Chapter 0280

Noah

As Noah walked down the hallway of the pack house, an uncharacteristic spring was in his step, and a bouquet of flowers was in his hand. He couldn’t help but feel a small smile tug at the corners of his lips as he meandered through the sunlit hallways, gently removing the occasional stray leaf or imperfect petal from the bouquet.

“You’re in a good mood,” his wolf muttered.

Of course, Noah was in a good mood. His plan was working perfectly, and soon he would get exactly what he wanted—what he needed. Hannah wouldn’t divorce him. He was sure of it. Ever since saving Hannah from Jake, Noah had realized how much he didn’t want to let her go. Sleeping with her all those weeks ago, even though it had been only one night, had only reinforced that feeling. No matter how much time had passed, the memory of that night still sent shivers down his spine—the way her warm body had felt in his arms, the taste of her lips, the sound of her breathless moans. It had been so much different than their monthly intimacy nights; so much more passionate, so much more…loving.

Love. Noah wasn’t sure how he felt about that word. Did he and Hannah love each other? She had put it plainly last night when she tried to jog his memory about their past. Once again, she had brought up a memory Noah couldn’t recall. If he was being honest, whenever she did this, he wondered if she was bluffing, because he had absolutely no recollection of those memories. Perhaps she had fabricated them. But if she hadn’t, then maybe she was right; maybe their relationship wasn’t “deep” enough for a married couple. That could be changed, though. If only Noah had a little more time.

Maybe Noah’s reasons for wanting to keep Hannah around were a little selfish, he had to admit. She had taken on the role of Luna with the utmost grace lately, unlike how she had been during their marriage leading up to this point. Before, she had hardly acted as anything more than a trophy wife. Noah had watched the cute girl he had married turn into a skeleton, a shell of her former self, with no interests, hobbies, or strength of her own. But lately…lately, she had been different. With a Luna like her by his side, Noah was certain that Nightcrest would prosper even more than it already did. That was why he couldn’t let her go. But, along with Hannah’s transformation also came a stubbornness she hadn’t exhibited before, even though they had shared a magical night together, she still wanted a divorce. She had called that night a “mistake,” saying it would only complicate things.

That was when Noah had decided to try a different approach. First, he would show her kindness, remind her of the good times they had once shared. Then, he would bring up the concept of “casual” sex—a release for both of them. He did want her, that was no lie; and he knew she wanted him, too. Furthermore, he knew Hannah well enough to know she would accept. And once she did, it would only be a matter of time before she caught feelings for him again. All he needed was patience.

Today, he was taking another step in his plan. He was going to take Hannah on a date, to butter her up a little. The flowers in his hand—red roses and baby’s breath—were just the beginning. He had made reservations at her favorite restaurant and planned a romantic walk in the park afterward.

“You’re turning into a schemer, just like her,” his wolf growled.

Noah pursed his lips. “I’m not scheming. I genuinely don’t want to let Hannah go.”

“Because you love her, or because she can serve a purpose?”