He has higher ice walls than Ambrose does because he’s been pursued by Alphas but only those who want to possess him like a trophy.
Unable to be parted from these other Omegas after the stress that I’ve just been through, I squirm onto the couch to join them. I balance precariously on the edge.
Laurent wrinkles his nose. “Mind my hair.”
But it’s a token protest.
In reality, he scoots as far back as possible on the couch to allow me on, and Benedict opens his arms to include me in the snuggle fest.
Together, we begin to purr, nuzzling each other’s necks and flooding the room with the pheromones, which only Omegas can use to settle each other.
Ambrose stares at us in confusion. “Brother, why are you cuddling my Juliet?”
There’s my possessive Alpha.
I smile, glancing up at Ambrose.
Laurent throws his thigh over mine, drawing me closer.
Typical Laurent.
“You have these things called friends,” Laurent challenges, “when you’re not a self-destructive Alphahole.”
“I have no idea who you’re talking about,” Ambrose deadpans, crossing his arms.
“Of course not,brother.” Laurent levels a look at Ambrose. “But since these are my friends, I have as much right as you to protect them. So, I’ll find a way to hide that new toy sword of Mom’s.”
“You won’t.” Ambrose’s expression becomes stormy. “Over my dead body.”
“Preferably not,” Laurent calmly replies. “But Mom has become too dangerous to allow this situation to continue any longer. We need to bring our plans forward.”
Plans?
Are these the ones that Laurent and Ambrose have had since Nova’s murder?Since they were kids?
“She wants to cage our Alpha like I was once caged.” When Benedict raises his head from Laurent’s neck, his gaze is steely. “She threatened to hurt our Beta and stop him from dancing like my parents stopped me from playing the piano. I won’t allow it.Never.Whatever it takes — anything — we’re stopping her.”
Reluctantly, I sit up, perching on the edge of the sofa. Swan edges closer, taking my hand.
“None of us will, Foxy,” I say.
Swan’s eyes narrow. “What was with the secret signing and spy shit? JuJu and I aren’t idiots. We know that there’s more going on here than our rescue or even her mom’s murder. We’re about to take on one of the most powerful Head Alphas in the state. So, there shouldn’t be secrets between us.”
“What’s really going on?” I demand.
The other men in the room exchange glances.
Then Ambrose paces like if Laurent is the prince, then he’s the king. “If we tell you, then you could risk execution.”
I draw in a sharp breath. “What?”
“I’m the Beta who climbs walls and pisses off Alphas twice my size.” Swan tilts up his chin. “Count me in.”
His resolve strengthens mine. “I trust you, Amby.”
Through the bond, I feel how hard my words hit Ambrose. Joy and hope soar through him, and the shadows lighten.
Ambrose marches to Vito and pats him on the back. “Since you recruited us to the cause, over to you.”