Page 187 of Juliet & Her Romeos

“My Second Alpha,” Ambrose meets Olivia’s eye, “is a respectable baker. He may not be from the circles that we move in but he’s the perfect choice because he can bake, cook, and look after my household. I’m dominant and I don’t want another dominant elite in my household, challenging me for my position.”

“Hmm,” Olivia tilts her head, “I can understand that. You take after me. It’s why I never claimed a Second Alpha. I want to be the only Alpha in charge. But that man clearly lacks proper training. Look at him: leather trousers, tattoos, and nail varnish. How can a Romeo be seen in public with a bad Alpha like that?” We all wince on thebad Alpha. “How about sending him for a two week refresher course at the Alpha Center? One of those short, sharp, shock courses? It’ll set him straight from the beginning, then you’ll have no more trouble from him.”

“No,” the word bursts from me.

It’s involuntary.

I know about those courses because once, when he was fifteen and Silvanus lost his top spot on the football team to Ambrose, I overheard Jacob threatening to send Silvanus on a youth version over the holidays.

He even left the gold embossed brochures with him.

Silvanus sat with his knees drawn up behind his bed, flicking through the brochures, terrified.

I crammed myself next to him, reading through the glossy brochure that listed the horrors of a course that was meant to turn Silvanus from abadAlpha into agoodone.

But actually meant disciplining, brainwashing, andbreakinghim.

That night, I secretly spread the word on the ranch about Jacob’s plans, and enough of the pack begged Jacob not to send Silvanus there.

Silvanus is loved. Members are loyal to him because he’s good to everyone, including the Betas and the dancers.

The next day, the brochures were put away.

Vito’s shaking, but to my shock, he replies, “I’m sorry that I let my Chief Alpha down. I don’t always know the right thing to say. If you think that it’s best for me to be conditioned in the Alpha Center, after the mandatory bonding period, then okay. I want to be the best that I can be. But may I stay to watch the Rose vs Slipper Ballet Contest, before you send me away? I know how important it is and I want to learn about the company.”

Fuck, Vito has balls.

We must find a way to unmask Olivia by the end of the contest, or Vito will be sent to the Alpha Center.

My pulse races. I’m sweating.

Benedict whines, and I hold onto him tighter.

Olivia arches her eyebrow in surprise. “Perhaps, you did choose well, Ambrose. He’s biddable at least. All right, you may stay to watch the contest, before you’re sent to the Alpha Center. Ambrose, order the brochures today, in order to select the appropriate course.”

Ambrose looks wound so tight that he may snap but he nods.

“However,” Olivia’s gaze becomes sharper, “you didn’t only bond with an Alpha without permission. You bonded with an Omega —a Cinders.”

“She’s my fated bond,” Ambrose replies as frostily as his mom, “and they’re protected by law.”

Olivia glances between us in shock. Then her eyes narrow.

“All that means, dear, is that I can’t break this bond but I don’t need to.” Olivia’s voice is softly dangerous. “You’ve always wanted to sacrifice everything for your enemy’s sake. Are you still this self-destructive or is this simply a childish way to get back at me?”

“Neither,” Ambrose calmly replies, “it’s love.”

Despite the danger, my heart flutters.

“Love?” Olivia snorts. “You’re a Romeo. You have a duty to this company, and that means proving to me that you can run it in a level-headed way.”

“I can.” Ambrose shifts on his knees. “Being in love doesn’t mean that I’m not in charge of every member as firmly as you are.”

“Prove it.” Olivia looks delighted like Ambrose has just walked into her trap. “Give Juliet an Alpha Command to take the fifth position and hold it.”

Horrified, I back against the wall.

I’m whimpering.

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