Merc broke out of the crowd and pulled his weapon, keeping it low so none of the guests would see and stepped into the shadowed alcove, partially blocked by tall green plants. Bright blue moonlight shone through the twelve-foot window, highlighting an empty space.
Shit. “He’s not here.”
Hunter and Ranger got to him at the same time. “Where could he have gone?”
“Could he have gone south instead of North? Was she wrong?” Ranger asked.
Merc spun, “Baby, are you sure-” His words died on his lips. “Where is she?”
Had Mankel gotten her?
Hunter lifted his shoulders and shook his head. “I thought you left her somewhere safe.”
“No, she was right behind me.” He got up on his toes and started frantically searching the crowd for any sign of her and then he felt it. Felt the weight tug on his jacket.
Stunned, he pulled the metal clamp free and held it in his hand. She’d never been behind him. She’d tricked him. Lied to him.
Her tears hadn’t been from joy, they’d been tears of goodbye. Merc threw back his head and gnashed his teeth together to keep from screaming her name. A deep and dark well of lonely rage opened up in his chest, radiating out to engulf him whole. He was alone. Again. When he’d finally thought he’d found his soul mate….
I lost her.
