I was about to change into my work clothes when there was a knock at the door. Thank god I wasn't half naked. I padded over to the door and looked through the peephole. Eamon. Fuck I didn't want to deal with this. The ache of his rejection was still too fresh.  I wanted to punch him. I wanted to cry. Hell, maybe I'd do both - the latter after he was gone of course. No way was I going to let him see me cry. 

​

Something blue flashed in the hallway behind Eamon catching my eye. But it was hard to see through the peephole.  Was that a butterfly? How the hell had it gotten in? I was going to have to look into what the hell these butterflies were. 

​

"Genesis Rachel Levi, I know you’re home," his voice sounded exasperated as it came through the door. 

​

Dammit he used my full name. This was not going to be good. I ran my fingers through my hair, and tugged at my clothes, in a vain attempt to look somewhat put together. Something brushed my foot, I looked down to see the pup had come to the door to investigate. I still hadn't named her yet. I really needed to do that. I scooped her up and plastered a smile on my face as I opened the door. "Hi." I glanced down the hallway, but the butterfly had disappeared. 

​

"Hey," Eamon said, giving me a small smile that didn't reach his sea blue eyes. "I wanted to talk to you about last night." 

​

My shoulders stiffened. "There's nothing to talk about," I retorted, as the pup started licking my fingers. "You kissed me, then bolted."

​

"I did, and I'm sorry," he sighed. He ran his hands through his hair, making it stand on end. It was his telltale sign of nervousness. He wouldn't meet my eyes. That was new. "I shouldn't have kissed you. It's not you," he rushed on, staring at the dog in my arms. His fingers picked at the corner of the book. "It's... I'm not in the right frame of mind to be dating anyone." 

​

"Are you kidding me?" I scoffed, poking him in the chest with my free hand. He flinched. "You're giving me the it's not you it's me speech?" What the actual fuck? My hand balled into a fist. God, I wanted to punch him!

​

"I..." his shoulders sagged.

​

"You know what, forget it." I interrupted taking a step back into the condo. "Don't worry about it. I understand." I gave him a tight smile as I hugged the pup closer to my body. "They all leave anyway."  I finished under my breath.

​

What the hell was wrong with me?  One kiss from Eamon, and he'd gone running with his tail between his legs. I really shouldn't have been all that surprised. I mean I hadn't even been good enough to keep the man I'd married. He'd fucking cheated on me. More than once. Why did they always leave?  

​

"What?" he startled and finally looked me in the eye; his cerulean ones full of surprise.

​

"Nothing," I bit out. I shifted the pup freeing my arm. "Look Eamon, I have to finish getting ready for work, I'll talk to you later." I didn't give him the chance to respond but closed the door in his face. I leaned up against the door, my body sliding down as I gasped for air. My eyes teared up. I couldn't stop them as they started to run down my cheeks.

​

I could hear his footsteps retreating and the opening and closing of his door. I took a deep breath, and then another. I wiped my face with the back of my hands. Screw him, I wouldn't shed any more tears over him. I mean I knew it had been too good to be true when he had kissed me; but his lame-ass excuse had been more than a slap in the face. What the hell was wrong with me? Was I fucking undatable?

​

I put the pup down as I got to my feet. I wasn't going to deal with this now. I had to get ready for work. I walked towards the bedroom and got changed. I headed into the washroom and looked in the mirror. Fuck I looked like shit. Okay, nothing a little makeup couldn't fix. I splashed cold water on my face. The cool water felt soothing on my hot skin. I patted my face dry. I slicked my hair back into a bun, and got to work on my makeup.

​

By the time I had finished getting ready, I felt much better. I gave myself a onceover in the mirror. I looked sleek and sophisticated. The suit accentuated my curves in all the right places. I felt like I could take on anything. 

​

The chihuahua started nudging her head against my leg. I picked her up and she started licking my fingers. At least someone liked me. "You need a name," I said as I looked at the pup's adorable face. It cocked its head in response.

​

"Hmmm," I murmured, scratching behind her ears. "Princess is way too cliché," I started. The Chihuahua whined at me in what I took to be in protest. "What about 'Duchess'?" She didn't wine at that one and leaped onto me so she could reach my face. Which she immediately started licking. Seemed like consent to me. "Well then, Duchess it is."

 

 

*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Work was chaotic. One of the cooks had called in sick at the last minute so I was manning the grill. I loved it. Listening to the meat sizzle and the scent of the barbecue felt like home. The menial task also helped distract me from my disastrous love life. Or lack thereof.

​

"Hey," Delilah said as she slipped beside me. Being careful to be far enough back that she wouldn't get splattered.

​

"Hey, how's it going up front?" I asked, flipping a steak. I couldn't help but smile - It had perfect sear marks.

​

"It's great," Delilah smiled, then she leaned in closer and added, "Mr. Red-hot is here again."

​

"Mr. Red-hot?" I asked as I used the crook of my elbow to wipe sweat off my brow and onto my long-sleeved shirt.  I had changed into a spare set of 'emergency' clothes. Clothes which consisted of black slacks and a long-sleeved black button-down shirt. Cooking in a suit didn't work well... for the suit.

​

"Yeah, the sexy redhead that was here last night. You know, the one who was your knight in shining armor, and rescued you from the drunk, " Delilah clarified. Heat flared up my stomach, as I remembered the feel of his body pressed up against mine. I give myself a mental shake. This was not the time to let my hormones get the best of me.

​

"Oh Cade," I shrugged my shoulders, as I tried to play nonchalant. Although my heart felt like it was racing. Ugh, I really shouldn't care either way. "By himself again?"

​

"No," Delilah's eyes twinkled in mischief. "He has your sexy neighbor Eamon with him." 

​

"What!?" I exclaimed, almost dropping the flipper.  How the hell did they know each other? "Are you kidding me?" I couldn't believe Eamon had the audacity to show up at my work. I was half tempted to go out into the dining room and give him a piece of my mind. I dragged in a ragged breath. I didn't need to make a scene. Nor would I give him the satisfaction of being the crazy jilted lover. Not that we were lovers. Heat flooded my face. 

​

"Don't worry," Delilah supplied, looking amused. "Every time you come within view; he's only got eyes for you."

​

"Which one," I groaned as I plated up the steak.  I swear the universe was playing some cruel joke on me.  

​

"Both," Delilah laughed.

​

"Somehow I find that doubtful." I muttered feeling self-conscious. Grease, sauce, grizzle and god knows what else, had splattered me head to toe. I looked like shit. Oh yeah, I was bringing sexy back. Why couldn't they have shown up on a normal day when I at least would have looked well put together. 

​

"I swear anytime you move where they can see you," Delilah responded, her eyes twinkling. "They're watching you," she shrugged. "It's kind of cute."

​

"Excuse me miss?" a woman interrupted. She pursed her blood red lips as she leaned against the counter. She looked like a supermodel. Which only made me feel even more frumpy in my food splattered clothing. Her long blonde hair cascaded a little past her shoulders. Her features were pale and delicate, like fine porcelain. Her cobalt blue eyes were unnaturally bright. She looked like a blonde version of Snow White. She wore nothing but black, which did nothing but make the rest of her seem so pale she seemed almost sickly.

​

"How can I help you?" Delilah asked, flashing a brilliant smile. I noticed she reeked of acetone, and couldn’t help but wonder if she had just done her nails.

​

"No, her!" she pointed at me. She reeked of acetone. 

​

Great, she was probably going to complain about the food. Generally, when someone wanted the manager - it was because they wanted their meal comped. "Hi!" I took off my apron and set it under the counter. I wiped my hands on my pants to take off some of the grease that had seeped into my skin. "How can I help you?"

​

"You broke the protection!" she hissed. Her arm snaked out and grabbed my wrist before I had the chance to react. 

​

"I have no idea what you're talking about." I tried to pull it free but she had it in a vice-like grip. What felt like tiny needles sank into my skin as pain shot up my arm. What the fuck? I tried to yank my arm free again, but she held fast. I could feel her fingers sucking at my wrist. How was that even possible? Fear shot through me. 

​

"You're not safe," her eyes flashed green. They almost seemed to be glowing green. Wait, weren't her eyes blue? "You need to leave," she continued.

​

“No, I think you do," Cade's familiar voice reached my ears. I'd been so focused on the blonde, that I hadn't even noticed them come towards the front of the restaurant. As soon as she saw the two men she shrank back; her eyes going wide. Her lips started to tremble... in fear? I swear she looked like she was about to piss her pants. She abruptly let go of my wrist, the pressure releasing with a soft pop like noise. She turned and ran towards the doors. She kept glancing back over her shoulder at us as she fled. Was she concerned we were going to chase her? What a strange woman. I looked down at my wrist. Tiny circles appeared where her hand had been. It made me think of the patterning of the suckers on the tentacle of an octopus.

​

"Are you okay?" Eamon asked, reaching for my wrist.

​

"I'm fine," I said, taking a step back from the counter before he could touch me. 

​

Delilah grabbed my arm instead. "It looks like you were attacked by an octopus!" She said as she leaned over for a closer look. Eamon and Cade exchanged a glance between them. What the hell did that mean?

​

"I said I'm fine," I said, pulling my hand back and sticking it in my pocket. "Don't you have some work to do?" I snapped.

​

"Yep," Delilah retorted. She wasn't fast enough to mask the hurt that flashed across her face before she schooled her features.

​

Dammit.

​

My gut clenched, "Delilah..." 

​

She put her hand up, "Don't." She turned on her heel and walked away. 

​

"Are you sure you're okay?" Eamon's voice was gentle.

​

"Nope," I said, my eyes tearing up. "But I will be." I didn't wait for a response before I turned and headed towards the back. I flat out ignored the concerned looks the other staff members were giving me. Great. Now the whole staff must think I'm crazy. If I simply pretend it didn't happen and they would forget about it right? I doubted it would be that easy, but a girl could hope, right? I kept an eye out for Delilah's fiery red hair, but I didn't see her. I decided to give her some space before I started groveling. Besides, I needed a mental break myself.

​

I headed towards my office. It didn't take long for me to lose myself in the mountain of paperwork that buried my desk. A knock sounded at the door. "Come in," I looked up from my work. 

​

Delilah poked her head in, "is it safe to come in?"

​

"Yes!" I dropped the paperwork on the desk and got up as she closed the door behind her. "I'm so sorry about earlier."

​

"It's okay," Delilah smiled. I leaned in for a hug, and she wrapped her arms around me. "We're still besties," she did an over exaggerated wink as she let me go. 

​

I burst out laughing, "Good!"  I sat on the edge of the desk. 

​

"Although," she leaned against the door. "That woman was crazy as fuck!" 

​

"I know right!?"

​

"What the hell was with all that 'you broke the protection' shit she was spewing?" she asked as she worried her bottom lip.

​

"Your guess is as good as mine," I shrugged. "She rattled me more than I expected."

​

"No kidding," Delilah retorted. Her voice softened, "how's your wrist?"

​

I held it up, pulling up my sleeve so she could see it. "Back to normal. Like it never happened." 

​

"Well, I saw it," Delilah crossed her arms. "Pretty sure Cade and Eamon did too..." she trailed off. A large Cheshire smile crossed her face. "Speaking of which, I found out how they know each other!" 

​

"Of course, you did," I chucked. I waited for a beat, "spill!"

​

"All right, all right!" Delilah laughed, throwing her hands up in mock surrender. "They're childhood friends. Old high school buddies!"

​

"Of course, they are," I muttered as I shook my head. It was almost too convenient. I looked at the time. Dammit it was closing time!

"So, you gonna go talk to him?" Delilah giggled as I started cleaning up the mess that was my desk.

​

I frowned at the thought as I stacked up the remaining paperwork. "Yeah, no." In fact, I didn't want to talk to either of them.

​

"Why not?" Delilah asked. "They both seem too eager to jump in to rescue you," she nudged my shoulder. "Red-hot's got that deep sexy voice," she winked, "and your blue-eye neighbor has a sexy laugh." God she was enjoying my obvious discomfort way too much.

​

"Because Cade has trouble written ALL over him," I shook my head. "And after the shit Eamon pulled. I'm done. I've had more than my fair share of trouble when it comes to guys, I don't need any more."

​

Delilah burst out laughing. "Touché!" She paused. "Although trouble can lead to a whole lot of fun," she winked again. "Speaking of trouble, remember that sexy tattoo artist?"

​

"The one who was staring at you when I got my tattoo?"

​

"That's the one!" Delilah smirked as she sashayed back towards the dining room. "I'm meeting up with him tonight."

​

"Well then I guess we'd better get a move on!" I said getting up and turning off my desk lamp.

 

*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
 

It didn't take long to clean and close up the restaurant. The rest of the staff had already left. Delilah waited outside as I set the alarm and locked the door. Snow had started falling. Not enough to blanket everything yet, but I was confident we'd wake up to a winter wonderland. I shuddered against the cold as I walked Delilah to her truck. It was already on and warming up, thanks to Delilah's remote car starter.

​

"I'd offer you a ride home, but it looks like you have an escort," Delilah nodded behind me.

​

I turned around and looked. For fuck sakes. Cade and Eamon stood there waiting. "Fucking wonderful," I muttered.

​

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Delilah smirked, tossing her loose hair over her shoulder.

​

"That limits me to a whole lot of nothing," I teased as I hugged her good-bye. "Be careful on your date."

​

"Of course!" She smiled as she opened her driver side door. "Aren't I always?"

​

"No," I laughed. "Text me when you get home."

​

"You too!" 

​

I watched Delilah's tail lights as her truck pulled out of the parking lot. This was going to be fucking awkward. Ugh. I steeled myself as I turned toward the two men waiting like silent sentries. "What do you two want?"

​

"Well after what happened earlier," Cade started. "We wanted to make sure you were okay," he shrugged.

​

Eamon took a couple of steps towards me and met my eyes. Even in the dark I could see their brilliant indigo hue. "Cade and I are heading back to my place, figured we could walk you home." Before I could answer he leaned towards me and I felt a chill go up my spine. "Truce," he held his hands up in surrender. "Are you sure you're okay?" he whispered in my ear. 

​

"I'm fine," I muttered. My heart started racing; butterflies flared up in my stomach. God, I still wanted him. I noticed Cade's eyebrow arch in question, but it disappeared so fast that I wondered if I had imagined it. 

​

"I don't need you to walk me home," I stuck my cold hands in my jacket pockets.

​

"We're headed that way anyways," Cade said as he rocked on his feet. He slid into an easy smile. "We might as well go together." I stole a glance at him. His hair was a short, fiery red mess. It was currently going off in every direction and I had to suppress the urge to run my fingers through his hair. For fuck sakes I was like a randy teenager. I needed to find a way to get my hormones in check.

 

Or laid.

​

I sighed. "Fine," I didn't wait, but started towards home. The two men fell into step on either side of me. I ignored them as I walked, and I was thankful they kept silent.

​

A flash of iridescent blue caught my eye. Another damned Morpho butterfly. I was seeing these things fucking everywhere! They weren't even native to Canada; let alone Lloydminster. They lived in rainforests. I had looked it up earlier. I swear I was losing my mind. An odd noise tickled at the edge of my hearing. I stopped short of straining my ears. Eamon opened his mouth to say something, but I stopped him by putting my finger to my lip in a "shh" motion. I could hear some sort of suctioning sound. Followed by a plopping noise. It reminded me of the sound a wet rag makes when it hits the ground. "Do you guys hear that?" I looked around, but couldn't find the source.

​

"Hear what?" Eamon asked, his cocked his ear as he listened. The noises continued; with the addition of something dragging. I kept looking around, with a growing sense of unease. I could feel the hair on my arms standing on end. Something was wrong, but I still couldn't see anything.

​

Cade was staring at me, his full mouth set in a grim line. "Do you smell that?" 

​

I inhaled and regretted it. Whatever it was, was rank and pungent, with a tinge of sickening sweetness. As it invaded my noise, my eyes watered, and I scrunched up my face in disgust.

​

"Something's coming," Cade said in a low voice. He changed his posture into a fighting stance. He stood on one side of me and Eamon mirrored him on the other side.

​

The noises grew in volume, echoing all around us, until they were all a jumble. The cacophony was so loud, it was all I could hear. I felt surrounded by the noise. And the smell. It was so terrible tears streamed down my face.

​

Fear made my blood run cold as the cause of the noise and horrid smell appeared before me. "What the fuck are those?"

​

"Zombies," Eamon said, his voice somber. 

​

We were completely surrounded by hundreds of corpses. Human carcasses that were dripping and oozing rotten flesh. To my horror I discovered what made the awful noises I'd heard. Shoeless feet pulling up from the concrete, their flesh sticking to the ground. With the same suction of pulling a rubber boot out of the mud. Rotting body parts were dragging along the ground. And chunks of decomposed flesh falling and hitting the asphalt.

​

The zombie crept closer and closer in a sluggish, clumsy, drunk-like gate.  I could feel the panic start to bubble up. I shook my head. No. Fuck this. I may have no idea what the hell I was doing. But I refused to sit here and do nothing. There was no way I was going to let these nasty ass creatures take me down without putting up some sort of a fight. I shifted my body remembering some of my old taekwondo postures. I glanced at the men on either side of me. Dammit they looked bad-ass and sexy as hell.

​

"Eamon protects her," Cade said, stepping back and drawing himself up to his full height.

​

“No problem," Eamon answered, stepping forward. 

​

Cade nodded towards Eamon then closed his eyes and seemed to be... meditating. What the fuck!?

​

I didn't have time to try to figure out what the hell Cade was doing, as the zombies closed in on us. Eamon started fighting the zombies closest to him. I turned and looked behind me. Rotted, claw-like, fingers reached for me and my body reacted. My leg shot out, kicking it square in the chest. It made a disgusting wet slurping sound. As my foot slid into its chest cavity, I could hear bones snapping and crunching. I suppressed the urge to vomit as I attempted to pull myself free. It had engulfed my foot, trapping it. I had to tug hard to pull it loose. When it finally came free, the momentum made me lose my balance. I fell on my ass - hard. To make it worse, the impact hadn't even slowed it down. The damn thing kept coming.

​

"Any time Cade," Eamon grunted as he continued fighting.

​

"Working on it," Cade grunted. He started doing strange gestures with his arms, drawing the zombies' attention. He continued concentrating, his arms outstretched. It looked a little creepy. I couldn't help but wonder how, whatever the fuck he was doing, was going to help.

​

Green bolts of electricity flew from his fingers. They extended out like a glowing web, bouncing from zombie to zombie. It made me think of connect the dots. The smell of burnt flesh, hair and smoke filled the air. Electricity crackled. I could hear the snap, crackle, pop of bones. One by one the creatures seemed to collapse into themselves. Chunks of flesh and bone flew in all directions as all the zombies exploded into pieces.

​

I used the sleeve of my jacket to wipe the gore off my face. My stomach revolted. I turned as I lost the fight with my stomach as it purged itself all over the ground. Eamon scooped up my hair away from my face. "Are you okay?" I ignored him as I used the back of my hand to swipe at my mouth. Zombie splatter covered me head to toe. Fucking disgusting.

​

I walked over to Cade and thrust my finger into his chest. "What the fuck are you?"

​

He put his arms up in surrender, "Human."

​

"Bullshit!" I screamed. I could feel my body vibrating. I took a step back gulping air. I needed to calm the fuck down. "You made those things explode!" I hissed. Before he could answer I turned on my heel and jogged away. I needed to get the hell out of here. I needed to get home. I needed to think. I needed a stiff drink... or two... or three.

​

"Wait!" Both Eamon and Cade called jogging to catch up.

​

"No! Get the fuck away from me!" I called over my shoulder as I continued running.

​

"We're walking you home," Cade answered as they fell into step on either side of me.

​

"Whatever," I huffed. "But I'm ignoring you." It might have been a bit childish. But I didn't care.