Chapter 109
Chapter 109
Valencia’s POV
I stared at her, momentarily taken aback. What the hell?
“I was invited.” Obviously.
Lethia’s lips curled in disgust. “Stay away from Jaxon. Stay away from Aiden.”
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I narrowed my eyes. “I have no interest in your future son–in–law Lethia,” I said sharply, not caring that I used her name for the first time. “I’m happily married and mated to my Alpha.”
A flicker of something crossed her face as her eyes landed on the side of my neck, but it wasn’t enough to make her back down.
“If you have no interest,” she seethed, “then why did you call Aiden all the way to Steele pack territory? He was gone almost a week and won’t say anything about it!”
My eyes widened.
for
A bead of sweat trickled down my spine, dampening the fabric of my dress. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my face neutral . under Lethia’s piercing silver gaze.
I knew I couldn’t tell her the truth–that I had run away and Aiden had helped me, only to be imprisoned at the Silver Moon estate. Without food! That would only make things worse.
I forced a tight smile, shrugging as nonchalantly as I could. “How am I supposed to know? Aiden doesn’t exactly share his schedule with me.”
Lethia’s expression darkened, her perfectly sculpted brows pulling together. The glint in her eyes sharpened into something dangerous, and I felt my muscles tense involuntarily.
“You dare have the audacity to lie to me?!” she hissed, voice low and laced with venom.
Her hand shot up, the sharp gleam of her wedding ring catching the light as it came toward my face. My breath caught in my throat, and without thinking, I flinched–my arm instinctively rising to shield myself.
The air in the room shifted abruptly as the door swung open with a quiet creak.
August stood there, his tall frame backlit by the warm glow of the hallway chandeliers. His dark eyes flicked from his mother to me, assessing the scene in an instant before his expression turned neutral, almost disinterested.
“Mother,” he said, his tone carefully measured. “Celeste is calling for you.”
Lethia’s lips thinned in displeasure, but after a long pause, she lowered her hand. Her gaze lingered on me like a blade poised at my throat, a silent warning that this conversation was
and out the door, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
over. Then, without another word, she swept past August
I let out the breath I didn’t realize I had been holding, my fingers trembling slightly as I lowered them from my face. I wasn’t scared—at least, I kept telling myself I wasn’t. This reaction was just… instinct, a leftover reflex from years of bracing for the
worst.
But what I did feel was anger. A slow, simmering heat coiling in my gut. Why was I still like this? Why did I freeze? I should
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Chapter 109
have stopped her before she even raised her hand. Why was I still letting these people get under my skin?
I should be past this. I had Dante now, I had Castor, I had my own strength. And yet here I was, trapped in old fears, still feeling like I needed to stay close to Dante to avoid trouble.
My spiraling thoughts were interrupted by August clearing his throat. “How are you doing?”
I rolled my eyes, masking the uncase still thrumming under my skin. “Just peachy.”
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Stepping toward the door, I expected him to move aside, but he didn’t. His broad frame remained firmly in place, blocking my exit. I glanced up at him, barely containing the annoyance creeping into my voice.
“What do you want, August?”
He tilted his head slightly, his dark hair falling into his eyes. “Aren’t you being a little much? I get that you’re married to a rich and powerful Alpha and all, but there’s no need to be so rude.”
I froze for half a second, blinking at him in disbelief. I was being rude?
Did he not see his mother about to slap me? Was I supposed to smile and pretend nothing happened?
I took a deep breath, schooling my features into a polite smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “You’re right, August. I was being rude.” My voice was syrupy sweet. “I’m doing just wonderful after your mother barged into my room, accused me of misdeeds I didn’t do, and almost slapped me. But that didn’t happen–thanks to you–so, really, thanks. Now, how are you doing?”
His mouth twitched, but instead of responding, he just scoffed. “Cut the sarcasm. Look, I get it. But it’s not my fault what Mom does. That’s just… her personality. You should be used to it by now.”
I clenched my fists at my sides, nails biting into my palms. My smile remained, though my jaw ached from holding it in place.
If Lethia does something actually ‘rude‘ then it’s just her personality. And If I just don’t want to talk to him then I am being ‘rude‘?
“Oh, of course,” I said smoothly. “Silly me. You’re right, August. I should be used to it.” I exhaled sharply. “Now, may I leave?
He looked satisfied, as if he’d somehow won this conversation. He nodded, stepping aside just slightly, and I started forward -only to hear a soft thud and a grunt.
Aiden had appeared behind him, his palm smacking against the back of August’s head. “Why are you making trouble for her?”
August shot him a glare, rubbing the back of his head. “I didn’t do anything! I was just telling her not to be rude.”
Aiden’s silver eyes skimmed over him with something akin to disappointment. “Right. Because you’re the expert on etiquette, huh?”
August squared his shoulders, a hint of irritation flickering across his face. “I’m a man-”
I was done with this. “Move,” I said firmly, cutting through whatever nonsense was about to spill from his mouth. I had no interest in talking to misogynistic little shits anymore.
August glanced between Aiden and me, clearly considering some sort of retort, but one hard look from Aiden had him stepping aside at last.
