Page 222 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Ambrose’s dad is still one of the best dancers of his generation.

I’m excited to work alongside him. And I will because I’m the new Dance Master, while Swan is working as the choreographer with the male dancers.

Butterflies swarm in my stomach at the thought of all our plans for the repertoire this season, but mainly for our reforms: Vito has decorated warm, comfortable dorms, everybody will be fed balanced but tasty diets, and nobody willeverbe beaten.

Plus, Ambrose has hired a tutor to make sure that the Betas receive an education alongside their ballet training.

I lay my head on Swan’s chest, as we sway to the music. “Did you hear that Ari left the academy yesterday to return to her pack?”

Swan nods. “Once we changed the tradition about both buying Betas and taking the Second Betas from certain wealthy families, it was inevitable that some of the students would choose to leave. Still, not many have now that Amby is in charge. Or it could be because they’re excited thatI’mtheir new instructor. Iwillbe legendary. I’m fucking glad that Ari was one of those who chose to reunite with their families. Huh, it’s weird, but even after everything, I wouldn’t have felt great about having to kick her ass out. And I would have done because I won’t have bullies in our academy.”

“She was a bully but she was trapped too.” I lick my lips, unsure how to raise this. “How do you feel about the fact that Rem decided to stay? Can you teach him? I know that you probably feel like kicking his ass out or simply kicking it, now that you’re in charge…”

Swan arches his brow. “I’m not Dimitri. Also, Rem said sorry.”

Surprised, I pull back to study Swan. “He did?”

“This morning.” Swan’s smiling but without the typical snarl that comes with it. He looks relaxed and happy. The apology must have meant a lot to him. “Rem stayed behind after class. He looked terrified. I expected some type of weasel like grovel to get himself out of trouble. Instead, he fell to his knees. He was trembling. I felt like an asshole. Then he told me that when we’d been friends, Ari had come to him. She wanted to partner with him, but he had to break off his friendship withtrashlike me first. He said no. So, she threatened to have the Dance Master write to his Head Alpha about his behavior, as well as to set the rest of the elite Betas on him.”

I stare at Swan in shock. “Do you believe him?”

“Yeah, I do. After all, Amby already told us that Ari had blackmailed Rem into dancing with her. I didn’t expect it but I honestly felt sorry for the guy. She made his life hell.”

“Bigger question. Do you forgive him?”

Swan looks away. “Rem is a coward. But I hate to think what he went through under Ari’s control. He asked if we could be friends again. I told him that he had to earn it.”

“Fair.”

Swan’s eyes twinkle. “I am a worthy reward.”

I chuckle.

I lower my hand to the soft hair that curls at the base of Swan’s neck.

His eyelashes flutter.

“The cake has arrived,” Vito cheerily declares, staggering into the ballroom with a giant birthday cake.

Also, a spectacular one.

Amazed, I study the cake that’s round and white with musical notes bursting out from the sides, as if they’re floating. The top of the cake has been built up into a grand piano, which is being played by a suave looking fox in black tie.

A single purple candle is placed next to a large piped30.

“Wow, you’re talented,” I breathe.

“In many ways.” Vito curls his tongue behind his teeth, and I blush. “I did bake this chocolate cherry cake, but it was designed by my sister, Candy. She helped me to make this cake as a gift for my honey bee. Candy is the creative one at the Dough Knot. I didn’t realize that I missed working my knot off in that bakery but hey, I love that I’m back there.”

It's tough that Vito commutes back and forth to the Dough Knot.

But each of us is independent and talented.

Benedict is working as the first Omega music instructor, offering one-to-one lessons to the Betas, as well as composing music to add to the repertoire.

I miss Vito when he’s away with work. But I respect that he needs to fly, as much as I do.

Sometimes, people need space, as much as closeness.

---