LOGINTalia’s POVOutside of the forest, I paced nonstop. Arya had howled an hour ago, but Nolan had still not returned. I reached out multiple times to Nolan and he never responded back. My mind raced. What if he’s hurt? What if something happened between them?Minutes turned into hours, and the wait became unbearable. Arya had shifted, as the howl told us, but they should have returned by now. A newly shifted wolf couldn’t run for hours like this.‘I can’t reach him,’ my wolf whined. My worry grew, especially thinking of him alone with another she-wolf.My worry for Nolan mixed with frustration at not being able to help. Walden walked over. “Luna, please calm down. There’s nothing to worry about.”“Don’t tell me to calm down,” I growled. “They’ve been gone for hours. That’s not normal and you know it.”Walden stepped closer and put his hand on my shoulder. He tried to reassure me, but his touch only made my wolf growl louder. “The woods are safe. Arya is safe,” Walden said. “I checked he
Nolan’s POVThe next night, Marco, Della, Talia, and I walked to the clearing together. Moss and leaves muffled our footsteps, making us nearly silent.Della suddenly said, “I don’t know why Arya insisted on this. Am I the only one bothered by this?” She glanced between us, her brow furrowed, clearly seeking agreement.“No, Della, you’re not the only one,” Talia responded. “She’s going to be naked with your mate. It’s mortifying. How can you be so calm?” Della asked. “I wish I had never come up with that stupid game.”“That’s because Nolan and I talked everything through,” Talia said. “I packed spare clothes for her, and I won’t be too far away if something happens.”Della scoffed. “That doesn’t mean he has to be the one to help her with her first shift.” She pointed at me as she spoke.“Arya’s still young, Della. Having Nolan there will make it easier for her, even more than if Walden helped,” Talia said.I knew I could use my Alpha aura to help Arya feel better, but I didn’t want t
Talia’s POVBefore I could reply to Arya, Walden jumped in. “I’d be happy to go with you for your shift ceremony, Arya,” he said warmly. “You’ve always been like a daughter to me.”But Arya shook her head. “Thank you, but I want Alpha Nolan with me.” She then turned to me again. “Please, Luna. Won’t you agree?”Nolan stood stiffly beside me. I could tell he was uncertain. He felt responsible as Alpha, worried about me, and unsure what Arya really wanted. My mind raced. Was Arya testing us, or trying to come between Nolan and me?‘This little brat,’ my wolf growled. ‘You have to agree. Otherwise, it’ll seem like we don’t keep our promises.’I forced a smile, even though I hated all of this. “I don’t mind, and those are the rules,” I finally said, trying to sound calm. “And I, for one, don’t want any of Della’s nasty eggs.” I gave a weak laugh.Arya relaxed, giving a small, grateful smile. ‘You should say yes,’ I told Nolan through our mate bond.Nolan hesitated. I could feel he was to
Talia’s POVI 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 poundi
Talia’s POVIn my mind, my wolf could barely stop laughing. ‘Della only cares about two things: parties and Marco,’ she laughed.I tried not to smile as I looked across the table at Della. She spun a pen between her fingers, obviously already thinking about the party.“You know, maybe we should have the party tonight, and I will let you take charge,” I suggested. Della dropped her pen as she looked at me in surprise. “Tonight? Are you serious? You’re not playing with me, are you?”Nolan’s mouth twitched as he tried to keep a straight face. “Well, if the Alpha Queen says we need a party, then let’s have a party,” he said.Della didn’t need any more encouragement. She squealed and sprang to her feet, her chair almost toppling behind her. “Oh, you will not regret this!” She turned to Marco, who was quietly sorting the meeting notes. “Marco, you’re with me. We are going to throw the biggest, wildest, most unforgettable night Bloodmoon has ever seen!”“Woah, woah, can we talk about this?”
Talia’s POVLight poured in through our bedroom window, streaking the sheets with gold and heating my face. Waking up slowly, I stretched and groaned. My muscles were pleasantly sore from the night before and my stomach rumbled loudly. I checked the clock. It was already noon. Nolan’s side of the bed was empty, and the sheets were cool. I pouted a little as I wanted round three. ‘Food first and then find him,’ my wolf said eagerly.I got out of bed, pulled on a hoodie and sweatpants, and walked to the kitchen. The house was quiet except for some distant clattering and the smell of food coming from the kitchen. My mouth watered as I got closer, with the scent of beef stew and fresh bread getting stronger. When I turned the corner, I saw Della, Clara, and Annie deep in a debate.“I’m telling you, it needs more chili!” Della insisted, planting her hands on her hips. “If you add more spice, half the pack won’t be able to eat it,” Clara retorted, glancing at Annie for support.Annie, flo







