Unlucky Like Us (Like Us, #12)

by Krista Ritchie

I can’t watch Lo being split into a million pieces. Can’t listen to his gutted voice. It’s unbearable, and no one pulls him away from her. I wouldn’t even try. It’d be like separating two halves of one soul.

I thought Loren Hale would be the one at my side, and in the end, all of my trust is in a dad who hardly knows me and who I hardly know too. Truth be told, I’d take Xander’s dad over mine—any day, any night. But this is the only dad I’ve got at the moment.

While I’m bending to her, the crystal hangs between us like the force between me and her, and a swell of emotion pools underneath me, through me, through Luna. Love and light are the powers that’ve guided me. Been racing towards them my whole life. I just never realized all this time I’ve been racing towards her.

“Hey.” Oscar catches my shoulder before I turn. “You found her. You just got arrested and sat in jail to protect the Hales. You are a shirtless motherfucker right now, but you’re not a villain.” Jokes wither in my head. I stare at one of my best friends like he’s watching a different movie where I’m the star. “I’m cleaning up a mess I made. Does that seem very heroic to you?” “Their mess isn’t yours.” He points down the hall. “Your family is here. You’ve never been a dumb motherfucker, so I know you get this. Your family is here.”

“Stay,” Lo says, his voice sandpapered but sharp. He wants me to stay? By the time it processes, he’s walking over to me. Everyone is watching, but I can’t tear my gaze off Xander’s dad. What’d I think he’d be? Angry, judgmental, pissed off that I’m the malevolent thing attached to his family, ready to kick my ass to Montana, wishing he’d already done it weeks ago? But he’s none of those things. His reddened eyes are windows into my heartbroken soul, and I blink back the surge of emotion. Flashes of the row house, stripping down, clothes on fire, Luna in my arms, knuckles searing, leaving without her, then the bright cameras, cop car, behind bars, waiting—it all courses through me. I just want her to wake up. “I tried…” I hear my voice shake. Lo puts a hand on my shoulder. And he pulls me into a hug. It almost breaks me. Then he whispers, “I know.” I start to shake my head. “You did enough,” he breathes.

I don’t want to survive without her. I’ve never felt this crushing feeling in my life. It’s worse than drowning. Worse than being lit on fire. Worse than Luna’s biggest fear—floating endlessly in space. I’d rather do all of those things than feel this.

“And I know…” He trails off, his throat thick with emotion. His brows are cinched. He runs his tongue over his molars, collecting himself. “I know what that took.” He’s trying to be grateful, but it’s buried beneath a lot of anguish. “They’ll make it out. Luna. Lily. They look small, but they’re tough.”

“Jesus Christ,” Lo grimaces, looking fed up with this conversation. “Not this again.” Yeah, I missed some family fights while in jail. “She called me twice! Right before—right before the accident.” The Crow is spouting crocodile tears, if I do say so. “And I need to see her. She called me.” “This isn’t about you,” Rose sneers. “Oh, be quiet, Rose,” the Crow retorts. “For once, in your life, just shut up.” “Excuse me?” Rose’s eyes flame. “Samantha.” Connor walks over quickly. He touches the small of Rose’s back. His other hand dives into Rose’s hand. “Now’s not the time. You need to leave.” “I—” she starts. “Mom.” Daisy tries to corral her out the door. “Visitors’ hours aren’t for another four hours. You don’t want to be here for that long. We’ll call you⁠—” “Will you?” she snaps. “No, we fucking won’t,” Ryke declares. Lo comes forward. “Unless your name is Garrison Abbey and you’re bringing breakfast bagels in ten minutes, you’re not allowed in here. I don’t care if you have goddamn proof that Lily called you. I know Lil better than anyone. She won’t want you here, and over my dead body will you be the first face she fucking sees when she wakes up, you understand?” Her cheeks are bright red. “I can’t even care about my own daughter?” “You can. At home.” Her lip curls. “I’ll remember this.” “I sincerely hope you do.” He can’t even flash a half-smile. He’s too broken up for that. Once she’s gone, air returns to the room.

Lo grinds his teeth, his gaze lethal on me. “I don’t know if I want to hug you or strangle you.” I can barely breathe. “I’ve got that effect on people.” I nod to him. “I’m not really into strangling though. I vote hug.”

He is light. He is harmony. He is love. The Force is within him. I saw it. I knew it.

The girl I’ve given my heart and soul to doesn’t know she even has my heart and soul.

She is studying me from afar like I’m the most interesting patient and she’s the most inquisitive doctor. When I catch her, her cheeks go rosy. It’s cute. Gotta say that I’m glad I still have some positive effect on her. If she completely feared me, I don’t know what I’d even do. Go sob on a deserted island for a solid millennium. Befriend a volleyball. That’s not too accurate, really. In my heart of hearts, I know I’d use every ounce of self-given, self-accumulated resilience to show her I’m not someone to fear. I wouldn’t give up.

“She fell in love with you for you,” Farrow says with the tilt of his head. “You don’t believe she could fall for you again?” It might seem far-fetched, but I have to believe it’s possible. Perseverance is what I’m good at. That never-giving-up attitude has saved my ass more than once, and I won’t give up on us now.

My parents—their souls were intertwined. In my life, their love had always been one-of-a-kind. Stuff of legend and fanfiction, and the fact that it was my reality, that I got to be raised by two soul mates, was a treasure I wouldn’t trade for anything. Not even dirt from Mars or the guarantee I’d write the best sci-fi novel in the world. It was that precious to me.

“I thought the drawing was very beautiful.” I hesitate to ask, so I say, “Whoever the girl is, you made her look out-of-this-world extraordinary.” His lips begin to rise. “You are, Luna.”

“The world can be shit.” He sits with me, his arms hanging on his knees. “But living in it can also be amazing. Like ate the best ham hoagie of your life amazing, danced your heart out at 3 a.m. amazing, kissed an alien and shot to the moon amazing.” I glance at his lips, butterflies swarming me. “You’ve communed with the extraterrestrial?” “Just one.” He’s looking at me. “And she’s the prettiest alien I’ve ever seen.”

“Can I do anything?” “For what?” He blows smoke over his shoulder, away from me. “For you.” I shrug. “You’ve been doing a whole lot for me.” “This is enough,” he breathes. I frown. “But I’m not really doing anything.” “You’re alive, Luna.” He holds my gaze. “And I get to look at you and talk to you and go on dates with you. What more could I want? That’s everything to me.”

I bring her head down with gentleness, and very slowly, I press my lips to hers. Light bursts in my chest, and I urge her lips apart in a sensual motion. Her tongue slides against mine in exploration, and I want to go on every journey to every fucking place with this girl. Don’t leave me behind, Luna.

We share a lethal attraction, and I’ve never fully understood Romeo and Juliet till I found a love I’d rather die inside than live without.

No matter what happens to me, to us, I can’t let darkness shade my world. It’s the brightest it’s ever been with her. That’s the happy truth.

“I’m the guy who’s never been ashamed of anything I’ve ever done. I’ve stripped down in sweaty nightclubs, humped bronze statues at 2 a.m., skinny-dipped in strangers’ pools, pierced my cock, tattooed you.” She’s barely blinking, and I don’t stop. “Went down on you after your dad threatened my job over tattooing you, then tattooed you again.” Her eyes well. “I’ve been the son of addicts, a high school dropout, a slut, a tattooist, and a bodyguard, and I love everything about myself, despite so many people telling me I should hate who I am. That I’m shit. That I’m nothing. Not worth air. Not worth this life. I know I’m worth everything. And the girl I’ve fallen for—she’s loved herself tenderly. Wholeheartedly.” A tear escapes her eye and slips over my hand against her cheek. “Despite so many people telling her she should be embarrassed of the things she does, of who she is.” I cradle her watery gaze. “You don’t embarrass me, Luna Hale. You never have, and you never will. It’s something you already knew, but I’ll tell you a million times if I need to: I’m the guy who’s never gonna be ashamed of anything you ever do. I’ll likely do all those things with you too.”

Maximoff uncrosses his arms, gesturing to me. “You should stay. This is your home too, Donnelly.” That strikes me, right to the core.

And safety is not something I could guarantee for her, not with my family attached to me, but now that most are in jail—I have a better shot. I nod to him. The Hales are something else. The Bad Luck Crew. Never thought I’d grow to love them as much as I do.

“Look at me,” Farrow urges, his clutch strong on my skull. I let my hand fall off my hot face. And with everything inside him, he tells me, “You are my family.” Tears gather in both our eyes, tears I don’t think we’ve ever shared like this. “That’s never changing.”

We’re both smiling, but with a softer one, he pinches the kyber crystal off my chest. “Hales,” I say. “Gotta love them,” he says. “Truths.” I take another deep gulp of water.

I look up at my best friend. The closest thing I’ll ever have to a brother. And I know I’m gonna be okay, even if it takes some time. Bagel. Friends. Easier nights. Better tomorrows. He clasps my hand, and I rise.

“How are you doing?” I asked. “Great, really great.” She sounded hopeful. “I should be out of here soon. The food’s not so bad, and your dad has brought me cinnamon rolls every morning. I have a cinna-belly now.”

Banks grumbles something about the “fucking Yale boys” and maybe this is the wrong time, wrong place to crack a joke, but no one is a bigger Kitsulletti supporter than me, myself, and I.

“When I was younger, I used to wish everyone would just stop.” His reddened eyes are off to the side. “Stop goddamn worrying about me. It was…suffocating. Even the days where I wasn’t fucking up, they were a reminder that I could. That I have. Then, as I got older, I wondered what it would’ve been like to never have people looking out for me, and I know I wouldn’t be here.” He shakes his head once. “It would’ve been easier to grab a bottle. My brother went to the ends of the earth to stop me from drinking myself into oblivion. But he shouldn’t have had to do that. There are people, family, friends, who spend their lives fighting for their loved ones. Worrying about them. And I can say that sometimes their worry isn’t enough. All it does is make me want to drown it out.” He pauses, still staring off. “This disease is won and lost with me, but I can’t tell anyone not to worry, and if I do, it’s a lie—because I’m just as afraid of the moment they stop.”

“My daughter. Luna. That night, she texted…thanks for keeping Donnelly’s story from that night on Halloween safe and thanks for protecting him.” He chokes up, but it’s choking me up too. His hand is against his mouth before he reads, “I love you. To Thebula and back again.” His voice cracks, and he clears his throat to say, “We joked about tacos.” He sniffs, nodding. “That’s what kept me together all night.” He wipes the corners of his watery eyes fast. “Then I heard you slept with her and strangling you seemed more satisfying than a bottle of Macallan.”

Lo groans and cringes, not a fan it seems, then he sighs. “Just keep me informed. Trust.” He motions from me to him, since our trust in each other has been like walking a rickety plank off a pirate ship. Truth is, I trust him more than I do my own dad.

“He’s not that different, Luna,” Xander consoles. “He’s still there for us, and he’s still running circles around everyone in everything he tries for the first time.” I’m still having a hard time looking at Xander. He’s so much older now. So I stare at my cake while I say, “He is different.” I look up at Moffy. “You’re someone better.” His brows knit together, emotion bobbing his throat. In such a short time, I’ve come to realize this. He’s not easily triggered to fight anymore. He’s not speeding down highways. He’s not afraid of the media seeing his public affection or writing stories about his parentage. He’s happier.

“Luna!” That one voice halts me in place. “Mom?” My voice squeaks, and I can hardly believe what I’m seeing. Is she real? Fairy wings and a starry headband make her appear like a celestial fae. Beneath her armpits are crutches, decorated with silver tinsel. Emotion overtakes me, and I bound towards her. “Mom!” I catch myself before going into a hug. What if I hurt her? “Surprise,” she says, trying to smile but worry invades.

I shut the door. “You really came.” I didn’t think she could, since she was just released from the hospital today. She rests her crutches against the table. “I wanted it to be a birthday surprise.” She tosses her hands up. “Surprise!” It overwhelms me again. “It’s the best surprise.” Finally seeing her means the world to me. Glitter coats her cheeks, but I still spot yellow blemishes beneath the makeup. It’s almost been a week, and she’s still bruised.

“Can I hug you?” My voice breaks again. She’s already wrapping her bony arms around my frame. “I want to hug you. I’ve been waiting for this moment.” Her hugs are magical, and I hold tighter around my mom, burying my face against her hair. Tears leak out of my eyes, but I hear her sniffling too. I don’t want to let her go, and I feel that she’s not ready to let me go either. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she whispers shakily. “I’msogladyou’reokay.” I breathe deeply, wrapped inside my mom’s love, and I’m equally just so glad she’s okay. After what feels like an eon, we pull apart, and we wipe our runny noses with pocket-tissues she has handy.

“You haven’t heard? I’m indestructible. Your dad called me Colossus the other

My mom skims me again. “You really don’t remember that night?” I shake my head slowly, then faster. “Not a single second.” She inhales deeply, a breath of relief. Her shoulders relax like weight levitates off her. “I’m so glad, Luna. So, so glad.” Tears prick her eyes. “I’m not,” I croak. My gaze burns. “You shouldn’t have to carry that night on your own. I was with you, Mom.” “I want to,” she whispers, touching my cheek softly. “I’m happy to. I’m your mom. That’s what moms do.” She nods resolutely.

Her brows bunch, and she goes into immediate Mom Action Mode. Asking for my phone. Screenshotting the number with her own cell. Sending a text to security. All while balancing on crutches. She’s my superhero.

“Nice T-shirt,” I compliment. “You like AC/DC?” I raise the hem of the tee above her hips, exposing her black panties. The galaxy tattoo on her thigh is without a doubt my best work. Think it every time I see it. “I don’t listen to them a ton,” she admits, watching me with parted lips. “I didn’t know I had this shirt.” “That’s ‘cause it’s mine,”

Moffy says, “I love you both more than Dad loves Hellion, Cyclops, and Quicksilver all rolled in one.” “Bullshit,” Xander nearly smiles. “My love is that big, Summers. Better believe it.” I begin to smile now. “I believe,” I whisper. The love of my family is the easiest thing to have belief in.

“Are you usually snail-paced with girls?” I ask him. “Not usually, no,” Donnelly admits, trying to read my expression. “But I’ve gotta be with you, you know that…” I know. My gaze is downcast, mixed emotions torpedoing me. The only way for him to speed up is if I remember. He takes my hand in his and rubs his thumb over my mood ring. It’s grayer than purple today. Donnelly says, “I’d be frozen in a cryochamber pod with you, if that’s what it took.”

@StaleBread89: Never heard of a LunaQuinn. Luna and Donnelly are the better match. No contest. #Lunnelly

“We aren’t invisible—you and me. Everyone can see us now, and I see you.” I look into her while she’s looking into me. “I’ve seen you, and even if you don’t have all of the past to hold on to, you can still make new memories. You can live now, Luna. You can live the life that you get to choose. The universe is yours, space babe, and you’re going to do and experience amazing things on my planet—I just know it.”

“My heart is a chasm of everything I know and love, and it will always be filled with you.” I can’t look away from her. “I love you, Luna. I love you so bad, not having you just hurts.”

The Hales deserve a happy holiday, after all they’ve been through. They’ve been so preoccupied the past month, they haven’t put up any decorations, and it’s five days till Christmas. Even the fir tree in the front yard looks barren and pitiful. Gonna fix that too. There might be ornaments and ribbons in their attic.

“All the things,” I start to grin, my heart pounding. “You’ll get that, Luna.” “Will you give me that?” Luna suddenly asks, her voice pitching a little with nerves. She’s hanging onto my belt loops. “And I know it’s a big thing to give. Yourself. But I just really want to experience every possible thing with you.” She adds more strongly, “I choose you, Donnelly. I want you. I’m falling in love with you.”

Her hands fist the back of my shirt. Clinging. This isn’t a quick two-second peck. We make out on her parents’ front lawn in an endless, hot, heart-pumping moment. I don’t want time to stop with Luna. I want to live each second, each minute, each perfect hour—so we’re all over each other’s timelines.

I’ve lifted her up in a front piggyback, my hands on her ass, and her legs are wrapped around me. Deep, hungry kisses. “Do not desecrate my lawn!” Our heads turn, but the voice came through a window. Her dad.