Page 139 of Misted

I don’t know who came up with that story — although I’m ready to bet it’s either Ink or Flame — but it’s genius.

“I did,” I say with my chin high and cross my arms to appear serious.

“I can overlook our deal about your return to The Pit since you caught Nero’s killer.”

I sit taller in bed. “You will?”

“Yes, but since you didn’t keep your part of the deal, I won’t let Ink go.” He places a hand in his trousers’ pocket. “He’ll have to do something for me in return for his temporary freedom.”

I’m sure Ink will fend for himself. I face Hades and ask the most important question. “How about Hawk?”

He gives me a quizzical expression. “He shot Molly down.”

“And that’s a problem because? He saved you from killing her.”

I would’ve shot that bitch myself if I got a redo. I would’ve cut her open just like she helped them to cut away my child.

“I didn’t ask him to save me from killing her.” His voice sounds irritated. “I had so many plans to punish Nero’s killer. Since he took my pleasure away, he needs to be put down.”

I reign in my emotions and say in a cool voice. “Since you’re talking to me, you want something.”

“That’s my Mist.” His lips curve, but it’s neither a smile or a smirk. “What are you willing to do for his life?”

“What do you want?”

“Inside info on Ink.” Hades taps his chin. “You see, no matter how I torture that little rubbish, I haven’t been quite able to break him. I don’t like it.”

The sick freaking bastard.

Despite the urge to stab him with his own finger, I nod anyway.

Hades is mistaken if he thinks he can get anything on Ink. Even I don’t know much about his real identity and how deep he really runs.

Ink and I will work together and I’ll only tell Hades what Ink approves of. If he believes any of Team Zero’s members would side with him against each other, then he must’ve not been watching us closely enough all these decades.

“Let Hawk out,” I demand.

“I will. I just need to know that whatever information you give me is authentic.”

“How will you make sure of that?”

“Is Ink on or off Omega?”

I gulp. This is his way to test my authenticity. He wants me to say no so he’ll capture Ink again, but I know Ink enough.

“On,” I say calmly. His eyes were somewhat glassy and I pray he didn’t begin detoxing.

“Correct.” Hades sounds bored. “For that, I’ll give you a reward once I’m out.”

He heads to the door.

“How about Hawk?” I call after him.

“I need to take out my frustration on him first. Whether he survives or not is up to him.”

“Wait!”

The door swings shut behind him. My chest rises and falls so heavily, my heart almost bursts open.