Page 8 of Juliet & Her Romeos

“We’ll be dancing on the stage as Romeo and Juliet in the Choosing of the Principals on Christmas Eve.” My eyes burn with tears at the thought. For four damn years, I’ve waited for this chance. “The only thing that I want for Christmas is to become a prima ballerina like my mom was.”

“Then we’ll earn the right to our freedom.” Swan’s expression steels. “We’d only have to dance in the company for one more year.”

Andthat’swhat this contest is truly about.

Winning when you turn twenty against the ruthless competition of your peers is the only way out of this academy.

Well, apart from bonding with an Alpha.

My voice is low. “Ever since I was little, I was told that no Omega could become a dancer, let alone a principal. Every single day that I practice, until my muscles ache and my toes bleed, I’m called nothing but a joke because no other Omega has been allowed this chance. No one thinks that I can do this.”

“I do.”

“You do,” I repeat, softly. “You’ve always been my champion.”

Swan’s the only person who believes in me.

“Becoming a principal means far more than proving every one wrong.” I haven’t admitted this out loud before. It’s hard, but I need to be brave. I trust Swan with this confession. “It means showing Omegas across America — the world — that they can achieve their dreams too. It means that little Omegas who love dancing but are laughed at, shamed, or told that they’llnever make it on a stage, can at least know in their hearts that’s not true.”

Swan cups my cheek, turning my face up to meet his intense gaze. “We’re going to win because you’re the most breathtaking dancer that I’ve ever seen.”

My eyes burn.

He means it.

I struggle to keep looking into his silver eyes. I feel like I can see his soul.

“I thought that was you,” I murmur.

“I’m the best Beta, but you’re simplythebest.” Swan’s hand strokes down to my neck. My breath catches. He sniffs at my throat. “Fuck, I love your chocolate cherry scent. Dance with me, my Ash Queen.”

Swan loops his arms around me and twirls me.

I laugh, overwhelmed by the joy of our connection.

We have an ease of familiarity in each move.

We know each other’s body and every step. It’s like we’re two halves of one soul.

Swan supports me, as if he’s an extension of my own body.

When he begins to lead me through the Love Dance fromRomeo and Julietby Prokofiev, which we’ll be dancing on Christmas Eve to earn our freedom, it’s like Swan’s volcanic heat cools to water.

We’re fluid and effortless, as one.

We don’t need music because we have the music of our bodies. Our bare feet beat out a rhythm on the wooden floor. Dust blooms around us.

We make this forgotten, run-down practice room beautiful with our Love Dance.

We bring it to life.

A calm happiness settles over me. I purr, instinctively.

Dancing together, in this pas de deux, I’m at my most joyous.

It’s my secret pleasure.

Emotions surge through me like a drug. It’s exhilarating.

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