Juno’s POV
Two weeks had passed since I arrived at Clifflands. My life settled into a pattern–comfortable living quarters, decent food, and a strange sense of safety that made me furious with myself. How could feel safe in enemy territory? Augustin was a good companion when he wanted to be, though mostly he kept to himself, leaving me alone with my tumultuous thoughts.
Despite everyone’s terror of Augustin, I felt a wild, inexplicable thrill around him. His power wasn’t just intimidating–it was intoxicating. Something that made my pulse race and my wolf stir restlessly beneath my skin. I hated the way my body reacted to him, betraying every rational thought in my head.
I spent most of my time pacing the library or hiding in my room, trying to outrun my own conflicted emotions. Every other day, the girls and I received beauty treatments that would have cost a fortune back home–like cattle being prepared for slaughter, I sometimes thought bitterly. Yet I couldn’t deny the shameful pleasure I took in these luxuries. It was terrifying how quickly I was adapting to this twisted new reality.
Scarlett seemed to be finding her place here too. I noticed the growing attraction between her and Beta. While she tried to deny it, her scent changed whenever he was near. I was happy for her, she deserved something good after what she’d been through with
Maddox.
During my time here, I’d met other serving Lunas. Some were content with their situation, having found comfort or even love. Others remained neutral, accepting their fate without resistance. Surprisingly, the men of Clifflands treated the women well. Some
had even found love with warriors or officers.
This was nothing like the master–slave dynamic I’d been led to expect. It made me realize that we never truly know the reality of any situation until we experience it ourselves.
Lying in bed each night, my thoughts clawed at me like wild animals. What was Matthew doing right now? Was he thinking of me at all? Isabelle must be fucking ecstatic that I was gone–the unwanted wife finally removed from the picture. She no longer had to share Matthew with me each week, no longer had to see his guilt when he returned from my bed. She could have her precious fated mate all to herself, and in a few months, they would welcome their pup into the world while I rotted here.
I should be happy for them. And part of me wanted to be. But rage and grief tore through me in equal measure, leaving me gasping for breath in the darkness. Everything I’d ever wanted had been ripped away, the chance for a family, for love, for children of my own. My future stretched before me like a black hole, empty and terrifying. Who knew what twisted plans the Alpha King had for me? His thoughts were locked behind those silver–flecked eyes, impossible to read as he watched me with that predatory gaze that made me shiver despite myself.
That day, Scarlett invited me to Beta’s flower appreciation event through Link. She said the event was taking place in the North Garden and insisted that I must attend. I agreed, figuring I had nothing better to do anyway.
“It’ll be perfect,” she said, her tone was filled with excitement. “The sunset view from there is amazing.”
I stared at the wardrobe, tired of the revealing clothes that seemed to be all that was available to me. It was clear the Alpha wanted an eyeful whenever he saw us. Sighing, I pulled out a light yellow dress with a plunging neckline and paired it with sandals.
her face
As I stepped into the hallway, I spotted Augustin walking out of a room with massive doors. Eliza followed behin flushed. I immediately guessed that was his bedroom. So the rumors about him and Eliza were true. I shouldn’t care, but suddenly my stomach felt a bit uneasy.
Augustin stopped when he saw me. Our eyes met, and I noticed Eliza’s face turn even redder.
“I’m sorry,” I said, taking a step back. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
I turned to leave, but Augustin caught my wrist. He pulled me toward him, turning my body and gently gripping my neck, his lips
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Chapter 29
close to my ear.
“Leave us, Eliza,” he commanded.
She scurried away without a word.
“Where do you think you’re going dressed like this?” he growled, his breath hot against my skin.
“To Beta’s cocktail party in the North Garden,” I answered, trying to keep my voice steady.
“This kind of outfit is for my eyes only, Berry.” His grip tightened slightly.
“I have a name,” I shot back. “Maybe you should start using it.”
He twisted my wrist, not enough to really hurt, but enough to send a jolt through me that was almost… arousing. What the hell is wrong with me?
“Don’t test me,” he threatened, his teeth grazing my neck. I bit back a moan.
“Your husband is stubborn,” he continued. “I’ll force him to submit.”
I hoped Matthew would just let go. He had said he would rather, die than do that. The thought made my heart clench.
Augustin led me into his room. It was magnificent. It was a room fit for an Alpha King.
He tossed me a shirt and shorts. They looked like his clothes.
“What am I supposed to do with these?” I asked, holding them up.
“Wear them to the party,” he ordered, that sent an unwelcome heat coursing through me. “You’ve given enough of a show to others. Now you’ll satisfy only my eyes.”
I couldn’t help laughing.
“What’s so funny?” he demanded, eyes flashing dangerously.
“Why do you care what I wear when you have so many women warming your bed?” I challenged, stepping closer, my anger overriding my common sense.
His eyes darkened to storm clouds, the silver flecks seeming to glow with primal fury. The wolf in him surged to the surface, making my breath catch. “Here, I’m the only one who gets to ask questions.” Then he stalked out of the room, leaving me trembling.
I collapsed onto his bed, breathing in his overwhelming scent. What was wrong with me?
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