Page 65 of Harley & Her Ferals

He’s a nurse and a hero.

I also know that my brother has sold his soul to Dad many times for River’s sake, including the right to work from this woodshed.

Possibly, for Feral and me as well.

It’s why I forgive my brother for the times that he’s controlling or cruel. It must burn that he needs to go to the Hades pack and trade shady favors in order to bring Feral the seeds, cuttings, and medical equipment from Above.

Lionzio has been raised in a world that isn’t kind. He has no positive role model of how Betas or Omegas should be treated.

Despite that, he still tries his best to give River what he needs.

As a Companion, River has no right to request anything.

Why can’t Lionzio understand, however, that River has the right to choose who heloves? That he has the right to choose who he bonds with?

Why must Lionzio make his best friend frightened to tell him that he’s actually in love with his sister?

River is a prisoner of an enemy pack in a foreign country.

Isn’t that terrifying enough?

Yet here River is, smiling at me. “Tea, bella?”

I nod.

There isn’t a microwave or stove in the woodshed. So, River clicks on the ancient electric kettle.

As he waits for the kettle to boil, he hums a song that I don’t recognize.

“I’ll make you my famous herbal and honey tea.” River bends down to search out a clean, chipped mug from underneath the crate. He balances it precariously on the top. “It’s perfect for sore throats. Nurse’s orders, and that’s more important than doctor’s orders, when the nurse in question is as sexy as this one.”

He points at himself with a flourish.

I laugh.

True.

“What song is that?” I push myself slowly up against the metal headboard.

“You haven’t heard it?” River’s eyes light with excitement. “It’s a new one. Jin sang it at his concert last night, which was live streamed.”

“Is there anyone who isn’t obsessed with that Beta?”

Of course, I am too.

Jin is the most famous performer, both actor and singer, in the country. Yet somehow, he manages to make everyone feel like they know him.

The way that he can connect with people is a talent.

River tilts his head. “It’s inspiring to see a successful Beta. Yet his songs are stories. There’s something underneath them, a sadness. It’s like he’s flying free but is trapped at the same time. His life couldn’t be more different to mine, but somehow, his songs have helped me to survive. Sorry, it doesn’t make sense.”

“It does,” I say, quietly. I feel the same. So does Feral. Music is strange like that. It rises above language, borders, and dynamics. “So, you were listening to Jin’s concert, while I was fighting.”

The color drains from River’s cheeks.

He rushes back to the narrow bed and grabs my hands between his. “I’m sorry. I was listening to it to distract me. I can’t watch the two people I love risk their lives in such a brutal fight. The pits are the one place that I can’t…”

“Hey,” I hurriedly stand, ignoring my aching muscles and wrap my arms around River’s neck, “you don’t need to explain.”

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