Page 233 of Harley & Her Ferals

“I’m going to learn to live.” His expression becomes serious. I can sense his earnestness but also, his anxiety, coiling through the bond. It’s as if I won’t accept his decision or understand it. That breaks my heart. Of course, I’d always accept his choice and hell, do I understand better than anyone. “I don’t w-want to f-f-fight anymore.”

My eyes are wet with tears.

When I meet River’s gaze, his are as well. He tightens his hold on my hand.

“Then don’t, Fer,” I whisper. “You have the rest of your life to work out what you want to do. Or you can remain Laurent’s sugar Alpha who is pampered and spoiled by the rest of us, while we enjoy every heat, cuddling and rutting in this nest.”

Feral laughs, deep and genuine.

I love how much more often he laughs like that now. It makes both River and me light up every time.

“We fought for this chance, mio re,” River adds. “No one can tell you what to do.”

“Apart from me telling you to put the toilet lid down.” I raise a stern eyebrow.

Feral laughs again.

“Apart from that,” I feel light inside in a way that I never thought I would do, “we’re free. Just learn to live in the Above. Enjoy discovering this world.”

“W-w-with you.”

“With us.”

“Hey, is that…?” River cocks his head.

I listen intently as well to the low, guttural sound of a motorcycle outside.

“They’re back!” Relief and anticipation rushes through me.

Harbinger and Laurent are okay.

The Romeos won’t have coronaries or dispatch an elite ex-military squad to both search for his younger brother and kick our asses for not looking after him better.

I’ll have to text Ambrose as soon as possible.

I leap to my feet at the same time as River does.

Still holding hands, we run to the long window that faces out onto Bond Street.

Feral stalks to his feet and follows us with an eager glint in his eye.

Yet my excitement fades, as soon as I stare down at the figures in the shadows below.

Harbinger’s anxiety spikes through the bond again.

As soon as the engine cuts off, and Harbinger parks the motorcycle, Laurent stumbles off the back.

Yet he’s swaying like he’s drunk. Then he falls forward, and Harbinger catches him in his arms.

“Something’s wrong.” My face falls. “Shit, why is Harbinger having to carry him into the house?”

CHAPTER THIRTY

Feral Nest, Haven, The Above

“Rook has gone into his heat early. He told me that he can skip them but having one triggered this intensely caught us both by surprise. I didn’t expect to have to work out ways to keep an Omega in heat amused on the back of a motorcycle.” Harbinger strides into the Omega Chamber, clasping Laurent close to his athletic chest in a bridal carry that normally Laurent would bite any Alpha if they attempted.

Except now, Laurent is clinging to Harbinger with his face turned against his neck like he’s desperate for his scent and pheromones.

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