Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 53

Talia’s POV

Two guards took hold of Viki by her arms and dragged her away from the stage. She struggled before giving up. Her heels scraped the floor, and her hair hung loose, now out of its elaborate updo. Her tears streaked her makeup into dark smudges, revealing her pale skin and dark circles under her eyes.

I felt sorry for Viki. She was so close to getting what she wanted. My wolf huffed, ‘She’s getting what she deserves. Don’t forget she threatened to kill us.’ I hadn’t forgotten and it didn’t make me feel any less sorry for her.

When Viki reached the aisle where I stood, her head whipped toward me. “This is all your fault!” she hissed, her voice now hoarse from screaming. “You promised me! You swore you’d let me have this! You’ll pay for this, Talia!”

I wanted to argue, to defend myself, but it wouldn’t matter. Viki wouldn’t believe me. There was nothing to say, nothing I would give her in return that would make this situation right for her. So, I stayed quiet, my gaze flat as she was dragged past me, her sobs fading in the distance.

From the opposite side of the hall, Nolan rose from his seat. He looked at the watch on his wrist before saying, “Well, since this ceremony is cancelled, I have other matters to attend to.” Without another glance at Jason, he turned and left the hall. Marco followed right after him.

The remaining Alphas exchanged glances. Some with faint smirks while others had visible disdain. One of them stood, straightening his jacket.

“I think I’ve seen enough,” he said curtly. “I’ll follow Alpha Nolan’s lead.” Nolan and the Alpha seemed to have a ripple effect as more Alphas got up to leave.

One by one guests rose from their seats and followed their Alphas out. They offered no farewells, no empty pleasantries. This was an embarrassment on a grand scale. There was no fun in gossiping about this.

“Wait, there’s still food and…”

Jason’s attempt to keep them from leaving was on deaf ears. I noticed Michael, his father, was barely containing his rage. As soon as everyone left, Jason would be feeling the brunt of his rage for this disaster of a luna ceremony.

Michael met my gaze, and I could see hatred within his eyes. My wolf bristled, ‘I think it is time to leave.’

‘I am not afraid of him,’ I responded. I was no longer the she-wolf that shrank under his gaze. Michael could torment Jason, but I wouldn’t allow him to torment me again.

‘No, but we don’t need to cause any more scandals tonight,’ my wolf warned, and she was right. There would be repercussions for this due to Michael being a very vindictive man. I turned away and left the aisle.

“Talia, are you leaving too?” Jason asked.

Solon stepped forward to stand beside me. “Why are you still concerned with Talia’s whereabouts? Are you not upset about your fiancé? Your father just sentenced her to death.”

Jason frowned. “She deceived me. She is no longer my fiancé.”

Solon’s brow furrowed. “That’s a little harsh even for you, Jason. Did you truly not know she was taking the Redbone Flower?”

“Honestly, I sensed something was wrong with her. I thought she was stressed or having a stressful pregnancy, but I didn’t think she would go so far as to fake a pregnancy. I would never have continued with the ceremony if I had known,” Jason replied.

“So, that’s it. You’re not going to speak for her?” I questioned.

For a moment, something like pain flickered in his eyes, but I stepped around him before he could speak again. Solon quickly escorted me to his Rolls Royce and we both got in before Jason could beg me to stay again.

As we were pulling out of the parking lot, I finally asked, “How did you know about the Redbone Flower?”

“Because Marco gave me the pouch,” Solon answered. “He asked me to stop the wedding.”

I stopped short, my mind racing. “Marco? Nolan’s Beta?”

“Yes. He found it in Viki’s lounge and said it would be better coming from me,” Solon explained.

I frowned. “Better for who? Certainly not for Jason.”

Solon raised an eyebrow. “Wait, don’t tell me, you wanted me to wait until Jason was bound to Viki where it would have almost been impossible for him to break the mate bond with her. That’s vicious, little sister.”

I shook my head. “No, that’s not what I meant.”

I had so many questions. Why would Nolan care enough to interfere on Jason’s behalf? Nolan was not a man who acted out of compassion. Everything he did was for a reason.

So, what game was he playing?