hapter 129
Juno’s POV
1 sat quietly with Kieran on the garden lawn for about thirty minutes. I kept waiting for the pain to come
But nothing happened.
Seraphina remained completely silent. I felt no pain, nor did she desperately beg to claim what destiny had determined was ours. This was the strangen thing I had ever experienced.
“Do you feel anything?” I broke the silence and asked him. ‘Is your wolf weakening?”
Kieran shook his head. “No. Storm is calm. He should be in pain, but he isn’t.
“Is this normal? I remember being in terrible pain when Matthew released me, so why don’t I feel anything now? I pressed.
“As far as I know, it’s not normal, he replied, furrowing his brow. “Everything I’ve heard about fated mates suggests we should be in pain or feeling weak right now.”
“That’s… surprising.” I couldn’t hide my confusion.
He laughed softly. “Augustin is lucky to have you.”
I lowered my head, unsure how to respond. Kieran looking up at the night sky.
“You were right, he admitted. “I should have taken my chance that night. I didn’t, and now I regret it.”
“That night at the dinner?” I asked softly. “When you first realized?”
He nodded, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. “I felt it the moment you walked in. Storm knew immediately. But I waited, thinking there would be a better moment. I should have marked you right there in front of everyone.”
I smiled at him. “You’ll find someone who truly loves you, Kieran. Someone who chooses you not because of some mystical bond but because of who you are.” I hesitated before adding, “Please stop fighting with Augustin. He’s not a bad man.”
Kieran laughed. “Isn’t that ironic? The woman who rejected me for him is asking me not to fight him.”
“I know it sounds ridiculous,” I admitted, “But this war between territories… it hurts everyone.”
I bit my lip, realizing how ridiculous my request sounded.
‘I understand though,‘ he continued. “There’s no love between us, is there? The desire my wolf had for you has disappeared. I suspect yours has too.”
“It has,” I confirmed. “Seraphine isn’t fighting me at all. She’s completely silent about you.”
“That’s unheard of,” Kieran mused, his expression thoughtful. “Makes me wonder if everything we’ve been told about fated mates is accurate.”
“What do you mean?”
“Maybe the bond is just a guide to help establish connections and fall in love. That’s why Matthew can’t forget you.” He paused, his gaze distant. “Perhaps true love supersedes even fate’s design.”
Kieran reached out and took my hand, brushing his thumb across my knuckles before bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss.
“I liked you from the moment I saw you, Juno, I still do.” His eyes locked with mine. “I won’t attack Augustin because of you. But if he provokes me, will fight back.”
I could see the pain he was trying to hide. Despite his words, his eyes revealed his heartbreak.
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Chapter 129
“You’ll find someone worthy of you, I assured him.
“Do you really believe that?” he asked.
“I do, I said firmly. You’re an Alpha. Strong, brave, and capable. Any woman would be fortunate to have you.
He nodded and stood up. I doubt anyone will be as special as you. You’re one of a kind, Jund Warden.”
That made me smile. He extended his hand to help me up, then pulled me close and kissed me. I didnt resist. The kiss was gentle, almost sad. When be pulled away, his eyes shimmered with emotion.
“Did you feel anything?” he asked. “During the kiss?
I shook my head slowly. “Only… only the kiss itself. Not the pull. Not the bond.”
“I’ll remember this moment, he whispered. “And from now on, I’ll seize every opportunity. I won’t miss my chances anymore. He capped my fare. If Augustin ever hurts you, you can always find me.”
His thumb stroked my cheek tenderly. “Whenever you call, I’ll answer. I don’t understand why this rejection didn’t hurt or weaken us, but I’m glad that apart from my broken heart, we didn’t lose much else.”
I kissed his palm, hoping I hadn’t made the wrong choice, sacrificing something meaningful for nothing.
He held my hand, and I could tell he didn’t want to let go.
“Setting aside the wolf bond,” he said softly, “I would have fallen for you anyway, just like Augustin did. I think I already started falling for you that night.
We both chuckled lightly.
He patted my cheek one last time and walked away, leaving me alone in the garden.
“Farewell, Juno,” he called over his shoulder. “Until our paths cross again.”
“Goodbye, Kieran,” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure he could hear me.
As Kieran disappeared into the distance, fear gripped my heart. I’d just turned away my fated mate, the one supposedly destined for me. What if I’d made a
terrible mistake?
Goddess, please let this be the right choice, I prayed silently. Don’t let this decision come back to haunt me.
Seraphine? I called internally to my wolf. Are you there? Did I do the right thing?
Seraphine remained quiet. No reassurance, no confirmation. Just silence.
Give me something. Anything.
Still nothing.
The stars above offered no answers, and the cool night breeze gave no comfort. I was alone with my decision and the uncertain future it promised.
When I returned to the party, I found Scarlett at the high table. I slid into the seat beside her, my mind still reeling from my encounter with Kieran.
‘Holy shit, you look like you’ve been through a battle,” Scarlett said, her eyes widening as she took in my appearance. “Where were you? I’ve been worried
sick.
“I was in the garden,” I mumbled.
*For an hour? With who?” she pressed, lowering her voice. “You smell… different.”
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Chapter 129
I felt tears threatening to spill. Guilt washed over me. I’d let Kieran kiss me, touch me. I’d betrayed Augustin.
“I can’t talk about it here, I whispered, my lips trembling.
As the first tear fell, Scarlett quickly jumped into action. “Hey, everyone, Juno’s not feeling well. I’m taking her back to our rooms. Enjoy the rest of your
night!
“Is everything okay?” Juliet asked from across the table, concern etched on her face.
‘Just a fever spike, Scarlett replied smoothly. “Nothing to worry about.”
She grabbed my arm and ushered me away before anyone could see my tears.
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