My Mate Chose My Best Friend, So His Uncle Claimed Me novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25: His Territory

And just like that, Lucretius dragged me to the nearest divine temple the very next day… and we got married.

I still couldn’t wrap my head around it. One moment, Lucretius planned to introduce me as his fiancée at his birthday party and had an engagement party a few days later, and now… There was a change of plans.

I was now Euphyllia Ivara Ruinart–Franciosa, wife of Lucretius Xior Franciosa.

My fingers still tingled from where Lucretius had slid the wedding band onto my left hand. My eyes even settled on the ring itself, which had a heavy presence of history and expectation.

This ring wasn’t just any bad. It was a family heirloom of the House of Franciosa that only the true Luna of the Golden Eclipse Pack was ever permitted to wear.

The metal itself was forged of pure white gold, and its surface was etched with intricate eclipse patterns, that was matched on my ivory porcelain skin. At its center, there was a deep amber gemstone, looking rare and luminous, that looked like the sun rose to the east.

To think that Lucretius would have me wear this ring was a heavy responsibility already. He was really earnest about binding me to our contract, and now, I was his wife.

I was also bound to use his power wherever and whenever I wished. I was free to execute anything that was beyond my powers.

“We will have another wedding before my nephew can marry his fiancée.”

I snapped back to reality when Lucretius spoke, his hand clasping over mine as we were in a carriage to pursue his work

schedule.

I creased my forehead from his words. “Another… wedding?” I parroted. “Wasn’t this wedding enough?” I asked, bewildered.

I couldn’t help the sensation crawling through my skin when his thumb was drawing circles on the back of my hand. He was simply holding it, neither too tight nor too loose. It was just enough to cover my hand with his large hand.

Lucretius‘ lips curled into a grin. “It doesn’t mean that I am going to settle in this intimate wedding. We will have a grandiose one that is enough for Redmund and Lilith to envy. Don’t you want that?”

I opened my mouth to retort, but discontinued when he made a point. I thought about it.

If Lucretius got married, it would mean that Redmund had no chance of becoming the next Alpha. I thought his plan of announcing us as already married would ruin the engagement before we could get married, but instead, it exceeded my

expectations.

That made me delighted.

But as I turned to him, his grin had already deepened. It seemed like he had predicted my pleased reaction.

“Then, is it true that they are going to get married after a week?” I confirmed because I heard that from Lilith.

He nodded, his eyes darted at the outside of the carriage. “Indeed. My nephew intends to introduce her to his parents tomorrow, and he asks for my blessing for it.”

I knew it. I overheard Redmund when he approached his uncle yesterday.

I blinked. “Your blessing?” The words came out of my lips before I could stop myself.

It was too late to revoke it when his smile stretched from ear to ear. “Of course. Redmund thinks he needs my approval to wed.

He forgets that every step he takes is already within my control. Let him come and ask for my consent,” he paused just so he could look at me. “By then, it will already be too late.”

Achill ran down my spine. It was not fear, it was a chilling satisfaction.

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Chapter 25 His Territory

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Lucretius wasn’t bluffing. He never bluffed. He wouldn’t be called a strategic commander if he hadn’t lived up to his military role. And I couldn’t deny how thrilling it was to be on his side.

He was really the anomaly that could help me avenge my broken heart. Glad that I had agreed to accept his proposal.

His way of thinking was far from what I could imagine. He was a cunning person, and I wouldn’t want to be his enemy. Because I knew that I couldn’t outsmart him, and he was way ahead of me.

That was our difference.

“So…” I slowly heaved out a sigh, calming myself when my heart was palpitating so fast from the excitement. I tilted my head, meeting his gaze. “When he asks for your blessing, what will you say?”

Lucretius leaned closer, his hot breath brushing against my ear, his thumb still tracing small circles on the back of my hand. “I’ll tell him my Luna and I will be hosting our grand wedding before his pitiful one. And then…” He nibbled my earlobe, making me close my eyes. “My beautiful Luna will watch their faces when they realize they’re already lost.”

I slowly inhaled sharply as my body shivered from his plans. Just by imagining the look of Redmund and Lilith’s faces having a humiliation reaction was delicious in a way that made my confidence elevate.

My brokenhearted wolf had a small celebration because we knew that we would see their downfall.

“You’re right.” I finally agreed. “I like your plan.”

Lucretius watched me, looking amused with a dark affection flickering in his eyes. He tightened his hold for a second. “Good,” he murmured. “Now, play your part well, my dear Luna. Wear the ring. Smile at them. Let them taste that it’s a checkmate for

ile crept to my lips as I nodded. Their downfall was within my grasp, and all I had to do was entrust

devil was definitely worth it.

e since we were in the carriage, I had finally let myself look out the carriage window properly.

had finally arrived to his territory, the Golden Eclipse Pack. I held my breath because this was my very first time entering to one of the dangerous packs in the Waevalon Kingdom, and I couldn’t believe that I would become the Luna of this pack.

From afar, I could see the wide training grounds where men sparring with wooden blades. Some of them were drawing bows, others were sparring using their wolf forms.

They also had vast wheat fields that would soon be ready for harvest. And the farmers were retiring in a hut built in the middle of the fields. There were even some pack children running back and forth as they waved in our carriage.

“Alpha! Alpha!” they said in unison.

Lucretius chuckled when the carriage had passed by them. He reciprocated them by waving back before leaning back to his seat. The children chirped as they shouted, “Alpha Lucretius is back!”

“You seem popular with children,” I pointed out, couldn’t help teasing him.

Lucretius was always the type of man who exuded commanding presence to everyone that he could match the energy of the upper military ranking officials. He could smile, but the kind of smile he displayed was anything but flirtatious. It was a calculated, formal smile that concealed his true emotions.

What I had seen when he smiled at those children was different from what I had seen. It was a… bona fide one. That I must say.

And it unsettled me more than his cunning ever did.

Lucretius‘ eyes lingered in my direction, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Children are the most welcoming creatures than most adults, Euphyllia. They know who deserve their trust without needing words. Perhaps that is why they favor me,” he said

Chapter 25 His Territory

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meaningfully as if silently telling me that I did the same thing.

Before I could reply, the carriage had slowed down, causing me to be distracted. I slowly exhaled as my heart palpitated as the tall iron gates of the Franciosa estate opened. My jaw almost dropped upon seeing how big his estate was. It had some stone walls glimmering faintly under the lanterns. There were even some pack warriors standing on guard at every corner.

And last but not the least, the House of Franciosa crest, a golden eclipse encircled by flames, etched into the gates.

My dear Moon Goddess… My husband was such a wealthy man…

I gulped as we disembarked, but I halted upon remembering the ring on my left hand. I turned at Lucretius when he was about to reach the carriage door.

“Lucretius,” I called, reaching for his hand. “We cannot let them see,” I whispered, slipping the ring from my finger before placing it on his palm.

His face slightly contorted as he pursed his lips into a thin line. I thought that he was displeased at my behavior, but I caught a glint of approval from his eyes before finally tucking it away in the pocket of his coat.

“Wise of you,” he murmured, his breath brushing close to my ear. “Tomorrow, everyone will know that you are my wife. And we will perform the Luna ceremony a few days later.” I gulped when I sensed the danger in his tone before he straightened again, his mask of aloof command enveloped him.

As we entered the manor, we were greeted by two figures who approached us.

The man was tall, having lighter hair than Lucretius, but had the same sharp Franciosa jawline. At his side stood a woman with warm chestnut hair, her beauty striking in a softer, more approachable way.

inched myself upon knowing these two. Even though I hadn’t met them personally, the resemblance to the man who

was obvious a lot.

Romina Franciosa…

ple I once thought I could meet in person if Redmund had introduced me to everyone as his mate.

Cher,” Lord Lorenzo greeted, smoothening a smile. “You’re back at last! We thought you might not make it to your birthday

morrow.”

Lichzo,” Lucretius replied, acknowledging him. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He scoffed a smirk.

Lorenzo chuckled before darting his eyes at me, his eyes squinting. “And this must be…” he paused, keen with curiosity.

I was about to open my mouth, but Lucretius‘ hand rested lightly on my back, guiding me forward. “She’s my assistant. Euphyllia Ivara Ruinart,” he introduced, his tone making it clear there was no room for doubt. “She will be staying in the guest chambers. I’ve personally invited her to my birthday gathering, so ensure the household staff makes the necessary preparations.

Lorenzo inclined his head. “Of course, brother. It will be done.”

“Good.” Lucretius nodded once before gesturing with his hand at the woman beside Lorenzo. “This is Romina, Lorenzo’s mate

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