Chapter 138
Juno’s POV
The warm water caressed my skin as Augustin’s strong hands moved the soapy sponge across my back. I couldn’t help the small mons that escaped my lips when he pressed a gentle kiss to my shoulder.
I must say, at intimacy just now was so comfortable. How did we end up with such an attractive hottle? Seraphine purred in my mind.
I smiled at Seraphine’s comment, thinking back to just minutes ago when Augustin had gotten out of bed. His naked body was a work of art perfectly toned muscles moving under olive skin, the magnificent tattoo that stretched across his back and shoulders, and that perfectly sculpted ass that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from.
Seriously, look at those calves! And that back! And don’t get me started on his-
Enough, Seraphine, I cut her off, though I couldn’t help but be amused. Matthew was handsome too.
Not like this. Not even close, She responded immediately.
I had to stifle a laugh at how quickly her mood had changed. Just hours ago, she’d been panicking after our encounter with Kieran. Now she was practically drooling over Augustin.
A twinge of guilt hit me at the thought of Kieran. I hoped he was okay, that he’d moved on. The last thing I wanted was for him to feel betrayed or used.
Join me, Berry, Augustin’s voice had called through our mental link earlier, pulling me from the warm comfort of the bed.
I hadn’t hesitated, padding naked across the cool floor to where he waited in the large marble tub. He’d guided me to sit between his legs, my back to his chest, and I’d melted against him.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured now, his lips brushing the sensitive spot just below my ear.
I tilted my head, giving him better access. “So are you.”
His chuckle rumbled through his chest and into my back.
I leaning further into his embrace.
His fingers slid over my skin, massaging away tension I didn’t even know I was carrying. For once, I let myself be taken care of, surrendering to the moment completely.
The dining room buzzed with morning activity as Augustin and I entered, hands linked. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks at the knowing looks sent our way.
“Morning,” Scarlett called out, waving us over to where she sat with Freya, Bryloch, and Adryx.
Good morning,” I replied, sliding into a seat beside her as Augustin went to grab coffee for us both.
“Congratulations, Freya said with a meaningful smile, her eyes darting between Augustin and me. “I assume everything went… well?*
I fought back another blush. “Everything went fine.”
“More than fine, I’d say,” Scarlett teased, nudging me with her elbow. “You’re practically glowing.”
Behind her smile, though, I caught a flicker of something else. Sadness. Longing. I understood immediately – while she was happy for me, she couldn’t help but think of her own situation with Bryloch.
I reached over and touched her hand lightly. Hey,” I said softly. “Your time will come too.”
She nodded, squeezing my fingers in gratitude.
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Chapter 138
Augustin returned with our tone, and conversation alüfted to the upcoming tiki tour tom. Il wis time. In leave for the bhar fian
* Ready – Augustin naked, his eyes searching mine,
As Till ever be. I replied, taking a deep breath. I couldn’t help but feel nervous.
Yes I be fine, Seraphine assured me. You’re stronger than all of them combined.
We had fast stepped outside when a voice called my name. I tensed instantly, recognizing the melodie tones of Amelia Levenston.
Tuno, dear!” she approached, a smile on her perfect face. “May I have a word?”
n
I glanced at Augustin, who seemed equally surprised by his mother’s approach. For his sake, I forced my expression into something resembling politeness.
Hello, Luna Amelia.”
She reached for my hands, and it took everything in me not to pull away. “I just wanted to say how delighted I am about the batry. To become a grandmother is a blessing I hadn’t dared hope for.”
Her smile seemed genuine, but I’d learned not to trust anything about this woman. Still, I nodded politely, keeping my response minimal. “Thank you.”
“Perhaps when you return from the trial, we might have tea?” she suggested, her fingers lightly patting my hand. “There’s much we should discuss.”
Every instinct screamed at me to refuse. The last thing I wanted was to be alone with Amelia. But I looked at Augustin, saw the hopeful expression in his eyes, and found myself nodding.
“That would be fine, as long as the conversation doesn’t involve belittling or cursing me,” I said with forced lightness.
Her expression faltered momentarily. “I must apologize for my previous behavior. I was… not myself.”
I kept my face neutral. “Apology accepted.” For Augustin’s sake, not hers.
I didn’t want him caught between us, forced to choose. Besides, I had questions for Amelia – questions about the Elders, about her time as Luna. And I intended to get honest answers.
*I’ll send for you when we return,” Amelia said, stepping back. “Good luck today.”
As she walked away, Augustin squeezed my hand. “Thank you,” he murmured.
I nodded.
A sleek black car waited for us at the bottom of the steps. I raised an eyebrow at Augustin.
“No Jeep today?” I asked as we slid into the backseat.
The driver closed the door behind us, giving us privacy. Augustin pulled me close, nestling me against his side.
‘No one drives my Jeep but me,” he explained. “And I wanted to hold you the entire way there.”
His arm tightened around me, and I settled against him, inhaling his intoxicating scent. It calmed me instantly, a reminder of everything we’d overcome to be together.
“Thank you,” he said suddenly.
I looked up, confused. “For what?”
“For rejecting your fated mate.” His voice was husky with emotion. “For proving that real love exists beyond what fate dictates.”
I swallowed hard. “I was afraid you’d be angry.”
2/3
Chapter 138
le sawl ramt minger, he vistined, brushing . Kitabit of hate from vậy fare it was tear tear that Kieran waili tako su bitna ng
s vulnerability in that moment made my heart ache, I pressed my palm to his cheek. That would nesai kappen –
i want to mark you during the Purplemoen,” he continued, his eyes intense. I want it connected in every possible way.
The thought sent a thrill through me. “Yes,” I whispered. “I want that too.
He lowered his head, capturing my lips in a kiss that left me breathless. When we parted, the car was
Rendy for battle? Seraphine asked.
Always, I replied, straightening my shoulders as Augustin helped me from the car.
slowing. We had arrived at the Elder Hall
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