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My mouth drops open, and my eyes flash to Hayden. His lips press together in a thin line.
The man behind the des
k meets his gaze. “I’m here on the authority of the High Council to dissolve the pact between you and the Quinlan family immediately. Hunter Strong did not cause the death of your immortal mate. The female Quinlan killed was a black bear shifter as indicated by the clan mark on her neck seen here.”
He holds out a grainy photo, and when it’s my turn to look, I see a small bear paw tattoo high on the victim’s scalp. It’s exactly where my clan mark is located.
“Had Hunter Quinlan in fact killed your immortal mate, he would be bound to provide you with companionship throughout eternity.” Derek Alexander’s voice is low and full of power. “As it stands, he only deprived you of the life of a shifter mate, which has been repaid in full. Twice.”
This time when I look at Hayden, fierce rage burns in my chest. “You lied to us!”
Hayden props his elbows on the arms of the chair, steepling his fingers in front of his mouth. “He still murdered my mate.”
“It was further ruled an accidental death by the council.”
“Perhaps,” is all Hayden says.
Derek stands, closing the file and taking back the photo. “I have to catch my plane, but the council’s decision stands. Mercy is released from your claim, as is the rest of her family. The council expresses its deep disappointment in your actions as Lord of the Underworld, and their apologies go to the entire Quinlan-Strong pack.”
Hayden rolls his eyes and stands. I cross the room before I can even think and slap him hard across the face.
A sharp SMACK! echoes in the room, and for a half-second it’s silent. Just as fast everyone braces, preparing for a battle. Hayden only glares at me a moment before exhaling a breath and daring to chuckle.
“You’ve always had such fire, Mercy. If you had given me one more week…”
“Get out,” I growl through gritted teeth. “I hope I never see you again.”
He smirks in that infuriating way and shrugs. Just before he leaves, I stop him. “Why did you do it, Hayden?”
Lifting his chin, he grins at me. “I’ve always wanted a lynx.” The door is open, but he pauses just inside it. “And Cora loved me. I thought I might find her again in one of you.”
With that he’s gone. The men from the council are right behind him, and Slayde is quick to follow, patting me on the shoulder and shaking Koa’s hand. “I’m leaving with Derek, but I wanted you to know, I’m proud of you. I don’t know many shifters who would single-handedly storm the underworld.”
Koa only shakes his head. “Don’t even. Thank you is not strong enough to express how I feel right now.”
My heart is full as I watch them both. “My family owes you a huge debt of gratitude,” I say.
“I was only working off the leads Koa found.” He’s at the door, but he steps back once more. “Take care of him, Mercy.”
“I will,” I say, holding Koa’s arm and smiling as I watch them go.
Revelations
Koa
Doris is banging around her kitchen when we arrive back at my apartment. I vaguely remember Jim’s truck being left out at the campground, and I wonder if he ever went and retrieved it. I still don’t know how long I was gone.
Mercy is on my arm. We haven’t stopped touching each other since I walked through the door and found her, and as much as I’m ready to head upstairs and make up for lost time, I touch her hand. “Give me just a minute,” I say, looking toward the house.
“One minute,” she purrs, stepping forward and pulling my shoulders for a kiss. Our lips meet, and she catches my bottom one between her teeth. It’s enough to make me almost forget my errand.
“Hold that thought,” I say, slapping her ass as I turn toward the house.
Inside the small kitchen, my landlady is opening and closing cabinet doors, grumbling under her breath. “Where is that damned blood meal?”
“Doris?” I hold the metal door as it closes to keep it from slamming. Still she jumps at the sound of my voice.
“Kona! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
