Amnesia - The Matlock Pack: Book One

Monday 28 December

~*Nat’s POV*~

I was getting the sparring mats out of storage when I heard the raised voices.

“What is wrong with you? You call that pathetic excuse of a performance enough to get you into the Warriors?” Spence’s annoyed voice was easy to distinguish, as were his heavy footsteps coming closer. I stopped what I was doing and slowly eased backwards into the shadows at the far end of the room. The storage room door was slightly ajar, but no-one would notice it if they were simply walking past.

“I gave it everything I had, Uncle.” Kadin’s normally shrill voice sounded tired and defensive. “She was too quick for me.”

“You’re fucking useless, Kadin. I don’t even know why I bother sometimes.” Spence was spitting out his words like bullets.

I frowned. I knew Spence was cruel, but to speak like that to a member of his own family?

“Uncle, please. I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to do.” Kadin sounded so childlike, so unlike what I was used to hearing, that it shocked me. As much as she had haunted me this past month, my heart couldn’t help but thaw just a little at the way she was essentially begging for some sort of positive reinforcement.

“Fat lot of good that’s done, isn’t it? She’s still here where she doesn’t belong. And now she’s fucking that cocksucker that you used to date. I still don’t understand what you saw in that piece of shit. At least his brother turned out right...”

Their voices faded as their footsteps continued down the hallway away from the storage room, though I gave it another minute before I moved from my spot. I didn’t want to chance being heard if they were still in the area.

Grabbing the last few things I needed, I poked my head out of the storage room to check that the coast was clear, then hurried back to the field to finish the set-up, thinking hard the whole time.

Once everything was done, I joined Bells, Cody and Murph for our regular sparring sessions. We were using the mats off to the side as usual, preferring to stay at the periphery of the action rather than in the middle of it. I looked around at the rest of the mats and found that Tatum, Zelda, Kadin, and Rowan had moved to the ones next to ours.

Bells was quietly freaking out, and Murph was trying to calm him down. We had explained to Murph during lunch what had happened at Christmas, and to say that it appalled him would be the understatement of the millennium. Cody stood near them with her hands on her hips, glaring at Tatum and Zelda like she could melt them into puddles with just her eyes.

“We could move?” Murph asked.

Cody shook her head with a scowl. She grabbed her phone out, typed away in the app and stared at us when she hit the ‘speak’ function. “Everyone knows this is our spot. They’re trying to intimidate us. Let’s not give them the satisfaction of moving.”

I found Bells’ hand and gripped it. “We’ve got this. It’s only for a couple of hours.” I looked at Bells and gave him an encouraging smile. “You pair up with Murph on the mat next to Kadin and Rowan. Cody and I will take the mat next to Tatum and Zelda.” I turned to Cody. “Are you okay with that?”

Cody nodded. She cracked her knuckles, a slow, evil smile crossing her face.

Oh, boy. I knew that look. She was itching for a fight. “Cody, you’re sparring me, not them, yeah?”

She waved a hand at me to dismiss my concerns, but didn’t drop her wicked grin.

Great. I rolled my eyes in exasperation. It looked like I was going to get my arse handed to me tonight.

Cody and I walked over to our mat and began our warm-ups. The taunting started almost immediately.

“How’s your neck, Cody?” Zelda asked, a sly grin plastered on her face. “Haven’t heard much from you today. Cat got your tongue?”

To her credit, Cody ignored her entirely, other than narrowing her gaze at her. She looked Zelda up and down, like she was studying her under a magnifying glass, while she stretched her arms above her head.

Zelda shrugged at Cody’s indifference and started her own warm-up routine.

Tatum tried next. “You know Zelda, I was talking to Spence earlier. He thought we’d be a good fit for the Warrior Training course next year. What do you think?” He raised his voice enough for it to carry over to Bells and Murph. “It’d be easy enough to take a gap year, wouldn’t it?”

I watched the colour drain from Bells’ face as he completed his own warm-up with Murph. My right foot started tapping in annoyance. I desperately wanted to go to Bells to comfort him, but he didn’t need me. Not yet, at least. We all had to hold steady, show that their talk meant nothing to any of us.

“Only takes a phone call, or so I’ve heard,” Zelda said. “Why not, Tates? Let’s give it a shot.”

Cody and I stepped up to the mat and started sparring. As expected, Cody was hitting harder today, but she wasn’t going too overboard. Maybe she just needed to get her aggression out. I noticed out of the corner of my eye Bells and Murph step up to their mat and start their own session.

I rotated our fight so I could watch them. Bells was hesitant in his movements, not fighting like he usually did at all. He had proven over the weeks that he was by far the better fighter, but today Murph was getting some easy punches in that Bells could normally block in his sleep. Something was obviously wrong.

“Good job, Tatum. Zelda.” Spence’s booming voice carried over our little corner. “Keep that up and we’ll have you as Warriors in no time.”

I rolled my eyes as I kept up with my defence to Cody’s attacks. They were all being too bloody obvious now. I got in behind Cody’s moves and put her in a soft choke hold and brought her to the ground, wrapping my legs around hers to pin her.

“Ignore them,” I whispered in her ear. “Keep an eye on Bells. I’m worried.”

Cody nodded, and I let her go. We got up and started a new fight.

“Kadin, watch your back,” barked Spence. “You shouldn’t have allowed Rowan access there. Stop being so fucking stupid.”

I watched Kadin grimace, her hands up near her head to protect herself. Rowan danced in front of her, trying to get in under Kadin’s defences. As they moved, I thought I saw a hint of a sparkling reflection from the sun in Kadin’s eyes, almost like she was holding back tears.

“And what do we have here?” Spence turned his attention to Bells and Murph.

I could tell that Bells was still struggling. His confidence had taken a nosedive when Tatum had beaten him, and although Murph was trying to take it easy on him, Bells just wasn’t the same fighter he had been last week.

“Piss weak performance from both of you,” snapped Spence. “It’s like watching two little girls fight. Pitiful. How anyone thinks you could ever be a Warrior, Bells, I’m fucked if I know.”

I growled as I watched Bells falter in response to Spence’s words.

Spence must have been waiting for me to respond because he immediately turned his attention to me and Cody.

“And you two,” he began. “Words can’t begin to describe how completely worthless you both are. Such a complete waste of space and oxygen when you both should have been put down at birth. Your mothers must be so very proud of how completely incompetent you grew up to become.” He put a finger to his lips. “Oh, I’m sorry. One of you turned out so utterly hopeless, no-one has come looking for her for a month.”

Cody and I pulled apart, turned to face Spence, and stood with our hands on our hips, glaring at him.

“What? Have I offended your delicate sensibilities?” Spence stood proud; his arms crossed over his barrel chest. “Come on, then.” He cupped a hand around his ear. “Cody, tell me what I said wrong.”

“Give it a rest, Spence,” I said. I noticed that everyone in our immediate vicinity had stopped sparring and was watching us with great interest. Our conversation had intrigued some, while horrified others.

He snarled at me. “I didn’t ask you, rogue. I was talking to Cody.” He turned his attention back to Cody, who had left the mat to go look for her phone. “Nothing to say for yourself? Pity.”

She started typing on her phone, but Spence walked over and batted it out of her hands, where it hit the ground with a thud. “I don’t believe I asked you to call someone, Cody. Just tell me what I said that was wrong.” He cupped his ear again, bending down to her level and getting in her face. “Nothing? I didn’t think so.”

Cody’s hands were balled into fists at her sides. I knew from her furious expression that she was dying to have a physical go at Spence, but we all knew that would only lead to more trouble. As much as we all hated it, Spence was the Beta of the Matlock pack, which meant he was stronger than any of us.

“For fuck’s sake, stop being such a prick, Spence,” I said, crossing my arms in front of me, trying to take his attention off Cody. “Did someone not give you enough love when you were younger? Is that why you’re being such a grade A tool to everyone? Including your own niece?”

Spence slowly stood up from being in Cody’s face. He placed his hands on his hips and turned to face me.

I narrowed my eyes. “That’s it, isn’t it? Your daddy didn’t love you enough, so now you’re taking out all your anger at people twenty years younger than you.”

Spence strode over to me and did his best to stand over me, but considering I was taller than him, he struggled. And boy, oh boy, didn’t that make him even more furious. His face turned an intriguing shade of beetroot as he glowered at me.

I didn’t flinch, but I did smile, even though it didn’t reach my eyes. “Does that make you feel like a big man? A powerful man?” I tilted my head to the side, studying him. “No. You’re just a little man playing make-believe. I wonder how long before the house of cards you’ve built topples?”

Quicker than I think anyone thought was possible, Spence struck. His hand wrapped around my throat and pushed me backwards. Before we had taken a full step, I had one hand at my throat trying to get him loose, and the other squeezing his testicles tight. He halted instantly, not releasing my throat, but not able to move anywhere either.

“Careful, Spence,” I choked out. “You never know who might be watching.” I flicked my eyes behind him where Kennedy and Casey stood, jaws clenched in anger at Spence’s display.

With neither of us letting go, he turned his head to see who I was looking at. Once he saw we had an audience of his peers, he slowly let go of my throat. I followed suit, carefully setting free his balls from my iron grip.

“I want this rogue jailed. Now,” Spence snarled, as he adjusted his crown jewels. “She attacked me.”

Kennedy narrowed his eyes at Spence. “Just how much do you think we saw, Spence?” He crossed his arms. “Nat’s not going anywhere. You, on the other hand, are out of here. You’re not welcome here for the rest of the camp.”

“You can’t tell me what to do, Gamma. I outrank you.” Spence pointed a finger at Kennedy.

“Not in this setting, you don’t.” Kennedy took a step forward, while Spence took an uncomfortable step back. “Leave. Now.”

Spence glared at Kennedy, his face turning purple. He turned his attention on me briefly, spat at my feet, then stormed off. “This isn’t over, Kennedy.”

“I never imagined it would be,” Kennedy responded icily, watching him leave. Once Spence had entered the pack house, Kennedy turned to me. “Are you okay? Do I need to get Emery?”

I felt my throat and coughed experimentally to check for any rawness as Cody, Bells, and Murph joined me. “I don’t think he had me for long enough to do any damage. It should be fine.”

Kennedy lifted my chin so he could study my neck. “Yeah, your colouring is returning to normal now. Let me get Emery to check you over just in case, though.”

I shrugged, as I felt Bells’ arms wrap around my waist. “Okay.”

“Take a seat until he gives you the all clear. Cody, you can join her. I heard what he said to both of you. Grab a few minutes for yourself.” Kennedy pointed to the closest bench and left to find Emery.

“Are you okay?” Bells muttered into my ear before he kissed my neck. “You were magnificent.”

I chuckled as I turned around in his arms. “I’m fine. And I didn’t do anything that any of you wouldn’t have done in the same position.” I kissed him, leaning my forehead on his. “How are you?”

“Better knowing that you’re okay.” Bells let his lips linger on mine in a slow, sensual kiss.

“Alright, you two,” Casey said, clapping his hands to break us out of our embrace. “Bells, back to the mats.”

I grinned at Bells and let him go.

“Fine,” he grumbled, walking back to the mats with Murph.

Cody and I sat down on the bench that Kennedy had pointed to and watched Bells and Murph start sparring again.

“You okay, Cody?” I asked, glancing her way.

She nodded and pointed at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I frowned as I watched Murph quickly get behind Bells and flip him onto the mat. Murph clambered over him, pinning him by the waist in the usual classic finishing move.

I leaned forward when I saw Bells go still under Murph, making no move to try to get out of his position. Murph didn’t realise that anything was wrong yet, leaning forward to place his arm against Bells’ throat. Although he’d lost the fight, I willed Bells to move. He was frozen in fear, his eyes wide, and I could see him panting heavily.

“Murph,” I called as I got up from my seat. “Break off.”

Murph looked up from his position to find me approaching them both quickly. He looked down at Bells and finally noticed how terrified Bells was. He scrambled off him immediately.

I fell to my knees next to Bells, grabbing his hand and holding it to my chest. “Bells?”

He was staring into the sky, his eyes unfocused and his breathing panicked.

I reached out to lightly touch his face. “Come on, Bells. Come back to me.”

His eyes slowly swivelled to meet mine. “Nat?” he asked hesitantly.

“Hi, hon,” I said, smiling sadly at him. “Breathe with me, okay?” I placed his hand on my sternum and slowed my breathing to coax his breathing to match mine.

A bark of laughter came from behind us. “Spence was right. Bells really has lost it,” Tatum said loudly. “Can’t even run some simple defence without collapsing and needing your fuckbuddy to come to your rescue?” He and Zelda started laughing.

I focused on Bells. His eyes flitted anxiously between my own and the figures behind me, his breathing hitching again. “Don’t listen to them, Bells. You’re fine. Stay here with me,” I murmured.

“It was my fault, Bells,” Murph said. “I should have stopped before I did. I’m sorry, mate.” He reached a hand out to Bells to pull him up in a sitting position, but Bells flinched away from it and into me.

I looked at Murph in alarm to see him slowly remove his hand, a look of deep hurt crossing his features. “Buddy, I’m sorry…” His voice faltered as he leaned back to give Bells some space.

More laughter erupted from behind us.

“Back off Tatum; Zelda,” Casey’s voice carried through to us. “Give them some space.”

The laughter continued, but faded into the background as they walked away from us. I kept a close eye on Bells and kept clasping his hand to my sternum. “Breathe, Bells.” His panicked eyes finally found mine, and I held them, urging him to slow his breathing.

“I thought I was here to see Nat?” Emery asked from behind me. Murph reluctantly got up to let Emery take his place next to Bells.

“You are,” Casey said, still behind me. “Spence had his hand wrapped around her throat.”

Emery raised an eyebrow at me and immediately looked at my throat. “I’m surprised to see that you’re still breathing, Nat. Spence rarely stops once he starts.”

I grimaced at Emery’s words, but kept my focus on Bells and remained silent.

“She had him by the balls instantly, Em. You should have seen it. It was a thing of beauty.” Casey sounded remarkably chipper. “He had no choice but to let her go.”

“Really?” Emery asked me, sounding impressed.

“Just providing new meaning to the term cockblocked, that’s all,” I said sheepishly.

Emery shook his head, laughing quietly. “Well, you sound normal. I’ll check on your neck muscles later.” He looked down at Bells, who was shying away from him. “How are you, Bells? Did you come off second best in a spar?” He looked around at Murph, who shrugged.

“I think I just need a minute,” Bells muttered, climbing to his feet. Emery and I followed suit.

“Are you sure?” Emery reached out to place a hand on Bells’ shoulder, but again, Bells flinched away and leaned into me.

“I said I’m fine,” Bells snapped, his eyes flashing at Emery. Immediately, Emery pulled his hand back and took a step back, surprised to hear such a reply from Bells, who was typically so easy-going.

I frowned at Bells’ sudden outburst, but placed a hand on his upper arm. “We can see that, hon,” I said quietly, trying to placate him. I looked across to Emery, who still had Bells’ full, angry attention. “You want to sit with me while Emery looks at my throat?” I raised an eyebrow at Emery, who nodded ever so slightly.

Relaxing into my hold, Bells finally tore his eyes from Emery, who closed his eyes and breathed an almost silent sigh of relief. “Sure, Nat.” Bells focused on me, his caring personality shining through once again.

We made our way over to where Cody was still sitting, watching us intently. Curiously, a young kookaburra was sitting on the bench near her, but Cody wasn’t paying it much attention. As we approached, the bird took flight and headed for the closest tree. As we lived in the country, there were always wild birds around, but to see one sitting so calmly next to a human was unusual. Maybe it had a bold streak? Oh, well. As long as it didn’t attack me, it could do what it liked.

Emery knelt in front of me and pressed his fingers to my throat to check for any damage. I still had hold of one of Bells’ hands, mostly to reassure him that everything was okay, even when I knew deep down in my heart that it was anything but. Tatum’s attack on Bells had affected him far more deeply than he’d care to admit, and now he was flinching from any male, including his best friend, Murph. I was going to need to talk to Auden about this. Hopefully, she had some ideas about what to do.

“It looks like you’re fine, Nat,” said Emery when he finished his exam. “You’re very lucky, especially against Spence.” He glanced over at Bells. I could see the wheels turning in his head about whether he should ask Bells if he wanted any help, then decided against it.

“Thanks Emery,” I said. He inclined his head in acknowledgement and left us.

“I really am sorry, Bells,” Murph said, standing a couple of steps away from us, his shoulders slumped in dismay. “I didn’t realise what I was doing.” He twisted his hands in front of himself in worry.

“It’s okay, Murph.” Bells voice was quiet. He let go of my hand and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I just got flashbacks, that’s all.” He wiped his face with his palms, then shook his head.

“You wanna go again?” asked Murph. “I could take it easier on you…” He trailed off, still worried.

Bells shook his head. “If it’s alright with you, Murph, can you work with Cody? I need some time.”

“Sure, Bells. Whatever you need.” Murph looked over at Cody, who had a huge grin on her face.

Cody typed away on her phone. “Come on, big boy. Let me wipe the floor with you.” Her grin was wicked as she got up from her seat and did some sort of martial arts move and finished it with a ‘come and get me’ motion of her hand.

“Oh no, Cody. No way, no how.” Murph shook his head with a grin, lifting a finger to shake it at Cody. “I am not recreating The Matrix fight scene with you, no matter how much you beg. Not after the last time.”

Cody clasped her hands in front of her and mouthed the word ‘please’. She fluttered her eyelids at Murph, who was taking a few steps back, shaking his head and muttering, “no, nope, uh uh, nooo” to himself.

I raised an eyebrow and turned to Bells. “What happened last time?”

Bells started laughing. “Cody had him face down on the mat in under a minute and was riding him like a bucking bronco, yelling ‘I’m Neo, bitch’ at the top of her lungs. She didn’t let him forget it for six months.”

I laughed as I imagined a ten-year-old Cody doing that. It was definitely something she would do. “When was that?”

“Earlier this year.”

“Really?” I stared at him, then at a very much now-adult Cody who was now dancing around Murph like a madwoman possessed. Murph was shaking his head and already looked defeated in the middle of the mat, but a smile had spread across his face. Cody looked completely re-energised, a beaming grin on her face as she cheerfully taunted him.

Bells chuckled and tipped his head their way. “You know what she’s like.”

I watched her as she playfully jabbed Murph in the stomach a couple of times. He towered over her, but she had him completely in the palm of her hand. She brought such joy to those around her simply by being herself. She knew instinctively how to turn a tense moment into one of happiness and laughter.

I smiled affectionately. “I certainly do.”