Page 195 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Vito looks startled, before flushing with pride. “Right, it’s like this. Do you remember the secret Omega resistance that I told you about?”

I scrunch up my nose. “The one that you warned us not to support because they’re terrorists and outlaws…?”

Vito rubs across his snake tattoo. “Yeah, that one, which gets you put on the FBI’s most wanted, if you’re found out.”

“And before a firing squad if caught,” I whisper.

“Wow, great memory. I sort of wish that it hadn’t been for that part.” Vito points slowly at Ambrose, then Benedict, and finally Laurent. “We’re all members. Criminals.”

“And you callmea thief,” Swan breathes. “Fuck it, swear me into the Omega resistance. I’m the original rebel.”

I’m quivering with adrenaline like before I step onto a stage but I don’t know how much is fear and how much excitement.

An Omega resistance!

I’ve dreamed of something like that to rise up against the academy. Now, I have a chance to be a part of it —heard.

To make a difference.

This is my chance not to become a principal but to use my talent to change the world.

Everything makes sense now.

This is the real secret that Ambrose has been attempting to shield us from.

“Our first aim was to save Swan,” Vito continues. “Our next aim is much, much bigger. Our missions are usually to break down corrupt or abusive institutions and systems like…”

“The academies.” I’m buzzing now.

“It’s why I was approached.” Ambrose uncrosses his arms, before holding out his hand to Benedict. Immediately, Laurent releases Benedict, who gracefully rises from the couch and strides to Ambrose, resting his head on his chest. “I would never have agreed without both my brother and Benedict, who are much smarter than I am, not only agreeing to take on the danger but coming up with a scheme to rescueyou, Juliet.”

My eyes smart with tears. “Thank you.”

This pack has everything: wealth, influence, and power.

They’ve chosen to become outlaws, however, who are risking their own lives in order to save Swan and me, as well as save every dancer across the globe.

I fucking admire these men’s bravery.

“Is your plan ruined though,” I ask, “by Olivia turning up early? What do we do now that she’s here?”

“We come up with a new plan,” Benedict declares. “Look at the incredible and dangerous members of this pack. It shouldn’t be hard now that we can support each other. Perhaps, her coming here was the best thing to happen.”

“Precisely. You’ve pulled off my trick. She believes that she’s safe and has her guard down, which is the best time to strike because you’ve just convinced her that you’re sheep.” Laurent twirls a strand of blond hair around his finger.

Swan bares his teeth. “When we’re wolves.”

“But couldn’t we simply do this the official way?” I catch Ambrose’s eye. “She’s here in Sanctum. You could tell the Sheriff about being a witness to the murder and have her arrested. You’re not alone now. We could protect you, while that happens.Silas is Head Alpha, as well. He told us at Sanctum Circuit that Jacob is ill. So, Jacob’s not a threat.”

Ambrose’s expression becomes grim. “Are we going to trust Silas’ word on that? Even taking Jacob out of the equation, the only evidence that we have of the murders, is my witness statement. Neither Felix nor Nova were reported missing. There’s no evidence, murder weapon, or bodies. No case. I didn’t report the murders at the time. Afterward, I was screwed up by what I’d witnessed. Mom sent me to her therapist, who sent her the notes on our sessions. She’d simply say that I’m mentally unstable and delusional. In the meantime, you’d be at risk. She’d hold the legal power over each and every one of you.”

“And that’s in the cozy fantasy land that the system isn’t corrupt and wouldn’t protect the rich billionaire Head Alpha to squash any scandal.” Vito angrily shoves the hair out of his eyes. “Trust me, I know good men who are trying to clean up corruption, including Mayor St Clair and Senator Knight. But they’re like finding that last, uneaten slice of pepperoni pizza, which you’d forgotten about the morning after a party: a rare treat. Most officials are like happily ordering that delicious pepperoni pizza, but when it arrives, it’s covered with pineapple.”

He gags.

“So, if this pineapple pizza of a world won’t listen, what do we do?” I ask.

“Do bakers talk entirely in food metaphors?” Laurent quirks his brow. “As a Romeo, how about I use more morbid ones? If we need the bodies, then how about we dig up more metaphorical ones?”

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