Chapter 42
Augustin’s POV
I couldn’t deny the chemistry between us anymore. Every time Junoalked into a room, my body reacted like it was struck by lightning. The air seemed to crackle with electricity. And it wasn’t just physical attraction–there was something about her innocence that drew me in. Not innocence in the naive sense, but a genuine quality that was rare in my world.
I knew I was falling for her. Hard. But I kept my distance. Every time she created an opportunity for us to be alone, I found an excuse to leave. I told myself it was for her protection, that getting involved with me would only hurt her in the end. But who was ! really protecting?
When she’d boldly invited me into her room earlier, I knew I couldn keep running. The walls I’d built were crumbling, and I didn’t have the strength to rebuild them.
The truth was, bringing her and the other women here had been cruel. Initially, they were meant to be informants–hostages we could use to spy on our enemies. Reading Matthew’s letter had been a wake–up call. He hadn’t been part of the alliance against us. My attack on his pack had been based on faulty intelligence.
Horseback riding had been a good opportunity to get to know Juno better, but when she took a big step forward, retreated. Now I was finally ready to take that step myself.
Holding her in the garden had felt right in a way nothing else had in years. I’d felt my entire body relax, tension melting away that I hadn’t even realized I was carrying.
When Seraphine had gone wild, I knew then that Juno’s feelings were real–not tied to survival or manipulation. Her wolf had expressed everything Juno couldn’t say out loud. Yes, Seraphine had been rough and a little crazy, but wolves don’t lie. They can’t. If her wolf wanted me, then Juno wanted me too.
Carrying Juno to my room, I couldn’t help but feel that fate had given me a gift. And I wasn’t going to question it anymore.
The sun was setting as we left the garden for dinner. I could tell Jund was tired from the day’s events, but my mind was racing ahead to what would happen after dinner.
“I should probably go to my room first,” she said, looking down at her disheveled appearance.
I shook my head. “No need.”
She gave me a curious look, and I realized I’d been too abrupt.
“I mean, you look beautiful. And we’re having dinner together, then going to my room together.” I emphasized the word ‘together,‘ watching her cheeks flush. “Berry.”
The nickname slipped out naturally now. I’d started calling her that because of her hair–that stunning deep red that reminded me of ripe berries in summer. But now it represented so much more.
We walked into the dining room, and I immediately sensed tension. Bryloch and Scarlett were seated as far apart as the table allowed–unusual for a couple that normally couldn’t keep their hands off each other. I needed my Beta at his best, not distracted by relationship drama.
I reflected on how our relationships with these women had evolved. None of us had planned this. Bryloch had been the first to fall for Scarlett, though he’d denied it vehemently at first. No one had ordered us to develop feelings for these women–it had i happened naturally.
Adryx had been drawn to Freya from the beginning, but she’d been the most damaged of the three, constantly on guard. She kept asking him to assign her work, insisting she wasn’t interested in an emotional relationship. But Adryx was patient, taking things
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one step at a time, They were hinking progress.
I pulled out Juno’s chair before taking my own seat at the head of the table.
Juno leaned toward Scarlett. “What’s wrong?” she asked quietly.
Scarlett forced a smile. “Nothing. Just tired.”
I didn’t believe that for a second. I linked Bryloch.
What the hell happened? I demanded.
Bryloch’s face remained impassive, but his voice was strained. I may have a secret harem. And I may still be seeing Waverly.
My fork clattered against my plate. Are you fucking kidding me? We disbanded the harems four years ago.
I know. I stopped seein other women, but Waverly refused to end things
I cursed under my breath. Waverly was bad news. She’d caused nothing but trouble during her time at the manor.
“Is something wrong, Alpha King?” Adryx asked, clearly sensing my irritation.
“Just disappointed in my Beta,” I said aloud, not bothering to hide my displeasure.
Juno’s eyes widened, darting between me and Bryloch.
What really happened? I demanded, looking directly at Bryloch. Because If it were just that, I believe Scarlett wouldn’t be so angry.
Bryloch sighed. Waverly told Scarlett that the pack typically shares lunds and sleeps with them to gather intelligence about their former husbands and packs, to plan attacks against them.
My blood ran cold. And did she tell Juno this?
I don’t think so.
Thank the moon for small mercies. If Juno knew, Seraphine would go ballistic. Juno might pretend to be fine, but her wolf wouldn’t.
What were you even doing in town with her? I asked. You know the new arrivals aren’t supposed to leave the manor.
Bryloch had the decency to look ashamed. I wanted to show her around.
I could have pressed the issue, but causing a scene would only make things worse. Fix this, I said firmly.
He nodded. I will.
Dinner continued in uncomfortable silence. Despite the tension, my mood remained surprisingly good. My hand found its way to Juno’s thigh under the table, and I couldn’t wait to get back to my room now.
Then I felt it–the urgent press of a mind link from one of my Delta warriors.
Alpha King, the east gate is under attack! Soldiers from Fireland!
I shot to my feet, chair scraping loudly against the floor.
“What is it?” Juno asked, concern etched on her face.
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“The cast gate is under attack, Stay inside where it’s safe,” I instructed, already moving toward the door.
“But there aren’t many warriors in the manor,” she said, surprising me with her knowledge of our defenses.
1 turned back, appreciating her concern but needing her to understand. “We have enough. Don’t worry.”
She grabbed me suddenly, pulling me down for a fierce kiss. “We have unfinished business,” she whispered against my lips. “You better come back in one piece.”
The intensity in her eyes made my wolf howl with approval. “Count it.”
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