The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 31

Chapter Thirty One

Clam

Morning came quietly over the pack grounds. Mist clung low to the earth, curling around stone pathways and wooden posts like a living thing reluctant to let go of the night. The sun had only just begun to rise, pale gold spilling over the treetops, warming the roofs of the pack hospital and the nearby homes where wolves were beginning to stir.

The pack hospital doors opened with a soft creak.

Talon stepped out first.

Diana followed at his side, her fingers already threaded through his, his grip steady and grounding. Enzo came last, ever watchful, his sharp eyes scanning the grounds even in daylight.

The morning air was cool and clean, carrying the scents of dew, pine, and fresh earth. Diana inhaled deeply. Despite the ache still lingering in her body, the simple act of breathing freely again felt like a

victory.

The pack hospital sat close to the pack house-close enough that walking was customary, symbolic even. It reminded everyone that healing and leadership were not separate things. That those who led were expected to be seen.

Talon made no move to release her hand. He walked half a step ahead, not dragging her, not rushing her, just enough to shield her from anyone who might approach too suddenly. His thumb brushed lightly against her knuckles in a slow, unconscious rhythm.

The pack noticed.

Warriors returning from early patrols slowed. Omegas paused mid-task. Wolves heading toward the training grounds stopped altogether, their gazes following the Alpha King and the woman beside him.

Whispers traveled fast in the morning stillness.

That’s her.

She survived.

The Alpha King is holding her hand.

Diana felt every stare. Her shoulders tightened slightly, instinctively wanting to retreat, but Talon’s presence anchored her. The bond hummed gently, reassuring, steady.

Before the tension could build any further, a small voice broke through the quiet.

“Ms. Diana!”

A young pup came running toward them, hair still damp from a rushed morning wash, shirt half-tucked. He skidded to a stop in front of her, breathing hard.

Talon instinctively shifted his stance, but the moment he recognized it was just a boy, he relaxed.

“Ms. Diana,” the pup said again, eyes wide with worry, “are you feeling better now?”

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Chapter Thune

Claim

Diana’s expression softened immediately. She released Talon’s hand and knelt so she was level with the child, Ignoring the faint protest from her still-healing body. She smiled and reached up to pat his head gently.

“Yes,” she said warmly. “I am. Thank you for asking.”

The pup frowned, clearly not convinced yet. “My mom said rogues attacked you yesterday,” he blurted out. “She said you were really hurt.”

Diana’s hand stilled for a brief moment before she smiled again. “I was hurt,” she admitted gently. “But I had help. And I’m safe now.”

“Really?” he asked, eyes flicking briefly to Talon.

“Really,” Diana said, nodding.’

Relief flooded his face. He grinned, bright and unguarded, then spun around and ran back toward a group of other pups gathering near the training grounds.

“She’s okay!” he shouted. “Ms. Diana’s okay!”

The sound of laughter followed.

Talon watched the entire exchange in silence.

“You are good with pups, mate,” he said quietly once Diana stood again.

“Since I resigned from my warrior status,” She brushed her hands on her pants, glancing up at him. “I’ve taken care of some of the pups here, especially when their parents’ schedules overlap.” Her voice was calm, matter-of-fact. “They’ve always been good to me. Why wouldn’t I be good to them?”

Talon didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached for her hand again, slower this time, deliberate. He helped her fully upright, his fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary.

They resumed walking toward the pack house.

Morning activity surrounded them now-wolves shifting back to human form after patrol, cooks unloading supplies, warriors stretching before training. Yet as Talon passed, conversations dipped, heads bowed.

By the time they reached the pack house, the sun had fully crested the horizon, bathing the stone structure in warm light. It should have felt peaceful.

It didn’t.

They entered without pause and headed straight for the Alpha’s office.

Enzo moved ahead, knocked once, and opened the door immediately-no hesitation, no wait.

Inside, Alpha Asher stood behind his desk, already dressed and clearly awake far longer than the rest of the pack. Luna Hazel sat nearby, impeccably composed despite the early hour. Beta Rafe stood near the window, arms crossed.

Asher’s eyes flashed the moment the door opened.

“Beta Enzo,” he said sharply, “have you forgotten that this is not your pack? You will wait for permission

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before entering my office.”

Clam

“Alpha Asher,” Enzo didn’t even blink. “The Alpha King and Luna Queen do not wait for permission to enter any room.”

Hazel’s brows lifted slightly

“Wherever the Alpha King stands,” Enzo continued, “is an extension of his kingdom. He chose to respect your laws and customs by not asserting that authority.””

His gaze hardened. “But his Luna was attacked inside your pack-without your knowledge. So forgive me if I show no respect to a pack that endangered my Luna Queen.”

“Whose Luna Queen?” Hazel scoffed softly. “The Alpha King is unmated.”

The room chilled.

Talon stepped fully inside, Diana beside him.

“Were you not present,” Talon asked calmly, “when I said Diana is my mate?”

Hazel laughed, brushing her hair back. “Please. As if you would choose a wolfless woman as your Luna, Talon.”

The bond flared.

“I did not choose her,” Talon said, his voice dropping into something lethal. “I am mated to her.”

Hazel’s smile faltered.

“And for the last time,” Talon continued, eyes glowing faintly, “if you address me by my name instead of my title again, do not be surprised if I retaliate by snapping your head from your body.”

Hazel paled.

“I do not care if you are the Luna of this pack,” Talon added. “Alpha Asher, I hope you know how to handle your Luna better.”

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