Page 79 of Mercy & Her Devils

I’m going to show him that he’s not by himself any longer. I’ll be standing at his shoulder in everything.

Or kneeling.

Although it looks like it’s killing something inside him to do it, Lark drops to his knees in front of Kai.

I follow his example.

This is familiar.

It’s what Fletcher would have expected the moment that he came into a room anyway.

I drop my gaze, as my heart speeds up.

What’s Kai going to do to us?

My hands clutch into the fabric of the shirt on my lap. Strangely, its heather scent still makes me feel safe.

There’s a long moment, as my heart hammers in my chest.

I listen hard.

I can hear the birds calling to each other, Lark’s fast breathing next to me, then the heavy sound of Kai’s footfalls as he walks toward me.

I flinch, when Kai’s large hand settles around my arm.

To my shock, he gently lifts me to my feet. Next to me, he’s doing the same to Lark.

“You never have to kneel for me,” Kai says, low and heartfelt. “I wish that I could rip out the throats of every Alpha who’s ever made you think that you had to.”

Instantly, my gaze shoots to Kai’s face.

His blue eyes are gorgeous. I’d been too scared to truly notice before.

Kai slips his hands behind his back. Standing like this in front of me, he looks regal and calmly in control.

It flusters me.

Lark, however, still launches into his defense of Antonio, who appears frozen to the spot. “I played the music. I incited the sex too, if you must know, Alpha. I commanded the Beta in everything that he did. I’m sorry, but it’s my fault. So, please, punish me. But I’d appreciate it, if we could go to another room; Mercy should not have to witness it. You should take into consideration that I didn’t know the house rules, however, so is it truly fair to punish me at all?”

Now I want to slap Lark.

Except, Kai’s eyes dance with amusement, before he crosses his arms. “You’re right. Smart and manipulative, but also, right. So, sit down and eat.”

Lark gapes at him. “Ehm, what? That’s all?”

Kia pushes his brunette hair back from his eyes. “Unless you want to grovel some more because I enjoyed that part.”

Antonio hurries toward Lark, snatching him by the collar of his shirt and dragging him toward the couches. “Learn to quit while you’re behind. It’s an essential skill.”

I tilt my head, forcing myself to hold Kai’s gaze.

I haven’t done that with an Alpha apart from Thomas and Gabriel.

Kai returns my look, steady and calm.

“My ma always said that the best way to an Omega’s heart was through their stomach, so I cooked a hearty breakfast.” Kai still doesn’t break eye contact. I feel mesmerized. “I made a bit of everything, beloved. You just eat what you like best. You look like you could do with some pampering.”

“He’ll be asking if he can hand-feed you next,” Antonio yells over, as he pulls Lark down next to his side on the couch.

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