Matthew’s POV
The way Kieran stared at me made my skin crawl. His wolf–gold eyes burned with an intensity that reminded me why he was feared across territories.
“You need to let her go,” I said firmly, breaking the silence between.
Kieran’s laugh. “Let her go? You of all people should know that’s impossible,”
“I know exactly what it’s like to have a fated mate,” I replied. “But Juno made her choice.”
His eyes narrowed dangerously. “Did she? Or did she sacrifice herself to save your worthless hide and this territory? Don’t pretend she wanted to leave.”
I struggled to control my breathing, to keep my wolf from surging forward. Zephyx was scratching at the surface, wanting to tear into the man who dared speak about Juno.
“You didn’t fight for her,” Kieran continued, his voice dripping with disdain. “But I understand why. You had Isabelle waiting in the wings, didn’t you? How convenient.”
Something snapped inside me. I slammed my fist against the wall.
“Don’t you dare speak about Juno like you know her!” I roared. “She was my best friend, my confidant, my soul. I loved her with everything I had!”
“And yet you let her go,” he replied calmly, unfazed by my outburst.
“I fought with everything I had,” I said. “But Juno made her choice to leave.”
“Some choice,” Kieran scoffed. “Clifflands at her throat, your life hanging in the balance.”
I stepped closer to him. “Where was this mate bond when we were young and in love? When we were building a life together? It only appeared after that fuck gathering, didn’t it?”
The flash of surprise in his eyes told me I’d hit a nerve.
“I’m not telling you to let go because I’m a coward,” I continued. “I’m telling you because I’ve seen how she looks at him.”
“At who?” Kieran demanded.
“The Alpha King,” I said. “There’s something serious there.”
Kieran’s jaw tightened. “Stockholm syndrome. She’s been held captive-
“You don’t know Juno,” I interrupted. “She’s the strongest, most determined woman I’ve ever met. If she’d met you before I met
Isabelle, she would have refused you. She would have risked becoming weak.”
“You can’t know that,” Kieran growled.
“I knew her better than anyone.” I stepped back, suddenly tired.
“The Levenston family has taken everything from me. I won’t let them take my fated mate too.” Kieran said, raw emotion breaking through his composed exterior. “I’ll do whatever it takes to bring her back from Clifflands.”
1/2
Chapter 83
I studied him for a moment.
that why you helped that village on the Lakeside border three days ago?
His expression shifted. “News fravels fast,”
I have my sources,” I replied. “They say you provided medical help er an attack.”
“A farming village on the border between Lakeside and Fireland, Kigan confirmed, moving to look out my window. “They tried to stop paying the outrageous taxes the Alpha King demands. Cliffland attacked in response.”
“You’re sure it was Clifflands?”
“Who else?” Kieran turned back to me. “That village has nothing–no levelopment, no social infrastructure–yet they’re expected to pay monthly tributes. I had fo bring my own medical teain to help the wounded.”
I crossed my arms. “And you think this justifies your war against Clipands?”
“It’s just one example of many.” Kieran’s eyes hardened. “As for Juno it’s easy to fall for your capfor. It’s a normal psychological response. He’s the only one she sees, and a little kindness can feel like safety, like love. Especially coming from a broken relationship, heartbreak.” He gave me a pointed look. “The Alpha King might seem like the best option.”
“And she doesn’t know that I’m her destined mate,” Kieran shook his head, “so she might have chosen him because she thinks no one else is right for her.”
“Why not just tell Augustin Levenston the truth, then? If he’s as honorable as they claim-”
Kieran let out a bark of laughter. “Honorable? Are you serious? The man has a harem of over a hundred lovers. He’s greedy. He won’t give her back.”
I felt my stomach turn at this revelation. The thought of Juno in such a place made me sick.
“So what do you want from me?” I asked.
“Your support,” Kieran replied. “I’m not here to force you. I’m here as a civilized person, an honest Alpha, to discuss this.”
“You surrounded my territory with your
soldiers.”
“A precaution. Maddox and Quinn haven’t exactly been friendly.” Kieran smiled thinly. “If you say no, I’ll respect that. I won’t attack the rest of Forestvale, despite what you may have heard.”
Chapter Comments
TR
when did he ever see Juno with Augustine?
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