Chapter 424

[ 892 words ]

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 gave a small, grim smile. “He’s underestimating us.”

“Good. That gives us the advantage,” I said, taking a sip of tea.

After breakfast, we walked to the training grounds. The sound of weapons and shouting warriors was oddly reassuring. It meant everything was normal for now. Arya stood in the middle, giving instructions.

Two warriors started bickering

about how to stand defensively, so

Arya stepped in. “If you think you do it better, show me. Out there, making fast choices can be the difference between life and death. Tyler fix how you’re holding your weapon uro, if you believe you have a better chance, prove it in the ring right now. Defend against Connor’s attacks.” They both became quiet and followed her lead. Even as acting Chief Warrior, Arya commanded respect.

“I see why Walden chose her,” I said.

As we got closer, I saw Geoffrey sitting off to the side, watching Arya. He noticed us and walked over, acting friendly. “Arya’s doing great,” he said. “You must be proud.”

I nodded. “We are. But real strength isn’t just about skill. It’s about making the right choices. That’s what earns respect.”

Geoffrey’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded, catching my meaning. “But only the winner decides what’s ‘right,” he said.

Nolan’s expression hardened. “Don’t think for a second we won’t find out who poisoned Walden. If it’s you, you’ll regret it.”

Geoffrey scoffed, brushing dust from his sleeve. “There’s no evidence to tie the attack to me. Don’t let your bias cloud your judgment.”

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 Caried 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 Chier 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!”

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