Page 145 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Surprise flashes across Ambrose’s face. His concern and distress sheet through the bond.

He tosses the shoe at Swan, who has no option but to fumble and catch it.

“Cheat,” Swan mutters.

“I didn’t mean to make you feel like that, Swan.” Ambrose’s expression becomes dangerous. “We were friends for years. I saw you every time that I was taken into the academy. You were always the most dazzling dancer. You protected me from my mom, when she was in a rage. You showed me your best hiding places. Do you know how much I wished that you could come to high school with me? I thought of you every day that I was in England. I was proud to hear how bravely you were mentoring Juliet. I wouldn’t have trusted her with anyone but you.”

Swan hurls himself across the bed into Ambrose’s arms. “I didn’t know—”

Ambrose encircles Swan with his powerful arms. “I didn’t tell you. I can’t talk about…many things.”

“Jerk.” But Swan holds him tighter.

“On that stage, I handed roses totwopeople. When I watched you that night, I was blown away. I’ve never seen a more beautiful Beta.”

“There isn’t one.” Swan grins up at Ambrose.

“Or talented,” Ambrose adds.

“You have taste.” Swan preens.

“I’m not going to have trouble with you accepting praise, am I?” Ambrose’s lips twitch.

“Nope, only getting me to follow your rules.”

“Ninety-one rules for outside the house and fifty-two different ones for inside the house.” Benedict stretches, revealing distracting acres of naked skin.

Swan looks horrified. “You’re going to be busy punishing me then.”

“I won’t.” Ambrose’s expression becomes cold and deadly. “I promise that I’ll never hurt and only protect my pack. Those rules are Benedict’s alone becauseheasked for them. For someone who needs to fly free like you, there will be no rules.”

“No rules?” For the first time, Swan looks daunted. “What if I get something wrong? I could make the wrong choice, you know. How can I guess what decision I should make all the time?”

“It’s hard, but we’ll help you get there,” Vito offers, softly. “And hey, I’m the king of bad choices. I eat pizza at midnight, drink way too much beer, and sometimes even air guitar in front of the mirror. Together, we can survive anything.”

“Abondedpack?” Swan says, cautiously.

Vito smiles at Ambrose and nods. “Yeah.”

“How about I show you how I truly feel?” Ambrose slides his hand up to grab Swan by the hair, baring his neck. Then he swings him around, until his neck is exposed temptingly to Vito as well. “Bond with me, Swan.”

Swan’s eyes are glassy. He’s panting.

Joy rushes through me, at the same time as it does Swan.

Vito presses closer, leaning over Swan to catch him between both Alphas like he’s cradled in a dance.

“I’d be honored, if you’d bond with both of us,” Vito leans over Swan to murmur, seductively.

“Yes.” Swan’s voice is raspy with tears. “Please,yes.”

I know how much Swan means it because of how polite he’s being.

I reach across the bed to clasp Benedict’s hand.

Then both Alphas lower their mouths to either side of Swan’s neck and bite.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

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