Page 7 of Westward

I was an adult who had made a choice and had found a life perfect for herself.

Because Atlas and I texted often. We always had. He was my person. And I was his. We just weren’t each other’s. It was a delicate line where I was fine but never fine.

And it was how I could move on in life knowing that Atlas Carter was a brilliant light in the world, and I was just a shadow in the distance.

Me

That’s not what that saying means.

I let relief flow through me because Atlas was checking in. And he was fine.

Atlas

I blame the drugs. But you’re always the teacher. Correcting me.

Me

Always the jock.

Atlas

I’m really okay. And I’m coming home.

I set my phone down on the table in my entryway and let out another shaky breath.

I couldn’t respond to him. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to say.

Home.

He was coming home.

To my home.

Not his.

Not anymore.

Chapter 2

ATLAS

“Mom, I’m fine. I promise.”

My mother narrowed her eyes, and I knew I was in for it.

“Excuse me? Are you telling me not to worry after you and your team kept your attack and injuries a secret from your own family? I don’t know how you got the team, arena, and everyone else to agree with your insanity, but you are going to let me mother you right now. Do you understand me, Atlas Carter?”

I swallowed hard as I leaned against the wall in my parents’ home and slid my hands into the pockets of my jeans. No matter how many years I’d been out from under this roof, I knew my place when it came to being a good son. And because I loved and respected my parents, there was only one answer. “Yes, ma’am.”

“It could’ve been worse. She could have middle-named you,” Rune teased, and I barely resisted the urge to flip my older brother off.

Mom let out an exaggerated sigh. “Rune Michael Carter.”

“Michael isn’t even my middle name,” Rune said dryly.

“Well, I reserve your middle name for special events.” Our mother smirked as she said it, and I knew exactly why. Because nobody talked about Rune’s middle name. I wasn’t even sure anyone other than Rune’s best friend, Callum, knew it outside the family. In fact, I would place bets on it. If anyone else knew within the town limits, there would’ve been relentless teasing.

I couldn’t help the laugh escaping my lips, and my mother tapped her finger against my nose.