Page 96 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Swan’s smile widens, until he’s lit up with joy.

It seems to have sunk in finally that his brother is alive and doing well.

Also, that Lincoln was searching for him. He didn’t forget him.

But that’s a lot for Swan to process.

“So, one brother became a badass bodyguard,” I say, “and the other a ballet dancer.”

Affronted, Swan squirms out from underneath Vito to stand up, posing gracefully, despite his tangled hair and clothes that are smeared in syrup and chocolate.

Then he pirouettes. “I bet that I still have the better ass.”

Vito bursts out laughing.

He pats Swan’s shoulder. “You do, beautiful. But never make me think about Link’s ass again. He’s already going to break me in half for saving you through that disgusting Ballet Bonding Night tradition. I don’t want a trained killer with a gun after me for thinking of his ass.”

I put my hands on my hips, aware suddenly how much smaller I am than either of these men.

I don’t care.

They’re still my men to stand up for, even if I look like the fairy that Swan refused to call me next to them.

“If Link tries to kick your ass, Viper, then I’ll kick his,” I declare. “He may be a Destroyer of Alphas, but I’m an Omega. I’m not only territorial of my nest. I’m territorial of the men who I want in my nest as well.”

Vito’s expression softens.

He turns to me and cups my cheek. “You’re incredible, you know that?”

I blush.

“But Link’s truly my best friend.” Vito glances over his shoulder at Swan. “Seriously, he was always awesome but he’s grown up into an amazing guy. He’ll be pleased that we…if we do…well, he understands about fated mates because that’s what he has. He’ll give me some grief about how this has turned out but he’ll just be so fucking ecstatic that I’ve got you out of that place that he’ll be happy about whatever you choose to do.”

“Can I meet him?” Swan’s voice is tight.

I can tell how much this means to him but he’s trying not to show it.

He expects Vito to say no.

Please say yes.

My stomach sinks, however, when Vito’s expression blanks, and he shakes his head.

“Not yet,” Vito replies. “There’s a mandatory bonding period of two weeks. We need to remain in Romeo Hall for that. There’s other serious things going on that we’ll need to talk about. Can’t we just enjoy the holiday?”

Swan isn’t able to hide the flash of devastation fast enough.

Vito doesn’t miss it.

He bites his lip, hesitating for a moment, before he strides to the counter and snatches up his phone. Then he walks back to Swan and holds it out to him.

“I suppose you can have your gift early. Amby will probably spank me for this, but hey, I’m used to pissing him off. It’s my best skill. Isn’t this the day that we’re meant to speak to family?” He presses the screen.

Who’s he calling?

My chest tightens at the thought of talking to family. He’s right. But I can’t talk to mine.

Where are you Mom?

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