Page 52 of Mercy

I tell her everything—about the threats, the fear, the pregnancy, and the impossible choice I've had to make.

As I speak, the words tumble out faster and faster, as if by saying them aloud, I can somehow make sense of the chaos in my head.

"Jesus, Meg," Starla breathes when I finally finish. "That's... that's a lot. Are you sure about this?"

I close my eyes, leaning my head back against the door. "I don't have a choice, Star. I can't let my child grow up in that world. I won't put the baby through the same shit I endured."

"But Tor?—"

"No," I cut her off, my voice firmer than I feel. "He can't know. None of them can. Starla, you have to swear to me. On your life, you won't tell anyone."

There's a long pause, and I can almost see Starla's conflicted expression. "Meg, you're putting me in an impossible position here. Tor's like family."

"I know," I whisper, guilt gnawing at me. "I know I am, but please. I need you, Star. I can't do this alone."

Starla sighs heavily, and I can hear the creak of her chair as she shifts. "All right, Meg. I'll keep your secret," she says finally, her voice a mix of resignation and determination. "But I have one condition."

My heart skips a beat. "What's that?"

"I'm not going to stop being your friend," Starla states firmly. "This isn't some deal-breaker where I cut you out of my life.It's more like... a term of our friendship, I guess. I'll keep your secret, but I'm sticking by you through this whole mess."

Relief floods through me. "Star, I?—"

"No arguments," she interrupts. "You need someone in your corner, Meg. And let's face it, you're hopeless on your own."

A watery laugh escapes me, and I swipe at the tears on my cheeks. "You're not wrong," I admit, thinking of all the times Starla's been there for me. "I don't deserve you."

"Damn straight," Starla says, but there's warmth in her voice. "So, we agreed? I keep your secret, and you let me be there for you?"

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision.

It's not fair to put this on Starla, to make her lie to people she cares about.

But the alternative—facing this pregnancy alone, with no support—is unthinkable.

"Agreed," I say softly, closing my eyes. "Thank you, Star. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Let's hope you never have to find out," she replies. "Now, tell me what you need. Have you seen a doctor yet? Do you need me to come out there?"

As Starla's voice washes over me, filled with concern and practical questions, I feel a tiny spark of hope.

I’m going to be the best mother I can for this baby, even if it means pushing its father away to keep us all safe.

I’m going to be the mother mine never was.

CHAPTER TEN

Tor

I slam my fist against the steering wheel, the sharp pain barely registering through the haze of fury clouding my mind.

"Goddammit, Meghan!" I growl, gripping the wheel so hard my knuckles turn white.

How could she do this?

After everything we've been through, everything I've done for her, she's just going to walk away?

Or wait, she’spushingme away.

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