My Mate Chose My Best Friend, So His Uncle Claimed Me novel Chapter 29

I met Joaquin in the hallway when I was on my way to Lucretius‘ study room. He paused mid- step, bowed his head toward me, and then continued walking in the opposite direction.

I blinked, unable to process the sign of respect he showed. He might not greet me, but the level of aspect of greeting by action was enough for me that Joaquin was recognizing me as their Luna.

And that was insane. I didn’t deserve to become a Luna in one of the wealthiest packs. Never had I imagined myself to dream something big like this, but here I was. I would be performing the Luna ceremony soon.

My mind was wandering about that thought until I snapped back when I reached Lucretius‘ study room. For an instant, my heart was pounding so loud when my knuckles hit the mahogany door.

I counted three before heaving out a sigh. “Commander, it’s me.” My hands felt clammy when I extended my hand to the doorknob because I knew that once I got inside, my relationship with Lucretius wasn’t just commander and assistant, but a husband and a wife.

As I opened, Lucretius’s back was the first thing I saw while he was looking into some

documents in the cabinet. “Euphyllia, good timing,” he said, beckoning with his hand. “I need your expertise here before dispatching.” He pulled a folder and opened as he walked back to his desk

“What is it?” I asked, closing the door.

He settled into his chair, his eyes fixating on the documents. “Our scouts reported that the Auritaurie warfront has shifted. The eastern ridge is in a heavy situation where more rogues are being dispatched than anticipated. If we move our forces there, the southern line weakens. But if we don’t, we risk leaving the ridge exposed”

He leaned back, his fingers drumming on the armrest before transferring his gaze to me. “You were a tactical keeper, my little soldier. Tell me. Where would you concentrate the reinforcements? The ridge or the south?”

His question ignited something inside me. This kind of question always excited me whenever Marlin asked for my opinion.

I stepped forward, drawn toward the maps spread across his disk. My fingers brushed lightly over the map lines, imagining the situation he told me. Memories were tugging at me of nights spent dissecting formations until my eyes arched.

I crossed my arms over my chest before raising my hand to caress my chin. “The ridge looks urgent, indeed,” I murmured, tracing the border of the Auritaurie and the location of the

rogues

and soldiers, “but the south controls the supply routes. If they collapse, the ridge won’t last long anyway.” I glanced up at him, my tongue almost drawing back at the intensity of his stare. “I’d send decoys to hold the ridge just long enough, then move the main support

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south. Secure the lifeline first.”

If sending decoys, Lucretius‘ squadrons could handle the case. They were excellent at executing the orders and what had to be done. I wanted to add, but I knew well that he didn’t ask me about it.

Lucretius nodded in approval. “Exactly what I had in mind.”

My heart leaped out of my ribcage. His approval meant so much to me. Since he was a strategic commander, I wanted our minds to meet together.

He closed the folder and pushed it toward me. “This report needs to be delivered to Commander Rachelle in the nearby town located in the north–east. She’ll coordinate her troops with ours once she reads the analysis.”

My breath hitched upon hearing the name. “C–Commander Rachelle?” My eyes lit up with

excitement.

He nodded curtly, but his forehead creased seeing my reaction. “Oh, dear… Don’t tell me you’re actually excited to see that stubborn commander!” he said in disbelief.

I gasped. “What do you mean, stubborn commander?!” I looked at him in disbelief. “She’s… She’s more than just a commander. She’s the first female battle commander! She’s a legend!” I emphasized, not accepting what he said.

I understood what he meant. Commander Rachelle often acted recklessly, ignoring orders from high–ranking officers. She despised paperwork, which explained her constant attempts to evade her assistant. She had a habit of talking back to everyone, including our former Alpha King, especially since he treated her like his daughter.

But even so, I still liked her for being who she really was. She looked like a carefree person. It was the reason why I told Marlin I wanted to be Commander Rachelle’s assistant instead.

He arched his eyebrow. “And?”

I almost threw a fit at his nonchalant response. “Of course, she’s the first woman who ever broke into the military ranks. The one who forced the Council and even the former Alpha King to allow women to enlist.” My words escaped out of my mouth before I could stop them. “I used to read about her every night during my training. She’s the reason I ever dared to dream of joining in the first place… why I became a tactical keeper…” I clasped my hands together, looking at the window as if I could see her image.

“She’s the main reason why Alpha Derrick has been inspired to allow women to be trained, and why do you think I am one of the Gammas in my pack?”

“Because of her, other neighboring kingdoms are implementing policies that allow women to participate in activities previously reserved for men. She changed history!”

“When you mention her name, every man and woman in the room turns their head. She’s way more popular than you—‘

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I froze, realized what I had just blurted out. My hands hastily covered my mouth, but it was too late for that when I caught the way Lucretius eyes narrowed in my direction.

He leaned back in his chair, studying me with that cool composure, but there was something else there, too. Was it… almost like jealousy?

I gulped, feeling my cheeks burning from embarrassment. “I… I didn’t mean…‘

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He raised a brow, the corner of his mouth twitching. I couldn’t surmise if he was annoyed or amused. It was hard to decipher.

“More popular than me, huh?” His voice was low and dangerous.

That made me chuckle nervously. “I–I didn’t say it like that…” I blurted, flustered as I was trying to find some words to dissipate his annoyance right now. “I mean… y–you’re popular, of course. Terrifyingly popular for women. But Commander Rachelle… She’s an icon for everyone! The first woman who broke the chain and proved that strength isn’t bound by gender. She’s… She’s the reason girls like me even dared to dream of strategy and war tables. She’s… She’s everything…”

My chest tightened as a thrilling smile crept to my lips, and my hands moved animatedly. It was as if I could paint her image in the air.

I could even see my eyes sparkling.

“When her name is spoken, it’s like everything changes. People listen. People believe. Do you know what it’s like to see her walk into a hall? She’s like a goddess straight from the celestial realm, and even the most arrogant officers-”

I came to a halt upon the realization that I rambled again without noticing it, and that I had said way too much. Damn it!

The way Lucretius was looking at me screamed dangerous right now. And he was already folding his arms over his chest.

Suddenly, I felt like I wanted to be buried six feet below the ground.

“In other words, you admire her more than you almire me.”

My jaw almost dropped at what he said. What? “That’s not… You’re twisting my words!”

Of course, I would admire her because she’s my idol! But I couldn’t find myself to say that or I would bring myself into trouble.

“Am I?” His tone might sound calm, but the daggers in his eyes told another story.

“You’re not the same!” I protested, throwing up my hands. “She’s Commander Rachelle Simon! She changed history. And you’re-” I bit my lower lip to stop myself.

I cussed under my breath. I forgot the motto that the less you talk, the fewer mistakes you make. And here I was… making more mistakes than ever.

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Lucretius‘ eyes darkened. “And I’m?”

My lips parted. What must I suppose to answer?.my husband,” I muttered, unbeknownst if he heard me properly or not.

A smirk tugged at his lips as he leaned forward, his head tilting. “Perhaps you should remember who you owe your loyalty to, Euphyllia. Idol or not.”

I frowned, looking at him as if he had grown another head from the absurdity of his words. ” You make it sound like I’m betraying you just for admiring someone.” I squinted my eyes. Let me remind you that the person I am admiring is a woman, not a man. That’s not fair.”

I almost huffed. I had finally come up with a rebuttal against him.

His smirk widened as if my irritation only entertained him more. “Not fair, isn’t it? And yet you are sparkling just now, singing her praises, while your own husband was sitting right here, being compared like a second–rate officer.”

“I did not compare you!” I shot back, my voice rising in defense while feeling flustered. The nerve of this man… I swear to the Moon Goddess. “You’re… You’re completely different. She’s my inspiration, and you’re-” I halted as fast as the lightning bolt again, realizing too late what I was about to say.

His eyes gleamed with mischief. “I’m…?”

I opened my mouth to answer him, but no words were coming out. But I could tell that my face was as bright as a tomato at this moment.

“I’m…?” Lucretius asked one more time as he stood up. “Cat got your tongue, wifey?”

When he strode in my direction, an alarming bell rang in my head as I stifled a gasp. “S–Stay right there!” I asked, panicking as I took a step back.

But before I could even turn my back and run away, Lucretius used his wolf speed to snatch me by my waist. “I’m, what?” He pressed himself against me as he cupped my cheek. His gaze screamed dánger when he lowered his face. “You can praise her, yet you cannot utter a single word to praise me, wifey?”

I swallowed hard, my hands pressing against his chest. “L–Lucretius, hold on. I—”

His thumb slid slowly along my jaw, tilting my face to meet his. “Say it,” he murmured, his husky voice causing my heart to palpitate so fast and my sensitive bud to pulsate in need. ” You’ve rambled about Commander Rachelle until the whole room would have stood to clap for her, yet for your husband…” His lips flicked dangerously close to my ear. “Nothing?”

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