Tom X Marco Novels & Stories

“I came to make sure no one here gets ideas. Damien dying was unfortunate. But he played with fire. You know that. I know that. You don’t have to pretend otherwise.” One of the old guys shifted like he wanted to say something. I looked at him, then back at the kid. “You’ve got whispers floating through this room. Marco’s name coming up too much. Like maybe he’s still got something. Let me tell you something clear. He’s got nothing.” I stepped forward. “He’s got no wife. No soldiers worth their guns. No power. He’s scrambling like a corner rat, and all he’s gonna do is bleed.” The kid crossed his arms, trying to look firm. “We’ve lost a lot.”

Vince came to stand beside her, hands in pockets, posture a soft bracket. “You all right?” he asked, quiet enough to belong to a kitchen table at midnight. She exhaled. The breath felt like surrender and claim both. “Yes.” Marco joined them, wiping rain from his brow with the back of his hand. “He had a Maretti mark,” he said. “Yeah,” she said.

Marcus said, and I coughed to cover my laugh. Marcus has been threatening to kill Xander for as long as I can remember. He loves Xander, but at the same time, he wants to kill him. “Xander, turn around, and leave him alone!” I said, feeling like a parent breaking up my children's argument before it became a fight. Xander turned and plopped down into his seat. The drive home from Alpha Michael's pack seems longer than usual. Maybe it's because everyone was tired after fighting an endless flood of rogues.

Landon didn't say anything till lunch. "So I heard Marijuana came to see you off today." He said nonchalantly, taking a large bite of his sandwich. "His name is Mariano." I said dryly. "I know that." He snapped. The rest of our friends coughed awkwardly. God. "What's wrong with you?" I exclaimed. "Can't you be happy that I'm happy?" He glared at me. "He's the wrong one." "You wouldn't be one to know." I rolled my eyes.

"Is this the way you parade yourself around the house when she is around?" "That is none of your business." Xavier replied. Marcos moved closer to him to intimidate him. They were the same height but Marcos was bulkier than Xavier and he had a dangerous aura about him. He placed his hand on Xavier's shoulder and squeezed it in a punishing way. Xavier grabbed his hand and removed it forcefully. Marcos stepped back from him, leaving space between them so he could control his anger. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. 'I need a drink.' He said in his mind.