Page 139 of Harley & Her Ferals

She’s resting a casual hand on Laurent’s arm. She’ll keep him safe, no matter what happens.

My expression steels.

This is it.

Lionzio leans over to offer me his hand.

It’s shaking.

His expression is shuttered, but I can see that he’s as nervous as I am.

Then he looks over my shoulder. I know that he’s searching out River.

My heart sinks.

I take Lionzio’s warm hand, allowing him to pull me up onto the stage. The lights are brighter here. I’m sweating.

“It’ll be okay,” Lionzio whispers. “I’ll protect you.”

I realize then that he means whether Allegra or he wins.

He doesn’t think that I have a chance.

I school my expression. I don’t look at Dad.

Dad’s suit is even more flamboyant than normal. It’s stitched with flame sequins along the arms and legs.

Dad glances at all three of us. I flinch.

“I set up this contest in the hope that my kids would prove that they weren’t weak and soft,” Dad declares. My brother takes a deliberate step away from me, straightening his shoulders. “Competition and rivalry brings out the ruthlessness in everyone. Dynamic doesn’t matter. You should all learn from this.”

The crowd stir and mutter but don’t dare talk back.

Dad holds up his hand. “Shut the fuck up. I’m about to teach you an important lesson. Who’s the first Omega cage fighter? Someone who can kick most of your asses? Who is braver than most Alphas in this room?My fucking daughter.”

My brother freezes, becoming ashen.

Allegra pulls on Dad’s arm, baring her teeth. “But Papi, I’m the First Omega…”

“Not anymore.” Dad pushes Allegra away more roughly than he has before. Taken by surprise, she tumbles onto her ass. She begins to sob. “I declare Harley to be the winner of the Heir Contest. She is the new First Omega and heir of the Battle pack. She will no longer fight in the octagon. I will be training her up in the business, as my successor. She is only second to me now over the entire Underworld. You’d better treat her with fucking respect or you’ll have me to answer to.Kneel.”

I raise my head in triumph, looking out over these packs, who I now rule over.

I never wanted power or to make anyone kneel for me like this.

Yet after years of being the outcast, there is still some satisfaction in this moment.

The room appears stunned.

Nobody moves, until Dad thunders again, “Kneel.”

Laurent and River are the first to kneel, followed by Romilly and her Omega, Kenya.

Then Harbinger.

I swallow at the sight, forcing myself to keep my head up.

Finally, every single person down below in the room kneels.

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