With Her Heart: Death's Relentless Dance (A Reverse Harem Romance), #3

Chapter 1

JACK

August – Pike National Forest, Colorado

Death traveled with Jack, sometimes following him, leaving bodies in their wake. He only killed for a reason—to protect himself, to get information, or to take something he needed to survive. Consequences didn’t matter anymore. Cody was dead, and Jack no longer gave a shit about anyone else’s life, especially his. Sometimes death pursued him, and he had to run, straying off the path toward his goal and hiding until the threat passed. But mostly death kept him company, his close companion, walking or riding beside him as equals.

The air thinned as he hiked through the aspen trees toward a large, sprawling house. Half a dozen armed guards patrolled the masonry fence and manned the iron gate. In the weeks since he’d left the furniture store, Jack had only seen a few live people on his trek to the mountain. Who were they protecting her from? Had word gotten out that he was after her? Or was Ruby Taggert terrified that someone would find out she was responsible for the Scarlet Hell and bring justice to her door?

The guards wouldn’t slow him down. He didn’t have to get close to her to kill her. Jack could climb a tree and take her out with a single shot. But he wanted to see Ruby’s face when he told her how her favorite nephew had suffered and died. Would she even care? He had to know that before he pulled the trigger.

Movement to his left caught his eye, a leafy branch bouncing, indicating someone had passed by. Twigs snapped on the forest floor, carrying the distinctive sound of footsteps. Shit. Jack narrowed his eyes at the house. He hated to rush his plans, but he might not get another shot. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled, sensing a human presence. He knelt behind a fallen tree and aimed his rifle across it on the off chance that he might get a lucky shot, peering through the high-powered scope. Fate tempted him as a woman appeared in his sights. Ruby. Jack recognized her from the pictures Cody had shown him. He centered the crosshairs on her forehead and hoped that someday he’d be forgiven.

The full-body hit came from his right, knocking him to the ground and crushing the breath from his lungs. Nice tackle. Damn it, he should’ve anticipated that. The man who’d tackled him wrenched the rifle from his hands and flung it into the bushes. They rolled, struggling and fighting. His weaker opponent tired quickly, and Jack pinned his arms to the ground under his knees. He sat up and hauled his fist back, intending to punch the fucker’s lights out until he got a good look at the bastard’s face.

Cody? Not possible. Jack’s heart raced toward hope, and he blinked.

That’s right, you son-of-a-bitch. I’m alive. Cody’s eyes glittered with a feral light that sent a shiver down Jack’s spine.

Holy shit, he’s alive! The revelation knocked Jack for a loop, and he slid sideways, his head spinning as Cody stood and extended a hand to help him up. Their hands clasped, and that simple touch renewed Jack’s strength. He gripped Cody’s forearm and stood, using their momentum to pull him into a fierce hug. It’s really you.

Who’d you expect, Bugs Bunny?

He should’ve cuffed Cody upside the head for that ridiculous remark, but Jack held him tighter, smothering laughter on his shoulder as tears spilled down his face. Shit, what’s happening? His entire body shook; he couldn’t stop it.

Jack blinked and spotted Indie smiling at them with tears streaming down her face too. Austin stood beside her, his arm around her shoulders. Eli smiled, and even that non-priest Javier grinned like a little kid on Christmas morning. All alive and healthy. You’re all here.

Especially me, Cody whispered hot on his ear. I’m never leaving you—any of you.

I’m never letting you go. God, why couldn’t he stop crying? He hadn’t shed a single tear when he walked away from Cody’s deathbed, but now with the man alive and well in his arms, the joy overflowed, making a mess of his face and his heart.

I appreciate the concept, man, but I gotta breathe. Cody leaned back a space and grinned, and Jack untangled himself from their embrace, trying to regain some composure.

He patted Cody on the shoulder, the muscle solid and warm under his hand. I never thought... Shit, a lump in his throat choked his words. Damn words always failing him. He had to get them out—had to. Cody had beaten the virus, but death danced around them, and the music could stop at any moment. I...

Cody supplied the words. I love you, Jack. But a shadow darkened his eyes.

Jack swallowed but still found it difficult to speak. Yeah, me too. Tears blurred his vision, and he never saw Cody’s fist coming until it connected with his jaw. Fuck! The sudden emotional shift knocked him backward, and he pressed his palm to his throbbing face.

Cody’s fist curled again, and a snarl twisted his lips. What the fuck is wrong with you? You left me. You left her!

That punch cleared his head and pissed him off. I thought you were dead!

I was still breathing! My heart was still beating. And it never stopped. Not even now when I’m so pissed at you I want to beat your fool ass!

Do it. The fight left him, and Jack accepted his fate. He deserved a beating for being so stupid—for giving up. Hit me again. Make me feel it, damn it!

Cody grabbed Jack’s shirt in both fists and slammed him up against the nearest tree trunk. Feel this. His hot mouth crashed onto Jack’s lips. Soft flesh met hard teeth, gnashing and biting for control.

Jack stumbled and caught Cody’s hips, dragging his body tight against him while Cody pinned him to the rough bark. The salty tang of blood touched his tongue, but Jack refused to withdraw. A few weeks ago, fear of infection would’ve iced their lusty kiss, but now Cody lived! He’d beaten that fucking virus and come after Jack. Flames licked along his limbs, reigniting his cold, dead heart.

I feel it. He thought he never would again. Losing Cody and leaving Indie had meant the end of his life. God, why had he been so stupid? Jack clamped his hand on the back of Cody’s neck and spun him around.

Cody uttered a muffled curse as they tumbled and rolled in the tangled foliage. Twigs snapped under them, and the scent of crushed greenery assaulted Jack’s senses while they tussled. Everything around him appeared brighter, every heartbeat stronger, and every reason to live came back to him in a heated rush.

Don’t hurt him! Indie’s cry rang among the trees, and she surged forward as Austin hung on to her wrist. We just got him back.

That’s how he likes it. Cody grinned and spanked Jack’s ass.

I think she was talking to me. Jack cuffed him upside the head. Damn, he’d never been so happy to do that!

Austin could no longer restrain Indie, and she broke free, tripping over a young aspen shoot and falling on top of the twisted men. Both of you! She dropped to the ground between them as they rolled apart and wrapped their arms around her.

Jack slid his hand into her hair, his fingers tangling in the wild black curls. Indie’s deep brown eyes melted as he pulled her close, kissing her with softness and barely contained fire. She moaned into his mouth, and Cody’s arm slid around her waist from behind. They crushed her between them while Jack pressed his hands against her breasts. Had Cody made love to her since his recovery? Jack never thought he’d have the chance again. Could he take the time to indulge with both of them before continuing his mission? Or would he give it up now that Cody was alive?

Shouts from the mountain compound jarred them apart. Cody rolled to his knees, and Jack shielded Indie’s back with his chest while he peered over Cody’s shoulder. A pickup truck had pulled up to the gate, its bed loaded with boxes. Four armed men jumped out, and three from inside the fence slid the gate open to welcome them back.

Austin crept up beside Cody, keeping his voice low. Let’s get out of here.

Cody shook his head. I need to talk to her.

You will. Austin clapped his hand on Cody’s shoulder. But we need to scout this place out first.

Jack gave his report. Six men with rifles patrol the perimeter fence at all times. Four more occupy the house. I’ve only seen one woman—Ruby. He tilted his chin toward the truck. Those guys are new.

All right, then. Let’s go. Cody turned his back to them and headed down the hill toward the gate.

But Jack snagged his arm and spun him around. You’re just going to walk up to her front door?

She’s my aunt.

Javier stepped up and scowled. She’s responsible for this hell.

We don’t know that. Cody shook his head and glanced back at the house.

Javier arched an eyebrow, matching Eli’s skeptical expression. Indie slid her arm around Cody’s waist, hugging him against her.

Cody sighed. She didn’t mean to kill anyone.

No one argued with him, but Javier chewed his lip. The man had lost his entire family to the Scarlet Infection. Jack had tried to contact his family after the mutation hit, but he couldn’t get through. No doubt they were gone. They didn’t have the money for decent healthcare. Or groceries. Ruby might not have meant to kill anyone, but she had killed almost everyone.

Austin led them into the woods. Come on, we need to get back to the Beast.

The what? Jack blinked and ran after the retreating group.

The Luxury Beast. Cody grinned at him as they walked side by side. The behemoth RV we hijacked to chase after you. It’s a pleasure palace on wheels.

Indie rolled her eyes. You make it sound like a brothel.

We all got laid in it, so... Cody slid his hand up Indie’s side, tickling her ribs on his way to fondle her breast.

She giggled and her face glowed as she tried to grope his butt.

Jack cast a sideways glance at Javier. Had he been in on the getting laid? The pastor kept close to Eli, chatting with the lieutenant while they picked their way through the woods, apparently oblivious to Cody’s comment.

As they veered off the trail, Jack stopped and stared back at the house, now mostly obscured by the trees. He’d missed his shot, but he’d get another one. The only question was whether he still wanted to kill Ruby Taggert. Jack? Cody called, holding Indie’s hand as they reached out to him, but his typical cocksure grin sagged at the corners, dragged down by the hell he’d been through. The dark edge that had always haunted his eyes had blackened further.

Indie swept her hair back from her forehead, revealing a streak of gray twined with the black. He’d never seen that before. Like Cody, her smile carried a weariness that only came from grief and pain. They’d suffered too much.

He might’ve forgiven Ruby for killing millions and leaving the survivors to fend for themselves in a harsh and hostile world. But she’d nearly cost him the lives of the only two people he loved, driving him to violent acts he swore he’d never commit again, and for that, he’d never forgive her. She had to die.

But he wouldn’t tell Cody. I’m back. Jack turned and met them between the trees, taking both their hands as they headed down the mountain. Death kept him company, lurking within easy reach. Jack’s need to kill remained unsatisfied, and he no longer gave a shit about the inevitable consequences he’d face. Cody had survived, so Jack’s only tangible reason to kill Ruby no longer existed, but the man he’d fought to overcome returned victorious. I won’t go away again.

***

A city bus-sized RV that looked like it had seen some shit on the road appeared through the clearing aspen grove. Deep scratches marred the shiny finish, and a bullet or two had shattered one side mirror. Jack arched an eyebrow at Austin. I see you let Cody drive.

Austin chuckled. No, that was Eli’s doing. We encountered a roadblock on Highway 24. Broken boards, barbed wire, and scrap metal piled four feet high. He drove right through it, pissed off the guys who built it, and they took a few shots at us. He thumped the side of the RV with his fist. "The Beast is