Chapter 24 #2
People run crying and screaming from the gate while very few are running towards the danger.
Most of the residents here have little to no fighting experience, and while Rhys and Theo have done a little self-defence training since we reinstated it, it’s not enough.
Looks like that is going to bite us in the ass, considering how many people are fleeing in the opposite direction and just how loud the groaning from the horde is.
“I wouldn’t have interrupted you two if we didn’t need you,” Theo says grimly as we dodge our way through the terrified residents of Haven as they scurry away.
Wait, what? My wide gaze snaps to him. “You knew what was going on in the kitchen?”
“Of course. How do you think Ollie knew where to find you? I just stood outside and made sure no one tried to come in. Figured you guys would want privacy.” He grins at me, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.
My eyes swing to Ollie, who’s just finished setting up her bow. “Why did you act as if anyone could have wandered in when Theo was standing guard?”
She smirks. “Because we both found it hot as fuck. Are you mad?”
“No,” I blurt. “Not one bit.” If anything, I’m touched that they both put in the effort to indulge in my kink while making sure Ollie and I were safe.
Theo is truly trying to be a better friend, and Ollie…
I mean, bloody hell, could she be anymore perfect?
And to think I was terrified that she was going to tear my heart out.
I’m an idiot. One who’s very much in love.
There. I said it.
I’m in love with Ollie.
It’s just too damn bad that it’s not the right time to tell her that. Especially with bloodcurdling screams and the hungry moans of zombies filling the air, along with the stench of rot and death.
We hurry to the gate just in time to hear several people scream out for help.
“Let us in!” one shouts from beyond the metal gate, followed by several others calling in agreement.
“Fucking hell,” Theo mutters under his breath as he marches straight over to the bottom of the left watchtower. He hauls himself up the ladder to a scowling Rhys and the two of them look out over the gate.
“Come on,” I tell Ollie as I grab her hand and lead her to the right tower.
“It’s a good thing I left Harlow at the cabin,” Ollie mumbles as she eyes the ladder.
No kidding. Trying to carry that wiggly creature up the ladder would’ve been a nightmare.
Anthony is already up there and is the one answering the plaintive calls from the supply team on the other side. “We can’t until that horde either disappears or dies!” he shouts back before growling quietly, “We told you this before you idiots went out.”
I clamber up the ladder first and move to stand beside him, cursing under my breath when I finally get a good look at what’s happening.
The supply team are sitting inside an electric car just in front of the gate, full beams on.
The sunroof is cracked open, which explains how they’re able to demand we open the gate for them.
Although that’s not happening anytime soon because they’re surrounded by a sea of ravenous zombies, their eyes glowing eerily in the darkness.
“Well, at least it’s not as bad as the horde we found under the bridge,” Ollie says as she comes to stand next to me.
“Not really. Sure, there’s less of them, but it’s dark and you know what they’re like at night.” That night at the supermarket still haunts me.
“Why isn’t anyone firing?” she asks with a frown.
“Rhys’s orders. We’re still assessing the situation and don’t want to risk drawing more attention to Haven until we have a solid plan in place,” Anthony answers.
Ollie cocks to the side as she takes everything in.
My body tenses and my eyes narrow. I know that look. It’s the same calculating expression she wore before she set those cars on fire at the bridge, or when she somehow convinced me that her running in front of gang members with guns was a good idea.
That look screams trouble.
“Ollie…” I warn.
She turns to Anthony with a small smile, almost like she knows exactly what I’m thinking.
I shake my head. The woman needs a good spanking, and wouldn’t you believe it? I know the perfect man for the job. All Theo and I need to do is convince him to drop this whole friend bullshit he’s clinging onto.
Later, I tell myself as I brace for whatever hare-brained scheme she’s just cooked up.
“Do any of you know how to make a Molotov cocktail?”
I’m not sure what I expected out of her mouth, but it definitely wasn’t that.
Anthony doesn’t even blink. “Of course, but I don’t think you can set the zombies on fire; they’re too… wet.” He wrinkles his nose in disgust.
“Oh, that’s a good point. If we were to set them alight, we’d probably need to throw accelerant or something first,” Ollie answers just as easily, like they’re just talking about the weather and not setting things on bloody fire. Again.
Anthony nods. “That’s fair, and we might have enough to make at least a dozen Molotovs. How many do you want?”
Oh, fuck no.
“No one is making bloody Molotov cocktails or setting shit on fire,” I snap before Ollie can say anything else.
“You’re just asking for trouble if you do that.
” Between the overgrown forest that extends beyond Haven and the wooden wall, it’s an out-of-control fire just waiting to happen.
Our only saving grace would be that it’s been raining off and on for the past few weeks, meaning everything’s soaked.
“You’re right,” Ollie says and for a moment, I think we’re done with this pyromaniac’s wet dream. Until she opens her mouth again. “I’m going to ask Rhys. He should know some cool explosive shit.”
“Wait, no—” I reach out to stop her, but she’s down the ladder in seconds. “Fuck.” This bloody woman is going to be the death of me.
Anthony laughs. “I like her. She’s great.”
I glare at him. “Don’t encourage her,” I grumble before following her, frustration bubbling in my chest. While I understand that this reckless streak is a part of her, I can’t shake the icy fear and dread that trickles down my spine at the idea of her getting hurt.
I’ve only just got her; I’ll be damned if I lose her.
Reminder to self: find a pair of handcuffs so I can cuff her to me the next time she has one of these dangerous ideas.