Page 81 of Juliet & Her Romeos

“There’s a garden, Feathers.” I stared at the winter wonderland, which was silver under the moonlight. “Trees, lawns, and mazes, going on forever. Then at the bottom, our forest. The one at the back of the academy but from the other side. We’ve stepped through the mirror.”

I felt Swan’s hand on my shoulder. “We’ve fucking smashed it.”

“Well, pajamas are on the end of the bed,” Vito said. “Lots to talk about tomorrow. Don’t be up late because otherwise Santa may not visit—”

“Wait,” Swan twirled to Vito, “isn’t this your bedroom? When are you joining us?”

I blushed.

I was glad that Swan had said it. But we were here to bond. Why wait?

Vito winked. “At least buy me dinner first. Don’t worry, I’m a cheap date: pizza without pineapple and a beer.”

Swan stalked toward Vito; his eyes burned, dangerously. “Little Snake, don’t tease.Your bedroom with your Chief Alpha.”

“Oh,” Vito drew out the word like it could ward off Swan’s advance. It couldn’t. Vito placed his hands against Swan’s chest,half placating and half because he appeared to simply enjoy touching Swan. “Thatbedroom.”

What was he hiding?

“Yeah, that one.” Swan bared his teeth.

“Amby thought that you’d be tired out with your spinning and shit. Plus, he snores like a bear and he’s as grumpy as one in mornings. So, you can stay here by yourselves tonight, and we can talk about things tomorrow.”

I stared at Vito in surprise. “This whole room isours.”

The room washuge.

It was at least four times as large as our one in the academy. It was also much more luxurious than my room at the Cinders ranch.

I’d never slept anywhere like this.

Surely, even if he was bonding with us, Ambrose couldn’t mean to house a Reject Omega and his Beta here.

Vito’s brow furrowed with confusion. “Isn’t it okay? I painted it myself ready for you. Amby chose some new clothes, which are in the closet. Sorry about his taste. The Alphahole refused to accept my suggestions of leather trousers and some epic Muse sweaters. Now, what are your favorite foods? I want to make them for your Christmas breakfast.”

“Favorite foods…?” Overwhelmed, I didn’t know how to answer.

Vito decorated a room just for us. Ambrose bought us new clothes.

No one had taken this much care of me since my parents died. No one hadeverlooked after Swan.

Swan was staring at Vito like he hung the moon.

“I don’t know.” Swan appeared as overwhelmed as I was. “In the academy, you ate what you were given or you starved.”

Vito’s expression hardened. “Fuck them. I want to make this special for you. Is there anything that you wished you could have?”

“Double chocolate ice cream,” I burst out, clapping my hands.

Swan’s eyes brightened. “She likes apples. And I’ve always wanted to try a chocolate cherry cake.”

“Pancakes.” I caught Swan’s eye, as he twisted to me. “Remember? We can eat pancakes with—"

“Syrup.” Swan looked like the thought of it, more than anything else that had happened to him, might finally break him.

“Pancakes with syrup and double chocolate ice cream with a side helping of apple it is then,” Vito said firmly. “I’ll bake a chocolate cherry cake soon. We can find out what foods you prefer together, huh?”

“I’d like that,” I replied.

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