Page 44 of Mercy & Her Devils

He sprawls out on his back in the corridor, pillowing his head on his arms.

“You’re going to be fired by the end of the day,” Lark says.

“By the end of the week,” I counter. “We could make it a bet.”

“Wow, rude.” Antonio runs his hand through his curls. “I wouldn’t bet against you on that though. Good call.”

“What’s your deal?” I can’t help asking. “No offense, but you don’t seem suited to this job.”

“My Chief Alpha sent me here,” Antonio replies.

My heart sinks.

Of course he has an Alpha.

A small part of me allowed me to forget that he had his own pack. Betas need to do what their Chief Alpha orders.

He has no choice about being here, the same as Lark and me.

Lark’s gaze becomes sharp. “Then don’t act like such a brat and be more careful. You can know all the MMA in the world, but if you get fired, your Chief Alpha will be the one kicking your ass.”

“I doubt it. The only moves he knows are how to turn the pages of a book.” Antonio pushes himself onto his elbow. “Wait, you don’t want my cute ass kicked, then? Sweet. You’re worried about me. You care. I knew that you were a softie underneath that sexily cold exterior.”

Lark stalks to his feet. “I’m merely concerned that you’ll be gone, before you can get me news of my daughter.”

Antonio stares up at him. “Who took her?”

“The Head Guard, Miss Connall. But it was ordered by the Sheriff. So, your bosses.”

Antonio looks thoughtful. “Do you want me to kill them for you?”

I pale.

Shit.

Does he mean that?

Lark doesn’t hesitate.

“Yes,” he says with fierce relish.

“Okay.”

What the hell is happening here?

“Hold up, murder boys.” I drop the plate, and the apple rolls onto the mattress. “There’ll be no killing sprees.”

Lark glances around at me with narrowed eyes.

Antonio looks sulky. Is he pouting?

“But I’m bored.” Antonio scuffs his heel against the floor.

“On the other hand,” I reply, “at least you won’t be torn apart by the rest of the guards after your solo assassin mission.”

“It’d never happen.”

“Or be sent to prison for life.”

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