CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY ONE
Nn’s POV
Talia did not react with anger when Walden spoke. I saw the surprise in her eyes, but she did not let it show beyond that first flicker. My wolf growled within me. He did not like how Walden was talking to Talia, but Talia had to hold her own in front of them.
“Luna,” I said evenly, “this is Walden. He is my Chief Warrior.”
Walden inclined his head a fraction in acknowledgment.
“Chief Warrior Walden,” Talia said calmly, “There is no need for the jab. If you have an issue with my proposal, this is what you’re here for. Exin your reasoning.”
Walden raised an eyebrow at Talia’s reaction as if he didn’t expect Talia to respond in a professional manner.
“Winter is approaching,” he said. “The harsh season always weakens supply lines and strains manpower. Construction of a wall across the ins will require significant warrior presence for at least a month. During that time, our fighting force will be divided between defense andbor.”
Some of the pack members began to nod their heads in agreement. He did make a good point.
“If another pack chooses that window to challenge us,” Walden continued, “or if rogues gather in greater numbers, we will not have our full strength avable. Even with vigers assisting, issues will arise. That is part of construction. On top of that, conflicts between vigers and warriors are inevitable when food and resources be limited.”
Walden turned his full attention back to Talia. “For those reasons, I oppose beginning construction now.”
No one said anything. The room remained quiet as everyone digested his words. De was fuming but she couldn’t argue against Walden’s point.
“There is truth in what Walden is saying,” I said. Talia didn’t look at me, but I could tell she was upset by how rigid she became.
‘I thought you agreed with my n,’ Talia said through our mind link.
‘I do, but Walden is not opposing you because he doesn’t like you. I left him in charge of Bloodmoon while I was in Silverfang. He handled border pressure, internal disputes, and patrol rotations without incident. I have never doubted his loyalty or his judgment when ites to our military strength,’ I exined.
‘Walden does not know everything,’ Talia responded.
That was true. He did not know about the resurgence of mad rogue blood. I had kept that information contained to prevent panic from spreading through the pack.
“I acknowledge the concern. You make valid points,” Talia said after a moment. Walden looked pleased until Talia continued.” However, the wall is not being built out of fear. It is a preemptive measure.”
Walden frowned and looked as if he was about to say something, but Talia didn’t give him the opportunity.
“I will not force every warrior to participate,” she said. “But at least half must.”
A murmur rippled through the room at that number.
“We offer structured rotations,” she went on. “Increased rations during shifts.”
Walden’s expression did not change.
“If we are attacked during that month,” Talia said, “I will call on Shadoww’s elite warriors. I will also request reinforcement from Silverfang.”
TWIND
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Walden exhaled through his nose. “Shadoww and Silverfang are too far. By the time either pack responds, we would have sustained major casualties. And the area you’re concerned with is over six miles. Six miles! Even with one thousand wolves working in rotation, that is an enormous undertaking. It is not possible for the wall to bepleted in a month.”
“With that mindset, it won’t be possible,” Talia argued.
Walden then stood up, angrily sliding his chair back. “You may have governed Shadoww, but Bloodmoon’s terrain is different. Let the wolves who know what they’re doing handle the safety of the pack.”
My wolf snarled inside me. ‘How dare he talk to our mate like that!’
Anger rose up in me, not because he questioned logistics, but because he questioned her authority in front of the council. Walden had always been blunt, but never disrespectful, not until today.
“That is not an option,” Talia snapped. “If there are structural challenges, we address them. But do not dismiss the n because you assume I cannot understand.”
Walden opened his mouth again, but I cut him off. “Enough.”
Talia returned to her seat next to me.
“You are allowed to question feasibility,” I said to Walden. “I expect that of you. But you will not mock my Luna in this room.”
“It was never my attention, Alpha. L…”
“The wall construction is urgent,” I said, interrupting him. “This is not optional. Our temporary fixes are not long term sustainable. If no one has an alternative, the wall will be built.”
“Alpha, please see the reason,” Walden pleaded. “All eyes have always been on us. If anyone notices reduced patrols, we will be sitting ducks.”
“Walden, you are my Chief Warrior,” I said. “I value your judgment. But you will apologize to Luna Talia for questioning her authority in this manner.”
Walden’s shoulders stiffened. For a moment, I thought he would resist, but then he said, “My words were blunt. I should have chosen them more carefully. I apologize, Luna.’
‘He is not sincere,’ my wolf growled. ‘We need to make an example out of him.’
‘If Talia doesn’t ept, we will. If she does, this will be his one and only warning,’ I told him and he huffed in agreement.
“epted,” Talia said and Walden visibly rxed.
“Are there any alternatives to the rogue problem?” I asked.
No one said anything. I expected more, but I also understood how people can becent. I was back and I would make sure the pack knew better.
After a few minutes of silence, I said, “We will move forward with building the wall. Half the warriors will be assigned in rotation. Marco will coordinate gate security nning. Walden will oversee construction logistics and ensurebat readiness is notpromised.”
Walden did not argue again.
“This begins immediately,” I finished. “That is my final order.”
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