“No,” Vinnie looks amused, “I said youallbroke the rules. I haven’t decided who deserves punishment the most.”
“I do.” Harbinger rushes to stand in front of Vinnie, attempting to block his view of Laurent and me. “Look at thisgorgeous body of mine. I’d tempt a saint. It’s my fault for being this sexy.”
“It was my plan,” I correct, quietly. “I should take the punishment.”
I won’t let Harbinger take any more of the blame. He’s already been hit and roughed up. Earlier, he received two hundred strokes from the brutal Discipline Strap.
He’s been hurt enough.
I know in my head that he’s not my Alpha. Yet in my heart, it’s a different matter.
I can’t fight it any longer.
Next to me, Laurent stiffens. “Shouldn’t we at least toss a coin? What about playing rock, paper, scissors?”
“Have you caught feelings for each other?” Vinnie sneers.
Harbinger’s expression is unexpectedly serious as it meets mine. “Let me do this.”
Vinnie glances at the other men. “Keep your guns trained on the Omegas.”
My breathing picks up. My pulse roars in my ears.
The Alphas are blocking the exit to the room. If I tried to fight or rush them in order to get Laurent out of here, then there is a chance that one of those guns will go off.
Someone could end up with a bullet in them. I’m not used to fighting against weapons and I haven’t trained with them.
How can I risk it?
I’m trapped.
Vinnie crosses his arms. “Prove to me that you’re sorry. Loyal. Do the one thing that you’ve refused to do, since I took you into my pack. Kneel and bare your neck.”
I gasp.
It’s an extreme thing for an Alpha to bare their neck to another Alpha.
It’s the ultimate act of submission.
It’s rarely used, apart from between bonded pairs. Even then, it should only be willing.
It’s a violation and taboo to be demanded in this way, especially in public.
The ultimate humiliation.
Dad has used it within the family on Lionzio. Most packs would consider that abuse.
Harbinger’s expression becomes shuttered.
His midnight green eyes fix on mine like he needs the anchor…as if he’s telling me that he’s doing this for me.
Then he kneels.
Laurent winds his arm around my waist, nuzzling against my neck. His sweet chocolate scent becomes burned in his distress.
Harbinger’s back is straight. He keeps his head raised high and dignified.
Then he pushes his hair out of the way, baring his vulnerable neck to one of the most dangerous men in the Underworld.