Page 34 of Harley & Her Ferals

I shove River away from me, breaking the kiss.

I’m stronger than River and knock him back into the bucket, which spills.

He looks at me with wounded eyes. “If I’m no good at kissing, bella, just tell me. That was my first attempt. Feral and you can train me to be better—”

“Shhh,” I hush him. “Someone’s coming. And you were mind-blowing.”

River gives a smug and well-earned smile, before he hurries to snatch up the sponge and look like he’s working.

Lionzio marches into the training room.

He’s dressed in a gray suit. He looks immaculate, apart from the bandage that’s wrapped around his wrist.

I wince.

I regret the awkward way that he stands, not sure whether he should meet my gaze.

Dad has attempted to wreck our relationship.

I don’t know how to handle this either.

“Hey, Lion,” I try. “Is it time for your tutoring session with Riv?”

Lionzio clears his throat, before clicking his fingers at River. “Here. You’re late. I shouldn’t need to fetch you because you’re messing about with my sister. Haven’t you finished your chores yet? You know how Allegra is about those. I can only protect you so many times. You’ve seen how much shit Dad gives me. I expect you to remember your duty to me at least. It should come before anything else.”

River ducks his head, pushing the bucket against the wall. “Sorry.”

I bristle. “Don’t take out your frustrations about this whole situation on Riv.”

Lionzio’s eyes flash. “He’s my ward. I can talk to him how I like.”

Fury vibrates through me.

Doesn’t my brother also love his best friend?

I’m desperate to yell:Isn’t this the Beta who you want to bond?

I’d never speak to River like Lionzio just has, no matter how much pressure I was under. I’d do anything to protect him. I wouldn’t act like he was a burden.

I’d hurt, bleed, and kill for him.

Seen like this, Lionzio’s love appears petty and conditional.

Possessive.

But then, Lionzio has only had my dad as a model for how love works.

Does anyone actually love Lionzio, apart from me?

Dad hasn’t allowed him to have his own bonded pack, telling him that he needs to focus on his work for the Battles.

It must be eating him up inside, as much as it is me, that Dad is finally dangling pack bonds in front of him.

The chance at love.

River glances between us, before jumping up.

He rushes to Lionzio’s side, stroking down his arm soothingly. “Don’t fight. I’m here, okay? Let’s go study.”

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