Chapter 263: Hannah

I looked up at Noah with a cocked eyebrow, my curiosity piqued despite my best efforts to remain aloof. “A proposition?” I asked, turning my head to glance at another dancing couple as if looking at him were beneath me. “What kind of proposition?”

Noah’s hand tightened slightly on my waist as we swayed to the music, instantly commanding my attention once more. His green eyes were intense, focused solely on me. The warmth of his palm seeped through the thin fabric of my gown, making my skin tingle, and the feeling of our bodies pressed together was more intense than I’d anticipated.

I hated to admit it, even to myself, but feeling him like this was… nice. Needed. Missed.

“I’d like to extend the terms of our divorce,” he said, his voice low enough that only I could hear. My eyes widened. “What are you saying?”

“Let’s hold off on the divorce, at least until after the upcoming summer hunt,” he said, his eyes darting around cautiously. “Two more months is all I’m asking.”

Surprise coursed through me, my wolf stirring at his words. He spun me as the music crescendoed, and when I returned to him with one palm cupped against his chest, I couldn’t decide whether I was more breathless from the twirl or the question.

Chapter 263: Noah

“Two more months? Why?” I hissed.

He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling against mine. “I heard you might get a spot on the Luna Council soon. If you’re no longer a Luna, you could possibly lose that opportunity.”

My heart skipped a beat. How did he know about that? The Luna Queen had only just extended the invitation to visit the Council for a day.

Noah continued, his voice softening, “Plus, I could really use your expertise with the upcoming summer hunt. You’ve done an amazing job with this gala, and…” He paused, looking almost embarrassed before murmuring, “I would like your help with at least one more major event before we… before we end things.”

The compliment warmed me, even as the reminder of our impending divorce stung. I glanced around the room, taking in the elegant decorations and glittering guests—all evidence of my hard work. He was right, of course; if we divorced and I returned to my pack as the female Alpha, I might not make it onto the Luna Council, as I would no longer be a Luna. And frankly, I intended to make history—the first female Alpha who was also an esteemed member of the Luna Queen’s personal cabinet. Maybe it would be best to secure my position before the divorce.

“…I don’t know, Noah,” I muttered, still unsure. “That’s a lot to consider, especially with the divorce so close.”

Noah said nothing, although desperation flickered in his green eyes. He hid it quickly, but I saw it. He needed this. Maybe he even wanted it, too.

“I could… consider it,” I finally murmured. “But I need some time to think.”

“Take your time,” he said, his thumb absentmindedly rubbing small circles on my back as we moved together. The gesture was so familiar, so comforting, that I had to fight the urge to lean into him. “But not too much time.”

I nodded stiffly. “I’ll let you know within a few days.”

The slump of relief in his shoulders was infinitesimal, but I could see it. “Thank you,” he said, pausing, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. “And Hannah… If you do this for me, if you can just give me two more months, then I promise I won’t fight you on the divorce. We can end things amicably.”

I fell silent, my mind whirling. Two more months married to Noah… The thought of having a little more time with him made me feel oddly at ease, and I hated myself for it. My wolf whined softly, conflicted. But two more months also meant the inevitable: my pregnancy would begin to show. And if he found out about the pregnancy before the divorce, well… there was no telling exactly what might happen. For all I knew, there might be no divorce at all.

Chapter 264

Or perhaps, once the pregnancy had run its course, my baby would be taken from me in the name of Noah finally having his Nightcrest heir.

As we danced in silence, I became acutely aware of the eyes on us. Wolves from various packs watched the Alpha and Luna of Nightcrest with rapt interest. Some were smiling; others whispered behind their hands. I swallowed hard.

“Everyone’s watching us,” I murmured, my eyes meeting a particularly interested nearby wolf.

Noah’s lips quirked into a small smile, his dimple appearing briefly. “Let them watch. It’s been a while since we’ve given them anything to talk about.”

I thought of the leaked photo of us cuddling in the hospital. The memory of that moment, of feeling safe in Noah’s arms, made my chest tighten. “What about that photo from the hospital?” I blurted out. “That caused quite a stir.”

“Ah, yes,” Noah said, his voice softening. His eyes took on a faraway look, as if he, too, was remembering that night. “I’m glad that moment was captured, actually. We don’t have many tender memories.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. He was right; most of our relationship had been tense from the beginning. We had never been the media darlings that some Alpha and Luna pairs were. Noah had always claimed to dislike public displays of affection, but…

A memory surfaced, unbidden: Noah and Zoe, years ago, laughing and kissing openly at a pack gathering before their breakup. The image was crystal clear—Noah’s arms around her waist, both of them smiling widely as they shared a passionate kiss in front of everyone. He had never been shy about PDA with her. The realization stung—maybe it wasn’t PDA he disliked, just PDA with me.

I swallowed hard, fighting back the sudden wave of emotion. I needed a moment to breathe and think.

“I need to use the restroom,” I said abruptly, pulling away from Noah. The loss of his warmth was immediate and jarring. “Excuse me.”

I hurried across the room without another word, my heels clicking against the polished floor. The bathroom was mercifully empty when I entered, the soft lighting a stark contrast to the bright ballroom. I leaned against the marble sink, taking deep breaths to calm my nerves. My reflection in the mirror showed flushed cheeks and bright eyes.

Suddenly, the door opened behind me, and I looked up to see Zoe entering. My shoulders slumped. Of all the people to run into right now…

“Oh, Hannah,” Zoe said, her voice syrupy sweet. Her red dress seemed to glow under the bathroom lights, making her look like some sort of succubus. “Are you alright? You look a bit flushed.”

I forced a smile, straightening my posture. “I’m fine, thank you. Just needed a moment away from the crowd.”

Zoe nodded, moving to the mirror beside me. “Tell me about it.” As she touched up her lipstick, leaving a perfect red rosebud on her lips, she said, “The gala is lovely, by the way.”