Page 51 of Endo
Wolfe, nursing his third drink, looks over at me with a soft expression. His tone’s not teasing like usual, just calm and considerate. “How’re you holding up, Reign?”
I glance up from my drink, a little caught off guard by the question. Wolfe’s never one to push, but when he asks, you know he means it. I shrug it off, trying to keep it light. “I’m good, man. Just enjoying the night.”
He doesn’t buy it, of course. He leans back in his chair, eyes steady on me. “You sure? You’ve been quieter than usual. Normally, I’m the one staying off the radar, but you’ve been a little... distant tonight.”
I feel a pang in my chest at that. Wolfe’s not wrong. I’ve been trying to avoid getting too wrapped up in my head, but it’s not working. I take a long sip of my drink, giving myself a second to gather my thoughts before I answer.
“I’m fine, just... you know. It’s been a weird couple of weeks,” I say, offering him a half-assed grin.
Wolfe nods, never one to pry, but always there to listen if I want to talk. “I get it. You know we’re all here if you need something, right?”
I glance over at him, feeling a wave of gratitude for the way he’s looking out for me. “Yeah, I know, man. Appreciate it.”
He gives me a small, reassuring smile, then takes another sip of his drink, falling into a comfortable silence. It’s the kind ofconversation that doesn’t need to be pushed—just a quiet check-in from someone who knows exactly when to give space.
Bexley must’ve said something outrageous because I hear it clear as day—Lena’s laugh, bright and easy. That laugh. The one that used to fill rooms, used to make everything feel lighter. It pulls me in and knocks the breath out of me for a second. It’s the sound of her before all the shit happened. Before the crash, before the grief. That laugh was her.
For a split second, I forget about everything else, like I’m right back where I want to be. For a moment, the knot in my chest loosens, and I feel something close to relief.
The night’s winding down, and the bar’s clearing out. People are drifting toward the parking lot, the sound of laughter and chatter fading into the background. The air’s cool, but there’s a thick tension in my chest that the night can’t shake. I’ve only had one beer, and it was hours ago, I’m more than good to drive.
I walk toward my Mustang, the gravel crunching beneath my boots. I’m eager to get home, especially since I have an appointment with Jen early tomorrow and she won’t take kindly to me cancelling, again. But as I get closer to my car, I hear footsteps behind me.
“Yo, Reign!”
I don’t have to turn around to know it’s Revel. His voice is low, taut with that protective edge he gets when he’s pissed. I can feel the storm brewing, and I’m not in the fucking mood for it.
I keep walking, ignoring him for a moment, just resting my hand on the car door. “What do you want, Revel?” I ask, keeping my voice steady, but I can’t hide the frustration starting to bleed through.
He steps closer, boots dragging on the pavement as he gets in my space. “I know what’s going on between you and Lena, and I don’t fucking like it,” he says, his tone dark, almost accusing.
I stiffen, something inside me snapping. “What the hell are you talking about?” I snap, my jaw tightening.
Revel doesn’t hesitate. His voice lowers, sharp with concern. “I see the way you look at her, man. Shit, anyone with fucking eyes can see it. Do you seriously think she’s ready for whatever the hell you’re trying to pull? She’s been through enough already. She needs time to heal and figure stuff out. She doesn’t need all of your shit on top of it.”
That sinks in harder than I expected. I feel my fists clench, my teeth grinding together. The frustration’s burning hotter now, but I try to keep it under control. “You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about,” I growl, turning to face him. “Whatever is going on between me and Lena is none of your business.”
He steps in closer, not backing down, his face hardening like he’s preparing for a fight. “Yeah, well, that’s where you’re wrong. It’s every bit my business. Lena is like a little sister to me, and I know you’ve got feelings for her, but you’re not the guy she needs right now. She’s barely holding it together as it is. You think you’re gonna fix her, huh? You’re just gonna make it worse.”
The words land like a punch to the gut, twisting something inside of me. I know he’s right in a way—Lena’s been through hell, and I’m a mess of my own. But that doesn’t make hearing it any easier.
I step forward, my chest tight, and snap, “You don’t know shit about me or what I can offer her.” My hands are trembling, but I keep my voice steady. “You think you can tell me what’s best for her? You don’t even fucking know me.”
Revel’s grin flickers, but it doesn’t fade. He pushes harder, his face a mask of dark determination. “I know enough to know you’re the last fucking thing she needs. You don’t have to like it, I really don’t give a shit. You’re not my problem. I’m trying toprotecther. She’s been through enough, and I’m not letting you drag her into your shit.”
Before I can say anything more, Revel shoves me hard in the chest, his hands firm on my shirt. The force of it makes me stumble back a few steps, but I don’t fight it. I just stand there, holding his stare.
Just then, I catch Lena’s eyes across the parking lot. She’s just walked out of the bar, her gaze locking on mine for a brief second. There’s confusion in her eyes, maybe even a little concern, but I don’t say anything. I don’t even move. I just hold her stare, letting the moment linger.
And then, without a word, I turn my back on both of them. Revel’s still standing there, watching me, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of a response. I walk back to my car. My chest feels tight, and I don’t know if it’s from the argument or the weight of everything building up.
I climb into my Mustang and slam the door shut, the engine roaring to life under my fingers. I can’t shake the feeling that Revel’s words are sticking with me, gnawing at something I don’t want to admit. As I pull out of the parking lot, I can’t stop thinking about Lena, about how I might not be the guy she deserves.
I’m a shell of what I used to be, and maybe that’s not what she needs right now. Maybe I’m just too fucked up for her. But even knowing all of that, deep down, I can’t shake the feeling that we might be the one thing that can make each other whole again.
20
LENA
