Page 39 of Vows of Ruin

I’m holding Liam’s shirt closed around me, the scent of him grounding me as Doc kneels in front of me with steady hands and calm eyes. Her touch is gentle, but the antiseptic burns like fire as she cleans the bite on my thigh.

“It’s deep,” she murmurs. “But I don’t think it needs stitches anywhere.”

I nod numbly, jaw clenched, staring at the opposite wall like if I look at her face, it’ll be too real.

Then Doc hesitates. Her voice is quieter now, hesitant. “It’s going to scar.”

I don’t get a chance to react before Max hits the dresser he’s been leaning on. The loud thud makes me flinch. He turns his back to the room, bracing both arms on the wall like he needs it to stay upright.

“Maximilian,” I say firmly. He doesn’t look at me.

“Come here,” I command, holding out my hand.

After a second, he turns, coming to me like he’s trying not to fall apart. I grab his face in both my hands.

“This isn’t going to break us,” I say. “That’s what he wants. Look at me. I’m not breaking. I need you to stay strong with me.”

“I know,” he whispers, voice cracked. “I just—I love you so damn much.”

He kisses me, deep and aching.

Doc clears her throat with the subtlety of a freight train. “Alright, lovebirds,” she mutters. “I’m still on my knees between you two.”

I laugh softly against Max’s lips, “Sorry.”

Doc stands, removing her gloves. “I get it. You’re all done. Try to stay awake for a few more hours, please. And—” her eyes narrow slightly, “Be careful.”

I try to look innocent. It doesn’t work.

“Right,” I say, biting back a smirk.

She gives one of her dry, knowing smiles and leaves.

I sigh, sitting on the bed, letting the silence settle before asking quietly. “Now… about Donnie. Does he have any family?”

Liam nods, jaw tight. “A younger brother. Name’s Jaden. He’s in college, and Donnie was paying for most of his life.”

I let that sink in. “Then we take care of him; he’s one of us now. No details, not yet. Just enough to prepare him. And we make sure he’s covered, school, housing, everything.”

Max’s voice is raw but steady. “I’ll talk to Hunter. We’ll make it happen.”

He moves to the door but pauses when I ask softly. “Where are you taking his body?”

“There’s a church. A small place near the neighborhood where we all grew up. His parents are buried there,” Max says.

“That’s good,” I whisper. “He should be with them.”

Max crosses the room again, kissing me once more, this one softer. Reverent. It’s a vow. He looks at Liam, nods once, then leaves.

Liam and I are alone in the bedroom again. For a moment it’s quiet, but I know it won’t last. Not with war already whispering through the walls.

Liam sinks onto the edge of the bed, one leg pulled up, half-turned to face me. His gaze is soft, careful. “You have to stay awake for a few more hours. So, what do you want to do? Plan our next moves? Find a movie?”

A small giggle escapes me, one that surprises us both.

I crawl into his lap, straddling him slowly, carefully. My body protests, bruises blooming under my skin, muscles screaming, but I don’t let it show. I don’t want to think, I want to feel.

I settle against him, his hands instantly flying to my hips, fingers gripping with just enough force to ground me. “You’re not too injured?” he asks, brows furrowed with concern.