Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 180

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY

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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY

Talia’s POV

I was grateful for what Nolan said, but whether he would truly stand with me until I took Shadowclaw still unsettled me.

He was my second-chance mate. The bond mattered. Still, I had learned the hard way that a bond did not guarantee loyalty.

“Get yourself together,” I told myself.

I did not allow myself time to obsess. I needed to keep busy. There were things that needed to be settled before my departure.

Leslie and Solon were first.

I found them the next day in one of the conference rooms in the infirmary. Solon stood near the window. Leslie paced while twirling a vial in her hand.

They both looked at me when I entered.

“Took you long enough,” Leslie said flatly. “What was so urgent that we needed to be here this early?”

I raised an eyebrow. I had told Leslie why I needed her to come, but she was clearly pretending she did not know that Solon had already agreed to her conditions.

“I just wanted to get the situation between you settled before I left,” I explained.

“There is nothing to settle. His father won’t let him do it, and that’s that. We should reject each other and be done with it,” Leslie said.

Solon looked at Leslie in surprise. “No. I will not accept your rejection.” He turned to me. “I thought you told her.”

“What are you two talking about?” Leslie asked with fake annoyance.

“Father has already been informed of my decision, I agree to your condition,” Solon replied. “He will not interfere.”

Leslie snorted. “He Alpha commanded you. There’s nothing you can do. Let’s stop dragging this out.”

I bit my lip to keep from telling Leslie to stop acting. I did not know why she was testing Solon like this, but I did not want to

interfere.

Solon frowned. “He doesn’t get to control me,” he said as he stepped closer, taking the vial from her hand suddenly.

Leslie studied him for a long moment. “You understand exactly what this means.”

“Yes,” Solon answered.

“Then drink it and swear to me,” Leslie said, crossing her arms over her chest.

Solon uncorked the vial and drank it in one motion. He grimaced at the taste for only a second. He looped his arm around Leslie’s waist and pulled her close, causing her to blush.

“I swear I will never betray our bond,” he said. “If I do, I accept the pain, the punishment, and the consequences of my actions without protest.”

After a moment, Leslie finally said, “Good. Then I will stay.”

Solon smiled and kissed her forehead, making Leslie’s face turn even redder. “I will not make you regret it,” he said.

I cleared my throat pointedly, drawing their attention. I did not want to watch them make out here.

“Congratulations,” I said. “I’m glad the matter is settled.”

7/2

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY

+25 Bonus

Leslie glanced at me. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready to leave? I am sure you need to prepare.”

I arched my brow. “Are you dismissing me?”

“I want some time with my mate,” Leslie said, giggling. Solon nodded in agreement.

I laughed. I was genuinely happy that they would accept each other. “Once everything is settled with Shadowclaw and Bloodmoon, I will come back to visit,” I said.

“Don’t bring any trouble back with you. Trouble always finds you, Princess,” Leslie said.

“You know I have ruled over a pack before.”

“And?”

I looked at Solon to defend me, but he said nothing.

“It hasn’t been a whole five minutes yet and you are already choosing her over me, brother,” I pouted.

“You know what they say,” Leslie teased. “Happy mates, happy lives.”

With that settled, I left them alone and went to find Della.

She was halfway through packing when I found her. Clothes were scattered across the bed. Marco sat nearby looking amused.

“What’s going on?” I asked. “Are you going on a trip?”

“Yes, I am,” Della replied.

“Where are you going?” I asked.

Della grinned. “I am coming with you.”

“Wait, when was that decided?” I asked.

Della fake pouted and replied, “You don’t want me to come with you?”

“No, that’s not it,” I answered.

“I asked my father for permission,” Della explained. “He spoke with your father, who agreed since I am Marco’s mate. It didn’t matter if he agreed or not. I was not about to let you do this alone. I am your Beta, after all.”

Relief settled in my chest knowing Della would be with me. She hugged me tightly. “You should go get ready too. We leave in the morning.”

When the time came to leave for Shadowclaw, I felt more prepared and confident.

Father stood with Solon and Leslie in the parking lot. Della and Março waited in the car behind mine. Nolan stepped out of his vehicle the moment he saw me.

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