wak having a surprisingly good time at this dinner party. Contrary my expectations, nothing bad had happened. Augustin stayed by my side almost the entire time, only leaving once to speak with Sebastian.
“Congratulations on your upcoming wedding,” a guest said, raising their glass in my direction.
My stomach tightened at the mention of our wedding. All evening, ople had been offering their congratulations and good wishes for our upcoming ceremony. Each time, I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me.
My mind drifted back to my wedding with Matthew. It had been a quiet affair, with most people not even knowing about it. Back then, Pineridge Pack was small, and pack activities didn’t draw much attention. We’d held a small ceremony in front of only a few pack members, exchanged our vows, and then went home. The celebration had been minimal. Eventually, we’d climbed to the top together, becoming significant figures in Forestvale.
-a fact that made my palms sweat and my
I knew that marrying Augustin would be entirely different. This would be a grand affair- heart race whenever I thought about it.
Across the room, I spotted Adryx hovering protectively over Freya. His hand rested on the small of her back as he guided her through the crowd, ensuring she was comfortable and had everything she needed. I couldn’t help but smile, silently wishing Quinn could see how happy Freya was now.
Evanth was also at the party with Elowen, though they both seemed to be flirting with other people. I rolled my eyes. Their relationship clearly wasn’t built on exclusivity.
When the party finally ended, we retired to the room Sebastian had provided for us. I’d initially wanted to return to the manor to sleep in our own bed, but staying overnight was part of the party package. We were expected to join the other important guests for breakfast in the morning.
The Holbrooke family was incredibly wealthy–the fourth most powerful family in Clifflands. Sebastian’s family ranked after the Callaway family, which explained why the Council of Elders was so demanding of Sebastian and had such high expectations for him.
I slipped off my dress and changed into the nightgown I’d brought. The staff had packed our nightclothes and a change of clothes for breakfast in the morning. Our driver must have helped put our things in our assigned room.
As I moved about the room, I noticed that Augustin seemed preoccupied. He’d hidden it well during dinner, but now that we were alone, his troubled expression was clear.
“What’s wrong?” I finally asked, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.
Augustin patted his lap. “Come here.”
I did as he asked, settling onto his strong thighs. His hands slipped inside my robe, caressing my body and making me moan softly.
“You’re avoiding my question,” I pointed out, trying to focus despite his distracting touch.
He kissed my neck and then sighed. “Someone has been forging my signature and seal, ordering tax increases in Lakeside.”
tensed. “What?”
“The wolves in Dawnshere can’t pay the taxes. Someone sent Clifflands troops to attack them, again claiming the orders came from my office.” He rested his forehead against my shoulder. “The worst part is that the Alpha of that pack attended our engagement party and didn’t say a word about it.”
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He probably thinks you’re an asshole for Inviting him to a party after attacking his people,” I said.
“That’s exactly what Sebastian thinks. He believes someone close to the is trying to sabotage my reputation.”
1 tuned slightly to see his face better. “Well, of course someone is trying to sabotage you.”
“Sebastian seems to think it could be Evanth and Quentor,” Augustin said, and I nodded in agreement.
“That makes the most sense,” I said.
I believe so too, but Sebastian doesn’t think Evanth has the capabily.”
I snorted. “It’s a mistake to underestimate others.”
As his words sank in, I realized the implications of what Sebastian was suggesting. “Wait, if Sebastian doesn’t think it’s Evanth, who does he think is behind it?”
Augustin’s jaw tightened. “He implied it might be Bryloch or Adryx.
I was shocked and asked right away. “You don’t believe him, do you?
“Of course not.”
relaxed slightly. “Those men are your best friends. They’re loyal and reliable. They have nothing to gain from sabotaging you.”
Augustin chuckled. “On the contrary, if the Levenston family fails, the Alpha King position would fall to the Savidge family first- Bryloch’s family. Then to the Callaway family–Adryx’s family.”
“I’ve already considered that,” I said, standing up. “But the fact is, if that’s the reason, Sebastian is just as suspicious as Adryx and
Bryloch.”
I walked over to Augustin and cupped his chin, forcing him to look at me. “Don’t doubt those two men. It will destroy your protection and your only defense.” I took a deep breath. “Sebastian wants to be your friend, but he has no right to accuse others. We should investigate Evanth and Quentor. I doubt Evanth has the brains to orchestrate all this, but we should never underestimate
anyone.”
Augustin smiled at me and pulled me back onto his lap. “The Council of Elders has demanded that Sebastian invite me to their hall for a Q&A session.” He tickled me, making me giggle.
Then he stopped, burying his nose in the nape of my neck and inhaling my scent. “I want you to come with me.”
I turned to look into his eyes. “Am I allowed to be part of it?”
He nodded. “Though you don’t know much about Clifflands or what’s happening, as my Luna, I want you to observe and watch them. Be my eyes–see what I might miss or can’t see. I want you with me.
His eyes pleaded with me, and I nodded. “It would be my honor.”
Augustin stood up, lifting me with him, then tossed me onto the bed I bounced, laughing with excitement.
Augustin walked to the closet and pulled out a pair of silver handcuffs. I frowned.
He knelt above me, smiling. “Before we came here, I had something special packed along with our clothes.”
He placed the handcuffs on my wrist, securing me to the bedpost. The cuffs were covered with soft fabric so that the silver wouldn’t
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directly touch my skin, but it would still weaken me enough that I couldn’t break free.
He did the same with my other hand, then blindfolded me.
This is punishment for letting Sebastian flirt with you at the party, Berry,” he said, his voice deep with desire. “There’s no safe word. I’ll decide when to stop.”
My breathing grew heavy. I could only smell his scent, not knowing what he would do to me, but filled with anticipation.
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