Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 345

Nolan’s POV

The sun had barely dipped below the horizon when Della, Marco, and I made our way back to the Bloodmoon pack’s territory. The woods around our home were painted in deepening shadows, with the air thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. The usual path to the packhouse felt lonelier without Talia beside me.

Walden was waiting for us on the porch. “Welcome back,” he said. His gaze flicked past me and back again. “Where is Luna Talia?” he asked, casual in tone, but concern showed in his eyes.

I kept my expression steady. “She’s in closed training,” I said carefully. “She still needs to learn how to control her new ability. She is in good hands, and I will bring her back myself in a week.”

Walden looked relieved. “That’s good. She’s strong. I’m sure she’ll come back even stronger.” He shot me a sly look. “A week, huh? That’s a long time without your mate. Going to be lonely?”

I rolled my eyes, forcing a smirk. “I’ll be busy enough with pack matters. I doubt I’ll have time to miss her.”

Walden laughed. “If you say so. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Alpha, I’m going to get some well-deserved rest. If something happens, get Marco to do it.”

I laughed, and Marco stated, “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.” I watched Walden walk toward his house. He’d been through a lot and always stayed loyal. I owed him.

‘Once we deal with the Rogue King, we’ll let him take a vacation. He really deserves it,’ my wolf said, and I agreed.

Inside, the packhouse was busy as usual in the evening. Voices filled the halls, pots clattered in the kitchen, and music played from the rec room. Someone laughed upstairs, and the smell of fresh cookies came from the kitchen.

Usually, all the noise would comfort me and remind me the pack was safe and together. But tonight, every sound just made me notice what was missing. Talia’s absence felt like a quiet ache underneath it all.

‘You are acting as if she won’t come back,’ my wolf huffed.

‘Says the one that nearly drove me insane when she disappeared.’

‘That was different. We know where she is. She is safe. We can wait a week,’ my wolf stated.

Della noticed my reflection as we passed a mirror on our way through the foyer. Her lips curled in a mischievous smile. “Missing your other half already?”

I huffed, but she just laughed. “If it gets too bad, I can lend you, Marco, for company. He’s housebroken, mostly.”

“Hey!” Marco exclaimed. “That was the only time, and you said you wouldn’t talk about it.”

I side-eyed him. “Do I even want to know?”

Marco came over and put his arm around my shoulders. “Forget about that. How about we take the night off? How about we raid your stash and have a real drink?”

The idea was tempting. Anything to distract from the gnawing worry. “Fine,” I agreed. “But only if you two promise not to trash the place.”

“Promise,” Della said.

“Do you have fingers crossed behind your back?” I questioned.

“Of course not. I would never,” Della teased.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify