Page 122 of Green Ravens

“You say we have voices now. That we’re permitted lives and homes. That we’ll serve something worthy of glory and honor.” Meridian’s smile wasn’t of appreciation…but intimidation. “I’ll guard your vision, Jo.”

He inched closer, his presence like a storm cloud closing in.

Nobody moved.

“But if this turns into another Ravens…” His smile deepened into something scarier. “I’ll tear this place apart from the inside out…starting with you. And as you beg for death like John Ross did…I’ll enjoy every fuckin’ second of it.”

Holy shit.

He walked back to Ex’s side—the scent of sweet spices following him—and the two left, a plume of smoke trailing Meridian like the ghost of death was his best friend.

Jo didn’t seem fazed.

Corvo stood. “He’s all talk and threats. Trust me, guys. His bark is far worse than his bite.”

“I don’t think our departed director would agree.” Spector chuckled.

Jo stared at him and Zorion.

“Valor, the two of you will lead the team when it’s time to go after the Whites. You saw them in action. You understand them best.”

Valor nodded. “We’ll bring them back.”

Zorion added, “If they let us.”

Valor’s gaze drifted toward the back of the facility.

Meridian stood near the door. Smoke hovering around his lips and cloaking the part of his face still visible beneath his hood.

No cohesive thoughts came to Valor’s mind when he stared at him…only words.

Vicious. Poisoned. Lethal. Beautiful. Righteous.

Valor was damn near tempted to ask him for one of those fucking cigarettes.

Chief Styles Sawyer

Zorion

He and Valor were in their locker room packing a duffel bag of clothes their wardrobe team had put together, preparing to leave for their proffered hiatus.

“You sure you don’t wanna go back to the cabin?” Valor asked for the third time.

“I’m sure.” Zorion nodded. “I’d prefer to go back to the Order. We should stay up on our training.”

“The meaning of downtime is to relax.” Valor sighed. “I don’t know what kinda training you and Omega did, but Lion kicked my ass on a daily basis.”

Zorion laughed. “And look who you are.”

“Well, I admit, I can’t complain.”

Zorion wrapped his arms around Valor’s neck and kissed his cheek, working his way to his mouth.

“How about we go to the Order for a few days? Then we can ask Jo if we can stay at that cabin and make it our home?”

The excitement in his cherished’s eyes was everything.

“Fuck yeah.” Valor smiled. “You think she’ll say yes?”

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