Page 37 of The Merciless

It would takeallof them time.

But it was an idea they’d have to get used to fast. Angel glanced at the clock hanging in the middle of the room, the chair creaking under him as he shifted uncomfortably.

Ray needed to get here as soon as humanly possible.

And as if on cue, Angel heard the faint rustle of the lock twisting and turned to see the door fly open. His eyes zeroed on Ray, who ran inside, looking absolutely exhausted as she darted her head around in search of someone. Angel blinked when he thought it might be him. And knew he was right when her eyes settled on his.

He subdued a grin as she sighed, visibly calming as she trudged in his direction. Angel didn’t really care for prying eyes, just opened his arms wide and heard her sigh of defeat again. A wave of warmth washed over him when Ray flopped into his open arms and climbed so she was sitting before him and buried her face on the side of his shoulder. She mumbled something incoherent as he closed her hands around her body and fell back on the chair, taking her with him.

“This is disgusting,” Angel turned to see Irene walk out with a distasteful expression in her eyes, “Make it stop.”

Ray just raised her middle finger in response.

Smiling, he placed his chin atop her head and blinked at the audience up ahead. He saw Jack mimic gagging in Christina’s direction, and shot him a venomous look, the smile on his lips never dimming.

“We should probably tell them now.” He murmured from the corner of his mouth, soft enough for Ray to hear. She groaned in his chest, the sound reverberating through his body as she sat up lazily. He watched her move, saw her blue black hair sweep across her face like a damned mess as she glared at him. Angel just tilted his head, the warmth in his chest spreading as he pushed back the strands of her hair,

“We really should.”

“Tell us what?” came Akash’s muffled question from the kitchen.

Ray moved so fast that the entire chair creaked dangerously with her quick movement. But she didn’t move away from him. Just turned so her back was now pressing his against his chest. She sat cross legged up ahead and turned around the room,

“Where’s Sorin?” she asked instead. Angel grunted in surprise when she dropped her weight on him without warning but wrapped herself in his embrace regardless. His eyes crinkled at her show of affection, something fuzzy spreading through his lungs at her comfort with him. At her trust. Every small action from this moment, every expression, he vowed. He’d savor it. Make it last for a lifetime.

And maybe more.

“I’m here.”

Angel turned his head to see Sorin walk through the doors, Ira in tow behind him. The latter saw where Ray was sitting and rose a brow. Angel shot her a questioning look, which she returned by simply chucking out her tongue in his direction. He laughed softly at her actions, attracting Sorin’s attention. The boy, who’d been looking down at his phone, glanced up and saw the scene up ahead. Angel’s hold on her tightened as his jaw dropped, his eyes widening,

“I was gone a fewminutes.”He said indignantly and Angel heard Ray click her tongue,

“Just sit down. We need to discuss something.”

Her words called everyone closer. They all took up chairs and made a circle around them. Angel waited for everyone to settle, and noticed as Ray shifted ahead, her arms crossing. Sorin took a seat on Angel’s left, his eyes on his phone as he crossed his legs and sat. Beside him sat Myra and Irene, who were sharing a larger chair. Neera and Cameron sat beside them, both their gaze serious as they looked at Ray. Irene sat between them, her knees tucked into her chest as she peered at everyone curiously. Noah lounged in his chair comfortably, a grin on his lips as he shot Angel an incomprehensive look. Angel blinked at it.

Luke sat on his other side, talking to Jack in low whispers as the two boys discussed something – probably their future plan of action. Christina and Mia sat solemnly beside both of them, Christina’s thumbs dwindling nervously. Angel turned to see Jack’s hand stop that movement as he laced his fingers with hers, not ceasing his conversation with Luke as he did so. Christina glanced up at that, and locked eyes with Angel, something like doubt flickering in her eyes.

Angel shook his head, a calm smile on his lips as he willed her to understand. Willed her toknowthat he’d never let them down. Would never willingly put them any danger. Christina nodded briskly at that, the fire in her gaze returning.

“Where’s Micah?” Angel heard Ray ask quietly and was about to divert to the conversation when he saw Mia’s brows scrunch. She was holding her phone in her hand, her eyes on the device as she read something speedily.

An odd feeling climbed through his bones when Mia’s head snapped up, utter surprise written on her features. He almost moved forward, but it was her who got up, her hands shaking as she looked at him. And then at Christina.

Ray turned to glance at him over her shoulder, something dark shining in her eyes as Mia strode forward towards them. Angel let out a breath, the feeling turning his stomach as Mia neared him and leaned down to whisper in his ears,

“He talked.” She said, a tremor in her voice, “He’s given us some concrete leads.”

Luke, having caught her words, turned to him in surprise.This quick? This easy? Was it a trap?

Ray’s hand landed atop his, its warmth seeping through his skin, reminding him of what they were meant to do now. What all thismeant.Angel breathed out and tightened his hold on her fingers.Go on,he wanted to say as Mia sat back down, but didn’t have to say it aloud,tell them.

“There’s a new player.” Ray’s voice was loud enough to quiet all the conversations around them. Angel sat up straighter and shifted back, crossing his legs as well as she continued, “We know they’re using our name. And we know they’re targeting me.”

“Us.” Neera interjected and Ray shook her head,

“Me.I doubt they know who the Nameless group actually is, whowereally are. Maybe they were just targeting the bridge between a very powerful alliance.” She said and Angel saw Neera lean back in her seat, her gaze insistent, “But I have reason to believe we might have the upper hand in the situation now.”

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