Page 99 of Wolf

“Dunno,” she says.

“Hm. Well, c’mon let’s go.” When I stand, she follows. Once we’re inside I grab some money from the stash that Maddox gave me and open the front door.

“Where are we going?” Mercy asks.

I put my finger to my lips and whisper, “Ice cream.”

Her eyes light up and I smile, my heart warm for the first time in days. It’s a rare treat and one that we will have to hide from Mama, but I just don’t have it in me to care as Mercy skips ahead, a slight smile on her face.

The ice cream shop is quiet when we enter, and I push Mercy gently toward the case to pick out a flavor.

“Chocolate,” she says and the woman behind the counter smiles.

“One scoop or two?”

Mercy looks up at me and I grin. “Two scoops and a waffle cone.”

Her beaming smile hurts my heart, but in a good way, and I hide the emotion behind my hand as she skips over to a table by the window.

“And for you?” the woman says but I decline.

After paying, I set the ice cream in front of her. She digs in with gusto while I massage my stomach, aching once again.

I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I fear I may have to go to the doctor if it persists.

“Lil?” Mercy says, licking her spoon clean. Blinking, I pull the empty waffle cone toward me.

“Wow. That was fast,” I say, and she giggles.

Her blue eyes light up and I fake like I’m going to eat her waffle cone, laughing when she growls and swipes it from my hand.

My mirth fades though when I look out the window. Wolf is across the street, standing with Maddox and Giant, the man from that long ago night who tried to help me find Wolf.

They’re deep in discussion. I can't help my instinct and greedily take in Wolf while he stands there unaware. I can only see half his face, but I admire his strong jaw and silky dark hair before roving over his muscular arm, currently flexed with his arms crossed.

I traced my fingers over those tattoos once and the digits tingle in remembrance as my core tightens. Biting back a groan, I close my eyes but flip them right back open when Mercy gasps, “Mir!”

”Wait,” I say, grabbing for her arm but she’s just out of my reach and through the door before I can stop her.

Dazed, I follow, my stomach swirling as I chase her across the street and closer to Wolf.

“Mir!” Mercy cries and all heads turn our way.

A glance at Wolf reveals a stone-cold scowl before I skate over Maddox, Giant and meet Miriam’s wide-eyed stare.

She looks past my shoulder and exhales as Mercy launches into her arms and sobs, “Mir.”

Tears prick my eyes, and I drop my head, giving these two a moment to reunite after months apart.

Miriam looks good, her belly quite pronounced now, and she clutches it while holding Mercy with one arm.

“I miss you so much,” Mercy sobs, and I wince when tears fill Miriam’s guilt-ridden eyes.

“Mercy,” I say quietly but she shakes me off. Powerless, I glance around because Mama and Daddy have spies everywhere.

“Inside,” Wolf barks, and I jump before rushing to the door.

Only once we’re safely in the building do I chastise myself for scurrying around at his demands, but I can’t be too mad because Mercy’s eyes are shining.

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