Chapter 280: Maizie
I walked into the underground haven, clinging to Claire like my life depended on it.
“Please don’t be dead. Please don’t be dead.” I repeated the mantra in my head over and over again to the point that they didn’t feel like real words anymore. I knew that the odds that the haven had failed without us knowing, was slim. We had passed multiple guards on our way into the house, and within it to truly believe that they weren’t fine. But until I saw them with my own eyes, each and every one of those kids, then it wouldn’t matter.
I took a deep breath and opened the door. Grace was still out on the battlefield, healing whoever she could, but I knew she would be down here soon enough to heal the kids who we had rescued. For now though, I would have to be enough.
My eyes locked with his as soon as I crossed the threshold. My second. My best friend. And I was holding the most precious thing in the world to him.
I was wrapped in his hug before I even knew what had hit me. Long gone was the broody teen I had come here with.
“Maizie. Claire," He murmured before pulling away. “Are you guys alright? Are you hurt?”
“We’re okay.” I told him. But the truth was, I was exhausted. My body was rebelling, and the idea of sleep soon was the only thing keeping me going. “Grace healed her.”
“You look like-” He trailed off mid-sentence and stared at something behind me.
I turned slightly to see what, and it was not something, but someone. Bentley and Sawyer were bounding down the stairs behind me. And I was confused at that look on Michael’s face. But it became clearer when Bentley halted next to me, his eyes wide.
I didn’t know what was happening. They both were staring at each other in shock.
“Michael?” I tried before Michael flung himself at Bentley and Bentley wrapped him up muttering, “You’re alive, you’re alive, you’re alive.”
Holy fuck. I hadn’t realized they had known each other... like that. How did anyone in that godforsaken place had a relationship like that? And Bentley... My rival? I mean to be fair; Michael and I had faked a rivalry for years... We had both used the other to take care of our siblings. Blaire had always been under him. Michael and I had always been equals. It was a crazy system, that I was glad I would never have to be a part of ever again.
“Let’s give them some space,” Sawyer mindlinked gently.
It still startled me when he did it, but there were worse things. I could live with him scaring me sometimes.
Sawyer placed his hand on the small of my back, and we immediately started back toward the other kids. I really didn’t feel like being here. But these were my people. They were my responsibility. Even if they fell under Grace technically, I would always feel responsible for this group.
Aaron took Claire from me, and I made my rounds, checking on everyone. I stopped by Blaire’s bed and ran my fingers through her hair. It was late now, nearly everyone was asleep, and my sister was one of them. It had been a crazy day, and everyone had questions, but just getting to sleep was a rarity. Especially if you didn’t know what tomorrow would hold, I didn’t blame a single person for sleeping.
“I can’t wait to meet her,” Sawyer whispered in my ear.
Goddess. I had to talk to him. Like really talk to him. But I was scared of his reaction. It wasn’t something we had talked about. I didn’t know where he stood on it, and that was terrifying.
“Me too,” I responded, but I couldn't hide the strain in my voice.
Sawyer stiffened but didn’t respond.
“Is everyone okay down there?” Grace mindlinked.
God-fucking-damn-it. This mindlink thing was getting old fast. No one had expected Lycan’s to be able to mindlink, and honestly, we found out kind of on accident when Grace stepped into her power as Alpha of the Red Blood pack, but here we were now using it as if it had always existed.
“Yes.” Sawyer responded for the both of us. “Everything is good here. Any trouble up there?”
“No.” She answered, and the fatigue in her voice was a little unsettling. “If anyone awake would like to return to their homes or rooms they can. The kids can come up to the Alpha floor. Everything has been secured, and we are setting up the apartment now.”
Sawyer and I worked together with Michael and Bentley and got everyone settled. Nobody wanted to stay down there, and I didn’t blame them. It was nice to have something productive to do, and it was fun seeing the Alpha suite full again.
It was nearly morning when we finally returned to our room. The sun’s light was just starting to reach out and touch the sky, but it didn’t matter to me. I’d be able to sleep for a month after the last few days.
Sawyer showered first, and then I took one. I was standing in front of the mirror staring at myself, when Sawyer walked in and wrapped his arms around me.
“Are you going to tell me why you look sad and worn or are we still pretending you’re fine?” He questioned gently.
“I’m not sad.” I answered a little too quickly.
Sawyer frowned slightly. “Then are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
“I’m pregnant.” The words fell from my lips before I could stop them.
Sawyer’s arms dropped from around me, and I immediately regretted saying anything. What if he had never wanted kids? What if he left me over it? All I ever wanted was to be a mother... And would he be mad that I prioritized the mission? I had been afraid if he knew before that I wouldn’t have been able to go. I didn’t want to upset him... I couldn’t handle it if-
“Stop spiraling.” He commanded after a moment, turning me to face him “Are you happy about this?”
“Well, if you’re not-”
“That’s not what I asked. Are you happy about this?”
“Yes.” It was barely a whisper.
But he smiled and lifted me off my feet and spun me around. I laughed as his lips met mine. This moment was all I could ever ask for. I should have known he would be excited for it. We were going to raise our baby in a safe world thanks to what had happened here today, and that was something to be truly excited for, and even more so proud of our part in it.