Page 171 of Juliet & Her Romeos

I struggle not to allow my feelings to show. Next to me, Vito turns away, and I know that it’s for the same reason.

Ambrose’s face, however, is like a mask.

Clearly, he’s spent years hiding his true emotions.

He even allows his shoulders to slump, hinting at defeated dejection.

Silvanus grins in anticipated triumph, when he sees it. He puffs out his chest.

“But if you lose, Ambrose…” Silvanus’ eyes narrow. His pheromones become stronger. I know that this is the moment he’s about to launch his counter-attack. I can see it like the electric sensation in the air, before a storm hits. “Then Juliet returns to the Cinders. It’s what’s best for her. And I don’t want to see your fucking amber eyed face in America again. You’ll resign as CEO of the Romeos and swear to never work in the dance industry again. You’ll take the next flight out of the country to somewhere that’s an Omegaocracy. It’s poetic justice for a dominant Alpha like you, who imposes his will on Omegas, to have to spend the rest of his life kneeling for them.”

“Silas, no,” I gasp.

So, these are the high stakes that Ambrose guessed all along Silvanus was going to offer.

Ambrose knew that this was an ambush to destroy him and the Romeos but he came here anyway.

Vito twists back to face Silvanus; his jaw is clenched and so are his fists. “You don’t understand a fucking thing about Ambrose.”

Silvanus’ gaze wanders over Vito, assessing. “If you or other pack members will be in danger, once Ambrose is gone, then you can apply to join the Cinders.”

“Fuck off,” Vito barks.

Ambrose stalks toward the Porsche.

“Stand well back behind the barrier,” he orders. “Choose a spot high enough in the stands that you can watch the race. You want to see me win.”

Silvanus laughs. “You’ve never won against me.”

Then he bounds back to his Ferrari, swinging himself into the seat.

“Come on,” Vito mutters, taking my hand. I don’t realize how badly I’m shaking, until he draws me to his chest and the thud of his heart starts to calm me. “Let’s watch how our Alpha kicks this jerk’s ass.”

I nod.

Vito leads me to a gate in the barrier. We climb up the steps, higher into the stands, until we have clear view of the snaking track.

Vito hugs me.

Below, I watch Ambrose’s white car and Silvanus’ silver slowly draw together along the straight of the starting line.

Then suddenly, they burst to life in a roar of engines and smoke, and the race begins.

I bounce on my toes.

“You can do it,” I mutter. “Amby…”

Vito jumps up and down next to me like he’s driving the car himself, hollering encouragement.

He’s thrumming with nerves.

Silvanus is in front.

He takes the corners with dangerous speed.

“One lap.” I hug myself.

Silvanus’ sleek car passes the finishing line comfortably in front of Ambrose.

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