Juno’s POV
I watched as realization dawned on Augustin’s face. He understood my innuendo. Heat flooded my cheeks and neck. Shit..
But goddamn, he looked irresistible today. Ilis dark hair pulled back highlighted his sharp jawline, and when he smiled, his usually intimidating face transformed into something almost boyish. The morning light caught the silver streaks in his hair, making them gleam.
“Berry,” he said, his eyes dancing with mischief. “I was talking about horseback riding.”
“Fine, I’m not an expert rider,” I admitted, “but I can handle myself.”
“We’ll see about that he replied with a grin that sent liquid heat straight to my core.
The stable hands helped me with the riding gear, and soon I was mounted on a chestnut mare with a white star on her forehead. Augustin swung onto his own mount with predatory grace, a powerful black stallion that seemed as imposing as its rider.
“Ready?” he asked.
I nodded, and we shot off. The sensation of riding again after so long exploded through me like pure adrenaline. Wind whipped my hair into a wild tangle as we galloped across the Clifflands territory. Augustin led the way, occasionally glancing back to ensure I kept pace. The land opened before us–rolling hills surrendering to steeper terrain as the mountains loomed closer.
After riding for nearly an hour, we slowed as we approached what appeared to be our destination, my body humming with excitement and exertion.
We reached a cliff edge offering a view that stole my breath away, snow–capped Clifflands mountains stretching like jagged teeth against the sky. Augustin dismounted in one fluid motion and tied his horse to the lone tree at the edge. I.followed suit, securing horse beside his stallion.
“What do you think?” he asked, gesturing to the panorama before us.
“It’s fucking stunning,” I admitted, unable to contain my awe. “The mountains in Forestvale are beautiful, but these are… magnificent.”
He nodded, satisfaction evident in his eyes. “I noticed you’ve been trapped in the manor for too long. I thought you might need to breathe actual air for once.”
“Thank you,” I said, genuinely touched by his consideration.
Augustin suddenly stepped closer, invading my space. He lifted his hands to my face, cupping it with a gentleness that contradicted his usual dominance.
“You’re more beautiful than the view,” he said, the words clearly dragged from someplace he rarely visited.
“Thank you,” I replied.
He dropped his hands and stood beside me, both of us gazing out at the mountains, but all I could feel was the scorching heat of his body inches from mine.
“I sent the letter,” he said after a tense silence.
My heart lurched against my ribs. He’d made the unthinkable decision. Gratitude crashed over me in a dizzying wave.
1/3
Chapter 38
Have you dated anyone besides Matthew?” he asked suddenly.
‘No. He was my first. And only
Augustin’s eyebrows shot up, surprise.
“We started dating when I was sixteen,” I explained, suddenly feeling inexperienced under his intense gaze. “I became his Luna at eighteen.”
“That explains a lot,” he murmured. “I’m stunned, though. A woman as gorgeous as you…”
His fingers brushed against mine.
“Would you like to sit at the edge?” he asked.
I shook my head. “My wolf is too weak. I’d be terrified.”
A flash of concern darkened his eyes. “I felt it when you joined my pack. Your wolf isn’t as strong as she once was.
“I just need to train to adapt,” I said. “And brains beat brawn any day
“I could train with you,” he offered, his tone casual but his eyes anything but.
“You’d train me personally?” I asked.
His eyes blackened with unmistakable hunger. “I don’t want anyone else touching you.”
The raw possessiveness in his voice made me laugh, but the sound died violently in my throat. Without warning, he lunged forward
and kiss me.
His kiss scorched through me, starting gentle but quickly blazing into something desperate. I didn’t hesitate–my arms snaked around his neck, pulling him against me with a ferocity that surprised us both. My response was ravenous, my body arching into his. He growled deep in his chest, hands gripping my waist to pull me tight against his hard body.
When he broke the kiss, his eyes had gone wild, silver specks gleaming like stars in a stormy sky.
“I can’t make you promises, Juno,” he said.
“I understand,” I replied, and I did.
Then, abruptly, he released me. His expression slammed shut.
“We should head back to the manor,” he said.
What the actual fuck? Seraphine snarled in confusion.
Disappointment and humiliation crashed through me like a tidal wave. Why didn’t he want me? I was practically throwing myself at him. The way he’d kissed me, touched me… I thought for sure…
I mounted horse with jerky, furious movements, following Augustin back toward the manor. My thoughts whirled like a humane. Was he toying with me? Getting me soaking wet just to leave me desperate and aching?
We rode back to the stables in suffocating silence. Augustin dismounted and tended to his horse, then helped with my horse. We walked side by side toward Levenston Manor.
2/3
Chapter 38
“I’ve noticed the other tributes are allowed to socialize and date, 1 id. “Some even found love here.”
Augustin stopped dead.
The other Lunas had told me how things typically worked. Tributes were assigned to Clifflands officials like party favors. While they were never forced, they were owned–beautiful trophies for powerful men. But my friends and I had been treated differently, and I couldn’t figure out why.
“You will not be dating anyone,” he growled.
“What am I allowed to do?” I challenged, anger giving me courage. In a woman, Augustin. I have fucking needs.”
“Then come to me,” he said.”
My heart slammed against my ribs. “Tonight?” I asked boldly.
He shook his head. Yu still haven’t forgotten him.”
“What?” I was genuinely confused.
M
“Isn’t this what you want? To use me as his replacement. But I can never be his substitute.”
A smile played at the corner of his mouth. He leaned in and placed a light kiss on the corner of my lips. Then he released me and walked away, leaving my pride shattered into countless pieces.
Fury and humiliation coursed through me. I wasn’t good enough for him, was I? Not like perfect fucking Eliza.
“He’s too arrogant,” Seraphine snarled inside my head. “Let me tear him apart.”
I stormed back to Levenston Manor. As soon as I reached my room, I slammed the door and headed straight for the bathroom. I stripped, nearly tearing my clothes in my rage, and stepped under the shower. I needed cold water.
As the water pounded over me, I decided to take matters into my own hands. If Augustin wouldn’t satisfy me, I’d satisfy myself, imagining my fingers were his just to spite him.
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