Page 100 of Explorer's Revenge
I never needed anyone before, but now, it’s like I don’t know how to be me without them.
“Talk to us, what’s going on? Did we do something?” Logan pleads.
I look around at their hopeful faces and then back at the fire.
“You didn’t do anything,” I murmur.
“Talk to us, Carter,” Wilder demands, and his bossy tone grabs my attention, but there’s an edge of desperation in his voice, which is new, and I fall into that, the truth pushing out.
“You know what? That island was a special kind of hell. We almost died every way imaginable, and we had to fight just to survive every minute of the day, but I kind of miss it as well. We were together, we were a team, and we had each other’s backs. I miss hearing your voices around the fire. I miss you.” A tear finally falls, and I see their faces crumple. “I know I can do this alone, but I realized I don’t want to.” Wiping my tears away, I meet their gazes. “But everything has changed. In some ways, it was easy on that island and in the hospital to be what we wanted, but here, it feels like it was a dream. We aren’t a team. We can’t be what we want. It isn’t what the world wants.”
“Bullshit.” I startle at the venom in Aiyaret’s voice. “We can be whatever we want. We are right here, Maeve. We were waiting for you. Nothing has changed for us.” He glances around. “We spoke about it. It’s what we want—you, us, this team. We haven’t changed. Have you?”
I stare at him, and he waits.
“Do you still want us?” he prompts when I don’t respond.
“Yes,” I whisper.
“Then why does anything else matter? You’re overthinking it, babe,” Rick teases.
“I never thought I’d see the day when Maeve Carter backed away because she was scared, so don’t start now,” Wilder remarks. “Just so you know, we already applied for you to be a member of our team if you want it. We did it first thing when we returned. The world doesn’t have to know more than that. It’s your decision, Carter. Are you with us, or are you running away?”
“What if it doesn’t work?” I ask.
“What if an avalanche comes? What if our boat sinks? What if our plane crashes? What if a crocodile stalks us?” Logan challenges. “Nothing is guaranteed, Carter. We live our livesday by day. It’s who we are. Don’t change now. I love you. My brothers love you. We want you to be one of us. Will you?”
As I look around at them, I know there is only one answer I can give. “Yes.”
Their whoops fill the air before they quiet down, remembering my dad’s warning, which makes me smile even as tears fill my eyes. I was so lonely, so lost without them. I never even knew I was before them, but everyone changed on that island, including me and my future. Previously, I would have done anything to prove myself solo without them, but now, all I want is to explore the world with them and make memories.
I don’t want to be alone anymore.
I realized I didn’t need to go alone just to prove I can, just to prove I’m strong, brave, or independent. I can still be all of those things with them.
I look around at them with wet eyes. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Yes,” they agree, and I look at Wilder.
He toasts me with his beer. “I guess I can deal with losing to you for the rest of my life.”
I smirk. “Looks like you have no choice.”
It’s like nothing and everything has changed between us, and I know I’d follow them anywhere. I’m one of them now, or maybe they are part of me.
Either way, we are stuck together.
FIFTY-ONE
AIYARET
The tension is broken, and Maeve’s smile is wide as she looks at us around the fire. We contacted her dad as soon as we got back, and he told us to give her time, but as the days went by, we grew impatient, and he finally gave us their address, admitting he was worried about her. It seems she was struggling, but now that I know why, I sigh in relief.
She was worried about us.
That’s adorable.
She’s relaxed now, and Logan starts telling her stories about his physical therapy, making her laugh. The others join in, but I just observe her. I never thought I could love a woman, never mind have a future with one, and despite being in love with Way, I’m not complete without Maeve, and our time apart showed me that.
