Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 133

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & THIRTY THREE 

Talia’s POV 

Over the past few days, it had become clear that my father and Solon were trying to push me and Colin closer together. Colin had been given a guest suite only a few doors from mine. Every time I went for a walk in the gardens or stopped by the training grounds, somehow Colin was already there, smiling and ready to talk. 

At dinner, Father often invited him to sit beside me. When I asked Solon about it, he just smirked and said it was “good for diplomatic relations.” Della, of course, found the whole thing entertaining. 

“Face it,” she said one morning as she lay slouched on my couch. “You and Colin look perfect together. I mean come on, he followed you around like a lost puppy when you were little.” 

“We were kids. That was so many years ago,” I said. 

Della grinned. “It doesn’t matter. He still likes you. You can’t tell me you don’t see that.” 

I sighed. “He’s kind, and I like spending time with him, but that doesn’t mean he’s my mate.” 

“No, he’s not,” Della said, “but you have to agree that having a chosen mate that wants to be with you is better than having a destined mate that doesn’t want you.” 

Her words hit harder than I wanted to admit. Della only knew about Jason. She had no idea that Nolan also didn’t want me either. “Sorry, Talia. I didn’t mean to upset you,” Della apologized after seeing my solemn expression. 

“It’s fine, really,” I said with a shrug. 

The next day, Colin stopped by the rose garden while I was trimming the vines. “You’re working too hard,” he said as he took the shears away from me. 

“Do you know what you are doing?” I asked. 

“Of course I do. It was you that taught me how to take care of them,” Colin replied. “and almost cut off my thumb in the process. 

I couldn’t help but laugh at the memory. I had been so upset after he butchered one of my bushes that I put him through a crash course on how to take care of rose bushes. 

“So, what are you doing out here?” I asked. 

“I thought you might like to get out for a while,” Colin answered as he put the shears down. He looked faintly embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I was hoping to visit the previous waterfall. The one we used to play at. Thought you might want to come along.” 

The memory made me smile. “The one near the ridge? I haven’t been there in years.” 

“Then it’s settled,” Colin said. “We can leave after lunch. See you then, Talia.” 

I watched him leave before I decided I needed to go inside to bathe. I found Della lounging in my room. She noticed my flushed face and said, “No way. He made a pass at you, didn’t he?” 

“What…what are you talking about?” I stammered. 

“Unh-uh, don’t play dumb with me. He asked you out on a date, didn’t he?” 

“It’s not a date,” I said quickly. 

“Oh my goddess, he did!” she exclaimed. “Where? When? Give me all the details.” 

“We’re just going to the waterfall we used to play at when we were kids. It’s not a big deal,” I answered.  

“You just happen to be going to a romantic waterfall with the boy who’s always liked you,” Della said. “That’s a damn date. Go shower. Now we have to think about your entire wardrobe.” 

“No, I am keeping it simple. This is not a date,” I told her firmly. 

“Sure, if you say so,” Della teased. 

After lunch, I met Colin near the stables. He was already waiting with two horses saddled. “I thought we could switch it up,” 

Colin said. 

“I haven’t ridden a horse in a long time,” I said. 

Colin beamed at my response. I couldn’t help but blush. We followed the trail leading out of the main gates. 

Colin waved it off. “Don’t apologize. If anything, I’m glad I was here. He shouldn’t speak to you like that.” 

We continued the ride in silence after that. The trail wound through the forest until we reached the clearing by the waterfall. Mist rose from the water’s edge and sparkled in the sunlight. 

“It hasn’t changed much,” Colin said, dismounting. “Still as beautiful as I remember.” 

I smiled, looking at the sunlight reflecting off the water. “It feels smaller now.” 

“Maybe we just got taller,” he said with a grin. 

I laughed. “Maybe.” 

We sat near the rocks with our horses grazing nearby. After a while, I broke the silence. “It was smart to tell him it was a date. I am sure Jason is still angry about it now.” 

Colin laughed nervously and said, “Well, I thought it sounded better than just saying I wanted to spend time with you.” 

“What do you mean?” I asked. 

“When I heard you’d married Jason, I was angry, mostly at myself. I should’ve told you how I felt back then, but I didn’t. I kept overthinking it and by the time I wanted to, it was too late.” 

His honesty startled me. “Colin…” 

“I can’t change the past. All I have is the present. I want to be with you, Talia. Not out of pity, not because of your title, but because I’ve always cared about you. Let me make you happy. Be my mate.” 

I looked at him, unsure what to say. Part of me was touched, and another part afraid. I really wish my wolf was back. She would know what to say. 

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “So much has happened. I need time.” 

Colin nodded, smiling gently. “Then I’ll wait. I’ve waited this long already. A little longer won’t matter.”