Page 58 of Mercy & Her Devils

“Can we get back to the two Alphas?” I say.

“You’ll love them both,” Antonio says with sunny optimism. I don’t share it. “Don’t worry about it, mia amata. Plus, they’re going to love the hell out of you.”

“More importantly, where are you taking us?” Lark pushes the blanket off his head and mine.

Then we struggle to sit up, peering out of the passenger window.

“Hey,” Antonio protests, “the Omegas are revolting.”

“Rude,” I say.

I stare in amazement at the thick forest around me.

We’re driving along a narrow, winding road up into a private estate.

Antonio stopped at least half an hour ago to open a large security gate to let us in. I know because I was startled when the engine turned off, but Antonio explained that we’d reached his estate and were safe.

Relatively.

Then I heard the buzz of high tech security, as well as a metallic clanging.

How large is this place?

It’s later than I’m expecting, beginning to turn to dusk.

I can only see the crowding trees and how high up we’re winding, as well as tall towers that poke between the trees like sentinels. Security cameras gleam like eyes in their foreheads.

I shiver.

Why does Antonio’s pack need this level of security?

What kind of outlaws are they?

Suddenly, an owl swoops past the window, and I startle. Then I turn to Lark, and his eyes are wide and wet. He’s staring at the forest like he’s been granted a second life.

I get it.

He pretended that he was fine, when we were locked up, but he truly thought that he’d never be free again.

But are we now?

I entwine his fingers with mine, and we share a smile.

“So, did you steal this land too?” Lark teases.

Antonio doesn’t sound affronted. “Sadly not. This estate belongs to my Chief Alpha.”

Lark shrugs like this is nothing. But then, he comes from a billionaire pack, and I don’t.

I’m going to be a fish out of water here.

I stare out of the window. “Omega, you’re officially not in Kansas anymore.”

“I’ll have you chopping wood and swimming with me in the creek by the end of the week,” Antonio says, brightly.

“Don’t bet on it.” Lark shudders.

Okay, I was wrong.

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