Chapter 74
Augustin’s POV
As our breathing gradually returned to normal, she carefully lifted herself off me, wincing slightly at the sensitivity. I helped her settle beside me on the seat, both of us boneless with satisfaction.
“That was… incredible,‘ I murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple as adjusted
my clothing.
She laughed softly, smoothing down her dress. “I hope we don’t fall asleep before we get to your mother’s. I’m completely drained.
I chuckled in agreement, feeding more relaxed than I had in years, I rolled down the window to signal the driver, suddenly realizing how long the poor man had been waiting outside. A twinge of guilt it me, we’d been so caught up in each other that I’d completely forgotten about him standing out there all this time.
“That was… amazing,” I said, adjusting my clothes as the driver returned to the vehicle,
“It was,” she agreed, smoothing her dress. “But now I’m exhausted. I hope we don’t fall asleep before we get there.
I laughed, wrapping my arm around her shoulders as the car started moving again. “It would certainly make an impression if we showed up unconscious.”
When we arrived at my mother’s residence in Goldenvale, I was surprised to find her in the front hall with Evanth and a woman I recognized as Elowen Hamilton, Cassandra’s cousin and apparently Evanth’s new girlfriend. They both stood as we entered.
“I see you’ve brought your tribute,” Evanth sneered, his gaze fixed on Juno.
The insult sparked my rage instantly. I lunged forward, fully intending to attack my brother, but Juno’s hand on my arm stopped me. She squeezed gently, reminding me of our pact to avoid confrontation with my family.
I took a deep breath and turned to my mother instead. She looked better than I expected after her ordeal.
“Mother,” I said, embracing her and kissing her cheek.
“Augustin, my son.” She hugged me back tightly, then looked past me to Juno, who stood a few steps behind. “And who is this lovely young woman?”
I reached back and took Juno’s hand, pulling her forward. “Mother, this is Juno Warden, my fiancée and future Luna Queen.
Mother’s eyebrows raised slightly, but a smile spread across her face. She opened her arms to Juno, who stepped into her embrace.
“What?” Elowen and Evanth exclaimed in unison.
Elowen recovered first, her lips curling into a smirk. “But she’s not your fated mate.”
I turned to her, my expression hardening. “Who says I was looking for fated mate?”
“Isn’t that why Cassandra left?” she asked, her voice dripping with fake innocence.
I stepped toward her, my anger returning full force. If she had been a man, I might have struck her. “Don’t ever mention her name in my presence again, and I couldn’t care less about this whole ‘fated mate‘ thing.” I warned. “And remember that no matter your relationship with my brother, I am still your Alpha King. You do not speak to me without permission.”
Elowen paled, finally recognizing her mistake.
1/3
Chapter 74
My mother delused the tension by leaving Elowen and Evanth behin and leading June and me to the sitting room.
“She’s pretty,” Mother said, glancing at Juno as we settled onto sofas Are you treating her well, Augustin?
Before I could answer, Juno spoke up. “He makes me very happy.”
Mother studied our faces, noting our smiles. “I can see that. You both glow with it. She took Juno’s hand, admiring the engagement ring. “A ruby to match your hair. I didn’t know my son could be so romantic.”
I felt a strange mix of pride and embarrassment at her words. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Mother.”
“Apparently.” She turned back to Juno. “Will you follow tradition and marry during the Purplemoon ceremony?”
tradition
I nodded. “Yes, we will.”
“Wonderful! That gives us three months to get to know each other and plan a spectacular wedding. She patted Juno’s hand before releasing it. “Though I suspect my son won’t bring you to Goldenvale often.”
“About that, Mother…” I began, seeing an opening. “I can’t frequently bring Juno here.”
Mother’s expression turned serious. “It doesn’t matter anymore. Since the Helena incident, I’ve been thinking. The purpose of my staying here has failed. If they can attack me here, I’m no longer safe.” She sighed deeply. “After being released from the hospital this morning, I made a decision. I’m moving back to Levenston Manor.”
The news hit me like a physical blow. My mother returning to the manor would change everything about how I lived.
“Are you sure that’s wise?” I asked, trying to hide my dismay. “We could increase security here.”
“I’ve made up my mind,” she said firmly. “And Evanth will be joining us.”
“Absolutely not,” I stood up. “Evanth and I disagree on too many things. Having him at the manor will destroy my concentration.”
Mother reached for my hand, her eyes pleading. “Please, Augustin. Try to make peace with your brother. He is your family. It breaks
my heart to see you two at odds.”
“My family is Juno and the children we’ll have,” I insisted.
“Yes, and I respect that,” she agreed. “But Evanth is still your brother Can’t you try?”
I paced the room, considering. Finally, I turned back to her. “On these conditions: he does not disrespect Juno in any way. He does not participate in manor management or meetings. I want him to be invisible.”
Mother nodded. “I agree to the first two conditions, but not the last. We are family, Augustin. We should have time together. She straightened her spine, “And remember, the manor belongs to the entire Levenston family, not just your
I frustrated. “I’ll try, Mother. That’s all I can promise.”
“That’s all I ask,” she said softly.
I glanced at Juno, who had remained silent during our exchange. She gave me a supportive smile, but bld see concern in her eyes. Living with Evanth would be difficult, especially now that he had Elowen. But refusing would hurt my mother, and despite our differences, I couldn’t bear to see her unhappy.
I already imagining the complications ahead.
