Chapter 51

I wasn’t aware of where I was going until I arrived at Noah’s house. I couldn’t remember how I got there. I just knew that I had to get somewhere safe and despite everything that had happened between us, Noah’s house was still safe to me.

The rain that had started to pour on my way here drenched me in seconds. Of course it was raining. It was like the sky had somehow found a way to mimic my emotions. Or maybe the Moon Goddess was just that cruel.

I rang Noah’s doorbell, rubbing my hands over my arms, the lace sleeves doing nothing to fight the chill. I glanced down in dismay. In my rush to get out of the chapel, I hadn’t stopped to take off my wedding dress. The hem was muddy. It was basically ruined. Not that it mattered. I wasn’t going to be needing it anymore.

Noah opened the door with a startled look on his face. “Almara, what -?” His voice trailed off as he got a good look at me. His eyes raked over me from head to toe. His expression turned grim and anger made his violet eyes brighter.

“What did he do to you?” he growled, pulling me to his chest, not caring that I was soaking wet. The despair that I had managed to keep at bay finally burst forth and my legs buckled as I sobbed.

Noah immediately scooped me up and carried me into the house, carrying me directly to his private bathroom. He kept me tucked close to his body with one arm as he drew a bath. When he was satisfied with the temperature, he let the water fill the tub as he started on getting me out of my wedding dress.

Noah set me down on the floor gently. I couldn’t even shy away from him. I just let him undress me, his hands almost clinical as he went along. There was no lust in his eyes when I was completely bare in front of him. Just concern.

It helped mend a small piece of my broken heart, but it wasn’t enough to stop the tears. I continued to cry as he lifted me into the bath. The hot water surrounded me in a nice cocoon and I nearly submerged myself, only keeping my face out of the water.

Noah rolled up his sleeves, dipping his hands in the water before squirting out some shampoo. He gently lifted me up so that he could carefully work it into my hair, taking out bobby pins as he found them. I leaned into his touch as he massaged my scalp.

When he was finished with my hair, he moved on to my face. He let the water run over my skin and it mixed with my tears. I squeezed my eyes shut as he applied the soap. I didn’t open them again until he was completely finished.

The whole time, Noah did not say a word. He just simply took care of me. I would never be able to tell him in words how grateful I was that he wasn’t demanding any answers.

He helped me out of the bath, wrapping me a giant fluffy towel. I was slowly getting a handle on my emotions so I was able to walk on my own, but Noah hovered behind me in case I needed him.

He led me to his closet, tossing me an oversized t-shirt and a pair of his boxers. He gave me a small apologetic smile. “This is all I can offer you. As you know, I don’t get many female visitors here. At least not ones that would need a change of clothes.”

“This is more than enough. Thank you,” I said and was satisfied when my voice only wavered a little bit. I guess the worst of my outburst was over.

“I’ll let you get changed. If you need me, I’ll be right outside,” he said before leaving me alone.

I got dressed quickly. Now that I was by myself, I could feel the panic coming back. I guess it wasn’t over.

Noah guided me to the living room where a large fire was roaring. He set a fluffy blanket around my shoulders and gave me some hot tea. I sat on the sofa, taking small sips and staring into the fire.

He sat down next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me into him. He leaned his head against mine, not seeming to care that my hair was still damp.

There was nothing remotely sexual about it. He was just being a friend comforting another friend. I knew that I probably shouldn’t encourage even this much affection, but I wasn’t in the mood to care. I needed whatever comfort he was willing to provide.

“You don’t have to tell me what happened if you don’t want to. But if you’re ready, I’ll listen without judgment,” Noah said in a low voice as if he was afraid to spook me. “Well, mostly no judgment,” he added and I could hear the smile in his voice. “Sofia came back,” I told him and I felt like that should have explained everything. Sofia was everything that I was not. Arthur was in love with her, not me. Sofia would be able to give him proper heirs, while our baby would now be a bastard.

“And?”

“And what? He took her back. We’re done. Finished. He apparently tore out up the contract so I’m in a giant amount of debt that I’ll never be able to pay back and I’m pregnant with his child who he just abandoned,” I snapped and I covered my mouth, acutely aware that I had just mentioned the contract that was supposed to be a secret.

Noah gently pried away my hand. “It’s okay. I know about the contract. You didn’t break any promises.”

I looked up at him. “You knew?’

Noah chuckled. “I knew something was up. That’s why I was in Arthur’s office that day.”

“Does Arthur know that you know?” I asked quietly, thinking surely Noah would be six feet deep by now if Arthur had found out.

“Yeah, he knows. I confronted him about it that same day. By the way he reacted, I thought for sure that he loved you too, Sweetness. I guess we were both wrong and I’m sorry about that.”

I chewed my bottom lip as I mulled that over. So many people thought that Arthur was in love with me. But the second Sofia showed up, he chose her without a second’s hesitation. I guess he was just that good of an actor.

Noah’s cell phone rang and he took one look at the screen before tossing it across the room. It hit the wall and broke apart. I jumped and his arm around me tightened.

“Who was it?”

“Your alpha. I think he’s looking for you. I’m not going to let him upset you more than he already has. Why don’t you stay here for the night? I’ll make sure he’s not allowed on my property. You’ll be safe here,” Noah said and I sank farther down into the blanket.

I didn’t doubt what Noah said. I knew I’d be safe here. But how long would I be able to hide from Arthur? Whatever Arthur wanted, he got. I knew I would have to face him eventually.

“Thank you, Noah. For everything.”

“You know I’d do anything for you, Sweetness. Always.”