Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 384

Nolan’s POV

By the time we made it back to the Bloodmoon pack, the sun had dropped below the hills, painting the sky red and violet. Seeing the big iron gates in the distance with the Bloodmoon crest brought relief, as being away from my pack had weighed on me more than I realized.

As we got closer to the gates, I nudged Talia awake. "Almost home," I said.

"How long have I been out?" she asked, yawning.

"Just a few hours."

"I can't believe we're back home."

"I know, and now we can finally get everything back to normal."

"Do you think everyone is angry with us for being gone so long?" Talia asked as I parked the car.

"No one's angry. They're just glad we're safe.” I paused. “Maybe not everyone. I think Della may still be upset that she couldn’t have her party sooner rather than later.”

Talia laughed, and I noticed the tension within her shoulders leave. "She’ll get over it. I am not looking forward to the chaos that is going to happen. You know this is probably going to be a week-long event.”

“I know, but we’re going to love every minute of it anyway.”

People were calling our names as soon as we got out of the car. They stood on either side of the gravel path, clapping their hands and cheering us on as we passed. Out front with a crowd of pack members were Della, Marco, and Walden.

“Welcome back! ” someone yelled.

"We missed you!" another voice called out.

Della reached us first and hugged Talia tightly, almost lifting her off her feet. “Welcome home, Alpha Queen!” she called out. The crowd repeated the title, passing it along with pride and joy.

Talia looked startled for a moment, and then Della said, “Don’t look so shocked. What made you think that no one would spread the word that you are the new Alpha Queen?”

“Actually, yes,” Talia laughed.

“Nope, we found out. Leslie couldn’t keep it to herself,” Della said. “Everyone is so proud of you. So, you know that means the party has to be even bigger than I originally planned.”

“Goddess help me,” Talia groaned, but she wasn’t upset. I could feel her happiness through our mate bond.

Marco clapped me on the back and then pulled me into a hug. “Good to have you home, Alpha,” he said, his eyes bright with relief. “How does it feel being the Alpha Queen’s consort?”

“Not so bad,” I said. “Talia was meant for this.”

Marco nodded, beaming. “She reminds me a little of you, Alpha Queen. Same stubborn streak.”

Della joined in, giving Talia a soft nudge. “You’ve set a high bar for the pack’s warriors. So get ready because everyone will want to impress you.”

I squeezed Talia’s hand. “They’re right. You’re the one everyone looks up to now.”

Then, all of a sudden, Arya blurted out, "Luna, do you think I could spar with you sometime?"

“We just got home, Arya," I said. "At least wait until next week before challenging my mate."

"I just wanted to continue learning," Arya explained.

Walden laughed, his deep voice projecting out across the courtyard. “Besides, Arya, you should finish your first shift before you try to take our Alpha Queen.”

Arya ducked her head, embarrassment and excitement warring on her face. “Of course. I…I didn’t mean…”

“It is okay, Arya. There will be plenty of time for sparring,” Talia said in a soft voice, and Arya visibly relaxed.

“Alright, everyone, back to your duties," I called out to the crowd. "We’ll meet tomorrow morning to get a full report on the pack and what happened while we were away.”