Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 145

CHAPITR ONE HUNDRED & FORTY FIVE

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FORTY FIVE

Nolan’s POV

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Music pulsed from the speakers set near the main fire, and the scent of roasted meat and spice drifted through the air. The flames climbed high in the pit, throwing light across the open space where wolves laughed, danced, and flirted without restraint.

I was already regretting coming. Why were all the events so loud?

Marco looked around, clearly impressed. “Silverfang knows how to throw a party,” he said. “Try not to scowl too much. It ruins

the mood.”

I gave him a look, and he laughed. “You’ll thank me later. Just remember what we discussed. Watch your temper.”

Before I could answer, someone called his name. Della appeared through the crowd. She was wearing a red dress that caught every flicker of firelight. Della smiled when she saw him.

“There you are,” she said. “You promised a drink, remember?”

“I did?” he asked.

“You did,” she said firmly, looping her arm through his. “Come on. I’m not letting you escape.”

He shot me a helpless glance. “I’ll be right back.”

“Sure,” I said but I knew he wouldn’t be back.

She pulled him toward the food tables, leaving me surrounded by noise and strangers.

The fire cracked and popped, throwing bursts of light across the courtyard. The air buzzed with music, laughter, and the low growl of competition from the strength games near the far wall.

It was everything a celebration was meant to be, but my focus stayed on the crowd. I could not find Talia. I knew she was around, but I didn’t know where. If the mate bond had weakened, I could’ve easily found her. 1

‘You deserve this,’ my wolf muttered.

‘You need to help me. If she chooses Colin, then she’ll be lost to us,’ I told him, but my wolf didn’t respond.

I moved through the space. Some recognized me and nodded politely; others stepped aside quickly as if touching them would cause them to die. I ignored them all.

Talia wasn’t near the bonfire, the drink tables, or the groups playing cards along the fence.

The longer I searched, the more anxious I became. My wolf now, restless and impatient, was taking what I said to heart now.” Find her,’ he urged.

“I’m trying,” I muttered.

A woman’s voice called to me from behind. “Nolan!”

I turned and saw Leslie stumbling toward me with a cup in one hand and a crooked grin on her face. Her hair hung loose with leaves tangled into it.

“Well, well,” she said, swaying slightly. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”

“I’m looking for Talia,” I said. “Have you seen her?”

She took a long sip from her cup before saying, “You mean the princess?”

“Yes,” I said evenly. “Where is she?”

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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FORTY FIVE

+25 Bonus

Leslie’s grin widened. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“I just asked.”

“Mm-hmm,” she said, tapping a finger against chin as she swayed. “I might tell you. But only if you play.”

I frowned. “Play what?”

She raised three fingers. “Three cups. You drink three, and then I tell you.”

“Leslie.” I frowned.

She shook her head. Leslie swayed to the left, almost falling over as she quickly stumbled forward. “Rules are rules, Alpha,” she slurred. “Don’t act like you’re above it. Everyone’s drinking tonight.”

I glanced toward the tables. Half the guests were already well past sober. Leslie wasn’t lying about that.

“This is ridiculous,” I said. I couldn’t drink tonight, but if it meant finding Talia, I would do it.

Leslie folded her arms and said, “Maybe. But, if you don’t do it, no Talia.”

The fastest way to get this over with was to drink. I picked up a nearby glass, filled it, and drank. The burn hit my throat immediately.

“One,” Leslie said cheerfully. “Two more to go.”

I did the second, then the third. The liquor was strong. It was stronger than anything I’d had in weeks. I set the glass down as I began to start feeling the warmth of liquor spread throughout my body.

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