Page 109 of Harley & Her Ferals

Worse, what if he’s caught?

Plus, his escape could trigger a change in codes and security processes that would risk our own escape.

Is Laurent being noble in a way that may work in the world Above but could condemn us here in the Underworld? Or has he worked out something that is many moves ahead of me?

Maybe he understands Harbinger better than I do.

If these two men truly are scent matches, then Harbinger probably won’t leave without Laurent anyway, right?

Is Laurent hoping that this gesture of sharing the information will win Harbinger’s trust? Or is it more of a thank you? Laurent’s only way of showing how much it means to him that Harbinger took the punishment for us?

I wish that I had some way to show Harbinger. Adrenaline is still making my legs feel like buckling from having to witness him being beaten.

He has protected me, and I will find a way to protect him too.

Before I can escape out of the doorway, however, a tall figure in a scarlet suit decorated with flames like Lucifer blocks it.

I stumble back.

“Dad,” I whisper.

Why the hell is he here?

My mind is racing.

Dad’s voice is deceptively light, but I don’t miss the danger underneath it. “Did you get lost, Harley? And you took this lovely little thing with you on your outing. Laurent must be scared. Are you hurt, tesoruccio?”

With an acting skill that I’ll never be able to match, Laurent touches his bruised cheek. “Hurts.”

Instantly, Dad’s fury redirects to Vinnie.

To my delight, Vinnie swallows in fear.

“How dare you injure such a fragile, sweet Omega?” Dad snarls. “He’s not a Beta or a fighter. Meet me tomorrow morning to apologize, you shit. No one damages a prize.”

Vinnie gapes at Dad. “They broke intomyestate.”

Dad puffs out his chest.

Then he pats me proudly on the shoulder. “My Omega daughter did, didn’t she?” He leans closer, studying me. I stand as still as I can, despite how fast my heart is beating. Dad is volatile. I never know how he’ll react. Does he know why I’mhere? He appears excited by my reckless but bold move, as Laurent predicted. “Ballsy. You may as well be the first to know that I’ve made up my mind. Harley is not only my daughter. She’s also my heir.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Heir’s Suite, Battle House, The Alpha Underworld

Artificial morning light streams through the high window of the Heir’s Suite — my new bedroom — warming my nest with Laurent.

Laurent and I lie curled next to each other in a huge nest on the four-poster bed, which is surrounded by diaphanous drapes. It smells deliciously of our mingling scents of chocolate chip ice cream and rose truffles.

The nest is built on top of the soft bed out of silky blankets, satin scarlet pillows, and Laurent’s jacket, waistcoat, and shirt.

Laurent is only wearing his trousers.

His chest is lean and athletic. He’s more toned than I’m expecting like a dancer.

I can’t resist tracing my fingers lightly down his chest.

Laurent smiles at me, sleepily.

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