Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 51

Nolan’s POV

From my seat near the edge of the hall, I had a clear view of the main aisle. Talia entered beside her brother, guiding him toward their seats. There was something about her demeanor that caught my attention.

Her posture was perfect, yet her eyes weren’t on the ceremony or the crowd. She seemed to be lost in her thoughts. Her eyes kept darting to the entrance as if she was worried about something.

‘She’s distracted. Something happened,’ my wolf said within me.

I shouldn’t have cared, but I did. My gaze lingered too long, long enough for Marco to notice. He nudged my shoulder and muttered, “Careful, Alpha. If you keep staring at Talia like that, people are going to start whispering.”

I didn’t look at him. I swirled the wine in my glass and took a slow sip before answering, my tone flat and cold. “Of course I’d be interested in the daughter of my enemy.”

Marco’s eyes went wide, and he shot a quick glance around us. “Keep your voice down,” he hissed. “What if someone hears you?”

“She doesn’t look right,” I said quietly, ignoring his warning. “Go check the lounge. Now.”

Marco crossed his arms, not moving. “You do realize how this looks, don’t you? First you stepped in earlier and ruined Viki’s little stunt, now you’re eyeing Talia like you actually give a damn. You keep this up, and people really will think you’re interested.”

I turned, fixing him with a sharp glare. “Do as I say.”

Marco leaned closer, his voice low and firm. “No. Not until you admit what this is. You tell me she’s your enemy, but you keep circling around her. You’re being reckless, Nolan.”

A growl rumbled in my chest. “I said go.”

We locked eyes for a long moment. Marco’s jaw flexed before he finally muttered, “Fine, but don’t expect me as your Beta to not tell you that this is ill advised.” He stalked off, weaving through the rows of guests with a scowl.

The wedding music swelled. Jason stood tall at the front, looking like a proud peacock. Viki entered in her new gown. White silk clung to her thin frame, her complexion ghostly pale under heavy makeup. She trembled faintly with every step.

‘Pathetic,’ my wolf snorted. ‘He rejected his mate for this?’ I had to agree. Viki paled in comparison to Talia’s beauty.

Jason had done well to bring so many Alphas here despite the scandal. I’d give him that much. But arrogance only carried a man so far.

Viki and Jason met and began their slow walk toward the stage. Whispers rippled through the crowd. Some admired the couple, others mocked Viki’s choice of dress, but no one voiced what I could already smell from here: the disgustingly sweet foul scent coming from her.

What was it?

Jason’s voice carried as he began the ceremonial vows, but my attention shifted when Marco returned.

“You’re not going to believe what I found,” he said. There was a glint in his eyes as he slid into the empty seat beside me. Marco placed a small cloth pouch into my hand.

The scent hit me instantly. It caused me to grimace and my wolf snarl within me.

“Redbone Flower?” I muttered, narrowing my eyes.

“Yes, and it is fresh. Someone must be growing it in Shadowclaw,” Marco responded.

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