Juno’s POV
A week had passed, and Sebastian’s dinner party at Holbrooke Manor was drawing closer. Life at Levenston Manor had settled into a new rhythm with Amelia and Evanth’s presence. Scarlett had hosted several tea parties in the garden, which Amelia occasionally attended. Despite maintaining polite interactions, I never found myself alone with Amelia, preventing any authentic expressions of feelings between us.
Every time I saw Scarlett, she was covered in Brylock’s scent. Their relationship was progressing rapidly, with Bryloch clearly entranced by her. In contrast, Freya and Adryx seemed stuck, with Freya deliberately controlling the pace of their relationship.
Augustin had decided we should all resume dining together in the small dining room rather than eating in our separate rooms. Everyone welcomed this change, except for his mother and Evanth, who continued to dine alone. I couldn’t say I was disappointed about that arrangement.
As Sebastian’s dinner party approached, we were all busy selecting appropriate attire. Scarlett had invited me to Beta Wing to discuss outfit choices, as she and Freya avoided Alpha Wing because of Evanth. Despite Amelia’s seemingly friendly demeanor, Evanth’s attitude remained hostile.
I had initially thought Evanth was taking advantage of some women from the harem, but I later learned the relationships were consensual. Still, I avoided him whenever possible.
I was heading to Beta Wing to meet Scarlett when I felt Augustin’s linked me.
Where are you going, Berry? His deep voice resonated in my mind.
I’m on my way to see Scarlett. We’re going to discuss what to wear to the dinner party.
Change of plans. Come to my office first, he requested, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I’ll be right there, I replied, turning around to head back to Alpha Wing.
As I walked, I noticed the weakness in my body that I’d been feeling lately. I hoped it wasn’t obvious to others. My thoughts drifted to Matthew. Would this weakness affect him too? I hoped he had enough strength to fight against Kieran if necessary, because
Kieran never fought fair. I quickly pushed thoughts of Matthew aside. That part of my life was over.
While making my way back to Alpha Wing, I spotted Amelia walking toward me. My stomach tightened with discomfort at the prospect of being alone with her, and she seemed to notice my reaction.
“Good afternoon, Luna Amelia,” I greeted her politely, instinctively straightening my posture.
“Juno,” she acknowledged with a surprisingly warm smile. “I wanted to ask you something. Did you change the daily menu’s food options?”
I frowned in confusion. “No, I haven’t made any decisions in the manor. I only prepared the rooms for your arrival.” I hesitated before adding, “I’m trying to respect your position here.”
Her expression shifted, eyes softening.
Juno, please don’t break my son’s heart,” she said, “I’ve never seen him so infatuated with anyone, not Cassandra. The way he looks at you…” She shook her head. “He means everything to me. After losing Nathanael, he’s all I have left worth fighting for.”
“I don’t have the power to hurt him,” I replied honestly, meeting her gaze. “He’s the Alpha King. I’m the one who could get hurt.”
1/3
Chapter 88
Amelia shook her head. “No, you’re wrong. Only you and I can truly hurt him. The people he loves have always been his weakness She took a step closer, “After Cassandra left, he built walls around himself that no one could penetrate. No one until you.”
She paused, seeming to struggle with her next words. “I apologize for my behavior when I first arrived. I was protecting my son the only way I knew how. But I see now that my methods were… misguided. I’d like us to start over. For Augustin’s sake, if nothing
else
I didn’t completely trust her sincerity, but I smiled at her anyway. It must have taken courage for her to extend this olive branch, especially given her fierce pride.
“I’d like that too,” I said.
She nodded, satisfied, and continued on her way while I proceeded t Augustin’s office.
I knocked on his door before entering. He was sitting at his desk, so absorbed in his work that he didn’t look up immediately.
“You don’t have to knock, Berry,” he said, finally realizing it was me. He rose from his chair and led me to the sofa, where we sat together.
“Have you eaten?” he asked, his hand settling on my thigh, warm and possessive.
“Not yet.”
“I changed the menu from the usual steak to lamb chops,” he informed me, fingers tracing on my leg. “I remembered how much you enjoyed them at that dinner.”
“That explains why your mother asked if I changed the menu,” I said thoughtfully.
Augustin’s brow furrowed immediately. “What did she say to you? Did she confront you again?”
“She was polite,” I quickly added, placing my hand over his. “Actually, surprisingly so. I think she might be trying to make peace.”
He studied my face, clearly searching for any sign that I was hiding something.
“Fine.” He nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer for now. “Berry, I need you to plan a dinner menu for a small event.”
I hesitated, and he noticed, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing. What’s the event?” I tried to sound casual.
His eyes locked with mine. “In two nights, I’m officially announcing our engagement and introducing you to the Elder Council and the Alphas from Clifflands and Lakeside.” His thumb traced my cheekbone gently. “I need you to choose a venue for the event as well. Somewhere that feels right to you.”
My heart skipped a beat, then raced to catch up. “Shouldn’t your mother handle this? She was the Luna Queen. She knows the protocols, the expectations…” I trailed off.
“Her time has passed. She’s not my Luna. You are my future, Berry.”
I worried about creating more family tension, especially after what Augustin had done to Evanth for he trying to harm me. But looking into his eyes, seeing the certainty there, I couldn’t refuse him.
Alright, I’ll take care of it,” I agreed, squeezing his hand. “I’ll make it perfect for us.”
2/3
Chapter 88
He looked pleased, running his fingers along my hand before leaning in to kiss my neck. I couldn’t help but whimper at the contact.
He had that effect on me.
“I need more than just that, he growled, nipping at my earlobe.
realized he hadn’t called me to his office just to discuss business.
“Is there something else you’d like to discuss?” I asked teasingly as his lips continued their exploration.
His only response was to pull me closer, his mouth capturing mine in a hungry kiss that left no doubt about his intentions.
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