Juno’s POV
I lay curled against Augustin’s warm body, my fingers tracing the pink crescent moon mark on my waist. The sensation was unlike anything I’d wer experienced, a pleasant tingling that sent waves of contentment through my entire being
‘It’s beautiful, Augustin whispered, his fingers joining mine in exploring the mark. When his skin touched it, I couldn’t help but moan softly at the interse pleasure that radiated from the contact.
“Did that hurt?” he asked, immediately concerned.
“No, I breathed, “it’s the opposite. It feels… incredible.”
I could feel our connection like a thick, tangible rope binding us together. The sensation was completely different from when Matthew had marked me. This… this felt right. Natural. Like our souls were finally acknowledging what our hearts already knew.
Augustin’s lips against the mark. “Should we complete the ritual?” he asked, his voice husky with need.
I paused, considering his question carefully. The pull between us was nearly overwhelming, but something held me back. I thought of Scarlett, who had been trying desperately to get pregnant, and Freya, who was already expecting. We’d always tried to do everything together, supporting each other through all of life’s challenges.
‘I don’t think we should,” I finally said, “Not yet. It would be insensitive to Scarlett. You know how upset she is about not being pregnant yet. And I remember how I felt when Freya announced her pregnancy that mixture of happiness for her but also feeling left behind.”
Augustin nodded, understanding immediately. “You’re right. The Purplemoon ceremony is only six weeks away, after the competition ends. We only need two weeks to prepare.”
His fingers continued to trace the mark, sending shivers down my spine. “Fenris is desperate to claim both you and Seraphine completely,” he admitted. “He’s been waiting so long. This partial marking will only make his need stronger.”
“Yes,” I whispered, as I snuggled closer to him.
I was grateful we didn’t have to compete today and could arrive at the arena a bit later. As I drifted to sleep, I wondered what Augustin and Matthew would discuss during their meeting later that afternoon. Augustin’s fingers trailed lazily through my hair and across my skin until sleep claimed me once more.
When I woke again, I was alone in bed and hit immediately with a wave of desire so strong made me gasp. Was this the effect of the partial marking, or just hormones? I wasn’t sure, but the empty space beside me made me frown. I decided against contacting Augustin. He was probably busy with important
matters.
I showered quickly and dressed for the day, choosing comfortable clothes since we’d be watching rather than competing. Just as I finished applying light makeup, there was a knock at my door–that instantly put me on alert.
When I opened it, I found Scarlett standing there, tears streaming down her face. I quickly pulled her inside and checked the hallway to make sure no one had seen her in such a state before closing the door.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, guiding her to sit on the edge of the bed while I grabbed the tissue box from the nightstand.
Scarlett took a tissue and blew her nose loudly. “I’m never going to get pregnant,” she sobbed. ‘I’ve tried everything, Juno. Everything! I wanted our babies to grow up together – yours, mine, and Freya’s. But it’s just not happening for me.”
I sat beside her, rubbing her back gently. “Tell me what you’ve been doing.”
“Everything!” she exclaimed, throwing her hands up. “I’ve changed my diet, taken fertility supplements, tracked my cycle obsessively. I’ve even tried stang on my head after sex!” She laughed through her tears at that last admission. “I’ve been eating these disgusting herbs that taste like dirt. I’ve been taking my temperature every morning before I even move. I’ve made Bryloch wear loose boxers instead of briefs because I read somewhere that it helps with sperm count.” She buried her face in her hands. “Goddess, I even bought these special pillows to prop my hips up after we’re done. Bryloch says it’s okay, that we have time, but I want this so badly.”
‘Why are you so upset about this?” I asked softly. “The doctor said there’s nothing wrong with you physically.”
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ability to bear children.“
She wiped away more tears. “You’re right. I know you’re right. I just…. I want to see our kids running around together som his smile. Little boys with his strength and my spirit.”
And you will, I promised. “But right now, focus on loving Bryloch for the sake of loving him, not for the sake of making a baby. The yourself and on him might actually be making things harder.”
Scarlett sniffed and nodded. “I think I’ve been putting too much pressure on him too. Last week I actually scheduled sex based on my onlation sexy is that?” She let out a watery laugh. “That can’t be helping.”
“Probably not,” I agreed. “Men can sense that kind of stress. And nothing kills the mood faster than feeling like you’re just a sperm denot
“I do want a baby because I love him so much,” she said, “Isn’t that what love is? Wanting to create something together?
“It’s one expression of love,” I said with a smile. “But not the only one. And you two have created something beautiful already, a relationship built on trust and respect. Something neither of us had before.”
By the time we finished talking, Scarlett’s tears had dried, and she was even laughing as she helped me choose an outfit for the day
“So what’s this gossip about Elowen?” 1 asked as I pulled on a casual dress.
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