Page 75 of Juliet & Her Romeos

There’s no answer to that.

“So, good luck.” Dimitri patronizingly pats Swan on the shoulder. “Elites from across Virginia are out in the audience, including the Governor, Senator Knight, Mayor St. Clair, and Sheriff Dante. Some of the wealthiest packs are sponsoring us this season: the Kings, Blades, and Champions. I hope that doesn’t make you nervous? And don’t think that I’ve forgotten our deal. When you lose, you’ll spend a lot of time on your knees making up for the way that you’ve challenged me tonight.”

Swan growls.

I watch as Dimitri stalks backstage.

Adrenaline is racing through me. I’m bouncing on my toes.

“He’s trying to rattle us. He wants to mindfuck us just before we have to perform to ensure that we make mistakes.” I squeeze Swan’s hand. “He’s using every dirty trick that he can to—”

“Light a fire in me…?” Swan’s face is lit up like the sun. He looks more beautiful than he ever has…and more determined. “He couldn’t have given a better motivational speech if he’dtried. I’m pumped. Now, let’s go out there and dance to win the hearts of the Alpha who loves andpampershis mates.”

Hope surges through me.

We can do this.

We have to.

All of a sudden, the orchestra strikes up with sweeping music. The velvet curtains pull back.

I hear muttered voices from the audience, the elites of society, followed by a sudden hush. The lights are too bright for me to see anyone.

The moment that Swan and I step out on the stage, however, taking up our poses, I know that they can see us.

Are Ambrose and his lovers in the front row?

I try to imagine them there, watching.

I’ll dance for them and for Swan.

This Love Dance is for all these men who I want to be a part of my life.

Now, Swan and I are no longer ourselves, we’re also Romeo and Juliet.

Yet our love is real, and that’s what sets us apart from every other dancer here.

It’s what’s made us suffer.

But just as love can make you suffer, it’s also going to be why we win.

As two lovers, Romeo and Juliet, we fix eyes on each other. We’re no longer on a stage, we’re meeting together alone for the first time, as young lovers.

Transfixed, I watch Romeo’s solo leaps like he’s courting me with his energy and passion. Shyly, I swirl around him, but then more confidently, as we’re caught up in our blooming love.

We dance faster, while the music swells, through pirouette turns and high and low embraces that are as fluid as melted ice.

My Romeo drops to his knees, caressing my calf in adoration. Then he opens his arms in the same pose as the courtyard statue, and I rush to him.

He catches me — like I know that he always will — gracefully holding me up.

I fall up and then down like I’m flying with one leg extended, before he pulls me close.

My heart swells with love at the same time as the music does.

Fuck, I love this man.

I never want to stop dancing with him. He understands my body in a way that no one else could.

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