Chapter 255

Hannah

I tossed my phone aside, the screen still illuminated with the article titled “Hannah and Noah, the true star-crossed lovers, officially back together?” The accompanying photo showed us at the farmer’s market, pushing Melody’s stroller together, our hands brushing.

My cheeks burned at the memory of that moment, the electricity that had sparked between us just minutes after our little ice cream memory. The soft afternoon light had caught Noah’s profile just right, highlighting the strong line of his jaw and the tenderness in his eyes as he looked down at our daughter.

A knock at my study door interrupted my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, quickly composing myself and smoothing down my blouse.

My father entered, his face beaming with excitement. Oh, no. Here we go… “Hannah, have you seen the news? This is wonderful! Why didn’t you tell me?”

I sighed, already anticipating where this conversation was heading before he even held the newspaper out to show me the same article I’d just been looking at.

“Dad, you really need to learn not to believe everything you read in the paper.”

“But you were together at the market, weren’t you?” He scratched his head as he stared at the article. “The picture doesn’t lie, Hannah. Oh, I’m so happy for you both. I knew you and Noah would find your way back to each other someday.”

“Dad…”

“We should start planning the wedding soon,” my father continued, oblivious. “And of course, you’ll be moving back to Nightcrest with Noah, won’t you?”

I felt a headache coming on, a dull throb beginning at my temples. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I said evenly, “Dad, slow down. We’re not planning a wedding anytime soon. Yes, we’re dating, but nothing is ‘official’ just yet. And besides,” I added, my voice growing firmer, steel entering my tone, “I’m not sure if I’m interested in going back to Nightcrest.”

My father’s smile faltered. “But Hannah, just think about it. A nuclear family is so important. Melody needs her father in the picture, and Noah clearly cares for her. Plus, you two are fated mates. You belong together. Especially after everything.”

“I can’t just give up my position as Alpha of Silvermoon, Dad,” I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “I’ve worked hard for this. It’s not something I can just toss aside on a whim.”

“But there is a way to combine the packs,” he suggested. “You would have to be Noah’s Luna again, but you would have even more power if you joined Silvermoon and Nightcrest. Think of the strength that union would bring!”

I leaned forward and rubbed my face with both hands, frustration building in my chest like a gathering storm. “I’m not just doing this for ‘power’, Dad. My title and my independence are important to me. I can’t back down from being an Alpha so soon after becoming one. Do you know what that would make me look like? What sort of example that would set for my daughter?”

My father’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“The Luna-turned-Alpha-turned-Luna-again,” I spat out, already picturing the headlines. “All of the men who look down on me and see me as nothing more than a broodmare or a stupid woman playacting as an Alpha will have a field day if I give up my title to become Noah’s Luna again. I’d be a laughingstock. And I would be letting down Melody, the Luna Council, and all of the other girls who might be inspired by my work.”

My father’s expression softened, understanding finally dawning in his eyes, but only slightly. “Hannah, my dear, I understand your concerns. I do. But please, at least consider it. You’re attending the Full Moon Festival with Noah as your date, aren’t you? Maybe you could think about it then. Use the time to really talk to Noah, see where you both stand. I know you love each other.”

The mention of the festival sent a flutter through my stomach—excitement or anxiety, I couldn’t tell. “Just because we’re going to the festival together this weekend doesn’t mean that I’m giving up my position,” I whispered.

“Suit yourself, Hannah,” my father sighed, turning to leave. “But don’t let your pride get in the way of your happiness. Sometimes, compromise isn’t weakness—it’s strength.”

As the door closed behind him, I rolled my eyes, collapsing back into my chair.

Compromise.

I may have agreed to be Noah’s date at the festival, but it didn’t mean I was intending to give up my position as Alpha.

Besides, why should I be the one to give up my title if we got back together? Why couldn’t he be the one to give his title up?

Why was it always the woman who was expected to compromise more than her share?

…

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped into the dimly lit interrogation chamber. Alvin sat at the metal table, looking far too comfortable for someone in his position. His lawyer, a sharp-faced woman in an expensive suit, sat beside him, her expression neutral but her eyes calculating.

“Hello, Alvin,” I said, my voice cool as I took my seat across from them. “I hope you’ve had some time to think about making your confession.”

Alvin’s lips twitched into a smirk as he tugged at his stuffy white collar and tie. “Oh, I’ve had plenty of time to think. Confessions, though? Not so sure about that.”

I ignored his sarcasm, pulling out a file from my briefcase. I flipped it open and tossed it onto the table, revealing the report I’d gotten about the diet pills months ago from the pharmacist.

“This here is proof of the diet pills I was taking being laced with contraceptives. Does any of this look familiar to you?”

His lawyer leaned in, whispering something in his ear. I strained to hear, but couldn’t quite make out the words. Alvin’s smirk grew wider as he leaned back in his chair, saying nothing. The silence stretched between us, taut as a bowstring.

“You do realize the severity of what you’ve done, don’t you?” I pressed, ignoring his silence. “Tampering with an Alpha’s medication, intentionally endangering her life and her heir’s? That’s a serious offense. Treason. Life in prison.”

Still, Alvin remained silent, that infuriating smirk never leaving his face. His eyes, so similar to my own, held no warmth, no familiarity. It was like looking at a stranger.

I shook my head, gritting my teeth. “We grew up together, Alvin. Why would you do this? What could you possibly gain from trying to prevent me from having a child?”

Before Alvin could respond—not that it seemed he had any plans to—his lawyer cleared her throat. “My client has been advised not to speak at this time. Any questions you have can be directed to me.”

Ignoring the lawyer, I leaned forward, my hands flat on the table. “Alvin, please. Just tell me why. Was it Zoe? Were you working with her and Scott? Did they put you up to this? If they threatened you in any way, I can help. But you have to work with me here.”

Nothing. Not even a flicker of emotion crossed his face. It was like talking to a statue, cold and unresponsive.

“Fine,” I said, standing up abruptly. My chair scraped against the floor, the sound harsh in the quiet room. “We’ll uncover the truth eventually, Alvin. With or without your cooperation. And when we do, I hope you’re ready to face the consequences.”

Alvin merely crossed an ankle over his knee and waggled his fingers at me.

“Ta ta, cousin,” he cooed. “It was so nice catching up.”

Suppressing a growl, I gathered my files and stormed out of the interrogation room. Only once the door had slammed shut behind me with a satisfying bang did I finally loose the curse hiding behind my lips.

“Bastard.”