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!”

Della handed me a glass of water. “No shame in knowing your limits.” She watched me closely as I drank, the cool water soothing my throat.

The crowd turned their attention back to Arya and Nolan. Arya wasn’t smiling anymore; she was focused. Nolan’s face was even redder now, and I wondered if he would make it.

Arya took her eighth glass while Nolan picked up his seventh. He paused, his eyes unfocused, but managed to drink it. Arya’s hand stayed steady and her breathing was calm as she finished her ninth drink.

Nolan picked up his eighth glass, made a face, and set it back down. “I’m done,” he said.

Arya smiled, grabbed her last two drinks, and finished them quickly. Della stopped the timer and shouted, "Arya wins!" The crowd cheered and clapped.

Arya steadied herself and asked excitedly, “Now I can make my wish, right?"

"Yes, that's the rules," Della replied.

"Alpha, will you come with me to my first shift ceremony? It's in three days!"

The crowd went quiet. The first shift was a big deal, a ceremony for family or a fated mate. I remembered my own first shift. My father and Solon helped me through it. My wolf inside me bristled, upset that Arya would even ask.

Nolan opened his mouth, then closed it. He stared at Arya, unsure what to say.

“I don’t have any family left. I want you there,” Arya said, then looked straight at me. A teasing challenge flashed in her eyes. “Luna Talia, you wouldn’t object, would you?”