A sharp jab in my chest almost made my knees give out.I deserve that.
Did I really care? Part of me liked his rough, possessive edges. Having a choice was a healthy change of pace, but I’d searched my entire life for something to belong to.
Even when he’d been rough with me, he was gentler than Gale ever was.
Rot was asking me to give up my future.
My life.
My doctorate.
He flinched on the ground as he realized exactly what this would cost me. The realization that there was no real reason to choose him. Fear sent our linked hearts into overtime.
That he’d been open and honest in a way that hurt, and I could heartlessly stomp on him.
The way I did to her.
Shame made our stomachs do flips.
A smart woman would finish her degree and find a man who didn’t have claws and teeth. No doubt we weren’t done hurting each other. We were broken, and it would take a lot of effort to heal.
Panic made our hands shake. He hated every part of this, but there was also an understanding that it was necessary if he wanted to keep me.
Who other than him, could understand my weaknesses and faults?
The answer must have been in my eyes, because Shannon handed me the bags that were resting on the ground a few meters away. Our eyes met for a long time, as we communicated in complete silence.
That I wouldn’t give up anything. She wouldn’t allow it. And more gratitude than I could ever verbally express to her.
I accepted the bags with steadier hands than I’d had in a while, and I limped back toward the treeline.
Rot’s head shot up as I took deliberate steps back into the swamp. His eyes watched me like it was too good to be true. When I squatted in the ankle deep water in front of him, his hands twitched like he wanted to snatch me and run.
“Why do you want me here?”
“Because you make me feel like I’m not alone.” A real answer. Not one soaked in survival.
I leaned my forehead against his. That was all I wanted.
To be chosen.
Not taken to profit off of.
I closed my eyes. “Then I’ll stay with you.”
He let out a shaky breath of relief. He took my face into his hands like he couldn’t believe I was still there.
“Mine,” he whispered in disbelief. The swamp's creatures sang again. I put my arm over his shoulder, encouraging him to pick me up.
Shannon smirked and waved as he shot deeper into the swamp. The dark car pulled up behind her, and she turned to focus on them.
Relief exhaled from the core of who I was.
This was where I belonged.
Epilogue: One Year Later
Myhandrestedoutsidethe open window of the truck as we made the last stretch of the drive home. The scent of sulfur hit my nose and relief washed over me. I was ready to be back.
