Page 56 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Instead of fleeing, however, Vito drops the cupcakes back into the saddlebag and squarely stands in front of Swan and me.

“I’ll protect you.” Vito’s expression becomes grim.

Swan rolls his eyes. “And who’s going to protectyou?”

Vito’s scent becomes bitter with a corresponding anger, the closer that the two instructors draw to him.

He doesn’t duck his head, however, or show any sign of appeasing them like many Alphas would when caught outnumbered on another pack’s territory. Instead, he straightens his shoulders as if to say that he’s not intimidated.

In fact, he tilts up his chin in direct challenge.

Hell, have I been scent matched with as courageous but as unhinged an Alpha, as Swan is a Beta?

I have to respect that.

Next to me, Swan is studying Vito with admiration.

Vito’s defiance appears to enrage Dimitri even further. After all, he’s used to deference and fear from his students.

Dimitri looks like a giant next to Vito, as he grabs him by the throat. “Bare your neck or—”

Vito snarls, shoving Dimitri in the chest.

Dimitri slips on the icy floor and loses his grip. Vito dances back a step, breathing hard.

“I’ve been beaten by far more dangerous men than you for most of my life.” Vito’s eyes flash. “I’ve had guns held to my head and knives pressed to my back. From one who’s experienced at being around psychos, your intimidation attempts need work. So, I’m going to give you one warning not to try it again.”

Dimitri’s cheeks flush with rage. “You’re dead.”

“Better but not by much. Now, these two were shut out here in the freezing cold. The important thing is to get them inside and warmed up. Why would you let them outside dressed like this? And Swan’s injured. I did the best that I could but I suck at first aid. So, his wound should be looked at properly.”

Katerina raises her cane to jab Vito in the chest. “How dare you tell me how to treat my students?”

When she jabs him a second time — harder — Swan growls like he can’t stop himself, stepping forward.

Katerina’s eyes become cold shards of ice. “I’ll teach you not to growl at me.”

She raises her cane high above her head.

“Feathers…” I grab Swan by the arm but I can’t pull him out of the way in time.

It isn’t Swan who hisses in pain, however, as the canethwacksdown.

It’s Vito.

I stare in shock, as Vito twirls, covering Swan’s body with his own. The cane viciously slices across the thin t-shirt of his back.

For a long moment, Swan and Vito stare into each other’s eyes.

Then Swan grips Vito’s hand and squeezes.

I’m frozen.

What Alpha would take a beating for a Beta?

Dimitri’s dark gaze is looking between Vito and Swan like he’s trying to work out what’s going on. Also, as if he wishes that he could take the cane and beat Vito to the ground with it.

When Vito turns to face the other two Alphas, he’s transformed into a different man to the one who first crouched next to us like a gorgeous rock god.

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