Ash On The Tongue by Lee McCormick

Humans were always monsters, the rain just gave them an excuse.

Aubrey
The infected didn’t break me. They didn’t capture me for experiments and use me like an object. Humanity made me into the monster I am.
I’m reckless because it makes me feel alive, careless because I’m addicted to pain. And I’m dangerous because I’ve got nothing left to live for.
Nothing, until I meet a raider who seems to see right through me… who demands I do the one thing I said I’d never do again.
Let him in.

Phoenix
My mother left me to die on streets flooded with crimson rain. From the time I was born, all I’ve known is betrayal.
Now all I know is my pack. We take what we want when we want. We survive and we thrive because we know humans are as bad as the infected, and in this world, you eat or get eaten.
When I find a man who seems like he’s got a death wish… I know he’s mine. His reluctance makes me crave him. His defiance makes me burn like the fire in his eyes.
I’ve never wanted anything the way I want him. I need to know if his blood runs as red as the rain.