Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 201

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & ONE

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CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & ONE

Nolan’s POV

I returned to the party after changing, looking for Talia right away. The hall was filled with music and laughter, and the crowd grew louder as the night continued. I glanced at faces as I entered, thinking about how I would bring her back to my side for the rest of the celebration.

I did not see her.

I paused at the edge of the dance floor and checked the tables, the dais, and the paths between groups of guests. I noticed Della’s scent nearby, along with Marco’s, but not her signature rose scent.

Clara approached me with a tense expression. My wolf bristled and said, ‘Something is wrong. I can’t feel our mate here.’

“Clara,” I said. “Where is Luna Talia?”

“Alpha Nolan, I’ve been looking for you. Luna Talia wanted me to inform you that she left to meet the rest pack members,” Clara explained.

I frowned and said, “What do you mean?”

“Maggie said some members from the border district arrived and wanted to pay their respects. Luna Talia agreed to go meet them,” Clara replied.

My wolf snarled, “That pup is up to no good. We should have disciplined her.’

“Did Maggie say who these people were?” I asked.

Clara shook her head quickly. “I do not know, Alpha. Maggie did not name them. Luna Talia only told me to inform you.”

My chest tightened. “Where did they go?” I asked.

Clara pointed down the corridor. “They left through the side doors that lead toward the garden paths.”

I turned and strode toward the exit without another word. As soon as I stepped into the night air, I headed for the gate guards stationed near the outer entry points. Two guards stood under the lights, both straightening when they saw me approach.

“Alpha,” one of them said. “Is everything all right?”

“Who did Maggie say was waiting outside?” I asked.

The guard blinked. “We do not know, Alpha.”

“What do you mean you do not know?” I snapped. “Maggie brought Luna Talia out, and you two didn’t stop them.”

“Yes, Alpha,” the second guard said carefully. “We tried, but Maggie insisted, and Luna Talia said she would return soon.”

None of this made sense, and the guards knew it. If border members had traveled that far, they would have announced themselves at the gate or sent word.

I turned back toward the hall, moving faster now, and found Della near the drinks table. Her posture changed the moment she saw my face.

“You haven’t found her?” Della asked.

“No. Clara said Maggie took her out to meet border members,” I replied. “The gate guards do not know who those members were.”

Della’s expression hardened, “I knew it. I knew Maggie couldn’t be trusted. You should have gotten rid of her as soon as she was disrespectful to Talia.”

1/3

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & ONE

+25 Bonus

“Where is Marco?” I asked.

Della pointed toward the far side of the hall. “He stepped outside to check the perimeter.”

“Marco. Come to me now,” I commanded through the mind link.

A second later, I felt his acknowledgement, and Marco rushed over to my side.

“What happened?” Marco asked.

“I can’t find Talia,” I said bluntly. “Maggie took her outside to meet pack members that do not exist. I want search teams now.”

“Understood,” Marco said.

“I need you to identify every member absent from this party. You will contact each one. I want names, locations, and their reasons for not being here,” I instructed.

Marco nodded once. “I will start with the guest list and the border roster.”

I looked at Della. “You stay near the hall. If she returns, or if anyone reports seeing her, you contact me immediately.”

Della’s eyes flashed. “I’m coming with you.”

“You are not,” I said. “If she’s brought back here, I need someone I trust in this room to keep her safe.”

Della pressed her lips together, but she did not argue again. She nodded once and then said, “Fine. But if Maggie shows her face, don’t blame me if I bust her nose.”

I stepped outside and called the nearest patrol leader over.

“Alpha,” he said, bowing his head.

I pointed toward the garden paths. “I want repeated searches across the party grounds. Use full teams. Check the garden, the hedges, the outer walkways, and the border trail that runs behind the residence wing. Do not assume Luna Talia is unharmed. Move.”

“Yes, Alpha,” he said, and he signaled to his warriors.

My wolf was constantly reaching out through our mate bond, but we felt nothing. It was as if Talia had vanished from existence. This absence made my wolf frantic.

‘You should have never allowed that woman near her again,’ my wolf whined.

‘Calm down. We don’t know if she is involved yet,’ I told him.

I couldn’t sit still, so I joined the search as well.

I moved through the outer gardens first, following the paths with guards spaced on both sides, checking behind hedges and stone walls while calling for her.

“Talia,” I said, my voice low, carrying. “Answer me.”

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