Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 389

Talia’s POV

I stared at Arya, unsure if she was serious. “You’re kidding, right?” I looked for any hint she was messing with me, but she only grinned wider.

“Della’s orders,” Arya said. “She said if Alpha and Luna want to be part of the pack, they have to play by the same rules as everyone else tonight.”

Nolan chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, I suppose even the Alpha can’t escape Della’s party schemes.”

I started to protest, but Arya was already calling Della over. Della hurried up with Marco right behind her. Her cheeks were red, her hair slipping out of its knot, and she looked happier than I’d seen her in a long time.

“Did Arya tell you?” she practically squealed. “You two are the guests of honor for the drinking contest! I want the whole pack to see the Alpha and Luna can still hold their own.”

"I don't know about this," I said.

“Come on! Join the drinking contest!” Wolves nearby shouted excitedly.

The crowd started chanting, “Luna! Luna!” Their voices got louder, hands pounding on tables until I could feel the rhythm in my chest.

I gave in, laughing as I threw up my hands. “Alright, alright! I’ll do it!” The crowd cheered so loud, my ears were ringing. Jamie quickly set up the glasses on the bar.

“Here’s how it works,” Arya said. “We each get ten drinks. Whoever finishes first wins. No skipping, no throwing out your drink, and if you pass out,” she winked at Nolan, “you lose.”

Walden leaned in from the side and called out to Nolan and me. “Arya’s undefeated tonight! So, watch out!” He lifted his mug in salute, and everyone laughed.

Nolan gave Arya a skeptical look. “You're hiding a second liver, Arya?”

Arya shrugged, a small smile on her lips. “You’ll see soon enough.”

Before I could answer, Della rushed to my side, almost shaking with excitement. She turned to the crowd. “You don’t know what you’re in for! Talia helped the Alpha King brew wine before she could even shift!”

I groaned, blushing. “Della, what are you…”

She cut me off, her eyes shining as she spoke to everyone. “Tonight, our Luna’s going to show you how it’s done. Arya doesn’t stand a chance!”

The crowd laughed and clapped. Someone started chanting again, “Luna! Luna!” I grabbed Della’s wrist and pulled her closer. “What are you doing? Father never let me drink any wine when I was a kid,” I whispered.

“Yeah, but they don’t know that,” Della responded. “We have to keep the crowd excited.”

“Ugh, just stop exaggerating and keep time,” I said, playfully pushing her.

Della grinned and took a battered stopwatch from her skirt pocket. “Of course,” she said.

Arya, Nolan, and I stood in front of the drinks. The crowd pressed in. Della climbed onto a crate and held the stopwatch high.

“On my mark!” she called out, her voice clear and strong. “Three… two… one… go!”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify