I’ve had the energy flare up from time to time, but never knew about the Laighir —or that this curse could be used for good.”
“It’s not a curse, Juno. It’s an amazing gift—and a rare one at that.” Thayer let out a long sigh and glanced over at Greyson, before focusing back on Juno. “Look… You’d be a valued member of our pack, and would hold an esteemed position, given that your mere presence among us would have a greater effect than you can ever know. We’d give you your own place, take care of you, give you whatever it is you need.”
Greyson was ready to fucking lose it, his words spoken through gritted teeth—especially when he knew that things between him and Juno were still uneasy. “She has a pack, has a place, and as my wife, she’ll never want for anything. I don’t mean to negate the importance of a Laighir to your pack, but Juno stays with me.”
Thayer sat back and pinned Greyson with a matter-of-fact stare. “I don’t think that’s your decision to make. It’s Juno’s.”
Chapter Eleven
Juno’s head was spinning, and she may have been stressed out before, but it was nothing compared to what she was now going through. Though it was clear Thayer wanted her to take him up on his offer, and she was thankful to have options, his motives were clearly selfish, and left her feeling confused and backed into a corner.
“Well, I’m glad we’ve, at the very least, given up on the asinine idea of fighting for me.” She glared at Thayer, fully aware that the man was alpha of his pack, and could easily tear her to pieces before her power ever warmed up. Not that Greyson would let her come to harm.
“Darling, that’s not entirely off the table, depending how things play out.” He gave her a crooked smile that was all charm, even as her eyes narrowed at him and Greyson let out a low growl.
But before Greyson could rip out Thayer’s throat and start a war between their packs, she stepped in. “The name’s Juno—not darling. And the two of you could tear each other limb from limb, and it wouldn’t change the fact that whether I stay or go, it’s my choice.”
“Is it?” Thayer sat forward, closing the distance between them, though he still kept up his charming smile. “I don’t mean any offense, but…we’re deadly predators. And you look more suited to a Seattle coffeehouse than the wilds of the mountains. You’re in a world that doesn’t play by your society’s rules, nor your values. So though you may think you have a say in all this—and knowing Greyson, he’s likely been nice enough to extend you the courtesy of a choice—the truth of the matter is, you don’t truly get to decide what happens to you. Isn’t that right, Greyson?”
“Stop being an antagonistic shit.” Greyson shook his head with a scowl aimed in Thayer’s direction, even as he pulled her in close. “And you’re fucking clueless if you think you’ll get Juno to do anything by threatening her.”
She couldn’t help but look up at Greyson and smile. They may not have known each other long, but it really did feel like he knew the heart of her like no one else ever had. She couldn’t help but fall for him just a little more, as he claimed yet another piece of her heart.
“Then let me offer you my apologies, Juno, since my offer still stands. You’d be a valued member of this pack—and if Greyson came with you, it would link our packs, which would be greatly beneficial.” Thayer shifted his gaze from her to Greyson. “You know it’s the truth. It’d solidify the alliance between our people.”
Juno looked up at Greyson in question, wondering what his take on it would be since she was still unsure of things when it came to pack politics. What Thayer said seemed to make sense, though whether it was actually a good idea, she didn’t really know. “Sure—it’d be good for our packs. But I’m not going to pressure Juno into something she’s not comfortable with, and our marriage