Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 120

Jason’s POV

Father’s message came early that morning, just after sunrise. The Sacrifice Ceremony was approaching, and he wanted to arrive in Silverfang ahead of time to “assist” with my preparations. I knew better. My father rarely involved himself in ceremonies unless there was something to gain.

By noon, I was already on my way to meet him at the southern border, accompanied by Beta Logan and Henry. When we arrived, Father was already waiting near the checkpoint, leaning casually against his car.

“Jason,” he greeted with a polite smile as he opened his arms. “You’ve been busy, haven’t you?”

I smiled politely and hesitated only for a second. My father didn’t do acts of affection, but this had to be for Beta Logan’s benefit. I stepped forward to hug him. “Busy, yes. But it’s good to see you, Father,” I said.

He pulled back and said, “You look well. The Silverfang climate seems to suit you better than Shadowclaw’s mountains.”

“Perhaps,” I said.

Father looked past me to Logan and greeted him. “Beta Logan, always a pleasure.”

Logan bowed his head respectfully. “Michael. Welcome to Silverfang territory. The Alpha King has already arranged your room in the guest wing.”

“Excellent,” Father said. “I appreciate your hospitality.”

We made our way back to the pack house. Father’s presence alone seemed to attract attention; every warrior we passed stood straighter. Once we arrived, Logan gave instructions to a few attendants, ensuring Father’s luggage was taken to his room.

After everything was arranged, Logan turned back to us. “The Alpha King wanted me to let you know that he’ll be hosting a dinner tomorrow evening. It’s meant to welcome you properly to Silverfang before the Sacrifice Ceremony.”

Father smiled knowingly. “That’s very kind of him. You’ll extend my gratitude, of course.”

“I will,” Logan said.

Father paused thoughtfully, then added, “If I may, Beta Logan, I believe it would be appropriate to invite Alpha Nolan as well. After all, he’s been serving Silverfang loyally these past months. I’d like to meet him again in a more formal setting.”

Logan considered this for a moment, then nodded. “That’s a good idea. I’ll make the arrangements.”

“Perfect,” Father said.

Once Logan left, the polite mask dropped. Father turned to me, his expression serious. “I see you are nowhere near becoming the Princess' mate."

"I'm working on it," I replied.

"How hard can it be to find a she-wolf?" Father growled.

"They are keeping her identity secret until the Sacrifice Ceremony," I explained.

"Then, you better find her and mark her before anyone else does," Father warned. "Or do I need to remind you what happens when you fail me?"

"No, I understand," I responded.

So,” he said, “tell me, how has our ‘ally’ been managing these days?”

“Still chasing ghosts. Nolan's been investigating his father’s death since the day he arrived. No progress so far.”

“How predictable. It is a little disappointing though. I thought he would have done more by now.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You know, Jason, perhaps it’s time we gave him a little push.”

“You mean provoke him into conflict with the Alpha King?”

“Precisely,” Father said.

'Are you not going to tell him how he saved Talia's life?' my wolf asked.

'He doesn't need to know that right now,' I responded.

'If he finds out that you withheld that information, he'll...' my wolf started.

'He won't,' I cut him off and pushed him back down.

“Good. Then tomorrow, during dinner, I’ll announce it in front of everyone. The Alpha King and his hot headed idiot of a son will demand to see the proof. Once that happens, Nolan’s fate will be sealed.”

“You really think the Alpha King will believe it?”

“The Alpha King has always been a fool. He has always jumped to conclusions before investigating. He will let his pride guide him,” Father answered.

“Should I prepare additional copies of the report, sir?” Henry asked.

“Yes,” Father said. “I want to ruin Nolan. I want to make sure everyone knows he is a traitor. Maybe even slip it to the news."

Henry bowed his head. “Understood.” He turned and left.

Father turned back to me, and patted the side of my face. “You’ve done well, Jason. Could've done better, but this is good. This is the kind of initiative I expect from my son.”

"Thank you," I said. I couldn't help but smile.

As I left his room, I felt excited but still uneasy about the situation. Part of me wanted to believe this would finally give us the upper hand. However, the other part couldn’t shake the thought that, once again, we were playing with fire. If this didn’t play out right, we would make an enemy of Alpha Nolan and the Blood Moon pack.

Still, I couldn’t deny the anticipation building inside me. Tomorrow’s dinner will change everything and for once, I will be on top.