Chapter 15

Zoe closed the gap between us and smiled. “Can we talk?” she asked, gesturing outside.

I nodded, unsure what to say.

We walked out into the slightly breezy night. I pulled Noah’s jacket tighter around me, suddenly glad he’d given it to me—but I wouldn’t tell him that. We stood near the exit, in sight of any guards.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” I asked.

Zoe’s eyes darted around, uncertain where to begin. “I wanted to thank you for your kindness the day I returned,” she finally said, looking me in the eye. “I didn’t expect such a warm reception. To be honest, I thought I might be… exiled.”

She breathed the last word, too afraid to speak the taboo concept aloud. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and blushed. “You’ve made this transition so much easier than I expected, and I just… I can’t thank you enough.”

To say I was surprised would be an understatement. All I could do was stare and nod occasionally, trying to process my racing thoughts. I had to remind myself this was the woman ruining my marriage, the woman my husband had humiliated me with in a previous life. I couldn’t let her get under my skin, especially not in a way that made me feel sympathetic.

“I’m sure it’s hard to return to a pack after marrying into another,” I said. “The scandal, the ostracization… I don’t want to make it any harder on you than it already is.”

In a way, I meant it. I didn’t want to make her transition harder. I just wanted to be Alpha of my own pack—and maybe cause a little trouble between Noah and Zoe along the way.

“I really appreciate that. You wouldn’t believe how hard it’s been trying to get a separation from Drake.” Zoe bit her lip. “I want you to know I’m not trying to affect your marriage to Noah at all. I know my return has probably caused misunderstandings, but that wasn’t my intention.”

I pursed my lips and nodded. What could I say? That I didn’t believe her? That I doubted she’d returned to the pack where her former bonded mate was Alpha without intending to get back together with him?

Zoe’s brow furrowed. She knew I didn’t believe her. “I returned to Nightcrest Pack to go through the separation process with Drake,” she insisted. “He’s trying to take our child, so I need protection. It’s not about competing with you for Noah.”

My heart stung at the mention of Drake trying to take Zoe’s child. My hand instinctively drifted to my stomach, but I quickly forced it down so Zoe wouldn’t notice anything suspicious. Perhaps we had more in common than I thought.

“What about everything the media is saying?” I asked, regaining my defensive stance. “Or the fact that you and Noah are dressed to match tonight?”

Zoe rolled her eyes. “Please don’t listen to the media,” she replied. “They’re just stirring things up for headlines. I’m sure you’re used to that by now.”

Of course, I was. I’d had plenty of experience with that in my previous life. I couldn’t tell anyone—let alone Zoe—that, though.

Zoe glanced down at her dress. “As for my dress, my son thought it was pretty,” she continued. “He begged me to wear it. He said it makes me look like a mermaid princess.”

She smiled slightly, and I couldn’t help smiling back. Maybe Zoe was telling the truth. After all, I was trying to separate from my husband and would face similar obstacles if I didn’t play my cards right.

“Thank you, Zoe,” I said. “I appreciate you saying that.” I sighed. “It’s not you that’s the problem, though. It’s Noah.”

Zoe ran her hand up and down her arm, biting her lip, unsure whether to continue. “Do you… want to talk about it?” she asked.

I shook my head. “No, I don’t think that would be wise.”

Zoe exhaled, relieved. I didn’t blame her for not wanting to talk to me about my marital problems with her former bonded mate.

“Well, if you ever—”

“Hannah!”

Zoe and I turned as Noah ran toward us. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me close. “What are you two talking about?” he asked.

I tilted my head, narrowing my eyes at Noah. This scene was very similar to one in my previous life. In that life, Noah had always been nervous whenever Zoe and I interacted. He was probably afraid I’d say something hurtful to a fragile Zoe. I almost rolled my eyes.

I glanced at Zoe, who fidgeted and avoided eye contact. A smirk crossed my face as an idea formed. I turned to Noah. “Oh, nothing,” I said. Then, to Zoe, I stage-whispered, “You won’t reveal my secrets, will you?”

Zoe, catching on, smiled and nodded. “Of course not, Luna.”

The tips of Noah’s ears turned red. His arm muscles clenched, his grip tightening on my wrist. “Hannah, can I speak to you in private?” he asked.

I tried to pull away, but he wouldn’t let go. “Yes, Noah,” I said reluctantly. To Zoe, I added, “If you’ll excuse us…”

“Certainly,” Zoe replied. “Thank you, Luna, Alpha, for entertaining me tonight.”

Without another word, Noah took me inside and led me to the private room off the dining room. Inside, he released me long enough to shut and lock the door. He turned, a glint in his eyes, and I swallowed hard against the knot forming in my throat.

Noah lunged at me, grabbing my forearm and twisting it, causing a burning sensation. I gasped silently at the pain. “You will explain to me what just happened back there,” he demanded.

I glared at Noah. If that’s how he wanted to play, I was more than willing. I let my wolf take momentary control. My fangs descended. I bit hard into his forearm, making him cry out in pain and release me. I grinned, wiping my mouth. Blood stained my skin and lips—Noah’s blood.