Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 57

Jason’s POV

Henry and I reached Silverfang by late morning. The guards stepped aside immediately, lowering their heads as I passed. Servants along the path bowed low, their eyes fixed on the ground, careful not to meet my gaze. Their submission pleased me. This was the way it should be.

I was the battle-harden Alpha Jason of Shadowclaw. I fought wars and bled for dominance. I had clawed my way into power with strength that few could match. I demanded respect and here, in the Alpha King’s territory, I intended to have it.

Nolan had nothing on me. He thrived on cruelty, but I was more deserving of the Alpha King’s favor.

Even with Solon’s report about Viki and the Redbone Flower, the King had allowed me to enter his territory. That alone gave me hope. If he meant to ignore me, he would have barred me from the gates. Instead, I was here. That had to mean something.

At the entrance of the main hall, Beta Logan waited. He looked at me with a neutral expression. He didn’t bow to me, which irritated me. Even though I wasn’t his Alpha, he still should respect my title.

“Alpha Jason,” he greeted. “The Alpha King is occupied and cannot meet you at this time. Guest quarters have been prepared. If you wish to observe warrior training, the grounds are open to you.”

That was all. There was no feast, no welcome, not even a false smile to soften the blow.

“I appreciate the courtesy, Beta Logan.”

Logan inclined his head once more, then gestured to a servant to escort us. He turned away before I could say another word.

“This way, Alpha Jason and Beta Henry,” the servant said. We followed him without saying another word. My wolf paced restlessly in me, seething at how Beta Logan had dismissed me like I was nothing.

The guest quarters were grand enough with fine furnishings, carved wood, heavy curtains, but the luxury did little to soothe my pride. As soon as the servant left, I finally let my smile drop. I rounded on Henry. “What the hell was that? You told me the Alpha King had no issue with me coming.”

“He didn’t. He accepted your request within 24 hours,” Henry replied.

“Then explain to me why he treated me like I was nothing! This must be due to Prince Solon. The Alpha King still must be upset about Viki. Her lying and using a banned substance had nothing to do with us. She disgraced us!”

Henry stayed calm and placed a hand on my shoulder. “I think you need to calm down, Alpha. This could be so much worse than it is. So, just take a breath.”

I shrugged Henry’s hand off and said, “I don’t need to be appeased. I need to be respected!”

Henry walked away from me, rubbing his temples. “Jason, as your Beta, listen to me. Don’t make something out of nothing.”

“What are you saying? You’re supposed to be on my side!” I exclaimed.

“I am on your side, Jason!” Henry snapped. “That’s why I am telling you to let this go. You are overthinking it.”

“Was he the same way with Alpha Nolan?” I asked.

If I won the Hunting Rite, the Alpha King would have to grant me a reward. It didn’t matter what that reward was as long as it didn’t go against the rules of the Council, the Alpha King had to grant it. I would ask to marry the Princess as a reward and the Alpha King would have to allow it.

“You’re right,” I said, breathing deep. “Thanks for bringing me back to my senses.”

Henry nodded. I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “Find out where the Princess lives. I want to know everything about her.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Henry bowed and left the guest quarters to investigate.

I walked out onto the balcony to get some fresh air. The garden below stretched wide, green paths bordered by blooming roses and tall hedges. My gaze swept across the garden and then I froze.

There, sitting on a stone bench beneath the shade of an oak tree, was a familiar figure. A book rested in her hands, her head bent as she read, and the breeze picked up as strands of her hair.

Talia.

She looked calm, happy even. She looked happier than I have seen her in a long time. She looked radiant in the garden.

Excitement surged through me.

I would make sure she wouldn’t slip away from me this time.