Chapter 0007

I was drained just listening to the accounts of these events. I used to love the spotlight and the attention, but that was back when I loved Noah, when I wanted to stand by his side, proclaim him mine to the world, and relish the envy of other women as we basked in our glory. But now I knew it was all a façade.

I shook my head.

“Noah, I’m tired of being a trophy wife and attending these endless events.”

“Since when?”

“Since I realized there’s more to life, to myself, than that.”

Noah’s lips flattened into a thin line.

“I realized that I needed a man, a husband, not just a business partner to satisfy me,” I continued. Noah’s eyes narrowed. He closed the distance between us, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close. My breath caught as I felt his groin press against mine. I looked into his eyes; a whirlpool of emotions seemed to swirl within them, drawing me closer as I placed my hands on his shoulders. He lowered his head, as though about to kiss me. I couldn’t bring myself to move away. His square jaw, with just a hint of five o’clock shadow, and dark eyes mesmerized me. The scent of oak, freshly cut grass, and musk froze me as his lips neared mine.

Then Noah withdrew, unwrapping his arms and stepping back. I blinked, returning to my senses. A light blush warmed my cheeks, but I didn’t allow myself any other physical reaction. I wouldn’t give him that victory.

“Emotional needs?” Noah asked sarcastically. “Is that all you want? I can still fulfill that for you.”

I glared at Noah briefly, then my eyes softened. I sauntered over to him, placing my hands gently on his chest, momentarily tracing my fingertips over his pectorals before pausing near his nipples.

“Are you sure?” I asked, my voice low.

Noah’s eyes widened in surprise. Certainly, my old self never would have done this. I had focused too much on maintaining an elegant demeanor to please Noah; I had been too preoccupied to be this spontaneous. I was tired of being the same old Luna.

I looked past Noah to Scott. The poor man looked as though he might faint from all this unwanted information about his Alpha and Luna. I decided to have some pity on him.

“Scott, this is a private matter between Alpha Noah and me. It has nothing to do with you. You are dismissed,” I said, taking the opportunity to further overstep my boundaries and give Noah’s Beta orders.

I was curious to see how Scott would react to my command. It would be interesting to see whom he would obey, after secretly declaring loyalty to me. Noah was still his half-brother, after all; there was no accounting for familial loyalty.

Scott glanced at Noah. Noah didn’t disagree, so Scott seized the opportunity to escape.

“Thank you, Luna Hannah,” he said. “I will call you later, Alpha Noah.”

In a flash, he departed with Noah’s schedule folder in hand. At least neither of them argued with me on that point.

Noah didn’t seem to notice Scott’s departure.

I grinned. Noah was speechless. Now was the time for the killing blow.

“Like I was saying,” I said, tracing two fingers up his left pectoral, “you’ve never been able to satisfy me physically; why would you be able to do so emotionally?”

I felt his muscles tense beneath my hands. “You have the hardware, but your technique and attitude are both lacking.” I stepped back, though I was sure he would never strike me. Noah’s face darkened, and I backed up further.

“What do you mean by that?” he asked through gritted teeth.