because I know that once I’m out of this room, this house, that I can’t be that person. I need to be Remington Bennett, the fearless Hunter people have heard about. The Warrior Queen who can stand by her Lycan King and not blink at the bloodshed. Step up to any challenge, and lay it down without breaking a sweat.
I put my hair into a high ponytail and then braid it, weaving the metal chains I found last night through the braids. Looking the part is half the challenge. I’ve never been happier that I packed as heavily as I did. I lay out my buckled leather pants, my leather underboob waistcoat, and black tank. I pull on my lacy underwear, because there is no way I’m going out today without feeling like a badass on every single layer. Sliding the fishnets up my long legs, followed by the pants. I finish dressing and grab my cloak from where it hangs on the back of the door, laying it out on the bed alongside my swords.
Sitting in front of the mirror, I paint my face. Dark kohl lining my eyes, silver around that to represent Roman, and all he means to me. My lips blood red, and my skin pale. My eyes practically glow against the dark framing.
I slip on my heeled boots, my cloak, and my swords. I might not be able to use them in the challenge, but the reminder of exactly who I am to these people is needed. I am not just some side piece that chased Roman down. I am a force to be reckoned with, even without him at my side, and it’s about time these people saw who I am. Who I have always been.
With my memories coming back slowly, a little more each day, I’ve remembered more of who I was. That deep dark place inside of me doesn’t feel so foreign anymore. I know that’s where she lives, that warrior that so many people feared. The warrior that Bauer told me not to be. The difference is, now I have all of them at my side, I don’t fear that dark place. I know that even if I can’t claw my way out of there, each and every one of my guys will fight to bring me back to the brink of that dark hole.
I leave the room and head downstairs, starting the journey down into the dark place inside of me.
“Holy shit. You look like a total bad ass.” I look up and see Leandra standing by the front door, a huge grin on her face. “Roman asked me to come find you, let you know it’s nearly time, but I can tell you don’t need me to tell you a thing.”
I smile at her, though I’m not sure it’s more than a grimace. I’ve not had much chance yet to get to know Theron’s mate, but she seems like she exudes sunshine. She’s so bright and shiny, the light to his darkness. “Thanks. You heading over there with me?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. Aryna is too big for her boots, I’d love to be the one to knock her down a few pegs, but unfortunately, that isn’t something I can do right now.” She holds her stomach, and her eyes dance.
“How far along are you?” I ask her as we leave the house, the darkness of the night enveloping us, and head towards the car waiting to take us to the area where we gathered everyone not two days ago, this time for a much different event.
“About three months, we’ve not advertised it. Especially with so much going on, but you and I are going to be good friends, I can tell. Roman is different with you here, and it’s good to see. He deserves to be happy.”
“I won’t tell a soul.” I zip my lips and she laughs, like bells twinkling. She literally personifies light. “And thank you, I hope you’re right. Can’t have too many good friends.”
“Too right, and after you and Roman put these miscreants in their place, be it in the ground or just down a few steps, I’ll gladly help you navigate the chaos of pack life.”
“Thank you.” She waves me off, like its nothing, but kindness isn’t something that is offered too willingly in pack to outsiders.
“Just you focus on kicking her ass, I don’t want to have to kick yours after, you hear?” She winks at me as we reach the jeep waiting