Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 27

Rudolf’s POV

Nolan had changed. Age looked good on him. He was taller, looking like the spitting image of his father now. It was like staring into the past. He had his father’s face but in a younger and taller build. The only thing that hadn’t changed about him was the fury in his eyes. It was the same as the last time I’d seen him.

“We should speak privately,” I said and motioned toward the guards.

The banquet hall cleared out quickly. Solon gave me a wary glance, but he obeyed with a short nod. It was only Nolan and I now.

I sat back down and folded my hands in front of me. “It’s just the two of us now. You can be honest with me,” I said quietly. “If you’re in trouble, I’m willing to help.”

“You have misunderstood me, Alpha King,” Nolan said, taking a bite out of steak on his plate. “I’m not here asking for assistance.”

“If this is a personal matter, I can lend warriors to…”

“I am not here to ask for a handout,” Nolan interrupted. “I am here to find the rogue and take revenge. It is as simple as that.”

“Watch your tone, Alpha Nolan. Are you asking or telling me what you want?” I asked, eyes narrowing.

Nolan set down his fork deliberately, spine straightening as he locked eyes with me. A faint, sardonic sneer tugged at his lips, barely hidden beneath a polite facade.

“Alpha King,” he said smoothly, voice low but edged with challenge, “I care for every warrior in my pack. So I’m sure you won’t refuse my humble request to search for the rogue who killed one of my men. After all, I’m certain you understand the weight of responsibility.”

I stared at him in silence. Ever since the night of the incident, when I woke with my memories fractured and the news of his father’s death, I’d always suspected I’d failed Nolan in some way. Nolan never looked at me the same way after that.

Still, I couldn’t let guilt or old debts compromise my duty—not when the safety of my pack and territory hung in the balance.

“I’ll allow it,” I said finally. “But remember, this is my land. You follow my rules—or you’ll face the consequences. I won’t tolerate you stirring trouble here.”

Nolan nodded, a cold smile curling on his lips—one that didn’t reach his eyes. “Of course. I wouldn’t dare.”

Talia’s POV

As soon as the banquet hall doors closed behind us, I whispered, “Solon, You can’t lose control like that again.”

“I just hate the way he was talking. He acted politely but he didn’t respect father at all, you saw it too,” Solon huffed.

“Do you think he’s telling the truth about the rogue?” I asked.

“Leaving you has done wonders for me,” I said.

There was a pause but then he chuckled. “Is that supposed to be funny? I don’t understand why you’re acting like this with me. We had so many good years together and you threw them away to be a playtoy for the Prince.”

I sighed. “Jason, I’m not going to have this conversation with you again. Get to the point or hang up.”

“You’re upset. Already trouble in paradise?” Jason mocked.

“Don’t test me, Jason,” I warned. “Tell me what you want or I’m hanging up.”

“I’m giving you a chance,” he said smoothly. “You don’t belong there. Come back to Shadowclaw. I’ll keep you safe. Once things go sideways, and they will, you’ll be the first one to die in the chaos. Nobody there is going to risk themselves for some discarded omega, especially not Prince Solon.”

I laughed, sharp and cold. “You know what? I’d rather die a discarded omega than waste another second on you. And Prince Solon? He’s a man you’ll never come close to matching.”

“You bitch—”

I slammed the phone down before he could finish. Seeing his furious face in my mind gave me a small, satisfying thrill.