Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 128

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & TWENTY EIGHT 

Talia’s POV 

Della and I trained on the south practice grounds after breakfast. We started with simple combinations to warm up and then moved into defensive drills. I focused on my footing and kept my guard up. Without my wolf, I had to rely on technique. 

“Good,” she said, circling me. “Again. Elbow higher on the block. You drop it when you pivot.” 

I adjusted and repeated the move. The strike landed square on the padded post. Della nodded with approval. 

“You’re still a strong fighter,” she said. “You just have to work harder until your wolf returns.” 

I caught my breath and rolled my wrists. “Harder is fine. I just need to get used to this being my new normal.” 

“Don’t get too comfortable with it. Your wolf will be back in no time. If not before, then after the ceremony. Once you find your mate and complete the bond, she’ll come back. You know that,” Della said. 

“I know, I know. That’s what the doctor keeps saying,” I said. 

“We have records and elders who have lived through this,” Della added. “The bond restores balance. Your body knows it. Your wolf knows it too.” 

I nodded, but I still felt uneasy about it. I wanted the mate given to me by the Moon Goddess, but perhaps having father choose for me was for the best. I returned to guard and signaled that I was ready to continue. 

We moved through another series. Della feinted, and I countered. She grinned and said, “That’s it. You’re getting better at reading me.” 

Footsteps approached from the path that led down from the armory. I looked over Della’s shoulder and saw Marco and Nolan crossing the edge of the field. Marco lifted a hand in greeting. Nolan wore a patrol jacket over a green shirt. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. I felt my heart flutter, and I looked away. 

“Good morning,” Marco called. “Did we interrupt?” 

“No, we were just finishing up,” Della said as she passed me a bottle of water. 

“What are you two doing?” I asked. 

“I was just explaining to Alpha Nolan where he’ll be stationed for the next three nights,” Marco explained. 

“Ah. How do you like being a subordinate?” Della teased. 

Nolan frowned and said, “That Silverfang needs to do better with their defenses.” 

“So, it is perfect that you will be patrolling. We can use your expertise,” I said sarcastically. 

Marco glanced at Nolan and I, feeling our tension and quickly changing the subject. “So, you train every day now?” 

“Trying to keep her from outpacing me,” Della said, bumping my shoulder. “She makes me look lazy.” 

I rolled my eyes at her and said, “As if. You’re still running circles around me.” 

Marco’s attention moved to Della and asked, “Weren’t you supposed to check stock?” Della gave Marco a confused expression before her eyes widened. She quickly looped arms with Marco and began walking away from us. 

“You’re absolutely right,” Della said. “Come on, I’ll walk you back. Talia, I’ll see you later?” 

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