Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 121

Talia’s POV

"How in the hell is he able to keep up with anything in this mess?" I muttered as I filed away a stack of papers into a filing cabinet. It barely looked like I made a dent in the messy pile still on Solon's desk.

I had been at this for two hours. First, I had to organize the filing cabinet which was the hardest part. Now, I could deal with the reports on his desk.

It was about an hour later when Solon walked into his office. He still managed to smile even though he looked exhausted.

“You really made yourself at home,” he said, dropping another pile of files on his desk. “I turned my back for a few days, and you’ve already taken over my work.”

"I have to make up for time lost while I was recovering," I responded. "And someone has to make sure you don’t drown in work. You were getting real close.”

“You’d think after you were poisoned, you’d take it easy for a while," Solon said as he leaned against a wall as he watched me work.

“I am taking it easy,” I said, holding up a file. “This is easy compared to fighting rogues.”

“You know, I’ve been so busy with pack affairs lately that I almost forgot we’re supposed to have guests tonight.”

“Guests?” I asked, glancing up.

“Father is hosting a dinner,” Solon explained. “Jason’s father, Michael, arrived this morning. Apparently, he wanted to come before the Sacrifice Ceremony to discuss something with the Alpha King.”

“Michael?” I repeated, making sure I’d heard him right.

“Yes, Elder Michael of Shadowclaw," Solon said with a nod.

“I didn’t know they were on good terms," I said.

“They used to be,” Solon said. “Before all the politics between the packs got messy, but that was a long time ago.”

The thought of that man being in Silverfang again bothered me. There was no need for him to be here early unless he had something planned. With Jason warning me about Nolan and now Michael was here early, this felt like more of a coincidence.

“He’s planning something," I warned. "We need to warn Father."

Solon gave a short laugh. “Talia, not everyone who visits Silverfang is part of some conspiracy.”

“I'm not kidding, Solon. You don’t know that man like I do,” I said. “Michael’s timing is too convenient. The Sacrifice Ceremony hasn’t even started. Why come now?”

“Maybe he just wants to see his son," Solon shrugged.

“You know that’s not true," I countered. "That man barely likes Jason."

Solon sighed, walking to the window. “I’m not saying you’re wrong, but Father knows him better than both of us. I think it'll be ok."

I closed the filing cabinet and fully turned to face Solon. “I’m serious, Solon. You and Father should be careful tonight.”

“You really think that cold old man would try anything in the Alpha King’s own house? He wouldn’t dare. He’s smart enough to know he wouldn’t make it out alive," Solon reassured.

“That’s what worries me,” I said again, standing from the chair. “If he’s here, he has something planned. He’s too calculating to take risks without something to gain.”

The smile on Solon's face faded slightly the more I explained. “Don't worry. We'll be careful,” he said.

I gave him a look that made it clear I didn’t believe him. “Who else is invited?”

“The usual council members,” Solon answered. “And Michael asked specifically for Alpha Nolan to attend.”

“Why?” I asked.

“He said he wanted to meet the Bloodmoon Alpha in person,” Solon explained. “You know how these old men like to measure each other up before they talk politics.”

“Or he wants to manipulate him,” I said under my breath.

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