Page 188 of Juliet & Her Romeos

An Alpha Command is a deep, biological command that an Omega can’t resist, which winds through every cell of their body.

It’s painful and violating.

It would turn me into a motionless doll. I would truly be trapped inside my body.

Benedict bares his teeth, stepping in front of me at the same time as Swan puffs out his chest.

I peer over Swan’s shoulder at Ambrose.

He’s turned to look at me, agonized.

I can tell that for the first time, he truly doesn’t know whether he can follow his mom’s order and go along with our own plan.

Vito is glancing between us, unsure.

Suddenly, I know what I must do.

I may be the Omega here but I’m the one who can save us.

Ambrose is hesitating, allowing me to make the decision. No one has given that to me before.

An Omega, I will save our plan.

Pretending to be chastened, I deftly step around both Benedict and Swan into the center of the room. Then I raise my arms above my head in an oval position. My feet are elegantly turned out, pressed together, with the heel of the right foot pressed to the toe of the left.

It’s a difficult, excruciating position. But I’ve practiced it daily.

I catch sight of the ballet fairy on the top of the tree, who is balancing in the same position as I am.

Ambrose lifts his chin. “She obeys without the need for an Alpha Command. She’s been well trained within the academy. She’s no longer the enemy but rather, is my sweet mate. They all are. Do you think that I’d bond with anybody who wasn’t obedient? I like my cars fast and wild but my bonded, like Benedict, quiet andgood.”

Benedict stuffs his hands in his pockets and glows on thegood.

Olivia gives Ambrose a long look.

My muscles quiver, as I hold the position.

Olivia pushes Laurent away from her onto a pile of cushions.

Ambrose and him exchange a glance, before they covertly sign to each other as well.

A secret plan is going on here under this bitch’s nose, and it makes standing here on display fucking worth it.

Until Olivia, that is, reaches to the back of the couch and draws out a sword.

Vito launches himself to his feet. “Woah, calm down.”

My breathing speeds up, but I hold the pose.

Swan shoves Benedict behind him.

I notice that Ambrose hasn’t moved, although his gaze is fixed with worrying intensity on the blade, and his breathing has become labored.

Is he about to tumble into a panic attack?

“It’s a prop.” Olivia toys with the sword, which is long with a handle that’s decorated with roses. The sun glints off the blade. “I picked up a pair of these in Paris. They use real swords there for their duels inRomeo and Juliet, so that it sounds as well as looks real. Don’t you think that authenticity is important?”

Laurent attempts to draw further back onto the couch but stops at a nudge of Olivia’s foot.

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