Dust within ancient walls Miles Brooks 43

CHAPTER FORTY THREE

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CHAPTER FORTY THREE

Talia’s POV

I stood near the open window, the wind brushing my cheek as I waited for Solon to finish his phone call. As soon as he said his goodbyes, Solon focused his attention back on me. “I heard the southern border is back safe again,”

he said.

“Indeed, it is. The rogue attack from the southern border has been handled. No injuries on our side, and the scouts confirmed it wasn’t a pack incursion,” I reported to Solon.

Solon, seated behind his desk, nodded with approval. “Good work. You’ve been handling the border well, even with everything going on.”

Since returning to Silverfang, Solon had given me oversight of the southern patrols, an area that he once solely managed. Now that I was supposed to rule alongside him, allowing me to manage the southern patrols was a show of trust that I appreciated.

“I found out more information about the rogue Alpha Nolan is looking for,” I continued.

Solon looked up in surprise. “Talia, I told you to stay away from him.”

“Don’t worry. I am. That is not how I found out about the rogue,” I said.

“Then, who did he tell?” Solon asked.

“He didn’t tell anyone,” I replied. “The guards that escorted Alpha Nolan down into the dungeon overheard a conversation he had with a prisoner about a rogue whose eyes turn red when angry,” I explained.

“Do you know which prisoner?” Solon asked.

“The senior rogue in the last cell. The one that is always rambling,” I answered.

Solon’s gaze lingered for a second longer than usual. “So, he wasn’t lying.”

“Seems like it,” I said.

“He wasn’t lying about this one thing doesn’t mean he didn’t come here with ill intentions. This information doesn’t change anything. He is still dangerous, so still, be cautious with him.”

“I will. You don’t have to worry about me, Solon,” I agreed.

After he returned to reviewing a report, I began stacking stray documents. His desk was always cluttered, despite how organized he tried to appear. Solon lived in organized chaos.

I saw a crimson envelope underneath a stack of papers. Solon noticed my line of sight and said, “Don’t bother with that. It’s nothing important.”

“Now, you know that is going to make me more curious about this letter.”

“I’m serious. You’re not going to find that interesting.”

“What are you hiding, dear brother?” I asked as I picked it up. The wax crest had already been opened. I reopened the letter and the mischievous smile on my face dropped as soon as I saw the Shadowclaw’s symbol embedded in deep crimson.

Alpha Jason Dalton and Miss Viki Mayers invite you to celebrate their union at the Shadowclaw Estate, next full

moon.

CHAPTER FORTY THREE

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That was next week.

I stared at the invitation, rereading the gold lettering to ensure I wasn’t imagining things. Jason wasn’t just replacing me; he was making it public. He had thrown away our five-year relationship, our fated mate bond as if it was nothing but a passing fling. And Viki had got exactly what she wanted.

I tucked the invitation back into the envelope and put it back on his desk. “So, Viki finally gets to be Luna.”

Solon snatched the envelope and threw it into his trash can. “Jason’s a disgrace. He betrayed you. Let that slut publicly insult you with that fake apology and then have the guts to invite every Alpha to his sham of a marriage as if he’s proud of it.”

“Solon, he IS proud of it,” I said evenly. “He is a very vain man. He has always wanted to look powerful. In his mind, Viki will allow him to do that because she’s not an omega. So, I’m not surprised by this.”

I’m just disappointed, I thought, but I had already given up on our relationship. There was no going back for me after this kind of betrayal.

“You should be furious,” Solon said. “You were his mate for years, and now he’s…”

“I’m fine. I don’t care what he does. He and his pack are no longer my problem,” I interrupted, even though my throat felt tight.

Solon stared at me for a long moment. “You’ve grown, Talia.”

I shrugged with a smile. “I had to.”

“I won’t attend,” Solon declared.

“You might have to,” I replied.

“I wouldn’t celebrate someone who betrayed my little sister with a slutty homewrecker,” Solon swore.

“Shadowclaw is the third-largest pack. With our father stepping down soon, your attendance would be expected. Political optics matter right now,” I explained. “But I appreciate the gesture.”

Solon let out a sharp breath. “Then I’ll make sure he knows how I feel about Alphas who betray their fated mate bonds. That fool has no idea what he lost.”

I nodded slowly. “That’s his loss. At least now I know the truth. If he’d known who I was from the start, he probably would’ve continued pretending. I might not have ever known his true intentions.”

Solon’s gaze softened slightly, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned away and returned to scanning the reports on rogue activity I’d submitted earlier. “I was meaning to discuss strategy for the northern border,” Solon said, changing the subject.

Before he could continue, there was a knock on his door.

“Come in,” Solon called.

Della stepped in grinning from ear to ear, “Sorry to interrupt, but I have some good news.”