Page 7 of Misted

As if that isn’t enough, Omega’s side effects killed most of Team Zero since they were children. Only thirteen of us survived. Then, decades later, one of ours died.

Apparently, Omega’s side effects never left, they were only muted. Diablo’s sudden death was a wake-up call to those of us who remained. Detoxing, leaving Hades and his pit isn’t a luxury now, it’s our only way to survive.

The detoxing process is slow as hell. We still need small doses that only Hades provides. Besides, he dispatched just five of us to run one of his partners’ mafia business. The others remain hostages in his hell until we complete his dirty work.

The door opens and Ghost strolls inside with a hand in his suit trousers’ pocket. Thank God. One more minute alone with Scar and Shadow and I’ll start punching a wall.

Ghost is about the same height and built as Shadow. His deep brown eyes hold an edge of wisdom and calm that most of us lack, but there’s also the deadly energy that hints at how merciless he can be. His dark hair is swiped back but appears dishevelled as if someone has been running their fingers through it.

I don’t know why I have this sense of envy towards Ghost and the arsehole Shadow. Especially Shadow. How can a heartless monster like him get happiness?

Not that I care.

The leather squeaks as Ghost sits on Shadow’s chair armrest. He coolly takes Shadow’s bottle, ignoring his grumbles, and pours the amber liquid into a square glass.

Ghost sips from his drink and returns the bottle to Shadow. “I’m leaving.”

I stiffen, perking up into a straight position. Clicks and clacks fill the air as Shadow and Scar abandon their drinks on the small coffee table. Even Flame, who’s always sleeping on the sofa at the back, peeks his ginger head, appearing wide awake.

“Haha. Funny.” Shadow mocks.

Ghost shakes his head. My back turns rigid and dread trickles down my spine because I know Ghost isn’t the joking type.

Shadow must’ve figured that out, too, because he goes for the attack. “How about our mates who are still being tortured by Hades?”

“You’re abandoning them?” Flame’s tone is quiet. Of course, the manipulative prick would go straight to what makes Ghost tick. For once, I approve. If it takes using Ghost’s weakness for Team Zero to make him stay, then so be it.

Not only is he the link that ties our band of psychos together, but he also keeps my Omega detoxification in check.

“I’m not leaving for good.” Ghost continues drinking leisurely. “But I need time off with Elle after the chaos.”

All of us release a simultaneous breath. We don’t voice it, but we know it’ll be a bloody freak show if he isn’t around.

“Brilliant idea!” Shadow grins. “I’ll take Zoe and we can go together.”

“Wait until we return. You have to take care of the factory and we can’t leave Le Salon too empty.” His gaze falls on me. “I’m sure you’ll have no problem with running things around here.”

I nod, but Le Salon is the least of my worries. Without Ghost keeping my detox in check, I might fall down into that dark hole. I sure as hell struggle enough as it is. If I go back to that druggie version of myself, I might not be able to control my killings.

“Mate, my woman is pregnant.” Shadow turns serious for once in his life. “I can’t just take care of a drug factory on my own. Do you have any idea about the amount of shit you have to do before a baby is born? There are classes and books and shitload of googling to do. Bloody hell. It’s no joke.”

An old ache resurfaces again. The pain has always been dull and in the background, but ever since I started detoxing, the memories are trickling back in and I hate them. Jumping into Omega’s dark nothingness hole is better than being sucked in by these memories.

Hismemories.

Fifteen years, a whole fifteen years, but it still feels as if I’m trapped at that moment in time and will never be out.

Ghost twirls his drink. “Stop whining. Someone will help out.”

I cross my arms under my chest, my red nails digging into the flesh.

This can’t be happening.

Ghost has been hinting at it, but he won’t do this to me.

“He should be here about –”

Ghost is cut off when the door opens.