Page 169 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Vito slings his arm around my shoulders to steady me.

The hatred between the two men is like a living thing.

Strangely, they’re so similar underneath that it’s as if they’re hating themselves.

Silvanus is my family. Apart from Nova, he’s the only one I have left who cares about me.

It’s hard that he’s now our rival. I still love my cousin. Most of what he says is a front and a way to protect himself.

I don’t know how to mend the feud between our families.

But I also can’t forget the times that Silvanus stayed up until midnight to help me finish my chores to stop me from getting into trouble.

Silvanus’ gaze darts back to me.

There’s a lifetime of both happy and traumatic memories shared in that look, which no one but us could understand.

We’re connected to each other as well.

Silvanus hurriedly scans me up and down, as if for injuries.

“You Alphaholes had better not have hurt my cousin,” Silvanus warns, “or I’ll rip off your knots.”

“You and what army? You don’t have your little gang of bullies backing you up any longer. You may still be a dumb jock, but this isn’t school.” Ambrose raises his chin like he’s readying to fight. “I’d never hurt Juliet or any Omega.”

“But you would claim her in your twisted bonding tradition,” Silvanus sneers.

Pain flickers across Ambrose’s face. “And I will forever be sorry about that.”

“Silas,” I say, urgently. “I wanted to be bonded to Amby.”

“I understand,” Silvanus says gently like I’m a kidnap victim who may spook. “I get it. He’s made you believe that. But I’m going to save you.”

I feel sick. “Please, listen…”

“He won’t,” Vito whispers.

“Silas is too stubborn. Omegas aren’t heard within your family.” Ambrose voice is cold as ice.

Silvanus flinches, and I do as well.

“Silas,” I try again, “we don’t need to do this. Any of it. Let’s just talk about this. Why are our families even enemies? We could—"

“You Romeos took my aunt, Nova.” Silvanus balls his hands into fists. It’s like he’s lost in a red mist of rage, and all he can see in it is Ambrose, his rival. “Where is she, huh?Fucking give her back.Then you take my cousin captive for years. Do you know what it’s been like living with the knowledge that an Omega from my pack is locked in your dance academy, but I can’t even see her? I don’t know how you threatened my uncle to make that happen, but I’m the Head Alpha now and—”

“You’rethe Head Alpha?” Ambrose asks in surprise.

Silvanus tosses his curls. “Surprised, huh? Thisdumb jockis wealthier and more influential in this town than you are. And that means I hold the power over you.”

“Your dad died?” I whisper.

Inside, I’m numb.

Jacob was an asshole. He was cruel to Nova and me.

But especially to his own son, Silvanus.

Silvanus’ lips curl up in a way that makes him look more devil than angel. “He fell mysteriously ill. I have the power of attorney.”

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