CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & THIRTY NINE
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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & THIRTY NINE
Jason’s POV
I stood frozen among the gathered Alphas, unable to take my eyes off Talia. The same woman I had humiliated and rejected stood before us wearing the royal crest of Silverfang. And it seemed like everyone knew but me.
The lies, the secrecy, the unexplained protection she enjoyed, all of it made sense now. Talia was never a plaything for Solon. He was simply looking out for his sister.
‘You made assumptions and insulted her,’ my wolf growled. ‘You deserve to be lied to.’
I swallowed hard and forced myself to breathe evenly. Around me, the other Alphas kept their composure. I met Nolan’s gaze. His mouth twisted in something between amusement and disdain. I could almost hear his unspoken thought: that I, Alpha Jason of Shadowclaw, was once again the fool in the room.
Embarrassment burned through me, but it was quickly replaced with rage. My father’s voice echoed in my head. ‘Calm yourself, ‘ he growled. ‘You will not embarrass me by throwing a tantrum here.’
The Alpha King raised his hand for silence. Everyone obeyed instantly. “Today, we give thanks for peace and the promise of unity,’ he began.
One by one, the Alphas knelt. Solon and Talia joined the Alpha King in prayer. I lowered my head, not in reverence, but to hide the storm gathering behind my eyes. How the hell could she not tell me she was the Princess? I would have never allowed Viki to
seduce me.
‘And if she had told you, she’d never have learned that your love for her was conditional,’ my wolf snarled.
‘Shut up,’ I told him.
‘You only want me to shut up because you know it is true,’ my wolf growled. ‘I warned you about Viki, but you wouldn’t listen to
me.’
I ignored him and tried to focus on the prayer. My mind was racing. All the signs were there, and I had missed them all.
Talia had helped Shadowclaw so much as Luna. I should have known that no omega would be able to handle the pack affairs so well. Why didn’t I see it?
‘Because you didn’t want to,’ my wolf whispered.
When the prayer ended, attendants carried out trays of crystal flasks. Solon passed them first to his sister. Talia moved down the line of Alphas, offering each a small vial of Moonlight Spring water.
I wanted to talk to her. I wanted to apologize to her, but she didn’t look at me as she gave me the vial. She acted as if I was a stranger, not even worth a second glance.
My father’s voice filled my mind again. ‘Calm yourself. Do not make me tell you again.’
‘I’m trying.’
“Try harder. We will deal with this later. I will request a meeting with the Alpha King,’ my father said. That did comfort me a little, only until I realized that the Alpha King knew about me cheating on Talia and rejecting her. He would never agree with her being my mate again.
The Alpha King lifted his cup and declared, “To the Moon Goddess. May her light guide our hearts and strengthen our bonds.”
The hall erupted in cheers. Dozens of voices echoed back the blessing. I drank. The water was cool on my tongue, but it did nothing to calm the anxiety building in me. The ceremony was over. I would be able to talk to her. I would properly apologize. I’d do anything she wanted if it meant getting her back.
Then, the Alpha King raised his hand again to silence us. This was different. Usually, the rest of the ceremony was mingling with
1/2
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & THIRTY NINE
+25 Bonus
other packs.
“This year’s blessing carries special meaning,” he said. “My daughter stands before you as Silverfang’s princess. The Moon Goddess will guide her hand in finding a mate worthy of her.”
The announcement silenced the hall. The words hit me like a punch to the gut. The Alpha King was looking for a mate for Talia. He was replacing me!
He continued, “Those who believe they are fit to stand beside her may step forward. You will remain within Silverfang for one week. At the end of that time, my daughter will announce her decision.”
My pulse pounded in my ears. All I could think of was the memory of her walking away from me and now she stood before us as a prize to be claimed. My jaw clenched in anger. I would not allow anyone to touch. She was my mate.
‘What are you doing?’ my wolf snarled. ‘Step forward. Win our mate back!’
“Me,” I blurted out as I stood up. “Consider me.”
The Alpha King’s gaze rested on me. I stood tall under his gaze. He looked calm but there was anger in his eyes. I had already hurt Talia once, but the Alpha King could not deny me a chance to win her back.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Colin stand. He stepped forward next. “It would be my honor to be considered,” he said with a bow. The King nodded to him with faint approval.
No one else moved. Some of the Alphas shifted uncomfortably, clearly unwilling to risk the King’s disfavor if they failed to impress his daughter.
Then, a voice rang out.
“I wish to be considered.”
I stared in disbelief as Nolan stood up and stepped forward too.
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