Page 222 of Harley & Her Ferals

It feels uncomfortably like a hug, which is something that Lionzio, Allegra, and I spent so many years desperate for.

I swallow, before standing up and stepping back.

Romilly’s expression is serious, as it meets mine. “We’ll deal with him.”

“Thanks.”

Romilly steps forward and drags Dad toward the warriors.

When I turn around, Feral and Lionzio both envelope me in a real hug.

I no longer have to be desperate for affectionate touch, which I was never going to be good enough to get from Dad.

He was incapable of genuine love.

I have it now from my bonded pack.

“That makes things easier for me.” Vinnie hefts the two pistols in his hands. “I’ll simply take over. I’ve been trying to do that for years. The old bastard has had his time. The Hades should be leading the Underworld anyway.”

“Allegra,” Lionzio says, softly, “why don’t you walk over here and join us? We are going to have an amazing future together, as a family and pack. We can forget about everything in the past. Harley has forgiven me for the shit that I’ve done. If you simply say sorry, then—”

“Sorry?” Allegra screeches. “Harley has ruined everything. She stole the succession from me. Now, she’s led this ridiculous uprising. Look how she attacked our own dad. What kind of Omega acts like that? She’s bad and needs to be sent to the Discipline cells.”

Feral’s growl is so loud and dominant that it rolls around the chamber, making everyone fall silent.

Allegra cringes, hiding behind Vinnie.

Vinnie raises his pistol. “Don’t worry, cutie. Who do you want me to shoot first? It can be my courting gift to you. Then we can bond in their blood.”

My breath hitches. I shudder.

But Allegra looks delighted.

She points at Lionzio. “My brother dearest.”

Lionzio’s expression crumples. He looks devastated.

Laurent helps Harbinger to limp forward. They stand between Vinnie and Lionzio to stop Lionzio from being shot as a psycho bonding gift.

Harbinger adjusts his tie. “The thing about criminal gangs that will do anything for money is they’re not loyal. I was part of the Hades. I learned how they worked. And I know that they can be bought for the right price.”

“What’s all this bullshit?” Vinnie growls.

He doesn’t notice the way that the gang members around him are training their guns onhimnow, rather than anyone else.

Harbinger’s grin is villainous. “Only that you chained the most dangerous man in the Underworld to you and allowed him access to your innermost territory and secrets. Then you brought me back to punish me, which gave me the chance to spread the word about the escape. Oh, and to also bribe your gang.”

“I happen to be a billionaire.” Laurent’s smile is as wicked as Harbinger’s. “Your men are in actual factmymen now. Look around you. The Hades work for me. And that’s the endgame of the Rook.”

Shit, I could fuck Laurent against the wall.

Who would have thought that nerds are as hot as jocks?

“What the fuck?” Vinnie yelps in fear, as his arms are seized.

His guns clatter to the floor.

At the same time, one of the Hades gang members press their guns to Vinnie’s head.

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