Page 35 of Harley & Her Ferals

Lionzio’s expression gentles.

He takes a deep breath. “I’m only trying to keep you safe. Allegra is looking for anything that she can use to make me look weak right now. If I don’t discipline you for mistakes, while she does, then I could lose this contest.”

I stiffen.

River pats Lionzio’s shoulder. “I’ll be good.”

Lionzio snorts. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

“Don’t worry. I get it about Allegra.” River puts the tip of his finger underneath his right eye and then pulls it down to open the pupil in one of his many Sicilian gestures that I’ve come to know means we should beware and keep our eyes open.

Lionzio spins River by the shoulder. “Time for work. And no more giving flowers to people. Unless it’s the ones that you use to brighten my study. I like those.”

I reach up to touch my tulip protectively.

“I can’t promise that,” River says lightly but with steel underneath it. “Flowers are my…”Love language.I know that’s what he’s holding back from saying. “…happy place. I love to share that happiness.”

Lionzio smiles, indulgently. “You’re sweet.”

When they stroll together toward the door, I hate that Lionzio hasn’t hugged or nuzzled me.

He’s barely spoken to me.

I shove myself to my feet, abandoned.

“Lion,” I blurt.

Lionzio freezes but doesn’t turn around; his shoulders are stiff. “Not now.”

“Please,” I whisper. “I miss you. Dad’s allowing me to move around more freely because of this contest thing but I couldn’t bear it if this meant I lost you as my brother.”

“You’ll always be my sister.” Lionzio still doesn’t look around. “I love you, Harley. But I can’t let my personal feelings get in the way of the bigger picture. Iamgoing to be the Battle heir. I won’t let you stop me. Please don’t try. I may be a dog but I won’t beg.”

My chest is tight. “Lion, I’d never want you to beg.”

“But you are going to try and take this away from me.”

I swallow.

What do I say?

I can’t deny it.

I wish that I could get behind Lionzio and support him. I know how important this is to him.

On the other hand, I have to put Feral and River first.

It’s tearing me in half, however, needing to choose between my adopted brother and the fostered pack members who I love.

“Lion…” My mouth is dry. “Winning this is the only way thatIcan be safe. Why don’t you back me?”

Lionzio turns back to me with a growl. “Don’t you see? I’m the only one who can keepeverybodysafe. I’m the Alpha. Dad would use you and any pack you selected as a puppet heir, while he ruled from behind you. If I have the status of the position, however, I can truly make reforms and start to protect everyone how I’ve been trying to for years.” Then he shakes his head in frustration. “Fine. Let the best Battle win, I guess.”

He turns on his heel, gripping River by the elbow.

River shoots me a wink over his shoulder, which I know is meant to cheer me up, even as he’s tugged out of the room.

I hate watching him be hauled after my brother like a possession.

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