Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 43

Talia’s POV

I stood near the open window, the wind brushing my cheek as I waited for Solon to finish his phone call. As soon as he said his goodbyes, Solon focused his attention back on me. “I heard the southern border is back safe again,” he said.

“Indeed, it is. The rogue attack from the southern border has been handled. No injuries on our side, and the scouts confirmed it wasn’t a pack incursion,” I reported to Solon.

Solon, seated behind his desk, nodded with approval. “Good work. You’ve been handling the border well, even with everything going on.”

Since returning to Silverfang, Solon had given me oversight of the southern patrols, an area that he once solely managed. Now that I was supposed to rule alongside him, allowing me to manage the southern patrols was a show of trust that I appreciated.

“I found out more information about the rogue Alpha Nolan is looking for,” I continued.

Solon looked up in surprise. “Talia, I told you to stay away from him.”

“Don’t worry. I am. That is not how I found out about the rogue,” I said.

“Then, who did he tell?” Solon asked.

“He didn’t tell anyone,” I replied. “The guards that escorted Alpha Nolan down into the dungeon overheard a conversation he had with a prisoner about a rogue whose eyes turn red when angry,” I explained.

“Do you know which prisoner?” Solon asked.

“The senior rogue in the last cell. The one that is always rambling,” I answered.

Solon’s gaze lingered for a second longer than usual. “So, he wasn’t lying.”

“Seems like it,” I said.

“He wasn’t lying about this one thing doesn’t mean he didn’t come here with ill intentions. This information doesn’t change anything. He is still dangerous, so still, be cautious with him.”

“I will. You don’t have to worry about me, Solon,” I agreed.

After he returned to reviewing a report, I began stacking stray documents. His desk was always cluttered, despite how organized he tried to appear. Solon lived in organized chaos.

I saw a crimson envelope underneath a stack of papers. Solon noticed my line of sight and said, “Don’t bother with that. It’s nothing important.”

“Now, you know that is going to make me more curious about this letter.”

“I’m serious. You’re not going to find that interesting.”

“What are you hiding, dear brother?” I asked as I picked it up. The wax crest had already been opened. I reopened the letter and the mischievous smile on my face dropped as soon as I saw the Shadowclaw’s symbol embedded in deep crimson.

“I won’t attend,” Solon declared.

“You might have to,” I replied.

“I wouldn’t celebrate someone who betrayed my little sister with a slutty homewrecker,” Solon swore.

“Shadowclaw is the third-largest pack. With our father stepping down soon, your attendance would be expected. Political optics matter right now,” I explained. “But I appreciate the gesture.”

Solon let out a sharp breath. “Then I’ll make sure he knows how I feel about Alphas who betray their fated mate bonds. That fool has no idea what he lost.”

I nodded slowly. “That’s his loss. At least now I know the truth. If he’d known who I was from the start, he probably would’ve continued pretending. I might not have ever known his true intentions.”

Solon’s gaze softened slightly, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned away and returned to scanning the reports on rogue activity I’d submitted earlier. “I was meaning to discuss strategy for the northern border,” Solon said, changing the subject.

Before he could continue, there was a knock on his door.

“Come in,” Solon called.

Della stepped in grinning from ear to ear. “Sorry to interrupt, but I have some good news.”