Love in the Time of Zombies

by Cassandra Gannon

  Caleb flopped down a tattered recliner and closed his eyes. “Is it a good idea for me to sleep in the same room as your mate?” He nodded towards Scotlyn, who was cuddled on the sofa across from him. “It’s like teasing her. I am the good looking one in the family.”

  “Yeah, but I got the brains.” Zeke grabbed a 49ers blanket from the back of the chair and tossed it him. “Nice girls have got a thing for doctors.”

  “Real doctors, maybe. Pediatricians or math professors.” Caleb stifled a yawn. “Not guys who got their diplomas from Comic-Con.”

  “Philistine. Comic-Con is a place of reverence.” Exhausted, Zeke stretched out on the couch. Pucci opened one eye to glare at him as he nudged her aside and wrapped his arms around Scotlyn. He wasn’t sleeping apart from his mate for even one more night. Day.

  Whatever the hell time it was.

  Scottie made a soft sound as he lay down beside her. “Zeke.” She gave a drowsy smile and turned into his embrace, already drifting back to sleep. “Hi.”

  That was all it took to have Zeke’s world make sense, again. He kissed the top of her head. “Hi, baby.” He held her against him, listening to the steady sound of her breathing as she dreamed.

  “I do like that girl.” Caleb said after a long moment. “I was hard on her, at first. But, she keeps you on track and protects you. Plus, now she’s not a human anymore, so that’s a real bonus. Scotlyn’s a good mate. Seriously, you need to make sure she stays with you.”

  Zeke stared into the darkness. “She wants someone special.”

  “What?”

  “The kinda guy she marries? She wants him to be special. I have no idea how I’m going to explain that I took that from her.”

  “Ezekiel,” Caleb sounded surprised, “Scotlyn’s in love with you. Do you not see that?”

  Zeke shook his head in irritation. “I’m serious.”

  “So am I. I’m telling you, that woman is crazily, hopelessly, inexplicably in love with you, dumbass.”

  Zeke turned to look at his brother. “Why do you say that?” He asked, his heartbeat speeding up.

  “Because I have eyes.” Caleb scoffed. “Because she found out you were a shape shifter and didn’t even blink. Because she puts up with your hideous clothes and that seedy golf course and the fact that you still subscribe to Mad Magazine. Because she looks at you like you’re a hero. Because of fifty thousand other things I’ve seen.” He adjusted the blanket and rolled onto his side, closing his eyes. “Trust me, she’s nuts about you.”

  Zeke silently digested that. “I’ve been in love with this woman from the first minute I saw her.” He finally murmured.

  “Great. I’d probably lead with that when you propose.”

  Zeke winced. That idea seemed like a good way to get his heart crushed. “I’m telling you, she’d never agree to…”

  Caleb cut him off. “So talk her into it, then. It’s not going to be that hard. Hell, there’s a whole case of diamonds right out in that store. Pick one out and persuade her you’re groom material. Seems obvious.” He snorted, his voice getting slurred as he nodded off. “You want to hang onto a nice, almost-human girl you have to marry her, Z. Until she has a ring, she’s never going to be completely yours.”

  Zeke swore under his breath, because Caleb was right and they both knew it. Scotlyn was a shifter now, but in her heart she was still human. She didn’t care about having a mate. She cared about having a husband. It wasn’t that simple, though. And not just because the Justice of the Peace was probably a zombie, by now. Someone like Scotlyn wouldn’t say ‘I do’ to a man she didn’t love. Not even at the end of the world.

  But, if Caleb was right and Scottie loved Zeke… If Zeke somehow convinced her that he was the kinda guy she could marry… Then, he could have everything.

  He could have Scotlyn.

  Zeke’s eyebrows compressed in thought. “What if you’re wrong and she doesn’t want me?”

  “Well, good part about being a shifter is you have centuries to change her mind.” Caleb paused to give another yawn. “Unless she kills you first.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Bright side to the zombie apocalypse:

  Blind dates are a thing of the past.

  Scotlyn opened her eyes and saw the ring resting in her open palm. It was a massive diamond solitaire in a blue velvet box, sparkling like it had been waiting for her. She blinked, slowing sitting up and staring at it.

  It was… beautiful.

  “Tell me about the kind of guy you’d marry.” Zeke said seriously.

  Scotlyn slowly raised her eyes to look to him. It felt like she’d been sleeping for a long time, so maybe she was dreaming. “What?” She blurted out in confusion.

  Zeke was sitting across from her in a battered recliner, watching her with an intent expression. “What’s the very first thing on your husband wish list?”

  Scotlyn swallowed, her mind catching up with what was happening. Happiness filled her. “Well, he has to make me smile.” She told him in a grave voice.

  “I can do that.” He must have gotten some rest because he looked a lot better than he had when he showed up at the Coney Island to rescue her. “What else?”

  “He has to be smart and loyal and have a good heart.”

  Zeke shrugged. “Two out of three is close enough.” He decided. “What else?”

  Scotlyn studied his perfect face. “Well, it wouldn’t hurt if he was handsome.”

  “That’s incredibly shallow, Trix.” Purple eyes glinted. “Luckily, I’m incredibly handsome.”

  “Modesty’s also an important virtue in a man.”

  “Not as important as handsome thing, though. Admit it.”

  Scotlyn kept going. “It’d be nice if he was employed.”

  “I’m employed… or I was. Don’t think many folks are gonna be in the mood for mini-golf anytime soon. But, technically, I do have a job.”

  “Employed somewhere without a ‘bras optional’ sign over the door.”

  “I’m pretty sure that was shattered by the swarming zombies.”

  Scotlyn took a deep breath. “And then there’s the most important part…”

  Zeke seemed to brace himself. “Which is?”

  “Love. He has to love me.”

  “Is that all?” Zeke gave a ‘ta-da!’ smile. “Because, baby, I am this guy.” He nodded persuasively. “I just ran the whole category! I don’t even have to lie, because it’s all true. Especially the last part.” His gaze traced over her face. “I love you beyond all limits, Scottie. I’m supposed to be your husband. I know it.”

  “...And I have to love him.” She added in a rush, her heart pounding. “I wouldn’t marry someone I didn’t love.”

  Zeke’s grin faded, looking worried. “I know. But, Scotlyn, if you would just…”

  She cut him off. “Which I guess means you are the guy I’ve been waiting for.” She met his eyes. “Because, I have been in love with you ever since you won that stupid hand of poker.”

  He didn’t completely believe that. “Really?”

  Scotlyn never seem him look so unsure. “Really.” She got to her feet to close the distance between them. “Although, I still think you’re the only man on Earth who’d take a chance on getting his kneecaps shattered in a crooked card game, rather than just ask a girl to dinner.” She sat down on his lap, dropped the diamond into his palm, and held out her hand. “Engage me.”

  He obediently slipped the ring on her finger and stared down at it as if he couldn’t believe it was there. “I thought you wanted someone special.” He sounded dazed.

  “I did want someone special.” She titled her head to catch his eye. “And I found him.”

  Zeke’s mouth curved upward at one corner. “I found you.” His palm caressed the side of her face. “You are my person, Scotlyn Summerline. I would do anything for you. Absolutely anything.”

  She gave him an inviting smile. “Would you make love to me?”

  “Now?” balked the man wh
o’d been coming onto her from the first moment they met “Because, maybe we should wait. You’ve never… and I’ve never with anyone who’s never…” He trailed off, looking a little apprehensive. “I really don’t want to screw things up when it’s all going unbelievably well for me.”

  “Don’t worry. I think the whole process works the same, even with a virgin.” She arched a brow. “Or, if you’d rather, we could talk about that ritual thing and how I’m pretty sure it means we’re already married under your laws.”

  “Yeah, about that…” Zeke cleared his throat. “We’re already kinda married under shifter law.” He tried a smile. “Happy one day anniversary.”

  “It’s probably better that you don’t talk anymore.” She deadpanned.

  So far he’d been right. Being a shifter was pretty much like being a human. Only… more. The color of Zeke’s eyes was even more remarkable. His scent was even more enticing. She wanted him more than she ever had.

  And she always wanted him.

  Scotlyn still wasn’t totally sold on the idea of having werewolf-itis, but it obviously had some perks. Her body was humming with energy as she leaned closer to Zeke. She could hear his heart thudding and sensed how he tried to stay still as she rubbed against his erection.

  “It makes me crazy when you do that.” He ground out.

  “I know.” She drawled, her hand slipping between them.

  He let out a hissing breath as she found the zipper of his jeans and worked it down. “Aw, fuck it. I tried to be a nice guy.” He yanked her forward, his mouth finding hers.

  Scotlyn beamed, kissing him back. “You’re a rock, honey.”

  “Part of me is hard as one.” He deepened the kiss, one hand tangling in her hair while the other tugged at her clothes. Her dress was a wrap style, held together with one bow on the left side. His hand found the end of the decorative tie, yanking it from the lush curves of her body. “I’ve always loves this dress. It’s like someone wrapped you up for me like a birthday present.”

  “That would be Mr. Valentino.” She told him seriously. “This dress is from his…”

  “Holy shit.” Zeke exclaimed, cutting her off. He gaped at her lingerie like, even in his wildest imaginings, he’d never pictured her wearing anything even close to that under her modest, professional exterior.

  It wasn’t just underwear: It was a 1950s pinup spread.

  Scotlyn nearly chuckled. When she’d gone back to her apartment to get Pucci, she’d only packed the essentials and lingerie was a definite essential. “You know, when I picked this out, I imagined that exact look on your face. It’s very gratifying.”

  Zeke slowly slid the dress down Scotlyn’s arms, his eyes fixed on the confection of lace and dainty garters. He didn’t even breathe. “Tell me that I bought this for you.”

  “You have a very twisted view of economics.” She shifted so she could pull the dress all the way off and toss it aside. All she wore was black silk. “But, technically I suppose you gave me the paycheck that paid for it.”

  Zeke seemed thrilled to hear that. “I am a financial genius.”

  “You don’t even know how much it cost.”

  “I don’t care how much it cost.” His thumb slipped under the nearly invisible strap of her bra. “It was the best investment I ever made in my life.”

  “This lingerie put me a month behind in my utilities.”

  “Well, it was worth every penny. And if you’d explained what you planned to buy, I would’ve tripled your salary.” He swallowed. “Actually, no. It’s good that I didn’t know or I would have been reduced to rocking in a corner months ago.” He rubbed the delicate silk between his fingers like he was expecting it to evaporate in his hand. His eyes met hers. “You got this for me?”

  “Who else?” She dipped her head to find his lips. “You’re my person, too, Ezekiel Macready.”

  “Bout time you noticed that.” He set about freeing her from the lingerie he so admired. “God you have no idea how much I want you.”

  “Enough to waste your Ph.D. managing a golf course, apparently.” Scotlyn reached behind her body to unfasten her bra before he ripped it right off of her. She doubted Versace would be making more. “You’re lucky it’s the Armageddon, by the way. Otherwise, I’d be insisting you fulfill your potential and get a job at a university or something.”

  The second the black lace fell away from her breasts, he groaned. His palms found the naked globes. “Jesus, you have no idea how much I’ve needed this.” His thumbs brushed over her nipples. “I knew you’d be perfect. I was going out of my mind with wanting you, baby.”

  Scotlyn bit down on her lower lip. “Of course, you do have a lot of talents.” She got out. “It would be a shame to lock you up in a classroom.”

  “So true.” He nipped the curve of her neck, his mouth sliding down her skin. “Although, I always enjoy exposing impressionable minds to new ideas.” He lifted her breast, his lips suckling and his teeth grazing. “Christ, you’re soft.”

  “Oh wow.” Scotlyn’s hand came up to tangle in his hair, her head falling back languidly. Zeke really was a renaissance man. She rocked against him, wanting more. “I am so in love you.” She whispered.

  Zeke liked hearing that.

  Scotlyn gave a startled laugh as he picked her up and tumbled them both onto the sofa. Somehow he got his clothes off, his hands never leaving her skin. The man truly did have a talent. When he finally leaned back to get her out of the last of her lingerie, her gaze fell on his erection for the first time. Her eyes went wide. “Alright, that seems really big.”

  He liked hearing that, too.

  “I am so in love with you.” Zeke teased. He left her garters in place, apparently enjoying them right where they were. “Don’t worry, baby. I’m not going to hurt you.” He nuzzled the valley between her breasts and headed south. “I would die before I hurt you.”

  “I know. I do. I think I’m just a little nervous.”

  “Don’t be.” He kissed the curve of her stomach. “It’s going to feel good. I promise. Just like in the hotel, only better.”

  She swallowed as he eased her legs apart. “But… um… isn’t that kind of advanced for… Oh my God.” Her whole body arched. “Oh God, yes.” His tongue did fantastic, miraculous, magical things and she never, ever wanted him to stop. “Yes.”

  “I knew you were ready for the advanced class, Trix.” He lifted his head long enough to flashed her a wicked grin and she shove him back down.

  “Keep going.”

  He chuckled and redoubled his efforts.

  Scotlyn couldn’t do anything but feel. Everything got tighter and hotter… and tighter… and hotter… “Oh!” The rush of pleasure was so intense that her mouth opened in a soundless scream. Waves of ecstasy rushed over her, wiping out the ability to think.

  “Good girl.” Zeke crooned. “You and I are going to fit together perfectly.” He moved above her and slid deep inside of her while her body was still quaking from her orgasm. “See? My ideas always work.”

  There was a brief moment of uncomfortable pressure and then she was coming for a second time. Zeke entering her when she was already caught up in her climax sent her right over another ledge. All she could manage was a helpless whimper, her eyes squeezing shut as she was pulled under again.

  “Keep looking at me, Trix.” He sounded strained. “You okay?”

  Scotlyn focused on his stunning face, her head swimming with the incredible sensations. She somehow managed a nod.

  “Good girl.” Zeke’s gaze locked on hers, increasing the feeling of intimacy. “It’s me and you.” He murmured. His palm found hers, holding so tight that the ring bit into his hand. “Now and forever.”

  “Now and forever.” She agreed. As the aftershocks faded and she got used to the hard length of him inside of her, she found that she wasn’t finished with this lesson. Not even close. “But right now, it’s mostly now.” She undulated against him and smiled when he swore. “Continue, professor.” />
  “Christ.” Zeke pulled back and then eased into her, again. “Don’t do anything to kill me. I’m trying to be a White Hat and it’s testing the limits of my strength.” She could feel him struggling to be gentle and maintain control. His body shook with the effort, which was sweet, but completely unnecessary. “I told you I was nobody’s hero.”

  “You sure about that?”

  “Absolutely positive.” He dropped his face, so his forehead rested against hers. “I just don’t want you to be frightened, baby. I want this to be perfect for you.”

  “You’re perfect for me.” She nipped the line of his jaw. “I trust you. Do what you want.”

  “You sure? I’ve thought some pretty lascivious thoughts since I met you.” His voice was a promise. “Many bad, twisted, lascivious thoughts about your pretty little body.”

  “Show me.” She whispered.

  “Goddamn, I have been waiting for you to say that.” Zeke shifted her hips, so she was tilted at some amazing new angle, flipped her legs up to his shoulders, and slammed inside of her as deep as he could go.

  Scotlyn’s eyes crossed in rapture. “Oh wow.” She gasped.

  Zeke gave a snarl of pure lust, his fingers locking with hers, while his free hand did very naughty things. Very naughty. “Every single night in the office, I imagined just closing the doors, ripping your clothes off, and taking you in every single way I could think of.”

  She loved that idea. Loved all of this. Loved him.

  She would’ve told him so if she could’ve managed to talk. As it was, though, all Scotlyn could do was hang on and try to stay conscious.

  “Fuck.” His eyes glowed so dark they looked like amethysts. “Maybe I am a werewolf, because I could devour you, baby. I just want to use every inch of your body until you’re screaming for mercy.”

  Then he went and played dirty. He used that shifter telepathy thing to show her everything from his point of view. Scotlyn saw herself and the passion on her face and the love in her expression, though Zeke’s gorgeous eyes. Felt how much he wanted her. It was the most erotic thing she’d ever experienced. He hit some new spot and she came again in an incredible explosion of bliss so sharp it was almost painful.