Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 161

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & SIXTY ONE

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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & SIXTY ONE

Nolan’s POV

When I reached the Alpha King’s office, I could hear them talking from the hallway.

I stood there for another moment and listened.

“I am willing to compromise,” Solon said. “Exile is the best choice.”

“I agree,” the Alpha King said. “Shadowclaw needs formal restructuring. Jason’s actions had crossed a line. He needs to be removed and repair the damage his leadership caused by weeding out anyone supporting him.”

None of this bothered me. I supported it completely.

Then I heard Talia. “I don’t agree,” she said.

“What do you mean you don’t agree? He tried to force you back as his mate!” Solon exclaimed. “Exile is pretty damn lenient.”

“I agree Jason doesn’t deserve any type of leniency; however, I am looking at the big picture here,” Talia responded.

There was a pause before the Alpha King said, “Explain.”

“Exile might provoke retaliation from Michael. He will lash out if we act too quickly. We need to plan ahead and not give Shadowclaw’s members a reason to rally behind him,” Talia explained.

My wolf stirred. He was pleased but also disappointed in Talia. ‘She still thinks about the safety of wolves who do not care about her,’ he growled.

‘We cannot change who she is,’ I responded.

I understood her reasoning, even if it irritated me. She never ignored the consequences of a choice. Talia always thought about the bigger picture no matter how it could potentially hurt her.

“Then, we will protect her from herself,’ my wolf declared and I agreed.

I opened the door and stepped inside.

The Alpha King turned his head toward me immediately. “Alpha Nolan, what do you think you’re doing?” he demanded. “It is common courtesy to knock. This is a private conversation and you need to leave.”

“I could hear the conversation from the hallway,” I said. “Exile is the correct decision. Reforming Shadowclaw is necessary.”

Solon’s expression tightened when he looked at me. “Wasn’t this room supposed to be soundproof?”

“I will make sure to fix that,” the Alpha King said through gritted teeth.

“No matter if you overheard, this is a private conversation that you were not invited to,” Solon said.

“I do not need an invitation to speak about what Jason did,” I said. “He tried to force a mark on Talia. If you do not punish him properly, I will handle it myself.”

The Alpha King frowned and growled, “Are you threatening us?”

“No, I am not threatening,” I said. “It is a fact. Jason broke every rule that protects a she-wolf. The only reason he failed to mark her is because I arrived before he could do it. If you expect me to pretend this is a minor offense, you are mistaken.”

Talia looked at me with wide eyes. There was no anger in her expression. She only looked worried..

I continued. “Jason did not plan this out on his own. He is too dumb to obtain Moonlust on his own. Someone got it for him.”

“You…you think Michael is behind this?” Talia blurted out and I nodded.

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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & SIXTY ONE

+25 Bonus

Solon’s brow furrowed. “How does Michael benefit from this?”

“I am unsure of his intentions, but I know Jason. He is reckless and emotional, but not strategic. Michael has access and motive. Jason ruined the reputation of Shadowclaw by rejecting Talia. By getting her back as the Luna of Shadowclaw, that would put them second to Silverfang,” I explained. “Exile Michael and Jason. Get rid of both threats.”

Talia shook her head quickly. “We cannot make that decision yet. The elders in Shadowclaw will oppose it, and the situation will escalate. There are too many people involved for us to act without a plan.”

Solon nodded. “She is right. Removing Michael immediately could destabilize the region.”

The Alpha King raised a brow. “We will take time to discuss our next move. Jason will be punished, but exiling Michael requires more consideration.”

My wolf growled within me as he was unhappy with their hesitation.

“He almost marked her,” I said. “You know what would have happened if he succeeded.”

The Alpha King met my eyes. “We know. You are not the only one who cares about her.”

The sharpness of his tone told me to be quiet, so I forced myself to stop talking.

Aknock broke the silence.

Logan stepped inside and bowed. “Your Majesty, there is news from the dungeon.”

“What is it?” the Alpha King asked.

“Jason refuses to confess unless he sees Princess Talia,” Logan replied.

My response came before I could stop myself. “No.”

“For once, I agree with Alpha Nolan,” Solon said. “He has nothing she needs to hear. We can figure this out without his

confession.”

Logan nodded and said, “I agree. I would be happy with drowning the bastard if permitted.”

“He should know that his request will not happen,” the Alpha King snorted.

“He wants sympathy,” I interjected. “He is delusional. He thinks she still cares about him. He wants her to waver so he can twist

this in his favor.”

I looked at Talia, who was biting her lip. I could tell she was thinking it over. I hoped that she would agree with us but instead she said, “I should hear what he says.” (1

“You do not owe him that,” Solon said.

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