Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 195

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY FIVE

Nolan’s POV

The meeting dragged on longer than necessary. The Elders had so many questions about Silverfang and Talia. Every last one of them wondered whether I had ended the hunt for my father’s killer. By the time it finally ended, my patience was gone.

The senior members filtered out one by one, still murmuring about schedules, patrol rotations, and preparations for the upcoming Luna ceremony. I acknowledged them out of habit, but my attention was already elsewhere.

I wanted to go home.

Marco noticed immediately.

“You’re restless,” he said as we walked out together. “What’s going on?”

“I have things to do.”

“Or someone,” Marco said and I shot him a look which caused him to laugh.

My wolf laughed too. He liked that Marco had noticed the change too. ‘There’s nothing to be ashamed of for wanting our mate,’ he added.

“You’ve been different since you accepted Talia,” Marco continued, clearly enjoying himself. “More relaxed, not obsessing over things.”

“Is that a bad thing?” I asked.

“No,” Marco answered. “It isn’t. I’m glad to see it. Happy to see Nolan, my friend not the Alpha, returning.”

‘You need to learn to listen to me,’ my wolf said smugly. He had been urging this shift from the moment we knew Talia was our mate. It was a constant string of demands: claim her, protect her, be honest. For once, I was listening.

“Go to her,” Marco continued. “If anything comes up, I’ll handle it.”

I nodded and headed back toward the residence. I followed Talia’s scent to the main sitting room and then our small kitchen. She really explored today. It made me smile that she was taking the time getting to know where everything was.

‘Of course she would. She is our Luna,’ my wolf said.

I walked to the bedroom to check if she was in there. As I drew closer, I heard raised voices. One of them was unmistakably Talia’s. The other was Maggie’s.

I stopped just outside the door.

“Shut up! You don’t know anything about me!” Maggie shouted. “Your mate bond is a curse!”

My wolf bristled. ‘We should not allow this pup to disrespect our Luna,’ he growled.

“You are young, girl. You have not found your mate yet,” Talia said. “When you do, you will understand the pull you are cursing, and you will understand how foolish you were right now,”

“You are a witch!” Maggie snapped. “You seduced him!”

That was enough.

I pushed the door open hard enough that it struck the wall with a dull thud.

“Maggie!” I snarled.

She spun around, eyes widening as she realized I had heard everything. The anger drained from her face and was replaced instantly with panic.

“I…I didn’t mean…” she started.

“That is enough!” I snapped, interrupting her.

I crossed the room in two strides and positioned myself between her and Talia.

“You do not speak to her like that,” I said. “Ever.”

“You should never have been put in that position, I told her not to come in here,” I replied. “I should have addressed this sooner.”

Talia hesitated before saying, “She likes you. She’s just jealous of me.”

I sighed. “I know.”

“You knew?” she asked, surprised.

“Yes,” I said honestly. “I thought it was a harmless crush. She has been through a lot, and I never encouraged it. I thought she would have grown out of it,”

“So, you’re telling me you don’t like the attention?” Talia teased.

“I don’t. I see Maggie as a little sister,” I confirmed. “I took her in when she had nowhere else to go. The Mad rogues nearly broke her. I thought giving her work, structure, and protection would help her and it did, but it does not mean she gets to ignore rank and do whatever she wants.”

Talia smiled slightly. “I am glad you stood up for me. Thanks.”

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY FIVE

“There was never another option,” I said.

“I think you deserve a reward,” Talia purred.

I raised an eyebrow, my gaze lingering on her. “Is that so?”

She nodded, eyes bright. “Very much so.”

“And what would that be?” I asked.

Talia rose onto her toes, wrapped her arms around my neck, pulled me forward and kissed me.