I woke up in Augustin’s arms, feeling his warm body pressed agħinst mine and his steady heartbeat against my back. The connection between us felt stronger than ever before, a bond that transcended physical touch. For the first time, I felt completely certain that he was mine, truly and fully mine. There was no fear anymore, no uncertainty clouding our relationship.
Last night’s ball replayed in my mind. I had walked in expecting to be humiliated, to watch Augustin choose Cassandra over me. I’d been preparing myself to leave the ballroom alone, my heart shattered beyond repair for the second time in my life. But he hadn’t. He had publicly rejected Cassandra, choosing me instead.
I felt a twinge of sympathy for her. I knew what it was like to be rejected by your fated mate. Still, Cassandra hadn’t been kind. How could she expect me to give up my man just because fate had thrown her a bone?
The hollow emptiness I’d felt since rejecting Kieran was gone now, replaced by love and hope. I’d never imagined I could feel this happy or hopeful again after what Matthew did to me.
I turned slightly, watching Augustin sleep. His black and silver hair was spread across the pillow, tangled and wild. I thanked the Goddess for bringing im to me. After Matthew’s betrayal, I never thought I’d trust anyone again, let alone find this kind of happiness.
We needed to get up soon. The Goldenvale opening ceremony was today, and I knew the staff had already packed our bags. We just needed to dress, eat breakfast, and head to Goldenvale. I was looking forward to the celebration, there would be parades and performances from packs–all over the region.
I leaned over and gently bit Augustin’s ear to wake him. “Time to wake up,” I whispered.
He stirred, his eyes slowly opening, a frown forming as he looked at me.
Before I could react, he grabbed me and flipped me onto my back, hovering above me. “You think you can wake me like that and get away with it?” he growled playfully.
Then his fingers were everywhere, tickling my sides.
“Stop! Please!” I gasped between fits of laughter.
‘Good morning, Berry,” he said, kissing my neck, causing me to moan.
“Good morning,” I replied, breathless from both the tickling and his touch.
He continued kissing me, his lips trailing down my throat. “Do you know how badly I wanted to take that beautiful dress off you last night?”
I shivered at his words. “You could have.”
‘I could only imagine doing this,” he murmured, his mouth moving lower. “But I’m going to take full advantage of the opportunity now.”
His lips found my breast, taking one nipple into his mouth while his fingers teased the other. My body instantly responded to his touch, waves of pleasure coursing through me.
His movements became more urgent, his hands exploring every inch of my skin. I responded in kind, my hands running over his broad shoulders and strong back.
Soon he was inside me, moving with a rhythm that had my toes curling. Our bodies fit together perfectly, and as our desire mounted, our movements, became more frantic.
I could feel every thrust sending shockwaves of pleasure through me. I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him deeper.
Our breathing grew ragged, sweat glistening on our skin. When we reached our climax almost simultaneously, we clung to each other, our bodies trembling
As we lay there afterward, I couldn’t imagine leaving this room to attend any ceremony. I just wanted to stay here, wrapped in his arms, forever.
1/3
Chapter 193
We showered together, taking turns washing each other’s bodies. There was something incredibly intimate about this simple act, something that mat feel closer to him than ever.
I traced the black wolf tattoo on his left shoulder blade with my fingertips, marveling at its intricate design.
Thank you for staying with nic, Augustin said suddenly, lifting my chin so I had to look directly into his eyes. “Berry, I promise I will never leave you
His words were so sincere, so full of conviction that I felt safer than I ever had before. My body trembled slightly, overwhelmed by emotion. I hugged hint tightly, resting my head against his broad chest.
I will never leave you either,” I promised, repeating it twice to emphasize my commitment.
His arms encircled me, pulling me closer, our wet bodies pressed together, sharing warmth.
We didn’t need more words. Our actions had already proven everything.
“You rejected Kieran,” he said softly. “I rejected Cassandra.”
“That’s what love is,” I replied. “Making a choice and sticking with it. Not being driven by some force, but naturally falling in love and letting it grow in something beautiful.”
I turned my face up to the shower spray to hide my tears, but I think he knew anyway. He always seemed to know.
When we walked into the dining room, Bryloch, Adryx, Scarlett, and Freya applauded us.
The couple who survived the trial by fire that most of us will never experience,” Bryloch announced, raising his coffee cup in a toast.
I smiled, catching Scarlett’s wink. She knew I’d already been through a similar trial with Kieran.
“He’s finally completely yours,” Scarlett linked to me, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
L
Each couple took turns congratulating us, and I felt a surge of hunger as we sat down to eat. I piled food onto my plate, suddenly ravenous.
“Eat up, Augustin said, adding more food to my plate, “You’re eating for two now.”
“We need to discuss the ribbon–cutting for the Goldenvale opening,” Bryloch said, buttering his toast. “You’ll be hosting, of course,”
‘I was thinking Evanth could do the honors this year,” Augustin suggested.
Everyone laughed, and Adryx groaned. “He’s been dragging us down all season.”
‘Did you know Matthew, Maddox, and Quinn are playing in the polo match?” Scarlett asked me, a mischievous smile on her face.
“What?” I asked, surprised. ‘Since when do they play polo?”
‘Suspicious, isn’t it?” Scarlett raised an eyebrow.
‘Is that why they were giving you and Adryx those dirty looks at the ball?” I asked.
‘I saw that, Freya admitted, satisfaction in her voice. “I deliberately ignored them. I can’t wait to see them make fools of themselves on the field.
She turned to Adryx. “If you happen to face Quinn’s team, please teach him a lesson. Accidents happen on the field, after all.
Adryx nodded, clearly in full agreement with Freya’s suggestion.
I wanted to say they should exclude Matthew from their plans, but I wasn’t sure how Augustin would feel about that.
