Augustin’s POV
I studied Matthew’s face across the table. For over an hout, we’d been discussing Maddox and Quinn, and I was stunned by how little Matthew details b about their activities.
So you’re telling me that in Forestvale, the pack members actually vote on major decisions?” I couldn’t hide my disbelief.
Matthew nodded, “We believe in democracy. Alpha status doesn’t mean dictatorship. Every pack member has a voice.”
And that’s why Maddox and Quinn could get away with so much.” I leaned forward, my elbows on the table. “A pack needs firm leadership, Matthew Too many choices, too much freedom to disagree… it creates chaos. When everyone has an equal voice, the wrong voices often speak the loudest.
I was beginning to understand. Matthew wasn’t weak, the system weakened him.
“When everyone has a say, some will inevitably abuse that power, I continued. “They interfere in matters that don’t concern them, and there are no consequences.”
Matthew’s jaw tightened. “Like when Quinn and Maddox had a say in whether Isabelle could move into my home.”
“Exactly. Why did they have that right?”
“Because in Forestvale, neighboring Alphas can petition against another Alpha’s decisions if they believe it affects regional stability.” He ran a hand through his hair. “They claimed having my mate and my… Juno under the same roof would cause tension that might spill over. Said it could destabilize the entire region. Complete bullshit, but enough members believed it.”
I nodded, carefully steering the conversation toward my real interest. “Speaking of tensions, I don’t believe Quinn was behind the attack on the Verdantia border. What do you know?”
Matthew’s shoulders relaxed slightly, seemingly relieved by the change in topic. “Quinn swore he wasn’t responsible. And honestly, I don’t think he has the brains to orchestrate something that complex. The man can barely organize a hunting party, let alone a coordinated attack.”
“You’ve been investigating.”
“Yes.” A sad smile crossed his face. “I didn’t want Juno’s sacrifice to be meaningless. Though if I’d known she’d find true love…” He trailed off with a humorless laugh. “I thought if I found the real culprit and brought the information to you, maybe you’d… return my wife.”
*Wife. This word made me feel uncomfortable, but I didn’t show it. Old habits die hard, I reminded myself.
“What did you find?” I prompted.
“Quinn’s men did rebel against him, just as your intelligence suggested. I haven’t confirmed who they were working with, but I suspect another Forestvale Alpha. Only someone close to Quinn could have caused such devastating damage. Someone who knew his routines, his men’s weaknesses.”
“You suspected Kieran at first,‘ I guessed.
Matthew nodded. “We all did. We thought he wanted to force Forestvale to join him against Clifflands. It made sense at the time, create a problem only he could solve, then ride in as the savior.” His fingers traced the rim of his glass. “But after speaking with him, I realized he just wants to protect his people. He’s not calculating enough for that kind of manipulation.”
“And then?”
‘Kieran actually suspected you.” Matthew looked up, “He thought you might have orchestrated the attack yourself to justify punishing Forestvale for allying with Fireland.”
I laughed darkly. “I guess that’s why they call me the tyrant.”
Matthew’s lips quirked upward. “Trust me, you don’t want to hear the stories about you. The fearsome Alpha Fing who bathes in the blood of his enemies.
Enlighten me.
They paint you as a ruthless monster who kills on a whim. Mothers in Forestvale scare their children with tales of the dark king who take t away in the night.” He shrugged. “But seeing how happy Juno is. It changed everything for me. No monster could make her site like that –
The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard.
“Juno has a good heart,” Matthew continued. “If she loves you this deeply, you must have a good heart too. She always saw the truth in people, even wheti. they couldn’t see it themselves.”
I offered him half a smile, taking his words as the compliment they were intended to be. Matthew laughed, and the tension in the room eased,
Now for the difficult part.
“Juno mentioned that Isabelle’s father is an Alpha,” I said casually. “I’m guessing that played a role in her being forced into your home.”
Pain flashed across Matthew’s face. He shook his head. “I made a stupid mistake. One I’ll regret for the rest of
my life.
“How so?”
*Fated mates are rare. When I realized Isabelle was mine, I was curious. I let myself talk to her, let the connection develop. His gaze dropped to the table. “Things progressed to kissing and… her clothes got torn. But I swear, I didn’t accept her er go further. I planned to reject her. I was going to tell her I already had a mate I loved.”
“But you didn’t.”
“I was afraid of the weakness that comes with rejecting a fated mate. You know how it drains you, makes you physically ill. He rubbed his face. ‘So I tried the passive approach, ignore her until she gave up and left. His laugh was bitter. “Instead, she told her father I had accepted and claimed her. That I took her innocence then abandoned her.”
“Charles demanded I take her in.” Matthew’s voice hardened. “When I refused, he threatened me. He gathered other Alphas to his cause, accused me of defiling his daughter and then abandoning her. Said I was unworthy of being an Alpha.” Matthew’s hands curled into fists. “They called a meeting and gave me a week to accept Isabelle, or face a challenge for my position.”
*And Juno?”
*Our marriage was already falling apart. She knew my wolf didn’t want her anymore. She could feel it. His voice cracked. “She told me to do what I needed to do. That she’d move out if necessary. So I let Isabelle stay. I thought maybe I could manage both, keep them separate. I was a fool.
“But you ignored Isabelle.”
Matthew nodded, eyes glistening. “Until one night… my wolf was overwhelmed by the bond and her scent. While I slept, Zephyx took over and brought me to her room. He marked her.”
“Zephyx had never betrayed me before. We were always in sync, always partners. But that night, the mate bond controlled us both. It knocked me out and took my body to mark its mate.” A tear slid down Matthew’s cheek. “When I realized what happened, I had no choice but to accept it. The mark was done. But I didn’t want to lose Juno. I didn’t… I tried to explain, but how could I? ‘Sorry my wolf betrayed us both sounds like a pathetic excuse.”
I watched him break down, conflicted about how to respond. Part of me enjoyed seeing his pain, retribution for hurting Berry. But another part understood the impossible situation he’d been in.
‘I’ll allow you to maintain a friendship with Juno,” I said suddenly.
Matthew’s head snapped up, eyes wide with disbelief. “What? Are you serious?”
