Chapter 60
Juno’s POV
After breakfast, I found myself wandering aimlessly through his our quarters. I caught myself staring at the empty side of the bed where he usually slept, inhaling deeply as if I could still catch his scent on the sheets.
Fuck. I’d gotten used to having him around.
In the short time since I’d been brought to Levenston Manor, Augustin had barely left my side. His constant attention, his focus on me, had become something I’d grown accustomed to far too quickly. Now, with him gone, this place felt alien–unfamiliar and lonely.
My mind racing with everything Bryloch had told me about Kieran, of Fang as they called him, and the silent war brewing between Clifflands and Fireland. I couldn’t stop thinking about Forestvale caught in the middle of this mess, innocent people suffering while the powerful played their games.
“You’re going to make yourself sick with worry,” Seraphine whispered in my mind.
She was right. I needed a distraction.
“Maybe I’ll spend time in the garden,” I murmured aloud. “Ruby mentioned the women often gather there in the mornings.
I slipped on a pair of the new jeans Augustin had bought me, but instead of selecting one of the many tops now filling my side of the closet, I reached for one of his t–shirts. It was much too large, hanging off one shoulder, but I wanted to be surrounded by his scent. Before leaving the room, I lifted the shirt to my nose and inhaled deeply, feeling my body relax at the familiar smell.
The garden was already filled with activity when I arrived. Most of the women from the “harem” were there, some reading, others embroidering, a few just chatting in small groups. Ruby spotted me immediately and rushed over.
“Juno!” She embraced me warmly. “That’s Alpha King’s shirt, isn’t it? You look absolutely delicious in it. He’ll go crazy when he sees you wearing his clothes.”
I smiled, taking a seat on one of the cushioned benches. Several women moved closer, clearly curious about me. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Eliza watching from a distance, her expression sour. I didn’t care.
Ruby settled beside me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “So, is it official now? Are you his new woman?”
I frowned. “New woman? What does that mean exactly?”
A young woman I didn’t recognize offered me a cup of tea. I took it cautiously, sniffing it subtly before pretending to sip and setting it down. I wasn’t about to drink anything given to me by the harem women, regardless of how friendly they seemed.
Ruby leaned closer. “You know, since Alpha King kicked Eliza out of his bed and moved you in.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. So Eliza hadn’t told them the truth. I was about to explain when I saw Eliza herself approaching our group.
“Well, well,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Look who’s gracing us with her presence today. If it isn’t our newest addition?”
I looked directly at her. “I see you haven’t told them the truth, Eliza,
Her face reddened slightly. “What truth? That Alpha King is just saying things to make you feel better? I’m a tribute, darling. I wouldn’t dare say Alpha King is lying. If he says he hasn’t been in my bed, and that makes you feel better, then so be it.”
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“Whatever helps you sleep at night, Eliza,” I replied, unbothered.
The other women glanced between us, clearly catching on to what we were discussing. One of them turned to Eliza with narrowed
eyes.
“Have you been lying to us this whole time?”
Eliza sputtered, “How could I lie? Alpha King and I spent so much time in his office, in his chambers-”
“Let’s change the subject,” I interrupted, Eliza is clearly too embarrassed to admit the truth. “Just be careful, Eliza. Lies have a way of coming to light.” I stood up, leaving my tea,untouched. “What do you all do for fun around here?”
“Painting, quilting, sewing, embroidery,” Ruby listed off activities as we walked through the manor’s grounds. “We have a beautiful music room as well.“.
I nodded, but none of those options appealed to me. “Is there anything more… active? Something fun but physical?”
Ruby looked surprised. “Those activities are relaxing.”
“I don’t want to relax,” I replied honestly. “I want to burn energy.”
Her eyes lit up. “Oh! We have archery competitions sometimes, and chase games in the forest. The warriors love watching us hunt.”
“That sounds perfect. Let’s do archery first, then the hunt.”
Within an hour, all the women had changed into light hunting gear that showed off their toned figures and well–defined muscles. I changed into fitted hunting clothes as well, and soon we were divided into teams–mine against Eliza’s, with Ruby on my side.
Many of the guards came to watch, clearly appreciating the display of female warrior skills. Even Eliza seemed more relaxed, perhaps because I hadn’t humiliated her as she’d feared. I drew my bow, feeling the familiar tension in my muscles, the power coiled in my body. The arrow flew true, hitting just left of center. Not perfect, but good enough to draw appreciative murmurs.
We were all having a great time. Additional targets were set up so more people could participate without waiting too long for their
turn.
“Nice shot,” came a familiar voice, and I turned to see Scarlett joining in, her aim even better than mine.
Bryloch stood nearby, watching the women with appreciation. I realized this must be Scarlett and Bryloch’s time together–the Beta was always busy, and I guessed this was part of their mutual entertainment.
“Alpha King wouldn’t be pleased to see you in such light hunting clothes,” Bryloch commented to me with a grin.
I placed my index finger over my lips playfully. “Our secret, then.”
What had started as a simple archery competition had evolved into a full combat party. Everyone was having fun, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the company of these women.
After the archery competition, guards began setting up a hunting course in the wooded area surrounding the mano preparations would take some time, giving us a chance to rest and recover our energy.
e
We lounged on blankets spread across the lawn, eating roasted meat, drinking wine, and enjoying delicate pastries. The whole event had turned into something like a traditional werewolf celebration. I noticed some of the women getting friendly with the officers, sharing combat techniques and laughing together.
Is that allowed?” I asked Ruby, nodding toward a particularly flirtatious pair.
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“Oh yes,” she replied. “Alpha King, Beta, and Gamma don’t sleep withis, but we’re free to date. Many of the women have married high–ranking officers or even rdinary humans and had children. Some have formed their own pack units.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Then why does you still call this place a harem
Ruby shrugged. “I’ve wondered the same thing. Maybe it’s just tradition.”
I hoped she was telling the truth. The last thing I needed was to be played in some game involving Augustin.
When the others started preparing for the hunting g game, I approached Bryloch. “Is it true? The women are allowed to form connections with the officers?”
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