Augustin’s POV
He arrived precisely on time, nodding respectfully as he entered. “Alpha King, be greeted me formally.
I studied him closely, noting the discomfort in his posture. ‘Is everything all right, Matthew?
You
look uncomfortable.
‘Yes, of course,” he replied quickly. “The hospitality has been excellent. My people are enjoying themselves. The accommodations exceed our expectations.”
And your Alphas?” I asked conversationally. “Are they settling in?”
“They’re watching the matches,” Matthew said politely. “Getting a feel for your local activities. It’s quite different from what we’re used to in Forestvale.
I smiled, deliberately lightening my tone. “Your team doesn’t stand a chance tomorrow. Our players have been training all year for this. I hope you’re prepared to lose spectacularly.”
Matthew chuckled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. “I’m afraid you’re right. But I promise we’ll train harder when we get home. Next year will different. We might even give you a real competition.”
We each took a drink, and I allowed a moment of silence before addressing the reason for our meeting.
“So,” I said, setting down my glass. “What did you want to discuss? It must be important to request a private meeting.”
Matthew shifted uncomfortably, “This is… difficult for me,” he began. “I warned them not to push this, but as leader of Forestvale, I have a responsibility to convey their request, no matter how… inappropriate I personally find it.”
He took a deep breath before continuing. “Maddox wants to trade his fated mate Della for Scarlett. And Quinn wants to trade his fated mate Calla for Freya.” He spoke quickly, as if rushing through a painful confession. “They mean no disrespect. They just thought fated mates might be more… suitable exchanges from your perspective. More valuable, in their minds.”
I stared at him, my jaw dropping in disbelief. A wave of revulsion hit me.
“And what about you, Matthew?” I snarled, rage coursed through my veins. “Are you offering your pregnant mate in exchange for Juno? Is that next on your fucking agenda?”
My hands curled into fists, knuckles white with fury.
“No!” His eyes widened in horror. “Never. I’m happy for Juno. Truly. I see a light in her eyes now that wasn’t there before. With you, she’s… she’s flourishing.”
He looked down at his hands. “I still love her, I won’t deny that. But you’re better for her than I ever was. My love isn’t selfish enough to take her from where she’s happy.”
I leaned forward, “Your friends‘ request is denied. Absolutely and completely denied. Freya is carrying Adryx’s child. Scarlett has formed a bond with Bryloch. Women aren’t commodities to be exchanged at will. They’re individuals deserving of respect. The fact that I even need to explain this is appalling.”
Matthew’s face flushed with shame as I continued, unable to contain my disgust.
‘I’m surprised you would even bring this to me. I would have respected you more if you’d intervened when Maddox was abusing Scarlett. Or when Quinn was allowing Freya to be passed around like a toy. Where was your leadership then, Matthew?”
Matthew flinched as if I’d struck him.
“Where were you when these women needed protection?” I demanded. “Quinn stripped Freya of everything, her property, her dignity. He let his touch her. He humiliated her daily. And now that they’ve finally found safety and happiness, you want to send them back to hell? What kind of. that make you?”
inates
does
I leaned closer, “You betrayed Juno too. Not with your fists, but with your heart. You made promises to her, then broke them for Isabelle without even consulting her first. You’re no better than your friends, just more subtle in your cruelty.”
1/2
Matthew’s eyes filled with tears as 1 delivered my final judgment.
“If you had any real dignity or conscience, Quinn would have been stripped of his leadership in Forestvale long ago. He should be publicly shamed and forced to return everything he stole from Freya. Maddox should be severely punished for his treatment of his luna. They’re a disgrace to the title of Alpha
I sat back in my chair. “The only reason I haven’t taken direct action against you is because of Juno’s feelings for you. She still protects you, even after everything. Without her influence, I would have taken over Forestvale myself and dealt with those bastards personally. Consider yourself fortunate that the has a kinder heart than I do.”
Matthew’s tears spilled over. “You’re right,” he whispered. About all of it. I can’t sleep at night thinking about the choices I’ve made. The guilt eats at me every day.”
He looked up, his expression raw with pain. “I still love her. Every day without her is agony, but I deserve this pain. It’s my punishment for failing her so completely.”
“As for Maddox and Quinn,” he continued, wiping his eyes, “I only recently learned the full extent of what happened. I promise III take disciplinary action when we return home. But you must understand, our system is different from yours. We don’t have a king who can simply decree law. I have to present the issue to a committee, and they vote on the appropriate punishment. It’s slower.”
I studied his face, his body language. Perhaps I’d been too harsh. I could see in his eyes a sorrow that would likely never fade completely, the loss of å treasure that would never return.
I decided to change the subject. There were more pressing matters to discuss.
“Let’s talk about Charles Richards,” I said, “I need your cooperation on this.”
I explained my analysis of the recent attacks. “Someone orchestrated all of this very carefully. They wanted me to attack Forestvale, to make you the victim so you’d have moral high ground. Can’t you see the pattern?”
Matthew’s expression shifted from sorrow to concern as I continued.
“Think about it. First, there was an attack on my territory that appeared to come from Forestvale. Then Quinn and Maddox conveniently offered their lunas as peace offerings. The subsequent attack on my borders again was designed to provoke me into retaliating against Forestvale as a whole. It’s all been calculated to push us into conflict.”
I leaned forward. I’m not want to taking risk anymore. “I think you might be willing to work with me on this. We’ve both been manipulated, and it’s time we turned the tables.”
Chapter Comments
Visitor
That’s going to surprise everyone. No one will be ready for an alliance between Matthew and Augustin.
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