CHAPTER 21
Paxon
Holy shit.
I shouldn’t be here, eavesdropping on the stairs, but when I came down to tell him the update, I overheard one intense discussion.
First Shadow announcing the changes to their organization because of me and Boone, and then Wraith telling his whole family that he loves me.
It’s what the last guy said though that has me reeling. Could I somehow separate Wraith from what he does? I can’t ask him or even allow him to leave his family. I know that.
So that leaves two options: accept him as he is or leave.
I sit on the steps, unsurprised when he turns the corner and finds me there.
“Pax. Are you okay?”
I nod. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I came to tell you something.”
“It’s okay. I have no secrets from you. What’s going on?”
“Boone texted me. He’s alive and he’s okay.”
“That’s a relief. Where is he?”
“On his way here. I didn’t know what else to do.”
“That’s perfect. He’ll be safe here.” Wraith steps forward,taking my hand in his. “And you’ll be safe tonight at the game. I’ll be there with some of my brothers.”
I nod. “Good.”
“Boone can stay as long as needed. We have a plan.”
“I heard it.”
“How long were you here?”
I smile and half shrug.
“So you heard about the hiatus?”
“Yep.”
“And the advice my brothers gave me about you?”
“That too.”
Wraith leans against the wall, one foot up on the step between my legs. “I’m willing to fight for this. I know it’s fucked up, but my heart didn’t get the message. I don’t know what the future holds, no one does, but I can promise you that I’ll give you everything I’ve got to make you happy.”
“Wraith…” I shake my head. “It’s not just about feelings. How do we build a life together? What does that even look like?”
“Do you want to?”
“Yes.” The word is out before I can stop it or think better of it. His face lights up, but it’s not enough. “But you’re not the only fucked-up one. I’m so deep in the closet I can’t see the exit anymore. My brother is a mess and probably always will be.”
“But you want to? Build a life with me?”
I nod, chewing my bottom lip. “Fuck, Wraith. I’m in love with you too, and I’m really pissed off about it.”
