Chapter 40
Juno’s POV
Thank the moon you’re awake, Augustin said.
I tried to sit up and I was completely naked under the sheets. My memories were fuzzy at best, non–existent at worst.
‘What happened?” I croaked, pulling the sheet around me as I moved to get up. “I need to get back to my room.”
Augustin stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. “I wouldn’t recommend that.”
“Why not?”
“Because your rooms a disaster zone. Vomit everywhere, broken furniture, and a window you tried to jump out of.”
My jaw dropped. “I did what? I don’t remember any of that.”
“That’s because you were out of your mind after drinking whatever Clifflands firewater someone gave you. You’ve been unconscious for hours. His jaw tightened. “Who gave it to you?”
I bit my lip, not wanting to get other in trouble. “Nobody gave it to me. I asked for the strongest stuff they had.”
“Why would you do that?”
I shrugged. “I just wanted to sleep through the day. Not like I have anything else to do around here.”
His scent shifted to frustration. “Is that why you stormed off yesterday morning? Because you have nothing to do? A Luna should know better than to behave like that.”
“I was being childish,” I admitted. “But I’m not a Luna anymore, so I don’t have to be composed all the time.”
His scent softened as he sat beside me. “And I wasn’t sleeping with Eliza.”
My head snapped up. “You weren’t?”
“No. I don’t sleep with the women in the harem. Never have, never will.
“Then why haven’t you touched me?”
ز
“Because I wanted to give you time to truly be done with Matthew. I didn’t want to be something you jumped into just to fill the
void.”
I stared at him, processing his words.
“And I didn’t let you train because I was angry. It was petty, and I apologize.”
Relief hit me hard, tears welling in my eyes. I’d been so sure he was rejecting me.
Augustin brushed away a tear with his thumb. “Since you’ve proven yourself incapable of basic self–care, you’ll be staying in my
room from now on.”
“What?”
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Chapter 40
“You heard me. He stood up, extending his hand. “Now let’s get you leaned up. You smell like a distillery.”
He scooped me up and carried me to his enormous bathroom where from my body, and guided me to the hot water. Then he rolled up gentle against my scalp.
“I can do this myself,” I protested weakly.
“I know you can,” he replied, continuing anyway.
steaming tub waited. He set me down, unwrapped the sheet is sleeves and began washing my hair, his fingers strong but
His touch was careful, thorough, and completely non–sexual despite my nakedness. When was the last time someone had simply taken care of me? He was so gentle that I almost wanted to cry, and just wanted to lose myself in this moment.
After washing my hair, he gave me privacy to finish bathing. He returned with a huge towel, wrapped it around me, and lifted me out. He dried me off, then slipped one of his t–shirts over my head before leading me back to bed.
As he tucked me in, caught his wrist. “Stay with me?”
His mouth quirked up. That was always the plan, Berry.”
“Why do you keep calling me “Berry“?”
His hand combed through my damp hair. “Your hair reminds me of dark berries. It’s beautiful.”
When he slid in beside me, I pressed my body against his. “I want you,” I whispered, sliding my hand under his shirt.
He caught it, bringing my fingers to his lips instead. “Tonight is just for rest.” His mouth moved to my neck, teeth grazing the sensitive spot where my shoulder met my throat. I couldn’t stop my moan.
“You’re still recovering,” he murmured. “And that headache won’t improve without more sleep.”
I grumbled but my body betrayed me with a yawn. Augustin pulled me closer, and I had to admit it felt safe in a way I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
As I drifted off, I realized Seraphine was suspiciously quiet. Whatever happened earlier, my wolf was clearly avoiding the
conversation.
The next morning, I woke feeling surprisingly good. Augustin was already dressed and had laid out clothes for me from his own
closet.
“We’re having breakfast with the others,” he said as I dressed. “Then you can join us for training.”
The thought of facing everyone after whatever spectacle I’d made was daunting, but I nodded.
We walked down the corridor together, his hand at the small of my back. People stared as we passed.
“Alpha King.” Eliza’s voice cut through the hallway, her hips swaying as she approached. She greeted Augustin warmly but completely ignored me.
“Eliza,” Augustin replied coldly. “Is there a reason you’re only greeting one of us?”
Her smile faltered. “My apologies. Good morning, lino… miss.”
The deliberate pause and omission of my former title.
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Chapter 40
“Actually, there’s something Theed to address, Augustin said, loud enough for others to hear. I understand you’ve been telling people you and I have been…ntimate.”
Eliza’s face drained of color. “1 over
“You deliberately acted excited after our meetings, hugged me too long, left lipstick on my cheek. You wanted people to assume we were sleeping together.”
She opened her mouth, then closed it.
“But that’s not the case at all. Every time I’ve sought you out, it’s been for work–related matters, and I’ve never had any other thoughts about you. Effective immediately, your access to my office and private chambers is revoked. All your privileges are suspended until further notice.”
I stared at him, stunned. He really hadn’t been lying to me.
Eliza nodded stiffly before hurrying away.
“Don’t look so smug,” Seraphine finally spoke up. “You did much worse last night.”
“What did I do?” I asked, but she retreated again.
In the dining room, Scarlett and Freya gave me strange looks, and Bryloch nearly choked on his coffee.
“What the hell did you drink yesterday?” Scarlett linked me. “You tried to jump out a window and made the Alpha King promise all kinds of things.”
What?! Oh my God, what have I done!
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