Page 231 of Harley & Her Ferals

I’m not telling Feral or River yet about my concerns.

It will only scare them, especially as this world Above is still such an unknown to Feral. Both men would want to tear off into the night and probably end up in trouble themselves.

If Laurent and Harbinger don’t arrive home by the time that I’m ready to sleep, however, then I’ll allow Ambrose to unleash his army of security in search of them.

Since Laurent was kidnapped once, Ambrose is already uncomfortable with Laurent going anywhere without a legion of trained bodyguards.

Harbinger comforted Ambrose by claiming that he can keep all of us safe because he’sbasically the same thing.

I hope that it’s true and I’m worrying for no reason.

River waves Feral and my concern away. “Mio amore is probably doing something romantic like taking his Omega for a moonlit drive through the mountains.”

“Or rutting him over the back of his motorcycle,” I mutter.

“Or riding his Omegaashe rides the bike.” River dramatically throws himself down in a pile of giant plushies that are shaped like chess pieces, which are next to the bed. “He’s promised to try that with me.”

I chuckle. “I wish that I’d been a fly on the wall, when Harbinger drove up to the billionaire mansion of the elite Romeos with their precious Omega on the back of his motorcycle.”

“It’s w-why our w-wicked Alpha did it.” Feral smirks.

“Ah, you’d be disappointed.” River casually leans over from his nest of stuffies to adjust one of the tall vases of roses that circle the room. River puts fresh flowers out through out the house every day, twenty-four in each vase. He never forgets his flower code:I’m yours. The burst of excited happiness in the bond, when he saw that there were roses climbing around the front door of the house, told me that he’d definitely be voting for us to buy it. “The Second Alpha is a cool biker, Vito. I have a feeling our Alpha and Vito will have been bonding…and racing…all week.”

“Maybe that’s why they’re not back yet.”At least,I hope that’s why.I firm up a wall of the nest. “Our Wolf has found another wolf to challenge to a race.”

Feral’s longing gaze settles on the silver origami wolf on the windowsill.

“Where’s Lion tonight?” River asks. “Is he not coming home either?”

I can’t hide my grin. “Where do you think he is? Over at the flat above the coffee shop with Bliss and Pip. He’s found two friends in them. They’ve adopted that Alpha.” Then I wince at how I’ve worded it. I glance at Feral. “I didn’t mean…”

“I’m happy f-f-or my brother. He’s been lost.” Feral strides to the fridge, which is next to River’s pile of softies.

He crouches in front of the fridge, checking through the Gatorades and snacks, ready for our heats.

There is a large, mahogany box, which is carved with a sun, moon, and stars next to the fridge.

River was mysterious, when it arrived in the post, only telling me that I’d find out what it contained soon.

“Bliss will be holding one of her infamous chocolate fudge movie nights for Pip and Lion,” I say. “It’s good for Lion to learn how to relax. His sleepovers and meet ups with other Alphas in the Underworld were nothing but networking. Plus, those Omegas are pulling him into their Bonds Protective Unit, especially their latest case about Jin. It’s good for Lion to have something to focus on. He’s never had free time before. Too much would be bad for him.”

River clutches a fluffy rook to his chest. “Lion was so lonely in the Underworld. I was all he had, and he was confused about how he wanted me. Your sister had his emotions tangled up.”

The thought of my sister makes me grimace.

“Lion has taken losing Allegra and Dad hard,” I concede.

At least, harder than I have.

But then, my brother doesn’t have a bonded pack around him. I’m doing my best, and Bliss and Piper have been amazing as well.

But it’s striking how important a bonded pack is to helping every dynamic.

“What about you?” River asks.

I bite my lip. “I have you guys. But Lion isn’t bonded to anyone, and I didn’t realize until the Heir Contest just how desperate he has been for a bonded pack. Plus, Dad used more ruthless methods on him to teach him to be obedient, than he did on me. Lion truly did spend years looking after Allegra. Right up until the end, he believed that he could persuade her to join us.”

River’s expression becomes dark. “Allegra has been fostered into a resistance pack. It’s better than she deserves.”

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