Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 86

Nolan’s POV

Voices rising and falling, laughter and clinking glasses were grating on my nerves. I forced myself to remain calm even though I clenched my jaw any tighter, I may pop out of my tooth. Every Alpha was gathered here in Silverfang. It was the perfect opportunity to show who the Alpha King truly was.

I noticed Talia slip away earlier. I hated to admit that I felt relieved. If the Alpha King lost control, she would be in danger. And if he was the wolf who I believed he was, he would die by my hands tonight. At least in this way she would be spared seeing her father bleed out in front of her.

I leaned closer to Marco, keeping my voice low, and asked, “Is it ready?”

“It is stable,” he confirmed, “but Alpha… are you sure this is wise?”

“You question me?” I asked. Ever since Marco had found his mate, he continued to question me about my plan. He was slowly becoming a liability.

“I question the risk,” Marco replied. His gaze flickered toward Della, who was laughing with Solon across the hall. “If you dose him in front of every Alpha and it goes wrong, what then? If the King shifts and it isn’t the wolf you saw, the others will unite against you. They won’t care about your reasons.”

I tightened my jaw. “They won’t find out it was me if this was done correctly.”

Marco’s voice dropped lower. “All eyes are on us and the Alpha King. They will assume. And if the truth isn’t what you want? If the King shifts and shows no mark, no resemblance? What then, Nolan? Will you accept it, or will you still make him your enemy?”

My wolf growled inside me, furious at the suggestion. “What’s wrong with you, Marco?! Why did you change your mind all of a sudden?” I accused, tilting my head toward Della. “Have I not been honorable in the way I do things?”

“She has nothing to do with it,” Marco retorted.

“You are my Beta, not hers,” I reminded him. “Do you need to be reminded that you pledged your loyalty to me, not her? You’re letting the mate bond cloud your judgment. I thought you were better than that.”

Marco glared at me, then reached into his coat and pulled out the vial.

“Take it,” he said. “I have never doubted you, Nolan. I am only concerned.”

I took the vial from him and Marco didn’t say anything else. “Go be with your mate,” I told him. “If you are nowhere near me, you will not be blamed.”

Marco’s eyes widened in surprise, and I stepped away before he could say anything else.

I moved through the hall, weaving between groups of Alphas. Their conversations lulled as I passed. Whispers followed me.

I reached the bar where a servant carried a tray of Rosefall. I took two wine glasses off the tray and quickly tipped the vial into it without anyone noticing. The toxin vanished instantly, indistinguishable from the rich crimson liquid.

Jason spoke again, “Your Majesty, if I may ask… will the Princess join the Hunting Rite?”

The King said firmly, “No. She will not participate.”

A ripple of disappointment moved through the hall. Many of the unmated wolves had been looking to meet her, to try to win her over. The very thought of that angered me even though I had no intention of claiming her.

“But,” the King continued, raising his voice, “this will be my final year hosting the Rite. Next year, my son Solon will take my place. I hope you all enjoy yourself.”

The room erupted in applause.

“To Prince Solon,” he said.

The King lifted the glass of Rosefall once more. My wolf surged forward, ready and waiting for the moment to strike.

But Jason, desperate for attention, leaned forward again, his arm swinging wide. His elbow clipped the stem of the glass, sending it tumbling. It shattered across the stone floor, the red liquid spreading like blood.