Page 127 of Dark Endures

“That’s our cue to leave.” Pit stands up and picks up his sleeping wife. “She’d say goodnight, but she’s a little occupied growing our baby.”

“Thank her for taking care of me.”

“Will do. Have a nice night.” He heads towards the door. “Later, Maddox.”

“Night.” Maddox walks back into my line of sight.

Every night is the same in this one way. It’s just Maddox and me. No shifts. No people switching out.

“How are you feeling tonight, Beautiful?” Maddox moves to the end of the bed and squats down in front of me.

I know he just says that to remind me these bruises are temporary and I’ll go back to normal soon, but that word hits me hard every time he says it. “Feeling better, actually. I can’t wait to be able to get up and walk around.”

“Want some help up?” He sets the two beers in his hand down.

“Please.” Walking on my own two feet feels wonderful, no matter how much it hurts.

There’s no way of doing this that doesn’t hurt. My ribs and back see to that.

Maddox gently tips me onto my side.

There’s nothing I can do to help except try to hold my body rigid.

“Ready?”

I take a deep breath and hold it.

That’s his cue to lift me up and set me on my feet.

It happens almost too fast for me to process the pain.

“Take a second to get your breath.” He holds me steady by my shoulders. “Breathe through the pain.”

“I miss the good drugs.”

“Yeah, but you don’t want to become an addict.”

“Picky.” But he’s right. No one wants to lose more of their life because of pain meds. “It didn’t hurt as much as yesterday.”

“And it won’t hurt as much tomorrow. You’re healing up.”

Slowly. Way too slowly. “I think I’m ready.”

Maddox lets go. Then takes a half step back. “How are you doing? Any dizziness?”

“I’m good.” I match his half step. The stitches on my backside pull a little bit, but not too badly. The best news was when I was finally allowed to go to the bathroom. I feel a bit like a little old lady when I try to sit down, but it’s totally worth it.

“A walk or bathroom.”

We’ve done this too many times for me to blush anymore. “I’ll head to the bathroom first.”

"Enjoy your walk. What do you want for dinner tonight?”

“Surprise me.” Everything he picks tastes wonderful.

Maddox hovers for the first few steps. Then heads towards the kitchen.

This all could be a normal night for a normal couple. Except we’re not a couple, and I’m anything but normal.

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