her head until grunts responded, and the truck began to move.

The truck continued its rumble down the road, the wasteland of the post-apocalyptic world passing by in a blur. Continued and left Emma to ignore the swirl of good and bad thoughts that seemed to not only fill her mind, but attack her the way a bird would peck an enemy.

And despite it all, Emma knew the connections she'd started to feel wouldn't steer her wrong.

Even though she knew they weren't telling her everything, she could feel herself wanting to trust them more than ever. She looked at each one of them, taking in their strong features and rugged faces.

Emma met Alex's eyes across the truck, and she saw a flicker of hope in the green-brown depths. The same note she saw when Liam's bright blue gaze found hers, and when Bash gave her a small nod, his eyes threatening to pierce her soul.

You need to focus on the next stage of her life, not the men who seem to awaken your dormant, restless soul.