Page 88 of Juliet & Her Romeos

My expression hardens. “Assholes.”

“My memory from before the academy is hidden, as if behind frosted glass, apart from my brother, Link. Then I saw that tattoo and… Do you think that an Alpha kid would remember a Beta servant? I bet that he doesn’t know who I am. Fucking funny how he doesn’t look dangerous, when—”

“Slow down.” I furrow my brow. “I don’t understand.”

“Snakes,” Swan hisses with more rage than I’ve heard him speak before. Even when Remington betrayed their friendship, humiliating Swan and breaking his heart, Swan didn’t sound like this. “Vito didn’t try to hide it. He called himselfViper.I could hurl because I even devoured one of those cakes with fucking snake decorations.”

He gags.

I’m frozen.

Numb.

“Vito is…? He’s from the pack who…?” I don’t want to believe it. Even if it’s true, is it any of our fault the pack we’re born into? I’ve been hated for the last four years because I’m a Cinders,after all. “Is he the young Alpha who the triplet sisters were cruel to?”

“He’s the right age to be.” Swan’s eyes gleam. “Promise me that until we know the truth about Vito, you’ll be careful, JuJu. The Romeos took your mom and you captive. It’s theSnakeswho sold me. All members are marked with that distinctive tattoo. And more than that? The Snakes are the most infamous mafia family in the state.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Romeo Hall, Sanctum

Iperch on one of the high stools, which stand behind the luxurious marble counter in the kitchen. The counter runs down the center of the grandest kitchen that I’ve ever sat in.

I stare around myself in wonder, swinging my bare feet.

Swan and I only took the time to pull on the cozy purple dressing gowns, which we found hanging behind the bedroom door, before padding down the stairs.

I was too excited about my first proper breakfast in years to take the time to dress. Swan is too anxious about finding out Vito’s true identity.

I curl my cold toes.

I bet my new pack has remembered to buy us slippers. They’re probably in the bottom of that huge new closet of clothes for me.

Ambrose appears to have remembered everything else.

I smile.

Vito may have secrets, but I can feel it in my blood that he’s a good man. Plus, he’s the first one in a long time to care for me.

To think that it’s important what I like.

To make me feel heard.

Does it matter what pack he was born into?

The cabinets, counters, and floor of the kitchen gleam in gold veined marble, as if Romeo Hall is owned by Roman emperors.

To be fair, Ambrose reminded me yesterday of a handsome emperor: blond, tall, and powerful.

AnAlpha of Alphas.

A stunning chandelier drips crystals from the ceiling.

The morning light struggles through domed windows behind the counter, which look out over the blanketed garden and the forest at the bottom.

It’s begun to snow heavily, however, and it’s hard to see through the snowy veil.

Am I ever going to grow used to seeing out of a window without bars?

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