Page 30 of Shadow's Heart
Our moment is broken pretty quickly by the cheers and shouting coming from everyone in the room. What did I expect, though? There’s no way any of these fuckers would ever keep their mouths shut. Especially not if what Wrath said is true, and they’ve all been waiting for this. Pulling back from Wreck, I watch the smirk that overtakes his face. Yeah, we both know we’re about to get a boatload of shit from everyone.
The first voice I make out clearly is none other than my Dad. I can’t help but laugh when I hear him shouting, “Fucking finally.” It looks like even my Dad saw what we didn’t. Not that I’m surprised that man sees far more than he’ll ever say.
“Yes, alright, we finally pulled our heads out of our asses.” I shout over the noise.
“Took you long enough. You’re welcome, little brother.” Wrath shouts back, looking fucking smug. I can’t even be mad; he has a right to be smug right now. I owe him a fucking lot fortelling me what he did in his office that day, even if he could have said something well before now.
“In all seriousness though, we’re all happy for you both. You both deserve to be happy, and it was clear to everyone you’d only ever be happy with each other.” Flame says, smiling at us both.
“You’re right about that. It’s only been a day, and I’ve never been happier.” I reply to Flame but don’t take my eyes off Wreck. I watch as what I’m saying registers in his mind. His eyes slowly well with tears, but I know they’re happy tears from the massive smile on his face. Fuck, I’m a lucky son of a bitch.
Leaning in, I kiss him again and ignore the rest of the room. They can carry on saying whatever they want; I don’t plan on listening. My attention is taken by the man in front of me. Just the way it should be. Hell, it’s the way it’s always been, if I’m being honest. No one has ever been able to hold my attention the way he can, and now I know why.
* * *
Blade
Sera is going to be so pissed off that she’s missing this. Everyone is still talking and shouting shit at Shadow and Wreck, but it’s clear neither of them are listening or paying attention; they’re lost in each other. This has been written on the wall for such a long time now; it’s not at all surprising that they’re lost in their own world, where the only people they can see are each other. It’s the way it should be with that special person. The personmeant for you. I know what they’re feeling; it’s what I feel every moment I’m with Sera.
Pulling my phone out, I take a quick video of them kissing, sending it off to Sera. Either she’s going to be calling me the second she watches the video or she’ll be on her way over here to see it with her own eyes. She’s been so invested in these two finally figuring their shit out; she wanted them both to be happy, and even Sera, who hasn’t been here that long, knew that would only ever happen when they figured out they were in love with each other.
Some people are just meant to be, and Shadow and Wreck are two people who really are meant to be together. I’ve probably spent the most time with them both out of everyone except for maybe Wrath and Flame, and I’ve watched them fall in love deeper and deeper. Harder and harder. At first I didn’t realize what I was seeing either, but as time passed and more people started to see what I did, it became clear what was happening between them. It was a thing of beauty to watch, but at the same time I couldn’t believe neither of them saw it. I probably should have said something a long time ago, but I didn’t exactly want to get involved in their relationship. For all I knew they had their reasons for not changing anything in their relationship, the same way as Wrath and Flame.
I’m brought out of my thoughts when the front doors slam open, the sound of them hitting the wall startling nearly everyone, and my Ol’ Lady appears looking a little red-faced and out of breath. Please, for the love of God, tell me she didn’t fucking run over here. That’s not smart with the way her morning sickness has been kicking her ass. The look she gives me as she enters tells me to keep my mouth shut about those thoughts, and I’m not stupid enough to go against that look. My woman is deadly enough on a normal day; add in her raging hormones from being pregnant, and she’s worse. She scares mesome days, and I’m not someone who scares easily. I do not have a death wish. Not at all, so I do the smart thing and keep my mouth firmly shut.
Sera walks over towards where Shadow and Wreck are still lost in their only little world. They don’t last that way for long when she taps them both on their shoulders simultaneously. They break their kiss and glance in her direction. I watch as they both turn and go to talk, but don’t get the chance. Sera speaks first.
“Why the hell am I finding out about this from a video?” She demands hands on her hips.
“It literally happened yesterday.” Shadow replies to his sister, rolling his eyes.
“And?”
“It’s not like we planned on making out here and announcing our change in relationship this way.” He says back, and I internally chuckle. I love watching interactions between these two. They may not have grown up together, but fuck if they don’t have a typical sibling relationship. It’s hilarious to listen to them sometimes.
“Alex, shut up.” Wreck says, interrupting him. We all laugh at the way Shadow’s eyes widen at Wreck’s words. It’s not very often Wreck tells Shadow to shut his mouth. “I was going to come and talk to you today, Sera, because I owe you; without the conversation you had with me, I’d probably never have realized how I really feel about Alex, and we wouldn’t be here right now. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough.”
“Oh fuck you, Wreck.” Sera says, voice watery. “I don’t need a thank you. I just need you both to be happy.” She grabs Wreck and pulls him into a hug.
Glancing at Shadow, I see a few tears fall down his face as he watches them embrace. I get it; all the emotions and feelings in this room right now are a lot. We’re all happy that despite what’shappened recently, Shadow and Wreck are now together and happier than they’ve ever been. They both deserve it.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Wreck
Life with Shadow is everything I ever dreamed it could be and so much more. Waking up to him every day is the best feeling in the world; knowing I can touch and kiss him as much as I want and need is freeing. Just knowing he’s mine makes getting through the moments we can’t be together so much easier. I always know that at the end of the day, no matter what, he’ll be coming home to me. That’s another thing; living with Shadow is as easy as breathing; we already know each other so well, so there’s no adjustment period needed. No adjusting to each other’s quirks because we already know and accept everything about each other. I might not have moved all my stuff in yet, but that doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, it’s all just stuff; I can live without things. Shadow, on the other hand, I couldn’t live without him. Not now I know what it’s really like to have him.
As much as I want to continue living in our happy bubble, that’s not going to happen. Today it’s time to face not only Megan but the place I was held and tortured. It’s weird; part of me is worried about how I’ll react to being there, but at the same time I feel relaxed too because I know it’s finally time to say mypiece and get some answers before finally putting all this behind me for good.
Shadow’s been extra clingy since the moment we woke up this morning, and I know it’s because he’s worried. It’s his way of showing he’s here for me and cares. I don’t think I’d be as okay as I am about all this if I didn’t know he’d be with me the whole time. I can face anything as long as he’s by my side.
Pulling the SUV into the Knightlye’s driveway, I immediately spot Jake waiting next to his bike. I look over at Shadow, and he gives me a reassuring smile before turning off the engine and hopping out of the car. I follow suit and meet him at the front of the SUV, where he’s waiting, holding his hand out for me to take. I grab his hand, and we walk towards Jake, hand in hand.
Jake smiles at our joined hands before looking up at both of our faces and asking, “Are you ready for this?”
“Yeah, I want to do this and then forget she ever existed.” I answer.
Shadow doesn’t say a word; he just squeezes my hand in support. I already know he feels exactly the same; he’s only here and willing to face her because of me. He’d happily never see her again.
