Page 49 of Mercy & Her Devils

Antonio held up his wet hands. “My fault. I was clumsy. Sorry, boss.”

Lark and I exchanged a glance.

As much as we liked the guard, we didn’t expect him to cover for us.

“You’re useless. The worst hire that I’ve ever made,” Connall sneered.

“You’re making me blush. Can I have that on a certificate to show my Alpha?”

“I shall be writing a complaint to your Alpha,” she barked.

“Ma’am.” Lark’s shoulders straightened, and his gaze became steely. “It wasn’t—”

“Shut up,” Antonio ordered.

I’d never heard Antonio sound coldly dominant like that. He sounded more like a gang boss, deadly and sharp.

Lark looked as shocked as me.

Yet it was to make sure that Antonio took the blame. He was protecting Lark.

Was Antonio punished by his Alpha?

It makes my guts churn. I hate the thought of that.

I take a couple of determined steps across the cell, thinking furiously. “Toni’s earned his place in our pack many times over. He’s only twenty-one and he doesn’t deserve to be trapped here either.”

Lark hums in agreement. “Noticed anything?”

I blink.

What does he mean?

Then I realize that his arms are no longer around my waist, supporting me.

I’m standing on the opposite side of the cell to him.

Wait, how?

I’m walking unaided for the first time!

Lark’s been using this conversation to distract me, while he untangled himself from supporting me, in the same way that a dad does when teaching a kid to ride their first bike.

But it’s worked.

“You tricked me!” I’m grinning, widely.

Lark strolls to me, pushing a strand of hair behind his ear.

I want to kiss the smug curl off his lips.

Both of us deserve it.

“It appears that Antonio’s ass is a good physiotherapy aid after all.” Lark’s eyes twinkle. “One more step.” He holds his arms out to me, and I stumble into them. “That’s it. You’re so good. I’m proud of you, cupcake.”

My legs feel like jelly after the exertion.

Lark helps me to the mattress.

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