The One Fanfiction

Chapter 18

         We sat there for what seemed like hours, but was probably only a few minutes. Everything was quiet until there was a faint click of the lock. The large door swung open.

        Maxon tenses next to me and pulled me closer. Aspen entered, an evil smirk plastered on his face. I shivered as I flashed back to his last night in the palace, but I stared unwaveringly into his cold eyes. I wouldn't let him have any sort of hold over me.

        "That was beautiful," he said feigning compassion. "Seriously, you two are perfect. And America, that whole speech about losing your will to live, brought a few of my men to tears. It's too bad we'll have to kill you both once we get the diary. But don't you worry, America. You won't have to watch your little boyfriend die. On the other hand, Prince Maxon, you will have to observe as we execute her slowly and painfully. You will hear her scream. Scream your name, but you will be helpless as you watch the life fade from her eyes. It will be the most torturous thing you will ever endure and I swear to drag it out as long as possible."

        Maxon let out a low, guttural noise that sounded like a growl. I felt a wave of his protectiveness mingles with a little panic crash into me. Oddly, I wasn't afraid of dying. I'd had a full life. I fell in love, I met lifelong friends. I'd had the experience of a lifetime.

        Then, my mind drifted to everything I wouldn't have the chance to experience. Getting married. Starting a family. Watching Gerad and May grow up. Living a life with Maxon. That's when the fear crept. I knew it couldn't stay gone for long.

        I forced myself not to whimper as I spat at him, "I'd like to see you try. You're weak and you're a coward. Maxon is good and strong. It would be a major accomplishment if you ever became even half the man he is. I don't know what I ever saw in you."

        I knew I'd struck a nerve when anger crossed his features. His hand raised from his side. I saw his hand start coming before I closed my eyes. The slap made me gasp in pain. Maxon howled in outrage. My cheek stung like crazy.

        My eyes opened in time to see Maxon leap to his feet and tackle Aspen. Aspen was knocked off his feet. Maxon pinned Aspen to the ground. I saw him raise his hand to punch Aspen, but I shouted in protest. "Maxon! Stop! It's not worth it. He's not worth it. We'll have to deal with someone much worse than him if you do this. Please, don't do it."

        Maxon glared at Aspen for a second longer, before pushing himself off of Aspen. He huffed as he got to his feet. I walked to him and slid an arm around his waist. I gently pulled Maxon away from Aspen. His chest was heaving from his heavy breathing. His gaze never left Aspen's face.

        Aspen got to his feet slowly. He brushed the dirt from his clothes. His eyes shot daggers at Maxon.

"Leave," I snarled. "Before I change my mind." He turned on his heel and stormed from our cell, slamming the door behind him.

        Maxon looked down at me. His eyes gleamed with fading anger and pride. I tried to smile, but my teeth were chattering so hard I was afraid they would shatter. "Are you okay, America?" He reached up to my cheek and stroked it delicately. My eyes drooped as his cool fingers glided over my warm skin.

        "I'm fine. Can we lay down, though? I need to rest for a bit."

        He nodded. Maxon and I slid to the floor and snuggled close. I rested my head on his chest. I inhaled deeply. He smelled like sweat, dirt, blood, and underneath it all, was the slightest hint of his normal smell. It warmed my heart to know he was still the Maxon that left on my wedding day.