Page 142 of Harley & Her Ferals

Luckily, Dad looks mollified.

I lick my lips, nervously waiting for Dad to declare that I can choose my Omega and Alpha.

Almost there.

I’m so close to gaining my bonded pack at last.

Yet there’s a glint in Dad’s eye that makes nerves swirl through me.

“Who but the Battle pack brings the big surprises?” Dad raises his hands dramatically, and with an explosion of smokeand glitter that has everyone shouting and jumping back to their feet, a giant, empty cage descends from the ceiling.

The glittering cage lands in the middle of the dance floor. Then its door swings open.

Laurent exchanges a questioning glance with me, but I shrug.

I have no idea what this is about. But it can’t be anything good.

Everyone looks as bewildered as me, even Lionzio.

Dad must have kept this secret.

Why?

My pulse is roaring.

“The Nine Pits of Hell, NPH, is an ancient tradition, which is celebrated once in a generation,” Dad declares. “My heir being an Omega is enough reason to hold the NPH. I promised to hold something spectacular for the Championship Special. Have I ever let you down?”

Allegra glances at Vinnie, who urges her to stand.

Allegra pushes herself to her feet, wiping her wet cheeks.

“What’s the NPH, Papi?” She asks, attempting to sound sweet.

“It’s a one-on-one death match,” Dad replies, casually.

The crowd gasp or shift uncomfortably.

A death match?

Horrified, I stare out at the grim faces. After seeing what has just happened to their boss’ own son, when he dared to defy him, no one risks speaking out against Dad.

I’m in shock at this sudden twist.

I thought that Dad would throw me a feast to celebrate my succession.

Not a fight to the fucking death.

Dad glances at me, significantly. “The heir doesn’t take part, of course. Each of the chief eighteen packs must choose their best fighter. Place them in the cage now.”

“Now…?” Vinnie bursts out like he can’t stop himself. “We’re just meant to sacrifice our best fighter?”

“It’s an honor to fight in the NPH,” Dad growls in warning.

I can tell by the shock and anger rolling off the present Alphas that they don’t think so.

Of course, Dad is making a smart move. He’s using this as a brutal way to control and weaken each of these packs.

The fights will be savage. And at least nine of the fighters put into that cage tonight willdiein the fights.

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