Dust within ancient walls Miles Brooks 44

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

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CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

Talia’s POV

“Oh Goddess, I know that look. What juicy gossip do you have now?” I laughed.

Della laid the folder on Solon’s desk and flipped it open without waiting for permission. Inside was a printed screenshot of a blurry image. Jason and Viki were mid-argument near the Shadowclaw border. Jason looked tense while Viki appeared frantic.

“Someone posted this an hour ago,” Della said, tapping the photo. “And it’s already been shared across several pack gossip groups. People are saying Viki was banished from Shadowclaw.”

I leaned over the image. “What? They had a fight?”

Solon glanced over, arms crossed. “Or she got herself kicked out,” he said flatly. “Seems like Jason found out something he didn’t like about his ‘perfect little Luna’.”

I looked at another image. Viki’s mouth was open in mid-yell, one arm outstretched toward Jason. She didn’t look like a smug bitch giving orders and throwing insults. She looked like a desperate woman being thrown away.

“That’s what she gets. Now she’ll know what it feels like to be betrayed by someone she cared about,’ my wolf snorted.

I wasn’t too sure. Viki was a schemer. Could this be another stunt to garner sympathy?

“Are we sure these images aren’t fake?” I asked. “Shadowclaw’s reputation is tanking. I can see her pulling a stunt like this to get people to feel bad about her.”

“No, I think this is real,” Della countered. “Viki would have never let herself look this pathetic.”

Solon removed the red envelope from the stack of papers I had just organized. He showed it to Della. “Look. This came in the mail a few days ago. The wedding is still on for next week. All ten pack Alphas have already RSVP’d. If something changed, Shadowclaw would have to explain why publicly. That kind of humiliation would be a disaster. I think this is just another one of Viki’s stunts.”

“She doesn’t look like she’s acting,” Della replied with a snort. “And Jason’s too stiff. I know that posture. That’s a man who’s about to explode from anger. My instincts say this marriage is dead.”

I rubbed my temple, trying to make sense of it. “If it’s true, it’s odd that neither of them has made a formal statement. Shadowclaw isn’t usually this silent when it comes to major announcements.”

Della shrugged. “Or maybe Jason’s hoping no one finds out until after he fixes it. And by fixing it I mean convincing you to come back to him. He’s going to come crawling back to you, tail between his legs, in a day or so. Maybe sooner.”

Solon laughed under his breath. “You talk a big game for someone who doesn’t have a mate.”

Della glared at him. “I have a boyfriend.”

“Who?” Solon challenged.

“None of your business. Maybe if you weren’t so emotionally constipated, someone would mate with you.”

“Don’t try to turn this on me,” Solon said. “Better yet, I’ll make a bet with you. If you’re right, I’ll buy you whatever you want.”

“You might as well give me your card now because I know I’m right,” Della shot back.

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

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“Enough,” I said, hiding a small smile. “You two are worse than children.”

Before either could reply, my phone buzzed. I glanced down and froze.

Jason.

Della leaned over my shoulder to see who was calling me. She then held her hand out to Solon. “I told you so,” Della hummed and then stuck her tongue out at Solon.

“You haven’t won yet,” Solon said before turning to me. “Are you going to see what he wants?”

“I’m debating on ignoring him or throwing the phone across the room,” I responded.

“Well, you can’t do that. I have a bet to win. Answer the phone,” Della urged.

I rolled my eyes and slid my thumb across the screen. I put the call on the speaker.

“Jason, I told you I was done with you at the café,” I said.

“Talia, please, just listen,” Jason pleaded. His tone surprised me as he had never used it with me.

“You have thirty seconds,” I said coldly.

“I messed up. I am so sorry Talia,” Jason confessed. “Viki lied to me. I should’ve listened to you. Please, I just need to explain everything to you in person!”

I didn’t answer right away. My wolf growled low within me. She was disgusted by the sound of Jason’s voice. Even now, after everything, part of me wanted to scream at him for the betrayal, but I kept my tone neutral.

“Not interested,” I said.

“Wait. Don’t hang up. I won’t make her my Luna,” Jason said quickly.

“So what? It doesn’t change the fact that you cheated on me with her,” I argued.

“Talia, please, just give me another chance. I’ll make it up to you!”

“No, Jason. I want nothing from you. I will NEVER forgive you. Don’t ever call me again. We are done,” I hung up and blocked his number.

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