ROTTEN LOVE - Chapter 50: Chapter 50

There is a subtle bounce in my step as we rush to get dressed. It is either from the climaxes my body has not recovered from, or the slight nerves of what's to come when we cross the kitchen door.
Facing Marisa is the least of my problems. Before, I would worry that she would give me grief. But she isn't interested in me anymore. She has to be aware by now.
She is, however, cognizant of the cat-and-mouse game Maddox and I have played. I want to believe that she will be somewhat glad for me.
Not because I'm no longer with Zain, but rather for choosing Maddox as my partner. For being able to beat such an unbearable bond with Zain and listening to my heart, acknowledging that the only way I can be happy is by having them at my side.
The Malfattos take priority. It's not because of the master/servitude relationship we had all these years. It's because we have endured all the bad together.
We have been thrown into political games and given roles none of us have asked for. We should have crumbled under the pressure. We could have taken different routes and turned destructive but we survived without losing each other.
For the most part, we are decent beings and that's because we have kept each other grounded. The stuff we have been through formed indestructible bonds. I didn't need some outside source to tell me that this was right.
In my heart and my memories, it's clear that nothing can be stronger and truer than our connection, even if it isn't some instant perfect thing. It's flawed but that makes it much more special.
No, the nerves spring from knowing my actions in this kitchen just changed the fate of many.
Maddox and I got ourselves together quickly to the best of our abilities. It's quite hard to do with the electric sensation lingering around the air after the magic we produced minutes ago.
He stares at me. I shift my gaze. He smirks. I don't have to look to know.
I look at him and he raises an eyebrow daring me to taunt him, so he can lay me flat and show me once more the things our bodies can do together. So, I divert again. It's responded by a chuckle from him that brings tingles across my skin.
"We should get out before I change my mind," his smooth voice catches my attention.
I nod, "I'm all set," I straighten my blouse with my hands.
He gets closer to me and plants a tender kiss on my forehead. I close my eyes and enjoy it. When I'm ready, I move my gaze up and smile. He returns it.
I'm prepared to walk toward the door side by side, my limbs to myself. Each of us with space but still near each other. But that's not what happens.
He grabs my hand and leads us to the door. When the door opens, I see Marisa waiting impatiently with a devious smile gracing her face backed by a nonchalant Adam, his arms crossed as he leans against the wall.
I'm expecting Maddox to release my hand but his grip gets firmer. The first one who tries to break contact is me. I loosen my grip and he lets go. I'm slightly embarrassed with Marisa as she eyes me down with a knowing grin.
Maddox, however, released my hand only to place his arm around my shoulders, reeling me closer. It's a strong pull and I slightly bounce off him. I become rigid under his arm and Marisa's gaze.
"Yes, Helena will be staying," Maddox starts.
Marisa keeps her gaze on me, "I thought so. I shall inform our hosts."
She keeps her distance and it's a little grating.
"I'm surprised you are willing to do that for someone who is not worthy of your time," I snap at her, not forgetting the silent treatment she has been giving me.
Her face stays completely blank, expressionless for a long minute. Coldness radiating from her person. She looked like she was about to walk away without a response. But before she completely turns around, she whips around and wraps her arms around me, displacing Maddox's.
At Marisa's surprise attack, Maddox lowers his arm until his hand rests at the small of my back. Marisa places her head at the crook of my neck and I feel her take a whiff of me as if she hasn't seen me in ages.
"Oh, Helena, I'm so glad you are here," she says to me.
I look at Maddox with an eyebrow raised, keeping my hands to myself before directing to her, "I find that hard to believe given you practically dismissed me. Treated me like I was nothing to you."
She releases me, "You could never be nothing to me. You know that."
She pauses before continuing, "I'm sorry I had to do that to you. I wanted you to see how your life would be without us... I wanted to see how my life would be without you," she admits.
"Even if I chose Zain, I would never be without you all."
"You would, because my fiancé's family would never allow it and your mate hates my guts and our kind."
"For a moment, I thought Zain and you were getting along."
She gives me a quizzical look, "I tried to like him but he doesn't give me a good vibe."
"Because he is a werewolf," I point out.
"Because he lied to you from the beginning. He played us. I never agreed with Maddox's plan to marry Zain but Maddox did it for our parents and a noble agenda. Zain tricked us. He doesn't care about uniting the species. He never did. His objective from day one has always been to take you away and keep you to himself. He didn't care to know us even after finding out about our bond," Marisa states.
"Fare enough," I give her the reason.
She eyes Maddox, "You are better, I see. Tell me. Wasn't my Helena tasty?"
I blush. I don't expect him to answer but he does, "quite. Shame you won't get to indulge in such delicacy any longer."
Marisa steps back offended, "That's not fair and not your choice."
Maddox points out, "true." His hand gets to my waist and brings me closer, "Amica mea do you wish to feed my sister from time to time?"
His mouth gets closer to my ear, a low whisper comes my way, "An ounce of your blood in her mouth is an ounce less you are in mine."
I turn to him. Our noses graze and I take a deep breath.
I wouldn't want that.
I hesitantly smile, "Let's not talk about that. Plus, I believe Marisa your meals are spoken for," I eye the tall shadow she has, who still hasn't exhibited much interest.
She looks behind her and shrugs, "he will do." She tries to pretend she doesn't care but she does. Adam finally displays some emotions and smiles.
Joking with her, and having Maddox tease me, brings a sense of home and familiarity but again it's not complete. Jason is not here. To make matters worse, he would rather not be here because Maddie is not here. It's not hard for him. He loves her. He wants her.
The mate bond was a blessing to him but how would he feel when they find out what I did? When his mate despises me even more?
Maddie will protect him. But what if out of anger, Zain commands her to use Jason for revenge? I am not comfortable with the situation.
I shift my weight and start fidgeting with my hands. Maddox and Marisa picked it up fast.
Marisa says while Maddox closes on me, "5 seconds."
"What," I question.
"You only lasted 5 seconds before your mind started going somewhere dark. You are thinking of Jason," Marisa confirms.
I'm not even shocked that she read me fast. She has always had this ability. I'm very glad.
When our bond broke, she started questioning our connection and my feelings. She got in her head. I did the same but we are not doing that anymore.
"How can I be sure they won't make him do something against you guys," I add.
Maddox chimes in, "There is nothing they can do that matters with you at my side."
His words are comforting but I'm not sure they are accurate.
"If they hurt Jason," I ask.
Marisa quickly chimes in, "I hate to admit it but that little she-wolf seemed more sincere with her feelings than Zain."
His name brings anxiousness and sorrow. I did him dirty. He has faults but mine were bigger. I don't respond, become quiet in my thoughts.
Marisa shakes her head. Her grey eyes pin me down. "Absolutely not. You are not returning. He will smell Maddox off you a mile away. I'm not a dog but I can smell the subtle hints of your blood coming from his mouth. Zain will pick up more than that in you."
I shift uncomfortably, "An explanation is owed."
"Is there? It's exceptionally clear. You chose us. Plus, your relationship with my brother won't affect him or his kind. You being with Maddox won't make them barren. Nor will we attack because the other lines gave their word. The lines wanted you. This was the best-case scenario even if Zain's broken heart won't acknowledge it."
"He won't. Marisa, I need to apologize and make it apparent that the other lines won't use me to harm the wolves. I would never act against them," I plead but there is nothing she can say that will keep me from doing that.
She is not pleased. Maddox talks, "You are free to do what you please. I have always given you that but we will come along as we are free to do the same."
I give him a glimpse. His set eyes of determination dare me to argue but it would be a waste too.
I move from his side and Marisa shifts close to Maddox. I get in front of them and start laying the rules. They were expecting it. "You are not to get involved."
I eye Marisa, "I won't need unnecessary commentary. Things will be tense as they are."
She rolls her eyes but shakes her head yes. I continue, "Zain will be upset. He might get violent. Do not interfere. I can handle myself. You will only attack if it's to defend yourselves not me," I eye Maddox.
He doesn't shake his head yes. He grinds his teeth. I raise my eyebrow and he shrugs. He is not going to agree.
He answers, "he lays a hand on you and he is as good as dead. It's not the other lines he would have to worry about."
Marisa shakes her head in agreement. She beams at the prospect of violence. He adds, "But I will let you handle him for the most part as long as you are in no danger, my love."
I should be content with that but I even eye Adam. A silent plea to help with Marisa and he nods yes, understanding.
We go in separate cars. Maddox is with me and Marisa and Adam are in one. I have to return the one I took from Zain's compound so we will need a vehicle back to the Ambroses when everything is said and done.
There is blissful silence on the car ride there with Maddox and me. We don't have to be constantly talking to feel content.
But in the silence, I fight a huge sense of dread. I can't help but feel like I am driving to someone's death. It just seems like everything done was meaningless and I will have to pay the consequences somehow.
My parents' death. My mom's hidden loyalty. Her blood magic. Zain's betrayal to get me. Jason's kidnapping. The death of my witches. The curse of the vamps. Everything seems purposeless.
My mother orchestrated everything to pick the wolves and I didn't. Once Maddox and I eventually have a child, despite the complex pregnancy that will entail, even her curse will be undone. Choosing the Malfattos will void all her actions and I can't help but think things won't end like this.
I get more anxious by the minute. Upon arriving at the compound, the wolves quickly pick up on the presence of the Malfattos. Probably through smell. I can tell by the amount of guards that start surrounding the compound as we enter the front door.
I take a deep breath knowing Zain must have been notified. We don't wait long. I feel his proximity before I hear him or his steps.
The air feels suffocating. My body starts to betray me, creating this false need to be with him. It's not okay.
Having acknowledged my true feelings for Maddox, I see more clearly how manipulative the mate bond is. I try hard to prepare myself for what my body will try to tell me once I see Zain.
It's going to try and make me think I am wrong but I am not. My heart is clear and for the first time so is my mind.
Zain approaches from the living room, "Do I want to know why we have unwanted guests, babe..."
He cuts off. He stops walking feet away from us. His body becomes completely rigid. More steps follow and halt. Maddie places her hand on Zain's shoulder.
Her body tensed too. Jason is confused as he eyes his mate with concern and then places his eyes on our long-life companions. But I know they have picked up on my smell like Marisa had warned.
I clear my throat, "Zain, I'm sorry... I," is all I manage to say before he lunges in my direction.