ROTTEN LOVE - Chapter 43: Chapter 43

"This is my life. I choose, and will not be forced to decide between the two," I answer Maddox.
'I will not share. Do you intend for me to drop you off every 6th day of the week so you can fuck him?' Zain links me angrily.
I give him a death stare. 'Give me a solution where I do not leave my friends trapped.'
Zain gets up from the table angrily. He directs his attention to Emmett, "You said that we would be able to get up from this table without any harm, not that I relied on your word."
Emmett responds, "Our terms have been laid out. However, you recall my words, Helena."
I ponder. His words were either I accept or I will never see Marisa again. He said it would be her choice.
I glimpse at her and then at our connected hands. She wouldn't part from me. He is bluffing.
But how can I see her and know that I condemn her to a marriage that will give no children? She does not want any now. That can change later and I will be the cause of her pain.
Not only will I cause her pain but I am partially responsible for my mother's actions. Children are the ones that pay for the sins of their parents.
Arthur announces, "Please reveal what the next steps will be."
"May I think about a solution," I ask.
He raises an unimpressed eyebrow, "Do you frankly think we have not researched in debt as soon as we had the facts? There is no other solution. But amuse us."
"Give me a week. If I cannot undo the hex by other means, then I will agree," I avoid eye contact with Zain.
I can feel his eyes boring a hole in the side of my head. He does not argue because I will go home with him. He thinks he will convince me not to.
Wrong.
I intend to break this curse. I will free the vamps and, in turn, free my friends. If not, then I will pay the price.
There are worse fates than laying with Maddox. I simply hope I do not lose myself.
"We will allow it as an act of good faith," Arthur agrees but you can tell his impatience.
I add, "Then we will leave. ALL of us."
I eye the table looking at the very members of our group that I have been apart from, my brother and Maddox.
"Yes, you may. Nonetheless, remember Miss Thorn of the consequences of trying to deceive us. Do not take our kindness as weakness. I don't have to remind you of what we are capable," Arthur threatens.
No. He does not. He stole my brother under our noses. Infiltrated Zain's pack. Killed my witches. In a way, killed our vamps. Took Maddox and attacked Marisa.
He is an enemy I will not underestimate. I get up from the table and resume standing by Zain's side. Jason and Maddie follow.
Jason grabs her hand and leads them around the table to stand behind us. Marisa remains sitting our hands connected. I pull on her hand and she does not get up.
I look at her confused.
"I will stay," she declares but does not look at me. Then, I feel my hand released.
Her touch is cold yet my hand feels colder without her grasp.
"Marisa," I question her.
She does not look at me. Her eyes are on the table directly across to Maddox. I eye him next. I see them silently communicating.
They do not possess this gift yet I can see the silent transmission.
"We will stay," Maddox nods towards Marisa.
Both do not look at me and it hurts to be given a cold shoulder.
"They said we may leave. We can all leave. We will be together again," I say, incredulously.
No answer from them. I fist my hands. The four of us have been apart for so long and they are choosing to remain disconnected.
What was the point? The enemy gave them freedom and they are choosing to stay. They are punishing me. It's not fair.
"Look at me," I announce to Marisa. She does not.
I shake in rage, in hurt. I repeat, "Look at me."
Nothing.
Through my peripheral, I spot a smirk form on Charles. I chew the inside of my cheek.
"You said you would not leave me. You promised," I reproach her.
But she keeps her back stiff, straight like my words did not harm her. Maddox cuts the gaze with Marisa and eyes me.
He gets up and walks around the table. I shake my leg with nerves, anger, and disbelief.
"Over here," he calls for my attention.
My eyes still focus on Marisa. They fixate on the friend who does not see me worthy of a response, despite sharing a life together.
Maddox gently touches my arm. I give her one last peek, trying not to cry. It aches to be ignored by her like I am someone insignificant, but I reluctantly turn toward him.
His eyes are soft despite the seriousness of his tone, "she is preparing herself."
"She is being ridiculous. I will not abandon you guys. I will find a way," I answer angrily.
He huffs a laugh, his hand picks my chin up. "I believe you will, amica mea."
He pauses. Let's go of my chin and stares into my soul.
I hesitantly ask, "come ."
"I cannot leave her."
"Make her come with me. We are finally together," I plead. I grasp his hands.
He smiles and eyes our hands. "We will remain together in the long run but for now this is how it has to be."
"Why," my eyes searched him for an explanation.
"You have to make this decision on your own. If you cannot find a solution, then you need to see how life is without us. You have to see if you will bear the separation," he says.
"This is a punishment," I reply. My eyebrows squint.
"I could never punish you...I'm hoping this is a revelation. That you realize how much you need us as we need you," he says softly.
"I am aware of the importance both of you hold in my heart. How can you think otherwise," I squeeze his hand.
He brings my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles softly. His lips linger on my hand as his eyes take me in again.
His stare is electrifying. His eyes have not changed. They are a mix of gold and red.
Rough hands are felt at my waist, pulling me back. Simultaneously, an arm pushes Maddox back.
"Keep your hands to yourself. I will not remind you again," Zain's voice goes grave.
Maddox straightens and puts his hands behind his back. He leans slightly back and examines Zain's stance unimpressed.
"Her hand searched for mine," Maddox replies in a mocking tone. To add the knife deeper, he adds, "Should she search for more carnal comfort, I will grant it."
Zain steps up to Maddox. His breathing labored. Fighting for control. On the other hand, Maddox does not move. He doesn't even flinch.
Yet, his eyes completely shift red.
Alarmed, I move in between them. I place my hands on both their chest and push them to separate.
"Stop. Zain let's go," I plead with my eyes.
Zain keeps his gaze on Maddox. His breaths still harsh but reluctantly looks at me. I nod yes to indicate that's correct, we should leave and Zain grabs my wrist harshly, leading me away from my past, possibly a future.
The scowl on Maddox's face is grave. His jaw ticks. My gaze shifts to the table where Marisa refuses to glimpse at me. I hate how she is acting. Then, again, she hates to be second choice.
I search for Adam, feet behind her chair, and give him a nod. He gives it back. A silent exchange. He will take care of my girl and he wishes that I do the same.
It's the first night in a while we will sleep apart. The way Marisa's tiny body would scoot into me and his arms would surround her waist but one would extend to my head, ensuring I was okay silently. He is always on duty and keeping guard.
Another yank is felt on my wrist and I move. Before I leave though, I ask Arthur, "May I visit them in the week?"
He gives me an approving hum. "They are not prisoners. They may also step foot in Zain's land if they wish."
A wishful feeling encompasses me but by the look on their faces, they won't visit. At one last glimpse, we leave the compound.