Chapter 27

TWENTY-SEVEN

The weight of their current reality pressed down on Liam like an unrelenting vice. Emma had killed Marcus, and it seemed his team had killed everyone else who'd stayed behind. Unfortunately, a dozen went with Chris. They could come back at any minute and Liam did not want to be there for it.

His team was out of ammo and weak due to being tased. The effects would wear off soon, but again, he wasn't interested in finding out which came first.

"Let's go. We can cry over spilled milk later. I don't want us here any longer. Plus, we need to go get Chris. It's been long enough that if he's in danger, we'll be showing up at the right time."

They fell out, hobbling more than walking. Bash was helping William along with Alex in front with his knife drawn. For once, Liam did not take the lead. He'd been hit the longest by the taser, he knew being up front wouldn't do the group any favors.

Emma wasn't moving.

"Hang on," Liam called out.

All three turned when he called .

Emma didn't react to Liam's voice or the other's looking at her.

She's in shock. She killed someone.

"Hey, Emma, we need to get going. Ranger's waiting for you." he hoped.

She flinched a little when Liam's fingers touched her arm, but she didn't move to face him or walk.

"I can move okay if Bash needs to help her. What she did," William closed his eyes for a moment. "Emma, you saved us. All of us."

"Go on, Alex, hang back a bit in case I need you. I'm still a weak, off-kilter."

Liam didn't wait to see if they listened. He approached Emma with a steely resolve in his blue eyes. He cupped her chin gently, his calloused fingertips moving circles over her jawline, trying to wake her.

Despite the ashes that clogged the air and the crumbling world around them, in that moment, there were only the two of them. Liam's lips were mere inches from hers, and the electricity between them was palpable.

Liam's lips grazed against hers, sending a rush of electricity through his body. He couldn't resist the urge to press them harder against hers, needing her to feel the same intensity he was feeling. Tugging her close, he noticed her heart racing as she melted into him, granting him access to explore her mouth. The taste of smoke and ash on her tongue only heightened his desire for her as she eagerly surrendered to him.

Surrounded by the husks of what once was a thriving city, as the remnants of humanity crumbled around them, Liam used the most selfish way to bring Emma back to herself. He intertwined his fingers with hers, clinging to one another like lifelines.

Liam broke the kiss reluctantly, his chest heaving, and took Emma's hand. "We have to go," he whispered, his voice thick with unshed emotions. "Chris may need us and D.C. is waiting. "

Emma's eyes were glassy, but a newfound determination burned within them. She nodded, squeezing his hand tightly. "There's something I need to tell you all as well."

She put her hand under his arm and around his back, smiling up at him as if helping him was the most natural thing in the world for her.

"Thank you," he whispered, dropping a kiss on top of her hair.

His heart thumped wildly and Liam knew this was the moment he could have told her he loved. Could have told her how the moment he saw Marcus his brain screamed at him to not lose the woman he loved.

But he didn't want to do it in a place with so many horrible memories for her. He would tell her when there was time. When there was happiness.

Despite coming back to himself, his muscles were still somewhat akin to jelly and moving was harder than Liam anticipated. He looked again, knowing there were two flights of steps connected by a landing that they had to go down.

It was silent ahead of him, as if the others weren't there. He knew they were, just moving lightly on their feet should anyone still be left behind.

Somehow, the sun was already starting to set, painting everything in an eerie orange glow, casting long shadows that stretched behind them like twisted monsters reaching for them. Their footsteps echoed on the concrete as the others joined them. William with a found rifle slung over his shoulder, Bash carrying a large bag of supplies, his jaw tense as he scanned the area for threats. Alex whistled nonchalantly as he strolled up last, his fingers brushing against the knives hidden in his pockets.

They were all going to be okay.

"Let's get to the truck." Emma was safe, but they had no idea about Chris. They'd not heard from him since the explosion despite trying to reach him .

Liam's pulse raced as he followed his team to the edge of the building, his boots clacking on the concrete stairs sounding like rapid gunshots in his ears.

Liam's heart leapt into his throat as he saw the truck and heard it running. He couldn't make out who was in the driver's seat. "Stay here, Emma. Bash, with me," Liam hissed, ignoring the way he wasn't totally better and rushing across the lot.

Bash let out a curse and Liam broke into a grin.

Chris was casually sitting in the driver's seat, smiling behind the wheel.

It was like seeing the sun peeking out from behind dark clouds, a beacon of hope in a world that had become cold and unforgiving. Dirt and grime caked onto Chris's face, matting the strands of hair that had come free from his usually slicked back style. His skin was gritty with ash and sweat, and he had a gash across his forehead that would likely need stitches, but there was an unspeakable relief that flooded Liam at the sight of him.

"It's okay!" relief washed over him like a tidal wave. Everyone was safe. Everyone was alive.

"You're alive!" he exclaimed hoarsely, placing a hand on Chris's shoulder before realizing how dirty it was; grime coating every inch of Chris's skin like war paint.

"It's Chris!" Bash called out. "Get over here."

"We thought we lost you!" William exclaimed as he rushed up, giving Chris a quick high five. "Now let's get out of here. I've been here enough." he walked around the back and Liam chuckled when a bark followed a thud.

"Ranger!" he rushed to get the dog out to see Emma, thrilled that he'd stayed put and unharmed.

Ranger jumped out and ignored Liam, rushing straight to Emma. She squealed, and he couldn't help but be happier for the dog than the rest of them that Emma was okay .

Bash and Alex clapped him on the shoulder as they walked past, climbing into the back of the back.

He glanced at the front of the truck and saw Chris had gotten out, his arms wrapped around Emma's in a hug so tight the veins in his arms were visible.

Liam hung back, waiting for their hug to end. He'd had a moment with Emma, it was Chris's turn.

"I'm glad you're okay," Chris tucked hair behind her shoulders. "Now I need to make certain this never happens again."

She rested her hand briefly on Chris's shoulder before moving toward Liam, Ranger jumping at her with his tail wagging so fast it might have come off.

Liam helped Emma into the back of the truck, his strong hands lingering on her arm as if he was afraid to let go. His heart pounded still, because there was still danger that could come.

"We'll be alright," he whispered, his voice low and soothing, "We'll find a safe place to rest, I promise. No one is traveling again today."

She nodded, her fingers trembling as she tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "He didn't," she swallowed and blew out a breath. "He didn't do anything to me. Nothing that I didn't initiate to escape."

Fury burned in his chest at the idea that Marcus may have done something to her, but she knew herself. She's survived two years alone. If she was okay, then he trusted her.

In the driver's seat, Chris started the engine, "Strap in, guys, it's going to be a bumpy ride."

Liam took the passenger seat, his body tense, scanning the horizon for any sign of danger.

"Marcus?" Chris asked as he began to pull out.

"Dead."

"Fantastic."

"Emma killed him. "

Chris let out a whistle and Liam saw him smile out of the corner of his eye. "Is she good?"

He shrugged. "I don't think she'll be good for a while, but she swore he didn't hurt or rape her and that's all I need to know."

Chris nodded and they began to pick up speed. Dust kicked up behind them as the truck sped away, leaving the motel behind in a cloud of smoke and rubble.

"Are they dead?" Liam asked.

"Not all of them. Ran out of bullets and had to knock a few out."

Liam nodded, resting against the seat. He kept his eyes on the odometer, waiting until it ticked over a single mile.

The windows between the front and back were closed, so Liam rapped on it, waiting until William slid it open.

"Now, Bash."

"I'd say rest in peace, but I'll settle for pieces," Bash snickered.

With a sudden jolt, the truck trembled and shook as the chain of explosions began. The deafening blasts echoed across the deserted landscape, each one adding to the chaotic symphony of destruction. The ground beneath them vibrated with each detonation, and Liam's head knocked into the damn window when the third and fourth came too close together.

Clouds of thick, acrid smoke billowed into the sky, obscuring the once clear view ahead. The intense heat from the growing inferno was a little too close for comfort, but Chris floored it as if reading Liam's mind.

"What's that?" Emma shouted from the back.

Bash giggled like a damn school girl, "Just something to keep those guys off our tails."

The smell of blood and burning rubber may never leave Liam's nose, but he'd make peace with that because they were all driving away .

Behind them, the motel burned a fiery inferno that lit the sky like an ominous sunset.

"So, are we going to talk about how you deviated from the plan at least twice? Maybe three times if you count Emma taking a kill shot?"

Liam raised a brow and shook his head. "Nope, not going to say a word."

Chris chuckled. "Let's go find a place we can rest. I want us to be fresh when we get to D.C. To protect Emma."

Liam lifted his head off the seat, a pit forming in his stomach. "You think we'll need to?"

"I think we don't know anything and if a fight breaks out or the need to flee comes up, I want us well rested.

Liam nodded, leaning back into the seat.

Rest sounded wonderful.

Chapter

As the battered truck pulled up to the safe house, Emma breathed a sigh of relief. The tires crunched over debris in the overgrown driveway as Chris drove over it, parking behind a rundown garage as he had done every stop.

Chris had radioed ahead for a place to hole up without mentioning her presence, and her mind whirled with dark thoughts of death and her own shortcomings. Thoughts that reached out with sharp claws and attacked her over and over.

Thoughts of Marcus's lifeless dark brown eyes staring up at her from the ground haunted her even when her eyes were open. Even stroking Ranger's head while he cuddled up to her wasn't enough.

Emma couldn't wait to stretch her legs after the long, tense drive, but more importantly she couldn't wait to tell the men the truth about her feelings .

As the heavy door of the truck creaked open, Emma caught a whiff of dust and musty decay. Bash, his gaze hardened but guarded, swung the back of the truck open.

"Come on, Emma," he grunted, offering her his rough hand. It was a command that hinted at both protection and trust, and she took it gratefully. He helped her jump down from the truck the way he had every single time she'd gotten out with him there.

Her legs wobbled under her weight as she stepped onto the uneven grass. They were more than stiff after spending all day clenched tight in a ball on the bed and then three hours in the truck to make Chris feel they were safe enough.

The night air was cool against her skin, untouched by the blistering summer sun that had long-since baked away any signs of life beyond them. The rustling of leaves and crickets chirping filled her ears in this eerie silence. It was almost serene compared to the sounds of gunfire and screams that had echoed in her ears for so many hours despite never hearing them before last week.

She followed Bash's broad shoulders through weeds and overgrown bushes that scratched at their uniforms, stepping over broken glass and splintered wood toward the safe house Chris had found for them. Its peeling paint and boarded-up windows didn't look promising at first glance, but it would do for now—better than sleeping outside amongst the dangers lurking in the dark.

Chris nodded once, motioning for William to take point while Bash stood closest to Emma's side, protective and ever-vigilant despite his gruff exterior.

William punched a code into a pad Emma couldn't see and pushed open the door and it swung in without a noise. William disappeared and she counted to one minute and forty-two before he appeared again.

"All clear."

Emma's heartbeat slowed down as they entered the safe house, her shoulders loosening up from the tension that had been creeping into them for miles. Relief washed over her, making her feel giddy and lightheaded, and she took a deep breath of the musty air, tasting the faint scent of old books and dust mixed with sweat from their uniforms. She looked around at the faded floral wallpaper, taking in every detail from the chipped paint on shabby white walls, threadbare carpet under their boots, peeling curtains swaying gently from a draft she couldn't feel.

"Take Ranger out," Chris commanded in a low voice to Liam, his eyes never leaving his surroundings as he surveyed for potential threats. The canine whined softly at Emma's side but didn't resist when Liam crouched down to pet him furiously, mumbling soothing words into his ear.

In a fluid movement, Liam picked Ranger and disappeared through another doorway, following orders without question.

Next to her, Bash sighed heavily then leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his broad chest—his biceps flexing beneath bulging veins—watching over everyone else while they began setting up camp inside this temporary shelter. Alex snorted softly next to her and moved closer without needing to be told, his spiky brown hair brushing against her arm as he leaned closer too.

"Alex, you're coming with us," Chris nodded toward another door. "Emma, we need to check you for injuries."

"Chris, I'm fine," she insisted, raising her voice just enough for both of them to hear. "I'll have mental scars, but nothing worse than what's already there."

"Right now, you're part of my unit. I need a medic to evaluate you." His eyes said something else. He needed to check her, to see with his own eyes she was all right.

Chris led Emma to the bathroom, where he started the faucet and gestured for her to wash up. The sound of rushing water was a rare luxury these days, almost musical compared to the usual silence or eerie noises of their world.

She winced as the cool water hit a small cut on her face, but the pain was a reminder that she was still alive.

Chris stood watch at the door, his scarred cheek a testament to his own harrowing past and failed missions.

But they didn't fail this one.

Chris stood by the door, watching over her with intense eyes that revealed nothing about what he was thinking or feeling underneath that stony facade.

Chris approached her with a small first aid kit in hand. His fingers moved quickly over her skin, examining every inch for any sign of further damage or trauma sustained during their escape. He evaluated each cut and bruise like it meant something more than just scrapes on flesh—because it did; each one represented another day they survived together against impossible odds.

"I can never repay you for saving the unit."

She snorted. "Except for being the reason the unit was in danger."

Chris's fingers trailed gently along her jawline before he pressed them against her cut on her forehead to peer close at her, his gaze stern yet soft as he assessed her wounds.

"You have a matching one, you know. A worse one, really."

"And that's why he let me stitch him up once we were a little bit out of the danger zone," Alex quipped as he washed his hands.

She looked down as Chris slid the tank top off her shoulders, his fingers moving without any sensuality over her skin. They moved lower, grazing her stomach as he eyes watched her for any sign of pain.

His finger moved to the zipper of her jeans, lowering it gently. Emma shimmed out of the pants, partly to show Chris she was fine, but also because it was the only way to get out of them with eyes on her.

As with her top half, Chris's hands moved over her thighs and her calves, from the front to the back in a way that shouldn't have felt so clinical, but did because there was no light in his eyes right this moment.

"You really are something else," he breathed out, fingers grazing her cheekbone lightly before he stepped back to let Alex give his assessment.

Emma felt like a show dog on display before the judges, not surrounded by two men she'd fallen in love with.

"There's a lot of superficial cuts. You might not have felt them yet, but I have to clean them." Alex gave her a small wink. "And maybe there are other things I can clean."

"Alex," Chris's low growl was a warning.

"You're lucky it wasn't deeper," Alex muttered under his breath while dabbing at a wound on her arm with a cloth dipped in cool water from the sink faucet. "Warm water, because cold will sting more. Don't bitch too much at Chris, he's not the medic."

Alex glanced up at her face when she winced at another cut near her earlobe, offering a small smile filled with concern as he cleaned it carefully yet swiftly.

She could feel his warm breath against her cheek as he peered closely at where another beast had scratched just above her collarbone; she shivered slightly at the sensation but allowed it anyway because she knew he only wanted to protect everyone under his watch just as much as Chris did—maybe even more so than Chris himself sometimes. His hands moved with an almost sensual rhythm as he checked for internal damage beneath her clothes, causing goosebumps.

He smirked at Emma from time to time, his strong jaw flexing beneath the stubble on his chin.

"She didn't flinch when I touched anywhere that wasn't cut. I'm certain there's no damage that isn't surface deep." Alex gave a nod and left the bathroom.

Chris nodded, his expression softening. "I'm sorry, you're a member of my unit?—"

Emma held up a hand to stop him. "You're in charge. If this makes sense, it needs to me done. Though I'm certain Liam would be far worse than I am. He took over a minute under that electrical charge."

"Trust me, Alex checked him out while you took a short nap. We're getting to D.C. tomorrow and everyone will have a full physical. I just needed to make sure nothing crept up in the middle of the night."

Her heart softened for Chris even more. "You were the diversion because you were responsible for letting me take a walk?" She put her hand on his cheek, grateful when he didn't pull away.

"I let my feelings for you cloud my judgment. You asked for the walk. I let you take it."

His words sent her heart soaring, but reminded her that he was not the only person she'd fallen in love with. She owed it to them to tell them.

"Chris, my last favor ended horribly, but can you gather everyone? I'd like to get dressed and talk to you all, seeing as how this is our last night together." The last sentence seemed to stick in her throat a bit.

"I don't think there's much I'd deny you if it involves being safely tucked away with us inside." He gave her a small smile. "Shower if you'd like, I'll get them together." When he moved away her hand slipped down his cheek until he was no longer there at all under her touch.

Blowing out a breath, Emma glanced at the shower. There was enough dirt and blood on her to need ten showers.

With the steam of the hot shower engulfing her, Emma let out a sigh of relief as she scrubbed away the dirt and grime that coated her skin. She washed her hair thoroughly, taking long moments to feel the water cascading over her body before stepping out and grabbing a towel. Drying off, she took a moment to brush out her curls, trying to tame the unruly locks for tonight's gathering.

Wrapping the towel around herself, she padded over to the first open door, a bedroom, to find Liam already there, sitting on the edge of the bed. He turned at her entrance, a small smile gracing his lips as his eyes roamed over her body, but he stood up quickly when he saw she was there too. Their eyes met in sudden understanding before they both looked away quickly. "I'd hate for you to be cold," he said, offering his shirt for her to wear against the cool air of the room.

When the towel dropped, he let out a low growl but didn't move, only kept his gaze on her eyes as if proving he wouldn't do something she didn't permit.

As she pulled it on, a wave of warmth wrapped around her from the touch alone. She saw her bag on the bed and pulled out underwear and a pair of shorts. "Thank you," she pressed a quick kiss to his lips, thoughts of being intimate with him already swirling through her mind.

"Everyone's in the living space curious what you're about to say to us."

"I think it's worth hearing," she walked past him, loving the way his footsteps quickly came behind her.

True to his word, everyone was in the space, chattering quietly amongst themselves. Alex was looking at Chris's forehead while Bash and William seemed to be playing some silly punching game.

"Thank you all. For coming for me today. For making sure I didn't become one of," she froze as the memory of Marcus touching her washed back over her.

"You are ours to protect," Bash stopped punching William. " And I'm sorry for the part I played. I never should have let them get you."

The pain in his eyes was a living entity and she couldn't have that. Crossing the space, she took his hand in hers and tugged him closer, pressing her lips against. It wasn't about passion, but understanding.

"I never blamed you." Emma gave Bash a small smile before letting his hand go. "This could be our last night together if we're wrong about what the safe haven means. And I couldn't let this night pass without speaking the truth I feel."

Taking a deep breath, she moved to stand in front of Liam. She could stare into his comforting blue eyes all day if he let her.

"I love you, Liam, not just because you're charismatic or charming—although those are amazing bonuses—but because you are fiercely loyal and protective," she started softly. "You keep us all going when we need it most and I know that no matter what happens, you would always sacrifice yourself for any person in this room. You have this way about You that just makes me smile when everything else is falling apart around me firm yet gentle at once. He nuzzled into her neck and exhaled hotly against sensitive skin there while placing a soft kiss just below her earlobe then whispered: "I love you because you believed in me when no one else did. Because you didn't judge me or my failure, that first time we went out, and because when you look at me, I feel like I've found what was stolen when the bombs exploded three years ago."

She kissed him and turned to the last member of the group, the one that was the entire reason why they were together, and the first man to make her scream with wild abandonment.

Emma walked to where Chris leaned against the wall, his brown eyes taking everything in as they always did.

"I don't know what you could possibly see in me, but I fell in love with you the moment you made me a better man. The moment you pushed me to think outside myself and choose another."

"I see someone who protects those who can't protect themselves," she finally said simply. Someone who helps those who need it most." And god, did she need help sometimes with how na?ve or trusting she could be! But she trusted these men implicitly, especially Chris. Her fingers trailed over the scar under his eye and gently near the gash on his forehead. "You take too many risks and give all of yourself to everyone, forgetting you matter."

His hands found hers where they rested on his jawline and held them there tenderly for a moment before intertwining their fingers together as if sealing a promise between them silently. "I love you, Chris, and I'm so fucking thankful you answered my call for help."

Emma was overwhelmed by the love and acceptance she felt from each man as they gathered around her. She was in an emotional haze, unable to control the tears that streamed down her face. It was a feeling she never thought possible in this desolate world. Her heart ached with gratitude and longing.

Liam pulled her closer and whispered reassuring words into her ear, his breath tickling the lobe as he spoke of how much he cared for her. His funny remarks and witty comebacks made her laugh despite the situation.

Chris held her hand firmly but gently, his rough skin cool to the touch against hers.

Bash's fingers laced through hers, his deep gaze never leaving hers as he promised to keep them all safe no matter what it took .

William leaned in close, his lips brushing against her neck and jawline while speaking of how much she meant to him—how she saw him when no one else did.

And Alex . . . Alex always seemed so strong and invincible but now his hands were hesitant as if he was scared to break something precious as they rested on top of hers, his eyes never leaving hers even through their embrace. His hands were careful but firm as they traced patterns on her arms and back—as if he were mapping out the constellations that lay beneath her skin.

Time seemed to stand still in this moment; it felt as if they were floating in a bubble of love surrounded by chaos outside its walls.

But eventually reality came crashing back when Chris cleared his throat , breaking the spell.

"Are you sure, Emma ?" He asked softly , voice breaking through the haze .