The walls of my room offered a brief reprieve from the outside world. I sat on the edge of the bed, rolling my shoulder, feeling strain from my morning workout settle into my muscles.
I heard the muffled sounds of breakfast continuing outside—spoon scraping against the bowls, low murmurs, the occasional clatter of metal. There was tension, but they were eating. Talking. That meant they were willing to move forward, at least for now.
The quiet in my room didn't last.
A soft knock.
.
.
.
Moments ago:
She watched him go, her grip tightening around her cup.
That interaction hadn't sat right with her.
The way his expression shifted ever so slightly when she spoke. The way he barely acknowledged her, barely looked at her. And now, leaving before eating?
Carley's mind turned over the possibilities.
'Is he pissed? Did I push too hard?' Not knowing why she was even worried about him at this point.
She glanced around the table, but no one else seemed to notice—except Kenny, who stirred his oatmeal with a knowing look.
Carley's jaw clenched. 'Ah, screw this.'
She stood abruptly and followed after him.
Wesker's POV:
I exhaled. "Come in."
The door creaked open, and Carley stepped in, shutting the door behind her.
She stood silently, her arms crossed, but her usual fire was laced with something else—uncertainty.
She stared at me, tilting her head. "So, what was that?"
I blinked. "Be specific."
Her red lips pressed together. "You leaving without eating."
I exhaled deeply, keeping my face neutral. I stood up from the bed, slowly, taking my time to close the distance. Her back straightened, but she didn't move.
I leaned into her. "I hate to break it to you," I said, my breath brushing against her neck, "But you're not that much of a distraction."
Her lips parted, caught between struggle and intrigue.
I smirked. "Not yet, at least."
She sneered, but redness creeping up on her neck betrayed her. "I hate you." She pushed me.
I backed away, 'Shit, I did it again,' she thought, as if I could read her mind, I leaned in, kissing her lips, because I knew she wouldn't retaliate.
I deepened the kiss, pressing her against the door, feeling her shudder as my hands found her waist. Her fists against my chest were weak, a feeble attempt at resistance, but her lips betrayed her—she was kissing me back.
Her breath hitched as I tilted my head, taking more control, my tongue coaxing hers into a slow, heated dance. She tasted like coffee and stubbornness, warm and intoxicating. My grip tightened slightly, pulling her flush against me.
Then, as quickly as she melted, she snapped.
Carley shoved me—hard. I let her push me back a step, watching as she wiped her lips with the back of her hand, breathing heavily. Her chest rose and fell, her eyes burning with something between fury and frustration.
"You son of a—" she cut herself off, shaking her head. "You do that just to piss me off."
I tilted my head, smirking. "That's a side benefit."
Her nostrils flared, and for a second, I thought she might actually slap me. Instead, she pointed a trembling finger at me. "I knew it. You're a goddamn smug bastard who thinks he can just—just—" she exhaled sharply, before dropping her hand. "I can't believe I—" She clenched her jaw, refusing to finish that sentence.
I took a step forward, closing the distance she had created. "Believe what?"
She backed up until she hit the door. "You're insufferable," she hissed, voice thick with frustration. "You act like you don't give a damn about anything, but then you—" she gestured between us, glaring daggers. "You pull shit like this."
I leaned in, hands bracing on either side of her. "You kissed me back."
Carley froze.
Her fingers twitched at her sides, curling slightly before she looked away, muttering under her breath.
I chuckled. "What was that?"
Her glare snapped back to me, her face redder than before. "I said shut up."
I let the silence stretch, enjoying the way she fumed, breathing hard, cheeks flushed.
Then, just to push her further, I lifted her chin with a finger, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Make me."
For a moment, I thought she might actually try.
Instead, she yanked the door open and stormed out, slamming it behind her.
I exhaled through my nose, amused.
Maybe next time, she would.
I chuckled and turned to my bed. 'Now to attend to more important matters,' I said and looked at the map I had pinned on the wall.
There's a police station in Macon, but to get inside, I'll need the strength of a T-rex. 'Oh well, not that much,' but still. I needed at least a shotgun to get inside. 'I can go to the military outpost' but if they're dead, that means the dead are swarming in the 1000's, and if they are alive, they won't give me their weapons.
'It's a gamble now,' I thought, sitting down on the bed.
'Let's wait for breakfast to finish,' I leaned back, closing my eyes.
Knock!
I opened my eyes to the soft knock, I sat up as the door swung open, and entered Lilly. "They're waiting." I nodded and followed after her, eyeing her swayin' hips.
Every member of the group stood by the RV, The newcomers, the Clarks, and, Kenny, Katjaa, Carley, Clem, and even Duck, in attention. In front of them was me, surveying them, and beside me was Lilly.
I crossed my arms, letting the silence settle before speaking. "Now that breakfast is over, it's time to set things straight." My gaze swept over the group, lingering on the Clarks for a second longer. "This place doesn't run itself. Everyone contributes. If you don't, you will be kicked out."
Nick scoffed, shifting his weight. "Sounds like dictatorship."
I titled my head slightly. "You're free to try and overthrow me."
Nick opened his mouth, but Madison's sharp look shut him up. She knew the reality of the world—It wasn't about fairness, it was about survival.
"I see no contenders, good," I continued. "Now, assignments." I pointed at Kenny. "You and I will be handling security, fortification. We'll check the parameters daily, fortify weak spots, and plan for potential threats."
Kenny nodded, satisfied by his role.
"Potential threats? Do you mean the dead? I think these walls are enough to keep them out," Madison said, skepticism clear in her voice.
I shook my head. "I mean the living."
A heavy silence fell over the group. Sigh. Where can I find bandits? I wondered. So I can show them just how much worse humans can be.
Shaking the thought away, I refocused. "Katjaa," I turned to her, drawing everyone's attention. "You're our medic. Any injuries, sickness—you're in charge."
She nodded. "I'll do what I can."
Next, I looked at Madison. "What did you do before all this?"
She hesitated. "I was a guidance counselor."
I stopped for a moment, considering. "Alright then," I continued. "You'll be in charge of the kids around here—ours and yours."
"You have kids?" Alicia asked, raising a brow.
Pfft!
Carley and Lilly barely contained their laughter.
I turned to Clementine, who was watching me expectantly. "Just a stray I picked up."
That got a reaction. Kenny, Katjaa, Lilly, and Carley all laughed while Clem pouted in dismay her arms crossing over her chest. Madison and Alicia exchanged glances, intrigued by the sudden shift in atmosphere compared to yesterday.
I moved on. "Alicia, Nick—you'll help Kenny and me with fortifying, repairing, and maintaining anything that needs fixing."
Alicia agreed immediately. Nick hesitated but nodded when he saw his sister's determination.
I turned to Lilly next, but before I could say anything, Clementine piped up, "What do I do?"
"A—You'll be my assistant."
Clementine nodded proudly, looking pleased with herself.
Suppressing a smirk, I focused back on Lilly. "You'll oversee inventory and logistics—food, water—make sure we don't run out."
Lilly gave me a slow nod, her gaze lingering just a little too long.
Then, I turned to Carley. "And you," I said, "You'll be coming on the supply run with me."
Carley stiffened at that. Her mind wandered off with unholy thoughts; the images of doing it in unholy places, such as the alleyway, a rundown house, or an abandoned car, flashed before her eyes.
She quickly shook her head. "I—I don't want to," she said, looking away.
I studied her for a moment before nodding. "As you wish. Anyone else wants to volunteer?"
Silence. I scanned the group, noting the apprehension in their eyes.
"Alright then, I'll be going alone," I said. I preferred it that way anyway—less babysitting.
Carley's lips parted slightly like she wanted to say something, but she stayed quiet, guilt flickering across her face.
"You can help around the motel and keep watch since you know how to use a gun," I added.
She nodded, still avoiding my gaze.
I took a step back, letting my gaze sweep over the group. "One more thing. While I'm not here, Lilly and Carley will be in charge."
Lilly straightened, clearly surprised, while Carley raised an eyebrow.
Nick scoffed. "That's not efficient."
I smirked, glancing at Carley. "Better to have two of the best than settle for less."
Carley blinked, caught off guard for a second before rolling her eyes. Lilly, on the other hand, looked smug—maybe a little too pleased.
I continued, my tone firm. "That said, I'll be leaving today. I have something to take care of."
That got their attention.
Carley frowned. "Alone?"
I arched a brow at her, reminding her of her earlier refusal. She clamped her mouth shut.
"Where are you going?" Lilly asked, stepping closer.
"That's not important," I said. "What is important is that I'll be back tomorrow morning." I let my gaze linger on the group. "Until then, follow your assignments. Keep this place secure. And don't get killed."
Carley crossed her arms, unimpressed. "And if something happens?"
"You two can handle it," I replied smoothly, winking at her and Lilly.
Carley exhaled sharply, clearly not happy. "You're really going?"
I smirked. "Would it make you feel better if I told you it was for a good reason?"
"No."
Before I could respond, Lilly suddenly stepped forward. Standing on her toes, she grabbed my collar and pressed her lips against mine.
A stunned silence fell over the group.
Katjaa's eyes widened. When did this happen?
Kenny blinked, unimpressed. Oh boy.
Nick looked vaguely disgusted.
And Carley—Carley turned away so fast it was a miracle she didn't snap her neck. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Bitch.
Lilly's lips were warm, insistent. Just as she started to pull away, I smirked against her mouth and tugged her back in, deepening the kiss just enough to leave her breathless. My fingers brushed against the small of her back, keeping her close for a second longer.
When I finally let go, her face was flushed, her pupils slightly dilated.
She exhaled shakily, lingering for a moment before wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Come back, no matter what."
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