Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 103

Jason’s POV

The Hunting Rite had ended, and I had taken first place. There should have been a celebration or at least a feast and yet, the Alpha King offered me no acknowledgment. Not even a word of praise or recognition. The silence gnawed at me. I had proven myself against the strongest alphas of every pack, yet it seemed to mean nothing to him.

The other pack leaders left quickly as they had no reason to remain. My father, however, lingered. Clearly frustrated by the inaction of the Alpha King.

“You should go to the Alpha King now,” he told me. “You earned this victory. Make use of it. Go demand your reward from the Alpha King. Solidify the marriage with the princess.”

“The timing is wrong,” I argued.

“What do you mean? You won. You are owed your reward,” my father countered.

“Talia was kidnapped,” I started.

“Not this again,” my father stated. “That omega doesn’t matter. The princess is what is important.”

“I know that, but Talia is important to the Alpha King and Prince Solon. She was poisoned and wounded. They are more worried about her than anything else,” I explained. “It’s not the right time.”

“It doesn’t matter what they think. The Alpha King is bound by tradition. He must honor the Hunting Rite,” he said, his voice sharp. “If you delay too long worrying about others’ feelings, you will miss this opportunity. Are you going to fail our pack again?”

“No, but…”

“Enough of your excuses!” my father snapped. “I don’t want to repeat myself, Jason.”

I watched him storm off. I released the breath I had been holding. It was so easy for him to be cold because he had always been a heartless bastard.

I still cared for Talia in my own way. I never wanted to see her harmed even when I believed Viki. Maybe embarrassed or humiliated, but nothing life threatening.

I had even gone to the hospital once, determined to see her. The moment I reached her floor; Solon blocked my path.

“You cannot enter,” he said flatly. “Go back.”

“I have a right to see her,” I argued. “I care about her more than you ever could.”

“Says the man that cheated on a fated mate bond,” Solon snorted. “You don’t care about her. You only care about control and how you look. Now, leave. Talia needs her rest. She doesn’t need you lingering around like a leech.”

“I will not be dismissed like a servant,” I snapped.

Solon didn’t argue further. He simply shoved me back with strength that sent me staggering into the wall. “Leave, Jason. Or I will remove you myself.”

The staff had watched our exchange and I was humiliated. He moved me like I was nothing. I knew then that if Talia hadn’t been kidnapped, I would not have won the Hunting Rite that felt even more shameful.

“You can’t keep me from her forever. I will speak with her. She is my mate,” I said, backing up. Solon didn’t say anything else but stared me down as I left.

I should be in the room tending to Talia not Solon. It should be me that she relies on from comfort. Talia was still my fated mate even if we rejected each other.

‘He’s doing this on purpose,’ my wolf suggested. ‘He must be afraid we’ll claim her again.’

“Then, you need to tell the Alpha King as soon as possible.”

“No, not yet.”

“What? Why? Talia is practically on her death bed.”

“Just trust me. Go back to your room,” I said dismissing him. Henry looked like he wanted to ask me a thousand questions, but he restrained himself. He nodded and left my room.

I sent a message to Windpaw’s Alpha, Lane. My words were direct. I need confirmation. Is the healer Leslie within your pack?

The wait felt endless, though only minutes passed. Then the reply came. Yes. She remains with us. Why do you ask?

Relief surged through me. I did not explain to Lane why I asked. There was no time for long exchanges.

That knowledge was mine now, and I would use it.

I left my room and made my way to the Alpha King’s wing. Guards at the entrance tried to stop me, but I shook them off. “Move. I need to speak with the Alpha King. This is about Talia’s life.”

After hearing her name, the guards stepped out of my way. Two followed after me. I reached the double doors leading to the Alpha King’s meeting room. I squared my shoulders.

Whatever tension lay between us, whatever doubt he held toward me, I had information that could save Talia’s life. He needed to hear it from me.

I knocked once, then pushed the doors open and stepped inside to face him.