All of us, however, are taking the risk to step into the unknown.
Everyone trusts me enough to follow me.
I’m overflowing with pride and gratitude at the same time.
I won’t let them down.
“You definitely have the door code, right?” Lionzio murmurs. “That’s the only thing, which worried some of the pack.”
“In duplicate,” I assure him. “We’re safe.”
Lionzio’s expression becomes grim. “We’re not safe until we’re out of here and Dad and Vinnie are locked up.”
I nod.
Then my pulse speeds up, when I hear more footfalls.
Please be River.
“The Betas are here! Now, the party can start,” River’s cheerful voice calls from the closest tunnel.
“Riv,” I murmur in relief.
“See, I knew our ray of sunshine would be fine.” The way that Harbinger straightens and grins, despite the pain in his ribs, shows that he’s just as relieved as I am.
River saunters out of the tunnel, leading what must be every remaining Beta in the Underworld.
My eyes widen.
I didn’t doubt River but still, this is anarmyof Betas.
River looks powerful at their head: The Companion servant turned revolutionary leader.
Hyper, River bounces on his toes, before twirling back to the Betas, who are as enthusiastic as he is.
Knowing River, he’s been motivating them with his typical sunniness, which has driven the nerves from them.
To my shock, River drags off his black t-shirt.
My mouth falls open, and Feral growls.
Our Beta isn’t about to put on a strip show in front of all these people, right?
River jabs his finger at the ‘C’ for Companion, which is stitched onto his top.
Then he hoists the shirt above his head. “Since I was forced to come here, I’ve also been forced to wear this. I even had to sew on thisCto mark myself as a ward.But I’m a mafia heir.Don Battle hired men to murder my pack and kidnap me. I know many of you have similar stories or have been treated as nothing but servants by your packs without the right to medical care. Once we leave here, we can choose our own fates. Don’t let anyone mark you again. Betas unite!”
River rips the shirt in half and hurls the two halves to the floor.
The Betas cheer.
My heart swells.I’m so fucking proud of him.
“Look at our Sunshine go,” Harbinger breathes.
River glances over his shoulder, searching out my gaze for my approval.
When I smile, he struggles through the packed room toward me.