Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 114

Talia’s POV

"What are you doing? Don't call him over here!" I hissed at her.

"I'm helping you get over this awkwardness," Della responded with a grin. "I'll prove that he likes you."

"No, wait, Della," I started but the damage was done. The guards had already opened the gate to the rose garden to allow Nolan in. He moved with his usual calm stride. He scanned the garden before focusing on us. I forced myself to look indifferent.

“Alpha Nolan,” Della greeted first.

“Good afternoon,” I greeted, trying to sound calm.

Nolan didn't take his eyes off me. I maintained his gaze. Right when I was starting to feel uncomfortable, he nodded and said, “Princess. Miss Della.”

Della smiled. “No need to be so formal. I haven’t had the chance to thank you properly,” she said. “You saved Talia’s life. We all owe you.”

“There’s no need to thank me. I did what anyone in my position would have done,” Nolan responded.

Hearing him say that again made me think about last night. He might as well have rejected me again. "You make it sound so simple," I said softly.

Nolan didn’t respond right away. I could've sworn he looked guilty for a moment. “I need to leave. The Alpha King requested my presence."

“So you weren’t visiting?” Della asked.

“No, I was only passing through,” Nolan stated before walking away. He paused and looked back at me. “But it’s good to see you’re recovering.” Nolan continued back toward the gate.

“Thank you,” I managed to say.

Nolan didn't turn around but raised his hand in goodbye.

I watched him leave. He was distant today. The warmth and care he briefly showed during my recovery was gone. I wonder if the mate bond affected me more than him.

“He’s acting strange today," Della said, bringing me out of my thoughts. "I guess that was one hell of a question you asked him last night."

I nodded slightly. “Perhaps. He could just have a lot on his mind. Meeting my father does stress him out.” Deep down, I knew it was more than that. By forcing him to admit to the mate bond, I felt as if I pushed him further away.

Before I could dwell on it further, a familiar voice called out. “Talia!”

I turned and saw Jason approaching from the main path. I could hear Della growling next to me. I gripped her wrist and shook my head.

"Fine," she muttered. "If he does one thing, I mean one thing, I'm kicking his ass."

“Alpha Jason,” I said. “What are you doing here?”

He stopped in front of me, his eyes sweeping over me. I resisted the urge to cringe. “I came to see how you’re recovering. You look much better," Jason said.

“I’m fine,” I said. “And I heard you found Healer Leslie. Solon told me everything. Thank you for your help.”

He gave a self-satisfied smile. “Yes, I was the one who found her. I had hoped you’d hear it from me, though.”

Della crossed her arms and scoffed, “We’ve been busy keeping her alive. You’ll have to forgive us for not sending a thank-you note.”

Della took a step forward, glaring. “That sounds like something YOU would do, not Nolan.”

“Talia,” Jason said, ignoring Della. “Listen to me. I once wanted to marry the princess because of duty. I wanted to unite Shadowclaw and Silverfang, but the truth is, that isn’t where my heart is. I care about you. I want to protect you from him.”

"You got to be kidding me?" Della groaned, rubbing her temples.

“You deserve someone who values you, not someone who treats you like a tool," Jason continued.

Della scoffed. “That’s rich coming from you. If Viki hadn't been a fake, you wouldn't even be worrying about Talia right now. Why can’t you just leave her alone?”

"I'm telling the truth," Jason said again. "I don't care if you believe me, but Talia, please believe me."

I shook my head. "No, you have lied so many times."

“If you don’t believe me, ask Marco yourself. Ask him who told him to use the Nightveil herb on you. You’ll see I’m right," Jason suggested.

I felt cold all over. Jason had that smug smile on his face. He only smiled like that if he knew he had the upper hand. Did Marco really poison me?

Della placed a hand on my arm as if she knew what I was thinking. “Don’t listen to him. He’s trying to drive a wedge between you and Nolan,” Della reassured me. “He’s just a jealous asshole. Ignore him. Guards!”

“Think what you want, but I’m the only one telling you the truth.” Jason quickly turned and left before the guards came.

I wanted to ignore everything he said, but doubt had already begun to creep in.