Page 73 of Harley & Her Ferals

Instead, he scans the board, trying to work out the moves.

Feral’s shoulders are relaxed, and his eyes are clear.

He’s the calmest that I’ve seen him be in years.

After the way that Feral lost control last night in the octagon, I expected him to be in a mess this morning like he is after most fights. It can normally take days for him to be able to talk or think straight again.

How has Laurent managed this?

“The feral whisperer,” River murmurs.

I already knew that Laurent was the Alpha whisperer.

What has Laurent lived through to make him this skilled at understanding people?

This man is talented.

Laurent leans back on his hands, which stretches out his lean body in a way that makes me want to lick and bite every inch of him.

Beside me, River swallows.

I can see how fixated my Beta is on Laurent’s long, pale throat and the way that he tosses his blond hair out of his eyes.

So, there isn’t going to be a problem about River wanting this male Omega. At least, if the way that River is clutching the tray that holds our breakfast of scrambled egg hard enough to break it means anything.

“The rook is a formidable piece,” Laurent explains, as if Feral is his favorite student. I’ve never heard anyone but River talk to Feral like this. I’ve certainly never heard anOmegatalk to anAlphain this manner. It does something funny to my insides. “It can move any number of squares in a straight line. It may not be considered important at the start of a game. Why that’s important…? Weaker players overlook it. That’s essential because stronger players can then use it to go under the radar and dominate with it in the endgame.”

Feral tilts his head in question.

“The rook is devastating in the endgame because then you can control more freely,” Laurent continues. “They’re more valuable than bishops or knights. Also, castling is important to improve your king’s safety.”

“M-my Omegas are my kings,” Feral replies.

Laurent hesitates, before he asks, “Am I your Omega?”

I hold my breath.

Feral nods. “Mine.”

I can’t hold back my grin.

“I should have brought popcorn,” River whispers.

I nudge his shoulder.

This scene is touching me in ways that I never expected. I want to hug both of them, but they also need to experience this moment alone.

It’s special.

Laurent looks overwhelmed, sitting straighter and appearing unsure what to do with his hands.

He plays with a strand of his hair, before his sharp gaze snaps to Feral’s. “Good because you’remyAlpha. And my Alphas aremykings. I used the strategy of castling to protect my Alpha brother, Amby. I’ve used it my entire life. And the thing that you need to remember about the strategy with rooks is this:it’s a mistake to move too early. It’s all in the timing. This is how I brought down my mom and Alpha abusers, then saved my brother, friends, and an entire dance academy. Those Alphaholes thought that I was nothing but a pretty, dumb Omega. Look at me. Aren’t Isweet? But I was devastating in the endgame.”

“I think that I just came,” River breathes.

I burst out laughing.

Laurent startles, pushing himself up into a defensive crouch that so nearly matches Feral’s that I blink.

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