#John: *looking over the cult's expenses and seeing a rise in the poster priting for the Whitetails* *confused noises*

[inafieldofdaisies]

WIP Wednesday | Tagged by @socially-awkward-skeleton @direwombat and @clicheantagonist <3

Final snippet from Mercedes and Jacob from that chapter. ♥️ NSFW warning for a scene towards the end.

Minutes ticked by of her lying still until his even breathing signaled he was fast asleep. It was then that she moved his hand away from her waist and quietly got up. It was a ritual. A rule. To never stick around in a mark's embrace once they were out cold. She couldn't help but slip into the old habit as a defense mechanism, especially when Jacob himself still claimed he didn't even like her. On her way out of the bedroom, Mercedes eyed his clothes on the floor, contemplating how his shirt would feel on her skin. She hated the ludicrous thought and how her body was still tingling all over. The sex was good, but not that good to suddenly become an idiot. Instead of grabbing his shirt, she wrapped a blanket around her nude form and wandered back into the kitchen, setting a mental reminder to search the house for anything of interest in the morning when he would be gone. Weapons. Wine. Chocolate. She so craved the latter, yet all she could find earlier was the damn ketchup. 388 days. She sighed, pouring herself another glass of water as she watched the woods outside, imagining walking out and away from Mercy's life. Only to be eaten by one of Jacob's failed animal experiments. Mercedes had no idea how long she had stayed like that, but the next thing she heard were footsteps, the old floorboards alerting her to his approach before hands encircled her middle. "Can't sleep?", Jacob mumbled as he rested his head on top of hers. The simple gesture that was so alien coming from him and in any other situation would be considered sweet to her bore only a promise of danger.

"I woke up craving chocolate.", it was a half-lie, or half-truth, depending on how someone wanted to look at it. "And you found none stashed away.", he guessed. "Sadly." "Come back to bed.", the request was paired with a kiss behind her ear. She shook her head sharply, "Your bed is the couch, Jacob. You just fell asleep before we could talk about it." "I'm not sleeping on the damned couch, Mercedes. You're really gonna try to make me after what happened?" "Well, I won't be either, so I don't know what to tell you. And 'what happened' was nothing." "The bed it is, then.", Jacob said in a final tone, ignoring her denial of the significance of whatever he saw between them as he grasped her hand and led her towards the bedroom. "Goodnight.", he whispered as she found herself back into his arms beneath the covers. Bad idea. It's such a bad idea. She buried her face in his chest, his warmth engulfing her and heating her in the same way the fire had the living room. Casper had asked her many times how she always managed to keep emotions out of the jobs she pulled, and her answer always was, "I simply don't know how to even fall for them, only how to fake it." From experience, she was certain she would never fall for Jacob. That she shouldn't at any cost. Yet for the time being, she decided to allow herself to enjoy his embrace, despite it being as real as the woman she was portraying and maybe even more treacherous than his brother's poisonous words. Yes, we all have a role to play, Jacob. Don't I know that better than anyone else… She couldn't help but wonder what role he had chosen when it came down to her.

Waking up in an unfamiliar place all alone that morning, especially after spending such a long time surrounded by people at the Compound, definitely took Mercedes aback. She turned, finding the spot next to her empty. It was an expected but still somewhat disappointing outcome. Why do I care that he didn't stay? I should be happy he didn't. I am happy, in fact. She tried to convince herself it was for the better Jacob had left without even saying goodbye before she had woken up and that him not being clingy was exactly what she needed. What she wanted as a reaction after their night together. She took a couple of more minutes just to stay in bed, which felt like a luxury in itself after having to rise up at crack of dawn for over an year, sometimes even in the middle of the night if Joseph had decided his flock was in a dire need of a sermon. Why care about my need of beauty sleep? Or the fact that everytime my soul was close to leaving its body so it can escape having to listen to his rambling at such ungodly hours. Eventually, she finally got up, frowning at the destroyed dress that lay on the ground on her way to the bathroom. "Mercy, child, what happened to the white dress.", she mocked Joseph's voice, "Oh, you know, your brother cut it open before fucking me like there's no tomorrow. But enough about me, father.", a laugh escaped her at how he'd react if she even said something like that to him. "And where the hell did my underwear go?", she muttered as she jumped into the shower, noting she only had seen her bra laying on one of the armchairs in the bedroom. Nothing in the bathroom indicated Jacob had taken the time to freshen up before leaving, and in a way, she wasn't surprised. Since she had known him he was always serious, refusing to entertain even a small conversation, completely dedicated to his duties in the region to the point even members of the Project whispered behind his back about how ruthless he was. And yet… he had come with her, spent the night. Just the thought of him had her hand wandering down her stomach in an attempt to mirror his caress. The hot water ran over her aching body, somewhat soothing out the lingering soreness he had left her with as her fingers worked in desperation to bring her release. The second it hit her, she could help but picture Jacob and how things would have gone down if he was there with her. How he'd feel. Certainly better than her hand. "Shame you left. We could have had more fun.", she whispered, setting for washing her hair next and hoping that by the time she was done showering, all thoughts of him would disappear, carried away by the water together with the fact she had touched herself while picturing someone that was essentially the enemy. To her dismay that didn't happen and she did her hardest the ignore the concerning realization as she wrapped a fresh towel around herself and stepped out of the stall. A look in the mirror confirmed she was somewhat back to her old self: she seemed more relaxed than she had felt in a long while, face flushed with a satisfied gleam in her eyes. "Focus on why you're here. It's not for him. It never was.", she warned the woman staring at her, but her smile didn't waiver, "Why are you so happy? The man hates you. He can destroy everything, make your sacrifice pointless if you let this get out of hand. You had your fun, now it's done."

The last part did the job to remind her of her purpose, and she wandered back into the living room in just the towel, a sense of freedom hanging over her, almost as if she was back home in her condo. Being herself, not playing a role. When she came into the kitchen, a note was waiting for her on the table with a chocolate on top of it. "For the dress.", she read his messy writing out loud, "A man of few words, aren't you? Couldn't even bother to sign your name." She would have been lying if she was to say the small act of kindness didn't threaten to chip away at her defenses even a little bit, especially since it meant he had remembered something so mundane she was craving. I've had men at my every beck and call. Had been gifted anything my heart desired for years. And this is what makes me melt? It's beyond amature, naive. Like something Mercy would read too much into. This is not me. After searching the pantry, she miraculously found a couple of forgotten protein bars, and as she ate, her thoughts continued to drift back to Jacob instead of focusing on her plan of action. It didn't take long for her to make up her mind about heading to him again: she still had an official task, a chance to gather intel. She couldn't miss any opportunity to find a weak spot in the Project's defenses. A little visit wouldn't hurt, Joseph told me to keep an eye out after all.

"Praised be the Father on this fine morning, sister.", a familiar Chosen greeted her the second she exited the cabin. A chill hung in the air, and she was glad she had chosen a dress with longer sleeves, one that she suspected wouldn't result in another comparison to Faith. The outfit she had worn the previous day was specially selected for Joseph, an important piece to Mercedes becoming what he wanted to see: sweet, innocent Mercy. The light blue dress she had put on few minutes prior was meant just for Jacob, and she couldn't help but smirk at the idea it would be so easy to undo, sparing him the trouble of getting a knife involved again. Though she didn't intent for a repeat of the night before, quite the opposite: damage control was crucial, she needed to make sure where they stood and ensure the whole thing wouldn't blow back into her face as she doubted Joseph would ever actually punish his brother for straying off his path and instead shift the whole blame onto her, accusing her of seducing the Herald. The goal that day was simply to still appeal to Jacob while keeping him at arm's length, knowing full well he was most likely to drop his guard if he was distracted, a little smitten even. Business as usual. "Isaac, right?", she asked as she closed the front door. "You remembered.", was all the man said in surprise before he made haste for a truck parked out front. She followed close behind, buckling herself in and clutching Joseph's Bible in her lap as the Chosen set off towards St. Francis.

The drive passed in absolute silence to the point that even Isaac's breathing was abnormally quiet, no doubt another thing Jacob had "trained" his men to suppress in fear of angering him with their presence. Walking through the rolls of cages felt just as harrowing as the day before. She couldn't imagine ever being able to stride past the unfortunate souls locked in them and be completely emotionless or not get the urge to let them out, consequences be damned. Yet all of Jacob's men showed no compassion, playing the role he had chosen for them perfectly. How does one just lose their humanity like this? His office was empty again, a new poster hanging in the place of the one she had ripped off previously. "Are you testing me?", she mumbled to herself as Isaac left the room without even sparing her a look, focused on returning to his duties. Seconds later, after tucking the poster out of sight between the couch's cushions, she was staring at a bare wall yet again. She could sense he was baiting her, but she couldn't help but rebel a bit, especially through something he couldn't really go to Joseph with. What would he say? That I'm doodling on his precious posters? Oh, must be a sin.

Hours dragged by in wait, with the occasional footsteps moving past the door but never stopping. The increased traffic outside the room bothered her somewhat, because it gave off the impression something was being prepared when she had found no intel hinting at it. Are you out on the attack you're planning so meticulously, Jacob? Eventually Isaac finally re-emerged, announcing that he would be locking her in per Jacob's orders. What the fuck? The Chosen offered no explanation as he left in a haste before she could even get a question out, the click of the door's lock putting her on edge immediately. Then a haunting song started echoing down the hallways, and it seemed that all hell broke lose with it. Shouting, screams, and the unmistakable sounds of gunshots were all she could hear as she paced around the office, unable to shake off the feeling of helplessness. Mercedes clutched the back of the chair, her mind involuntarily drawing a vivid picture of the carnage that was happening within the Vet Center. Something thumped against the door suddenly, making her tense up in anticipation of danger. Then the handle jiggled, the sound cutting right into her as she faced the fact that the lock was the only thing standing between her and the person on the other side. And I have no place to run. The haunting jiggling persisted, then a body began hitting the door in attempts to break it down until she was sure the lock would give way. It didn't. Gunshots rang out instead, followed by the sound of residing footsteps, reeking of discipline, complete control. The fact that the attempt to break in had ceased so abruptly told her whoever had made it that far and still had the will to fight against their conditioning wasn't amongst the living anymore.

"You wanted me here today? Why?", she breathed out, wishing for the silence to return, for the goddamned song to stop playing on a loop. ♫ Only you. Can make all this world seem right. Only you… ♫ Only you. It was the same title engraved on the inside of the music box she had found yesterday and made it more disturbing he had chosen a love song as a trigger to the start of what he considered training, but only consisted of people needlessly killing each other. Her gaze remained glued to the treeline past the hospital's fence. She was zoning out, picturing she was there instead in attempts to cancel out the chaos when it all went quiet as suddenly as it had started. Yet despite the silence that fell over the hospital, the song was still bouncing around in her mind freely. "Fucking stop it.", she gritted out, unsure how much time had even passed since being locked inside but it sure felt like eternity. Joseph expects me to sit here everyday, be his eyes. Sit around, watch and listen while innocent people die. Mercedes knew she had to find the Militia or anyone that could deliver a message for her as soon as possible. She had to make true on her promise and see her revenge through before losing whatever sanity she had remaining. Still shaken up, she dragged herself back to Jacob's chair, sinking in it while she eyed Joseph's Bible in disdain. First chance I get, I'm burning that shit.

Finally, a key was inserted into the lock, followed by a click and footsteps, neither making her look up from the desk. "Let me guess… didn't see no poster hanging again today, hm?", Jacob chirped as he came to a stop in front of her, his tone too light. "Someone tried to force their way into the room." "I know. It was nothing serious.", he replied matter-of-factly, "I took care of it." She bit her tongue, stopping so much from escaping before actually saying, "You had Isaac drive me here for this. Made me sit defenseless while you conducted your trial just outside the door, forcing me to listen. Why?" His icy gaze remained on her, and she took in his attire in turn, the same clothes he wore the day before now splattered in blood. She wasn't surprised at the confirmation he hadn't taken the time to shower in the cabin nor stop for a change of clothes, instead heading straight to his duty as a 'Herald'. "Why, Jacob?", she pushed against his silence, "Is this your way of sending me packing? I thought you had changed your mind and would at least act like a half-decent human being after yesterday." Jacob shook his head, the only thing he had to offer in response. Mercy or not, I'm done putting up with your mind games. Mercedes got up, hands clutching the 'bible' to her chest as she took a step towards the door. "Where do you think you're going?", he questioned sternly and moved in her direction. "To find Isaac so he can drive me back to the cabin. We're done here." "No." She huffed, "I'm not going to sit around and wait for you to throw a word my way. You hate me, fine. But to lock me in here without any warning on what's to take place was just cruel… What did I ever do to you to decide you feel like tormenting me whenever the mood strikes? Whatever idea you have about me, about 'Mercy', I'm not someone you can walk over and make yourself feel stronger by doing so." He was in front of her now, eyes darkening more and more with each word she uttered out.

His expression wasn't enough to make her stop. It would have been for Mercy, but she wasn't her, not in that moment, "What would your brother think about how you've been treating me? That one of your captives almost attacked me. That you've basically done nothing to make sure I've settled in as he had asked. Fucking me doesn't count as caring, Jacob. The cabin has no food, I spent both days here without anything to eat, barely got offered water. I'm not one of your test subjects or the men you boss around. Yet I can't help but wonder if you're going to throw me in a cage the second another mood swing happens and you decide you're over my very existence." His gaze shifted to the book she was holding, lips twisting into a snarl when he retorted, "Who do you think told me to do it, Mercedes?" "What?", she blinked. Jacob nodded, "Yes. All the Father's idea." "No.", certainly he was lying, "Why?" A frown emerged at the question, "It doesn't matter." "Do you even know the reason?" "I suspect why." Cryptic fucker. "And I guess you won't tell me?" "No." "Goodbye, Jacob.", she told him and stepped around him, set on putting distance between herself and what had just occurred in that forsaken place. His hand wrapped around her upper arm again, his hold only getting tighter when she tried to shake it off, "Don't go." "I'm not playing this game. Last night was a mistake for so many reasons, and if I needed any proof of that, you just provided it to me without me even asking."

She had no idea what part of what she said set him off, but he maneuvered himself in front of her again, his dark stare forcing her to take steps back until she hit the edge of the desk. Pushing me around again. She regarded him with a defiant stare as he snatched the book from her hands, and set it on the wooden surface as far away from them as possible. "It wasn't a mistake. You wanted it as much as I did.", he argued, towering over her, "You asked me about the blood on my hands yesterday. It's the same with food, water. It's become a habit. I'm not used to… caring. Considering people's needs. It's not what I do here, sweetheart." "And yet you pull this the morning after. How should I feel about it then, Jacob?", while a part of her believed the excuse he hadn't thought of her basic needs, her eyes narrowed at his tone and arrogant conviction of how she felt about their night together. "It was either you staying locked inside my office or watching it all unfolding up close." Mercedes scoffed, "Sure it was." "I'm serious. Joseph wanted you to see it first-hand. I couldn't deliver on that request." "Why?" "Because despite what he believes, what God tells him, I don't think you're ready for it, nor that you're cut out to-", he stopped himself, frustration seeping in to match hers when he added, "If you want your questions answered go to Joseph. Don't waste my time. I have a job to do here."

Jacob might have been right about her not wanting to see any of it with her own eyes because it would have most likely resulted in her teetering on the edge of breaking character. Still, a part of her felt bitter at the idea he still considered her to be this spineless, helpless girl, when he was the only person in Hope County to even get glance at the real her, no matter how brief. "Well, I can easily fix that… move out of my way since I'm such a waste of time. I certainly didn't intend that.", she said with a forced smile, actually meaning the words. She hadn't planned to get involved with him on a personal level. He was the one that made the first move and, for some reason, had chosen to blame her for his lack of self-control afterwards. "Maybe, but just your mere presence is enough to waste my time.", he muttered, hand traveling up her arm to her shoulder until it cupped her cheek. Should that be an insult or a compliment? His tone shifted, "Throughout the whole trial, my mind strayed back to you. I was supposed to be focused, present, and yet all I could seem to think of was you. Only you. You're a distraction. And I don't do those." "Then don't think of me. Simple.", Mercedes offered, trying to ignore the way he was staring at her and the memories it brought back, or how he had used the phrase from the goddamned song that was still lurking in the back of her mind. "How? When I can still smell you all over me?", he snapped back, his lips finding hers before she even had a chance to answer or suggest a shower as a solution to the ridiculous problem.

There was nothing innocent or gentle about the kiss, with both of them fighting to take the lead, to come on top as hunger took over. Before she knew what was happening Jacob was spinning her around until she was facing the wall behind his desk, the same one she had stared at for so long since her arrival to a point she had every indent, spot and crack in it memorized. Anticipation coursed through her body when he moved her hair off her shoulder and pushed the sleeve down her arm, his mouth descending on her exposed skin, teeth nipping before he whispered, "Should I stop?" Yes. I'm a distraction, remember? You don't even like me. And I don't need you. Not when you could jeopardize my whole plan. "No.", came out as a sharp reply instead. "Good." Her hands gripped the edge of the desk as he gathered her dress, hiking it up until cold air hit the back of her thighs. "I like this dress better. It suits you more.", Jacob noted with approval. "I thought you might. It reminded me of your eyes.", she grabbed his hand, bringing it to her chest, "And wait until you see the front. I trust you can figure this one out." Jacob swiftly undid the bow that held the bodice closed and let out a groan when his fingers were met by bare skin. "Beautiful." She had been called that word many times, but coming from his mouth felt different, made her heart flutter even if he was actually complimenting her choice of outfit.

His hands moved on from her breasts to drag her underwear down her legs and the next instant his fingers seeked her heat, gliding in and out with ease, "So ready for me, sweetheart." A noise of protest left Mercedes when his touch retreated, but it was shortlived as he grabbed her hips and without even knowing when he had managed to undo his pants, he entered her from behind in a flash, burying himself to the hilt. A whimper slipped past her lips at the sudden instrusion, more following in its wake as he started to move without giving her any opportunity to adjust. "Tell me why I couldn't stop imagining doing just this the whole day?", Jacob said as his lips lowered to her neck, "Did you think of me, too?" She couldn't help but continue opposing him, knowing full well that deep down he enjoyed it, "No. Not even for a second." "No?", he asked, not sounding convinced at all of her lie, "Then how about I change that… make sure you remember me anytime you move?" Long, hard strokes paired with the continuous pressure of his thumb on her clit threatened to push her over the edge as she held onto the desk, relying on it to keep her unright and refusing to show how much he was rattling her. "You were holding back on me last night. What a shame.", she purred, "Harder, Jacob, you won't break me." The rational side of her reminded her of who he was, what he had put her through just minutes before, but his voice and his praises mixed with the sounds coming from both of them drowned out the pesky truths plaguing her thoughts. "You feel so good.", he choked out, and his free hand found her breast, palming it just as footsteps carried down the hallway, accompanied by low chatter.

The idea of them potentially getting caught on top of the things he was doing to her body brought her to climax, a moan ripping out her before she could stop it. "Shh, I need you to be quiet. You don't want company, do you?", Jacob instructed when whoever was outside passed by their door. His palm moved from her chest to cover her mouth while he continued to drive into her, his punishing thrusts picking up as he chased his own release. All she could do was squeeze her walls around him in response and match his movements, wondering if he would make her come for a second time. "Look at you following instructions. So obedient for once. Excellent.", he mocked, causing Mercedes to bite down on his fingers in warning, "You might be a wolf, sweetheart… but do you know what I do to them?", he let out a dark laugh, his voice waivering and betraying he was far from unbothered. With his men finally out of earshot, his hand returned to her chest, pinching her nipple, "You're close, aren't you? Greedy to come on my cock again. I can tell." She jerked her head in a nod, her skin feeling clammy with sweat while her low moans spilled freely as he focused on granting her another climax that hit her even harder the the previous. It wasn't long before he followed her over the edge, his release spilling inside her after the let out a guttural growl and buried his face in her hair. As the fog around her brain began to clear, a harsh realization washed over her, clashing with the pleasure she felt.

Fucked. I'm fucked. Both literally and figuratively. Bare. They had gone bare. No wonder it felt different. She hated the foolishness that had taken over her and how she hadn't once thought about protection in the heat of the moment. It wasn't because she hadn't done it with targets before, but all for the fact with him it felt more personal, like it meant something. Mercedes knew that made him dangerous. She completely slumped over the desk, trying her hardest to minimize the situation and convince herself it was just the postcoutal bliss she felt at the moment talking. Yet all of her attempts become pointless the moment Jacob bent down too, fingers tangling into her curls as he kissed her cheek then rested his head against it. "Exhausted you, didn't I?", he chuckled, seeming fully oblivious to her inner turmoil, "Think you can still walk?" She stared at the wall where his poster used to be, then out of the small window next to it, her words coming out in an even voice despite the array of emotions she wished she wasn't experiencing, "You forgot something." "What?", he sounded lost for a second until he slipped out of her, "Oh, fuck." "Yeah. That." "I-I-", he stopped, "I got carried away." A sigh escaped her, "You and me, both." "It will be fine. It was just once.", Jacob announced mostly to himself, his tone lacking conviction. Oh…you think- Yeah, we're not THAT fucked, Jacob.

"I'm on the pill.", she replied quickly as she turned to face him. He gave her a confused look, "Then why were you acting strange?" Mercedes shrugged, changing the subject, "And you…I thought you'd at least feel some panic at the idea of becoming a father." He pulled her into his arms, gazing into her eyes when he shook his head, "What if I hoped it happens?" Excuse me? Did my brain somehow short-circuit after that second orgasm? A frown took over her features, "Didn't you just say "you got carried away", why would you be hopeful?" He said nothing as his lips met hers in a gentle kiss, and the second they backed away, she prompted him again, refusing to drop the subject, "You didn't accidentally forget about contraception, did you, Jacob?" Her question was met with silence as he zipped up his pants and sat down at his desk, the change of demeanor only made her more suspicious of his motivations. Maybe it's a turn-on for him? Yes, a fantasy. What else could it be? It wasn't like that would have been the most unconventional thing she had encountered with men, and to her, it seemed like the only plausible explanation. Jacob finally spoke up, sounding detached, too matter-of-fact, "Isaac will drive you home and take care of stocking the fridge. I have more things to take care of here." More trials. More people have to die for the Project. For Joseph. So you can fill whatever emptiness your service left you with. "Okay.", was all she could muster as she regarded him from the corner of her eye, wondering what was running through his mind.

His gaze shifted to the wall, tone becoming lighter when he asked, "So… Where's my poster?" She looked up from tying her dress closed, not missing the hunger still lurking in his gaze, "You're back to that? I told you-" "I had a new one put up this morning." "There was nothing when I arrived, Jacob.", she lied, pairing it with a perplexed look. "Mercedes." Mercy's signature smile full of innocence was back on her face, "I swear on the Father." …'s corpse. Jacob shook his head, "Go. Before I make you confess, when that's my baby brother's forte." Mercedes grabbed Joseph's book on her way to the door, trying to not read much into the way she couldn't stop herself from sneaking a final glance at him or how his lips were twisted into a small smile. The second she grabbed the door handle, he called out, sounding more like the man that had fucked her senseless and less like a commander doing a briefing, "I will see you tonight." The simple statement made her a pause, and she hated the giddiness that threatened to take over her system, "I thought you didn't have time to babysit?" When he remained silent, she added, "What if I don't let you in? Are you going to sleep in the woods?" Another laugh escaped him, "I like the challenge, sweetheart."

His words followed her as she exited the office and did her hardest to ignore the blood splattered on the other side of the door and the crimson that adorned the walls leading to the hospital's main entrance. It was a reminder Jacob had turned St. Francis into his own battlefield, watching over as the people he had captured killed each other over the promise of survival of the fittest. His personal lab rats running rampant in the maze. He thought she had no idea about his experiments, but she always listened, gathered whatever information people would let slip up while believing she wasn't paying attention. She hated the realization the darkened spots she had observed on the walls before were nothing but the blood his men weren't able to clean off, as if the corruption itself was seeping into the building's foundation, the dead leaving a piece of themselves behind. Their legacy. A hopeless message of warning for anyone who dared to enter.

Tagging @josephseedismyfather @adelaidedrubman @thesingularityseries @euryalex @detectivelokis @nightbloodbix @aceghosts @madparadoxum @theelderhazelnut @purplehairsecretlair @neonneurons @dumbassdep @shegetsburned @poisonedtruth @vampireninjabunnies-blog @cassietrn @voidika @harmonyowl @v0idbuggy @strangefable @schoute @jacobsneed @strafethesesinners @g0dspeeed @trench-rot @josephslittledeputy and anyone with something to share ❤️