Chapter 199
Augustin’s POV
Not necessarily false, but perhaps not the complete truth, Bryfoch replied thoughtfully Someone on the Council is actively working against us Iran fort it. Fox might be telling us just enough truth to appear cooperative while hiding the most crucial details.”
Adryx nodded in agreement. “Let’s hope our little spy brings us better intelligence. Eliza has access
to
circles we can’t infiltrate directly.
“Azalea and Glenn, We’ll deal with them after the games conclude peacefully,” I decided, setting my glass down firmly. “This time is for gathering intelligence. We need to find out where Charlotte and Helena’s sons are. That might help our investigation. Their sudden disappearance is too convenient
Both men nodded in agreement, their expressions serious.
Are you concerned about the women playing golf tomorrow? Bryloch asked, “There will be a lot of people watching, many we don’t know well.*
I sighed, “Of course I don’t want them participating in sports, but you know how stubborn they are. We just need to warn the organizers to ensure thea safety. I’ve already assigned three Deltas to watch over them discreetly.”
“Golf is relatively safe,” I continued. “And they need the exercise. Being cooped up in the villa all day wouldn’t be good for them either.”
“Let’s talk about tomorrow’s match,” Bryloch said, changing the subject. I can’t wait to face Quinn and Maddox on the field. After what they did to Scarlett and Freya, they deserve everything coming to them.”
“You’re more excited about the rugby match,” I observed with a slight smile.
Adryx grinned, his eyes lighting up. “Absolutely. They have no idea what they’re in for. Rugby isn’t just about speed, it’s about strength and strategy. They’ll be completely outmatched.”
“How are we going to form a team of fifteen with seven substitutes?” I asked. “That’s a lot of players to coordinate.”
“For polo, it’s just the four of us, including Evanth, plus four Deltas who can substitute when we need a seven–minute break,” I continued. “But rugby requires more players and a different skill set.”
Bryłoch and Adryx exchanged amused glances, clearly sharing a secret.
“What?” I asked, looking between them. “What have you two been planning?”
“We’re joining the Clifflands Raptors,” Adryx explained with a proud grin. “We’ve already spoken with the team manager and our teammates. They’re excited to have us join them. They understand what we’re trying to do and are fully on board.”
“I want to join,” I said, leaning forward eagerly.
“You don’t have any beef with Matthew,” Adryx pointed out. ‘It wouldn’t be as fun for you.”
“Yes, but I especially want to get my hands on Quinn. It’s time he learned what happens when you mistreat your Luna.”
“That piece of shit doesn’t deserve to run a pack,” I added venomously. “He needs to be taught a lesson.”
Bryloch suddenly raised his hand like he was in school, which made Adryx and me burst into laughter.
“Yes, Bryloch? I teased, mimicking a teacher’s tone. “Do you have something to share with the class?” All three of us laughed harder at the absurdity.
Bryloch smiled, realizing what he’d done. “Sorry, old habits. But this is important. We’ve traced the orders for the attack, the one that ma Forestvale.”
tack
Isaac obtained compelling evidence about Alpha Charles Richards, he continued, his expression turning serious. “We’re investigating him now. We haven’t shared this with Matthew yet, since we wanted to be certain.”
Charles is Matthew’s fated mate’s father, Bryloch revealed. “He recruited warriors to fight against Matthew. The evidence is unmistakable.”
1/3
Chapter 199
“We don’t know why he did it,” he added, spreading his hands. “We’re digging deeper. It seems strange that a father winsld attack his daughter & pe
I fell silent, processing this information. I already knew. Juno had told me Isabelle had been forced into Matthew’s home,
That was the reason. Isabelle was Charles’s daughter. He would do anything to fulfill his daughter’s wishes, even if it meant going to wat with her fated
mate.
I remembered the pain and regret in Matthew’s eyes at the ball. Having experienced the mate bond myself, I understood. Living under the same roof as you fated mate, Matthew had no choice. Losing Juno must have been a painful blow for him, one he was powerless to prevent.
“I want a thorough investigation of Charles,‘ I instructed firmly. “I want to know why he attacked the Lakeside border and framed Quinn for it. That mose seems particularly calculated.”
“Find out what grudge Charles has against Quinn,‘ I continued, tapping my fingers against the table. And what tribute he provided. I suspect something to do with his daughter, but we need confirmation.”
“I also want to know if he fought or simply surrendered. That will determine how we handle this matter.”
We continued talking, sharing a few more glasses of rum before retiring to our respective rooms.
As I climbed the stairs to our room, I linked Evanth.
You can join us for the outings, I told him. Tomorrow and the day after. It would be good to have you with us.
Are you sure? he asked hesitantly.
It will give you a break from that woman, I replied. You need the rest. Brother.
responded
has
Thank you, Evanth responded gratefully. I’ll be with you all day tomorrow for the matches. Elowen won’t be there. She… understands she needs to make herself scarce for a while.
I could feel how Elowen was draining him. She was exhausting him both physically and mentally. The constant drama, the emotional manipulation, it was written all over his face.
Elowen was toxic for Evanth. I hoped he would find someone else and say goodbye to her. Another woman would make a better mate for my brother. I would ask Juno to do some matchmaking for Evanth, and perhaps get my mother involved as well. Between the two of them, they could surely find someone worthy of my brother.
I didn’t want Elowen in Evanth’s life. She was poisonous. Given what I knew about Evanth’s childhood trauma, he didn’t need that kind of negative energy. He needed someone supportive and kind, not manipulative and self centered.
When I returned to our room, I stripped off my clothes and slipped into bed behind Juno, who was already asleep. I nestled against her back, breathing in her scent of vanilla, juliet roses. The pull was strong, similar to what I had felt with Cassandra, yet entirely different.
This pull wasn’t aggressive–it was subtle and delightful. I felt my teeth elongate at her sweet scent, but I restrained the urge to mark her. I knew that unless it was done under the Purple Moon, the mark wouldn’t successfully create a mate bond.
Fenris howled within me, desperate to complete the marking.
Soon, I promised him. Soon she will be completely ours.
