Chapter 176
Juno’s POV
Amelia nodded. “Traditionally, these women would oversee these events. They enjoyed flaunting their temporary status and making demands of the staff-
“I take it they weren’t well–liked,” Scarlett observed.
particularly, Amelia confirmed. “But the Alphas haven’t maintained such relationships for three years now. It was foolish of Saskia not to realize the
“Not
situation.
“No harm done,” I assured her, though I could tell Scarlett was still bristling. “We’re still establishing our positions here. It’s bound to happen occasionally
‘It shouldn’t,” Amelia said firmly. “You three deserve respect. You’re not temporary distractions–you’re their chosen mates.”
“Speaking of events, Amelia turned to me, “I understand you’re planning to participate in golf match?”
I nodded. ‘Dr. Belmont says it’s excellent exercise for my condition. Low impact, good for circulation.”
Amelia’s face creased with concern. “My dear, that’s my grandchild you’re carrying. Perhaps you should just cheer from the sidelines? I’d hate for an errant ball or swing to cause any harm.
“I’m perfectly capable-
“The same goes for you, Freya,” Amelia continued, ignoring my protest. “You’re further along than Juno. It would be safer for you both to handle the cheerleading portion. The competition can get rather intense.”
“Adryx has already given me permission,” Freya countered. “Dr. Belmont says it’s safe as long as I don’t overexert myself. I need the activity to help with my back pain.”
I gave Amelia my most pleading look.
She looked at me for a long moment, then sighed in defeat. “Fine. But I’ll be there cheering for all of you.”
“And what about you, Scarlett?” Amelia turned to her. “You’re not pregnant yet, but why take risks? If you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to avoid any physical
strain.”
Scarlett’s eyes dimmed slightly. “I wish I were. Bryloch and I have been trying for months now.”
Amelia’s expression softened. “Don’t worry yourself about it, dear. These things take time. Just rest more, eat well, and it will happen when it’s meant to.”
“That’s what Bryloch says, Scarlett sighed. “But I see Freya and Juno with their baby bumps, and I feel… left behind. Like I’m failing somehow.”
“You’re not failing,” I assured her, squeezing her hand. “Every couple has their own timeline.”
“Adryx barely lets me move without supervision,” Freya complained, changing the subject to spare Scarlett’s feelings. “It’s suffocating. Yesterday he insisted on carrying me down the stairs. The stairs! I’m pregnant, not incapacitated.”
“He’s protective because the Callaway family has so few members,” Amelia explained. “Adryx is an only child. His bloodline is precious, and he’s waited a long time to start a family, please understand him.”
Freya smiled helplessly and nodded.
We settled at a table with glasses of juice and bowls of ice cream, laughing and chatting. Freya was telling a story about Adryx’s panic when she felt the baby kick for the first time.
“He called Dr. Belmont at three in the morning,” she laughed. The poor man thought something was wrong!”
“Bryloch will be the same,” Scarlett predicted, a wistful smile on her face.
1/3
Chapter 176
Augustin talks to my belly every night, I admitted, feeling my cheeks warm. He thinks I don’t notice when I’m fall asleep, but I hear Mint telto stories about the territory,
It felt good to have this camaraderie with Amelia now. The weight of secrets between us had finally lifted.
Our laughter died as Azalea Gray, a member of the elder council, approached. She nodded respectfully to Amelia but completely ignored the rest of to-
“Luna Amelia,‘ she greeted formally. “I’ve brought the documents you requested,”
‘Aren’t you going to acknowledge the rest of us?” Freya asked pointedly. “Or are we invisible?”
Azalea’s eyes flicked dismissively over Freya’s pregnant belly. “I wasn’t aware I needed to That doesn’t guarantee you’ll keep a man. Plenty of women thought pregnancy would secure their position, only to find themselves replaced.”
I tensed, sensing trouble. Amelia’s scent sharpened with anger.
“Mind your tongue, Azalea, Amelia warned. “This isn’t the elder council, and Freya isn’t some mistress. She’s Gamma Adryx’s chosen mate, carrying the future of the Callaway line.”
“Until the wedding and marking are complete, they’re just girlfriends,” Azalea replied haughtily. “I don’t bow to women who’ve gained status merely by sharing an Alpha’s bed. When they’re properly marked and wed, then they’ll have earned respect.”
*Your jealousy is showing,” Amelia shot back. “Is it because your daughter couldn’t catch the eye of any of these Alphas despite your obvious maneuvering? The elder women are so desperate for social climbing. Would you dare repeat these words in front of the Alphas themselves? I wonder what Augustin would say if he heard you disrespecting his future Luna.”
Azalea stiffened but didn’t back down. “I’ve done nothing wrong. I’m simply adhering to protocol. I’ve brought the documents you requested.” She handed Amelia a thick folder and a flash drive. “The invitation list and participant information for the upcoming events.”
Amelia took them, noticing the folder’s thickness. “This is more extensive than usual.”
“The competition is more popular this year,” Azalea replied with a thin smile. “More invitations, more participants. The council felt it important to be…
inclusive.”
I reached for the folder. “May I see?”
Amelia handed it to me, keeping the flash drive for herself. I flipped through the pages, scanning the names, until I froze at a familiar entry.
There, on the guest list for the VIP events, were the Alphas from Forestvale. They’d never participated in these events before. Quinn, Maddox… and Matthew. All of them were coming.
My heart raced as I remembered what Elton had told me about Matthew’s condition. He wasn’t doing well. And now the elder council had invited him here?
I met Amelia’s eyes, and she immediately recognized something was wrong from my expression.
“Damn that woman,‘ she muttered after Azalea had left. “Always stirring up trouble. What is it, Juno? What did you find?”
“They’ve invited our exes,” I said quietly. “All of them. Matthew, Quinn, Maddox.”
Amelia’s eyes widened in understanding. “Those conniving-” She cut herself off. “They’re trying to create chaos. To test your bonds.”
The elder council’s plan was clear. They were inviting our ex–husbands to create drama, hoping to drive wedges between us and our current mates.
