Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 39

Jason’s POV

Later that afternoon, I summoned Roy, my top warrior, and Henry, my trusted beta, into the war chamber.

Henry arrived first. I found him lounging casually against the edge of the map table, arms folded across his chest. “What is this about, Alpha?” he asked.

“Plans for the future,” I replied, and Henry nodded.

Roy arrived a few minutes later. We heard his heavy steps before he entered the chamber. His gray-streaked hair was combed neatly back, and he wore the black uniform of Shadowclaw’s chief warrior.

“Alpha. Beta,” he greeted.

I stood at the head of the table. “The warriors have been slacking,” I said flatly. “Daily drills will be reinstated immediately, double the frequency. Shadowclaw is preparing to rise, and we can’t do that with a lazy pack.”

Roy gave a single nod. “Understood, Alpha. I will see to it personally.”

I turned to Henry. He nodded firmly. “I will assist Roy to make it happen.”

“Good,” I said. “From now on, every patrol goes armed, and every border is reinforced. No more distinctions between rogues and spies. If anything moves, it gets reported. No exceptions.”

“And what of the alliance with Blood Moon?” Henry asked. “Alpha Nolan is a wildcard and is no friend of ours. Do you really trust him?”

I shifted my gaze between the two men, a slow smile tugging at my lips. “Trust? No. Nolan is blinded by his hatred of the Alpha King. He wants to see the crown fall so badly he can’t see anything else. While he’s busy tearing at the king’s throat, we keep our heads down — let them bleed each other dry. Once they’re weak enough, Shadowclaw will strike… and in the chaos, I’ll take the throne for myself.”

Roy grinned in approval. “It is about time for a new order. Shadowclaw’s warriors stand with you, Alpha.”

“See to it they stay that way,” I ordered. “Anyone even looking like they are doubting me will be sent to the dungeon or banished. I’ll leave it up to your discretion.”

Roy dipped his head in obedience, but I caught a flicker in his eyes, a hesitation he did not voice. His silence lasted too long. Henry noticed too.

“Spit it out, Roy,” Henry barked.

Roy glared at Henry before saying, “There’s another matter I wanted to discuss, Alpha. I wanted to speak with you about the Luna Ceremony.”

“And what is your concern?” I asked.

“We need to hold it soon,” Roy pressed on, his tone implying that this wasn’t up for negotiation. My wolf growled within me at his insolence. Roy had always been arrogant. My wolf itched to put him in his place.

“And we will,” I said.

“Sooner than later, Alpha. The pack is restless. They need stability. They need to see Viki crowned and acknowledged as Luna. That ceremony will settle the doubts about leadership, doubts that have been festering since the fiasco with Talia.”

He was right. Talia had made me look like a fool. Whispers of weakness had spread through Shadowclaw like wildfire. Some had already left us for other packs. If I didn’t crown Viki soon, more might follow.

Before I could answer, Henry scoffed. “You’re eager for that ceremony, Roy. Could it be because the future Luna is your daughter?”

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