Page 56 of Dark Reunion

“What do you want?”

“I’m going to make you a deal. I’ll come with you willingly, without any more bloodshed or wild car chases, but you leave him and my dog alone.”

“I can’t do that. The order was to kill the bodyguard and bring you in,” he stated, but his posture was more relaxed.

“First, he’s not a bodyguard, he’s a member of The Righteous like you are, and his orders from your boss were to keep me safe. So maybe your boss is a little fucked in the head, or simply likes pitting you all against one another.”

Maeve was really hoping that this man didn’t know all the ins and outs of what everyone was told to do. She needed her best poker face.

The other men shifted, seeming unsettled. At least they were unsure, that was a good sign. The leader’s eyes narrowed as his lips pressed together in a flat line.

“You can’t tell me you didn’t know who he was. I mean, the Hummer is pretty standard issue, and you tried to hack the computer, so don’t play dumb.” She waved off the ignorance. “Second, he’s already shot and not a threat. Lastly, you’re no longer making the choice. I am.”

He smiled then laughed, but she held a firm stance, her eyes flicking between all the men to make sure that none of them snuck off into the darkness.

“Really, and what makes you so sure about that?”

“Because I have six bullets but only one head, I won’t hesitate to kill myself. If you’ve read my file, you know I’m a suicide threat. I’m sure it was splashed around in all your paperwork on me with bright red exclamation points. So, believe me when I tell you that your only option is to take me in as your prize and leave your fellow veteran alone.”

She made sure to say the word, veteran, loud enough for all to hear. Here was hoping they still held some respect for their fellow soldiers. “He won’t know where we’re going, and his Hummer is destroyed. Even if he lives, he’ll have no way to find you or me,” she added.

Maeve hoped that the last part was a lie. She not only wanted him to live, but she wanted him to find her.

“Besides, a distress call was already made, and those that don’t know what your team and boss are up to will be here shortly. So, the longer you argue, the more likely more Righteous members are going to be breathing down your neck, and I’m sure you’d all hate to have that happen.

Someone must have spoken into the man’s headset because he touched his ear and relayed a few short words before fixing her with his hard stare.

“Alright, we’ll take your deal. Let’s get going.” He pointed up the hill, and this time she laughed.

“Not fucking likely. I want all your men, other than you, to back the fuck up all the way to the top.” She pointed with her good arm. “Once they’re up there, and I’m certain you’re not going to go back on your word, then we will head up together.”

They held each other’s gaze for what felt like forever, until one of the other men broke the silence.

“The chopper confirms that a distress call was sent out. Not sure to who or how far out, but there were multiple signals.”

“Son of a bitch. Well, I guess you weren’t lying,” the leader said.

“I wouldn’t lie about this. I’m also certain that I’m not going to like wherever you’re taking me. I think I’m being pretty fucking generous here. So, pull your fucking ego out of your ass and back your men up now, or you go home empty-handed, and you can explain to your boss how I ended up with a bullet in my head.”

She could hear him grinding his jaw together.

“You heard her. Get back up the hill,” he barked out and not a moment too soon.

Maeve’s arm was shaking so violently she didn’t think she could hold it in position another second. She lowered her arm but kept her finger on the trigger, ready to fire if this guy went back on his word. Even if she died, she was taking this man out with her.

As soon as the rest of the men reached the top, the leader of the group held out his hand for the gun, but she shook her head no.

“I’ll give it to you when we reach the top,” she informed him, marching past to begin the steep climb.

Maeve checked over her shoulder to ensure he followed. By the time they reached the top, she was breathing hard and her heart was pounding in her chest. She looked back down the slope and could barely see the wreck. Her heart constricted in her chest, but she bit her lip and held back the tears that wanted to spill free. She wouldn’t give these men the satisfaction of seeing her cry.

“Gun.” The leader held out his hand.

Maeve looked around, and the other men were already in the cars, so with a sigh of defeat, she held out the gun and put it in his open palm.

“Get in,” he grumbled as he yanked open the door.

She paused as she went to step into the back of the Hummer. “What’s your name?”

“Why?”

“Because I’d like to know the name of the man I intend to kill.”

His eyes narrowed, and he gave her a shove. “Get in the fucking Hummer.”

She smirked as she hopped in the back, and the leader followed to sit beside her. The five vehicles pulled away from the shoulder in a procession that looked like a parade of death. Grabbing her aching head, Maeve stared out the window, not seeing much in the darkness.

Maeve pulled out the feather necklace Wolf had made for her from beneath her shirt and held it tight. He’d given her strength back. Reached out a hand and helped her in ways she could never repay. She wasn’t going to let him, or herself, down. She was Walela, a warrior, not a scared child.

She wasn’t sure if it was Ramírez or someone else that wanted her, but the who or the why didn’t matter. At the end of the day, she would continue to fight, like she always had, and one day she’d see Wolf again. She felt it in her soul.

Maeve had to leave her heart back in that vehicle, and she wouldn’t be whole again until they reunited. While she waited for that moment, she would kill who she could, learn what she could, and fight every second until she took her last breath. She clenched her hands into fists and closed her eyes as the world swam. No matter what.

Maeve laid a hand protectively over her stomach.

They. Wouldn’t. Break. Her.