Page 87 of The Souls We Claim

“You’re my wife,” he says.

I’ve never felt a wave of revulsion pass through me so strongly before at a singular word.

Wife.

It rocks me from my feet to my ears.

“I love you and want you with me,” he says. “I’m not signing those divorce papers.”

I point to my face, even though much healing has happened since I arrived three weeks ago. “You don’t beat someone you love half to death, Patrick.”

“Watch your mouth, Arianne. My patience only stretches so far.”

In the past, if he’d spoken to me like that, with the low rumble of anger in his words, I would have capitulated, hurried to his side to cool his temper.

But for the first time in my life, I feel like I can tell him exactly how I feel.

“I’m done being your punching bag. I’m done trying my best and it not being good enough. I’m done with you. You will grant me a divorce.”

Patrick huffs and then shakes his head. “Come home. We’ll talk this through in private.”

I place my hands on my hips. “I know what your idea of talking this through in private looks like. You’d beat me black and blue, then call the diner, telling them I’m sick again until the bruises go away or I’m fit to stand and work. You’re an abuser. And I’m done taking your shit.”

Patrick looks at Halo, who has walked behind me to place a hand on my back. “What? You think because you got some big thug standing behind you that you can say whatever you want to me without consequences?”

I look up to Halo, who smirks and tips his chin. “I got you.”

Then I turn back to Patrick. There is sweat gathering on his brow and above his lip. “Yeah. I do.”

Patrick pulls a gun from the waistband of his pants, but before he even has it pointed in my direction, I hear the rustle of leather and the sound of weapons being primed all around me, and Jax tugs me behind him. When I look back, I see every single club member, with the exception of Halo, has their gun pointed at Patrick.

“You just made a pretty huge misstep,” Halo says, walking towards him.

It distracts Patrick as Niro, Catalina, and Bates circle the car to stand behind my ex.

“Be careful,” I whisper.

“Yeah, and what’s that?” Patrick shouts.

“You pointed a gun at a brother. Right up until the point you pulled that gun, I was just going to let Arianne send you on your way.”

Patrick looks over his shoulder, as if planning his escape, only to see the fearsome trio standing between him and the car.

I look at Catalina, so utterly competent and capable. What I wouldn’t give to have a bit more of her about me.

“Arianne,” Patrick says, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard the waver of fear in his voice before. The gun shakes in his hand.

Because he was too busy using his power over me to makemefeel fear. I want him to feel it. I want him to know what it feels like to be vulnerable. I want him to know what it felt like when I tried to escape to my parents, only to be returned to him because there was no escape.

The road up to the clubhouse is empty. No one is around. I don’t know what’s about to happen, but I know immediately in my chest that something is about to happen to Patrick.

And I’m okay with whatever it is.

Even if it’s the end.

26

HALO