Second Chance Luna
Chapter 101

Phoebe waited on pins and needles as the grains of sand fell. The only one watching more intensely was Beta Corwin. She knew the bond was still there. It hadn't been severed but the prince was weakening.

Even harder than watching the beta struggle with losing his mate was the ruthless nature Jason had shown. He was cold, calculated and vicious. The Jason she knew and loved was warm and caring. She was desperate to reach out to him and feel it again but held herself back because she didn't want to distract him. Phoebe could only hope this was the end of it. "The victor is Alpha Jason!"

Phoebe sobbed with relief. She was ready to leap to her feet but Mona and Luke held her in her seat waiting for everything to settle. Though they held her back, no one stopped Beta Corwin from running to the prince and collapsing as his side. "My prince?" Corwin cried out as he fell to his knees. "Nolan!"

The shift slowly took over. He cried out as his broken limb took the longest to finally finish leaving the prince's battered and broken body lying bare on the ground. An elder brought a sheet to cover his n**e form but there wasn't much hope in their eyes. 'Beta Corwin, Jason's voice flitted into his mind causing him to stiffen. 'Get your mate out of here if you want him to live. North entrance. Black SUV. Give the driver the password: sanctuary!

To his credit Corwin gave almost no sign as he and another lifted the second prince onto a stretcher. They retreated quickly and Jason didn't spare them another thought. His attention was already on the sputtering king.

He shifted back into his human form, accepting briefs handed to him he pulled them on. Then opening his arms wide, he demanded, "What now, your Highness? Do you want to send your other son out to fight your battles? Or will you face me yourself?" The king stood red-faced and snarling, "Guards, seize him!"

None of the royal guard moved. Jason's aura rolled off him like waves and none dared move. As the winner he was now the heir to the throne and therefore he now held authority equal to the king. "Guards!"

"My king," Ansel said, "or should I say former king?"

"I am still king!"

"No, you're not!" Jason declared. "You've outlived your time. Step down or be removed. Or send your other son out here and I'll end him on your behalf unless you are wolf enough to face me yourself."

Howling in rage, the king leapt out of the box surprisingly spry as he barreled toward the young alpha. He attempted to shift as he ripped off his heavy robe but Jason's punch met his face square in the nose. Some paragraphs are incomplete if you are not reading this novel on FindNovel.net. Visit FindNovel.net to read the complete chapters for free. The king fell back still partially shifted as Jason yanked him up and immediately trapped him in a headlock. Pity for the second prince made him pull his final attack at the last moment but there was no pity for those that threatened his Luna as he cleanly snapped the king's neck without remorse.

Releasing the lifeless body Jason stepped back watching it crumple. It was a sad end indeed but one that was much deserving and long overdue. And yet, his death wasn't satisfying. The prince had been more of a challenge. Jason reared back his head and howled in frustration. Surprisingly, several answered in solidarity.

He was king.

All hail the king.

His aura poured out of him as he turned to face Achan when smoke canisters launched toward the arena surrounding him in a foul-smelling fog. He stumbled clear looking for the first prince only to find the royal box abandoned.

"Bring me Achan's head!" Jason snarled before slim arms suddenly wrapped around him and the scent of lilac and sage filled his nostrils. He embraced the petite form clinging to him on instinct. "Phoebe."

She was supposed to remain in the box under Mona and Luke's protection but he could feel the emotions pouring out of her. The last few minutes had been too much for her. He could feel it in her trembling body.

"Shh, Phoebe," Jason whispered opening their bond and letting his love flow back into it.

Shutting her out had been the most difficult decision of his life. But he had no choice, not if he wanted to maintain focus during the fight. And if he had gotten hurt Phoebe would have been subject to the pain as well. That was something he couldn't bear, especially not after Delilah's interference. He would never let her be hurt by him again.

"I'm so sorry," Jason tightened his embrace despite the layer of sweet and grime covering his body.

Phoebe shook her head, "It's fine. I know you had to but I never want you to be like that again. You are so full of warmth and light it hurts when you close yourself off from it."

Jason kissed her forehead loving her concern for him. "Alpha."

He looked up as two warriors dragged the queen and princess in front of him. They forced them to kneel as Jason accepted a pair of sweatpants and yanked them on before pulling Phoebe back into his embrace. His wolf needed her close. The queen was weeping but the princess's eyes glimmered with hate as she stared at Phoebe in his arms. "Where's Achan?" Jason demanded.

"He fled," the warrior replied. "Trackers are in pursuit."

"Find the bastard!" Jason snarled. Achan was the greatest threat now.

"We will," Luke assured him. The packlink was buzzing with the search. No one was going to disappoint their alpha.

"And you!" Jason suddenly moved forward, grasping the princess's neck and forcing her to look at him. "You dare look at my Luna!"

"J-Jason..."

"You have no right to call me by name!" Jason snarled. "You should be begging!"

"But..."

His grip tightened, cutting off her air. Selena clawed at his hand but there was no contest in strength. "P-p-please..."

"No threat to my Luna is allowed to live."

His hand jerked snapping the delicate neck before he released her lifeless body.

"... Jason..." Phoebe whispered hesitantly reaching for him only for Mona to stop and hug her.

This would not be the first time the throne was passed in blood but it had been quite awhile. Until Achan was dealt with it would not be complete. He was worried. She felt it now that their bond was open. At least, he was not closing off the bond anymore. Phoebe breathed deep taking comfort in that fact.

"And what about you?" Jason turned to the queen. "Are you a threat to my Luna?"

She shook her head.

"What about Achan? Do you know where he has gone?"

"N-no."

"And the king? Do you want to avenge him?"

"No. He was cruel, vicious. He killed my mate and forced his mark on me before the body was even cold."

"Is he Nolan's father?"

"No," the queen bowed her head. "I was in the middle of my heat when the king forced his way in, killed my mate and finished me. I think he hoped doing so would ensure more progeny... but Nolan is definitely Duke's son. I see so much of his father in him." "Does the king know?"

"How could he not? Wolves recognize their own. He was extremely angry but also couldn't admit the truth. Threatening Nolan's life was all he needed to do to keep me compliant. And now my baby is dead." "He's not," Jason corrected. "You should pay closer attention to the bond. I told his mate to take him away from here, even gave him a password so my people would take care of them."

"His mate? Him?"

"Are you surprised?"

"No. It's Corwin, isn't it?" the queen smiled a genuine smile for the first time.

"You knew?"

"Suspected. They were practically inseparable since they were just pups. Corwin was a couple years older and always wanted to help take care of him. Nolan was always calmer when he was around. Is he?" "Alive, as far as I know. They took sanctuary with my people. He'll be given the best care," Jason assured her.

"Can I see him?"

Jason gave a curt nod before glancing at the two guards who stood over her. Without a word, they hauled her back to her feet and led her away though they were noticeably gentler than before. "Achan?" Jason looked to Luke.

"Still searching."

"How can it be so difficult to find that cockroach?" Jason demanded his aura slipping out.

Phoebe laced her fingers into his. The contact had an instant, calming effect.

"He's had a week to plan his escape," Luke reminded.

"So what do we do?" Mona asked. "He couldn't have gotten far with no wolf."

"No wolf?" Jason repeated.

"According to Phoebe his wolf spirit is dead, probably has been since he killed his mate."

"Luke, take Phoebe back to the estate."

"You're not coming with us?" Phoebe asked.

"I can't. I have to track him down before he comes after you," Jason pulled her close, kissing her forehead. "I need you safe so I can focus."

"Okay," Phoebe nodded.

Reluctantly they parted as Mona gently pulled Phoebe away. Guards immediately flanked them as they headed for the exit. Jason watched her retreating form for a long moment before tearing his gaze away to focus on his next task: finding that bastard and ending him in the most painful way possible.

Mona rubbed Phoebe's shoulder in comfort as they passed under the grandstand. Suddenly, several cans tumbled down from above spewing a foul-smelling smokescreen all around them.

"f**k!" Luke ordered as the clouds enveloped them. It made their eyes water and their vision blurred as well as wreaked havoc with their sensitive sense of smell. "Eyes up!"

Mona tugged Phoebe back a step before they were suddenly pulled apart. Phoebe stumbled trying to peer through the smoke. Máni surged to the front.

'Phoebe! Danger!'

"Jason!"

Phoebe reached out for him on instinct as she was suddenly grabbed. A sharp pain stung her neck and something was injected into her. The burning sensation erupted through her and she blindly swung at her attacker wearing a gas mask. Drowsiness a*sailed her and she slumped to the ground.

"Phoebe?"

Jason's voice penetrated the fog in her mind but she couldn't answer. Her body felt heavy and she lost focus. "Phoebe? Phoebe!"