Page 125 of Mercy & Her Devils

“I don’t doubt it.” Gabriel catches Lark’s chin, studying him. “So, you’ve worked out that I’m on a mission. You’re actually following me. And…?”

“Come on, we’re not telling you. That’s too easy.” I can’t help the smug smile. Outfoxing Alphas may become my new favorite game. “You’ve worked out the rest of it. Find the final piece.”

Gabriel runs his thumb along Lark’s lip like he’ll find the answer there.

He doesn’t look away from Lark’s fierce gaze. “And…you intended all along to corner me alone and demand to be part of it.”

Lark darts out of his pink tongue, curling it around Gabriel’s thumb.

Gabriel’s pupils dilate, as Lark studiously licks, before answering, “If I was your professor, I’d give you a gold star.”

“Perhaps, we can save that role play for later,” I say. Hope. I stride closer to the two men, who turn to face me. “Listen, Gabe, we’re in this together now. Lark and I may not have faced gunfire like you have but we have faced death. Literally last night for me. We’re just as committed to the cause of Omega rights. We don’t want to be put away somewhere safe and out of the way. We’re not sweet pets. You offered us a job in the organization, and we want it to be a real one. Weren’t you being serious about that offer?”

Gabriel’s expression thaws. “Shit, of course I was. Once I train you up, you can chose whether you like the admin and research side like Kai does or prefer something else. We desperately need someone who focuses on social media and disinformation.”

“What about in the field?” Lark crosses his arm.

Gabriel eyes Lark. “Antonio’s like a reckless puppy. Since he fucked up the last mission, I could do with another cool head in the field. If you want to become a solider, then you’ll need to become fitter. I’ll draw up an exercise plan, which will include dawn drills. You’ll also have to become used to mud in your pretty hair.” Gabriel’s expression becomes virtually devilish. “I’ll create an assault course through the forest that will have you crawling under nets through the dirt, hauling yourself over ten-foot walls, and swimming through tunnels filled with freezing water.”

Gabriel’s taking it too far. Even I can tell that he’s bluffing.

He is bluffing, right?

Actually, now I’m not sure.

Lark coughs. “How about in the field, but only if the job involves working in the city? Or more the surveillance, back up operative who sits inside in the warmth?”

I laugh, before I cast Gabriel a steely look. “No more secrets.”

Gabriel shifts, uncomfortable. “It was meant to be more of a surprise.”

My brow furrows.

I take a step toward him. “What type of a surprise?”

“Kai has all these courting gifts for you.” Gabriel is avoiding my eye. “He’s good at soft romance. I’m a hard man. I know that my years in the SEALS have made me cold. I’m trying to remember the Alpha who I was before…the harsh training and the years of loneliness. You make me better. You heal me.” To my surprise, he turns to Lark. “I was unkind, when we first met.”

Lark arches his brow. “Funny, because I remember that it was me who growled and knocked you on your ass.”

He says it with a certain level of pride.

I don’t blame him.

There aren’t many Omegas who can do that.

Gabriel pulls his coat around himself against a sudden gust of wind. “But I was the one who knocked you on your ass mentally because the whole world fell away from me, when I saw Mer. She’s my fated match. I know it. I didn’t stop to think how it’d make you feel because she was all I could feel, rushing in my blood. But I’ve got to know and admire you now. I know that you’re her scent match too. We’re both equally in her lives, and I want you in mine too. So, today is about courting you and showing you how much you’re wanted in this pack.”

I love Gabriel so fucking much.

Joy surges through me, and even though part of it is me, I know that it’s coming from Lark as well.

He’s part of the Devil pack, but he hasn’t agreed to bond yet.

I hope that he feels this is his family as well.

Our Alphas aren’t the same as the ones from our past.

We have a second chance.

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