Mason’s more scared of love than he is of the walking dead.<br><br>Mason is facing more than one apocalypse. The darkest hours are those spent alone, when memories surface and the touch of his lost love can make the most erotic of dreams horrifying. He’d rather face danger than recollect how he loved Antonio and what he was prepared to give up for him. He’s never going to fall in love again ... a vow that wavers when he rescues Kyle.<br><br>Although Mason is certain luck had more to do with saving Kyle than anything he did, now he fears something more than the walking dead. He’s afraid giving in to lust may lead to love, if homophobic hatred doesn’t murder them first.

A Not So Hollow Heart

“Blood will tempt him over here quicker.” Carter echoed Mason’s thoughts.


“And you called my idea ewww-worthy. Sorry, but I’m not slicing skin to put down one zombie.”


“Not saying you should.” Carter’s tone suggested he also wouldn’t volunteer anytime soon.


Mason scanned their little corner of the world, not about to have more active zombies creep up on them while they debated what to do with this sorry one. “Better ideas?”


“Did you…” Mason jerked his head around and broke off as he accepted Carter’s lips didn’t move, and his gaze had gone wide. Mason peered into the enclosure, meeting the sobering vision of a gaunt face. Cracked lips parted, splitting with the effort. Circles around the eyes appeared so dark, for a second in the shadowy light, they gave the illusion of empty sockets.


“Wat-…pl-…” The words didn’t come fully formed, but didn’t need to, the translation simple: Water, please.


Chapter 3