Page 3 of Pretend
“Look, man, I know you probably don’t like me. Everyone’s been giving me the cold shoulder since I kind of overstepped with Ari. But–”
I cut him off, scoffing.
“You did overstep with the girl. You crossed a line, loverboy. You’re lucky Grim granted you mercy because I wouldn’t have.” I spit, readjusting my sniper rifle and looking into the scope.
He grows quiet and shifts in his spot in the corner of the rooftop.
Entering the military did something to me. Like it does to all of us who make it through, even more so making a SEAL team, we’re all bonded in a brotherhood of blood, sweat, and tears. We fight for our fucking lives together, creating unbreakable bonds. We always have each other’s back, no matter what, even when it comes to who we share our private lives with.
You just don’t cross lines when it comes to wives or girlfriends. And Slaughter did.
“Look, I don't give a shit about drama. I could care less where any of you guys put your dicks. All I’m saying is, learn what loyalty means.” I scold him.
“I do know what loyalty means.” He spits back with rage. His tone is rising, and he’s on the defensive end. “It’s complicated with Ari. I’ve been there since Paul passed away. I shared my condolences to her and her mother on the day Paul Alvarez was buried when Grim couldn’t even face them. I kept the promisewe all made since day one. And I don’t fault Grim for that.I’m just saying. He couldn’t look them in the eyes, and I understood why. Someone had to face them,and I did. And that’s when I met her. I love Ari. I always will. I made the same promise Grim did. Paul’s team and our team promised to watch over his family.” He pauses after inhaling a sharp breath. “But I’m moving on even if it hurts. It’s not an excuse for my actions this past year, but I’ve apologized to both of them. Grim hasn’t talked to me since the military ball, really, and I know I fucked up.” He pauses, choking up. “I— I know I did.” He stutters. I can tell he’s fighting the urge to spill his emotions over his raspy voice.
I roll my eyes.
It’s getting too emotional on this rooftop.
“No need to get all sappy on me, Bane. I truly don’t give a shit. You’ll learn sooner or later that love doesn’t exist.” I tell him as I watch Marines make their last rounds, vacating the village, that it’s about time for Kane and I to leave as well.
“Slaughter.” I address him over my shoulder, clearing my throat. “Your mistakes don’t define who you are. It is what you do after you make them that matters.”
I can’t see Slaughter anymore, but I know he’s having a moment. Because of this, I don’t involve myself with getting attached to any girl. Grim is good at his job for a reason, and so am I. Emotionless creatures, strong-willed and dedicated to our careers.
But he gave in to his now wife and the life of a family man.
I will not.Not ever.
“Fuck, it’s raining hard,” Clark chimes in from my side, changing the tone of the conversation. Clark is a Navy SEAL on Zeke Akana’s team. He’s assisting Kane in giving me cover and joining the overwatch.
Chills prick at my skin, and I’m tempted to shiver. Something doesn’t feel right.
Thunder strikes in the distance. The rain gets louder and more persistent. Strong winds hit my face, and I swallow the ominous dread on my shoulders.
Something is about to happen. I can feel it.
I’ve always had this sixth sense. I can sense if danger is about to unfold. I can tell if someone is good or bad. Just by looking at them and when they speak it just confirms this weird ability I have. And right now, alarm bells are going off, and I’m searching for it.
“How’s the weather up there, boys?” Grim asks through comms.
“Sunny with clear skies.” I sarcastically remark with a chuckle. Rain continues to fall harshly, and lightning strikes in the distance, flashing the village and Marines like a camera going off with a blinding flash.
“The rain isn’t letting up,” Lopez responds in the mic. Cobra and Texas are somewhere down there with the Marines.
Zeke and Kane engage in a conversation about the superbowl and who they think will win, and I’m tuning everyone out because I’m on high alert, looking at other streets, buildings, and trees. Anything.
I shift my scope, and my heart begins to pound, but still. I’m calm.
“Something’s wrong,” I whisper.
Kane and Zeke stop laughing and slowly move into silence.
“Nothing is wrong. We’re almost done here, mission accompl–” Zeke begins but doesn’t finish.
A loud pop sends my heart sinking. I know this sound too hauntingly well. A shot has been fired, and it’s not from us. A Marine goes limp and falls to the ground, screaming in agony, causing chaos to spread. Everyone raises their rifles, and Kane hisses behind me, “What the fuck just happened?” Everyone covers while I clutch my sniper, trying my hardest to find the threat.
“We’ve got contact!” Grim shouts.
