Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Romeo Hall, Sanctum
H as Olivia left the house yet?
I listen hard, standing in the center of the lounge with my arms around Swan, until I hear the slam of the front door.
Then Swan twirls me around in a wild dance like he needs to prove that he can still dance. I hold tightly onto him, equally desperate to feel with every inch of my body that he can as well.
“Is everybody fully awake now?” Laurent coolly asks. “Shockingly, you no longer look sleepy, Bec.”
“I feel dizzy,” Benedict replies. “And like I’m going to be sick. You were early. She wasn’t meant to have a sword.”
“Sadly, I’m not in charge of the prop department.”
Prop my ass…
Swan stops spinning me, although his eyes still look wild.
“Are you okay?” Worried, I study Bec.
Benedict is pale.
Laurent is already leading Benedict to the couch that’s covered in feathers, however, and lying back on it as calmly as if Olivia hadn’t just been threatening us with a sword.
And as if his cheek isn’t purpled and bruised.
He wraps his arms and legs around Benedict. “Better?”
Benedict nods. “Tighter.”
Laurent hugs Benedict closer like he’s an Omega weighted blanket.
Ambrose is eerily still.
“Are you all okay?” Vito demands. “Shit, following the signal and letting that happen was the hardest thing that I’ve ever done. I’m starting to realize that these missions are more difficult, than they look. I thought that I could ride in here like the hero, probably get beaten up or something, but protect those who needed it. Letting you protect yourselves…? Fuck, this equality shit is tough.”
Despite everything, I chuckle. “For us too.”
Vito snatches Ambrose by the tie, dragging him closer.
Finally, Ambrose’s eyes become more focused.
He blinks. “She’s gone?”
Vito nods, before licking the blood off Ambrose’s cheek; Ambrose shivers. “You all have fucking nerves of steel. How you just stood up to your mom without her knowing it was legendary. Now, how do we tear out the fucking bitch’s throat?”
Laurent casually removes each of his rose clips one by one, clattering them to the floor with a dismissive flick of his wrist. “That fucking bitch is my mom .”
I struggle not to roll my eyes.
Laurent knows how to play Alphas. He’s been taught this his entire life.
Now, we’re witnessing a masterclass with Vito in a single sentence.
Vito’s eyes widen, before he turns to Laurent looking stricken. “Shit, sorry…I didn’t…I mean…my dad was just like your mom. He was a mafia boss, and I had to face him this one time, which fucked with my head. So, I get it—
“She is a fucking bitch .” Laurent arches his eyebrow in a gesture that makes him look startlingly like a miniature version of his brother. He hurls the final rose clip into the fire, before tossing his long blond hair flowing free around his shoulders. He truly is stunningly beautiful. “And we are tearing out her throat — metaphorically.”
“Or literally,” Ambrose growls, before pointing at Laurent. “Stop freaking out my Alpha.”
Laurent’s lip curls in satisfaction. “You spoil all my fun.”
Vito glances between the brothers. “An Omega version of my baby. I thought that my sister’s Omega was badass but I see that he has competition.”
“Baby?” Laurent mouths at Ambrose.
Ambrose narrows his eyes. “Not one word.”
I drag Swan by the hand to kneel next to the couch.
Laurent is sprawling like an ice prince Omega with his arms around Benedict, who appears calmer now. I can hear Benedict’s soft purring.
He must trust Laurent.
I knew that they’d been in contact over the last four years, but it’s different seeing it like this.
I scan over Laurent, assessing him for injuries. I notice that Swan is doing the same.
Apart from the bruise on his cheek, he appears unharmed. But then, Olivia dresses him in high necked suits with long sleeves. She hides his injuries.
How would I know?
“How was Paris?” Swan asks.
There’s a weight of things unsaid in that question.
Laurent merely shrugs. “Magical.”
“Yeah, not what I meant.”
“Beautiful by the Seine.”
“Laurent…”
“Cold though.”
“Shut up.” I laugh, feeling lighter at last that my Omega best friend is back. “I missed you.”
And I have, so fucking much.
Laurent is isolated and alone. At least I’ve had Swan by my side.
I wish more than anything that Laurent could find his own pack and understand what true bonds feel like.
He has higher ice walls than Ambrose does because he’s been pursued by Alphas but only those who want to possess him like a trophy.
Unable to be parted from these other Omegas after the stress that I’ve just been through, I squirm onto the couch to join them. I balance precariously on the edge.
Laurent wrinkles his nose. “Mind my hair.”
But it’s a token protest.
In reality, he scoots as far back as possible on the couch to allow me on, and Benedict opens his arms to include me in the snuggle fest.
Together, we begin to purr, nuzzling each other’s necks and flooding the room with the pheromones, which only Omegas can use to settle each other.
Ambrose stares at us in confusion. “Brother, why are you cuddling my Juliet?”
There’s my possessive Alpha.
I smile, glancing up at Ambrose.
Laurent throws his thigh over mine, drawing me closer.
Typical Laurent.
“You have these things called friends,” Laurent challenges, “when you’re not a self-destructive Alphahole.”
“I have no idea who you’re talking about,” Ambrose deadpans, crossing his arms.
“Of course not, brother .” Laurent levels a look at Ambrose. “But since these are my friends, I have as much right as you to protect them. So, I’ll find a way to hide that new toy sword of Mom’s.”
“You won’t.” Ambrose’s expression becomes stormy. “Over my dead body.”
“Preferably not,” Laurent calmly replies. “But Mom has become too dangerous to allow this situation to continue any longer. We need to bring our plans forward.”
Plans?
Are these the ones that Laurent and Ambrose have had since Nova’s murder? Since they were kids?
“She wants to cage our Alpha like I was once caged.” When Benedict raises his head from Laurent’s neck, his gaze is steely. “She threatened to hurt our Beta and stop him from dancing like my parents stopped me from playing the piano. I won’t allow it. Never. Whatever it takes — anything — we’re stopping her.”
Reluctantly, I sit up, perching on the edge of the sofa. Swan edges closer, taking my hand.
“None of us will, Foxy,” I say.
Swan’s eyes narrow. “What was with the secret signing and spy shit? JuJu and I aren’t idiots. We know that there’s more going on here than our rescue or even her mom’s murder. We’re about to take on one of the most powerful Head Alphas in the state. So, there shouldn’t be secrets between us.”
“What’s really going on?” I demand.
The other men in the room exchange glances.
Then Ambrose paces like if Laurent is the prince, then he’s the king. “If we tell you, then you could risk execution.”
I draw in a sharp breath. “What?”
“I’m the Beta who climbs walls and pisses off Alphas twice my size.” Swan tilts up his chin. “Count me in.”
His resolve strengthens mine. “I trust you, Amby.”
Through the bond, I feel how hard my words hit Ambrose. Joy and hope soar through him, and the shadows lighten.
Ambrose marches to Vito and pats him on the back. “Since you recruited us to the cause, over to you.”
Vito looks startled, before flushing with pride. “Right, it’s like this. Do you remember the secret Omega resistance that I told you about?”
I scrunch up my nose. “The one that you warned us not to support because they’re terrorists and outlaws…?”
Vito rubs across his snake tattoo. “Yeah, that one, which gets you put on the FBI’s most wanted, if you’re found out.”
“And before a firing squad if caught,” I whisper.
“Wow, great memory. I sort of wish that it hadn’t been for that part.” Vito points slowly at Ambrose, then Benedict, and finally Laurent. “We’re all members. Criminals.”
“And you call me a thief,” Swan breathes. “Fuck it, swear me into the Omega resistance. I’m the original rebel.”
I’m quivering with adrenaline like before I step onto a stage but I don’t know how much is fear and how much excitement.
An Omega resistance!
I’ve dreamed of something like that to rise up against the academy. Now, I have a chance to be a part of it — heard .
To make a difference.
This is my chance not to become a principal but to use my talent to change the world.
Everything makes sense now.
This is the real secret that Ambrose has been attempting to shield us from.
“Our first aim was to save Swan,” Vito continues. “Our next aim is much, much bigger. Our missions are usually to break down corrupt or abusive institutions and systems like…”
“The academies.” I’m buzzing now.
“It’s why I was approached.” Ambrose uncrosses his arms, before holding out his hand to Benedict. Immediately, Laurent releases Benedict, who gracefully rises from the couch and strides to Ambrose, resting his head on his chest. “I would never have agreed without both my brother and Benedict, who are much smarter than I am, not only agreeing to take on the danger but coming up with a scheme to rescue you , Juliet.”
My eyes smart with tears. “Thank you.”
This pack has everything: wealth, influence, and power.
They’ve chosen to become outlaws, however, who are risking their own lives in order to save Swan and me, as well as save every dancer across the globe.
I fucking admire these men’s bravery.
“Is your plan ruined though,” I ask, “by Olivia turning up early? What do we do now that she’s here?”
“We come up with a new plan,” Benedict declares. “Look at the incredible and dangerous members of this pack. It shouldn’t be hard now that we can support each other. Perhaps, her coming here was the best thing to happen.”
“Precisely. You’ve pulled off my trick. She believes that she’s safe and has her guard down, which is the best time to strike because you’ve just convinced her that you’re sheep.” Laurent twirls a strand of blond hair around his finger.
Swan bares his teeth. “When we’re wolves.”
“But couldn’t we simply do this the official way?” I catch Ambrose’s eye. “She’s here in Sanctum. You could tell the Sheriff about being a witness to the murder and have her arrested. You’re not alone now. We could protect you, while that happens. Silas is Head Alpha, as well. He told us at Sanctum Circuit that Jacob is ill. So, Jacob’s not a threat.”
Ambrose’s expression becomes grim. “Are we going to trust Silas’ word on that? Even taking Jacob out of the equation, the only evidence that we have of the murders, is my witness statement. Neither Felix nor Nova were reported missing. There’s no evidence, murder weapon, or bodies. No case. I didn’t report the murders at the time. Afterward, I was screwed up by what I’d witnessed. Mom sent me to her therapist, who sent her the notes on our sessions. She’d simply say that I’m mentally unstable and delusional. In the meantime, you’d be at risk. She’d hold the legal power over each and every one of you.”
“And that’s in the cozy fantasy land that the system isn’t corrupt and wouldn’t protect the rich billionaire Head Alpha to squash any scandal.” Vito angrily shoves the hair out of his eyes. “Trust me, I know good men who are trying to clean up corruption, including Mayor St Clair and Senator Knight. But they’re like finding that last, uneaten slice of pepperoni pizza, which you’d forgotten about the morning after a party: a rare treat. Most officials are like happily ordering that delicious pepperoni pizza, but when it arrives, it’s covered with pineapple.”
He gags.
“So, if this pineapple pizza of a world won’t listen, what do we do?” I ask.
“Do bakers talk entirely in food metaphors?” Laurent quirks his brow. “As a Romeo, how about I use more morbid ones? If we need the bodies, then how about we dig up more metaphorical ones?”
“What do you mean?” Ambrose snarls. “Laurent, I know that look.”
“You mean this one?” Laurent slips out of his suit pocket a tiny thumb drive.
Instantly, Benedict pulls away from Ambrose, alight with interest. “Tell me that’s what I think it is.”
My brow furrows. “What is it?”
“It’s the flash drive that Mom keeps on her at all times, even when she’s sleeping.” Laurent twirls the thumb drive nonchalantly between his fingers, before tossing it to Benedict. Benedict fumbles the catch but just about manages to hold onto the precious flash drive, which he holds to his chest with a purr. “It contains every one of her encrypted passwords. It will allow us access to her files, business transactions, and the entire Romeo Ballet Company. Evidence of all kinds could be on here. We can get a head start on maneuvering with both the board and taking over the control.”
“I’ll go and start work on it now, before she notices that it’s gone.” Benedict turns and rushes from the room.
“But I thought that Bec was a book worm and musician and…” I gesture helplessly.
“Bec is a genius.” Ambrose smiles, proudly. “He says that computers are just like pianos. Understanding them is like understanding music.”
I twist to Laurent. “How did you get that thing?”
Laurent simply arches his brow at Swan.
“I’m a thief.” Swan puffs out his chest. “And a pickpocket.”
“And a gentleman.” Laurent smiles. “Because then he passed it to me, since Mom tends to think that I’m part of the furniture, when I don’t talk.”
I gape at Swan. “But I didn’t see any of that.”
Swan sweeps a bow. “That’s why I’m a master thief.”
Ambrose prowls to grab Swan by the neck, pulling him into a kiss. Swan makes a startled sound, before deepening it.
“We are criminals,” Ambrose murmurs against Swan’s lips. “A thief is a useful addition. But don’t ever steal from me.”
Swan’s eyes glitter. “I don’t take orders.”
“Don’t kill each other, before you make up with hate sex.” Laurent stretches out on his back staring up at the ceiling. “Or before we’ve taken over every academy in the world and transformed them into shining examples of change, whichever.”
“Amby,” I drag on Ambrose’s arm, and he turns to me.
Ambrose’s amber eyes soften, and he massages my shoulders and down my arms. “I’ll run you a hot bath with scented oils later to help your muscles, my Juliet. I swear that’s the last time anyone will hurt or threaten my family.”
I relax under his talented fingers. “If we’re going to do this, then changing your dance academies won’t be enough. Perhaps, other ones will follow your example. But maybe not. What we need is a huge statement that will get this spoken about across the world.”
Ambrose’s brow furrows. “Like what?”
“Like healing one of the longest feuds in dance history between the Romeos and Cinders. I know that you hate Silas, but Nova is his aunt. Jacob is a killer too, and Silas should be part of this. Silas is cunning. After all, he’s already found a way to take over the Cinders. If both companies reform at the same time, then it’ll change everything. And if Silas comes on board about Mom’s murder, with his power and influence, then that’d be the key.”
Ambrose’s amber eyes become icy.
I can see how hard he’s battling with himself, as he stiffly takes a step back.
Silas is his competitor, rival, and bully.
Can he put all of that aside, including his own ego, for the sake of his pack?
Finally, Ambrose nods. “Joining forces with our enemy to take down Mom and complete our mission with the academies, is the greatest gamble of all. If you think that it’s the best idea, then my Omegas will always be heard. I’ll text the Alphahole to arrange to meet. There’s two things that man can never resist, a bet and kicking my ass. He lost to me at the racing track. The bait that he won’t be able to resist is proving that this time he can win. I’ll offer him what he’ll think is the perfect chance to beat the hell out of me: A boxing match.”