***
Mack wanted to go home, face his fate head on, but I was stubborn and made him stay in my room that night. He did, sitting in the corner. As much as I knew he’d been part of everything, my anger channeled more towards Kate and less at Mack. He seemed so defeated that I could hardly stand it.
“Mack?” I asked. The lights were off and even though he chose to be in camo, his scent filled the room.
“Mm,” he answered.
“Why do you think Sammy’s finally gone?”
“You didn’t black out after becoming a damsel. I kept waiting for Sammy to appear, but she didn’t. I’d begun to believe you’d won the fight. Even as much as I cared for Sammy, I knew it would be the right thing. I had let Sammy go, so to speak. Then we got word from Tonbo that you’d disappeared from the island after we’d gone. Tonbo said you’d passed out during the performance and when they roused you, you seemed different. You were bossy, angry, and wanted to get back to your room. Tonbo felt bad, thought you were mad about us leaving you.”
“But you thought it was Sammy?”
“Yeah, and so did Blake. He totally freaked out because we both knew that you would wake up anywhere and not know how you got there. So we convinced Kory to take a detour. We checked all over Durango for you, but came up with nothing. I’m still not sure where you went as Sammy or how Jaxon ended up with you. You’d have to ask Jaxon, I guess.”
“So why do you think she’s not coming back though?”
“Well, I’m not really certain, but you woke up in the bug’s caverns. You faced him head on as yourself and never once did Sammy come out. Maybe you finally showed her you are strong enough and don’t need her anymore.”
“Actually Mack, you might be right. Right before I changed into that girl, I had this weird feeling come over me. It was like something within me wanted me to pass out. And I remember telling myself that I was strong enough to do it. Maybe I did tell Sammy to go away then, so to speak.”
“Sounds like it.”
“I’m sorry, Mack.”
“What on earth are you sorry for?” he gasped.
“That you didn’t get to be with Sammy. That you lost her.”
I heard a flutter in the wind, and then I felt his hand on my face. He’d flown over to me, but in the dark and with his camo, I hadn’t seen it.
“I can’t tell you how glad I am that you, Samantha, are the one who’s here right now. You’re the one who deserves to be happy. Not me and not Sammy.”
I wanted to respond, but the scent of woods and honey overwhelmed me.
Blake’s here.
I sat up as Mack’s hand slip from my face. There was whoosh of wind and then both guys became visible. Blake held Mack by his shirt, slammed up against a wall with one hand.
“Blake! Stop!” I cried out, jumping up from my bed, rushing over to them.
“What the hell were you thinking Mack?” Blake hissed through a clenched jaw. I saw his free hand balled up into a fist.
“I have no excuses. Just do it, man,” Mack replied.
“Wait, Blake, you don’t know everything!” I tugged on his arm, trying to keep him from punching Mack in the face.
“I know enough. I confronted Kate. Something about her behavior was off. And she told me what they’d done. And I know Mack went along with them when he could’ve stopped it all,” Blake retorted.
He shoved Mack against the wall again, but Mack refused to speak. He agrees with Blake.
“If he hadn’t finished my injections, who knows what I’d be now! He had to do it! He only did what he did because he’s in love with Sammy!” I countered.
This must have caught Blake by surprise because his eyes widened. “Is that true?”
Mack wouldn’t meet Blake’s glare. Blake shook him, but not as hard. “Mack, you’re in love with her?” he asked again.
“I never meant for it to happen,” Mack said. “Blake, get on with it, do what you want. I deserve it. I’m done lying.”
My hand still clutched Blake’s arm. I could feel his chest heaving. I didn’t know how I wanted this all to end, but I knew I’d go crazy if Blake hit Mack. Even if he had it coming.
Blake swore under his breath, and then his grip slackened. Mack’s feet hit the carpet. Blake released him and walked away, turning his back on Mack. Only I saw the pain etched in his eyes.
“Get out of here, Mack, before I change my mind,” he muttered.
Before I could stop him, Mack disappeared from view and the scent of cloves and ginger disappeared with him. He’s gone. And with him went a sliver of my heart.
Hidden Monster Page 65