Page 192 of Juliet & Her Romeos

I desperately breathe in Swan’s citrus and strawberry scent.

I’m relieved deep in my soul that he’s still standing and not collapsed on the floor in a tangy, copper puddle of blood.

“My Swan.” I cling to Swan, and he wraps his arms tightly around me.

Olivia strolls to Ambrose, patting him on his bloodied cheek with an affection, which could be real or faked. “Good boy. It looks like youhavematured. I shall allow you to keep your bonded pack. They simply need more conditioning. But they have potential under my guiding hand. And you may use the Beta and Omega in the contest.”

Ambrose gives a curt nod.

Vita is ashen, staring at Olivia in shock. “You’re even more brutal and unhinged than my dad.”

Olivia’s lips thin. “Andyouwill attend a course at the Alpha Center as soon as the contest is over to adjust that attitude of yours. Look at my son, vibrating with fury and hate but still not back talking because he knows his place. I hope that he’s also grateful that I’m allowing his Beta to fly one more time. If hisBeta doesn’t perform and win the contest, however, then it won’t be a cushion that I’ll be slashing next time.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Romeo Hall, Sanctum

Has Olivia left the house yet?

I listen hard, standing in the center of the lounge with my arms around Swan, until I hear the slam of the front door.

Then Swan twirls me around in a wild dance like he needs to prove that he can still dance. I hold tightly onto him, equally desperate to feel with every inch of my body that he can as well.

“Is everybody fully awake now?” Laurent coolly asks. “Shockingly, you no longer look sleepy, Bec.”

“I feel dizzy,” Benedict replies. “And like I’m going to be sick. You were early. She wasn’t meant to have a sword.”

“Sadly, I’m not in charge of the prop department.”

Prop my ass…

Swan stops spinning me, although his eyes still look wild.

“Are you okay?” Worried, I study Bec.

Benedict is pale.

Laurent is already leading Benedict to the couch that’s covered in feathers, however, and lying back on it as calmly as if Olivia hadn’t just been threatening us with a sword.

And as if his cheek isn’t purpled and bruised.

He wraps his arms and legs around Benedict. “Better?”

Benedict nods. “Tighter.”

Laurent hugs Benedict closer like he’s an Omega weighted blanket.

Ambrose is eerily still.

“Are you all okay?” Vito demands. “Shit, following the signal and letting that happen was the hardest thing that I’ve ever done. I’m starting to realize that these missions are more difficult, than they look. I thought that I could ride in here like the hero, probably get beaten up or something, but protect those who needed it. Letting you protect yourselves…? Fuck, this equality shit is tough.”

Despite everything, I chuckle. “For us too.”

Vito snatches Ambrose by the tie, dragging him closer.

Finally, Ambrose’s eyes become more focused.

He blinks. “She’s gone?”

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