Chapter 166

Hannah

The days leading up to the charity gala flew by faster than I ever could have anticipated. I found myself by Noah’s side more often than not throughout my preparations, our newfound closeness a strange, unexpected comfort after everything that had happened. Surprisingly, we fell into an easy sort of rhythm, working on pack business and gala preparations in tandem.

“What do you think of these centerpieces?” I asked one afternoon, holding up two different floral arrangements that the gala coordinator had sent me for review.

I half expected Noah to give me some grunt or another in response, but he didn’t. Rather, much to my surprise, he studied them for a moment with his brow furrowed in concentration.

Finally, he replied, “I prefer the one on the left. It’s more elegant than the other.”

I was a bit taken aback that he actually cared, but still I nodded, pleased with his choice. “My thoughts exactly. I think it’ll complement the table settings perfectly.”

As the days passed, however, Noah became increasingly pulled away for private meetings and personal matters.

Our time together dwindled, and I found myself missing his presence more than I cared to admit. Eventually, our interactions turned into nothing more than quickly-consumed breakfasts at the kitchen table and maybe, if we were lucky, a cup of tea before bed.

One morning, as I sat at my desk reviewing RSVPs in my office, a letter arrived that made my heart skip a beat. I recognized the envelope immediately as none other than the Luna Queen’s personal stationary, embossed with her very own seal.

So she had replied to my invitation.

With trembling hands, I opened the envelope:

“Dear Luna Hannah,

I would be delighted to attend your charity gala. The cause is admirable, and I look forward to enjoying the opera performance. I especially look forward to seeing your expertise, which I have heard much about as of late, in the flesh.

Warmest regards,

Luna Alanna”

I couldn’t contain my squeal of excitement, startling Viona, who was working on some event programs nearby.

“What is it?” she asked, rising from her chair and coming to peer over my shoulder. “Did Noah finally remember your anniversary or something?”

I rolled my eyes at her jab. “No, even better. The Luna Queen is coming to the gala! She actually said yes!”

Viona’s eyes widened. “Holy shit, Hannah. You really did it. No offense, but I didn’t think she’d actually come.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I said dryly, but I was too excited to be truly annoyed. “This is huge, Vi. If I can impress her at the gala, it could open so many doors.”

At that moment, thoughts of being on the Luna Council returned. With the divorce impending now, the boost at this time would be much-needed. And, yes, there would still be a divorce; there was no love between me and Noah, even if we had worked together like a well-oiled machine over the past couple of weeks. None.

Viona nodded, her expression turning serious. “Just be careful, okay? Don’t let it get to your head.”

I shot her a smirk. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

The day of the gala arrived before I knew it, and I found myself at the opera house that very morning, overseeing the last-minute preparations. The reception hall was a flurry of activity, staff bustling about hanging decorations and arranging tables. It was all coming together exactly as I had planned, and I couldn’t have been more excited.

“Excuse me, Luna Hannah,” a young woman approached me timidly and gestured to a large sculpture of a swan sitting on a cart beside her. “Where would you like the ice sculpture?”

I smiled reassuringly. “Place it on the center of the main table, please. And make sure it’s angled so the guests can see it from all sides when they come in.”

The young woman nodded and scurried off. I returned my attention to my checklist. “Ice sculpture, check,” I murmured, ticking off the box. “Now, I just need to check on the hors d’oeuvres…”

“Luna Hannah!” The sound of another voice called out to me and I turned to see one of my staff standing by the door with a man in a florist’s uniform standing beside her. “The florist is here with the bouquets.”

I made my way over to inspect the flowers. The roses were a deep, rich red, perfectly complementing the cream-colored lilies. Exactly what I ordered, and even more beautiful in person. “These are perfect,” I said, offering the delivery driver a sizable tip before returning my attention to my staff. “Please distribute them according to the diagram I provided.”

“Yes, Luna Hannah.”

As I turned to check on the bar setup next, I heard the sound of familiar voices echoing through the hall. Looking up, I saw Noah and Leonard entering, deep in a surprisingly animated conversation. Leonard was murmuring something under his breath and gesturing wildly while Noah listened with a bowed head. Leonard stopped, clearing his throat, as soon as he saw me.

No matter how much I despised Leonard, I approached them with a smile on my face. “Noah, Leonard. What brings you here? I thought you had a suit fitting.”

“Got done early,” Noah said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Everything going well here?”

Before I could answer, Leonard’s gaze fell on a nearby centerpiece. “Interesting choice of flowers,” he said, his tone dripping with disdain as he plucked a lily out of the vase and turned the stem in his hand. “A bit… bridal, don’t you think?”

I felt a flicker of annoyance but kept my composure. I wouldn’t let him get under my skin today, which I knew he was trying to do.

“You don’t like the lilies, Leonard?” I asked calmly, then turned to a nearby staff member. “Excuse me, could you please adjust the floral arrangements? Remove some of the lilies and make sure the roses are more prominent.”

The staff member’s eyes widened. “A-Are you sure, Luna? I thought you liked the lilies.”

I shook my head. “Plans have changed. If you don’t mind…” The staff member nodded and hurried off to make the change.

Leonard looked taken aback, clearly not expecting such a swift and professional response to his complaint. Smiling sweetly, I plucked the lily from his hand and chucked it casually into a nearby trash can. Leonard’s eyes widened into saucers.

Noah chuckled at that, a surprising sound that had both me and Leonard whipping our heads around to look at him in shock. “Well, it looks like everything’s under control here. The hall looks fantastic, Hannah.”

I beamed at the compliment. “Thank you. We’ve all been working hard to make it perfect.”

“I can see that,” Noah said, his eyes sweeping the room. “The Luna Queen will be impressed, I’m sure.”

Leonard cleared his throat. “Speaking of impressions, are you sure about the seating arrangements, Luna Hannah? Some of the pack alliances are... delicate.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “I’ve taken all current pack politics into account, Leonard. Trust me, I know what I’m doing.”

Noah placed a hand on my shoulder, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Leonard—and one that secretly made my chest flutter a bit. “I’m sure Hannah has everything under control.”

I blinked in surprise. It was shocking to have him in my corner for once, but I had to admit that it was sort of nice.

“Well,” Noah said, checking his watch, “we should probably head home to get ready. We’ll want to arrive together tonight.”

My stomach twisted at his words. Arrive together. Like a real Alpha and Luna. It was almost like old times, back before he showed up to events without me by his side.

“Of course,” I said, taking his offered arm. As we turned to leave, I couldn’t help but notice Leonard’s sour expression, and it took all my energy to not stick my tongue out at him.

We were almost at the door when Leonard’s voice called out, “Alpha Noah! Wait!”

We turned back, and I saw Leonard’s eyes flick between us with a strange glint in them. His lips almost seemed to curve up into the tiniest of smiles as he said, “Don’t forget to pick up Zoe tonight!”