Page 11 of Following Their Heart

“Doc, you and Shep will keep fortifying the lodge and barn. Don’t want to lose any of our animals over this bullshit.” It was hard enough to find livestock still alive after Week Zero. Losing our cows and goats would be a blow to our diet.

The two of them agree with fierce looks of determination.

“I’ll be bringing up arms and ammo from our warehouses.” I turn to Cora. It’s time to drop the bomb she’s not going to like.

“This part’s for you, kitten, so listen up.”

Sitting tall between Doc and Shep, she gives me her full attention.

“ThesecondI know these assholes are in range, Grim’s taking you underground. Deep in the old mines, we’ve got a bomb shelter. That’s where you two are gonna ride out whatever’s gonna go down. You’ve got enough food and water to live in the shelter a full year.”

Cora’s eyes widen. She looks from me to Grim and back to me again. “A year?”

“If need be. But the goal is to take out the threat and send you the all-clear as soon as possible.” I’m talking just to her, now. “Need you to know, kitten. If the worst happens, and we can’t stop this threat, you and Grim stay hidden. They’ll never find you in the mines. Not only are they boobytrapped, like the road up the mountain, but once the door is shut, the shelter can only be opened from the inside.”

Cora looks horrified. I don’t like scaring her, but she has to know the risks.

“So, if you don’t get an all clear, you stay put. You wait them out. You survive.” You pray for a miracle. “Hear me?”

Eyes huge, she nods her head.

Grim says to her, “I’ll show you the shelter tomorrow, if you want.”

“That’s a good idea,” I say. “It might have to be your home for a while.”

“My home is here,” Cora says. “With all of you.”

“Damn right it is,” Doc says.

The others all voice their agreement.

“Which is why we take no prisoners,” I say. “There aren’t a lot of people left. I don’t take killing lightly. But anyone who tries to take what’s ours—be it land, resources, or—” my gaze falls on Cora, “our lives, they forfeit their own. Understood?”

My men understand. And judging by Cora’s slanted eyebrows, she understands, too. Whether she likes it or not, she’s a target. It’s my job—and the job of every man in this room—to keep her safe.

Chapter 5

Doc

Night 9: Doc & Shep

When Cora sat beside meat dinner, I was riding high. Our girl chose me to spend the night with. Even better, judging by what I witnessed in the dorm yesterday, when I got a first-row seat to the show she and Grim put on, she’s ready to add to her repertoire of sex acts. The second she sat by my side I knew I was going to give her insane amounts of pleasure tonightandtake plenty in return. I was going to get my night with our Heart, and I was going to make the most of every moment.

Then she brought Shep over.

It took me a minute to process what she was doing when she linked one of her arms through mine and the other through Shep’s. She was making it clear to everyone that she’d be taking the two of us to her cabin tonight.

Nothing against Shep, but I couldn’t help feeling like someone just jabbed a pin in my balloon.

Why two of us? I mean, I was with her and Grim yesterday, so I guess she set a precedent for fun of the three-person variety. But I was just there as a witness to the fun they were having. Has she gotten a taste for voyeurism? Have I been relegated to witness-only status? Or maybe I’ve done something to make her uncomfortable. The thought of her not wanting to be alone with me makes me want to brass-knuckle myself in the face.

Now, we’re in her cabin. The lights of the lodge and the sounds of the others milling around feel like they’re miles away. There’s just one kerosene lamp, and the cabin is silent. I’m beside Cora on the couch in her living room, and Shep sits on her other side.

I should be happy to be with her, but I just feel empty. Somehow, I’ve let her down, and I can’t even talk to her about it, because she doesn’t want to be alone with me. Unless I can get her alone during the workdays ahead, I might have to wait up to a week to have private time with her. And that’s if you don’t take into account this Raptor guy spoiling for a fight. Hell, it’s possible I might not get another night with Cora at all, alone or otherwise.

The prospect leaves me bereft.

My mood hasn’t been this dark since I lost Frannie all those years ago. I couldn’t be what my little sister needed, and my shortcomings led to her death. Now, I’m worried I’m not what Cora needs. Once again, I’m not enough.

---