Chapter 9

NINE

The sun crested over the barren horizon, and Chris stared off into the distance out the broken window. He wasn't waiting for anything to come, he just wasn't used to sitting idle. Rising off the makeshift cot, the rigidity of a night basically on the floor left his muscles stiffer than he liked.

Without meaning too, Chris stuffed his hand in his pocket, pulling out the faded, crumpled photograph. Just over thirty-six months separated this photo being taken, and today. The men in this photo were his family, and even if they were not as spry or hopeful as the day they were assigned to get people to safety, they were still the reason Chris kept going every day. He would never forget.

Chris swallowed the melancholy that threatened to consume him if they didn't get Emma where she needed to be and straightened his uniform, determined not to show weakness. Chris knew his strength couldn't wane.

His mind was consumed by the impossible brunette in another room. Ever since she had climbed into the back of his transport and accepted his help, she had captivated him completely. Emma's beauty had always been undeniable, but now, after the explosion, she seemed to radiate a goddess-like aura that left Chris breathless.

He couldn't deny the primal attraction he found toward Emma, he was a man. But, she would be forever safe with him. Chris held his role as protector in top regard.

A man with a unit to get to a better life and a woman looking to you to keep her safe.

Still, Emma had found a way to haunt his thoughts in just two days.

The way her long, dark hair flowed over her shoulders, framing her delicate features and piercing eyes, was enough to make him weak at the knees. Then there was the inner beauty that shone like a fucking beacon in the darkness. A strength and resilience that shone through despite the devastating circumstances. Chris couldn't help but be drawn to her in ways he never thought possible.

Downstairs, the others milled about. He knew Alex and William would be sitting around the dilapidated table guzzling instant coffee. Liam and Bash would be asleep another few hours, but that was fine. They'd pulled the night watch. Chris had things to do and a trip to get going on.

If the next base had responded.

Chris went down the stairs, light on his feet as always, and found William and Alex doing exactly as he expected.

They looked up as he entered, their weary faces betraying their restless nights. It wasn't surprising, no one slept well in unknown places with the danger around them.

"Any word from the base?" Chris asked, his voice clipped and to the point.

William shook his head, his blond hair falling into his eyes. "Nothing. Radio's dead quiet. "

Frustration coursed through Chris, and he squeezed his fingers against his eyes with a curse. "Dammit! We can't stay here much longer. But we can't just head to a base without protection." He glanced at the locked door just down the hall, where Emma slept, oblivious to the dangers lurking outside it seemed. "We'll give it another day. Then we'll have to risk them not having space for us. In the meantime, we're going to continue what Liam started last night. If we get into trouble, let's get her prepared to maybe save herself."

Alex set his mug down, and a cocky grin spread over his face. "With pleasure, boss."

Chris shot him a warning glare. "I mean train her to survive, idiot. Teach her the basics, see how far she can get." He knew they couldn't risk another liability, not in this world.

"Yes, Sir," they chorused in unison, though both still smiled.

"Do you think that once we're there . . ." William's sentence trailed off.

"I think she's clearly something fucking special we need to protect. Worry about the rest when she gets her choice after we get her to safety."

"You got something specific in mind to teach her?" Alex cracked his neck but kept his gaze on Chris.

"Whatever you think is useful and can be done quickly. It's going to be messy either way, but doing it is better than not."

Chris's head swiveled at the sound of a lock disengaging, his eyes darting first to the back door and then to Emma's room where their eyes met across the room.

She was dressed in their spare training gear—loose-fitting pants of her own and a shirt of Chris's that hung off her shoulders, revealing her slim form. Her curly brown hair fell past her shoulders in gentle waves, shimmering in the dim light of their campfire. The hazel eyes she turned toward him held a spark of determination that sent a shiver down his spine. He noticed how her small hands gripped the fabric tight, knuckles white as she stepped closer, her petite frame swaying slightly with each step.

"Good morning," she murmured timidly, casting glances at each of them before settling on Chris's stern face. "Was everyone waiting on me?" A pale pink flush crawled up her cheeks.

"Bash and Liam should be up soon but are still asleep. We need to stand watch, but we can't operate tired. Sleep is important, and we take it when we can." Chris hated how gruff he sounded, but it was that or let the desire swirling through him be heard.

And we don't need to scare her. We already did that by showing up as five men instead of one.

"Right then," Chris continued gruffly, patting his hands against his pants. "We're going to teach you some basics today, nothing fancy but enough to keep you alive."

"I thought we had a base to get to?" A sprinkle of fear shone in her eyes.

"We're waiting for approval to arrive. As you know, radio's are a bit fickle. Ours can't leave the truck, which leaves us forced to go back and forth. Don't worry, with or without permission, we're leaving in the morning. Trust me, they'll find out a woman is with us and those gates will likely swing wide open. But, I'm a man of order and I'd rather we do it by the book."

"Oh," she nodded and moved to sit at the table.

"You'll come outside with me first. We'll go over some basic self-defense." He looked at the frown on her lips. "Five minutes. Coffee first."

Her frown changed into a smile as she grabbed a mug off the counter—one they'd brought from their pack. Chris knew she'd be in good hands with Alex and William, and it would give them time to figure out what they could work with her on.

"I'm just stepping out. Looks dead as far as the eye can see, but I'd rather scope things out first."

Without waiting for an answer, Chris moved to the back door behind the table and jerked it open, blowing out a breath. The acrid scent of burnt metal and ash hung in the air, a reminder of the devastation wrought by the toxin that had ravaged the land.

Emma's presence messed with his head, and Chris needed to focus if he was going to train her safely.

He swept his gaze left to right, searching for any signs of movement or danger. The area was eerily quiet—no sound but the soft rustle of leaves in the wind and the occasional creak of a branch.

Chris's boots thudded against the concrete steps as he made his way a little further from the house, determined to ensure nothing could get the jump on them once Emma came outside. He circled what was once the backyard and moved to look out front.

His eyes scanned their surroundings, missing nothing—the charred skeleton of a car, overturned makeshift shelters, and crumpled metal barricades that were once used for protection now rusted into oblivion.

The wind picked up, rustling through what was left of the dry grasses and bringing with it a faint hint of rot. It wasn't pleasant outside anymore, but fighting inside would not be safe because they didn't know the condition of the floor. The last thing he needed was them falling through.

The sound pad of footsteps let him know Emma had not only come outside, but had come out front, which was more dangerous.

"Following me outside isn't the smartest move. You don't know what's here." He didn't bother to turn.

"How did you know?"

"My job is to protect and survive. You were quiet, but not that quiet."

"Sorry," the word held a slight edge of annoyance, not remorse.

"Which is why we need to do this." Chris turned to her. "Have you fought anyone before? "

Emma shook her head.

"Have you thrown a punch?"

"Casually, more out of annoyance or playing with my dad."

Chris sighed. "How the fuck did you survive for so long?"

"I'm not a lost cause," Emma hissed, stomping to get right in his face. "I survived by being invisible, not by getting in fights to steal shit."

Chris ignored the way her presence in his personal space only made him want to thread his hands in her hair and pull her close. That was illogical and against the plan. He was horny because it had been months since he'd even seen a woman. That was all.

"Then it's time we teach you how to survive when you can't be invisible."

Chris grabbed Emma's wrist and pulled it up to the level of his face. Her gasp sent a wave of desire through him, as he imagined something else drawing the sound past her lips. The warmth of her skin against his fingers was a distraction he didn't need.

Chris pushed it aside.

"Understand something, Emma," he growled, his lips brushing against her knuckles as his eyes met hers. "When you're in a fight, you have to hit hard and fast. No mercy." He clenched her fist tightly, but not enough to harm her. "It's all about power and precision."

His grip relented slightly, and he guided her arm back and then outward swiftly toward an imaginary target. The air whistled past them with the sudden movement.

"And when you land a hit," he said into her ear as she whipped back around to face him again, their bodies so close they could feel each other breathe each other in, "you make sure it hurts."

With that warning lingering between them like an electric current, he spun her away once more and set his palms face out. "Do it. "

She didn't hesitate, and slammed both palms into hers from behind. The impact reverberated through their joined hands, warmth spreading from hers into his chest as if they were one entity.

Chris stepped away with a grunt of approval before she could respond or question what just happened there.

"Good," he said curtly. "Now, where are you going to hit me next?"

"In the mouth?" She hissed.

He snickered. "The side of the head, the solar plexus, or fuck, even the balls. In this current state, we're not used to attention there, trust me when I say we'll go down harder than most people expect."

Again, he put his hands up, but this time began to dance around her. "No one is going to let you punch them. Find a moving target."

She swung with far too much confidence, her knuckles grazed against the scar on his cheek, drawing a sharp intake of breath from him as their skin brushed.

"Sorry, I didn't realize it would be tender." Her hands immediately dropped.

"It's not, I just wasn't expecting you to be so fucking brazen right away." The truth was, no one touched his scar, not even him. "It's not painful. It's too old for nerve endings."

She swung again, and Chris caught her small fist easily inside his right hand.

"Good attempt while I was distracted. You'll need to move faster, though. In a real fight, speed and your small height will save you if you need to land hits. Hit me again."

Chris watched as her eyes targeted his chest, giving her away. When her fist flew, he dodged without her fist getting close to him and countered with a quick jab to her shoulder.

"Ow," she barked, and her hand went to her shoulder .

"Fuck," Chris hissed and his stomach rolled. He'd been trying to see how she'd respond, not hurt her. "Are you okay?" Chris kept his distance should this be a bait attempt, but every part of him screamed to go check on her closer.

"You didn't fall for it."

He chuckled and resumed a guard position. "Little tip—if a man is trying to take you, he won't care if you say ow." Chris gently swiped his left foot out and wrapped it around her ankle, dropping her to the ground but not before he swung himself under her. "I'm just too smart for that."

Chris ground the words out, trying to ignore the way the blood left his fucking head and migrated all the way south. Emma's weight on him felt far too fucking good.

"But I see you caught me after tripping me." Emma didn't scramble up.

"I'm not out to hurt you, but that should remind you to watch your levels."

"My what?"

Chris's desire consumed him as he rolled Emma underneath him, his body urging him to explore and savor her every reaction. The scent of soap on her skin and the warmth radiating from her body filled his senses.

With immense effort, he stood up and extended his hand to help her up, his heart racing with anticipation.

They stood there for a few seconds longer than necessary before Chris cleared his throat and stepped back.

"Your levels. People won't always just come at the same height. We're not done yet."

He was grateful for the excuse to focus on something else besides the way Emma made him feel. He couldn't afford to lose control like that again.

He circled around her again, his movements fluid and confident. Emma tried to follow him, but she stumbled on her own feet.

"Balance is key," Chris said, noticing her struggle. "Stay light on your feet and use your center of gravity."

He demonstrated by gently pushing against her shoulder, causing her to lose balance again but not fall.

"See how easy it is for someone to knock you off balance? Keep your core strong and centered. Now try again," he said, nodding toward his open palm.

This time, Emma was able to deliver a solid punch to his hand without losing balance. She grinned triumphantly.

"Good job," Chris praised. "But don't get cocky. Just because you hit me once doesn't mean it's over."

He lunged forward suddenly, catching Emma off guard and knocking her onto the ground.

"Always be prepared for unexpected attacks," he said as he helped her up. "Now let's try some kicks."

Chris showed Emma how to properly execute a front kick and sidekick before having her practice on padded targets.

"Remember, power comes from proper technique," he reminded her as she kicked the target with all of her might.

"And is this why you joined the Army? To fight?" Emma's chest rose and fell rapidly as she'd clearly used more energy than she was used to.

"I joined because my father was a captain, and there was nothing else for me, even before the bomb."

"Oh," she glanced down for a moment. "And you stayed because a soldier does his duty?"

He snorted. "I stayed because there were people who needed saving, and being on the right side of resources allowed me to track down, reunite, and save more people than I ever could have on my own. I'm not a hero, so don't paint me that way. I lost my father and siblings when the bomb hit. There was nowhere for me to go, anyway."

Again, she glanced away, and Chris couldn't help the surge of guilt that he was harsh. He didn't want her thinking he was a hero. He might be, but that had nothing to do with why he helped. He helped because it wasn't fair that his life could be safe or privileged when others couldn't.

"Come on then, we're not done." Chris lifted his hands to block his face, waiting for her to throw another move.

After an hour of practicing different punches and kicks, Emma was sweating and out of breath but was smiling just the same.

For the rest of the training session, Chris kept a safe distance from Emma, not wanting to risk losing control again. But even with the physical distance between them, he couldn't stop thinking about how good she felt under him.

The tension between them was palpable as they finished their training for the day and headed back inside. He gestured for her to go first, and tried his damndest to think of anything but her.

As they entered the kitchen, Alex looked up from the microwave he had clearly been toying with. "Is everything okay?"

Chris forced a smile onto his face as he replied, "Everything is great."

But Alex wasn't convinced and narrowed his eyes at them both. "Well alright then," he said skeptically before setting down the screwdriver. "Got this girl working to heat us up some of the frozen meals we had with us." Alex popped open the microwave door.

"Oh my god," Emma squealed. "Frozen food is still a thing?"

Chris chuckled, realizing even still how much Emma had given up by staying on her farm. The world had gone to hell, but those who grouped together did far better than those on their own.

Ignoring Alex's suspicious look, Chris grabbed a protein bar from the counter and headed toward his room without another word .

The door slammed shut, leaving Chris alone with his thoughts. He couldn't hold back a growl of frustration, but it wasn't directed at Emma.

His body ached for her touch, and he could still feel the warmth of their palms intertwined as she gripped his hand tightly during their training session today. She had questioned him about why he joined the military, and when he told her about losing family to the bombings, she wrapped her arm around him in a comforting gesture that made him want nothing more than to forget their current circumstances and just be close to her. But Chris had learned long ago that love and relationships were luxuries they couldn't afford. Both ended up causing more harm than good when people were constantly on edge, fighting for survival.

He collapsed onto his bed with a loud sigh. Squeezing his eyes shut and tried to clear his mind, focusing on the taste of the protein bar as it passed over his tongue.

He couldn't deny how his body responded to Emma, but he could deny acting on it as long as he could get away from her when the desire to taste her became too strong.

It would be her choice if something like that ever happened. And only hers.

William smirked at the sound of Chris stomping around. It was the only tell his leader was back inside. He knew those stomps, too. Something had gotten under Chris's skin.

Chris stomped whenever he couldn't solve a problem, which fortunately wasn't often because the team he'd hand-picked worked together with more precision than should have been possible.

The team that is now transporting a female with the hopes of getting a better life .

Pushing off the broken desk chair, William left what must have once been a home office and moved through the house, giving Liam a quick nod before moving to the kitchen where Emma sat with Alex, an empty plate in front of her.

"I know Chris just worked you into the ground for a few hours, but do you think you're up for something more?"

Emma looked up then, her hazel eyes damn near glittering, and William's tongue suddenly seemed too large for his mouth. He wasn't one to ogle a woman, but Emma seemed to be made to look at—as if she'd been made to entice him.

Shake it off. You know the rules. Get her to safety. Then you guys get what you want.

William wasn't certain he wanted a life behind the walls, but he did want a family. Growing up without a large one always left him wanting what he didn't have. If he ever found a way to be a dad or a husband in this world, he'd take it without ever looking back.

Even if it means leaving the unit.

William knew he was the only one who felt that way, and that's why he didn't chase anything. His unit was the family he had.

"Will?" Alex cut through his thoughts.

"Sorry, daydreaming." he offered a lopsided smile and hoped Emma wouldn't think less of him knowing his mind wandered.

"She asked what you're trying to show her."

"Scavenging. You ask them all what I'm best at, and they'll tell you it's finding things where they are harder to find. Could come in handy if you're on your own." He smacked a hand over his face. "Not that we'll leave you alone." William sighed and dropped onto the table to sit. "Let's try this again. I'd like to show you a useful skill while we're waiting on transport orders."

Emma's laughter was like a gentle breeze, a bright and cheerful sound that danced across her face and brought a sparkle to her eyes. It was soft but beautiful. As she laughed, the corners of her mouth turned up in a wide smile, revealing her dimples and crinkling the skin around her eyes. In that moment, she radiated pure happiness, like a beam of sunlight breaking through the clouds on a dreary day.

"I'll learn any skills you all want to show me, but if we could take a break from any punching or kicking, I'd like that."

"I mean, I can't say I haven't punched something when I've been pissed off at not finding what I'm looking for, but I think we can do that." William smirked and changed to look at Alex. "We're gonna have to go a bit out. We'll take the truck, but I'd feel better if someone came with us. It's only noon, but that doesn't mean we're good to roll."

Alex pushed back on the chair. "You check with Chris?"

William shook his head. "He told us to do whatever we could. This is what I can do." Second-guessing himself, he looked up the stairs. "Chris, I need to show her how to search for things. Gonna go to that gas station about five miles back. Alex is coming."

"You get anyone killed, and it's your head on the chopping block," Chris called back.

"Unless you're dead," Alex snickered and offered Emma a hand to stand. "Maybe I'll get a chance to show off my usefulness too."

"Didn't you just fix a broken microwave?" Emma questioned.

"Sure did. I fix things." Alex grinned like he'd told the best joke, and William rolled his eyes.

"Emma, up front in case there's anything I can point out along the way." William tugged off his hat. "Please tuck your hair up for safety."

Delicate, slender fingers curled with ease over the brim of the hat, and William's breath caught in his throat at the sight. He couldn't quite understand why this simple act affected him as they stood in the small hall, passing a hat. It was a small gesture, but one that seemed to hold great significance in that moment.

"You got it," She took the hat and began to twist her hair into a ball.

"Don't get used to giving orders, Chris won't let you take his job."

"Thanks for the tip, you're just full of wisdom."

Alex grinned back and jumped ahead to tug open the door, gesturing for Emma and William to go out first.

The air was hotter than it should be for this time of year, but the bombs fucked everything up and it seemed like it was either always hotter than hell summer or frigid winter.

He scanned the area before pulling open Emma's door and helping her in. It was odd how alone they were, but it had been less than twenty-four hours, and they were out of the way of the town.

"Now, I assume you've done something similar. Find a misplaced item, I mean," William hadn't driven in months and used the talking more to distract him than actually teach Emma as he sat behind the wheel.

"On the occasion. Not often. I tried to get what I needed the legal way."

He turned to her, admiring how despite it all she held to a code of honor either her parents instilled in her or she created. Not many people would hold on to things like that in this world. His unit had. It was the reason William stuck around when he was first assigned. These men had morals and desires to do right by others, and William wanted that, too.

"Showing you little tips that can make a difference when you know where to look is the goal for today. A can of half-eaten food isn't something to be avoided unless you have enough. The can can be used for water when it rains if you don't want the leftover food."

The empty road seemed every bit the barren wasteland he knew it was as they drove away from the small, borrowed house.

"Keep your eyes peeled for anything silver. It's probably duct tape, which is a lifesaver."

"My friend had a duct tape wallet back in high school," Emma added.

William smiled. She was comfortable enough to talk to him, and to bring up memories. It didn't really matter, but it still made him feel good. They had a week of travel ahead of them, and the last thing he wanted was to have her uncomfortable around him.

"Not quite what I meant, but it shows the dexterity." William followed the turn of the road, acknowledging the dead deer on the side of the road that absolutely hadn't been there the night before.

"Whenever you walk on fabricated surfaces, shuffle your feet first. A lot of times, there's a loose tile or floorboard where someone stuffed something."

They fell into a silence, and William couldn't help but wonder how Emma was feeling. He could ask, but it seemed too personal. They continued the last few miles in silence until the gas station and what was likely once a fast food restaurant came into view.

Parking near the gas station, William chose to walk a block back so that he could point out anything along the way.

William's eyes darted everywhere all at once. Up at the windows to make sure no snipers would see them. To the left to check behind dead cars. Off to the right to ensure no one came too close from behind the other building.

Debris crunched under their boots as they walked toward an old mechanic's bay where he began rummaging through tools and supplies.

"Do people still use gas?" Emma asked, her steps barely audible as if she'd done this before .

"Believe it or not, there's still some life that goes on—mostly because the military makes it happen. There are not too many cars, but I have a hunch this place will probably be empty. I just want to check and see."

"Empty doesn't always mean empty to his eyes." Alex offered. "I swear, William can see things with his naked eye that I can't see with binoculars. If you're looking for something, he's the one you want.

"I feel like you're helping me on a job interview." William chuckled. "Do you mind me asking what you did … before?"

"I was in college. I wanted to be a librarian because books were my lifeline as a kid—helpful, I know."

William was struck by the deep sorrow in her words. Each one seemed to be etched with pain, as if each thought of the past was a painful memory for her to bear. The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, like a dark storm cloud threatening to burst. He could see the anguish in her eyes when he glanced her way, and he longed to ease her burden.

"If it helps, before all . . . this . . . I was top of my class, ready to join a marketing firm." William sighed. "Back when the biggest concern was how to sell a product."

"Do you miss it?" It was Alex who asked from the back.

"Every damn day, but not as much as my parents."

"Are they … gone?" Emma's last word was soft and hard to hear.

"The toxin killed my mother within days. My father died shortly after." William didn't add that he took his own life over grief at being unable to save his wife. "I joined so I could learn skills that could be useful to others."

"I'm sorry." Emma set her hand on his, stopping him in his tracks.

William was unaccustomed to gentle touches, but Emma appeared to have perfectly crafted the art .

Her fingers traced delicate patterns on his skin, leaving behind a trail of warmth and comfort. He found himself melting into her touch, drawn in by the tenderness and care she showed. It was as if she had honed this skill over time, knowing exactly how to make him feel at ease.

"Come on then, let's get inside and I'll show you something you can use to help us on our journey."

The shop had seen better days, with broken windows and graffiti-covered walls. William couldn't help but imagine what it must have looked like before the shattered windows and bright spray paints had taken over.

William guided Emma inside, his eyes scanning the dimly lit room as he led her past shelves lined with junk food that tastes like cardboard now and dusty magazines once read by bored travelers waiting for hours on end. The dingy floors creaked under their feet as they made their way further in.

The walls were covered in dust and grime, with peeling paint that had started to reveal the metal structure underneath.

He wondered if there would be anything he could possibly show her as the store looked looted and utterly useless. Broken bottles lined the floor, and the stench of booze and piss burned William's nose.

"Aha!" The box just ahead on the left wasn't tipped over completely, and the red cross was a beacon. "This is what I mean." Beckoning her to follow while Alex glanced around, William lifted the empty cereal box. "This first aid kit was stashed here. Someone likely intended on coming back for it."

"Or someone was leaving it there to lure other people out." A voice spoke as someone exited the back room, a knife gleaming in his hands. Dirt covered every inch of the guy, from his long, stringy brown hair to the tattered gray pants.

William turned quickly hoping it would be just the one man that he and Alex could easily incapacitate. Alex jerked as well, and their eyes met as they took count. Five. William and Alex were outmatched here.

The newcomer lunged forward, blade gleaming in the dim light as he charged toward them.

"Run! Get back to the truck." William didn't know if outside was safer, but there were weapons, and whether she knew how to shoot or not, it would help.

His muscles tensed, ready for a fight as adrenaline coursed through his veins. The air turned thick with anticipation, and both he and Alex shared a glance, knowing what could happen next.

The man lunged at William, knife raised high above his head. The crunch of broken cardboard filled the small space as he sent a shelf tumbling down behind them in his rage.

William quickly dodged the attack and swung his leg toward the man's knees, knocking him off balance. The man stumbled backward and William took advantage of the opportunity, delivering a swift punch to his jaw.

But the man was determined to fight back. He grabbed a broken bottle from the floor and charged at William again with a crazed look in his eyes.

William's heart raced as he tried to think of a way out of this situation. He knew that if he didn't act fast, this man could seriously injure him or worse.

Just as the man was about to strike with the broken bottle, a loud boom echoed through the small space. The man stopped in his tracks, clutching at his stomach where a bullet had pierced through it.

William turned to see Alex standing with his handgun aimed at the now wounded man.

So, we're aiming to kill then.

The single bullet changed the course of the fight, and the group attacked William and Alex as one.

A deafening roar erupted as gunfire filled the air, punctuated by the sharp cracks of bullets whizzing past his ears. The echoes reverberated off the walls and seemed to surround him, creating a chaotic symphony of sound. The metallic pings of stray bullets hitting nearby objects added to the cacophony. He could feel the heat radiating from the barrels as the weapons were fired and smell the acrid scent of gunpowder in the air. Adrenaline surged through his body as he searched for cover, heart pounding in his chest.

William dodged bullets skillfully while using his combat knife to slice through the air, parrying punches and kicks with practiced ease. He fought dirty, biting and scratching when he needed to get free from holds that threatened to take him down.

His heart raced with adrenaline as he fended off another blow from an oncoming assailant only for the man to stumble back in surprise before being caught by another soldier's strike from behind.

A grin spread over his face just before his head was hit hard into the wall by an unexpected punch from yet another attacker. Stars danced in front of his eyes momentarily as pain radiated through his skull like flames licking at kindling wood.

William's knees buckled under him briefly before regaining their strength enough for him to dodge another swing aimed at his head which caused him stumbled back into a barricade but not before he could land a solid punch of his own into the gut of his enemy before finding footing again near Emma once more protectively beside her side

"William!"

Emma's scream tore through his focus, where the fuck had she been?

The momentary distraction was all it took.

A wall of muscle slammed into William. His blond hair whipped around his face as he twisted and turned, trying desperately to free himself. But it was no use. They were too strong. With a growl of frustration, he finally stopped fighting back when a fist connected with his jaw, knocking him out cold.

His head smacked into the wall as he was dragged across the floor toward an unseen destination. Everything blurred, but he thought he saw someone drop to the floor as he was moved past, and he knew he heard Alex seconds before someone grabbed his calf.