by Lynn Hagen
Red grabbed the tongs and flipped the bacon as Mercy removed the pancake and added another.
“That’s one thing I miss,” Red said. “Your cooking. We get by just fine, but you make the best pancakes.”
“I miss cooking for you guys,” Mercy admitted.
“Soon you’ll be baking for the whole town.” Red grinned. “I’m gonna do whatever I can to make sure your business is successful.” He bumped arms with Mercy. “Ford called us. He thought maybe you could use some family. What’s going on, buddy?”
Mercy bit his lip, unsure if he should or could talk about the pressure he felt building inside him. Ford had asked him not to say anything about Vladimir, and Mercy wanted to honor that, but damn it, he had to talk to someone about it.
Instead, he told Red about Lloyd’s visit and how he thought his ex might not leave him alone.
“You can’t tell Lincoln or Ford,” Mercy whispered, afraid either shifter would hear him from the bakery. “Lloyd isn’t worth going to jail for.” Mercy actually smiled. “And I don’t think he has good enough credit for you to ruin.”
Mercy remembered how Red had threatened to ruin Jason’s when Jason had attacked him. It had been the oddest threat Mercy had ever heard.
“We could make sure no one found the body. Problem solved,” Red said.
Mercy loved that Red was willing to plot Lloyd’s demise with him, but in truth, he didn’t want anyone hurt. He just wanted his ex to leave him alone.
Well, he wanted Vladimir hurt. He was the biggest threat, and showing up to say he would kill Ford and Mercy, and then disappear, left Mercy on edge, wondering when Vladimir would show up again.
Mercy looked toward the entryway. “Can I tell you something without you repeating it?”
“You can tell me anything.” Red removed the bacon from the pan. “You can even tell me you’re going to make cinnamon rolls to go with this. The store-bought kind isn’t as good as yours.”
“You know how to charm a guy.” Mercy chuckled.
“That’s my goal today.” Red grabbed a piece of bacon and bit into the strip. “To make you feel as if I want your body.”
Mercy nearly dropped his spatula.
“Kidding!” Red laughed. “You should see how red you are. I was just teasing you. I can barely handle Lincoln. I don’t need any added men in my life.”
“And Lincoln would kill anyone who thought to go anywhere near you,” Mercy reminded him.
“Well, there’s that.” Red finished off his piece and tried to go for another, but Mercy smacked his hand. He made more batter so he could feed Lincoln and Red.
While he cooked, he told Red about Vladimir. Ford was just going to have to forgive him. Mercy wanted the weight off him, but he also wanted Red’s super brain to come up with a solution.
“Well, I would say you should get the Ultionem involved since he’s interfering with a mating, but they’re already involved. They paid Ford to hunt him down. I’m pretty sure they already have their hands full with the world, so we’re going to have to tackle this problem on our own.”
Lincoln had told Mercy about the members of the Ultionem, some of their rules, and that would have been the perfect solution. But Mercy was sure they couldn’t be everywhere at once. How many people probably called them because someone was interfering? The numbers had to be mindboggling.
“So, do you have any ideas?” Mercy plated the food and took the trays to the table. Red got the glasses and poured everyone some orange juice.
“Let me think about it,” Red said. “We’re talking about someone who’s in hiding, can move like lightning, and has the strength of ten men. Taking him down isn’t going to be easy.”
Even if Red couldn’t think of a plan, Mercy felt better talking to him.
“And don’t let starting your own business drive you nuts.” Red kissed him on the cheek. “You could’ve called me. I would’ve come over to help. Other than data entry at the ranch, my time is free. I’m yours to use any way you want.”
“Don’t make me spank that ass,” Lincoln said as he came into the kitchen. “Stop offering to be used by my brother.”
Ford swept Mercy into his arms, the kiss nothing short of possessive. But Mercy didn’t care. He loved being crushed against Ford’s broad chest.
“I’m going to turn a hose on you two if you don’t break this up,” Red threatened.
“Love you, sweet Mercy,” Ford whispered into his ear.
Mercy damn near melted into a pile of goo. “Love you, too.”
“Anyway,” Red said as everyone took a seat at the table, “we have errands to run, but I can come back later today to help out. How does that sound?”
Mercy didn’t want Ford to think he wasn't grateful for all the help he’d given. His mate was the one paying for all this. There was no way Mercy could ever repay Ford for what he’d done.
“Don’t look at me.” Ford dove into his pancakes. “Though I think having Red around will help.”
“Sorry.” Lincoln held up his hands. “Got a horse that needs work. I’ll be busy, but you can borrow Red, just as long as you don’t molest him.”
Mercy had been drinking his orange juice. He coughed at what Lincoln had said. Then he saw the sparkle of humor in Lincoln’s eyes.
“I think your mate will be fine,” Ford said. “It’s Mercy who needs to worry. I can’t keep my hands off him.”
“Ford!” Mercy smacked his mate’s arm. “TMI!”
Mercy’s mood was much lighter, and he was thankful that Ford had called his family there. It had helped brighten his mood, and now he was ready to tackle his project.
* * * *
“How about you blend the two?” Red looked at both plans that were still stumping Mercy. “A little old mixed with a little new?” He tapped the plans with the old style look. “Keep the couches and fireplace and the floating lights. I like those. The chalkboard menu is fantastic, too. Have a modern counter, and the brick wall behind the counter, and then you can have your pastel colors on the rest of the walls.”
“You’re a genius!” Mercy hugged Red.
“Tell me something I don’t know.” Red chuckled. “There, problem solved. Boom. Let’s go get a taco.”
Mercy’s stomach grumbled. It was close to dinner, and Ford had gone across the street to Cresting Moon. The men who’d been laying the floor had knocked off for the day, so it was just Mercy and Red in the shop.
And Ford had picked an amazing floor. The colors were subtle and neutral enough not to clash with the rest of the shop. The material was something he called slate stone and would’ve worked with either plan.
“You have to bake a few things upstairs.” Red turned and leaned a hip into the unfinished counter. “I need to take photos of your creations for your website. We also need to work on pricing and store hours. Do you plan on shipping your goods to people?”
“See.” Mercy rubbed a hand over his forehead. “I haven’t thought of any of that.”
Red patted his shoulder. “That’s what I’m here for. And don’t you just love that I’m not charging you for any of my brilliance?”
“Modest much?” Mercy teased as he heard the door open. He assumed it was Ford, so he didn’t bother looking.
“Heard a new business was opening up soon.”
Mercy’s heart dropped at the sound of Lloyd’s voice. Had he been waiting close by until he saw Ford leave?
He slowly turned and stared at his ex-boyfriend. Lloyd was a complete and utter monster, but he was also handsome. That was one of the things that had lured Mercy in, that and Lloyd’s deceptive charm.
“A friend of yours?” Red rolled up the plans and stuffed them under the counter.
“My ex,” Mercy said.
“Oh, the guy who’s body we’re going to hide.” Red rubbed his hands together. “Cool.”
Mercy furrowed his brows as he looked at Red.
Red shrugged. “I’ve dealt with bullies my entire life because of my intelligence
. I’m not afraid of them. Underneath all their bluster they’re just cowards.”
“Can we talk privately?” Lloyd looked around, as if he were making sure Ford hadn’t mysteriously appeared from thin air.
Although Mercy knew Red was right, that didn’t stop his heart from racing. This was the guy who had abused Mercy on so many levels, had broken his trust, who had cheated on him, beaten on him, and had threatened his life on more than one occasion.
“No. You need to leave.” Mercy felt as if he was repeating himself from the last time they’d seen each other. Why couldn’t Lloyd take the hint? It was more than a hint. Mercy was flat-out telling him, and the guy still couldn’t get it through his head that it was over and they had nothing to say to each other.
He also feared this would happen again from their last encounter. Had Lloyd returned to Fever’s Edge hoping they could get back together? The idea made Mercy’s stomach churn. Nothing on earth could convince him to get back with Lloyd.
Even if Mercy hadn’t found his mate, he still wouldn’t give his ex a second chance.
Lloyd walked farther into the shop. Mercy hated that he instinctively took a step back. He hated that Lloyd saw that Mercy still feared the bastard.
Lloyd’s gaze swung to Red, as if sizing him up. Red was tall but lean. Mercy’s ex probably thought he could take him down if it came to that.
In truth, Mercy had no idea if Red could fight and didn’t want to find out. He didn’t want Red pulled into this mess. “Get out, Lloyd. You’re not welcome here,” Mercy said in a firmer voice.
“You seriously need to leave, bruh,” Red said. He stood right next to Mercy, like he was telling Mercy they would battle the asshole together.
Mercy was thankful he wasn’t alone in the shop. There was no way he would be able to fight off Lloyd on his own. He’d tried many times during their disastrous relationship and had gotten his ass beat every time.
But that never stopped him from running his mouth. Mercy doubted anything would ever stop him from verbally defending himself. He just wished he had the muscles to back up his words.
“This isn’t any of your business,” Lloyd said to Red as he narrowed his eyes.
“Mercy is my business.” Red matched Lloyd’s scowl. “Walk out of here before you’re carried out.”
Mercy cast a glance at Red. He’d liked the guy from the moment they’d met. Red had also confided in Mercy about the events that had led to him coming to the ranch. He’d been stabbed and shot twice, left for dead. And now he stood there defending Mercy, ready to take on Lloyd.
He’d fought against his attackers and had survived. Red was a fighter, and Mercy’s admiration for him grew. But Mercy couldn’t let Red take on Lloyd. This was his problem, and he needed to be the one to deal with it, to purge Lloyd from his life.
Moving from behind the counter, Mercy kept his shoulders back and his head high, though he was scared shitless to go toe to toe with Lloyd.
His limbs began to shake the closer he drew to the guy, but Mercy had to defeat his monster. He had to face his worst nightmare—though one could argue that Vladimir was now his worst nightmare.
“If you keep harassing me, I’ll call the cops,” Mercy said. “I’ll get a restraining order. I’ll make sure it’s your life that’s a living hell. I’ve changed over the past three years. I’m not cowering to you. I no longer fear you.” A total lie. “There’s nothing left for us to say to each other, so get the hell out.”
As soon as Lloyd raised his hand, Red jumped over the counter and raced toward them. Mercy ducked, missing the flying hand that would’ve smacked him dead in the face.
When he dropped, Mercy wasn’t sure what had taken over, but he slammed his fist into Lloyd’s balls. The guy doubled over, wheezing as his face turned a bright shade of red.
Mercy scrambled away in case Lloyd tried to strike back.
“You’re going to pay for that,” Lloyd said as he tried to catch his breath.
Red threw his foot out, catching Lloyd in his jaw, sending him flying backward. Red stayed at Mercy’s side, his legs spread apart in a fighting stance. “We need to go out drinking together,” he said to Mercy. “Just imagine the bar fights we can get into. I think we make an amazing fighting team.”
Mercy kept his eyes on Lloyd but arched a brow. “I’d rather not.”
Lloyd pushed to his feet, his face a mask of rage. He fists convulsed at his sides as his jaw clenched.
Mercy spotted Ford crossing the street with plastic bags in his hand. Red must have spotted him, too, because he smirked. “I dare you to come at us again,” he said to Lloyd.
Mercy wouldn’t go that far. He’d prefer his ex stay across the shop from them. He didn’t want Lloyd to fly at him with those fists. Mercy had gotten in a lucky shot, but he knew Lloyd wouldn't let him get away with another one.
The door to the shop opened. Ford stepped in and looked between them. As soon as his eyes landed on Lloyd, darkness descended over his features.
He handed the bags to Mercy, crossed the shop, and lifted Lloyd off his feet by his shirtfront. “Did he touch you?”
Mercy knew Ford was talking to him. “No.”
“He tried,” Red said. “He tried to hit Mercy, but you should’ve seen your boy. He dropped and nailed the prick’s balls with his fist. You should be proud of him.”
Lloyd flailed in Ford’s grip, trying to free himself, but Ford had a tight hold on him. “Do you have a death wish?” Ford asked. “You tried to hurt my mate?”
Mercy was dead certain Lloyd had no clue what a mate was.
“I just came here to talk,” Lloyd argued.
From the look on Ford’s face, Mercy thought his mate would murder Lloyd. Mercy hated his ex with every breath he took, but he didn’t want to see Lloyd killed. He wouldn’t be able to live with that on his conscience. He just wanted his ex to go away and never bother him again.
He placed his hand on Ford’s arm. Mercy didn’t have to say anything. Ford gave him a knowing look, though he doubted Ford agreed.
Ford pulled Lloyd close, their noses almost touching. “Come anywhere near Mercy again and I won’t let him talk me out of killing you. Think I’m playing? I dare you to think my words are a hollow threat so I can prove to you how serious I am.”
Ford dragged Lloyd to the door and tossed him out onto the street. Not that Mercy cared about the guy. God no. He was just against violence, abhorred it after what he’d been through, and he was glad Ford hadn’t beat the hell out of Lloyd.
Though Lloyd would have deserved it.
Red squeezed Mercy’s shoulder. “I’m going to take my food to the kitchen so you two can talk.”
He grabbed the bags from Mercy and walked away.
Ford ran his hands down Mercy’s arms. “Are you okay?”
Now that Lloyd was gone, Mercy wanted to collapse with relief. “No, I’m not okay,” he said honestly. “I wish he would have never come back to town.”
“I’ll talk to the sheriff. I’ll let him know about Lloyd and that he’s harassing you.” Ford drew Mercy into his strong arms. The comforting hug was exactly what Mercy needed. “But if he keeps coming around you, I’m going to handle the problem myself. Nobody is going to fuck with my mate. Nobody.”
Ford practically growled the words. Mercy was glad he had Ford in his life. Not that Mercy wanted his mate to throw his muscles around, but it was good to know he was no longer alone in his fight.
Lincoln would’ve been there for him. And Red, too. Mercy was definitely not alone anymore, and damn if that wasn’t the best feeling ever.
Chapter Ten
While Red and Mercy talked upstairs, Ford pulled his laptop out from his truck and punched in Lloyd’s name. The Ultionem had given him unlimited resources when it came to researching nonhumans, so finding out about Lloyd should be a walk in the park. He didn’t need what the Ultionem had given him. Lloyd’s information was public knowledge.
And Ford was blown away by what he read
. The reason the human had been gone for the past few years was because he’d been in prison. Felonious assault. Kidnapping. Aggravated menacing. Carrying a concealed weapon.
Ford leaned back from the counter and scrubbed a hand over his head. It seemed Mercy hadn’t been the only guy Lloyd had pulled that bullshit on. Ford looked through the docket and found his parole officer’s phone number.
Ford called it. He wasn’t sure anyone would answer since it was so late, but he had to try, because the alternative would be to kill Lloyd. Ford wouldn’t lose any sleep if he had to rip the son of a bitch apart. He would do whatever he had to in order to keep Mercy safe.
But he’d seen the look in Mercy’s eyes, the look that had asked him not to turn to violence. It had taken great restraint not to kill Lloyd. Ford knew the type. Lloyd was a black mark on society, someone who would never learn.
Ford would try this Mercy’s way, but if that didn’t work, well, how should Ford know why Lloyd had up and disappeared? Lloyd had no idea who he was fucking with. Ford hunted down dangerous criminals for a living. Dealing with a human was a cakewalk for him.
The call went to voice mail. Ford would try again in the morning, because he was pretty sure Lloyd was violating his parole by harassing Mercy. Ford was also going to let the sheriff know about Lloyd and his penchant for violence.
The more Ford thought about it, the more he wished he’d never let Lloyd live.
Ford looked up when he heard something click. The sound was close by. It couldn’t have been Mercy or Red. They were still in the apartment.
Closing his laptop, Ford walked into the shop area and looked around. It was dark outside, but there were still people across the street at Cresting Moon. Ford looked toward the door that led upstairs and saw it closed. He remembered when Mercy and Red had gone up. They’d left it wide open.
Ford had started for the door when Lincoln walked into the shop. “Hey, Ford. Where’s Red?”
Lincoln was there to pick up his mate. Maybe Red had come downstairs to look out the front window for Lincoln. Maybe that was why the door was closed.