Page 166 of Pretty When She Breaks

I took my place beside them and looked at Jade. “What’s the situation with the pens?”

“Well, you busted up the outer door pretty good,” Jade said. “They ended up having to take it off completely. Apparently, someone cheaped out on the materials—it should have been made fully from alpha-proof vycron steel, but the handle wasn’t. Probably not anticipating an alpha trying to bust their wayintothe pens. Anyway, it’s looking like they won’t get another one for at least a week. A real shame, from a security perspective.”

“That’s good,” I said, nodding. “Because we’re making our move tonight.”

I explained our plan step by step, pausing for questions every few minutes.

Casey looked slightly alarmed as I went on, but Jade’s face lit up exactly as Laurel’s had.

“Everyone understand their role?”

I made eye contact with each of them in turn until I had gotten their assent.

“Right. Okay, now leave Casey be and let him sleep,” Jade said, shooing us out of the room.

NINETY-ONE

THE DUCHESS

I checked my phone for the time and stood, brushing off my clothes. A smile was pasted on my face as I wound my way through the crowd gathering on Ringside, Finch and Jewel clearing a path and making sure no one stopped me. Barely anyone recognized me, as I was wearing Kaos’s oversized hoodie and beanie, and Jewel was in a hoodie—Casey’s, as he’d refused to touch any of my alphas’ clothing—and sunglasses.

I stepped into the Blood Well’s elevator, the others beside me. Finch reached over and blocked the door as someone else tried to come in.

“Good luck,” I said as the doors opened on the third floor. Jewel shot me a wink, and Finch leaned down and gave me a kiss. My stomach swooped and my legs went weak, and it ended far too soon.

“Stay safe,” he murmured and stepped outside.

I was left on my own as the golden doors slid shut, and I was whisked all the way up to the top floor.The doors opened, the suite oddly quiet, despite the lights being on. My staff weren’t present; the only people here were the two alphas lounging on a set of couches on the balcony.

A cold, hard hatred bloomed in my chest, mixing with the nerves in my stomach, but I pulled on the Duchess persona and pulled off the beanie, tucking it into my pocket. I crossed over to them, my heels clicking on the marble floor, reassuring myself with the weight of the gun strapped to my thigh.

Dax and Prince both looked my way as I stepped onto the balcony. The fact Madison was absent was a glaring warning sign that they weren’t planning to keep their promise. Not that I was surprised.

“I’m here,” I said, folding my arms. “Call it off.”

“So nice of you to join us,” Dax said.

“I’m not playing games,” I snapped. “Call off the match.”

“I think you should watch your tone, Laurel,” Prince said, a sneer on his face.

Dax stood, straightening his suit jacket. He walked over to me and swung an arm around my shoulder, leading me toward the couches. “But you have been playing games, Duchess,” he said. “So many games. I think it’s time you learn the truth of your situation. The true role you play.”

We didn’t stop at the couches, instead walking past to where my swing hung. My heart was beating wildly in my chest.

Dax turned to face me, resting both of his hands on my shoulders.

Prince darted forward, his handsome features twisted by rage. “Your little alpha will die tonight,” he hissed. “And you’ll come back to us and beg for forgiveness.”

Dax rested a hand on his shoulder, giving him a look before returning his attention to me. “Now you’re going toprove to us that you know your place. Take off that ugly hoodie and get onto that swing like a good little duchess.”

“You’re insane,” I told him, folding my arms as my heart rate spiked. I hadn’t expected him to press for this.

He leaned down, his voice lowering. “If you do, I promise I’ll give Raze a nice, clean death when Madison is done with him. Or you could refuse, and I’ll drag you down to the Den and make you watch as he slowly bleeds out over hours. Your choice.”

I bared my teeth at him, but there wasn’t a choice for me. I’d been prepared to play my part the moment I’d stepped into the elevator. My gaze swung down to the Sink, where Madison was no doubt waiting. I let my concern bleed out over my face. Let them think they’d won.

I pulled the hoodie off over my head, revealing an acceptable red dress. I turned and took shaky steps toward the swing, strapping myself in. I could do this. As I was moved out to the center of the atrium, I embraced the Duchess. Hopefully for the last time.