Page 45 of Omega Inked

Liam nods in agreement. "We'll get started tomorrow. For now, let's just enjoy the moment."

I want to argue, to insist that we need to be working on a plan right now. But as Liam's lips meet mine again, I find myself unable to resist. In this moment, nothing else matters. We'll deal with the consequences of our actions later. For now, we have each other, and that's all that counts.

Phoenix is at my back, his hands on my shoulders all of a sudden. And I know Mercer is there too...watching from the fringes, never participating.

A loud laugh breaks us all apart--and then I see Rafe watching us from the door with his arms crossed.

"Big op tomorrow," he announces to the room. "So it's a good thing we have something to celebrate!"

"What the fuck?" Mercer mutters.

But it all becomes clear when Rafe trains his eyes on us, then points his finger. "We've got a newly formed pack in our midst!"

I blush and hide my face in Liam's chest, but I can't help but smile. Phoenix sighs in annoyance, but I can feel his approval radiating through the bond we share. "Leave it to Rafe to turn everything into a party."

Rafe comes over claps Liam on the back, grinning from ear to ear.

"We'll have to initiate you properly," he says. "But for now, let's just drink to your new pack."

The room erupts in cheers, and I feel Liam's arms wrap around me protectively. But there are people starting to dance, music pounding like a nightclub in Solstice Bay, and the next thing I know, Mercer is standing over me and extending his hand.

"Hey, princess," he says. "How about a dance?"

I look from Mercer to Phoenix to Liam, and Liam grins up at his friend.

"Only if you give us a turn later," he snickers.

I smile and Liam practically pushes me onto my feet, into Mercer's arms. Mercer's grip is firm yet gentle as he leads me to the dance floor. The music is loud, and the beat pulsates through my body as Mercer pulls me close, our bodies swaying together. I can feel his breath on my neck, and I can't help but feel a little dizzy from the alcohol and the closeness of our bodies.

"You okay?" Mercer asks, his voice low and husky in my ear.

I nod, feeling my cheeks flush as I look up at him. His eyes are dark and intense, and I can feel the heat between us as we move together on the dance floor.

"You're a good dancer," he says, his hands trailing up my back.

I smile, feeling a wave of confidence wash over me. It's been a long time since I've felt this carefree, this alive.

"You're not so bad yourself," I reply, feeling a surge of desire as his hands move lower, grazing over my hips.

The crowd presses in around us, getting more rowdy. I didn't even know there were this many people on the Raft--but now, they're throwing a huge party and it feels like it's all for us. It gives me hope that maybe we could pull this off, that me and Jade and Kendra will all be safe with the Enclave soon.

But my thoughts turn dark as I remember why we're here in the first place. The enemy has my friends, and I can't shake off the fear that we won't make it in time. Mercer must sense my unease because he pulls back, his eyes searching mine.

"What's wrong?" he asks.

I shake my head, not wanting to voice my fears out loud. But Mercer's gaze is persistent, and I can't help but give in.

"It's just...my friends. They're out there, and we don't know if they're okay."

Mercer nods, his expression serious. "We'll find them," he says firmly. "We have the best fighters in Solstice Bay. We won't stop until we bring them home."

His words offer some solace, and I feel a flicker of hope in my chest. Mercer seemed like such a hardass when I first met him, but...he's soothing.

I actually really like him.

"Hey, alpha daddy," a voice says from behind me. "Can I take her for a spin?"

I turn and laugh at Liam as he takes me in his arms, Mercer stepping closer behind me. Mercer's hands find my hips as Liam holds me, and we start to dance together. The three of us move in perfect harmony, bodies swaying to the beat of the music. It feels like we're connected, like we're all in this together.

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