Page 142 of Beyond The Maples
"I need a few minutes," I manage to get out, trying to hold my composure until I'm out from all the eyes burrowing into me. Wanting answers and direction.
I find a building that used to have a second floor, and sit on steps that now lead nowhere. If it collapses under my weight and buries me whole, I'll welcome it.
Rubbing my temples, I try to steady my breathing.
I hear footsteps come around the corner, and rear my head to snarl at the person who's followed me out here.
Tane appears with his hands up in the air. I put my face in my hands. Of course, it's him. Tears prick the backs of my eyes, because I'm tired. I am sofuckingtired.
"I'm sorry. I know you need time. You've had an awful few days, but..."
"An awful few days doesn't even come close," I interrupt with a cruel laugh.
He nods, his eyes softening as they roam my face.
"We're running out of time. The sun’s going to be up soon. There's a lot to figure out." His words are gentle. "There's so much to tell you. So much you don't know. But we can't stay here long."
I stand up now, exhaustion turning to irritation quicker than I can blink.
"Let me make this very clear; there is no "we", there is nous. As far as I'm concerned, both groups can go their separate ways. Take Deacon with you while you’re at it. Our plans haven't changed, and we don't need help," I spit out.
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
I fold my arms, narrowing my eyes in what I hope will display how unwilling I am to budge on this. I want a clean break. I want Tane, and his legion, and whatever ties they have to the rebellion, to leave us alone. I want to find some quiet spot to hide out—keep my family, and friends safe—beyond that, I want nothing from these people.Especially him.
"Well, my little menace, I think you might change your mind," he muses, stalking closer, a smirk on his lips. "Don't you want to see your dad?"
Tane:
It's painful to be this close to her, and not be able to comfort her, explain everything to her, but she needs time. We've already overwhelmed her with so much, and I saw what happened in that hallway. I've never known panic like that, wondering if any of that blood had been hers. When I saw the group heading for the gates, I made sure they got out. It cost me. It cost all of us. Years of work, and planning out the window in one day. Vera looked ready to kill me herself, but she'll forgive me in time.
I've come to the hard realization that my plans don't matter when it comes to Maple.
She's sitting there—a blank look on her beautiful face. I don't know what kills me more: the vacant look in her eyes, or the bruises, and cuts that are scattered all over her skin. It makes me see red.
Maple Treow.She's nothing like I expected.
I hadn't expected her to blow through my life like a tornado. A storm I can't control, and I like control.
From the moment I saw those big eyes burning at me with fury, after I was a little rough with her friend, I was done for. I have tried consistently to ignore her; ignore the constellation of freckles that delicately spatters her face. The way she scrunches her button nose when she's deep in thought. The curves that threaten to undo me. I have tried to ignore it all, but it's impossible. She made it impossible. Which has been...inconvenient,considering our circumstances.
I don't know how I'm going to explain all this to the Prime, but I'll deal with that when the time comes. I've had limited interactions with Maple's dad.For seven years, I've played the part of loyal soldier for the Council, and for the Zaphirian Prime. I've cut parts of myself away, that I'll never get back. Charred my soul for the greater good. I haven't had a lot of time for regret—nor reflection. Only the assignment.
Dismantle the New Providence Council.
I could skin them all alive, and not feel an ounce of guilt because of the atrocities they’ve committed. And I was so close. To the inner circle. To finding where Zander, and the others keep the keys to undo it all.
But then Maple Treow waltzed through the gates, and I had to pivot. Maple, who lets families go free and sacrifices herself over and over again, because it's the right thing to do, consequences be damned. I've helplessly watched her both fumble, and succeed since she got to the Centre. I know she deserves all the truths she's been hunting for, and I almost brought her into our circle, but then that walking waste of space showed up, and I had to pull back.
Deacon deserves to die. It took everything in me not to put a bullet in his brain yesterday.
I'm glad I held back, that honour belongs to her. Not to mention, I don't think her little sister would survive it, right now.
I blow out a deep breath, glancing over at Willow. Gods, how could they not have noticed? That little girl is brimming with power. And her looks, she looks just like her.
The side of my mouth twitches—she looks just like Maple too. Only their colouring is different. Willow's hair is almost like snow and her eyes are bright green.
