Alpha's Regret After Her Rebirth by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0036

Chapter 0036

Hannah

+25 BONUS

After politely excusing myself from the cluster of council members‘ wives, I made a beeline for the bar. My throat felt parched, an anxious dryness brought on by Noah’s lingering presence even after he had departed. The flute of champagne was already growing warm in my grip, and I certainly couldn’t drink it. Sidling up to the sleek marble counter, I caught the bartender’s eye. “Could I get a sparkling water, please?” I asked, sliding the champagne flute toward him.

The bartender eyed the untouched champagne glass. Is the champagne not to your liking?”

“Oh, I’d just prefer not to drink tonight.” I met his gaze with a coquettish smile that made the young bartender’s ears turn pink. “I actually prefer water.”

His brows furrowed ever so slightly, but he didn’t question me further. With a slight bow, he turned to prepare my drink. I let my shoulders

drink. I let my shoulders slump a bit once his back was turned, and I leaned on the counter.

I was going to have to get used to this whole no–drinking thing. But it did feel good to have my head clear.

“Hannah? Is that you?”

The gentle lilt of Zoe’s voice made me turn. She stood just behind me, looking beautiful in a maroon silk

gown

that brought out the color of her eyes. A warm smile curved her lips as she regarded me. It took all of my energy to smile back.

stunning this evening,” she said, gesturing to my simple black gown before her eyes fell on

of Noah’s actions tonight. Too bad he hadn’t actually given me the gift out of the goodness of his heart, but rather that he wanted something. I

the diamonds as I offered Zoe a

from Noah, actually. A

depths. But only for a moment. “A gift?”

respond, but the bartender reappeared with my drink at that moment. With a murmur of thanks, I accepted the sparkling

expression again–the subtle tightening around her gaze as she watched me drink water instead of alcohol. Clearly,

down a flare of panic, I responded with a casual shrug. “Just taking a bit of a break from alcohol on

complete lie. The thought of alcohol did make my queasy belly churn even more violently than usual these days. But Zoe’s gaze had sharpened

Chapter 0036

+25 BONUS

didn’t believe me.

further than that. Instead, she simply lifted her wine in a silent toast, a small, almost knowing smile playing on

said breezily. “It would be wise for

her words as I followed her pointed gaze toward the grand double doors. They had just swept open, framing

stewards announced the Alphas by name. I recognized Drake at once as

expression when she saw Drake. I sidled a little closer, and placed a gloved hand on her arm. She startled a bit

to relax a bit–perhaps bolstered by my support. I then turned back to look at Drake and

who was now at his side, his face practically carved from marble, who drew my gaze like a magnet. I braced myself for the storm brewing behind those inscrutable emerald eyes, and found myself reaching up to touch the diamonds

out. When Drake’s turn came, he

had slipped off

gaze met mine. The tips of my ears flushed hot as he made his way through the crowd, headed straight for me. Although, I couldn’t decide whether I felt more heat from his own figure approaching, or if it was Noah, trailing alongside him with a fire burning in his

said, bowing at the waist once he had stopped a few paces away. “It’s