Chapter 120
Juno’s POV
Tire instructions came in an email,” Theron said, his voice shaking. “It was from an encrypted address. They had all the details prepared–exactly what to say, how to say it, which documents to take. They even told me how to act if I was questioned. I was told to say Evanth gave me the orders and to implicate him completely.”
“What did they do to prove they were serious?” I asked softly.
His eyes filled with tears. “They took Daisy for a few hours. She went shopping and disappeared. I received a photo of her blindfolded in some basement. They said I’d never see her again if I didn’t cooperate. To get her back safely, I had to follow their instructions exactly.”
Augustin immediately pulled out his phone and called Bryloch. Send a security team to Theron Caudill’s residence immediately. His wife Daisy needs round–the–clock protection. No one enters or leaves without direct authorization from me.” He paused, listening. “Yes, now. And I want them armed with silver bullets.”
Then he arranged for Theron to be moved to the cells at the manor where he would be safer. “You’ll be under my personal protection there. No one will reach you or your wife.”
“Are you going to release Quentor?” I asked as we left the interrogation room.
Augustin shook his head. “No. He misled my brother, and for that, he should suffer some consequence.”
“I agree,” I said, feeling a rush of satisfaction.
We.returned to the manor in much better spirits than when we’d left, despite my persistent nausea.
Back in our room, I collapsed onto the sofa, trying not to let Augustin see how exhausted I felt. The fever had returned,
making me alternately hot and cold, but I forced myself to focus on our discussion.
“We should keep this quiet for now,” I suggested. “Let Evanth stay in the cell a little longer. Let whoever framed him think
their plan is working.”
“Why?” Augustin asked, his eyes narrowing. “We could clear his name immediately.”
“And alert our enemies that we’re onto them,” I countered. “It gives me time to investigate in Dawnshere, and when I get back, we can have Theron tell his story publicly. If we reveal what we know now, whoever is behind this will just cover
their tracks and possibly silence Theron permanently.”
“You want to use my brother as bait,” Augustin said, not accusingly but thoughtfully.
“I want to catch whoever is targeting your family,” I replied. “Evanth is safe in custody. Ironically, he’s probably safer there
than anywhere else right now.”
Augustin sat beside me. “Who do you think is behind it? Quentor? One of the other elders?”
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “It could be anyone with access to Clifflands security protocols and enough power to kidnap someone without consequences. But I’m more worried about what your mother is planning right now than who framed Evanth. Her sudden disappearance feels calculated. We should be careful about what we say and to whom. Let them think they’re winning.”
1/2
Chapter 120
I looked up at him, reaching to touch his face. “You hold the most powerful position in this world, Augustin. People will always challenge you. This hight be part of something bigger. The elders, rival families, maybe even someone from outside Clifflands. Whoever can confföl the Alpha King controls everything.”
“They won’t control me through my brother,” he said firmly. “O through anyone else I care about.*
“Which is exactly why they’re targeting those around you,” I replied. “They know you’re too strong to attack directly.
He smiled, gazing down at me with a heat that made my skin tingle despite my illness. They underestimate how far I’ll go to protect what’s mine.” Without warning, he scooped me up from the sofa and carried me to the bed.
“We’re having dinner in our room tonight,” he announced, laying me gently on the mattress. No staff, no interruptions. Just us.”
His fingers worked at the buttons of my blouse, slowly exposing my skin to the cool air. “I want you back in my arms as soon as possible,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my car. “When you’re away from me, I want you to remember tonight. I want you wet and aching to come home to me. I want every male who comes near you to smell me on your skin and know exactly who you belong to.”
“I’m only yours,” I whispered, arching into his touch. “Always yours.”
“Say it again,” he commanded softly, his eyes flashing silver.
“I’m yours, Augustin. Only yours. Forever.”
He began to suck gently on my neck, claiming me in a way that was both tender and possessive. “Everyone will see this mark and know,” he growled against my skin.
My’skin felt unusually sensitive, every touch sending sparks through my body. I knew what was coming, and my body responded eagerly.
Seraphine purred in my mind, eager to accept our mate’s love, to remind us both who we belonged to before I left him, even for a short time.
Chapter Comments
POST COMMENT NOW
LIKE
SHARE
