Chapter 9
Juno’s POV
So this Alpha is from Fireland? I asked Freya through our link, What he doing here?.
Yes, Freya’s voice filtered through my mind. Quinn wants to form an alliance with Alpha Kieran against the Clifflands Alpha King. Apparently, he’s been conquering territories and they’re worried Forestyle might be next.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Is that wise? Wouldn’t that just draw unwanted attention to us?
The Alpha King already controls all of Clifflands and parts of Lakeside, Freya replied, her mental voice tinged with worry. It’s only a matter of time before he looks our way.
glanced at the waiting Alpha–Kieran–who stood patiently several feet away, giving me space while I communicated with Freya. His consideration was… unexpected.
I should go, I told Freya. He’s waiting.
Be careful, she warned before breaking our connection.
.I straightened my dress and approached Kieran, noting how his scent shifted from patient to pleased as I drew near.
“Thank you for the invitation, I need to consider it,” I said, facing his deep blue eyes.
“Some things are worth waiting for,” he smiled, revealing perfect white teeth. “I can be very patient, Luna Juno.”
Before I could respond, Matthew’s voice crashed into my mind like a boulder.
Get away from him. Now. His mental tone dripped with fury and command.
‘I instinctively glanced across the room to where Matthew stood, his arm possessively around Isabelle’s waist, but his eyes fixed on me. The rage in them was unmistakable.
You don’t command me anymore, I shot back, the bitterness I’d been suppressing rising to the surface. You gave up that right when you
chose her.
You’re still my Luna, he snarled. Don’t make me-
I cut the connection, mentally slamming the link between us. Seraphine growled approvingly in my mind.
“Is everything all right?” Kieran asked, his expression concerned.
I forced a smile. “Nothing important.”
“You should consider him, you know,” Freya said later as we huddled in a quiet corner with Scarlett. She nodded toward Kieran, who was engaged in conversation with Quinn across the room. “He’s unmated, powerful, and clearly interested in you.”
I took a long sip of my champagne. “I’m still technically Matthew’s Luna.”
“After what he did?” Scarlett scoffed. “Please.”
I sighed, the familiar ache blooming in my chest. “I know I should hate him. I’m angry and hurt, but…”
1/4
Chapter 9
But your heart hasn’t caught up with your head,” Freya finished sofy.
I nodded, grateful for her understanding.
“Have you heard what Isabelle’s been saying about you? Scarlett asked, her voice dropping.
“What now?”
“She’s telling everyone you threatened her, wanted kill her, that you refused to accept she’s Matthew’s fated mate.”
I barked out a laugh. “That’s rich, considering Matthew nearly hit me when I confronted him about her.”
Both women froze, their scents shifting instantly to protective fury.
“He what?” Scarlett hissed, her eyes flashing amber.
“He didn’t actually dot,” I clarified quickly. “But he was close.”
Scarlett gripped my arm, her nails digging in slightly. “Listen to me, uno. Don’t ever let him hit you even once. C Once they start, they don’t stop. Her eyes darted across the room to where Maddox stood. “And both Matthew and Isabelle see you as a problem that
needs solving.”
A chill ran down my spine. “What do you mean?”
“They want you gone, Juno,” Freya murmured. “One way or another.
I swallowed hard. “Speaking of problems… Freya, what’s going on with you and Quinn? I’ve noticed bruises.”
Freya’s scent soured with shame and fear. She stared into her drink, avoiding my eyes. “Quinn likes to ensure I know my place,” she finally said, her voice hollow. “Especially now that he’s met his fated mate.”
“He hits you?” I whispered, horror washing through me.
She nodded. “I can’t leave the pack. I’d be a rogue.”
“Maddox does the same to me,” Scarlett admitted, her usual vibrant personality subdued. “They hurt us to prove to their fated mates
that they don’t care about us.“.
“That’s why you drink so much,” I realized, looking at Freya.
She gave me a sad smile. “It helps.”
My gaze drifted across the room to Matthew, who was still watching me, his eyes burning with intensity while Isabelle clung to his arm, trying desperately to recapture his attention. Suddenly, the prospect of going home alone with him after the gala filled me with dread.
Seraphine stirred within me. He wouldn’t dare, my wolf growled. We’d rip his throat out first.
I found comfort in Seraphine’s protective rage.
An hour later, Freya sipped away with a male, seeking temporary escape in the arms of a willing stranger. I didn’t judge her–how could 1, knowing what awaited her at home?
“May I have this dance?”
2/4
Chapter 9
I turned to find Kieran standing before me, hand extended, a gentle anile on his face. The lights taught the gold in his hair, mal for a moment, he looked almost
herwatidly.
I’m not much of a dancer, I admitted. I’m not Inclined to refuse the time.
Ill lead, he promised, his blue eyes twinkling. Trust me.”
I don’t know what it was about in his eyes, but I felt like I could trus him, so I took his hand. His fingers closed around mine, warm and strong, and he led me
e to the
dance floor.
the
As we began to move to the slow melody, Kieran held me with respectful distance, his hand light on my waist. The simple touch sent unfamiliar warmth through my body.
“You’re beautiful,” he said softly. “Especially your hair. I’ve never seen that shade of deep red before.”
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “Thank you.”
He guided me effortlessly across the floor, his movements graceful despite his powerful build. For the first time in over a month, I felt… cherished.
Get your hands off him, Matthew’s voice thundered in my head.
I stiffened, but Kieran immediately adjusted his hold, assuming my discomfort was physical.
“Am I holding you too tightly?” he asked with genuine concern.
“No,” I said, smiling up at him. “It’s perfect.”
Juno, I’m warning you-
Seraphine growled, and together we pushed Matthew from our mind.
“I’d like us to be friends, Juno,” Kieran said, pulling me slightly close as the music slowed.
I raised an eyebrow. “Friends? We’re from different territories.”
“I’ll be staying in Forestvale for a while,” he explained. “I’m helping Quinn build a coalition against the Alpha King of Clifflands.”
“You seem very invested in this fight.”
A shadow crossed his face. “I have my reasons. The Alpha King’s father took something precious from me. I won’t allow his son to continue his legacy of conquest.”
The intensity in his voice sent a shiver through me. “You speak as if this is personal.“.
His blue eyes grew even deeper, and for an instant, I glimpsed the predator beneath the charming exterior. “It is. Very personal.” He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “In Fireland, they call me Fang.”
The name took me by surprise, and in an instant, I realized who he was.
