Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 236

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & THIRTY SIX

Talia’s POV

The wall was finished within the month.

Despite everything that had worked against it, the fire, the supply delays, the rotation disruptions, Walden had delivered exactly what he promised. Nolan and I stood at the base of it the morning it was declared complete.

‘You should be proud of yourself,’ my wolf hummed. ‘This is a huge step as Luna that no one will forget.’

‘I think I am in shock that it actually worked well,’ I replied.

Even though I knew how much had gone into building it, seeing it fully standing was something different entirely. It was taller than I had imagined. It was exactly as the blueprints had specified and even better. The builders had even taken the time to weave in Bloodmoon’s crest into the wall.

Nolan and I met with Walden afterward in Nolan’s office.

“Alpha, Luna,” Walden greeted with a widened smile.

“Walden, you did good work,” Nolan praised.

“The wall would not have been completed on time without you,” I added. “Both of us are grateful for everything you have done to see this through.”

Walden accepted the praise with a nod and immediately asked, “What would you have me do next, Luna?”

Nolan chuckled and teased, “What’s got you so pumped Walden?”

“I am eager to continue working toward protecting our pack,” Walden explained and focused his attention back on me.

“Go ahead, Talia,” Nolan added with a wink, signaling that I could give orders just as he would.

I had been thinking about this for several days and had already prepared what I needed. I placed the blueprints on the desk in front of him. Walden picked up the blueprints and studied them.

“I need you to select approximately one hundred of your most trusted veterans. They need to be Bloodmoon born only and no new recruits,” I started. “They are to construct ten hidden tunnels beneath the pack house.”

“Hidden from everyone?” Walden asked as he looked up.

“From everyone,” I confirmed. “If the rogues ever breach the wall, those tunnels will be our last refuge. The construction must be carried out in complete secrecy. Can you do this for our pack?”

After a long pause, Walden looked up from the blueprints. “A week,” he said finally. “I can have this done within a week.”

“That fast?”

“Yes, Luna. We can use the maintenance staff routes under the guise that we are reinforcing them. That will keep anyone from questioning what we are doing and why they need to be closed off,” Walden explained.

“Good. Let us know how we can support in pivoting attention away,” I said.

Nolan had been watching the exchange without interrupting. He gave a single nod when Walden looked to him for confirmation. Nolan already knew what I was planning and was on board.

“There is something else,” I continued. “I want to propose that we invite the other packs here to see the wall.”

Nolan looked at me in surprise. “Invite them here?”

“Yes,” I said. “You have already sent word to the other Alphas about the need to fortify their borders. I’ve heard that only

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Silverfang, Shadowclaw, and Colin’s pack have begun building. The others have not moved at all,” I explained.

“So, you think seeing it will change their mind?” Nolan asked.

“Of course. Standing in front of what we have built here and speaking with us directly about the threat we are preparing will make it real for them. It may be enough to push the ones who are still hesitating into action,” I explained.

“Luna makes a good point. Neighboring packs that fall to the rogues would be a liability as there would be more mad rogue wolves to deal with,” Walden agreed.

“It is worth trying,” Nolan said. “But only after the tunnels have been constructed. We need to make sure we are not stretched too thin.”

“Of course, but we must make sure we make it a priority right after,” I added.

“We read your report on the arson investigation. Did you find anything else out?” Nolan asked, changing the topic.

“No, Alpha. We were not able to identify a cause with certainty and we were thorough,” Walden replied. “Based on the evidence we have, the most likely conclusion is that it was an accident caused by a storage lamp left unattended.”

I said nothing. I had read Walden’s report twice and I still was not convinced. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe Walden, but something about the situation felt wrong. The location of the fire, the timing, and the speed at which it had spread just did not sit right with me. However, I had no proof, and pressing the point would only make Walden think I did not trust his ability.

“Let’s be extra vigilant with the construction of the tunnels,” I finally said. “Remember no one but who you have selected to work on the tunnels knows about them.”

“Understood, Luna,” Walden said without hesitation. “You have my word.”

“I will help you choose the men,” Nolan added.

Walden’s eyebrows rose in surprise and then he smiled mischievously.

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