Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 425

Talia’s POV

The next morning, we sat at the table, barely touching our food. My stomach was tight with nerves, but I forced myself to eat a little so no one would worry. Sometimes, I noticed Nolan watching me, like he could tell how anxious I felt. He looked lost in his own thoughts, too. The attack on Walden had shaken everyone, and now the whole pack felt tense and unsure, like we were all waiting for something bad to happen.

"We’ve been back for days," Nolan said quietly. "All we’ve done is rest and recover. Maybe that was a mistake."

I nodded, resting my hand on my belly. "We needed a break. Don’t feel bad about us taking a little time to celebrate."

"I know," Nolan said. "I don’t regret it. I’m just..."

"I get it. Walden’s still healing, and now I carried twins. Someone might see that as a chance to attack us," I said. If we were in dire need, I could use Moonfire, but I didn’t know what that would do to the twins.

Nolan’s eyes narrowed. "There are four wolves that would be bold enough to do that, and three of them are dead.”

“Geoffrey,” I said.

"Exactly what I was thinking,” Nolan stated.

Geoffrey was the only one openly after the Alpha King title. He always wanted more power and never seemed happy with his place. It didn’t seem like a coincidence that Walden was attacked while Geoffrey was here. He was never shy about wanting control, but now he seemed more patient and determined, like he’d do anything to get what he wanted.

“Do you really think he would do that while staying here?” I asked.

“I believe he would only because he’s egotistical. He thinks he’s smarter than everyone in the room, and perhaps he is in some places, but not around people that can see through his lies,” Nolan answered.

“Why would he go for Walden and not you or me?” I asked.

"That would be too difficult. Remember, Geoffrey can be very patient. If he planned the rogue attack," Nolan said, "it was to make us look weak to show that Bloodmoon needs new leaders, or you’re not fit to be Alpha Queen. Then, he could petition a meeting and repeat exactly what he did to Solon with you.”

“No one would vote against me,” I said.

"He probably thinks that, since he’s Arya’s brother, he can win over the warriors. If he gets Arya to owe him or control her, that would be his chance to become Alpha King, or at least that’s what he’s probably thinking," Nolan said.

"But he’s forgetting something," I said quietly. "Bloodmoon’s warriors are loyal to the Alpha and Luna first, and then the Chief Warrior. They only listen to Walden because we told them to."

Nolan started to step forward, but I touched his wrist. As soon as I did, I felt calmer. A warm wave spread through us. Our mate bond carried my silent message: 'He’s just trying to get a reaction. Don’t take the bait.'

'I know, but please, just once, let me punch him in the face,' Nolan grumbled.

‘No,’ I laughed. ‘But if he is responsible, you’ll be able to do more than just punch him.’

"Maybe Walden should step down. He’s not young anymore. As the Chief Warrior, he should never have allowed rogues to get the upper hand. It is embarrassing, don’t you think?" Geoffrey added.

Nolan glared at him. "This is not the Doomfur Pack. Here, we respect our elders. We don’t just throw them away when it is convenient.”

Arya walked over, wiping sweat from her forehead. Geoffrey switched gears right away, trying to sound nicer. “Congrats on being Chief Warrior, Arya,” he said, then added, “Even if it’s only temporary.”

Arya looked uncomfortable, so I stepped in. "Alpha Geoffrey will leave in three days. Arya, I trust you’ll make the right choice and choose your mate, won’t you?”

Geoffrey suddenly snapped. “What? No. Arya belongs to me!”