Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 49

Talia’s POV

I reached for Viki as she allowed her knees to buckle. Her eyes grew wide as she miscalculated. If she fell now, she would fall off the stage. My hand missed her wrist, and my stomach dropped. But Viki didn’t fall. There was a blur of silver and Viki was caught by her wrist.

“You need to be more careful,” Nolan growled, gripping Viki’s arm roughly.

“Uh, thank you,” Viki stammered as Nolan pulled her away from the edge. He released her arm and pulled out a napkin to clean his hand off as if touching Viki was some vile creature. He wasn’t wrong.

I rolled my eyes as Jason demanded answers. Much to my surprise, Viki lied and covered up what she did. Perhaps with Nolan as a witness to her scheme, she didn’t dare lie.

My wolf paced inside me, teeth bared. ‘She tried to trap us again,’ my wolf huffed. ‘He should have let her fall. It would have taught her a lesson.” I frowned; the memory of Viki’s past schemes came to mind. She’d faked injuries before. She accused me of harming her more than once, always at a time that would draw maximum sympathy or attention.

After stepping down from the stage, I watched Jason carry Viki away to speak with her alone.

If Nolan hadn’t stepped in, everything would have gone the way she planned. And with the Luna ceremony minutes away, that accusation could have ruined me as everyone would have claimed I was the bitter ex harming her to get rid of the Alpha heir.

But why go through the effort now? She already had what she wanted. Unless this was never about the title.

Did she hate me so much that even when she got what she wanted; she still needed to try to ruin my reputation too?

Before I could make sense of it, Jason walked up to me. “Are you alright?” he asked, too casual for someone whose pregnant bride had almost fallen.

I turned my head slowly to look at him. I raised a brow. “Funny. Whenever situations like these happened before, you never cared to ask if I was hurt. Don’t act like you care now.”

“I just meant I’m glad you’re okay,” he said awkwardly.

“Well, I am fine. Go back to your fiancé before she gets the wrong idea,” I said, turning to walk away.

“Wait. I know we haven’t spoken in a while. I’ve been trying to get in contact with you.”

“It’s because I blocked you, Jason. I told you I was done,” I said flatly.

“Please, look, do you think you can stay after the ceremony? Just for a few minutes. I have something I need to say,” Jason pleaded.

I narrowed my eyes but gave a noncommittal nod. “Fine. But if you waste my time for even a second, I’m leaving.”

“Thank you,” Jason said and walked away to prepare.

I exhaled sharply and looked around for Solon. I needed to let him know that I needed to leave right after the ceremony. I wasn’t going to give Jason the opportunity to stir up more trouble for me.

“Do you need anything else, Princess?” Nolan sneered, bringing me out of my thoughts.

‘This arrogant prick,’ I cursed inside. Before I could reply, Solon appeared at my side, his hand brushing lightly over my arm.

“You alright?” he asked, leading me away from Nolan.

I nodded. “Just thinking that Viki’s behavior was strange.”

Solon scoffed. “She’s always strange. She’s just trying to get under your skin. Ignore her.”

“Right,” I said. “I am going to head to the restroom.”

“Make it quick. The ceremony’s about to begin,” Solon said.

I nodded and headed toward the restroom. The corridor past the lounge was silent, almost too still.

Then a scent hit me—sweet and sharp. My wolf growled a warning.

Redbone Flower.