Juno’s POV
Exhausting but productive. Your mother was actually a big help.
His eyebrows rose as he unbuttoned his shirt. “Really? I’m glad you two are getting along better.”
I nodded, trying not to get distracted as he continued undressing. Even after all our time together, the sight of his muscular body still made my heart race.
He slipped into the tub behind me, pulling me against his chest. Ilis ips found the sensitive spot beneath my ear. “You smell like roses. It suits you.”
I leaned into him, letting his warmth seep into my bones. “The ballroom is ready. Everything’s set for tomorrow night.”
“Mmm.” His arms tightened around me. “I don’t care about the party. I only care that after tomorrow, everyone will know you’re officially mine.”
Something about his possessive tone soothed the ache I’d been feeling. I turned my head to kiss him, letting the worries of the day melt away in his embrace.
Later, as we dressed for dinner, I brought up a subject I’d been avoiding. “You know, at some point you’ll have to start eating with your mother and brother again.”
Augustin’s expression darkened. “Not while Elowen is there.”
“She is his girlfriend,” I pointed out.
“She’s a manipulative, vindictive woman who reminds me too much of Cassandra,” he replied flatly.
I decided to let it go for now. We could revisit the topic after the engagement party.
We chose to eat in the small dining room that night, joining Bryloch, Scarlett, Adryx, and Freya rather than facing the formal great hall where Amelia, Evanth, and Elowen would be dining.
The atmosphere was tense. I immediately noticed that Freya and Adryx weren’t sitting together. I knew Freya had moved back into Adryx’s room, and although he hadn’t asked her to leave, he was still somewhat cold toward her. This was understandable, as her actions had hurt him, and he needed time to process.
And I thought this presented a good opportunity, because watching Freya’s nervous glances toward Adryx, I realized she hadn’t told him about the pregnancy yet. Fear radiated from her in waves, and I could guess why. Her previous mate had abandoned her. What if Adryx wasn’t ready to be a father?
I decided to break the ice. “Is everyone attending Sebastian’s party next week?”
“Yes,” Bryloch and Scarlett replied in unison.
I looked at Freya and Adryx. “What about you two? Going together?”
“No,” Adryx answered curtly before Freya could speak.
I felt Augustin’s hand squeeze my thigh under the table, warning me not to interfere. I ignored him.
“Freya, are you feeling better? You looked a bit pale earlier.”
1/2
Chapter 92
She nodded stiffly, avoiding Aryx’s concerned glance.
Clearly subtlety wasn’t working. I decided to be direct. “We shouldn’t leave a pregnant woman alone in the mansion while we’re all out at parties.”
Adryx asked. “Who’s pregnant?”
Freya stared resolutely at her plate, refusing to meet his gaze.
“Freya?” Adryx’s voice softened. “Are you…?”
She gave a tiny nod, still not looking up.
For a moment, Adryx sat frozen. Then a bark of laughter escaped him, followed by another, until he was practically howling with joy. Bryloch slapped him on the back while Augustin raised his glass in a silent toast.
“Titan is howling,” Adryx said, referring to his wolf. “He’s been suspecting for weeks but I didn’t believe him.”
He moved to Freya’s side, pulling her chair out and dropping to his knees before her. “This is why you’ve been so moody? Why you kicked me out of our room?”
Freya’s eyes finally lifted to his. “I was scared.”
“Of me?” The hurt in his voice was palpable.
“Of everything,” she whispered. “Of hoping. Of believing in something good.”
Adryx leaned forward, pressing his lips to her neck in a gesture of pure devotion. “No more pushing me away. I’m not going anywhere, You needs me.”
“Who?” Freya asked.
“A lovely woman,” he replied. “She needs me to rub her ears when she’s cranky, which I suspect will be often now.”
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