Page 18 of Beautiful Unity

I’m here. Well, we’re here. I’m a unit now.

It feels so weird to be this close to what used to be my home. It’s like trying to wear a Christmas sweater from the year before. It’s too tight and just plain itchy. It makes you wonder how you even wore it in the first place because not only does it not fit, but it’s not even the right style.

It’s no longer you.

And that’s how it feels being back in Maverick territory.

For so long, I wanted to return here and take back the safety stolen from me that night. But it’s not here. It hasn’t been for a while. I just didn’t see it until it hit me right in the face.

I’m not the same girl who’d left here. Hell, I’m a woman now. A queen.

I didn’t become those things overnight. I clung to the shreds of my soul, dug out from under the pain and suffering, and clawed my way into the light. I fought for every shred of my dignity and strength. And when I didn’t think I could take anymore, I relied on the kindness of others and wrapped myself up with their love, unifying our souls.

I used to believe MCs were unique in that regard. You had a group of people you could depend on. Somewhere to belong.

But it’s not the club that makes it unique; it’s the people. Without a heart, I’m afraid the Mavericks have lost their way. Fallen prey to the apex predators and sacrificed who they were to survive.

I don’t blame you for that. We all have to do what we can to survive. But the part I do hold you responsible for is allowing those predators through our doors in the first place. I know your heart was in the right place; you wanted to stop Agonizer, but you let your hubris blind you to the danger and inadvertently destroyed everything you’d built.

I won’t make the same mistake.

Love,

Darcie

Seven

DARCIE

I was not a fan of waiting.

I’d agreed that it was too risky for Maddox or me to go into Jackson. But the longer we waited for Bubba and Grayson to return, the more I regretted that decision.

What if things were worse than we believed, and they’d walked right into the lion’s den?

What if they couldn’t find any of the guys?

What if they were dead?

“Stop, Princess. If you keep this up, you’ll have no fingernails left.”

I glanced at my fingers, not realizing I’d been chomping on my nails. They were practically nubs now, so who knew how long I’d been fretting. Damn.

Shoving my hand behind my back, I turned and smiled sweetly at Maddox. “I know how we can pass the time.”

“As much as I’d like that, you won’t be able to let go enough to enjoy it. So sit your cute ass down, and let’s play some cards.”

Maddox kicked out a chair at the small table in the room. Grumbling, I stomped over and took the seat. Brooks rolled his lips inward to hide his laugh, but I caught it anyway. I stuck my tongue out and he broke, letting a chuckle roll between his lips.

“You’re cute when you’re bratty.”

His laugh was genuine, and I smiled despite myself. Maddox grunted, smiling as he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled out the cards.

“What are we playing?” I asked.

“What do you know how to play?”

“Um, Go Fish?”

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