Chapter 94
Kieran’s POV
flay on the grass in my backyard, staring at the clouds drifting across the sky. They moved with purpose, unlike me. My chest ached with a familiar emptiness that had grown worse with each passing day.
We can’t keep going like this, Storm growled in my head. We need to him what’s ours.
“I’m working on it, I muttered, plucking a blade of grass and twirling it between my fingers.
Working on it isn’t enough! My wolf’s frustration burned through my wins. We can’t let that Levenston bastard keep her.
“I’m moving as fast as I can,” I said, sitting up. “But when we strike, has to be right. We only get one chance.”
The emptiness in my house had never bothered me before. Since my father’s death, I’d lived alone, never dating seriously, never bringing women home. I’d been waiting–waiting for my fated mate.
Now newshe existed, and she was with someone else.
The memory of that night crashed over me like a wave. The Forestvale banquet where I’d first seen her. The moment our eyes met across the room, and I knew–she was mine. The universe had made her for me. But the recognition hadn’t reflected in her eyes. She couldn’t feel our connection, not fully. She wasn’t of Alpha blood, and worse, she’d already been claimed.
Her scent had drawn me like nothing I’d ever experienced–cream and roses with a hint of something wild. When we danced, the pull was so intense I could barely breathe.
I’d chosen not to disrupt the alliance with Forestvale, Demanding that their leader hand over his wife wasn’t right. I’d decided to wait, to let their relationship run its course naturally.
Then everything changed.
Someone had tried to pit Matthew and me against each other. I appreciated that Matthew had called the meeting. It was one of his strengths. I’d resolved to be more careful before acting because clearly, someone wanted us at each other’s throats.
It hurt that Quinn thought I’d plan an attack on the Lakeside border. At first, I’d thought Quinn had launched the attack, but he denied it afterward. As time passed, I began to suspect Augustin had orchestrated the whole thing as an excuse to attack Forestvale and conquer them.
Matthew had allowed that mad Alpha King to continue ruling. I’d decided that even if Matthew wouldn’t stand against Augustin, I
would–for her.
Then Matthew told me Augustin and Juno were together. The thought sickened me. I believed she’d only accepted the relationship
to survive.
I learned she had lived with Matthew, sharing him with Isabelle. That must have broken her heart. She’d written to several Alphas in Fireland, asking permission to own land and property in their territories.
But why hadn’t she written to me? Why hadn’t she told me her plans when we danced and embraced?
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Marcus, my Beta, peered out into the yard.
“Alpha Elton Riddick from Lakeside has arrived for your meeting.”
I sighed and got to my feet, brushing grass from my clothes. “I’ll be right there.”
1/3
Chapter 94
I couldn’t avoid my responsilidities, no matter how much my world was crumbling. I headed to my office, straightening my shirt. I didn’t care how I looked anymore, but appearances mattered,
Elton entered a few minutes later, looking disheveled. His shirt was fucked into his pants, and he wore sandals.
Sorry for my appearance,” he said, shaking my hand. “I was up late
Levenston Manor for a dinner, Didn’t get much sleep.
*No problem. Have a seat.” I gestured to the chair across from my dek. “Can I get you anything? Water? Coffee?
“Water would be great, thanks,”
I poured him a glass and sat down, trying to focus. “What can I do for you, Alpha Elton?”
He took a long drink before speaking. “I wanted to thank you personally for your support. The way Clifflands has been treating us…” He shook his head. “They barely let us mourn our dead, and then they invite us to an engagement party.
My heart stuttered. “Engagement party?”
“Yeah. For the Alpha King. He’s getting married to one of the Forestvale Lunas. Juno Warden.” Elton shrugged. She’s beautiful, I’ll give her that.
The name hit me like a physical blow. Juno. My fate mate. Engaged.
“She seemed… happy,” Elton continued. “For a captive, at least. Either she’s a good actress, or…”
My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst through my chest. My hands trembled beneath the desk. Rage and fear coursed through me in equal measure, and I fought to keep tears from my eyes.
NO! Storm roared in my mind. If he claims her, she might never feel our connection!
What if Matthew was right? What if she really did love Augustin? The thought made me sick.
I had to find a way to see her before Augustin claimed her. Before she was lost to me forever. She needed to know I was her fated
mate, not him.
“Are you okay?” Elton asked, frowning. “You look pale.”
I forced a smile. “Just tired. Please, continue.”
“Well, as I was saying, Augustin’s last girlfriend Cassandra managed to escape. Lucky her.” He sipped his water. “I guess Augustin is like his father Nathanael. He just wants a Luna to bear his heir and rule beside him. Poor Juno.”
My fists clenched under the desk. I wanted to tear Augustin limb from limb.
“Thanks for your sympathy toward Lakeside,” Elton said. “Even though we’re enemies with Clifflands, you’ve shown us kindness.”
“How are you dealing with the taxes?” I asked, “It must be a huge burden.”
Elton’s face fell. “We’ll pay them until we can’t anymore. Then we’ll abandon our lands and scatter to different packs.”
The cruelty stunned me. I couldn’t imagine the pain Juno would endure at Augustin’s hands.
After Elton left, I stumbled out of my office, barely making it outside before shifting into Storm. I ran through the forest, my paws pounding against the earth, until I reached a clearing. I threw back my head and howled, pouring all my anguish into the sound.
2/3
Chapter 94
I needed to get her back before the full moon. Before the wedding. Het was my army ready? Could we move fast enough?
I didn’t even want to be a Alplia King anymore. I just wanted my mid
Maybe Matthew could help. He’d been corresponding with Jung. He could tell her about me, about our connection. It was ride Augdstin might intercept the letters–but I had to try.
Or I could go to Clifflands myself. Let her see me. Let her know the i
Please, 1 prayed to whatever forces had brought us together, let me why this time. I’d suffered enough. I deserved my happy ending
I’d dreamed of her every night since I saw her, I knew I couldn’t lose her, not to anyone. The universe had created her for me. Fate had given her to me. I wouldn’t give up.
Chapter Comments
