Page 22 of Harley & Her Ferals

He has a volatile, violent temper.

And if triggered, he’ll explode.

The danger is that something different triggers him every time.

Dad’s fingers claw tighter, shaking me.

I gasp.

“Stop it,” Lionzio growls. “I’m the one who gave it to her. She was cold.”

Dad dives forward with the speed of a man who in his youth was the Champion in the octagon, slamming his hand on the table and making the cutlery rattle. “And that means you can disobey your Head Alpha? You fucking represent me, you little shit. If you can’t fight, then you can at least look pretty and immaculate. What other good are you, huh?”

Lionzio flushes.

“I asked you a question,” Dad demands. “What other good are you?”

“I don’t know.”

Dad’s face twists, cruelly. “Neither do I. Why’d you give her that jacket, unless you’re going soft?Weak?It’s what I hear.”

The blood drains from Lionzio’s face. “Who told you that? I’ve done everything that you’ve asked me to.”

“Including whipping that little Beta shit of yours?”

Lionzio avoids his gaze.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Dad straightens, crossing his arms. “I need to rely on Allegra to deal with him more strictly than you do, and he’s your ward.”

Allegra preens at the praise.

“That’s because my ward doesn’t deserve it,” Lionzio bites out before he can stop himself.

I dart him a sympathetic look.

Lionzio has just walked into the trap, and at his panicked expression, he knows it.

River is Lionzio’s weak spot, as much as he’s mine.

“Soft and disobedient.” Dad rests his hand on my shoulder like a warning. His voice is low but dangerous. “Should I regret adopting such a disloyal son?”

“I’m loyal to the Battles.” Lionzio tilts up his chin. I nudge his ankle with my foot beneath the table because I can tell how close Dad is to blowing. Lionzio used to be better at wearing a mask than this. Perhaps, he’s too exhausted to hide his emotions. “You know that.”

Dad finally lets go of my shoulder. I don’t feel better, however, because he prowls around the table toward my brother.

Allegra sprawls back in her chair like she’s readying herself to enjoy a show.

“Are you my loyal dog?” Dad asks, suspiciously gently. “Will you bark for me?”

Lionzio adjusts his tie. “Of course, Dad.”

“Then bark.”

A heavy silence settles over the room.

Lionzio laughs, nervously.

His laughter dies, however, when Dad only continues to stand, staring down at him.

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