Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 221

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY ONE

Nolan’s POV

Talia did not react with anger when Walden spoke. I saw the surprise in her eyes, but she did not let it show beyond that first flicker. My wolf growled within me. He did not like how Walden was talking to Talia, but Talia had to hold her own in front of them.

“Luna,” I said evenly, “this is Walden. He is my Chief Warrior.”

Walden inclined his head a fraction in acknowledgment.

“Chief Warrior Walden,” Talia said calmly, “There is no need for the jab. If you have an issue with my proposal, this is what you’re here for. Explain your reasoning.”

Walden raised an eyebrow at Talia’s reaction as if he didn’t expect Talia to respond in a professional manner.

“Winter is approaching,” he said. “The harsh season always weakens supply lines and strains manpower. Construction of a wall across the plains will require significant warrior presence for at least a month. During that time, our fighting force will be divided between defense and labor.”

Some of the pack members began to nod their heads in agreement. He did make a good point.

“If another pack chooses that window to challenge us,” Walden continued, “or if rogues gather in greater numbers, we will not have our full strength available. Even with villagers assisting, issues will arise. That is part of construction. On top of that, conflicts between villagers and warriors are inevitable when food and resources become limited.”

Walden turned his full attention back to Talia. “For those reasons, I oppose beginning construction now.”

No one said anything. The room remained quiet as everyone digested his words. Della was fuming but she couldn’t argue against Walden’s point.

“There is truth in what Walden is saying,” I said. Talia didn’t look at me, but I could tell she was upset by how rigid she became.

‘I thought you agreed with my plan,’ Talia said through our mind link.

‘I do, but Walden is not opposing you because he doesn’t like you. I left him in charge of Bloodmoon while I was in Silverfang. He handled border pressure, internal disputes, and patrol rotations without incident. I have never doubted his loyalty or his judgment when it comes to our military strength,’ I explained.

‘Walden does not know everything,’ Talia responded.

That was true. He did not know about the resurgence of mad rogue blood. I had kept that information contained to prevent panic from spreading through the pack.

“I acknowledge the concern. You make valid points,” Talia said after a moment. Walden looked pleased until Talia continued.” However, the wall is not being built out of fear. It is a preemptive measure.”

Walden frowned and looked as if he was about to say something, but Talia didn’t give him the opportunity.

“I will not force every warrior to participate,” she said. “But at least half must.”

A murmur rippled through the room at that number.

“We offer structured rotations,” she went on. “Increased rations during shifts.”

Walden’s expression did not change.

“If we are attacked during that month,” Talia said, “I will call on Shadowclaw’s elite warriors. I will also request reinforcement from Silverfang.”

TWIND

+25 Bonus

Walden exhaled through his nose. “Shadowclaw and Silverfang are too far. By the time either pack responds, we would have sustained major casualties. And the area you’re concerned with is over six miles. Six miles! Even with one thousand wolves working in rotation, that is an enormous undertaking. It is not possible for the wall to be completed in a month.”

“With that mindset, it won’t be possible,” Talia argued.

Walden then stood up, angrily sliding his chair back. “You may have governed Shadowclaw, but Bloodmoon’s terrain is different. Let the wolves who know what they’re doing handle the safety of the pack.”

My wolf snarled inside me. ‘How dare he talk to our mate like that!’

Anger rose up in me, not because he questioned logistics, but because he questioned her authority in front of the council. Walden had always been blunt, but never disrespectful, not until today.

“That is not an option,” Talia snapped. “If there are structural challenges, we address them. But do not dismiss the plan because you assume I cannot understand.”

Walden opened his mouth again, but I cut him off. “Enough.”

Talia returned to her seat next to me.

“You are allowed to question feasibility,” I said to Walden. “I expect that of you. But you will not mock my Luna in this room.”

“It was never my attention, Alpha. L…”

“The wall construction is urgent,” I said, interrupting him. “This is not optional. Our temporary fixes are not long term sustainable. If no one has an alternative, the wall will be built.”

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