Chapter 112
Juno’s POV
We could investigate this ourselves,” Freya suggested with a gleam in her eye. “Like we used to back in Forestvale,”
“I don’t think Adryx would want you involved,” I said.
Freya rolled her eyes. “I just some excitement.”
I
“We can bring it up at dinner,“ed. “But I also want to investigate Amelia. I know it sounds crazy and possibly
unnecessary-
“It is,” Scarlett interrupted. “She’s unstable and mentally trouble, but investigating her would be a waste of time. She wouldn’t turn against her own son. She’s a victim h here too.”
“I’m not investigating her because of this incident,” I clarified. need to know what she has planned for Augustin. I need to protect my mate from a hurt woman trying to lash out.”
“What happened?” Freya asked.
“Augustin made her leave,” I said. “He stood. by me. You should have seen the rage and contempt on her face when she realized he wouldn’t support her. She said things that will have far–reaching consequences. The only reason she wasn’t punished more severely is because she’s Augustin’s mother.”
A sudden wave of nausea hit me without warning. I bolted from the sofa and rushed to the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet before emptying my stomach. There wasn’t much in there except the lemongrass mint tea and cookies I’d just
consumed.
Scarlett and Freya followed me into the bathroom. Scarlett poured cold water over my head, which felt soothing as I was burning up.
“What’s wrong?” Freya asked, concern etched on her face.
“Maybe I reacted to something in the tea or cookies,” I gasped, still sitting by the toilet seat. “Or maybe it’s just the emotional roller coaster of today. Everything’s been crazy.”
“You should rest,” Scarlett suggested, helping me to my feet.
We returned to the sitting area, switching topics to lighter matters. Soon, Scarlett and Freya were preparing to leave. Before departing, they urged me to get plenty of rest.
About thirty minutes after they departed, Augustin returned. The rage and distress on his face were immediate and concerning. He went straight to the bathroom and stayed there for a while before joining me in bed.
“Are we going down for dinner?” I asked softly.
He shook his head.
Taking my hand in his, he studied my face. “You look pale.”
I smiled and gently caressed his cheek. “You look stressed.”
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He pulled me into his arms, and I rested my head against his chest, feeling his unease. I knew his brother’s situation was weighing on him.
“It’s okay to care about him,” I whispered. “I understand, and I hope he’s innocent too. But remember to keep your head clear
Augustin kissed the top of my head. “I want you to join me tomorrow when we question Evanth and Quentor,” he said, “Do you feel up to it?”
I perked up immediately, “That sounds more interesting than anything I’ve done since coming here. I’d love to help. The former Luna in me thrilled at the opportunity to investigate.
“More interesting than making love to me?” he teased, one
yellow raised.
I laughed and shook my head, feeling warmth spread through my cheeks. “Of course not. That will always be my favorite activity.”
Augustin chuckled and tickled me playfully, his strong fingers finding that sensitive spot above my hip that always made me squirm. For a moment, the weight of the day lifted from his shoulders. Then his expression turned serious again, the worry returning to his handsome face.
“Did my mother come by after I left?” His voice had dropped lower, concern evident in his tone.
“No,” I said, reaching up to brush a strand of silver–streaked hair from his face. “We’re enemies now. She won’t come here knowing you’re not around. She made her position quite clear.”
Augustin closed his eyes briefly. “She’s gone on a brief trip,” he said, “Maybe something to do with Evanth. It makes me
nervous.”
I frowned, a flicker of alarm racing through
drinking heavily.”
“Scarlett and Freya saw her in the lounge a few hours ago. She was
“The alcohol must have given her ‘inspiration,” Augustin said with a grimace. The thought made me deeply uneasy. An unpredictable, drunk Amelia with a grudge was dangerous.
“A desperate woman will do anything,” I warned, remembering the cold hatred in her eyes. “We can’t trust her judgment right now. Not when it comes to you or me.”
Augustin’s expression darkened.
“Do you think we should have someone follow her?” I suggested unable to hide my concern. “She’s clearly planning
something.”
Augustin shook his head firmly. “No. She’s just angry. And she’s my mother. I can’t treat her like a suspect.”
I wanted to push the issue, but seeing the conflict in his eyes, I backed down. “You know her better than I do,” I conceded.
Augustin nodded, seemingly relieved by my response. His shoulders relaxed slightly. But inwardly, I wished he would reconsider and have someone trail her. I deeply doubted her trip had anything to do with securing Evanth’s freedom. A mother desperate to protect her favorite son was capable of some terrible things.
Later that night, as we lay in bed, I kept thinking about what Scarlett had told me. Amelia believed I’d orchestrated everything. She’d also implied my relationship with Augustin wasn’t certain – that two months was plenty of time for
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things to change.
I studied Augustin’s sleeping face in the dim moonligh.
What are Amelia planning? I wondered, thinking about my new adversary. Amelia wasn’t just any opponent–she was a mother who believed I threatened her son. Such women were the most dangerous kind.
In the silence of my mind, I prayed for strength to overcome whatever came next.
I gently traced Augustin’s cheekbone with my fingertip, careful not to wake him. He needed his rest for tomorrow’s questioning.
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