Chapter 19
actice
What lies?” I asked.
I lied about you and me… on the balcony, she admitted quietly. “And I lied about her sending someone to kill me.
I said nothing, walked away to find some clothes.
I pulled on a pair of shorts and stepped outside to check on my pack People were mourning, sitting in groups, comforting each other. But when they saw me, they looked at me with respect in their eyes.
They thought I’d sacrificed Hino to save them all. They had no idea that if Juno hadn’t offered herself, we all would have died because I wouldn’t have given her up. I would have died first.
People stood as I passed, nodding their heads in respect. They knew lie attack wasn’t my fault. But I couldn’t accept their gratitude. I didn’t deserve it.
Juno was the real hero The best Luna this pack had ever had. And I would not marry Isabelle. She would never replace my Red Rose.
The next morning, I went to the meeting at the center of Forestvale territory. All the Alphas who had survived were there, and they were angry. Some had been forced to give their daughters as peace tributes. Others had lost their lives. Only two of us had given up our Lunas, and I knew why – because Quinn and Maddox never really cared about their Lunas anyway.
Quinn was the worst of them. He’d started this war.
The moment I saw him, I lunged across the room, tackling him to the ground. I pummeled his face.
“This is your fault!” I roared. “You’re the reason they took her! You’re the reason my wife is
Someone tried to pull me off. “Violence won’t solve anything, Matthew!”
I finally stopped, but I continued hurling curses at Quinn, who was bleeding on the floor.
gone!”
“I didn’t do anything!” Quinn protested, spitting blood. “I was just as shocked by the attack as you were! They accused me of interfering at the Lakeside border and provoking the Alpha King. I swear I never would have done that intentionally! I don’t know why they’re blaming me!”
I couldn’t believe his pathetic lies. Tears streamed down my face. “I’ve lost everything,” I choked out. “My Juno is gone. What are they doing to her right now? Is she hurt? Is she scared? Is she-” I couldn’t finish the thought.
My legs gave out, and I collapsed to my knees, sobbing uncontrollably. Maddox approached, trying to embrace me, but I shoved him
away.
“It’s easy for you to be calm,” I spat. “You and Quinn both wanted your fated mates anyway. You were looking for excuses to get rid of your Lunas. I’m not like you. I didn’t want to lose Juno. I wanted to keep her.”
“Matthew, please calm down,” Maddox begged.
“We need to get them back,” I insisted. “We need to get our Lunas back.”
Lester, an older Alpha from a smaller pack, shook his head. “You need to accept what’s happened, Matthew. Perhaps fate brought Isabelle into your life for a reason-”
“Don’t talk to me about fate!” I roared, leaping to my feet. “Fate has brought nothing but pain and misery! We were perfect before fate decided to fuck everything up!”
1/2
Chapter 19
Lester sighed heavily. The other Alphas have accepted their losses. Some had to surrender their daughters or sisters. Do you think they’ll go to war with the Alpha King for one Luna? You’ll fall if you go alone, and you’ll bring more retaliation down on all of us.”
He placed a hand on my shoulder. “Accept it, son. Juno was strong. She’ll survive there.”
I growled, my mind spinning in confusion and helplessness.
“And where was Kieran during all this?” Maddox demanded, turning Quinn. “Is your ally a wimp who flirts openly with other men’s wives in front of everyone?”
Maddox turned to me apologetically. “I’m sorry, Matthew, but the man was disgusting the way he looked at Juno that day. Too busy flirting with another man’s wife to uphold his responsibilities.
I could barely process his words through my anger and heartbreak.
“Kieran said Fireland was attacked at the same time,” Quinn explained. “He had to stay and defend his territory. I’ve sent people to verify.”
I didn’t care. I turned and walked out of the meeting. What was the point? They couldn’t help me. If I couldn’t get Juno back, I had no reason to participate in whatever war or plan would come next.
