Augustin’s POV
After spending some time talking with Matthew in the private box at the stadium, I decided it was time to rejoin my family. Matthew expressed interest accompanying me, wanting to say hello to Juno. As we prepared to leave, Maddox and Quinn approached, having been hovering early waiting for their
chance.
Your Majesty,” Maddox said with a forced smile. We were hoping to speak with you.”
I shook my head. “Not now.”
‘Please, Alpha King, Maddox persisted, his tone bordering on desperate. “It’s important. We just need a moment of your time.”
I noticed how he addressed me as “Your Majesty,“. These fools were trying to flatter me after conspiring with Kieran against me. The audacity was almost amusing.
“Alpha Blackburn,” I said coolly, ‘I believe you led an attack on my manor not long ago. Consider yourself fortunate that I’m feeling merciful today.”
Maddox paled slightly but pressed on. ‘About the tributes… we were hoping-
‘Let me stop you right there,” I interrupted. “The tribute system doesn’t allow for exchanges. Scarlett and Freya have started new fives. Scarlett will marry Bryloch Savidge during the Purplemoon ceremony, and Freya is four months pregnant and will marry Adryx Callaway. They are now nobles of Clifflands, which makes them your superiors in rank.”
Quinn stepped forward. “Perhaps we could discuss some arrangement, a temporary visit? We just want to talk to them.”
His words ignited my temper. Fenris snarled inside me, wanting to tear into this pathetic excuse for an Alpha.
“How dare you,” I growled, “How dare you even speak to me after what you did? You let your men take turns with your wife for entertainment while you
watched.”
Maddox’s head snapped toward Quinn, shock evident on his face.
Apparently, he hadn’t known the extent of Quinn’s depravity.
“If you were my Alpha,” I continued, “I would strip you of your title, confiscate your lands and wealth, and have you imprisoned.” I turned to Matthew. “You’re too soft on these people, Alpha Matthew. Forestvale needs a firmer hand.”
Quinn sputtered, trying to explain himself. “It wasn’t like that! She agreed to–I didn’t force-
“You traumatized that woman,” I cut him off. ‘Adryx had to work hard to help her overcome what you did to her.”
I turned to Maddox. “And you. You shifted your wife and beat her with silver. Nova’s white fur still bears the scars of your cruelty.”
“That was different,” Maddox protested weakly. “She needed discipline. Alpha females must learn-
“Shut up, I snapped, “Your excuses mean nothing to me.”
Their expressions confirmed everything. These men had found their fated mates and thought it gave them license to treat their chosen mates like garbage.
“What kind of men are you?” I asked, disgust evident in my tone. “Did you ever consider that your ‘fated mates‘ might have had other motives for pursuing you? That perhaps they saw an opportunity to advance their positions by claiming a connection to an Alpha?”
They both looked stricken, and I felt a deep satisfaction. Let them question everything.
“The answer is no,” I said firmly. “Consider yourselves lucky I’m in a good mood, or I might decide to take disciplinary action against both of you.”
We approached my family’s box, and I turned to Matthew. “I think it’s best if you visit Juno another time. Brylosh and Aryx are inside, and I’d rather not have a confrontation in the stands.“/
Matthew nodded, understanding the wisdom in my suggestion. Of course, Your Majesty. Another time. Please give her my regard
As he walked away, I couldn’t help but feel relieved that we had formed an alliance. The real investigation was about to begins,
When I entered out private box, Juno looked up at me with expectant eyes. I smiled and leaned down to kiss her, reassuring her that all was well
You seem less troubled than this morning,” she observed.
‘I am, 1 confirmed. “Matthew and I made progress.”
Juno raised an eyebrow, making me smile. She had been right about Matthew all along.
“You were right about him, I admitted. “He’s been deeply misunderstood.”
Eliza delivered the items to Qiana, Juno linked me. Four of our men are watching her now.
I nodded subtly and glanced at Bryloch. I needed to tell him that his family member was involved, but I dreaded the conversation. How could I explain this without revealing Qiana’s role? I didn’t believe she was the mastermind, she was being used. Someone wanted me to catch Qiana and implicate my Ber through her. My instincts told me to protect them first and investigate later.
We’ll wait and see what they do with what Eli
gave
her, Juno added.
We decided to cut our attendance short and head home. I went straight to my office with Juno following close behind.
Juno sat on my lap as I checked emails on my computer, still trying to track down my older half–brother and Helena’s child.
“When will we receive the list of Alphas who filed the petition?” Juno asked, playing with my hair.
“Delta Stefan will bring it tonight,” I replied. “He’s my most loyal officer.”
“Garth is loyal too,” she pointed out.
I wasn’t sure how to respond. Garth had struck Juno on the road to Clifflands.
“It’s okay,” she said, reading my hesitation. “Adryx hit him hard enough that day to satisfy me.”
“I trust Garth too,” I admitted.
Juno kissed my forehead. “That’s sweet.”
The door opened, and Bryloch entered with Adryx behind him. Scarlett and Freya followed, looking for Juno.
“Don’t get up,” I whispered to Juno, who was still perched on my lap. My body was reacting to her proximity, and I didn’t want to embarrass myself. We hadn’t yet told our friends about being fated mates.
Adryx had Freya sit on the sofa, then poured her a glass of juice from the refrigerator. Bryloch also poured a glass for Scarlett.
“What’s happening with Qiana?” Bryloch asked, concern evident in his voice.
I decided to first tell them what Matthew had revealed.
“We’ll talk about her later. First, I want to say that Matthew told me Quinn and Maddox put him up to asking for a tribute exchange, I revealed.
Scarlett coughed, juice spraying from her nose./
“What?” Freya gasped, her eyes wide with shock. “They want us back? After–everything they did?”
“I think they’ve lost their minds,” I said. “Or they’re taking something they shouldn’t be.”
2/3
I explained how Quinn wanted to trade his mate for Freya, and how Matthew later explained that Quinn had discovered the triplets werent his.
“Quinn can’t get women pregnant,” I added. “He regrets how he treated you, Freya,”
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