*Tatum*I see Maverick’s outline, the general size of his imposing figure as I look up at him, unwilling to pull myself out of bed. I killed someone. An actual living, breathing person with a life and friends. I didn’t just kill him; I laid in his entrails and was showered in his blood like some sick fucking right of warrior passage. One I didn’t ask for.“Are you in pain?” He asks softly. I shake my head no. I was fortunate enough to not have any serious injuries, other than a chewed up ankle, the rest of my cuts and bruises have already healed. The healer even took the time to wrap my ankle in some type of leaves with some herbs that have taken my pain away. “Then why the hell are you crying?” Maverick asks. There is an edge to his voice, almost as if he is angry with me, and it only makes my lips quiver as more tears flood down my cheek. These damn emotions, these damn eyes.“I killed someone.” I whisper, guilt sliding up my spine and making me shudder. I can still smell him on m
“How’d she take it?” Maverick asks, following along behind me down the hallway.“As expected.” I mumble, unable to pull myself out of this grumpiness surrounding me. “So she cried then?” He verifies, and I toss him a glare over my shoulder.“No, she assured me it’s fine and that my safety comes first.” I snark at him before looking back down the hallway and rolling my eyes. “Hmmm.” He hums and the sound irritates my ears, feeding my already sour mood. I whip around to face him, my hands on my hips. “‘Hmm’ what, Maverick?”He slides me a grin. “Wasn’t sure if she was a crier like you or not.” He simply shrugs, as if he didn’t just verbally attack me for the shit I went through yesterday. Does his dickishness know no bounds? My lips twitch into a sneer as my eyes narrow and I open my mouth to say a smart ass comment, but instead I snap it shut. He wants to be an asshole? Fine, I’ll make sure he feels like one. I turn back around, ambling into the kitchen, choosing to ignore his stup
“Is that what you are wearing?” Maverick asks, and I frown at him in the mirror. He sits on the edge of my bed watching, waiting for me to panic or change—again. But not this time. No, I’m damn happy in my insanely soft little navy dress. It hugs my curves in all the right places while not showing so much that I am uncomfortable in it. “Yes.” I answer, smoothing it over my hips. “Now let’s just hope I pass inspection.” I turn and walk past Maverick, looking for my purse and wallet, the same one I haven’t needed once since being here. “I really don’t like the idea of you guys going into town.” He says. “Artemis is fine with it.” “Artemis is a great alpha, but this is my realm and I am telling you, I don’t like it.” “You don’t have to like it.” I turn to face him. “Tatum, there are things going on, things that Alpha Artemis isn’t sharing…” he says, standing and walking over to me. I shoot him a glare, pressing my clenched fist to my hip. “Oh, suddenly your alpha isn’t to be tru
Clem sighs heavily, as though she is embarrassed or disappointed in herself. “I really shouldn’t say anything.” She mumbles, and I give her a pointed look. “Ugh. Fine. I caught her going over the border and talking to someone. Before the first attack.”“What?” I hiss, looking around frantically. “Are you serious? Clem! Artemis has to know, you have to tell him. What if she was meeting with a rogue?”“I hardly think someone with such expensive taste is a rogue or deals with them.” Clem frowns and I shrug. “Who is to say rogues can’t like nice things? The point is, you have to tell Artemis, or someone.” She groans and looks away, nibbling her lower lip. “I can’t.” She insists. “This is the first time I have had any alone time with him. I really like him, Tatum. I don’t want to come off like a jealous girl trying to eliminate the competition….”She has a point. It would definitely look suspiciously like she is trying to eliminate people from the lineup. And without her having establis
*Maverick* I stare at my phone, my thumb hovering over the compose text button. It shouldn’t be this hard to send a simple text, to type in the number and then strategically ask the questions I need to. But it’s the fact that I typed the number with ease that reminds me of who this is. I remember only four numbers by heart. Both my parents, Tatum’s and Jackson. The best friend I have ever had. The same guy who would have left his family behind happily if it meant he could fight by my side. It was always his dream, this life I’m living. If only I could tell him just how much he would have hated it. There is no doubt in my mind that crossing this mental barrier that I put up for emotional protection for myself will mean there is no going back. Once I send this text, Jackson will never let me out of his life again. Or maybe he will when he finds out that the Maverick he used to know is gone, replaced with a broken, darker version. It’s not my choice to send this text, to track down
Milo sits on the edge of his desk, observing me. Neither of us has spoken since we barged in here moments ago. He then sighs and crosses his arms, motioning for me to take a seat. I don’t move from my position near the door, watching him as he shakes his head. “I can only assume you are here because Tatum has filled you in on what she has heard from Clem?” He asks.“She has.” I offer and Milo frowns. “Should she not have informed me?” “No, she did the right thing. Though I am interested to hear what she has told you.”“That Kira has broken rules.” I state, and he lifts a brow in curiosity. “And Tatum hasn’t?” he asks. “And what about you, Mav. Have you informed me of everything you should have?” My jaw clenches and I look away. “Do you intend to look into Kira or not?” I ask and Milo tilts his head curiously.“She is under Samantha’s watch, and she has reported nothing yet.”“The meeting over pack borders was before you and Alpha Artemis assigned to the girls.” I remind him. “And
*Tatum* When I come back out of my room, the TV is set to my requested show and there are snacks and a few cans of soda waiting for me. I frown seeing that Maverick is nowhere to be found. It’s strange how accustomed I have grown to him being around. Going out for girls’ night was…well it was something, but I couldn’t help but feel exposed. Weirdly alone without Maverick waiting in my shadows.I know it is probably due to him being with me at all hours of the day. But having Maverick back in my life, no matter how much of a dick he can be…it’s been nice. “Mav?” I call out. I hear him grunt in acknowledgement from his room. “What? Don’t you want to watch this show with me?” “I’d rather fight the rogues again, Tater tot.” He responds in an annoyed tone that brings a smile to my lips. “If you want that so bad we could probably go for a run again?” I tease and I hear him heave a heavy sigh. “Don’t tempt me,” he growls back, and I can’t help but laugh at him. “Fine. I’ll watch my show
I find Clem walking along the trail, and she groans, covering her face in embarrassment. A grin slips over my lips and I can’t help but shake my head at her antics. She has been avoiding me since her date with Artemis. A full week of her hiding away in her room or dodging out of the kitchen at breakfast, lunch or dinner. But she knows she can’t hide from me now.“Have you finally stopped hiding from me?” I ask her, and she smirks.“Yes, it’s awfully lonely hanging out with just my bodyguard.”“You know you didn’t have to hide.” I remind her, and she frowns.“I know…”“And you don’t have to tell me more about Kira either,” I tell her, though I really hope she chooses to share. She watches me closely, then grins at me. “It’s fine, Tatum.” she sighs. “Now that one of us is going home and I figure it’s likely to be me, so I should share it with someone,”I roll my eyes and chuckle. “You are not going home. You had a second and third date with Artemis this week.” I remind her. “I know…bu
Hey!! SO this is ending differently than my usual they are happy for 5-10 chapters! why? Becuase I felt their relationship was developed along the way, showing them over that many chapters again would have felt like filler which i promise never to give you. I have also left a few things open for specultion. There is a reason for that. There is potential for a Clem and Kit story, a shorter one but that won't happen until I get the second book in the Rebel Rising series up and completed.Clem and Kit's story would pick up from the moment she is traded to him for Tatum so we would also get alot of Mav and Tatum in their story as they are important characters in their lives. As always, THANK YOU, for hanging in there with me. This was a fun one to write. I will be doing some editing and such and may add more to give us more details about River and Artemis but they also may have a small novella coming if I feel like their story needs to be told from their POV. Basically, everything
Tatum sits sobbing in the bed, her eyes locked on mine as I hold the little screaming bundle in my arms. I look down at my sweet, perfect, and very loud son, Maxwell Mason. Tatum rubs her eyes, her chest heaving up and down, and I can’t help but laugh. I know it’s an awful thing to do, especially considering the circumstances, but I can’t help it. Tatum looks beautiful and exhausted. “Babe, go to sleep.” I insist and she shakes her head no.“Why won’t he sleep?” she blubbers. “I am so tired,”“Tater tot.” I say firmly, “Then go to sleep. I’ve got him. He is okay. He just needs a change and a bottle.”“But I should be able to nurse him,” she sobs, looking at her hands in her lap.“Ah.” I sigh. So that’s the actual issue. Tatum’s milk supply has yet to come in and it is the third week. My poor sweet mate wanted nothing more than to be a mother and be a perfect one. And now that she has a baby, she feels like she isn’t enough because she can’t breastfeed him. “Look at me,” I say, walki
*Maverick*The healer walks around me, a look of concentration on her face before she looks at me and clicks her tongue. My heart falls. Clearly, this physical evaluation is going fucking poorly. And here I thought I was going to be giving the go ahead to make Tate mine tonight. It has been two fucking weeks of not being able to make her mine.No strain on my body, no marking and no fucking sex. Worst fucking rules ever, and here Tatum is all happily complying. I have been a patient man all my life waiting for the day I can fuck my mate whenever I damn well please and yet here I am dying to sink my teeth into her neck and make sure every damn single male in this pack knows she is mine.“Janelle,” I growl at the healer who Artemis sent with us to ensure my healthcare was consistent for optimal healing. She shoots me a glower that says to shut up and wait. “I think your healing has expedited with your new title.” She says, finally standing upright and giving me a satisfied smile. “Your
Maverick stares at me, the haziness finally completely gone as he just observes me silently. I reach out to touch him, my heart pounding. I have been touching him, helping him with the bond the whole time he has been injured and out of it.But now…he is coherent enough to realize I am actually here. He flinches as I come close and my heart aches at his fear, who would have thought he was easier to work within when he was fighting during his treatment than he is right now after a solid 4 days of healing sleep.“Maverick,” I keep my tone light and assuring. Even after explaining to him it will no longer hurt him, he is still hesitant and I understand now just how much the oath was tormenting him. The very sight of me seems to cause him pain and confusion. The fucking oath’s attempt to ruin us is still so damn raw. “Y-you’re sure?” He asks, swallowing roughly and licking his lips “I’m positive.” I nod. “The oath is gone,”“How can you be so sure? I don’t understand,” he mutters, lookin
Maverick tries to reach up to touch me back, his eyes distant but happy, as if he is moving in a fog. My tears run unchecked down my cheeks as I try like hell to calm myself. There is so much happening all at once. In my mind and around me, I feel overwhelmed, completely lost in what to do with all of it. “I need you to keep him from moving.” The healer tells me, touching my shoulder gently. “We have to get his arm bandaged before infection sets in and he loses it.”I lower my head, pressing my cheek to his as he turns into me, a satisfied hum on his lips.“Mav, stay still. You have to stay still, otherwise it will hurt,” I whisper in his ear.“I want to touch you,” he says back, his words sounding slurred as he tries to turn toward me.“No, no,” I rush out, splaying my hand over his chest to still him. My stomach boils when I touch his open wound, but I keep my eyes closed, my face pressed to his as I breathe through it. “You need to heal. ““I don’t want to.” He mutters, and I sigh
*Tatum*I fly out of the car before Jackson even has it in park, sprinting up the heavily decorated stairs as the doors whip open. River throws herself into my arms, holding me as my chest beats and all the terrible thoughts one can imagine flit through my mind. I haven’t been able to catch my breath since she told us to hurry. I can only think the worst. It has to be terrible if she won’t tell me over the phone. “Riv…” my voice quivers as I pull away trying to force her to look at me, but she avoids eye contact. Jackson places his hand on my back to comfort me.“That’s enough waiting. You have to tell her, River. She needs to not be in the dark anymore.” He tells her and she looks over at him, biting her lips. “We found him.” She swallows, rubbing my arms in a soothing manner. “But it’s not good, he is—”I move her aside, rushing into the pack house, my eyes trying to locate where he is. IS he in our old room? Or did it cause him so much hurt that he has now moved to another room?
*Maverick*I know I won’t be able to see Tatum tonight, not without the pain that will overtake me like it does every fucking time she comes to my mind. With the way the oath is going, it is trying to burn her from my memory, punish me for the bond that was divined for me.If I had any other option, I would take it. I have searched for two months alongside Artemis and Milo and at times, even River would pull an all nighter looking for something. Anything that would relieve me of my suffering, and Tatum’s as well. There is nothing, just as there wasn’t two months ago. The only way I can think to end the suffering, truly be rid of the pain, is to end it. No, I’m not the type of man to kill himself. That’s not how I plan to go out. I have respect for the life I was given, the talents I have. What I don’t have respect for are the rogues that started this all. The callous, soulless assholes who only wish to maim and murder for fucking entertainment.Their attack is the one that led me dow
The waves tickle my bare feet, the warmth of the sun seeping into my shoulders as I stand side by side with my mom. I couldn’t NOT bring her with me. I wasn’t in a good enough place to go anywhere alone and with Clem and River both busy living their own lives…well. Mom wanted to be with me. I guess she was worried I would wander off and never come home. But this ending with Maverick feels less…I don’t know. It’s different. My heart is in tatters, but it’s different from the first time. Back then there was an ache, feeling like he didn’t love me, or I wasn’t enough. This time…this time I get it. Maverick loves me, and he loves me as much as I love him. Which is why I have traveled the last two months like he asked me to in his letter. I knew deep down if he thought there was a way out of his oath, a way we could be together, I know he would utilize it. “How are you, my sweet girl?” My mom asks softly and I smile, lifting my chin for the sun to kiss my bare cheeks. “Hmm, I’m good to
It’s bitter out. The cold air is relentless as it whips around, the wisps of little snowflakes blowing in my face as I stare at my parents’ grave. Their grave is massive, no doubt costing thousands, and I tilt my head, wondering how Tatum of all people paid for it. The thought of her creates an ache throughout me, my heart exhausted and battered from all the back and forth for the past two days waiting to see her.I couldn’t bring myself to text her back or even attempt to answer her calls, as I hid like a coward. If I would have answered I would have told her, There is no hiding the truth from her and she deserves to be told in person. I deserve to witness her heartbreaking so I can never forget what I have done to her time and time again. “You’ve been avoiding me,” her sweet voice calls out behind me and my eyes slide shut, relishing how she sounds, the happiness that laces her teasing words. I want to hold on to this, fucking cling to it like a baby clings to its mother, but I’m