Page 195 of Harley & Her Ferals

Harbinger straightens, takes a deep breath, then makes an effort to swagger out of the cage.

“No gold star? Lollipop? Pat on the head?” Harbinger sweeps a bow to the audience.

He winces, when Vinnie deliberately grabs him by his injured wrist and squeezes. “You get your reward of being bonded with the Battle heir and that elite bitch, if you win. So, since you cost me such a lot, at least give everyone here a good show, whether with your victory or death.”

“Thanks for the pep talk. Truly inspiring.” Harbinger grits his teeth, as Vinnie shoves him into the octagon with Feral.

I stiffen.

Feral is so hyped up that he may attack any Alpha who comes close to him right now.

Instead, Feral prowls to the opposite side of the cage. He pins Harbinger with a complicated stare.

Why do I think that the two of them are communicating an entire conversation with that look?

Laurent is watching them intently.

Suddenly, Harbinger leans casually against the bars.

He studies his nails. “What if we both decide not to fight?”

Feral growls his agreement.

My eyes light up.

Laurent’s lips quirk. “See? There’s always a move to play, even if it’s crazy.”

“Why would you do that, fucker?” Vinnie hisses. “I willdestroyyou for humiliating me like this.”

“We’re both bonded to Harley already.” Harbinger looks up at me, and his love is achingly obvious. “Isn’t this Championship about finding the Alpha who is strong enough to deserve to bond into her pack? She’s already chosen her Beta. The male Omega is the prize in the cage with her. But Feral has already won. He’s Harley’s Chief Alpha. And don’t you want me to be your Second Alpha?”

Feral crosses his arms, nodding again.

“How can I break the rules of any pack by fighting and killing my own Chief Alpha? How can my own Chief Alpha do anything but protect me?” Harbinger tilts up his chin.

Silence settles over the room.

I hold my breath.

Has Harbinger stopped the fight?

The audience are looking unsettled. Harbinger has used their own prejudices against them.

Some of the Second Alphas are giving side glances at their own Chief Alphas.

I bet that they’re wondering whether their Chief Alphas would protect or kill them.

These men are Traditionals.

If they let this play out, then it challenges their own pack hierarchies.

That’s true revolution.

My throat is dry.

Please let this be enough.

Dad prowls toward the cage.

---