Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 420

Nolan’s POV

“Clean up this mess,” I ordered the guards and omegas that were still in the dining hall. They put the tables back, wiped up the spilled food and drinks, and swept away the broken dishes.

I led Talia out of the dining hall. Her movements seemed sluggish, and I caught her pressing a hand to her stomach. Then, I heard her stomach growl.

"You didn't eat, did you?"

Talia tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "No, I barely ate anything before Henry and Geoffrey started arguing."

"Let’s go back to the pack house. Clara can get you something to eat, and you can rest,” I suggested.

“No, not yet,” Talia refused. “What if Geoffrey finds them before they reach the hospital? He’s upset and knows where they’re going. I need to check myself."

"I can send two guards to watch over them,” I offered. “They’ll tell me right away if something happens."

"That won’t work," Talia said, shaking her head. "Guards can’t warn us fast enough if they start fighting again. And next time, Henry might not hold back. He’s reserved, but he’s not a pushover.”

“Then what do you want to do?” I asked.

“I just want to make sure they get to the hospital safely,” Talia replied.

“They’re not going to like that. They’re adults, not teenagers who need a chaperone.”

“I have no intention of letting them know I’m following them.”

"Alright," I said. "I’m coming with you, but after this, you’re going back to the packhouse to eat and rest."

“Thank you,” Talia said.

We trailed Arya and Henry for ten minutes down the nearly empty hallway. Our steps were soft on the shiny floor. Whenever they paused, or Henry glanced back, we ducked into doorways and tried not to make a sound.

‘This is so silly,’ I said through the mate bond, both amused and embarrassed. ‘We look ridiculous sneaking around.’

'You didn't have to come with me.'

‘Of course I did. I want to make sure you don’t get involved in their drama. They need to figure it out themselves.’

‘So you’re okay with Geoffrey taking Arya and convincing her to reject Henry?’ Talia shot back.

‘Of course not.’

'Doing nothing is basically letting Geoffrey do what he wants.’

Arya slowed down to match Henry’s pace. I saw her turning, and I grabbed Talia, pulling her down another hallway to keep Arya from seeing us.

"Henry had to get hurt for this to happen."

"If I’d known, I would’ve just hit him myself and saved us some trouble," Talia said with a tired smile. I laughed, finally feeling the tension lift.

"I just want her to be happy," Talia said, her voice soft and aching. "She’s been alone for so long."

"I know, but she’s tough. She can handle this.”

Talia shook her head, eyes bright with unshed tears. "She’s tough, but that’s not the same. I don’t want her to regret letting Henry go just because Geoffrey told her to.”

“Arya’s smart. She’ll figure it out.”

Then, Talia began to cry quietly. “What’s wrong? There’s nothing more we can do. Please don’t cry.”

"I’m fine. Everything makes me emotional now." She laughed, wiping a tear away. "I watched her and Geoffrey argue over beans at lunch and wondered, what if our kids end up like that? Two rebellious pups fighting with me in front of everyone."

"They’ll be perfect little angels compared to Leslie and Solon’s daughter. She’s been kicking nonstop for months and she’s not even born yet. Ours will seem like angels compared to that," I said, grinning at the thought of the chaos that that little girl was going to cause at Silverfang.

Talia laughed. She leaned against me as we walked, her steps easier now.

I just hoped Henry and Arya wouldn’t start fighting again at the hospital.