Page 141 of Harley & Her Ferals

It hits me then just how long Lionzio must have seen himself as River’s Alpha.

His secret love is toxic but to him, itislove.

No matter the risk, I need to trust my brother with my plan.

If I don’t, then he’s going to get himself killed.

I know that I won’t be able to live with that guilt, and by the devastated expression on River’s face, I know that he can’t either.

“Lion,” I whisper frantically, diving to try and pull him back by the shoulder, “why don’t we talk about this later in private? Please, just…”

Lionzio shrugs me off. “He’smyBeta.”

I wince, as Dad backhands Lionzio hard enough to knock him stumbling backward.

“You once asked if I didn’t choose you because you weren’t of my blood. You were right. It’s because you’re only myadoptedkid. Maybe that’s why you’re such a fucking weak, useless Alpha.” Dad’s expression is thunderous. “Kneel and apologize.”

Lionzio’s eyes widen.

He’s the boss’ son. As my older brother, he’s been working hard in Dad’s name for several years now. He’s considered to be the man in charge.

Yet Dad wants him to kneel in front of every pack in the Underworld.

Along with no longer being the heir and failing to pass his Alphahood Test, Lionzio will never recover from this humiliation.

Lionzio’s expression becomes flat and dead like he’s realized it too. Also, that if he doesn’t obey now, then he won’t only be socially dead.

Dad will make sure that he’s truly dead.

Slowly, Lionzio drops to his knees, bowing his head. “I apologize, Dad.”

“Not to me, to myheir.”

Fuck.

I try to shuffle backward, shaking my head.

I don’t want my brother to kneel to me or to publicly apologize.

We both love the same Beta. And that Beta has chosen me.

I only want Lionzio to understand River’s right to make the decision about who he bonds with. Only, how can he, when Dad makes this sound like River is a reward to whoever is worthy of being his heir?

Like Lionzo isn’t worthy because he’s adopted?

I can see how hard Lionzio is holding back tears because Dad never allows him to cry without adding extra punishment.

He turns to me, still on his knees. His hands are balled into fists.

The room is deathly quiet.

I admire the way that Lionzio raises his head and looks me directly in the eyes, as he says, “I’m sorry, Harley.”

“It’s okay,” I whisper.

I wish that my brother understood I would die to protect him from Dad. I haven’t forgotten the beatings that he’s taken for me as we grew up together in order to protectme.

After this, can I bring him in on the plan to save the Underworld from Dad? It always included saving my brother.

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