Page 13 of Mercy & Her Devils

Fletcher leans forward, grabbing me by the chin. “I can’t have my own Omega sounding like she’s a member of that bloody Omega Society.”

“Why?” Thomas takes a step forward. “Is it because they’re campaigning so hard to get you to release this Brok? I’ve been watching it on the news and most social media platforms. There’s even a new poem from that revolutionary, Ben, being graffitied across walls. You’re mentioned by name, Acehole. You want to write a paper, but it’s sparking tension. You know, asshole Alphas reject, abandon, or put their Omegas up for auction. But no one wants to return to the bad old days of official broken bonds. The actual severing that we’re talking about, which goes alongside with that, causes Broks real danger.”

“If no one wanted this, then why is there a Brok? And one from an elite pack? I think this may be the start of a new trend within the society packs. It seems to me that you’re on the side of the terrorist Omega resistance. Are you?”

I hiss in a breath.

Don’t say yes.

He’s trying to get Thomas to incriminate himself, so that he can arrest him.

I sway, sick with terror.

“You mean the people who are fighting to give all dynamics equality and keep breaking into your Institute, rescuing Omegas, and making you look like a total ass?” Thomas arches his brow.

“Yes,” Fletcher growls.

He shoves himself out of his chair, stalking to Thomas and grabbing him by the lapels of his suit.

I can see how hard Thomas is struggling not to fight back.

When Thomas catches my eye, I subtly shake my head.

“I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about,” Thomas replies.

“The Devil pack.” Fletcher shakes Thomas on each word. “Led by Lucifer. Ring any bells?”

Thomas tilts his head. “They do sound wicked. Well, I hope that you catch these villains, brother-in-law, who are making you look like an incompetent bully.”

“Get out,” Fletcher roars, pushing Thomas away from him. “Before I do something that I can’t take back.”

His burned coffee stench blasts through the lounge.

I whimper, curling into a ball.

Thomas moves to me and ducks down, before Fletcher can stop him. He wraps me in a warm hug.

I luxuriate in his touch and the cocoon of his sweet sugar pheromones that he pumps into the air to calm me.

Fletcher is tugging at my brother’s shoulder furiously to pull him away from me, and I know that Thomas will be in trouble for this act of defiance.

When our gazes meet, however, I also know that neither of us can regret it because this may be the last time that we’re allowed to see each other.

Yet it’s worth it.

All of it.

Finally, I feel like myself again.

I spoke out — for myself, the Omegas in the Institute, and for every Omega who comes after me.

I may not have been heard but I didn’t stay silent.

“I love you, Tom,” I whisper.

Thomas’ eyes are wet with tears. “I’ll find a way.”

As he’s hauled out of the lounge by Fletcher, I let the tears fall down my cheeks.

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