Page 8

H e rolled his eyes so hard he was afraid he was going to lose them in the back of his skull as Jack asked the same question the fifth time,

“So, what’d you and Ray do?”

Angel sighed, choosing not to reply as he hadn’t for the past five attempts. He didn’t know if Ray wanted to announce it to the world yet. Knew he wanted to keep it to himself for just a bit though. Just to torture the four pair of eyes glaring at him,

“ What, man?” Luke finally snapped. Angel simply leaned further back in his chair in response. They were still seated in Ray’s or Akash’s house, the four of them having had slept on the floor together.

He sighed.

In his defense, this was all Ray’s fault.

And he thought about it. Thought about she’d made it her life’s mission to ruin them and how he’d done everything in his power to turn his people against his father in his time here. She’d somehow ruined all his intricate plans and had now very possibly sold him on the idea of abandoning his entire group by simply doing the easiest thing ever.

Burning everything down.

“Ah,” Angel sighed as he thought about it, “I might’ve fucked up.”

If not Jack’s whines, his words finally attracted everyone’s attention. Everyone here knew how he’d carefully built himself up to rip the businesses out from under Martin’s nose. But knowing now, after talking to Raylene and telling her about the things he’d found in the hospital before the event, at th e

end of all this, they were only going to end up in ruins.

There was a minute of silence that followed his words, and then,

“What,” Christina said, exasperated as she let out a calming breath, “did you do now?”

Angel ahh’ed again and flopped back, the images of his house, his business all burning down flashing behind in his eyes. Jack’s growl of annoyance filled the air, and he was totally aware of Luke holding onto a very exasperated Mia as she tried to attack him,

“Let me–” she grunted in Luke’s hold as her eyes flashed in irritation, “Let me fucking at him. I’ll kill him and maybe we’ll know what the hell he’s going on about – ”

“Angel.” Came Luke’s tired voice, “Just spit it out or I’m going to let her go. I swear to God,”

“I kissed Raylene Walker.”

That silenced them. Angel blinked and pursued his lips and was about to continue when he heard a burst of laughter from his side. He nodded solemnly as everyone burst out laughing beside him, and closed his eyes as he heard Jack gasp out,

“That’s it?” he said, “God you’re such a–”

“And she’s going to ruin all our plans now.”

Their laughter ceased immediately, and Angel nodded solemnly again, hilariously at peace with the fire. At peace with his doomed fate, “She’s probably going to set everything on fire as she did with the Lions. And she’s going to ruin every plan we’ve ever made up until now.”

“You’re telling me,” Came Christina’s hoarse reply, “That all those stupid calculations you made me do. All that detailed planning and hours of figuring out ways to get under your father’s nose– ”

Angel sighed, “There’s a new player in the game now.”

He said and opened his eyes. Stared at the wide expanse of the ceiling, “And now that we’re going to go after them, we’re going to also probably burn ourselves to the ground.”

Another minute of silence followed his words.

And was interrupted by Mia again jumping ahead to attack him and Luke grabbing onto her again with a tired sigh.

“I’m actually going to kill you – ”

“Oh, do shut up ! ”

Angel shot up at that, and turned to see Noah and Myra walk out their room, the former rubbing his eyes as Myra glared at all of them,

“Why do you all have to be up this early in the fucking morning?” she snapped, to which Angel fell back on his chair and returned calmly,

“It’s noon.”

“I will murder you.”

Angel closed his eyes as he heard Noah yawn loudly and mumble through it, “Get in line.”

“Where are the others?” Jack asked from beside Angel, “Or are you two the only ones here?”

“Irene’s still asleep, Ira’s waking her up right now. Sorin’s been on his phone all morning, and the others–” she paused and looked around, a frown turning her brows. Angel sat up, opening his eyes again,

“They’re yelling at Ray.”

Noah jarred awake at that, his shoulders stiffening, “What?” he almost yelled, “Without me?”

Myra smacked him on the head in response, making his entire body jerk forward .

Angel saw his friends stiffen at the action, wondering about the repercussions when Noah just shot Myra a dirty look and turned to walk into the kitchen.

Angel blinked at their interaction. It would take a while, seeing these representatives the world feared act like friends. It would take a while for all of this to sink in. Angel saw Myra turn to Christina, who was the only one who was standing, and frown,

“Your face is scaring me, please sit down.”

Angel turned and almost shot forward at the way she’d paled. Of course, it would take all of them time to get used to all this.

It would take all of them time.

But it was an idea they’d have to get used to fast. Angel glanced at the clock hanging in the middle of the room, the chair creaking under him as he shifted uncomfortably.

Ray needed to get here as soon as humanly possible.

And as if on cue, Angel heard the faint rustle of the lock twisting and turned to see the door fly open. His eyes zeroed on Ray, who ran inside, looking absolutely exhausted as she darted her head around in search of someone. Angel blinked when he thought it might be him. And knew he was right when her eyes settled on his.

He subdued a grin as she sighed, visibly calming as she trudged in his direction. Angel didn’t really care for prying eyes, just opened his arms wide and heard her sigh of defeat again. A wave of warmth washed over him when Ray flopped into his open arms and climbed so she was sitting before him and buried her face on the side of his shoulder. She mumbled something incoherent as he closed her hands around her body and fell back on the chair, taking her with him .

“This is disgusting,” Angel turned to see Irene walk out with a distasteful expression in her eyes, “Make it stop.”

Ray just raised her middle finger in response.

Smiling, he placed his chin atop her head and blinked at the audience up ahead. He saw Jack mimic gagging in Christina’s direction, and shot him a venomous look, the smile on his lips never dimming.

“We should probably tell them now.” He murmured from the corner of his mouth, soft enough for Ray to hear. She groaned in his chest, the sound reverberating through his body as she sat up lazily. He watched her move, saw her blue black hair sweep across her face like a damned mess as she glared at him. Angel just tilted his head, the warmth in his chest spreading as he pushed back the strands of her hair,

“We really should.”

“Tell us what?” came Akash’s muffled question from the kitchen.

Ray moved so fast that the entire chair creaked dangerously with her quick movement. But she didn’t move away from him. Just turned so her back was now pressing his against his chest. She sat cross legged up ahead and turned around the room,

“Where’s Sorin?” she asked instead. Angel grunted in surprise when she dropped her weight on him without warning but wrapped herself in his embrace regardless. His eyes crinkled at her show of affection, something fuzzy spreading through his lungs at her comfort with him. At her trust. Every small action from this moment, every expression, he vowed. He’d savor it. Make it last for a lifetime.

And maybe more.

“I’m here. ”

Angel turned his head to see Sorin walk through the doors, Ira in tow behind him. The latter saw where Ray was sitting and rose a brow. Angel shot her a questioning look, which she returned by simply chucking out her tongue in his direction. He laughed softly at her actions, attracting Sorin’s attention. The boy, who’d been looking down at his phone, glanced up and saw the scene up ahead. Angel’s hold on her tightened as his jaw dropped, his eyes widening,

“I was gone a few minutes.” He said indignantly and Angel heard Ray click her tongue,

“Just sit down. We need to discuss something.”

Her words called everyone closer. They all took up chairs and made a circle around them. Angel waited for everyone to settle, and noticed as Ray shifted ahead, her arms crossing. Sorin took a seat on Angel’s left, his eyes on his phone as he crossed his legs and sat. Beside him sat Myra and Irene, who were sharing a larger chair. Neera and Cameron sat beside them, both their gaze serious as they looked at Ray. Irene sat between them, her knees tucked into her chest as she peered at everyone curiously. Noah lounged in his chair comfortably, a grin on his lips as he shot Angel an incomprehensive look. Angel blinked at it.

Luke sat on his other side, talking to Jack in low whispers as the two boys discussed something – probably their future plan of action. Christina and Mia sat solemnly beside both of them, Christina’s thumbs dwindling nervously. Angel turned to see Jack’s hand stop that movement as he laced his fingers with hers, not ceasing his conversation with Luke as he did so. Christina glanced up at that, and locked eyes with Angel, something like doubt flickering in her eyes .

Angel shook his head, a calm smile on his lips as he willed her to understand. Willed her to know that he’d never let them down. Would never willingly put them any danger. Christina nodded briskly at that, the fire in her gaze returning.

“Where’s Micah?” Angel heard Ray ask quietly and was about to divert to the conversation when he saw Mia’s brows scrunch. She was holding her phone in her hand, her eyes on the device as she read something speedily.

An odd feeling climbed through his bones when Mia’s head snapped up, utter surprise written on her features. He almost moved forward, but it was her who got up, her hands shaking as she looked at him. And then at Christina.

Ray turned to glance at him over her shoulder, something dark shining in her eyes as Mia strode forward towards them. Angel let out a breath, the feeling turning his stomach as Mia neared him and leaned down to whisper in his ears,

“He talked.” She said, a tremor in her voice, “He’s given us some concrete leads.”

Luke, having caught her words, turned to him in surprise. This quick? This easy? Was it a trap?

Ray’s hand landed atop his, its warmth seeping through his skin, reminding him of what they were meant to do now. What all this meant. Angel breathed out and tightened his hold on her fingers. Go on, he wanted to say as Mia sat back down, but didn’t have to say it aloud, tell them.

“There’s a new player.” Ray’s voice was loud enough to quiet all the conversations around them. Angel sat up straighter and shifted back, crossing his legs as well as she continued, “We know they’re using our name. And we know they’re targeting me. ”

“Us.” Neera interjected and Ray shook her head,

“ Me. I doubt they know who the Nameless group actually is, who we really are. Maybe they were just targeting the bridge between a very powerful alliance.” She said and Angel saw Neera lean back in her seat, her gaze insistent, “But I have reason to believe we might have the upper hand in the situation now.”

As if the rest of them knew, their eyes turned over her shoulder and rested on Angel.

He rolled his shoulders at the attention, fighting a bristle as he began, “Back at the ambush in the hotel, there was a man we caught. Who Ray shot down and was believed to be dead by the Larsens.” He said, and looked at Akash, who ran a hand through his hair, “Dead by the world. But we’ve had him for a while now.”

He risked a glance at Ira and was pleasantly surprised to find the girl simmering in her spot. Her short hair swayed atop her head as she leaned forward and glared down at her laced hands. Angel breathed out, “His name’s–”

“Arwan Lyall.”

Micah’s voice was far too dark to belong to such a young boy. But the fourteen-year-old only stepped through the open doors of another bedroom and looked calmly in Ira’s direction. The girl shook but didn’t flinch at his words. Nor did she balk when he took a few steps forward and stood right behind Sorin, something venomous shifting in his grey eyes. Angel rose a brow in question, and Micah, having had caught the look simply pointed at the small scar that marred his cheekbone and jaw,

“He gave me these.” He said and Ira finally looked up, her expression giving away nothing , “I won’t forget his name. ”

Angel blinked away the wave of rage that washed over him and turned back to the others, “Arwan’s been in our facilities for a while now. Half fighting for his life as he’s being questioned to give up more information about these new players.” He turned to Mia, “And up until now, we didn’t have any substantial leads.”

“All I know is that my father is one of them,” he continued and shook his head at the frowns that deepened most of their expressions, “It’s making no sense, I know. Which is why I think that he’s not the only one involved. And it’s possible he’s not the key player either way.”

“We’re dealing with a ghost here.” Ray said and massaged the back of her neck, “No one knows where they came from. And no one knows where they reside.”

“We know now.” Angel interjected and Ray looked over her shoulder, her eyes betraying the same thing both of them were thinking.

Are you sure?

Angel gave his answer by continuing, “He’s finally broken.” He said and pointed in Mia’s direction. She nodded and handed him the phone, her eyes shining with conviction as he glanced down at the device and caught the five sites written in the message, “We have five facilities around the world where Lyall’s operated. Five opportunities for us to figure out who’s behind this mess.”

“And then we’re finally out of the fucking bind.” Ray ended.

“So how do we divide this?” Noah asked from up ahead, lacing his hands as he leaned forward, “We need to figure out–”

“This can’t involve any of you.” Ray interrupted and Noah frowned, but Ray shook her head before any of them could argue ,

“If any idea of you guys being with me gets out, we’ll all be at risk. For now, their focus is solely on me as the alliance is riding on me. On whether or not I’ll wake from my coma or not.”

“But there is no alliance anymore.” Neera interpreted for Cameron, who signed the words, “We’ve successfully managed to wipe the Lion’s out.”

Ray turned to Sorin, who averted his gaze, “We haven’t gotten rid of Kyle. Which means getting rid of Maya and Alessandro is also going to be difficult. We can’t have them joining hands with this group.”

“Kyle will agree to keep his mouth shut.” Sorin said softly then, and Ray heaved a breath from up ahead. Angel saw the look in Sorin’s eyes. Was afraid he was intercepting it as something else. But then he looked back at Ray, his lips set with conviction,

“We’ll get rid of the Maya and Alessandro. Silence them as we’d planned to.” She spoke.

“You’re talking about killing one of the most powerful families in the world.” Mia said, her voice betraying doubt. But Ray only scoffed,

“There’s different ways of dying Mia,” she said, and goosebumps erupted on Angel’s arm at her cold voice, “You’re dead if you don’t exist for the rest of the world.”

“And making the world forget isn’t as difficult as it’s said to be.” Came Myra’s happy response. Angel blinked at her fake cheer, realizing that they’d done this before. Had probably been successful considering their confidence.

“Leave that to me.” Akash said softly, and looked at Ray, “I’ll take care of the Larsens,” he turned to Sorin, and nudged his chin in his direction, “He can handle Kyle and Vera.”

“Vera,” Ray whispered, and Angel remembered the girl coming to Ray’s rescue. Shooting Kyle down, “How did she get to know about me? ”

“Maybe her cousin let it slip?” Mia said, her tone unbothered and matter-of-fact. Her words attracted a sharp glare from Ray,

“How about you worry about yourself, Mia?” she shot back.

Mia’s eyes flashed sharply at her retort, but Angel shook his head at both of them, “Enough.” He said just as she was about to snap back and saw Ray’s shoulders go taut. He turned to Mia,

“Stop the accusations, Mia.” He said calmly and leaned forward so he was within Ray’s line of sight, “And calm down.”

Ray’s teeth clenched but she nodded, calming in his hold, “I’ll get it out of her.” She said and moved so she was sitting with her back to his chest again, “For now we need to fix our plan of action.”

“I still think we should divide and work together.” Irene said, her braids slipping over her shoulder as she looked intently at Ray, “We can get more ground covered in lesser time.”

“And if not them,” Jack began, “We can help.”

Angel looked at his friend, making sure to convey his gratitude as Ray nodded at both their words. Jack shot a serious dip of chin at the look and continued,

“I doubt you’re the only target. If the players were smart enough, I’d think they would come after Kyle and Angel as well. An alliance doesn’t stand solely with the middleman.” He paused and turned to Christina, “And knowing now that they could be based in five different places, each of them could be a trap. I think we should go after all of them at the same time to see which one’s real.”

“Because even if they get even a whiff of what you’re up to,” Irene continued for him, catching his line of thought, “They’ll be on the move again .

And with what we’ve seen, they aren’t a big group after all. Recruiting children is the first sign–”

“What if they’re saving their resources? Bidding for time?” Ray countered, “What if they want us divided and what if two of us go in one of the facilities and are bombarded with a large group, we can’t bring down by ourselves?”

Angel could feel her growing panic. He’d never seen this side of her. Was used to her cold and collected self. Human, he thought a bit wondrously as he looked at her, she was human.

“Ray,” Noah said softly but it was Angel who leaned forward. Who grabbed the back of her shoulders and hauled her back into his arms. Others might be used to this. Might be used to her panicking like this. But Angel wanted to deal with it in his own way,

“I have an idea.” He said with a wide smile as her head tilted up to peer at him. Those honey eyes seemed to glisten in surprise as she realized who she was with. He nodded. He knew how different it felt now that they weren’t out for each other’s throat.

“Well?” Myra probed, crossed her arms as she tilted her head in his direction, “What is it?”

Angel’s grin widened, “You like bombing things, do you not?”

Ray blinked, taking a moment to catch the meaning behind his words. She gasped when she reached the realization.

And he nodded again, a smile turning his lips.

“We could spread out as you said,” Ray said, sitting up as she rubbed her chin in thought, “But instead of breaking and entering to figure out which place is the real sight, we place bombs on each of the sites and wait for confirmation. ”

“When we know which site it is, we can just,” Angel snapped his fingers, “Blow them up.”

Ray chuckled before him, “Not that easy. We can’t just kill the innocents there,” she said and shook her head in his direction, “We need to scout it out. And only after making sure that everyone is out, we go in for the kill.”

“Because if there one thing we’ve learnt from infiltrating the Lions,” Myra said, playing with her pink highlights as she stared into nowhere, “It’s that we need to figure out who’s the real enemies.” Her gaze turned to Sorin, who sat straighter, “Kyle and Vera were like wildcards in our plans. Now we know what side they fall on.”

“So where do we go from here?” Mia asked, the chair under her creaking as she leaned back. Angel’s hold on the phone in his hand tightened, a movement Ray discreetly covered as she moved. He admired her line of sight, her attention. Was glad to have it as support as he answered Mia’s question,

“Now we find out where to go. And we put the first step of the plan in motion.”

Ray nodded, and turned to Ira,

“Scouting.” She said, a bit distracted as the younger girl stared back at her. Angel could see the question in her eyes. So could Ray, because she shook her head and said in a gentle voice,

“Not you.” She said and looked at Micah as well, who turned taut at her attention, “Nor you. Both of you play no part in any of this anymore. However,” she added with a hint of seriousness, “If you both have any other information to share, you best do it now. ”

Angel saw Ira and Micah share a glance. Wondered when they’d met for the first time when the latter turned to Ray, his hands tightening on the back of Sorin’s chair,

“I can help you with the facilities.” He said, and Angel leaned back, suddenly tired from this conversation, “I’m sure I’ve been to at least one of them. But in return–”

“Your father’s safe.

Micah’s grey eyes flashed, “How’d you know…” he began quietly, his voice shaking as Ray waved a hand in the air,

“Van’s an old friend. It was a miracle he turned out to be your father.” She said, and Angel’s brows furrowed at the familiar name.

“Godfather.” Sorin corrected gently and looked over his shoulder at Micah, “As long as you’re with us until all this ends, you and Van should be safe.”

Van.

Angel blinked and blurted out after a moment’s pause, “The barber?”

Ray grinned at him, “Sorin and Micah were hiding there while we waited for everything to settle.”

Angel scoffed, his mind blown as he flopped back in his seat. It was wonderous how they’d managed to hide this for so long now.

“Well anyway,” Myra interrupted, “We need to decide how to divide ourselves.” She turned to Angel’s friends, her gaze narrowing. Angel straightened behind Ray, ready for a fight when Myra just shrugged,

“I think we should pair up.”

“Pair up?” Christina said and Myra nodded, lost in thought.

“It’ll help build trust,” she said realistically and looked at the rest of them without a hint of doubt or judgement ,

“Like if Luke and Noah and I start working together.”

“Jack can join us,” Sorin said, pointing at himself and Irene.

“And Christina with me and Cameron.” Neera continued calmly. Angel arched a brow as Ray looked over her shoulder again,

“I guess that leaves me with the lovebirds.” Mia said in distaste, and leveled a glare on both of them, “Don’t make it worse for me.”

“You all need to relax.” Angel noted and returned a hard glare as Akash scoffed from beside Ray,

“Why don’t you try that after letting go of her, Raven?” He remarked tauntingly. Angel shot him an unamused smile as Ray put her face in her hands and sighed deeply,

“He has a name.” she said, exhausted just as he heard Mia snort.

They all cackled but Neera just stared at Mia stoically. Angel, sighing now, just rubbed the middle of his brows with more force that necessary and growled deep,

“Can we please stay focused–”

A loud screech filled the room as Sorin got to his feet suddenly. His movement surprised Micah, who darted back as if he were caught on fire. But Sorin just turned to look at Ray, who moved to stand on her feet. Angel didn’t really understand what was happening until Noah got up as well and Sorin turned to all of them.

Well, all of them excluding him and his friends.

“Are you sure you want to bring him in this?” he asked, his voice dubious. Ray blinked at him, surprise marring her features. Angel furrowed his brows, wondered if he was talking about Kyle when Neera got to her feet as well,

“Do you trust him?” Ray asked .

Sorin shook at her words.

“I do.” He said softly, “But not enough to share every minute detail of our plans.”

Ray nodded beside him, “Then tell him nothing of it–”

“I want him to know about our allegiance with them,” he nudged his chin in Angel’s direction, “I want him to know who I am. Who we are.”

“Tell him.” Noah replied calmly and stepped in his brother’s direction. Angel saw it now, and still couldn’t believe his eyes. Couldn’t believe they were twins and had slipped under so many people’s noses just. Like. That.

“Don’t tell him about the new player. Tell him nothing about our plans. But tell him who we are if you want to.”

Angel didn’t know what was going on, but judging by the sheen look in Sorin’s eyes it wasn’t easy. He knew now they were talking about Kyle. Knew what went between Sorin and Kyle was far deeper than he’d ever imagined. It surprised him but made both of them a bit more human. Made them far more understandable.

It was with that thought, he slid off his chair and brushed his pants to smoothen them down. Smiled as he saw Ray shoot him a questioning look and turned to look at the rest of his friends. Luke and Jack got up as well, turning to face him as he heaved a breath and said in a low voice,

“It’s time for us to head home as well.”

Angel was aware of Ray turning on her heels to face him, and turned so he was too facing her. His eyes softened at her fractured expression, and he forced his urge to wrap her in his arms to subside as he continued,

“We’ll manage some damage control from our end. Let Martin believe that we aren’t onto him as of yet. And let the world believe the allianc e

has been broken and the Lions are now forgotten.” He paused and Ray took a step forward, “Let the world believe you’re in a coma and will be for a while.”

Never again, she seemed to say and Angel nodded, the fear of thinking that Ray was that close to death washing over him. Never again.

“Hey,” Akash said, and Angel looked over Ray’s head at the boy, “Sorry for shooting you in the arm.”

Ray beamed at Akash as he turned away after shooting her an unamused glare. Angel nodded as well, a smile turning his lips as he replied haughtily,

“Consider us even then.”

Akash halted, brow arching.

Angel shrugged, “You shot me, I don’t pay for your broken house.”

“Fuck’s sake.” Akash mumbled but waved a hand in the air, walking away now. Angel grinned and turned to the rest of his friends. And turned back to Ray, who had her eyes fixated on her end of the group. They stood like that for a second and moved so they were standing closer. Angled their head so they were looking at each other now.

“I’ll come to you tomorrow.” He said soft enough for her to hear and saw her nod. Smiled softly when she melted,

“And every day after.”

* *

“So, that was…” Jack began as they stepped out of the car Angel had arranged beforehand. The others followed him out,

“Insane.”

“Crazy.”

“Stupid. ”

Angel only sighed as he too followed their movements and got out of the car. The driver reversed it away, leaving the five of them at the foot of their mansion back here. Back home. Who knew Ray was hiding right under his nose this entire time. Wondered if she would ever go back to the house he’d brought down.

“I still can’t believe half of what’s happened,” Christina mumbled and turned a sharp glare on Angel, “And now we have to deal with your idiotic father.”

Angel groaned.

And an overbearing step-mother.

Both Martin and Miranda had arrived at the mansion a while back. He’d received a notification back when Ray had been in the washroom.

He tilted his head now, staring at the desolated place without a ripple of emotion in his mind.

Once, it could’ve been a beautiful place, with its crème walls and golden-brown doors. It wasn’t really a mansion, now that he thought about it, nor did it resemble the palace as the Larsen’s had built on the island.

No, this place was big, but somehow, it was home.

At least until his mother had lived in it.

“No one says anything about Raylene.” Angel said softly, knew for sure his father might have eyes and ears on them the entire time, “And no talk of the new players at all.”

Luke nodded beside him, a movement the rest of them reciprocated as Angel tucked his hands in the pocket of his jeans. He’d been wearing the same clothes for a while now, except the white shirt he’d borrowed from Ray’s place. His fingers itched to touch the red glass that hung from his neck, but he resisted the urge .

Was suddenly reminded that Raylene Walker was wearing the same thing after all.

The thought brought him enough peace of mind to continue.

“We don’t know where Kyle is. But we do know that now that Noah’s dead to the world, Larsen’s business had crumbled. No one knows where Maya or Alessandro is. But now’s our chance to talk over the Lions and maintain our status.”

“And our previous plans?” Jack asked quietly, his eyes cast ahead, a dark curtain over them as he looked at the wretched place.

“We’ll give Martin some control and take advantage of the situation by slowly beginning to pull out.” He turned to Luke and Christina, “Find all the people who want out. Buy them out, threaten them, I don’t give a shit. But start acting on years of contact.”

“What do you want me to do?”

Mia’s question didn’t really surprise him. He turned to her calmly, “Keep Miranda out of all this,” he said gently, “And find out where Maya and Alessandro are.”

“Are we sharing that information?” she asked and crossed her arms. Even Christina turned to him, waiting for his response.

Angel nodded, “We share everything now.”

Mia’s eyes darted down to his necklace and back up again, something like displeasure running in her gaze. But it was Luke who rescued their conversation,

“Good.” He said and Angel looked back ahead, “We need someone on our side.”

You need someone on your side, he seemed to say .

Angel smiled a rueful smile and was about to respond when the main doors up ahead flew open revealing a frenzy of red hair and a pair of dead amber eyes. Angel’s gaze narrowed as Jack sighed and Miranda came running down the stairs, Martin in tow behind her,

“Let it begin.” He murmured and Angel scoffed.

Once and for all.