Chapter 11
The concern that flooded Matthews hace sent a sharp pain through my chest. Once, had looked at me that way,
We need to go, he said, supporting her. Then his eyes found mine ain. “Juno, come with us
No.
The single word hung between us. Through our lingering bond, I felt his fear spike,
Please come home, Sera. I love you.
The use of my wolf’s old nickname and the desperation in his mind–oice almost made me waver, but I steeled myself. ‘ll get a ride home later.
Matthew’s expression hardened. “Fine.”
After they left, Scarlett touched my hand. “I’d offer to take you home but…” She didn’t need to finish. We both knew what awaited Lunas who displeased their Alphas.
“My Beta can escort you home safely when you’re ready,” Kieran offered.
I nødded gratefully, trying to ignore the dread forming.
Matthew was waiting in the living room when I finally got home. His scent hit me immediately, anger and alcohol mixed with something primal and dangerous. My wolf tensed, instinctively preparing for a confrontation.
“Had fun?” he asked, his voice deceptively calm.
“It was a normal social gathering,” I replied, hanging my coat by the door, keeping my movements measured despite the racing of my heart.
He closed the distance between us in two strides. “You smell like him.”
“We sat next to each other at dinner.”
“You were flirting with him all night.”
“Like you were ignoring Isabelle?” I countered, anger finally breaking through my caution. “She was practically in your lap, and you have the nerve to question me talking to someone?”
“That’s different and you know it!”
“Why? Because she’s your precious fated mate? Because the fate decided she matters more than your wife of seven years?”
Matthew’s hands clenched into fists. “You have no idea how hard I’m trying here, Juno.”
“Trying?” I laughed. “You’re living in a fantasy where you get everything–your fated mate and your wife. Meanwhile, I get nothing.
No happiness, no respect, no future.”
He moved closer, backing me against the wall. For the first time in our relationship, I felt genuine fear of what he might do.
“Don’t push me,” he warned, his voice dropping lower. “I’m not Quinn or Maddox, but there are lines you shouldn’t cross.”
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Chapter 11.
The threat hung in the air between us. My wolf marled inside ine.
Let me go, Matthew, I said quietly. This isn’t working for either of s
No, he said, his voice breaking slightly. I can’t.
“Why? Because your pride can’t handle it? Because you still think you own me?*
“Because I love you!” he shouted, slamming his palm against the wall beside my head. “Because despite everything, despite fate screwing us over, I still love you!”
I shook my head, feeling tears threaten. “If you loved me, you wouldn’t force me to live like this.”
He leaned in, his nose skimming my neck. “You smell like him,” he repeated, disgust evident in his tone. “If you ever–ever–let him touch you again…”
“You’ll what?” I challenged, pushing against his chest. “Beat me? Lock me up? Make me submit? Is that the kind of Alpha you are
now?”
A
Pain fashed across his face. “No, I love you, Juno. This isn’t fair to any of us, but I’m trying to make it work. I don’t want to lose
you.
www
“You already have,” I said softly. “You lost me the moment you chose her over me.
His eyes darkened. “I’m warning you, Juno. Stay away from Kieran.”
I slipped past him, heading for the stairs. “I’m going to bed.”
“This conversation isn’t over,” he growled, following me up the stairs.
I walked into my bedroom and turned to close the door, but Matthew’s hand stopped
“I’ll join you,” he said, pushing the door open and stepping inside.
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