Page 46 of Mercy & Her Devils

Lark rolls his eyes.

Then his expression becomes fragile.

I squeeze his hand in solidarity.

“Tell Millie…” Lark ducks his head and swallows, before trying again. “Tell her: Daddy loves her. He’s thinking about her. And that she’s a good Omega.” His eyes blaze. “That last part, make sure that she understands it. No matter what anyone is saying to her. She’s always a good Omega.”

My throat is tight. My eyes burn with tears.

Antonio looks serious now. “I’ll find her, I swear. I’ll tell her. Do you want me to give her a hug from you?”

Lark nods, not trusting himself to speak.

Antonio pushes himself away from the bars. “I have to warn you that they were talking about your auctions this morning.”

My stomach drops.

Fuck, no.

I hold onto Lark like somehow this means that I’ll never be torn away from him.

Except, I will.

This is what we’ve allowed ourselves to forget as we’ve formed our own pack and fallen in love.

Even this snatched happiness can be taken away from us.

Lark is holding onto me just as tightly.

“When are they taking place?” I force myself to ask.

“I don’t know,” Antonio replies. He looks troubled. “But it sounded like soon. They’re going to be online. Sheriff Ace is only inviting a couple of packs to bid to make sure that nothing can go wrong. You know, the way that the Institute have been screwing up a lot recently. It’s been all over the press. I didn’t realize, until I met you, how awesome you’d both be. I want to help you. Because after the auction, there’ll be no mercy for you from the type of knotheads who’ll pay over one hundred million for a rare Brok to exhibit like a collector’s item.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Broken Basement, The Institute

It’s been five days, at least to judge by the lunches that the gorgeous Beta guard has slipped to us.

Antonio did honor his promise to bring me a delicious chicken and mayo sandwich, and yesterday, a thermos of black coffee.

When I took my first sip of the rich, smoky coffee, I could’ve kissed Antonio.

Lark looked like he wanted to devour him more than the lunch.

Antonio’s energizing presence and the shadow of the auctions (which are like a ticking time bomb that we’re too scared to mention), have brought Lark and me to life.

Everything feels brighter, more vibrant, and sharper.

Every moment may be our last together.

We’re not wasting a single breath.

Every touch and look is precious.

I’m hoarding each one for a future time, when this will be nothing but a memory.

This week with Lark and Antonio has become the best time of my life.