Chapter 68
Juno’s POV
1 collapsed onto the bed with a heavy sigh, my body sinking into the mattress.
Augustin closed the door behind us, his face revealing the same exhaustion I felt. “What a day,” he muttered.
I was about to respond when loud, insistent knocking interrupted us My body tensed immediately, the brief moment of peace
shattered.
“Ignore it,” Augustin said, moving toward the bathroom.
The knocking continued, becoming more aggressive.
“Augustin!” Evanth’s yoice boomed through the door. “Open this door right now!”
Augustin clearly didn’t want to deal with him. “He’ll leave eventually
But Evanth didn’t leave. The pounding grew louder, more demanding “I know you’re in there! Open this damn door before I break it
down!”
My initial fear transformed into anger. This was our private space, and Evanth had no right to intrude like this. Augustin must have sensed my change in mood because he gave me a curious look before finally striding to the door, throwing it open with enough
force that it banged against the wall.
“What?” he growled.
Evanth pushed past him without invitation, his gaze immediately finding me on the bed. The disgust in his eyes was unmistakable.
“What the hell were you thinking?” Evanth snarled at his brother, completely ignoring my presence. “You had no right to interfere with my investigation!”
Augustin closed the door. “I have every right. I’m the Alpha King.
“That doesn’t give you the authority to undermine me!” Evanth’s face was flushed with anger. He jabbed a finger toward me. ‘She should be locked up with the others. They’re all suspects in Mother’s attack! These tribute whores shouldn’t be allowed to roam freely after what happened.”
I flinched at his words, my hands curling into fists at my sides.
Augustin stepped between us. “Watch your mouth, brother.”
“Why? Because you’re fucking her?” Evanth spat.
“Why punish innocent people for crimes they haven’t committed? You have no proof she was involved, Augustin countered. “Only you, I, and the council knew Mother was in Goldenvale. The exact place was known to even fewer people.”
“And you don’t think information could have leaked? That she couldn’t have told Kieran?” Evanth gestured wildly at me.
“Juno would never betray me,” Augustin stated with absolute certainty.
I felt warmth bloom in my chest at his unwavering trust.
“Besides,” Augustin continued, “this doesn’t have Kieran’s signature. When has he ever hired humans to do his dirty work? He’s
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always been one to handle matters himself..
Evanth’s lip curled. “You’ve grown soft, brother. This woman has clouded your judgment.”
“No, Evanth. For the first time in years, I’m seeing clearly,” Augustin stepped closer to his brother. “Juno is a member of my pack. What motivation would she have to harm our mother? To work against me?”
Evanth had no answer for that.
“Listen carefully,” Augustin said. “From now on, your authority in Levenston Manor is restricted. Any action you take must be approved by me first. And you will show Juno the respect she deserves as my future Luna. Do I make myself clear?”
Evanth’s eyes widened slightly before narrowing again. He looked from Augustin to me, then back to his brother. ‘Crystal,” he bit
out.
As he turned to leave, he paused at the door, glancing back at me. “Don’t get too comfortable in your position, tribute. My brother has been trying to fill the hole Cassandra left ever since she walked out. If she came back tomorrow, he’d toss you aside without a second thought.”
Augustin lunged forward, but Evanth was already through the door, slamming it behind him.
“Fucking asshole,” Augustin growled, his fists clenched at his sides.
I slid off the bed and wrapped my arms around him from behind, pressing my cheek against his back. “Don’t let him get to you. His words mean nothing to me.”
Augustin’s hand covered mine where they rested on his chest. “I’m sorry you had to hear that.”
“It’s fine, I don’t care about that.” I assured him, feeling his heartbeat gradually slow beneath my palm.
The dining room that evening was thick with tension. As we entered, I immediately noticed Scarlett and Freya sitting with Bryloch and Adryx. Their expressions mirrored what I felt, and the undeniable awareness that we were all in the same precarious position.
Once Augustin and I took our seats, the silence became oppressive. Bryloch was gripping his fork so tightly his knuckles had turned white, while Adryx stared at his plate with uncharacteristic intensity
“Just say it,” Augustin finally broke the silence.
Bryloch set down his fork with deliberate care. “With all due respect Alpha, I can’t accept your brother treating my future mate like a criminal.” His eyes flashed with anger. “I respect you, Augustin. I’ve followed you into battle and would do so again without
hesitation. But my loyalty is to you, not to the Levenston.”
Adry nodded his agreement. “Same here.”
Augustin sighed, running a hand over his face. “I’ve already dealt with Evanth. He won’t be bothering any of you again.”
“Why does the council keep trying to pit him against you?” Bryloch asked, frustration evident in his voice. “Evanth doesn’t have what it takes to be Alpha King, yet he keeps trying.”
“Let’s not discuss my brother right now,” Augustin said, clearly wanting to change the subject. “We need to focus on what happened to my mother and Helena Holbrooke.”
Bryloch turned to me. “What do you think, Jung? I heard you were the top strategist and investigator in Forestvale.”
I blinked, surprised by the sudden attention. “Me?”
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“Yes, you, Bryloch confirmed. Your insight could be valuable.”
I gathered my thoughts, remembering what I’d learned about the attack. “If you want my honest opinion, this doesn’t feel like Kieran’s work. It seems… internal.”
Go on, Augustín encouraged.
“Someone is trying to ignite a war with Fireland,” I explained, feeling more confident as I spoke. “But Helena was the real target. If they’d wanted to kill your mother, they would have been thorough, like they were with Helena.”
I paused, making sure they were following my logic.
“Plus, the Kieran angle doesn’t make sense. How would he know where your mother was staying? Or that you and I would be Visiting? The timing is too convenient.
Bryloch exchanged a look with Augustín, a small smile playing at his lips. “We had similar thoughts. We just wanted to test your analytical skills.”
“And?” I raised an eyebrow.
“You passed with flying colors,” Augustin said proudly, his hand finding mine under the table.
The tension in the room dissipated, replaced by laughter and light conversation. At one point, I caught Augustin exchanging looks with Bryloch and Adryx.
“Pay up,” Augustin said, grinning.
Bryloch groaned dramatically. “Fine, you win. Fifty bucks each.”
“You bet on me?” I asked, lightly swatting Augustin’s hand.
‘I bet on you,” he corrected, his eyes twinkling. “There’s a difference
Despite the laughter and renewed camaraderie, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of my heart.
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