Augustin’s POV
was reviewing security reports when Evanth burst into my office without knocking.
“Why am I being moved to the west wing?” he demanded. “That’s where the workers stay! Are you trying to humiliate me in front of everyone?
I suppressed a sigh of irritation, understanding why our father had never put Evanth in charge of the elders. He was too emotional, too easily offended, too focused on appearances rather than substance.
“The west wing has luxury apartments, I explained patiently. “They were meant for the Delta position. If Sebastian had joined us, that would have been his area. You’re not being demoted or humiliated.”
‘I can’t tolerate your and Elowen’s noise and debauchery in our current wing anymore, I continued bluntly. ‘Especially now that Juno is pregnant and needs her rest. You’re always making noise near my door. Last night I could hear everything through the walls.”
“In the west wing, you’ll have your own space to do whatever you want. More privacy for both of us. I thought you’d appreciate that.”
Evanth frowned, clearly with more demands on his mind.
“I’m busy, Evanth,” I said, not hiding my impatience. “What else do you want? I have actual work to do.”
‘I want to be on the polo team,” he stated. “It’s not fair that you, Bryloch, and Adryx get to play while I’m sidelined. I’m a Levenston too.”
I studied him for a moment, then nodded. I knew he wouldn’t take no for an answer, and the competition was meant for socializing and entertainment. Even if Evanth might be a liability to the team, it wasn’t worth fighting over.
“Thank you,” Evanth said immediately, his mood brightening. “Also, Elowen has some ideas about the uniforms. She thinks they could be more stylish.
Juno has already handled that,” I reminded him. “Elowen should have brought her suggestions earlier. We can’t keep changing plans at the last minute.
“The color scheme lacks taste,” Evanth complained. “And the single–color design for the ball is too plain. Elowen thinks jewel tones would be more appropriate for our status.”
I sighed. “Whether I like it or not, I’ll wear whatever uniform Juno chooses,” I told him firmly. “As Alpha King, I’ll wear anything my woman likes. I’ll let her decorate the entire manor in neon pink if that makes her happy.”
*I’ll do anything to make my wife happy. The wedding is coming soon, after all. That’s what matters, not the color of our clothes.”
I fixed him with a stern look. “You need to respect Juno, Evanth. She’s going to be our family. And you should thank her for helping to save your life. She didn’t have to do that, especially after how you treated her.”
‘I’m not disrespecting her, Evanth protested. “Has she complained about me? I’ve been nothing but polite to her.”
‘I’ve been nothing but friendly to Juno. I’ll always be grateful for what she did. I wouldn’t be alive without her help.”
He hesitated, then added, ‘As your brother, I just want Elowen to have something to do. I worry she feels I don’t value her. She needs to feel important too.
I was shocked by this rare display of genuine concern from Evanth. He’d always been like our father, not struggling to remain faithful to one wo his suggested he might actually be serious about Elowen.
“Have Elowen meet with Juno,” I suggested. “I’m sure there’s something she can help with. Juno could use all the assistance she can get right now. She was exhausted yesterday.”
“She shouldn’t overwork herself,” Evanth said looking genuinely concerned. “Not when she’s carrying your child. The heir to Clifflands deserves better care.”
Seeing this transformation in my brother, I decided to offer some brotherly advice. Be faithful to Elowen,” I told him directly. “If you truly care for her, show her with your actions, not just your words.”
1/2
Chapter 182
I know about your activities with the women in the harem, I added, watching his expression carefully. Don’t hurt flowen the wagpur auk han mother. She deserves better than that.”
Evanth avoided my gaze at the direct accusation, then quickly left my office without further argument
I had barely returned to my work when my mother walked in, looking angry, worried, and unsettled all at once.
We need to do something about Azalea and Glenn, she declared, her voice tight with barely controlled emotion. “They’ve gone too far this time
*Sit down, mother,” I said, gesturing to the chair across from my desk. I glanced at the bathroom door to make sure it was empty. These walls had ears, and t didn’t want our conversation overheard.
I’ve seen the guest list,” she said, sitting down stiffly. “Kieran has been invited and his pack asked to participate in the polo match. Have they lost their minds? Inviting your enemy to your home?”
Though this displeased me, I remained calm. “I trust Juno. She won’t betray me. We’ve discussed Kieran, and I’m not concerned about him.”
‘She’s already rejected Kieran. If he still has hopes, he’s a fool. Juno has made her choice clear.”
My anger was directed at the elders. “I’m going to suspend the elders and review their authorities,” I said firmly. “I hope they’re not trying to start a ww. This feels like deliberate provocation.”
My mother still looked unusually tense, more so than the situation seemed to warrant. “What’s really bothering you?” I asked. “There’s something else, isn’t there?”
“It’s not Kieran I’m worried about,” she explained, her voice dropping lower. “It’s the fact that Patrick Hamilton will be coming as his team captain.”
She paused, then delivered the blow: “And Cassandra will be accompanying him.”
My heart rate accelerated, and a feeling of dread I hadn’t experienced in years washed over me. I couldn’t understand why the elders would do this to me, bringing ghosts from my past into my present, potentially threatening my future.
I had picked up the pieces and moved on. Why were they dragging up the past to haunt me? What did they hope to gain by this?
What worried me most was how Juno would react when she learned Cassandra was coming. The stress couldn’t be good for our child. She was already dealing with so much.
“Azalea and Glenn were clever,” my mother pointed out. “They submitted the list at the last possible moment, making it impossible to cancel the invitations without causing a diplomatic incident. They knew exactly what they were doing.”
Fenris growled inside me, furious at the elders for potentially causing Juno pain. How dare they?
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