Page 98 of Mercy & Her Devils

Of course, that doesn’t mean Lark and I didn’t include modern technology in our nest.

Lark in particular was insistent on us having a fully stocked fridge with Gatorade and snacks to keep us fed and hydrated, during the twenty-four hours that we’ll be caught up in the heat.

Antonio, as the Beta (which means that he won’t be caught in heat or rut), will need to look after us.

I hope that Lark won’t fall into heat at the same time as me because I sense that Antonio may be good at feeding us, as he was when he were in the cell, but on the other hand, may suddenly become distracted by something villain-esque like burning down…well, everything.

Funny, I find that attractive in him.

The room’s scented with a diffuser, which Lark and I chose that could cycle through our favorite scents.

Right now, it’s Gabriel’s choice: Devil’s chocolate cake.

My scent.

He whispered to me this morning that it was a running joke in the barracks to have a slice of cake or pudding already on the table for him every time that he sat down for a meal because he always chose it.

He never explained to the other cadets or soldiers why.

But it was so that he could smell it and never forget me.

I glance at Gabriel who’s next to me.

Gabriel’s stripped down to only his jeans and bare feet. His tanned chest is streaked with green paint. There’s a single streak across his cheek like war paint.

He looks like he’s ready for battle, and fuck, he looks hot.

He spent the entire morning painting, and now this afternoon, is putting the finishing touches to my reading nook.

How could I have a nest without one?

Fletcher thought that Omegas shouldn’t be distracted by reading.

It made my heart soar, when Kai suggested a book corner.

A man seriously after my own heart.

Something broke and then mended inside me, when I chose the fluffy faux rabbit fur bean bag chair and a book case shaped like a tree but one covered in velvet from the nest catalog.

I reach and trace my hand over the bookcase’s trunk. I shiver at the soft sensation.

It’s been hard making this nest.

Bitter sweet.

I know that I may die in my next heat. It’s the same for Lark, if he has one.

Broken Bond Syndrome can damage an Omega and turn them into Non-Heats.

What if Lark’s never able to have heats again? At least then he’ll be safe.

I may not survive.

Although, if I’m cared for well by a pack with multiple partners who rut and bond with me, then I have the best chance of survival.

I don’t know if Gabriel fully understands or is prepared to accept that.

It’ll break his heart.

---