Juno’s POV
I’d fallen completely in love with Augustin. This should have been something I already knew, and in our previous time together I had almost confirmed that we were in love, but Eliza’s
affected me.
After Matthew, I’d sworn I would never let myself be this vulnerable again, I’d promised myself I wouldn’t give anyone the power to destroy nie. Yet here I was, my heart racing whenever Augustin entered a room, my body responding to his slightest touch, my mind constantly drifting to thoughts of him.
I lay on my back in the soft grass of
of the gardens staring up at the night sky. Beside me, Augustin’s warm presence was both comforting and terrifying.
Over the past few weeks, my emotions have become complicated. Every morning, I woke up in his arms. We’d eat together, train together, then part for our daily responsibilities before reuniting in the evening. Our relationship had become something I both craved and feared.
Augustin knew exactly what to do, exactly what to say to make me feel like I was the center of his universe. The way he seemed to anticipate my needs before I voiced them.
I found myself thinking, “This is it.” But I’d thought that before, hadn’t I? Not so long ago, with Matthew. And look how that had ended with my heart shattered into a million pieces.
I couldn’t risk that again. The thought of history repeating itself was enough to wake me in a cold sweat some nights, my heart pounding with panic. On those nights, Augustin would pull me closer, murmuring reassurances into my hair, not knowing he was the source of my fear.
You’re being pathetic, Seraphine scolded me during one such episode. He’s not Matthew.
“I know that,” I whispered into the darkness. But did I? How could I be sure?
I tried to resist my feelings, to convince myself this was just a casual arrangement. A mutually beneficial relationship. Alpha King and his chosen female. Nothing more, nothing less. But my heart knew better, and that knowledge terrified me.
What made it worse was the fact that Augustin and I weren’t fated mates. What if his fated mate appeared someday, just as Isabelle had for Matthew? What would I do then?
I suddenly woke up. I’d noticed, too, that Augustin had never told me he loved me. What if this was just a fun diversion for him? The former tribute who’d challenged him. A novelty that would eventually wear off.
I’d been wrestling with these thoughts for days, I silently berated myself for falling into love trap again. And tonight, I’d finally decided to address them. Even if it meant ruining this perfect moment.
“Augustin?” My voice came out softer than intended.
“Hmm?” He responded.
I took a deep breath. “Will you ever release your prisoners?”
He turned his head slightly, lips quirking into that half–smile that made my heart race. “Which prisoners are you referring to, Berry? The ones in the cells or the tributes?”
“The tributes.”
1/3
Chapter 62
Augustin’s chest rose and fell with a deep breath. They’re not prisoners, Juno. They stay because this is the only home they have right now.
“They’re connected to me. I’m their Alpha.” He acknowledged. “But they’re free to leave whenever they wish, especially if they find love or want to relocate to Goldenvale or elsewhere in Clifflands. They stay by choice.”
His gaze returned to the stars. “I’m an Alpha King, not a monster. I know they’ll eventually fall in love and move on with their lives. They have… needs. But that’s all it is.”
Now came the hard part. I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry.
“What about settling down? I overheard some ladies talking about how you banished five women from your harem. They said you told a woman named Octavia that you weren’t planning to settle down.” I tried to keep my voice casual. “Is that true? It’s fine if it is
I understand. I just got out of a failed marriage, so I get it. I’m happy with what we have now. And if you find your fated mate someday…”
I was rambling, trying to convince myself more than him that falling in love was foolish. That + could handle another heartbreak. That I didn’t care if I was just another temporary woman in his bed.
Liar, whispered my inner voice.
Augustin sat up abruptly. “Look at me, Juno.”
I obeyed, meeting his eyes.
“Yes, I said those things. I said them to make those women forget about me.” His voice was low. “I was the Alpha King of Clifflands, facing war. I didn’t want to tie any woman to me.
His hand found mine in the darkness. “As for fated mates–I don’t care about that. I make my own destiny. I would never abandon a woman who’s stood by my side for some predestined connection. I would reject a fated mate even at the risk of growing weaker.”
His fingers tightened around mine. “I am not Matthew, Juno.”
The words left me momentarily stunned. So he had guessed the real source of my fear.
“My father collected women like trophies,” he continued. “I am not him. You are not a prisoner or a tribute. You are my woman.”
I smiled, but tears welled up in my eyes. I was falling again, tumbling headlong into love despite all my promises to myself.
Augustin reached out, his fingertips brushing my cheek. His lips curved into a gentle smile that made my heart stutter. His warm, strong palm slid down my arm as he asked me to sit up, then pulled me closer to him.
His muscular arms encircled my slender waist, his chest pressing against my softer body. He leaned forward, capturing my lips with his, his tongue seeking entrance to my mouth in a deep, passionate kiss.
His lips moved insistently against mine, his tongue tangling with my own as his hands roamed my back. “I’ve always wanted to make love to the woman I love under the stars,” he murmured against my mouth.
His fingers worked at my clothing, his palms leaving fire against my skin. His mouth traveled down my neck, teeth grazing my earlobe as he growled, “I can’t wait to claim you as mine.”
2/3
The Broken Luna’s Sacrifice
C
