Chapter 241

Chapter 241
Augustin's POV

I spread the last cushion on the blanket, ensuring everything was perfect for Berry's arrival. The east garden was quiet this afternoon, bathed in golden sunlight that filtered through the ancient oaks. I had arranged a selection of her favorite fruits, strawberries, blackberries, and peaches, alongside small pastries from the kitchen. A bottle of champagne chilled in an ice bucket.

Fenris paced restlessly inside me. She's with him again.

I pushed down the irritation that flared at the thought of Matthew seeking out Berry to discuss Isabelle. It wasn't rational, I knew there was nothing between them anymore, but the Alpha in me hated the idea of another male, especially her former mate, taking her time and attention.

She's just helping him. That's who she is, I reminded myself, adjusting the arrangement of food for the third time.

Still, Matthew shouldn't have dragged her into his problems with Isabelle. Berry had enough on her plate already, our wedding preparations, the impending arrival of our child, the political mess with the Elder Council. She didn't need to be pulled into Matthew's marital drama on top of everything else.

Berry's signature fragrance reached me before I saw her. I turned as she approached through the garden path, her red hair gleaming in the sunlight, a smile lighting her face when our eyes met.

My irritation vanished. In two strides, I crossed the distance between us, lifting her into my arms and claiming her mouth in a kiss. She melted against me, her arms wrapping around my neck, but I could smell Matthew's scent clinging faintly to her clothes.

My eyes flashed silver as I set her down, unable to completely hide my reaction.

Berry cupped my face in her hands, her touch instantly calming. "Jealousy doesn't suit you," she said softly, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "He rejected her, you know. Isabelle's leaving Pineridge. He just needed a shoulder to lean on."

I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer. "I don't like him using you as his emotional crutch."

"I'm not being used," she insisted. "I'm helping a friend. Besides, I came straight to you afterward, didn't I?"

She had a point. And the way she looked at me, soothed the territorial Alpha inside me. I kissed her forehead and gestured toward the picnic I'd arranged.

"I thought we deserved some quiet time," I said, leading her to the blanket.

Berry's eyes brightened as she took in the spread. "This looks amazing," she said, settling onto the cushions.

I stretched out beside her, laying my head in her lap. Her fingers immediately found their way into my hair, gently working through my strands. I closed my eyes, savoring the sensation. These small moments of peace were rare and precious.

"Amelia, Ruby, and Olivia are planning our big day," Berry said after a comfortable silence. "They've taken over completely. Ruby has opinions about everything from flowers to table settings."

I chuckled. "Let them handle it. As long as you become my Luna Queen, I don't care if we marry in the garden or the throne room."

"How was Evanth's meeting with Chris?" she asked, her fingers still moving soothingly through my hair.

"Better than expected," I admitted. "Evanth was civil, at least. No snide comments, no threats. Mother's influence, I suspect. She's been spending time with Chris and his family."

"That's progress," Berry said. "Family reconciliation is never easy, but it's worth the effort."

I nodded, enjoying the gentle pressure of her fingertips against my scalp. "Speaking of family drama, what was that business with Isabelle? You seemed concerned when you came in."

Berry's fingers paused momentarily. "Her conversation with Nia was strange. And they used their link to communicate something they didn't want me to hear."

"You think she's still hiding something?"

"I'm not sure. But I've asked Marcus to have a Delta keep an eye on her. Just in case."

I reached up to take her hand, bringing it to my lips. "Good. I trust your instincts, Berry."

"Matthew formally rejected her as his mate," she continued. "The bond is broken now."

"Is he suffering from the separation?" I asked. When a mated pair separated, especially fated mates, the pain could be excruciating.

"Oddly, no. He said he feels empty, but not in pain. It's like their connection was never fully formed." Berry's brow furrowed. "It makes me wonder if rejecting a mate is different for everyone."

"The legends vary," I said. "Some say the pain is proportional to the depth of the connection. Others claim it depends on whether both parties truly accepted the bond." I squeezed her hand. "Either way, I never intend to find out."

Berry smiled, leaning down to kiss me softly. "Neither do I."

I sat up, feeling the restless energy that had been building all day. "Run with me?" I asked, already knowing her answer.

Berry's eyes lit up with excitement. "Always."

We made our way deeper into the forest, away from prying eyes. Transforming alongside Berry was always a special experience, watching her form give way to the magnificent russet wolf with piercing green eyes.

Race you to the lake! Berry's voice echoed in my mind as Seraphine took off between the trees.

Fenris growled with pleasure as we gave chase, our powerful legs eating up the ground. You'll have to be faster than that, little mate.

We ran for what felt like hours, chasing each other through the woods, splashing through streams, rolling in patches of wildflowers. In wolf form, the politics and pressures of leadership fell away. We were simply mates, wild and free.

The sun was beginning to set when we returned to our picnic spot, shifting back to human form and dressing in the clothes we'd left behind. Berry's cheeks were flushed, her hair tangled with leaves and twigs, but her eyes shone with happiness.

I checked my phone and frowned at the screen. "Sebastian's called three times."

"The Elder Council must be in an uproar," Berry said, reaching for a grape. "Are you going to call him back?"

I nodded, already dialing. Sebastian answered on the first ring.

"Your Majesty," he greeted, his voice tense. "I've been trying to reach you."

"I was occupied," I replied, keeping my tone neutral. "What's the matter?"

"The Council is demanding that you turn the prisoners over for trial," Sebastian said. "They cite jurisdiction over treason cases as defined in the ancient laws."

I snorted. "I don't care about ancient laws right now, Sebastian. Those prisoners stay where they are until I've finished questioning them."

"With all due respect, you must hand them over for proper judicial proceedings," Sebastian insisted. "The Council is threatening formal censure if you refuse."

"Let them threaten," I said coldly. "I don't trust the Council not to let some of those traitors slip away. Too many of them have ties to Council members."

Sebastian sighed heavily. "This could escalate, Your Majesty. The Council is invoking rarely-used statutes."

"This is my territory, my decision," I said firmly. "Tell them I'll consider their request after my interrogations are complete."

I ended the call before he could argue further, slipping the phone back into my pocket. Berry watched me with concern in her eyes.

"The Council won't back down easily," she said.

"Neither will I." I pulled her into my arms, burying my face in her hair and breathing in her scent. "They've forgotten who holds the real power here."

As night fell, we remained in the garden, the stars appearing one by one overhead. I laid Berry back against the cushions, my hands and mouth exploring her body with restrained hunger. The purplemoon was coming in just two weeks, and though I wanted nothing more than to complete our mating bond, I held back, knowing the ritual would make our union all the more powerful.

"Soon," I whispered against her neck, where my mark would permanently claim her as mine. "Soon, my love."

Two days later, the Elder Council still hadn't responded to my refusal. Evanth entered my study with a troubled expression.

"The Council is divided," he reported. "Quentor and Sebastian are supporting you, surprisingly enough. But the others are furious. They're saying you're overstepping your authority."

I leaned back in my chair. "Let them say what they will."

"It's worse than that," Evanth continued, pacing before my desk. "They're talking about holding a vote to replace you... with me."

I raised an eyebrow. "And how do you feel about that, brother?"

Evanth met my gaze squarely. "I told them I wouldn't accept. Whatever our differences, you're the rightful King."

I nodded, surprised and pleased by his loyalty. Before I could respond, Matthew and Alvin entered the room, deep in conversation.

"We should go directly to the Council," Matthew was saying. "Demand they recognize the Alpha King's absolute authority over all territories."

"What are you proposing?" I asked, curious.

Matthew turned to me, his expression intense. "We need only three regional leaders to vote in your favor to override the Council. I vote yes. Kieran will vote yes. We just need one more."

"You want to stage a coup against the Elder Council?" Evanth asked, sounding shocked.

"Not a coup," Alvin corrected. "A constitutional adjustment. We have only two choices here, make Augustin a true King with all the power that entails, or wait for this 'Sovereign' to try another takeover."

I considered their words carefully. "The Council won't surrender power willingly."

"They will if they have no choice," Matthew said grimly.

I nodded slowly. "Draft the formal letter. Cite their failure to protect Forestvale from insurgent activity. Demand immediate recognition of the Alpha King's authority over all criminal proceedings, especially those involving treason."

Matthew smiled grimly. "I'll have it ready within the hour."

As they left to prepare the document, I gazed out the window at my kingdom. Once I had the backing of three regional leaders, I would have the authority to question the prisoners without interference, and I would extract the Sovereign's identity from them, one way or another.

The game was changing. And I intended to win.

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To my awesome readers who are still reading this book - I gotta take a couple days(maybe two) off to handle some stuff. If I get the chance later on, I'll do my best to finish this book. Thanks for sticking with me, guys!