Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 34

Nolan’s POV

I didn’t intend to end up in the rose garden. My feet had moved off their own accord, following the familiar scent of roses reaching me on the breeze. I paused at the edge of the archway leading to the garden path, only to be met by two guards who stiffened and stepped in front of me.

“Apologies, Alpha Nolan,” one said, gripping his spear tightly. “This area is restricted unless you have the princess's permission.”

I raised a brow but said nothing. My wolf stirred uneasily in my chest, agitated by the sudden halt. I found myself drawn to the rose garden due to the mate bond even though it was muted.

I hated that and these guards could be the perfect opportunity for me to get some of my frustration out. I was just about to test how far the guards would push their courtesy when a familiar voice rang out behind them.

“Let him through.”

Talia emerged from a side path. Her dark hair was pulled into a high ponytail, exposing the clean lines of her neck. The soft lavender dress she wore clung to her waist before flowing around her legs. Even with the pendant masking the mate bond, I felt my gaze lock onto her. She was undeniably beautiful. I hated to admit that.

My wolf grew restless. I could barely contain him as he growled, ‘Tell her what she means to us!’ I ignored him as I watched Talia.

Talia dismissed the guards with a glance. They bowed and retreated just far enough to still be listening.

“Why are you here, Alpha Nolan?” Talia asked, arms folding over her chest.

Her tone was calm, but the tension in her posture betrayed her. I could tell she was uncomfortable seeing me here in her special place.

“I heard the Silverfang gardens were famed across the continent,” I said, deliberately casual. “I thought I’d see them for myself.”

Talia didn’t smile. “The Silverfang gardens you’re referring to are at the southern wing, but you know that already.”

“You got me there. The real reason I’m here is to greet you, Princess. I don’t think we had a good introduction,” I said smoothly.

“Well, there’s no need for that and you’re not welcome to roam unescorted,” Talia stated firmly.

I tilted my head. “I thought your family valued hospitality.”

She didn’t take the bait. “This garden is for residents of Silverfang.”

“I’ll be here longer than most of them,” I replied with a smirk. “I merely wished to speak with you.”

“Then speak,” Talia said curtly.

“I heard about the rogue sightings near your border,” I said. “If you’ll allow it, I’d like to offer assistance. I suspect some of them may be connected to the ones Blood Moon is pursuing. Our enemies may be overlapping.”

She frowned and said, “Silverfang’s border is not yours to worry about.”

“Was that all?” Talia asked.

“No, there is one more thing. I’d like to see the dungeon,” I answered.

“Why?”

“Blood Moon has been tracking a specific rogue you know,” I said. “The rogue has information I need. You may have already captured him and then I would be on my way. Wouldn’t that be nice? It won’t take long.”

Talia didn’t move. I could practically hear the gears in her head turning as she assessed the risk of going into the dungeon with me alone.

“Sorry, Alpha Nolan.” She snapped.

Finally, she turned to the nearest guard.

“Escort Alpha Nolan to the dungeon. Ensure he is supervised at all times. I have other matters to attend to,” she ordered.

The guard bowed. I didn’t resist the smirk that curled on my lips as Talia turned and walked away without another word.

I followed the guard out of the garden. I didn’t need to see her face again to know that Talia was already questioning her father’s decisions. And she’ll come back to me looking for answers just like I planned.