Chapter 380

The atmosphere in the room shifted as Noah entered. He looked as handsome as ever, clean-shaven and wearing a crisp black suit. My breath caught as I saw him for the first time in months. For a moment, he stood in the doorway. My wolf reacted to his presence—that primal urge to run to him, to shake him, to kiss him, and to slap him all at once. But he barely looked at me. His eyes darted around, taking in the scene before settling on Drake holding Melody. His lip curled in disgust; his jealousy was palpable.

“Hannah,” Noah said stiffly, his gaze flickering between me and the baby.

“That’s Alpha Hannah to you,” Drake hissed. Noah ignored him.

I took a deep breath. “Noah. It’s good to see you.”

He nodded, his expression unreadable. “Same to you.”

“I’m assuming you want to see Melody?” I said.

“That was the plan.”

I gently took Melody from a reluctant Drake. “I know this is why you really came,” I said, my eyes flashing as I crossed the room. “Even though you said you didn’t believe she was yours, you at least want to see if she resembles you, don’t you?”

Viona, who had appeared behind Noah, gritted her teeth, clearly suppressing a retort.

Noah leaned forward to examine Melody, drinking in every detail of her tiny face. Recognition dawned in his eyes, his stoicism cracking.

“She has my eyes,” he whispered.

I nodded, looking down at Melody’s face. “Forest green. Just like yours.” My voice cracked, and I blinked away tears.

Noah was silent, his eyes wide as he recognized his own blood in our daughter.

“Can I hold her?”

His request jolted me. My arms tightened around Melody. “No,” I said firmly. “You said she wasn’t your baby, and now she never will be. You could see if she resembles you, but that’s all.”

A strange look—a mixture of regret and longing—crossed Noah’s face. He stepped forward, his hands reaching out. “Hannah, please. I just want to—”

Drake instantly intervened, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “I think it’s time for you to leave,” he said harshly.

Noah’s jaw clenched, his eyes darting between Drake and Melody. He seemed to consider arguing, but his shoulders slumped.

“Fine,” he said bitterly. “I’ll go. But this isn’t over, Hannah. You’re holding the heir to Nightcrest in your arms.”

“She’s the heir to Silvermoon now. And you’d better watch yourself,” I growled, baring my fangs.

As Drake escorted Noah out, I moved to the window, watching him walk down the driveway. My eyes lingered on the hard lines of his shoulders, his dark hair fluttering in the breeze. Only then, with his back turned, did I exhale the breath I’d been holding.

I hated to admit it, even to myself, that I missed him. Seeing his face stirred emotions and memories I’d suppressed for months. Viona was right; I wasn’t sure I could handle a wedding after all.

Melody, sensing her father’s departure, cried loudly. I held her close, bouncing her gently as I watched Noah’s retreating figure. His car door slammed, echoing in the quiet afternoon.

“Shh, it’s okay,” I murmured, kissing her forehead. I turned from the window, holding her close, hoping she couldn’t sense my tears. “It’s just us now. We’ll forget about him.”