Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 295

Talia’s POV

“I have already handled the rogue attacks on my territory,” Kent explained. “I will manage the restoration of my pack myself. I see no need to trouble the Alpha King with what is properly my own concern. I am sure there are other packs that will require your aid more than I.”

Henry turned to Kent, surprise etched across his face. Landon’s jaw flexed, and his nose flared in anger. Solon shot a worried glance at me. The other Alphas all looked visibly agitated. We were all thinking the same thing. The silent accusation was simple.

Traitor.

Kent must think we were fools if he thought we would believe a wolfless Alpha of a small pack could repel a rogue attack the same size that nearly crippled Lonefur and almost killed its Alpha. Even if he was no longer loyal to my father, it made no sense to refuse help.

Refusal would only bring more attention unless the rogue attack never happened. Suddenly, the idea of Kent working for his own gain, playing both sides for reasons we could not yet see, seemed more likely than ever.

My father did not show any of what I knew he was thinking. He smiled warmly at Kent, which made Kent look at him in confusion.

“Alpha Kent, you honor your father today. Philip would have answered the same way,” Father praised him. “A capable leader who handles his own pack and does not request aid when it is not necessary, that is what your father was, and that is what I see in you.”

I studied Kent’s face as my father spoke. At the mention of “Philip,” his careful mask faltered for a heartbeat before he restored it and sat down.

Everyone knew how unstable Philip and Kent’s relationship was, especially after the night Philip backhanded Kent during an event for disobeying him. My father’s subtle dig at him reopened a wound better than a physical blow.

Feeling my confusion as to why father would goad Kent like that, Nolan reached out through the mind link. ‘Whether Kent cared for his father or not, he is still Philip’s son. This will make him think twice about his decisions. Whether it will change what he will do next, only time will tell.’

For the next two hours, my father listened to a multitude of requests. There were old boundary disputes, grain requests from two eastern packs after a bad harvest, and a complaint from a small pack about an unpaid debt. My father split the requests between Solon and me, and we wrote them down so nothing would be forgotten.

When the last of the matter had been heard, my father turned to the hall. "The gathering is closed. Please rest. Food will be brought to your rooms. Travel safely, whether you’re leaving today or in the morning.”

The Alphas bowed their heads in answer.

“Beta Derek will assign an escort to lead those to your rooms. Those that are leaving tonight. Safe travels,” Solon stated. Derek and his guard began leading the Alphas out of the hall.

Henry came to the front of the hall before he left, with Colin a half step behind him and Landon a few paces behind them both. Henry stopped at the foot of the stage and looked up at my father.

“Alpha King, if there is anything we can do for you tonight, anything at all, you have only to send word,” Henry said.

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