CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETEEN
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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETEEN
Talia’s POV
I spent most of the afternoon in my room, trying to calm down, but it was useless. I couldn’t stop crying. I wish my wolf was here to talk to, but I was left with only my thoughts that seemed to be torturing me.
I had trusted Nolan. I had let myself believe there was something real between us. But he had discarded the moment I opened up to him. I wiped the tears from my face, but more kept coming.
‘Why am I still crying over him?’ I thought bitterly. ‘He doesn’t care!’
My reflection in my mirror didn’t help either. My eyes were swollen and puffy. The corners of my nose were red. I sighed and splashed cold water on my face.
I couldn’t keep hiding in my room. Father and Solon were expecting me for dinner. Avoiding dinner tonight would only worry them.
“Pull yourself together, girl. You can get through this,” I told myself.
After applying some makeup, I checked my reflection again. I looked miserable, but at least I didn’t look like I’d been crying for hours. I took a deep breath, left my room, and walked toward the dining hall.
When I entered, the table was already set. The table was barely visible with how many plates of food on it. It was too much food for three people.
Solon and father were already seated and waiting for me.
“Talia, you’re just in time. Come and sit down,” my father said, pulling the chair next to him out for me to sit.
“Hey Dad. Thanks,” I greeted softly, taking my seat. Solon gave me a small nod from across the table.
“You’ve prepared too much food,” I said quietly. “Was this your idea, Solon?”
“You got me,” he laughed.
“You’ve only just recovered from wolfsbane poisoning. You need proper nutrition,” Father added.
Did they expect me to eat all of this? Even with my wolf, I wouldn’t be able to eat all of this. I smiled weakly and said, “I appreciate the gesture, but this still is a lot of food.”
“Come on, Talia, eat. You must be hungry. You missed breakfast and lunch,” Solon urged.
I reached for my fork and knife. I cut into a piece of chicken while Solon and father talked about patrols. I hid my grimace behind my hand. The chicken tasted like nothing to me.
“You’re quiet tonight,” father said. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I replied, though it sounded unconvincing even to me.
“Are you sure? We asked you a question three times and you didn’t hear us,” Solon stated, looking concerned.
“Oh, I am sorry. I zoned out a little,” I apologized.
“No… You’ve cried earlier, right?” Nolan asked suddenly.
My head snapped toward him. “What?”
Solon pointed to his eyes. “Your eyes are still a little red. What is it?”
“I wasn’t crying,” I lied.
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETEEN
+25 Bonus
“Talia, you don’t have to lie to us,” Father said. “What’s wrong? Why are you upset? Is it Jason again?”
“No, it’s not Jason. I was thinking about my wolf. I miss her,” I answered.
Father’s expression softened and he pulled me into a side hug. “You’ll see her again soon. Leslie said your wolf is recovering slowly, but she’ll return when the bond is strong enough.”
“I hope so,” I murmured, hugging him back.
The conversation quieted for a while until Father set down his glass and said, “Talia, I wanted to ask something.”
“Yes?”
He looked at me with a serious expression, “What do you think of Alpha Nolan now? He risked his life to save you. I’d like to know your opinion.”
I hesitated. The question caught me off guard. I knew Nolan wouldn’t tell Father the truth about us. So, I wouldn’t either. I didn’t want the additional drama from it, and we were going to reject each other anyway.
“I’m grateful he saved me,” I said carefully. “But that doesn’t change what I think of him. He’s still cold and… harsh. I hate him.”
Solon nodded in approval while Father seemed relieved by my answer.
“I see. Well, perhaps it’s better that you see him like that,” father said.
I wanted to ask him what he meant by that but before I could, he continued talking.
“You’ll have a chance to move forward with your life at the Sacrifice Ceremony,” he continued.
“The ceremony?” I asked.
“Yes,” Father said. “When the time comes, you’ll meet many potential mates. Being marked will bring your wolf back and protect you from the next full moon’s heat.”
I nodded, trying to hide my unease. “I understand.”
“This will be good for you, Talia. You deserve someone who makes you happy,” Solon added.
I forced another smile. “Thank you, Solon.”
Father leaned back slightly and looked at Solon. “You’ll assist during the ceremony as well. I trust you can help ensure everything proceeds smoothly.”
Solon nodded with a smile. “Of course, Father. I will help Talia to find the best mate ever.”
I forced my face to stay neutral. Was Nolan really going to stand there and watch me bond with another man?
Father looked satisfied. “Good. Then it’s all settled.”
The conversation shifted to preparation plans for the ceremony, but I barely heard them. I was focused on trying not to cry in front of them. I had no appetite, and I really wanted to just go back to my room and never come back out.
By the time dinner ended, I quickly excused myself saying I wasn’t in the mood for dessert. The moment I was back in my room. I grabbed my pillow and screamed into it.
‘I’m going to choose the best mate, and it won’t be Nolan,’ I thought bitterly. ‘Maybe it’s for the better…’
But deep down, I knew it wasn’t.
