I couldn’t stop smiling as Augustin and I made our way back to our bedroom. The evening had been filled with so much joy, first Evanthapet proposal to Ruby, and then Scarlett’s pregnancy announcement. After weeks of investigating traitors and fighting shadowy organizations, there histor happiness felt like precious gifts.
I can’t believe Scarlett is pregnant!” I exclaimed as Augustin closed our bedroom door. My hand instinctively moved to my own slightly rounded hell babies will grow up together, can you imagine? They’ll be the best of friends.”
Augustin’s eyes softened as he watched me. “You’re glowing, Berry.”
I twirled around the room, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. The joy bubbling inside me was impossible to contain.
“It’s just… everything is falling into place,” I said, shaking my head in wonder. We went from being unfortunate women to tributes, and now we re both going
to be mothers, married to the most powerful men in the world. I laughed, feeling almost giddy. The moon goddess must be blessing us.
“First Ruby finally getting engaged, and now Scarlett pregnant,” I continued, unable to contain my excitement. “Two pieces of good news in one night!
Augustin loosened his tie, his eyes never leaving me. ‘I’m glad to see you so happy. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you this excited.”
I flopped onto our bed, spreading my arms wide. ‘I still can’t believe your brother finally proposed. I never thought I’d see the day.”
Augustin chuckled as he removed his jacket and hung it carefully in the closet. “Neither did I.”
“They balance each other out,” I observed. “She brings out a side of him I didn’t know existed.”
“True, Augustin admitted. “He’s different with her, more confident, less resentful.”
*Speaking of which,” I said, propping myself up on my elbows, “I’ve been wondering about something. Why are there virgins in your harem?”
Augustin paused, then turned to face me with an amused expression. ‘It’s not a harem, Berry. And yes, some of the women who came as tributes were untouched.”
“But why?” I asked, genuinely curious. I thought they were brought here for… you know.”
“It’s a protection mechanism,” he explained, sitting beside me on the bed. “The status ensures they won’t be harassed by others. They’re free to choose their own mates when they’re ready. Not everyone who comes as a tribute is forced into relationships.”
I frowned, remembering something that had bothered me. “Adryx once told me you don’t touch ‘second–hand goods. Is that true?”
Augustin laughed, “Adryx says many things to keep women from having unrealistic expectations. It’s easier than dealing with their advances or having them throw themselves at me.”
“Lunas are typically bold and experienced,” he continued, “Some try to seduce their way out of service or into power. You, Scarlett, and Freya were unusual cases. Scarlett just wanted to have fun, Freya wanted to be left alone, and you…” His voice softened. “You were still trying to let go of Matthew.”
Augustin’s hand moved to my belly, his touch gentle and reverent.
‘I wanted to mark you the night we returned home, he admitted, his voice low and intimate. “It took every ounce of self–control not to claim you right
then.”
‘Why didn’t you?” I asked, genuinely curious. “I wouldn’t have stopped you.”
“I wanted the Purplemoon marking ceremony to be special,” he said. “I wanted everyone to see that you’re the only one in my heart. It’s important to me that they all understand you’re not just another Luna, you’re my mate, my equal.”
“We’ll exchange vows, similar to human weddings. Then the marking is completed privately in the bedroom afterward. Even though we’re fated, I enjoy the romantic aspects, the vows, the promises, the shifting, the marking. It makes it more meaningful.”
1/2
Chapter 228
I reached up to touch his face, feeling the slight stubble against my palmi. That sounds beautiful. I can’t wait
He turned his head to kiss my hand, and the simple gesture sent heat coursing through me. Our lips met in a kiss that quickly turned hungry, det fanta between us.
Augustin’s hands moved to my dress, slowly unzipping it and helping me out of it. He guided me to lie back on the bed, then straddled me, his praerial thighs bracketing mine. The weight of him above me sent a thrill through my body.
He lowered his head to my breast, taking a nipple into his mouth and sucking gently. I arched into his touch, a soft moan escaping my lips.
“If you move,” he warned, his voice husky with desire, “I’ll cuff you to the bed. Stay still for me.”
The threat sent another wave of heat through me. He scraped his teeth lightly over my skin, moving from my breasts to my neck, sucking at the spot where his mark would soon be. The temporary mark he’d left on my waist began to tingle, and I squirmed slightly.
Augustin pulled back, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He stood and removed the rest of his clothes, then reached into the bedside drawer, pulling out handcuffs, a blindfold, and a feather.
“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice breathy with anticipation.
“Rewarding you for your excellent performance at the hearing,” he replied. “You were magnificent today. Hands up.”
I obeyed, raising my arms above my head. He secured my wrists to the bedposts with the handcuffs, then spread my legs apart, positioning himself between them. The blindfold came next, plunging me into darkness and heightening my other senses.
“Now,” he murmured, his breath hot against my ear, “let’s see how long you can stay quiet.”
The feather touched my skin first, tracing delicate patterns across my collarbone, down between my breasts, and along my ribs. I shivered, goosebumps
rising on my
skin. Then came his lips, following the path the feather had taken, but adding the wet heat of his tongue.
I pulled against the handcuffs, suddenly desperate to touch him, but they held firm. The helplessness was intoxicating, allowing me to surrender completely to the sensations he was creating.
Augustin took his time, teasing me with the feather and his mouth, deliberately avoiding the places I needed him most. When the feather traced along my inner thigh, I couldn’t stop my hips from bucking upward.
‘Patience, Berry,” he chided, his voice amused. “We have all night. I want to enjoy every inch of you.”
“Augustin, please,” I begged, growing impatient with his teasing. “I need you now.”
He chuckled, the mouth pressed against my hip. “Since you asked so nicely…”
Finally, his mouth moved to my center; his tongue finding my clit with unerring accuracy. I cried out, my back arching off the bed. He held my hips down with one strong arm while his other hand reached up to tease my nipple.
The dual sensations were overwhelming, and I felt myself racing toward the edge. Just as I was about to fall, he pulled back, leaving me gasping and frustrated.
‘Not yet,” he said, his voice commanding. “I want you desperate for me.”
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