Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 138

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & THIRTY EIGHT 

Nolan’s POV 

The ceremony grounds were already full by Sam. Every Alpha from the major packs had gathered. Their banners displayed along the outer walls in multiple shades of silver, gold, crimson, and blue. Strings of lights hung between the old pines. Their glow catching on polished stone and silver decorations. The stage had been rebuilt since the last celebration. Its wide steps leading to an altar were covered in white cloth and bowls of moon lilies. 

I sat in the front row. 

Around me, people were talking. I didn’t need to listen closely to know what they were saying. Word of me poisoning the Alpha King spread quickly, and the fact that I was still alive seemed to unsettle them. No one dared to meet my eyes for long. 

I’d grown used to the way people looked at me with fear, curiosity, and barely concealed distrust, so I didn’t care. 

Then. Jason and Michael walked toward the front. I felt my wolf bristle within me. I ignored him. We would play nice today. 

“Alpha Nolan,” he said lightly as they approached. “A grand place, isn’t it?” 

I didn’t look at him. “That depends on how you define grand,” I said. 

Michael chuckled and took the seat to my right, with Jason beside him. “It’s good to see you. I trust there are no hard feelings after the inquiry?” 

I turned my head just enough to meet his gaze. “You mean the inquiry you staged to have me executed?” 

His smile faltered for half a second, but he recovered quickly. “Business between Alphas can get messy. No need to dwell on the past.” 

“I am not dwelling,” I told him. “A shame that Jason forgot what I told him when we first became allies.” 

Jason shifted uncomfortably but said nothing. I would get even with them. If they thought they were safe, they were fools. 

I focused my attention back on the stage, ending the conversation. 

The murmurs around us quieted as another Alpha made his way down the aisle. It was Alpha Colin. 

He carried himself with the same calm confidence I remember from the first time I saw him: confident, charming, and far too composed. His pack’s crest gleamed on the shoulder of his tailored coat. When he reached my row, his eyes flicked toward me, and then down to the empty seat on my left. 

“Mind if I sit here?” he asked. 

“It’s a free seat,” I replied evenly. 

He smiled and sat down. “Good. I was beginning to think everyone was afraid of you.” 

“They are,” I said without humor. 

He chuckled softly, unbothered. “Fear and respect often look the same from the outside.” 

I didn’t respond. His tone was too light. I knew that type of confidence. It was the kind born from inheriting power versus working for it. It irritated me more than it should have. 

Colin glanced sideways at me, and I returned his gaze. “Is there something on my face, Alpha Colin?” 

“You look tired, I have to say.” 

“Long night.” 

“You should drink Moonlight Spring water when this is over. It helps.” 

Then I saw her. 

The ice blue gown shimmered as Talia walked beside Solon. Her steps were graceful, her expression serene, but my wolf became restless the moment I saw her. She looked not just beautiful, but divine. My wolf growled softly inside my head, a mix of awe and admiration. 

Colin straightened beside me. I didn’t need to look at him to know his gaze was fixed on her too. 

I pushed my anger down. This wasn’t the time to pick fights even if my wolf urged me to do so. 

The crowd erupted in applause as the Alpha King reached the altar. He raised his hands, calling for silence. 

“Welcome, brothers and sisters,” he began. “Today, with the blessing of the Moon Goddess, we renew our vows of loyalty and sacrifice. This marks the bond between our packs: a unity of strength, blood, and spirit.” 

He turned slightly toward Solon and Talia. “To open this ceremony, my children, the prince and princess of Silverfang, will present the Moonlight Spring water to the altar.” 

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. 

Solon and Talia stepped forward. For a moment, she looked directly at me. Then, Talia focused on her task as though I meant nothing to her. I hated to admit that it made my heart ache. 

‘What did you expect?’ my wolf growled. ‘You did everything but reject her. You deserve her ignoring you.’ 

The applause rose again as she and Solon placed the silver chalice upon the altar. 

Beside me, Colin clapped politely. Jason and Michael looked at Talia in disbelief. Then, Jason began turning a dark shade of red. 

Seeing Jason’s humiliation soothed the ache in my heart just a little.