Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Talia’s POV

The ballroom was already full when Della and I stepped through the arched doors of the Silverfang palace. Moonlight shimmered through the tall glass windows, casting a soft silver glow over everything.

Werewolves, both visiting and of our own pack, mingled in clusters beneath cascading chandeliers. Music played softly in the background.

Della tightened her grip on my arm, her green eyes sweeping across the room like a sentinel on patrol.

“If Jason so much as breathes near you,” she muttered, “I’ll rip his damn throat out.”

I chuckled. “Relax. He hates formal Alpha events. He probably won’t even come.”

Her shoulders relaxed, but barely. “Good. The selfish prick wouldn’t be able to stomach the sight of you glowing anyway. Probably burst a blood vessel.”

We passed a group of Beta–ranked guests bowing politely in our direction. I offered them a courteous nod before leaning toward Della.

“It doesn’t matter how he feels or thinks. The mate bond is broken. He can’t hurt me anymore. I’m free.”

A proud smile curled her lips. “Then it’s time for you to have some fun, don’t you think? I’m throwing you a pool party next week. I’ve got a list of eligible Alphas that I know are dying to meet you. You can thank me later.”

I laughed. “You’re impossible.”

“No, I’m your best friend,” she said with a wink. “And I plan to enjoy watching every one of them treat you like the princess that

you are.

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Before I could respond, a server passed by with a tray of crystal glasses filled with rose wine. Della grabbed one for herself and handed me another.

“To new beginnings,” she said, clinking our glasses.

“To new beginnings,” I echoed, sipping the chilled wine.

The party was still warming up, and my father and Solon hadn’t arrived yet. They were likely handling last–minute formalities with the Elders. Della led me toward the lounge area to relax until the official announcements began.

We barely made it ten steps before we heard raised voices.

Della stopped mid–step. “What is going on at the entrance?”

My wolf stirred, tense and irritated. ‘Who would dare make a scene on our night?‘ she growled.

Della and I turned to look at the growing crowd at the entrance, People were murmuring about poor etiquette and shameful behavior.

“I said I’m going in!” a shrill voice snapped so loud it could be heard over the music.

“Stay here,” Della said.

But I followed her anyway because I knew that voice.

Della and I walked to the front foyer. A cluster of guards stood in a tight formation at the doors, facing off with a woman in a gaudy crimson gown so tight it looked painted on. Her makeup was thick, her heels too high for this kind of event, her blonde curls were being sweated out due to her frantically trying to push forward, and her perfume brought a wave of nausea.

Viki.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

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“I’m Alpha Jason’s fiancée!” she barked. “He’ll be here any minute! Let me in!”

So, it was true. He really intended to make her his Luna. Realizing I had been right the entire time about his intentions made me feel vindicated, but it still hurt.

It didn’t hurt because I regretted my decision. It hurt because it was another reminder that I wasted years on someone who was unworthy.

Viki tried to walk forward again, but one of the guards pushed her back.

“I’m sorry, miss,” one said evenly, “but only officially invited Alphas and Lunas are allowed to enter. And we haven’t received any formal recognition of a new Luna for the Shadowclaw pack.”

“I am the Luna!”

“There’s no official Luna of Shadowclaw on record at this time.”

Viki’s eyes flared with disbelief. “How dare you speak to me like that? I’ll have Jason…”

“He’s not here,” the older guard cut in. “And even if he was, this territory belongs to Silverfang. Unless your status is recognized here, you have no right to enter.”

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