I hate you

*Tatum*

The moment we hit pack grounds a sense of anxiousness settles in my gut, I wring my hands unsure what is going on with me. I should be excited, happy to be back, yet all I can think about is Artemis’ present for me. I heave out a heavy sigh as Maverick pulls into the garage this time, turning off the car. Neither of us moves. Maverick taps his palm on the steering wheel for a moment.

“You ready?” he asks, and I press my head to the back of the headrest. I want to tell him no. That it was a hard trip home, mentally taxing, emotionally draining. But I know he already knows all of that. After all, he was my shadow the whole time.

“I just need a minute longer.” I close my eyes, relishing the little bubble of safety Maverick and I have. The one I wanted desperately to escape when I first arrived, but now I feel anxious when I’m outside of it.

“Okay then,” He says growing quiet, I droop my head toward him lazily, watching him as he fiddles with the car keys in his hand.

“Are you o