Chapter 6

SIX

Chris set his foot slowly on the break as the radio tower came into view. Still about a click further in the distance, he paused, looking not only at the tower but at the vast empty field.

No one could lie in wait for them here. If Emma had lured them into an ambush, she'd have to do it from inside the tower.

"We're going to take the truck up as close as we can get, but I don't want to spook her." Chris glanced at Liam next to him. "I also don't want us to leave the truck sitting empty a second time."

Setting his foot back on the gas, Chris moved the car forward at a decent pace until the tower was less than two car lengths away. He slowed the car to damn near a crawl and stopped as close as he could get.

The radio tower stood before the vehicle like an ancient sentinel, its skeletal frame rising up toward the sky. The once gleaming metal was now rusted and peeling, revealing the rusted underbelly beneath. Part of the structure had already toppled over, leaving tangled wreckage at its base. Weeds grew through the cracks in the concrete foundation as if they were determined to reclaim what was once mankind's pride .

Chris noticed pieces of the concrete siding had been blown out—likely from within if the shattered windows were anything to go by. Overall, this wasn't the safest spot to hide out.

Unease crept in. If she had survived on her own for over a year, she'd have to know what a shit idea this place was.

And maybe she just told you to meet her here because she has survived this long and wouldn't want to give up her shelter.

Chris smiled at the idea. He wanted Emma to be resourceful, he couldn't explain why, but he did.

Glancing through a shattered window he noticed exposed beams show signs of rust as if eaten away by time itself. Paint peeled off in large chunks, and cobwebs drape from every corner like ghostly veils. Even a small cloud of dust storms swirled as the breeze blew. A faint smell of decay filled Chris's nostrils, mixing with the acrid tang of ozone from long-dormant machinery.

"How are we doing this, Chris?" Alex tapped on the metal frame that separated the front from the back of the transport.

Chris sat silent. He'd barely gotten any sleep last night figuring out three different angles to approach. Two ensured she came with his unit. One gave her a choice and the most opportunity to do damage if this were a trap.

Letting out a slow sigh, Chris ran a hand over his hair.

"Two shots to force her with us. One to earn her trust."

"She's been alone. Brute force isn't the answer. We've got a long way to go back east, and a captive isn't how I want to play this scenario." Liam's gaze narrowed as if challenging any of them to say otherwise.

"Liam's right. You didn't even tell her a full unit was coming. She's got to want help. I won't trap someone who doesn't want this. Even if we all know it's a better life behind those walls." William's blue eyes seemed darker as he spoke.

"Not that this particular thing is up for a vote, but since two of you felt inclined, Bash, Alex? Care to voice your opinion? "

Bash shrugged. "I'd rather play it safer for us, but this place doesn't look like it could hold too many secrets. She's likely who she says she is."

The response shocked him. Bash was usually all for a protected approach or a fight if it meant keeping them safe.

"Alex? Up to you, man? If I were to listen, what's your play?"

"I don't want to spook her, but I don't think staying sitting ducks is the answer."

Chris nodded. While he would never let them know how much he took their words to heart in a situation like this, they answered his dilemma.

"William, Alex—you're going to pop open the back door and sit at the ready. Bash, I want you just outside, protected by the door. Keep your eyes on the perimeter and be ready to warn the group if something comes. Liam, you're my second. You know this already, but it's your unit if shit hits the fan. When I get out, get behind the wheel and leave if the need comes."

"Chris," Liam started to argue but quickly snapped his mouth shut. "Understood."

He hit the button on the seat belt, disengaging it, and then set the shift into park.

"We've got this. Stay alert, and don't give anyone a chance to fucking take us down."

Chris pushed open the door and left it open after climbing out to let Liam ease in. His heart was oddly still in his chest. It wasn't that he didn't take this seriously, he just didn't see cause for concern just yet.

An anxious heart makes for an easy mark.

His father's words sounded in his mind as Chris moved closer to the tower and the woman who was going to change their world.

Each footstep seemed to echo in the afternoon silence as they approached the radio tower. Standing before the door, he relied on the peaceful air to ensure he and his men would be safe .

Knocking once, Chris tried to control the force of his knock to avoid startling Emma if she were really alone inside. The sound echoed in the silence of the open field, bouncing off the concrete walls like gunfire. His palm stung from the cold metal surface as he held onto it for support.

It seemed an eternity before there was any hint of movement from within. The creaking of wooden planks underfoot sent Chris's hand over the top of his holstered gun, ready to draw if he didn't like what came to the door.

With slow and cautious movements, a figure emerged from the barely open door. The hazel eyes of this mysterious person were narrowed warily, scanning the area outside. They seemed to hold a kaleidoscope of colors within them, constantly shifting from deep brown to vibrant green as if reflecting their ever-changing emotions. As the person peered out, the light caught on their face, revealing gaunt cheekbones but a strong jawline.

If this were Emma inside, she was likely deciding whether or not to trust the stranger at the door.

"I'm Chris Reeden," he called out softly, sensing her apprehension. "The man you spoke to on the CB yesterday."

There was no response for several long moments until, finally, the door opened all the way inward, revealing the most beautiful sight Chris had ever seen.

A female.

A female that matched what he was told over the radio. This wasn't going to be an ambush, and they would save her and get her to a better life.

Chris let his gaze linger on her for a moment, taking in every inch of her. It had been months since he'd seen a woman, with so many already having been brought behind closed walls they were rare to be sure.

Thick, chestnut brown curls tumbled down her shoulders in wild waves, framing her face like a portrait. Her hazel eyes glinted with determination as she squared her shoulders under his assessing gaze. Despite her petite frame, she carried herself with a tense rigidity, as if bracing for impact at any moment.

She studied him with a sweeping gaze, taking in every inch of his as well before finally resting on his face again. The intensity in her eyes spoke volumes about the thoughts that must be racing through her mind.

Chris gauged her to be in her mid-twenties, and far too beautiful to not be the center of attention—even before the toxin made men assholes. Bigger assholes.

Grabbing the only thing that may make her feel better from his pocket, Chris reached out slowly, hand extended toward her with his ID card held loosely between his fingers. He didn't step any closer. He knew better than to give her reason to bolt or attack. It glinted somehow against the dull surroundings—an emblem of power that might sway her decision one way or another.

She carefully accepted it from him without flinching or moving too suddenly. She wasn't giving away her hand if she accepted that as a reason to trust him.

"You're Emma, right?" Chris didn't motion for his card back.

"Yes. You spoke to me yesterday."

"We discussed this yesterday, but seeing you today, I have to ask. You know what could happen if you come with us?"

She nodded, the brown curls swaying around her face hiding any expression she may have worn. "I'm not certain I'm fertile or if I can carry to term. It's one of the reasons I stayed on my own this whole time. Fear of what they'd do if I was useless."

Chris couldn't believe this fragile, curly-haired woman standing before him had managed to survive alone, and he found himself admiring her strength even more than before. He stepped back, creating distance between them in case she needed it after all .

"Alone isn't the best way to survive—before or after the toxin bomb." Chris winced as he realized how stupid he sounded. Of course, she knew that. "The government has a society that is as things once were. There are still dangers, but there's no toxin. There's no hunting for food. There's no worry that someone will attack you and steal from your body."

The idea of raping someone as small as Emma sent a wave of anger through him. The idea of anyone being raped upset him, but even more so with her as he looked at her slim figure.

"Once you're there, I can't promise you'll see me ever again, but it's my job to get you there."

Her eyes narrowed again for a moment, and she passed him back his card. "And you'll protect me on the journey there?"

Chris nodded. "With my fucking life. It's what I do."

"Okay," the word wasn't soft-spoken or hard to hear, but he was confused anyway.

"Just like that?"

"I knew when you said you'd come that I was going to have to accept the choice I made. Alone isn't doing me any favors, and if there's one good thing in this damn world, it's that I can be useful to others and live well in return."

Chris nodded, wondering just what secrets a woman like her held close to her.

"I'm no damsel in distress," she murmured. "But I won't deny I could use some help."

Chris's gaze lingered on her face as she spoke, taking in every detail—how her curly brown hair rested lightly against her cheek and how her lips moved with each word. His heart raced at her honesty, and it surprised him with just how affected he was by this woman.

Which means you need to be honest with her.

"There's one more thing you need to know before you come with me. "

"I could say the same."

He paused, wondering just what else she had up her sleeve.

"Ladies first."

"I would never. I'll get enough for my gender later on."

He couldn't suppress the small smirk. She was something else. "Very well then. I am who I say I am, but I am not alone." He turned and pointed to the vehicle. "My unit is here."

When her skin went pale, so Chris quickly continued, kicking himself for not being better with people.

"We're all here to protect you. We work together. A team. It ensures that you will never be in harm's way so long as you travel."

"You're not going to just kidnap me and force me to go with you, are you?" she asked hesitantly.

Chris shook his head, his expression serious. "No, nothing like that. I wouldn't do that to anyone."

She relaxed slightly but still looked wary. "So, this unit is going to accompany us on the journey?"

"Exactly," he confirmed. "It's our job to make sure you get there safely." This isn't working. Placing his hands around his mouth, Chris shouted back to the car. "Hey guys, time to introduce yourself."

As expected, Bash appeared first, and Chris mentally kicked himself for not sending William and his kind face first. William appeared around the back of the truck, followed by Alex. Liam didn't open the driver's door and step out until the other three were past the hood of the vehicle.

"Allow my team to introduce themselves. If you decide you don't want our help, we'll leave you be."

And watch and make sure you get back to your actual safe place without incident.

Emma's eyes seemed to shift nervously from Chris to the men who walked closer to him. Despite the obvious discomfort in her gaze, Emma didn't back away or tremble in the slightest. This woman had survived through means Chris already admired.

"I'm William," Will introduced himself with a nod as he stood beside Chris. "I specialize in surveillance. Youngest on the team and also most likely to fall asleep first when these jokers let me take a break."

"Sebastian. They all call me Bash so I suppose you can too. I'm the group's muscle. You'll mostly be looking to me for protection." Bash's usually gruff voice seemed toned down as he spoke.

Chris groaned but didn't interject. If Bash was amusing himself, Chris wouldn't get in the way.

"Alex, mostly the tech guy, also the comic relief guy when things get too tense between the rest of them. And the medic of the group, which hopefully you won't need while we get you back east."

Chris didn't have to turn to know Alex would be grinning at Emma.

"Liam. I'm Chris's second and master navigator." Liam brushed past Chris and extended his hand to Emma.

Emma looked from Liam's hand to Chris, but shook it.

"Emma. Very tired of being alone and not stupid enough to think I can save myself on my own—no matter how much it feels safer to do that. You're a team?"

Chris nodded. "Been together since damn near the beginning of the toxin outbreak."

Outbreak—it's not that simple.

"We work together to keep people like you safe during these uncertain times." He could see the wariness still present in her eyes and quickly added, "But if you don't want our help, we'll leave now and you can continue on your own."

Silence hung in the air for a moment before she finally spoke up again.

"I don't think I have much of a choice at this point," she admitted with a sigh.

It wasn't an acceptance of the offer, but she clearly needed more time. Time they wouldn't have because they needed to get back before the sun started to set.

Chris's heart ached at her words, and he made a mental note to make sure their mission was successful so that she wouldn't regret her decision. Every mission needed that, but this woman seemed like she was more than the others.

Emma's cheeks flushed as she took in Chris's appearance. He looked every inch the rugged soldier he was, his muscles bulging under the tight fabric of his uniform. The jagged scar on his cheek only seemed to heighten his attractiveness. He stood with his arms crossed, but the way he regarded her face held something akin to warmth, as if he saw something beneath her fear.

The wind blew just behind him, rustling the fabric of his uniform—a deep green-blue fabric that probably blended into the forest before the bomb destroyed so many trees. He exuded confidence, but she wondered what else lingered behind those stern eyes. As he moved toward her, she felt heat from his body, and it made her heart race in an inexplicable way.

She hadn't been prepared to find her savior handsome.

Or to have five of them.

Barely resisting the urge to run inside and flee, Emma tried to take deep breaths without the men seeing her discomfort as she looked at each one, trying to determine if anything she did next would keep her safe.

The air around Liam seemed alive. Emma could practically feel the energy crackling off him like static electricity. His muscular arms flexed underneath his jacket, emphasizing every contour of his body, yet there was an unmistakable softness in the way he approached her which made it hard not to trust him just a little bit more. His messy hair was so close in color to hers and fell into his bright blue eyes as he'd taken her hand gently. It had been warm against her grip—so different from the cold world they lived in now.

William watched her carefully too, each movement painted with curiosity and anticipation. His blond hair was styled in a messy yet fashionable way that swayed slightly in the breeze, drawing attention to his piercing blue eyes that held kindness within them and something else too. A fire that spoke of righteousness and determination. He may be the youngest of their group, but it was obvious he was still older than she was. His blonde hair and bright blue eyes stood out amongst the darker coloring of the other men.

Alex looked directly into her stare when she turned it on him. His darker complexion and hazel eyes reminded her of a movie star. His dark hair was mussed, but every other part of him was near perfect, right down to the muscular arms and broad shoulders that must have been a requirement to join this group.

"We won't hurt you, no matter what we look like." Bash surprised her.

Bash's gaze swept over her body, taking in every detail with an intensity that made her shiver despite herself, but there was also a sense of longing there. Something buried deep within those ice-cold green eyes that hinted at past betrayal or loss or hurt. She couldn't quite tell which one it was but knew both could make him dangerous. He gave off killer super soldier vibes, not kind and compassionate. His dark hair was cut short, and his stubble seemed to intrigue her in ways she would never understand, given he looked like he could end her life with a single hand.

William stepped forward, his eyes never leaving hers as he offered a shy smile which only seemed to emphasize his charm. "We're just trying to survive like everyone else." He hesitated for a moment before speaking again in that deep voice that sent shivers down her spine. "And we could use your help, as well" he added, glancing at the others for confirmation.

They nodded, but no one elaborated, and Emma couldn't understand how she could help them if it wasn't the way she feared.

It was clear that they all meant business when it came to protecting one another.

"He means that helping a woman get to the safe haven increases our odds of being invited inside to guard you." Chris offered her a strained smile. "This place isn't safe," Chris agreed quietly, his tone solemn yet determined. "We can get you to safety."

Emma swallowed hard against the sudden lump in her throat as she took them all in again. She didn't know them from a hole in the wall, but for some reason, she felt safe. Maybe it was the uniform or their talk of promises.

Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes moved between the men. It wasn't just the promise of safety, it was the intensity of their stares, the heat emanating from their bodies, and the electricity in the air that made it hard to breathe. She had never been around such strong, capable men before. But she knew the risks—this world was unforgiving, and they needed her strength too.

"Okay." She forced a strength to back her words when she wanted to whisper them and hide away.

"You accept our escort?" Chris's voice held a small ounce of confusion, as if he had expected her to back out.

Emma nodded slowly, feeling like this was a decision that could make or break everything she had built here. Her heart thudded against her chest as they moved toward the truck together, each of them taking up positions around her and forming a protective circle .

"I need one more thing," she said hesitantly, barely above a whisper. Her throat felt tight as she spoke up now. "My dogs need to come too. And I have livestock that need protecting." she added hastily.

Her eyes finally moved from the men to the vehicle they came from. There wasn't enough room for her animals, she could sense that, but their response mattered.

Chris's response matters.

Emma needed him to be more than just a man with a mission. He needed to care about something besides himself or he couldn't really help her.

The men were silent, their gazes turning toward Emma as they took in her request. The silence hung heavy in the air, as if trying to crush Emma under its weight. She braced herself, knowing that she was asking for more than just space for her animals—she was asking them to trust her too.

"Alright. We'll make it work." Chris was curt but firm. We'll take the dogs." He looked over at Liam. "Work on training the dogs to aid and alert. They'll help us spot danger before it gets too close." Glancing back at Emma, he added, "Liam has a real way with animals. He'll make certain they're safe and useful."

The word useful left a sour taste in her mouth, but Emma understood how this man worked. He cared, but only enough to get what was needed done. He was handsome and hardened.

"But not livestock. While I get they may be your pets … or fuck … your food, we don't have the room."

Emma recoiled at Chris's implication that she'd eat any of the animals, but once upon a time, she would have. That's what farmers did on a meat farm.

"They are not food!" Emma's voice cracked as she stepped forward closer to Chris.

She watched as Bash, clearly the most jaded of the group, rolled his eyes and looked away. Alex looked disgusted for a second before returning to his cocky smirk. However, William looked like he was about to protest before catching Chris's glare and deciding against it. Her heart sank at this reminder of the desperation they were all in. She had thought they might be better than that.

Liam cleared his throat and stepped forward, stepping into his role as peacemaker. "Look, we can respect that you have things you wouldn't want to leave behind. Animals have no business on this journey, we can't protect them and you. They'll slow us down, too."

"And what will happen to them? When their caregiver vanishes, or someone comes to find them as food?" Her fight was pointless, but she couldn't leave them to die simply so she could stand a chance to live.

Emma stood up straighter, feeling the wind play with her curls as she took a step forward toward Chris, feeling more nervous than she had in weeks but determined to fight for what was right. Bash's gaze raked over her body as she moved closer, and she tried not to wince at the thought that they were still strangers who could turn on her at any moment. "I can provide for them myself," she insisted softly but firmly.

The smile that spread over Chris's lips was completely unexpected and seemed to make him more attractive than ever.

"We can't take them with us, but our base could use them. You agree to show us where you actually live, because we both know it's not here, and I'll get them to safety."

The sigh of relief rushed past her lips before she could conceal it. They animals would be safe, and she would be safe.

"Deal," Emma extended her hand and gasped as Chris's large hand enveloped hers.

"Let's get you going. Your hand is freezing." He took his hand back and turned to leave.

One by one, the men shook her hand, and Emma wasn't immune to the strength each one displayed. These men were a force to be reckoned with and likely her only chance at surviving long enough to find safety.

When Alex let go of her hand, she turned back inside. She had only brought one thing with her besides the knife concealed in her boot.

"Come on out, boy!"

Ranger bounded out, tail wagging a mile a minute as if he already trusted these men. The lab bolted toward Liam, immediately sitting at his feet with a short whimper.

"See what I said?" Chris laughed. "Glad to see you didn't come out here totally alone," he squatted next to Ranger and patted him on the head.

"This is Ranger. Bo and Shadow are back at my farm. I don't know that Bo can really come with us with his age, and Shadow is bonded to him."

"We can make arrangements for them to be safe on the base as well. Safer than on the farm."

Tears slipped down her cheeks but she nodded, not swiping the wetness away.

She hadn't expected comfort from any of the men, but when William tugged on her hand and pulled her against him, Emma couldn't breathe for a moment.

Human touch was foreign, and his arms seemed to fit around her so perfectly she could lose herself.

"Come on then, we need to beat the darkness." Bash grunted.

"Your truck, will it take us to a helicopter or plane?"

They all froze and her skin seemed to crawl.

"The truck is how we'll go." Chris responded. "We don't have access to a plane or helicopter, but we'll get you there."

Emma hesitated. They were at least a week's drive from Washington. There would be dangers she hadn't planned on facing .

"And I'll be safe?"

"Always," Liam spoke up first, his eyes locking with hers.

"Okay."

Chris led the way back to the truck as Emma followed closely behind him, taking one last look at the old abandoned radio tower as they left it behind.

The wind brushed through her curly hair, lifting it from her shoulders and making her shiver slightly.

"You'll sit in the back. It's not as safe back there, but I'd rather people not see us with a woman in our front seat." Chris spoke as he tugged open the latch and swung the door outward.

She nodded and climbed in without waiting for them to help. Bash, Alex, and William piled in beside her, and Ranger jumped up shortly after, resting in her lap once she sat. The doors up front shut, and the engine roared to life, reverberating through her body as they drove away from the crumbling remnants of civilization.

The road was barren, overgrown with weeds and shrubs that seemed to stretch on for miles in all directions. The smell of gasoline and metal mixed with fresh cut grass filled her nose as they moved further into unknown territory. The gears shifted audibly as Chris drove, and as she pat Ranger, Emma resisted the urge to close her eyes and finally rest as she gave Liam the address to her actual house.