Page 3 of The Merciless

Maybe it was because she couldn’t hear him. Or because he’d been holding this in for the past five days. But his façade, his agony justshattered.

“Ihateyou, Raylene Walker,” he finally rasped, past that black flame in his chest and the lump in his throat, “Idespiseyour smiles, I detest your glares. I hate the way you make me want to tear down the entire world for you.” A breath, “I hate that you were there that night and I couldn’t protect you from this. I hate,I hate–”

I hate you.

She didn’t reply. She didn’t move. She didn’t speak. And a part of Angel wondered how one person could leave such a bruising imprint on his heart within the span of onefuckingweek.

You have me in the palm of your hand, Raylene Walker.

How can you not be awake for it?

“I’m going after Akash tomorrow.” He said roughly and after a moment’s thought, ran a gentle hand over the top of her head. Her hair was soft under his touch and ruffled with his actions while his other hand loosened its hold on her fingers, “I’m giving you until tonight to wake and come with me.”

No response.

He grit his teeth and brushed her forehead softly again, his hands shaking now, “A few hours, that’s all you get alright, Storm?” he murmured. Her heartbeat monitor responded with anotherbeepand Angel removed his hand from her forehead, his eyes hardening as he balled them into tight fists, and moved to get up from his seat.

“And after I bury Akash and his allies,” he continued softly, “I’ll come back for you.” He took a breath, “That isif,Kyle doesn’t replace you already.”

His eyes strayed to her, not a hair out of place, not a flicker of movement and despite his mind begging to shut down at the thoughts, he clawed his way through,

“That fucking asshole.” He breathed, “He doesn’t know our introduction was unique.”

She didn’t say a thing.

“Don’t make me deal with another mediator Storm, it’s going to be such a hassle.”

Wake up already.

Angel sighed and ran a hand through his hair, his eyes darting up to the clock in her room. The clock struck noon and he let out a soft breath, the thought of Ray waking thehellup giving him enough hope to last for the next few hours.

“Twelve hours.” He murmured, “Twelve hours is all you get before I leave this godforsaken island, Ray.” His lips tipped with a soft smile, “Whether you’re awake when I take you or not, is upto you.”

He took a step back, and slowly let go of her hand reluctantly before tucking them back in the pockets of his trousers roughly.

“Don’t let me down, Storm.”

* *

His walk out was devoid of any sound.

Any people.

The people guarding Ray’s door jerked at his presence but didn’t stop to stare. Wouldn’t when Angel turned his back to all of them and started walking towards the lobby of the hospital.

And as far as he knew, there wasnothingin this entire world that could stop him from hunting Akash Smith down. He’d taken away his business, had disgraced him.

Had hurt Ray.

Click, clackcame the sound of heels, loud enough for him to snap his head up in surprise.

Christina Morris ran in his direction, still clutching at the hem of her ruined gown as she ran expertly in his direction. He took a few steps forward before she reached him and placed a hand on his shoulder,

“Mia–” she started before her eyes cut to the lobby behind him and she paused abruptly. His brow arched as Christina took a step back and looked up at him seriously, “How is she?” she asked, not a catch in her voice.

Angel shook his head and shrugged, turning away from her, “She’s in a coma.” He replied tightly, “Nothing’s changed.”

Christina’s hazel eyes flared, “Everythinghas changed. The chances of surviving a medically induced coma are far higher than a natural one. She’sfine.”

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