Page 10 of Mercy

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. Have I been that obvious? I run a hand through my hair, suddenly feeling exposed. "I don't know what to do with that, Dad," I confess.

Before Runes can respond, Fenrir's voice cuts through the noise of the party. "Yo, Prez! Need you over here for a sec!"

My father gives me a long look. "Think about it, son. Life's too short to waste opportunities."

With a final pat on my back, he heads off to see what Fenrir wants.

I lean back against the wall, my mind reeling.

The cool brick against my back grounds me as I try to process everything.

My eyes drift across the room, inevitably finding Meghan in the crowd.

She's laughing at something Starla said, her head thrown back, exposing the graceful line of her neck.

I've always been attracted to her, that much I can't deny.

But it's more than just physical.

I think about how she kept me sane during those long days in the hospital, how she seems to understand me in a way no one else does.

My father's words echo in my head.

A connection.

Yeah, that's one way to put it.

But what do I do about it?

The thought of potentially ruining our friendship terrifies me.

And yet, the idea of never exploring what could be between us... that scares me even more.

I down the rest of my beer, wishing it was something stronger.

As I watch Meghan move through the crowd, I realize I've got some serious thinking to do.

Whatever happens next, I know one thing for certain: things between Meghan and me will never be the same.

The party's in full swing before I know it, the energy in the clubhouse electric.

I push off from the wall, surveying the scene.

Some of the guys are getting pretty rowdy, their laughter booming over the music.

I spot Fenrir and a couple others crowded around the pool table, beers in hand, cues wobbling as they line up their shots.

"Fuck!" Fenrir yells as he scratches. "This table's rigged, I swear it."

I shake my head, grinning.

Same old shit, different night.

My eyes drift to the door as I notice some of the old ladies heading out.

Magnolia gives me a little wave as she leaves, followed by Skadi, Aziza, Fern, Gwen, and Charm.

Can't blame them for wanting to escape the chaos.

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