Chapter 29

TWENTY-NINE

The truck rumbled toward the ruins of D.C., the sun casting a grim light on the rubble that had once been a beacon of human achievement all around the truck.

Chris couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for the city's lost grandeur. The White House, now no more than a shell of its former self, loomed ahead, its empty windows like hollowed-out souls silently bearing witness to mankind's downfall.

Despite the melancholy sight, Chris couldn't shake the memory of the previous night's events. He couldn't find it in his soul to feel anything but elation for the way she came with them.

For them.

By them.

The night's activities had been a whirlwind of passion and desire, the raw, primal need for connection and comfort surfacing in the face of the dystopian wasteland. Chris could still feel the way her body had molded to his, the way her cries of ecstasy had blended with those of his men. They had taken turns claiming her, each savoring their turn to be lost in her warmth.

It was more than that, though. It was the way Emma united them all, her love binding their fractured souls together in a moment of pure pleasure in a world without any. They had come to protect her, but she had become the missing piece in their unit.

But now, as they drove near the Potomac River, Chris's focus shifted back to the mission at hand. He knew the danger that lurked around every corner. The last thing they needed was to let down their guard, especially here, in the heart of the country's ruins.

He wasn't entirely certain how the safe haven would welcome them. It was possible it would simply be with open arms, thanking them for delivering Emma safe and sound. They could be punished for not properly radioing in, and therefore endangering, a female. They could be killed.

The possibilities would drive him mad if he let them. He needed a moment of calm. A moment to check in with them all.

He jerked the truck, knowing it would alert the traffic cameras but risking it, anyway. There were far more people in D.C. than other areas as people tried to steal their way into safety, and he just needed to stop somewhere safe.

Before you may have to say goodbye.

They'd come so far, survived so much, but this was different from their recon missions. This time, it was personal. They weren't just fighting for humanity's survival. They fought for the one person who had brought them back from the brink of self-destruction.

He lined the truck up alongside the river, remembering the way the water used to sparkle under the hot summer sun. Now it was lifeless, the same as the world around it.

"Chris?" Emma's soft voice cut through his thoughts, from beside him. He'd wanted her to see the safe haven first hand, so she'd donned a baggy shirt and tucked her hair under a cap. "Are you okay? You seem distant."

He forced a smile, hoping to reassure her. "I'm fine, Emma. Just preparing for the mission ahead." The lie tasted bitter on his tongue, but he couldn't burden her with his doubts. Not now.

"I think we need a short walk. This could be the last time we're outside the safe haven walls," he said, his voice cracking the semblance of calm they'd worked so hard to maintain.

Emma nodded beside him, a sad smile forming on her lips.

"Liam, you know the drill, you're in charge. I want to talk to Emma about the drop off."

"Yes, Sir," Liam responded, jumping out the back.

Chris walked with Emma in silence for a few moments, the sound of their boots hitting the pavement echoing around them as they made their way through the abandoned streets. Chris knew what he wanted to say to Emma, but wasn't certain the best way to let her know that he and his unit could be kicked out or hunted down for the danger they put her in and the post they abandoned.

Chris's hand reached out to brush against her shoulder blades gently, his fingers tracing the outline of her spine before curling around to pull her closer to him. His heart thundered against his ribcage at this last moment together, both physically and emotionally. He couldn't help but inhale deeply the scent of her hair—a mix of vanilla and summer rain—as he leaned his head against hers. They stood there for a moment, just being, relishing in each other's presence before reality came crashing down on them once more.

"Emma, I," Chris paused and blew out a breath. "I need to treat this how I'd treat any talk with my men."

Her brows knit together. "Why do I not like where this is going?"

"There's a chance that this may end very differently than we're hoping. When we drop you off, we will get separated for a bit. You'll likely go to medical, and we'll have to go to a debriefing. "

"That makes sense." She drew the last word out as if wanting him to cut her off and explain why it shouldn't make sense.

He looked at her, his eyes softening. If he could shield her from this and not face terrible guilt, he would. But she deserved to know the truth.

"Emma," he spoke softly, his voice low and full of determination. "I swear on everything I hold dear that we will never leave you behind. No matter what they say or do, we will find a way to get back to you. They might be angry with us, and it might take us some time." He blew out a breath. "They may remove me from my position entirely for the entire charade, but know that I will ensure we all find you."

"Just promise me you'll be safe."

"We'll be fine," Chris said. "But we'll have to answer for not officially checking you in. There will be consequences, but... we'll deal with that later. For now, we just need to focus on finding your people and getting back here in one piece."

Chris sensed the fear, as her eyes went dark and she seemed to look away. He wouldn't let this be about fear. Reaching out, he gently cupped her face in his hands. "Hey, no. We're going to be fine. I won't let anything happen to you or my men. We've been through too much already. We're bonded now, us and you. And we don't leave our own behind."

"I trust you." She squeezed his hand. "I love you."

The world around him seemed to brighten with her words.

"Then let's go face the safe haven."

They'd not walked far and found the others already in the truck waiting for Chris and Emma to climb in.

They drove onward toward what was once known as Capitol Hill until they reach a small compound surrounded by tall fences topped with barbed wire. Guards step out, their weapons at the ready, scanning the truck thoroughly before allowing them entry.

As they pulled up to the large, gray, walled gate of the safe haven, Chris let out a deep sigh filled with hope and regret. They could turn around, find another safe community. But they promised Emma and he wasn't going to break that promise.

The truck rumbled through, its tires rolling over crumbling asphalt before coming to a stop inside the safe haven checkpoint.

"We're here," Chris said, his voice gruff with emotion. "I know this is a lot to take in. But we've never been inside either. We'll do this together."

The truck rumbled and shook as he turned off the engine when he was next to the guard shack, pulling his ID from his butt pocket with some difficulty while he sat behind the wheel.

The two guards on duty eyed them up and down with suspicion, their weapons slung low but ready to draw at any moment. Chris leaned out slowly, knowing if he didn't declare Emma at the gate it would be a lot more dangerous when they did.

"We've got an of-age female with us," he said firmly, his tone commanding respect despite his words sounding more like a question. "We found her on our journey to find supplies."

The guards hesitated for a moment before nodding stiffly.

"You're going to need to wait here. If what you say is true, you can't just waltz in. You need processing." a guard with the bade Jimenez spoke.

Chris's heart pounded in his chest as the seconds ticked by. Emma set her hand on his shoulder and he turned to her. "I'm good."

She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad one of us is." She gave a small chuckle.

"Your truck," a guard spoke out of nowhere. "California plates, you're not authorized for this coast."

Show time.

"We were heading to check on a quiet recon unit when we found her. Our radio went out and as you know there are no bases in the middle of the country. We had to come. "

Silence again.

Chris looked back through the open window between the truck's sections. All four men were squatting on their haunches, ready to launch if they needed to.

"Entrance is granted. Go only as far as the next guard shack. General Bardin is on his way and will instruct you from there."

Chris barely held back his whistle. The General of the Armies getting involved could be very bad.

With a nod, Chris turns the truck back on and waits as the gate lifts.

Chris exhaled slowly, relieved that they made it this far without incident. He turned to look at Emma, her presence providing him with an anchor in this chaotic world. Their eyes met, and he tried to hide his emotions as best he could.

"You okay?" he asks softly.

"I'm fine," she replied, her voice steady, urging him on.

The world outside was a desolate wasteland ruled by violence and hunger, but inside this compound, it felt like they had entered another realm entirely.

As the truck rolled through the safe haven, Chris was surprised at how normal things seemed inside. The truck's windows were tinted, but he could still see buildings and trees that looked almost like they did before the bombs destroyed everything.

A kid even ran off to the side of the truck, chasing a small dog.

There were no bombed-out buildings or charred remains of what used to be homes. Just rows of neat, well-kept houses lining the streets. He could hear chatter and laughter from nearby homes as they drove deeper into the city.

The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through his nostrils, making his mouth water uncontrollably—something he hadn't experienced in years .

It was surreal, and Chris wondered if they're actually here or if he was having a twisted dream.

The truck drives further in, past lush greenery and neatly paved streets lined with concrete buildings that didn't seem to have aged a day.

As they approached what could only be described as town center, Chris's heart skipped a beat as music filled the air. Guitar strings strummed faintly from somewhere nearby as couples danced under twinkling fairy lights strung over tree branches. It was mesmerizing how such beauty still existed amidst such horrors outside these walls. He parked amongst rows of other military vehicles.

A man in a dark green uniform and a stare that could have melted ice loomed ahead next to a small building that must have been the next stop. Chris rolled down the window and took a slow breath.

"Chris Reeden. Lieutenant Major."

He nodded. "My unit and I have brought an of-age female to safety."

"Everyone, step out and show themselves." The man barked.

Chris killed the engine and pushed open the door. He heard the back door opening at the same time. Someone had heard.

Emma stepped out last. Chris's entire being screamed at him to go stand beside her, to take her in his arms and make certain she was okay.

But this is a safe haven. There's no need for that.

Emma pulled the cap off, revealing her curly brown hair when the men stopped before her.

In an instant, more men appeared from nowhere—armed but not aggressive—surrounding them and ushering Emma away from them.

They led Emma toward a large white building. Chris's heart jack hammered, but he forced himself to stay put. This was the safe place. She would be fine.

Chris met her gaze, his eyes brimming with unspoken emotion. "I'll find you. I love you," he mouthed, just as she was forced to face forward.

As she waited in a stark medical room, Emma sank to the floor, the weight of her new reality crashing down on her. She had just left the only people she'd come to trust in this godforsaken world, all in the name of some greater good she didn't understand. A single tear slid down her cheek as she wondered if she'd ever see them again.

She'd been poked, prodded, and imaged for what seemed like an hour and all she wanted to do was make certain her men were okay.

A knock on the door startled Emma out of her thoughts, and she jumped to her feet. An older man with a kind face and a clipboard entered, motioning for her to have a seat.

"I'm Dr. Parker," he said warmly. "I just have a few questions for you, all right?"

Emma nodded warily, her body tense. If she said the wrong thing, could they kick her out?

"First off, what's your name?"

"E-Emma," she stuttered, her voice shaking.

"And how old are you, Emma?"

"Twenty-five. Well, nearly twenty-six."

Dr. Parker scribbled down some notes before looking up. "Do you know why you're here, Emma?"

Emma hesitated, "Because I'm a female of childbearing age. I imagine you'll be testing me for viruses and such to deem me worth being here."

Dr. Parker's eyes widened, but he quickly regained his composure. "That's part of it," she said cryptically. "But please know, child bearing or not, you are welcome to remain.

Emma hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She glanced around the room, desperately searching for any sign of reassurance. She very well could be pregnant. Doctor Parker tapped his heeled foot on the frigid tile floor. Finally, she relented, reasoning that she had no choice but to comply if she ever wanted to see her newfound allies again.

Slowly, she peeled off her tattered clothing, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of scarlet. The doctor, to his credit, averted his gaze as she hopped to sit on the examination table, shivering slightly against the chill in the air and the growing unease in her gut.

"Lift your shirt," he stated, his voice devoid of empathy.

Emma complied. He ran his hands over her stomach as if he could feel something.

"And what are the odds you're pregnant?"

"I-I don't know," she stammered, cringing as he prodded and prodded, as if she could somehow will a child into existence. "I am not afraid to share that I have been with all five men who brought me in. Without protection."

"And when did these encounters begin?"

The way he spoke, as if they were clinical acts, upset Emma but she refrained from showing it. "A few days ago."

"Fine. It's too early for tests, so we'll try in three days to determine if you already hold part of humanity inside of you. For now, get dressed and follow me."

Eager to cover her nakedness, Emma dressed in record time, her hands trembling so severely that she fumbled with the buttons on her shirt. This place reeked of desperation and desolation, two things she thought she'd left behind in the wasteland.

As they walked down another sterile hallway, the click of their boots echoing ominously off the barren walls, Emma couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her and the men she'd grown so fond of in such a short amount of time. Would she be the one to save them from this dystopian nightmare or would she become just another casualty? Only time would tell, and time was something they all knew was in short supply.

The doors to a large, sterile room slammed open, revealing a man who radiated authority. His piercing blue eyes seemed to X-ray her very soul, and next to him stood Chris, Liam, Bash, Alex, and William, their expressions a mix of defiance and concern.

The man behind the desk raises an eyebrow. "I am General Bardin, the most powerful man in the safe haven. Do you know why you're here?"

Emma swallowed the lump in her throat and shook her head, her curly brown hair bouncing around her shoulders. "No, Sir."

The general leaned forward, his elbows resting on the gleaming surface of the desk and steepled his fingers while leveling a cold stare at the group.

Chris, Liam, Bash, Alex, and William stepped forward, forming a protective semicircle around Emma in the chair.

"Sir, with all due respect, nothing happened that she didn't want," Chris, the leader of the pack, stated, his voice firm but respectful. "She's one of us now, and we'd die for her just as quickly as we'd die for each other."

The general scoffed. "That's commendable, but the rules are clear. Fraternization is strictly forbidden until approved. I could have you all court-martialed and shot for this."

Emma stepped forward, her hazel eyes ablaze with fury.

"If that's the case, then you'll have to add me to the list. I'm the one who seduced them," she said, her voice shaking with pride and determination. "They didn't force themselves on me. I wanted it."

The general's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he studied her closely. "Really now? And why would you do a thing like that?"

Emma straightened upright, her chin held high. "Because I love them. Each and every one of them. They've protected me, cared for me, and shown me more kindness than anyone else in this Godforsaken world."

"And you five? Is this true?"

Chris, Liam, Bash, Alex, and William all nodded in unison, their expressions resolute.

"We love her, Sir," Liam, the one with the contagious smile, spoke up. "We'd lay down our lives for her, just as we've sworn to do for each other. She is ours and we are hers. We didn't seek to hide anything."

"It happened while we brought her in. And there's no separating us now. She's more than likely carrying our child." Alex smirked.

Emma flushed but managed to not sink into the seat.

The general pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, the tension in the room palpable. After a long moment, he stood and walked around his desk, stopping in front of Emma. He looked her in the eyes, his own clouded with uncertainty.

"I don't know what to make of this," he began, clearly at a loss for words. "The rules are clear, but so is the love in this room. It's not every day there's that happening, though it's not odd for groups to form." He paused for a beat before adding, "I'm going to let you off with a warning. This time. Don't let me catch wind of any more insubordination, or I can't guarantee the same leniency next time."

Relief washed over their faces as they nodded in agreement. Emma wrapped her arms around each of her men in turn, their embraces a testament to their love and solidarity. They knew they'd narrowly escaped a close call, but for now, they were together, and that was all that mattered.

As they left the office, side by side, Emma couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. If she wasn't pregnant, would he let the men stay by her side?

William's hand slipped into her left hand, giving it a squeeze, but it was Bash who spoke from behind her.

"It's over now. We're home and we're together."

When Liam took her other hand, Emma thought of nothing but how she would never be alone again as they were led to their very own house.

Their quarters were simple but spacious, a stark contrast to the cramped spaces they'd become accustomed to in the bunkers. Sunlight filtered through the Cracked glass window, casting rays of light on the worn-out sofa and rickety dining table. A small, but serviceable kitchenette occupied one corner, and a doorway led to a private sleeping area.

Ranger trotted in, being led by a man claiming he was clear to stay. The dog's nose was to the ground, sniffing at every nook and cranny before settling down in a ray of sunlight, his tail thumping contentedly against the floor. Emma couldn't help but smile at the sight, the illusion of normalcy a balm to her weary soul.

The men set about making themselves at home, each taking on a task to make their new space feel like their own. Chris repaired a loose chair leg, Liam swept the floor, Bash hung a tattered, yet colorful tapestry over the cracked window, Alex started a pot of coffee, and William propped up some of Emma's precious few photos on the fireplace mantel.

Emma watched them work, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. They'd risked everything for her, and she would spend the rest of her days repaying their loyalty and devotion. The very air seemed to hum with the weight of their shared secret, but for now, they were safe... and together .

As the sun set over the barren landscape outside their new home, the six of them gathered around the table with Ranger at their feet. They shared a delicious steak and potatoes. Their eyes met across the table, each one silently conveying their relief and relief at having made it this far.

After the meal, the men all pitched in to clean up, leaving the dishes sparkling in the dim light. As they worked, she noticed they couldn't help stealing glances at Emma, as if she were a precious treasure they'd feared they'd never see again. She felt self-conscious under their intense gazes, her cheeks flushing a becoming shade of pink.

Finally, the dishes were done, and the men led Emma to the sleeping area, their hands brushing against her arms and back as if to reassure themselves she was real. The room was small, but cozy, with a queen-sized bed.

"I-I don't know what to say," Emma stammered, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red.

"You don't have to say anything, love," Chris said, his voice a low rumble. "We're just happy to have you safe, all of us... together. It doesn't have to be an all or nothing thing all the time."

Emma's body swirled with desire. "But this isn't one of those times. I think we need to make this place our home, mark it, the way you've marked me."

She moved into the room, chuckling as they sounded like they tripped over themselves to get to her.

All of this because you took a shot on an old radio. She shook her head. All of this because you found your saviors.