One week.
Seven long days since that steamy, unforgivable night in Noah's shower.
Seven days of sore muscles, forced smiles, and nights where Ty lay awake staring at the cracked concrete ceiling of his tiny room, replaying every second.
The way Noah had lifted him so easily.
The way their bodies had slid together under the hot water.
The way the black veins had slowly disappeared from Noah's skin the longer they touched, revealing more and more of the man Ty used to know.
The way he had come so hard he nearly blacked out.
Ty drove his fist into the heavy punching bag with a savage grunt. The chain rattled loudly overhead. Sweat poured down his bare chest, soaking the waistband of his black training pants.
His knuckles were wrapped tight, but they still burned with every impact.
"why you...?"
Noah's rough voice echoed in his head again.
"Fuck," Ty muttered under his breath, throwing a brutal combination—jab, cross, hook, uppercut.
The bag swung wildly. He followed it with a powerful knee strike that made the entire thing jerk sideways.
I can't believe I let that happen. I fought him. I bit him. And then I moaned like a whore while he rubbed his dick all over me.
Shame burned hot in his stomach, but worse was the hope noah had just given Ty.
Noah had looked almost… human by the end. The black veins pulsing under his skin had dimmed.
Ty wiped sweat from his brow and kept punching, harder now.
After they'd both come down, Noah had simply handed him a towel like nothing had happened. While Ty was still shaking and trying to process the cum drying on his stomach, Noah had said in that deep, casual voice:
"You're coming with us on the resource run. Old highway depot. We leave in one week. Prove you're not dead weight."
A real mission aboveground. Fresh air. Sunlight.
Ty's lips pressed into a thin line as he circled the bag.
That's my chance. When we're out there, in the ruins, I can slip away. Disappear into the dead zones. I've managed to escape dozens of groups. I can do it again.
The sound of approaching footsteps pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Still beating the shit out of that bag, huh?"
Rafe's voice carried across the training area. He and Jax were walking toward him.
Rafe looked every bit the hardened lieutenant—tactical vest, serious expression. Jax, as usual, carried himself with lazy confidence, green eyes immediately raking over Ty's sweaty, shirtless torso.
Rafe stopped a few feet away and crossed his arms.
"You ready for tomorrow, new blood? This isn't training. We're going topside. Real threats. Though I think you can handle yourself well."
Ty caught the bag and steadied it, breathing hard. "I'm ready. What's the exact plan?"
"We roll out at 0500," Rafe said. "Three armored trucks. Nade's leading personally, so expect high standards. Primary target is an old National Guard depot off the ruined highway. We're after stabilized fuel, ammunition crates, and any sealed medical kits. Secondary—if we find working generators or preserved food, we take those too."
Jax leaned against a nearby pillar, smirking.
"Heard the last crew that went there ran into a whole nest of fleshbounds. Should be fun."
Rafe shot Jax a warning look before continuing. "Stay in formation. Listen to orders. Don't get seperated. Got it?"
"Got it," Ty replied, nodding firmly. "I won't go anywhere."
"Good." Rafe checked his watch. "I still need to go over the convoy assignments with the drivers. Jax, make sure he doesn't do anything stupid tonight."
He gave Ty one last look, then turned and headed toward the vehicle bay.
The second Rafe was gone, Jax pushed off the pillar and closed the distance. Without asking, he slung a heavy arm around Ty's damp shoulders, pulling him close as they started walking out of the training grounds.
"Finally, some time together," Jax said with a low chuckle. His fingers brushed lazily over Ty's shoulder. "I'm glad I'm on this run too. Means I get to keep an eye on you, pretty boy. We can bond properly out there—no cameras, no rules breathing down our necks. Maybe share a sleeping bag if it gets cold…"
Ty kept his expression neutral, though his jaw tightened.
"I don't need a babysitter, Jax."
Jax laughed. "Oh come on. Everyone needs someone watching their back. Especially someone as… distracting as you." His voice dropped playfully. "You know, I've been thinking about that punch you threw in training last week. Hot as hell. You've got fire. I like that."
They walked through the main corridor. A few soldiers passing by gave them curious glances—Jax's arm still comfortably around Ty's shoulders.
Ty could feel the eyes on them but said nothing.
"You ever been on a big run before?" Jax continued, steering them toward the residential wing. "Not in those small, pathetic groups but an actual run."
Ty didn't respond and continued walking. He was much to exhausted to speak right now.
They reached the door to Ty's cramped quarters. The familiar sight of the rickety bed and bare walls greeted him when Jax pushed the door open casually.
Jax leaned in the doorway, still grinning, green eyes warm with clear interest.
"Seriously though—stick with me out there, Ty. I'll protect you. Keep that pretty face and tight body safe. We could have some real fun once we're alone for a bit…"
That was it.
Ty's fist snapped forward without hesitation.
A clean, powerful right hook connected solidly with Jax's jaw. The impact echoed in the narrow hallway.
Jax stumbled back, eyes wide with shock, hand flying up to his face.
"I can take care of myself," Ty said coldly, voice low and steady. "I'm a better shot than any of you morons. I don't need your protection, and I sure as hell don't need you hovering over me. Now fuck off."
He stepped inside his room and slammed the heavy metal door shut. The lock clicked loudly.
Ty leaned his back against the door, chest still rising and falling from the training and the fresh burst of anger.
His bruised knuckles throbbed. He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.
Tomorrow he would finally be aboveground again.
Tomorrow he might finally have a real chance to escape the monster who used to be his best friend.