Chapter 23

“Oh, and who was that?”

“Don’t play stupid now, Ms. Approachable and Down-to-Earth!”

I laughed. “You’ve been reading the comments, too?” I asked.

“Of course, I have!” Viona replied. “You seem to be the only thing on everyone’s minds.”

“Well, me, Noah, and Zoe.”

“Nah, it’s definitely you this time, girl. You have everyone’s tongues wagging with that glimpse into your personal life. Nice touch with the wine and cheese, by the way.”

“Wine, cheese, and salami, thank you very much.”

“Oo-la-la, so fancy.”

We both laughed loudly, then silence fell between us.

“So,” Viona said after a minute, “did that pair of Noah/Zoe nutjobs really hurl insults at you? Out of the blue?”

“Yup. Completely unedited.”

Viona let out a low whistle. “Damn. I don’t know how you deal with…”

“I just let it roll off my shoulders. Their preferences aren’t my problem.”

“Still, I couldn’t handle it, especially not daily. I mean, it’s one thing to carry the burdens of a Luna…”

“It all comes with the honor of being Noah’s Luna.”

Viona’s groan rumbled across the phone line. “I wouldn’t tolerate that for any man.”

“Less than a month left.”

“Less than a month. If you keep gaining followers like this, Noah is going to be sorry he ever let you go.”

“That’s the idea, isn’t it? Wasn’t that the purpose behind wearing that dress to the charity ball?”

“That and attracting some cute guys.”

I rolled my eyes but chuckled.

“So, you still haven’t told me what you want to do after the divorce,” Viona said.

I hesitated. I still wasn’t sure whom I should tell about my plan to become Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack. Viona had proven loyal, but that didn’t guarantee her continued loyalty after my intentions were revealed. I decided on a half-truth.

“I’m focusing on improving my reputation right now,” I said. “That way, I’ll come out better in the divorce and get more of what I want.”

“I’d say that’s working.”

“Really?”

“People adored your interview. If you continue, you’ll be the shining star of your relationship in no time.”

That made me smile broadly and sit up straighter. I trusted Viona’s judgment, and her confirmation was validating.

“I’m glad. I was thinking—” I halted as the front door opened, revealing a grim-looking Noah. My heart raced. He wouldn’t be home outside of our intimacy nights unless he had a complaint.

“Hannah? Hello?” Viona asked, concerned. “Is something wrong?”

I shook my head, trying to shake off the shock of Noah’s arrival.

“Yeah, everything’s all right,” I replied. “Look, Noah just walked in. I’ll call you later.”

“All right,” Viona said, cautiously. “Let me know if you need anything, okay?”

“Of course. Talk later.”

“Bye.”

I hung up as Noah set his bag on the couch beside me. He towered over me, arms crossed, nostrils flared, eyes dark, but otherwise controlled.

“Hello, Noah,” I said, keeping my voice strong. “Is something the matter?”

Noah’s arms tensed. “I think if you’re going to do interviews, you should at least notify me.”