Page 106 of Group Studies

A grin split Beryl’s face as he sauntered across the room to stand by my side. I desperately wanted to apologize and talk to him, but alone. Instead, I scooted forward so he could slide in behind me on the couch. My power hummed under his skin. It vibrated against me. Would he still love me when it was gone?

He reached forward, taking the forgotten egg sandwich out of my hands, and helped himself to a big bite. I snapped out of my stupor. No one steals my food.

“Hey, I got you your own,” I told him, pulling myself out of my panic.

Beryl swallowed. “I’ll eat that too, my Goddess. Your libido has left me famished.”

I turned bright red as Sandy cackled with glee. Beryl’s chest rumbled behind me.

Instead of acknowledging any of it, I continued to tell them about getting Mercedes into the Golem.

Saffron emerged from the washroom damp from his shower. Although the Greek God glared at Beryl, the two seamlessly switched places, Saffron also helped himself to a bite of my breakfast. I shook my head but didn’t stop my recount. Beryl’s phone went off a few times, though none of us looked at it.

“So, Mercedes is still in the Golem?” Roisin asked as I finished up. She leaned forward in her chair, hanging off my every word.

I blinked. “Oh, shit.” I froze, only now just realizing she actually was still in the Golem.

Sandy laughed. “Serves her right.”

I tried to pull on my braid, but it was still gone because of her. Any feelings of guilt vanished. “She probably has to pee.” Although I said it, I didn’t feel bad. Needing to use the washroom is nothing compared to everything she put me through.

“She’s probably happily pissing all over the inside of Saffron’s work,” Sandy pointed out with a chuckle.

Saffron groaned but didn’t rush off to save his ex or his project. I wiggled happily, and he pulled me close.

“There’s not a single picture of your involvement in any of this on Mêler.” Sandy waved her phone in the air. “There aren’t even rumors, though a few kids in the medical wing have raised questions about Ram. No one’s connected it to you.” She grinned. “Between MA and Beryls’ epic battle over Mercedes - which is the hot topic - and the naked MA agents hiding in the cafeteria, I think this place has enough to occupy themselves if you want to stay under the radar.”

I took a deep breath and nodded like a bobble head.

Sandy giggled.

“So, what’s the plan now?” Roisin asked. “Do you know what you did to Ram? It sounds like he might not even be alive anymore.”

I bit my lower lip and glanced at Ashe. He was sitting against the wall near the fire, seemingly relaxed but not comfortable as he shifted restlessly. I needed to get more chairs. My Gentle Giant, who we’d put to sleep to keep his hands free of our plan with Mercedes, had an unreadable expression on his furry face.

Beryl came out of the shower, dressed in his pants and one of Ashe’s red t-shirts.

Ashe blanched. “What the fuck, man?”

Beryl grinned and motioned toward me, highlighting his shirt covering my petite frame. I hugged myself in it and glared at both of them, daring them to say something. I didn’t want to give it back.

Ashe grunted, which I assumed meant I won this round. Beryl ignored both of us, scooping up his phone and scanning the screen.

“I can’t stay.” He bent down and kissed me. “But I’m expecting a text. Let me know how this shakes out.”

“Wait,” I said. Was he leaving because I’d used the word Love?

Beryl paused partway out the door, turning to smile at me.

I studied his happy face and lost the nerve to ask. “You’re leaving again?”

Beryl gestured with his phone. “My contacts, Mercedes’ dad. I’ve missed fifteen texts since last night. My Goddess, this is the longest I’ve been away from my business in fifteen years. With two days off, it will be a busy few days for me.” He gave me one of his rare real smiles. “You’ve got this. Ashe and Boy Scout will make a better backup team than me.” Beryl hesitated. “I still want you free of this place and until I know differenly, I’m keeping my distance, you know the drill.”

I chewed on my bottom lip. “You’re full of my magic. It’s spiking your hair. If your muscles get any bigger, you'll rip Ashe’s shirt.”

Beryl winked at me. “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Ashe’s grunt sounded like a laugh. I scowled at them.

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