Page 194 of Harley & Her Ferals

Laurent’s plan has gone wrong.

Or has Dad outwitted us?

Has Dad been playing us and not the board all along?

Is this checkmate?

“Don’t fall, bella.” River’s breathing too fast. He’s shaking, as he looks up at us. Then he focuses on Laurent. “You have a plan. Tell me that you have a plan.”

Laurent is paler than I am.

He appears vulnerable in a way that he rarely does. He deliberately looks away, as the bodies of Knot King and Hit Man are dragged out of the cages.

Reluctantly, Laurent shakes his head. “I didn’t predict… Your dad changed… I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” I need him to believe that.

Dad is wily.

He’s been monitoring us and he’s taken on the most dangerous packs across America — the world — for decades.

After all, he wiped out River’s pack, and they were the most powerful mafia family in Italy.

Has Dad truly worked out our plan? Or is he simply taking this chance to kill one of my Alphas? Does he want to make sure that my new pack isn’t strong enough to challenge him?

To remind me and everyone of my place, which is still beneath him in the hierarchy?

My heart is broken.

Laurent stares down at Harbinger with desperate longing.

Harbinger is bent over, catching his breath.

His long hair has escaped its ribbon and falls over his face. He’s holding his bruised side, where his ribs must be broken.

He’s a bloody, bruised mess.

When he looks up and notices us looking at him, however, he manages a crooked smile.

His eyes are sad, however, when he mouths, “I love you.”

Then he looks down at River and repeats the words.

Laurent turns his head away, wiping at the tears in his eyes. “There are still several moves to play.”

My eyes widen.

I grab more tightly onto Laurent. “Tell me.”

“I can’t.” Why is his voice raspy with tears? Isn’t this good news? “Don’t make me.”

Confused, I stare back at Harbinger.

Why can I sense a resigned sadness from him in the bond?

Vinnie swaggers to Harbinger’s cage. His chest is puffed up with pride that the Hades pack is in the final of the NPH Championship.

He swings open the door to the cage. “Out.”

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