Page 186 of Harley & Her Ferals

The lights make the howling wolf tattoo on his chest appear alive.

He’s been made pretty for this fight like his face and body aren’t already marred by bruises and soon won’t be running with blood. His cheeks glitter, and his eyebrow, as well his nails, gleam with silver.

As soon as he realizes that I’m looking, Harbinger straightens his shoulders and shoots me a flirtatious look.

He’s as good at wearing masks as Laurent is.

Next to me, Laurent notices the direction of my look. His breathing hitches.

“He’s smart,” Laurent whispers. “Harbinger will catch on. Also, he beat you last time that you fought. He’ll be all right.”

He’s reassuring himself. But still, I needed to hear it.

Feral and Harbinger will fight for me. But River and Laurent together have scheming minds. I knew that they wouldn’t leave anything about this to chance.

Morally gray has become my favorite color.

When Laurent smiles at Harbinger, Harbinger dramatically blows him a kiss.

Laurent blushes. “Idiot.”

I laugh, needing the moment to break the tension. “Ouridiot.”

I watch Dad wind between the packs below in his bright red suit like the ringmaster. Allegra trails at his shoulder in a floor-length crimson dress with feathers at the shoulder.

My sister looks as miserable as I feel.

After all, this night is the celebration of me becoming heir.

Doesn’t she understand that I am being used as a puppet by Dad? I could have to watch the men I love die.

Allegra should be punished for sending me into a heat. Yet Dad has forgiven her.

I won’t.

Dad jokes and laughs like he isn’t just about to wrest ultimate control by slaughtering the best fighters.

He glances at Laurent and me to check that we’re behaving.

I’m secretly relieved that Dad has put me on display like I’m not his Omega heir but am another Omega prize.

This way, I can be close to Laurent to keep him both company and safe.

We don’t need to be alone, while our Alphas risk their lives below us.

I don’t know if either of us could have dealt with that.

Laurent rests his hand on my knee. I entwine my fingers with his.

He’s shaking.

Yet his face is expressionless. He hides his fear perfectly. I hate what he’s been through in his past that means he can manage this.

I’m a mess.

I whimper.

I’m desperate to be down in that cage, fighting at Feral’s shoulder.

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