Misted (Team Zero #5) by Rina Kent

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.

His memories.

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.

I forget to breathe.

He strides inside with measured, silent steps like a panther. Unlike a panther, his presence fills the space. It has little to do with his impressive height and broad shoulders and more to do with him.

Silence has always been his attribute, but he doesn’t need to speak to own the air and everything in his immediate vicinity.

He’s wearing jeans that hang low on his hips and a baggy grey T-shirt that still clings to his defined muscles. His light brown hair has grown from the clean-cut to cover the top of his head. His piercing turquoise eyes that always barged into my dreams uninvited scan the office with a predatory gleam until they lock with mine.

They remain there. Unwavering. Expressionless. Silent.

God forbid if the man shows any emotion.

He never did since that day.

I tighten my crossed arms, afraid he’ll see my heart trying to thump out of my chest.

For months, I thought he died. Now that he’s here, I want him gone. For fucking good.

You know what will happen if you disobey?

I dig my nails further in my arm until I break the skin, but I school my features into the nonchalant façade I’ve been perfecting for years.

“Hawk agreed to help.” Ghost nods his way. “The more Team Zero, the better.”

“Absolutely not.” I jerk to my feet and speak in my coldest tone. “Either he leaves or I will make him.”





3





Hawk





Hate is a small word to describe what I feel for you. The time has come for me to destroy you.



I had a few expectations for our reunion.

Her against the wall. Me on top of her. All over her.

Then she had to say she’ll make me leave.

Well, fucking think again, Hellion. That ship has sailed an eternity ago.

After avoiding my gaze for years, Mist’s harsh hazel eyes pierce through my soul. Only I don’t have one anymore.

I want to freeze that look, steal it and suffocate it somewhere out of reach.

There was a moment during the torture where I almost forgot that sharp look. I can forget my fucking self. My existence. My damn name. But I’m not allowed to forget her or the fucked up things she did.

There’s a lot of debt between us.

It’s time I collect.

My eyes rake over her long off-shoulder dress. The velvety dark green material hugs her tiny waist and flares over made-for-my-hands hips.

The twist of her flaming hair at the back of her head appears painful.

Red hair. Red nails. Red heels.

Blood.

My favourite fucking colour.

“Mist.” Ghost’s voice is firm but not harsh.

She pays him no attention and continues glaring at me. She was never this stern and uptight like a rigid cord waiting to be snapped.

I’ll do the snapping and break her in for fucking good.

“Shouldn’t you be gone to some hole in the Middle East?” she asks in a cold, no-nonsense tone.