Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 42

Jason’s POV

The ride should have been silent.

Instead, Viki filled every moment with her endless chatter about the Luna Ceremony: color palettes, flower arrangements, guest counts, the type of crown she wanted crafted for the ceremony. Each word chipped away at what little control I had left. My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly I thought I would break my hand.

She didn’t notice. Or maybe she didn’t care. Goddess, she was so selfish and vain. I hated to admit but I missed Talia. The thought only intensified my anger.

“…and for the reception, I thought gold accents with crimson tablecloths would be perfect,” she continued, her hands waving dramatically. “It will give the impression of strength, of prestige. Exactly what Shadowclaw needs.”

‘Just let me throw her out of the car. Then, we can run her over,’ my wolf suggested.

By the time we pulled off the main road and onto the narrow trail that cut toward the northern border, I thought I would take my wolf up on his offer. The car stopped, and I stepped out first, inhaling the cool night air.

Viki frowned, peering outside. “What’s going on? This isn’t the restaurant.” I walked around to her side of the car. She still sat in her seat looking bewildered. I grabbed her by the wrist and slung her out of the car.

Viki crashed into the mud, ruining her dress and satin heels. Her eyes widened in confusion. She slowly pulled herself up. “Jason, what the hell? Do you know how much this dress cost? What has gotten…”

I cut her off by throwing the folder at her. It struck her chest, the report slipping out of the folder before falling to the ground at her feet. “That’s what has gotten into me, Viki. Care to explain?”

She bent down, snatched it up, and flipped through the contents. As her eyes scanned the pages, the blood drained from her face. Her hands trembled, clutching the folder as though she might tear it apart to erase the truth inside.

Her head snapped toward me, her lips parting. “I can explain.”

“Well, go on then. I’d love to hear your explanation,” I growled. The words vibrated from deep in my chest, thick with my wolf’s fury.

“I…that’s not…you don’t understand,” she stammered, her voice faltering. “It was because I love you! Don’t you see? I didn’t want to lose you to that omega! I had to do something!”

“So you thought lying about the pregnancy was the best way to do that?”

“I had to show you I was the right choice for you. I did all of this because I love you.” Viki argued.

“You think love justifies betrayal?” I asked, my voice low, dangerous.

“I, Alpha Jason, banish you, Viki Mayers, from Shadowclaw,” I said coldly. Viki gripped her chest in pain as she could feel the pack bond snap. Her mouth fell open, disbelief painted across her face. Tears began streaming down her face.

“Take it back,” she whispered. “After everything, after what we’ve been through, you can’t mean this.”

“I stood by you when you ruined my pack and my reputation only to find out that you’ve been lying to my face this entire time,” I said. “I mean this Viki. You should be grateful I didn’t kill you! I don’t ever want to see you again.”

Her shriek split the air. “No!” She lunged, her nails flashing as she reached for me. The warriors I’d stationed in the shadows stepped out, restrained her, but she twisted violently, slipping past them like a feral cat.

“You can’t do this!” Viki screamed, her voice ragged and wild. “Everyone knows you threw away your fated mate for me! If you cast me out now, you’ll be the biggest joke among all the packs! I sent invitations already!”

I turned sharply. My wolf snarled, tearing at the inside of my skin, demanding blood.

In one swift motion, my hand shot out, clamping around her throat. I slammed her back into a tree, the bark cracking under the impact. Her feet dangled as I pinned her there, my grip tightening. Her eyes bulged with fear, her hands clawing at my wrist. One flex of my fingers, and I could end her right here. The temptation was intoxicating

“What did you say?” I snarled, my fangs lengthening as my wolf surged dangerously close to the surface.