Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 175

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & SEVENTY FIVE

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & SEVENTY FIVE

Talia’s POV

“Come inside,” I said and stepped aside.

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Solon entered my room. He closed the door behind him but did not sit. His eyes stayed fixed on me, waiting for an explanation.

“Talia, why do you smell like him? Did he hurt you?” Solon asked again.

“Yesterday was Nolan’s father’s memorial day. Della told me he had shut himself in, so I went to check on him. I stayed to make sure he was alright and… I accidentally fell asleep,” I explained.

Solon stared at me as if he had not heard me correctly. “You fell asleep in Nolan’s room?”

“Yes,” I admitted.

“Did you sleep with him?”

“Yes, that’s what I said,” I muttered.

“You know what I am asking. Did you have sex with him, Talia?”

“No!” I exclaimed, my cheeks burning. “Nothing happened.”

“Talia, it’s okay. If he took advantage of you, Father and I will handle it,” Solon said.

“I am telling the truth,” I insisted. “We did not do anything. I fell asleep because I was exhausted from not sleeping well. That was it. He did not touch me.”

Solon still did not look convinced. He stepped closer and tilted my chin up. His gaze went to my neck as he checked for any sign of a mark. When he saw none, he let out a sigh of relief.

I pulled away from him. “Solon, I wouldn’t lie about that.”

“Talia, this was careless,” Solon said. “If Colin notices Nolan’s scent on you, he will be upset. You should know better than that.”

“You don’t need to treat me like a child, Solon. And I never said I was choosing Colin,” I retorted.

Solon looked at me in surprise. “Wait. You are not choosing Colin?”

I took a deep breath and admitted, “No.”

“Why? He’s a perfect fit. He cares about you.”

“Colin is a friend. That is all,” I said. “I know you don’t like Nolan, and he does have a bad temper, but he is honorable. He has saved me more than once. If I choose him, Shadowclaw will hesitate before making any moves. Choosing Nolan strengthens Silverfang and will keep Shadowclaw and Michael in check.”

Solon frowned slightly. “Talia, neither Father nor I want you to think about political pressure when choosing a mate. We want you to be happy.”

“I know,” I replied. “But I am the princess of Silverfang. Protecting our members is part of my duty. Who I choose will affect everyone.”

“But will you be happy with him, Talia?” Solon asked.

Nolan was my mate, and he is finally acknowledging the bond. He put forth the effort to start getting to know me. It was a start.

“Yes, I think I will,” I finally said.

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & SEVENTY FIVE

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Solon was quiet for a moment. I watched his expression shift as he thought it through. I knew he was wrestling with his dislike for Nolan, but he understood my reasoning.

Finally, he nodded. “If this is what you want, then I will respect your choice. You will always have my support.”

I expected Solon to argue with me a little more about choosing Nolan, but I felt relieved that he was respecting my decision. “Don’t look so relieved, Talia. Did you really think I would force you to be with Colin?” Solon asked.

“Of course not. I just… I appreciate it. Thank you,” I said. “But why were you looking for me this morning?”

“I wanted to tell you that I am going to agree to Leslie’s conditions,” Solon answered.

“Really? How? Dad was against you doing it.”

“I spoke with Father last night. We argued about it, but in the end, he agreed to let me make my own decision. If the condition makes her feel safe, then I will accept it,” Solon explained.

“I am glad. Leslie needs that reassurance,” I said. Solon accepting her condition meant she finally had someone willing to meet her where she stood instead of expecting her to compromise. Though I did hope Leslie was only bluffing as a way to test Solon’s sincerity.

“I am going to tell Leslie today. I think we spent too much time not acknowledging the bond. I am ready to claim her and let everyone know she’s my mate,” Solon said proudly.

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