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.

my simple black gown before her eyes fell on the diamonds around my

the gift out of the goodness of his heart, but rather that he

my fingers drifted up to trace the diamonds as I

from Noah, actually.

and for a moment, something unreadable flickered through their depths. But

reappeared with my drink at that moment. With a murmur of

subtle tightening around her gaze as she watched me drink water instead of alcohol. Clearly, it had

flare of panic, I responded with a casual shrug. “Just taking a

a 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 shrewdly, her lips pursing

Chapter 0036

+25 BONUS

me. Not

simply lifted her wine in a silent

don’t blame you for keeping a clear head,” she said breezily. “It would be wise for all of us to be on our best behavior

pointed gaze toward the grand double doors. They had just swept open, framing the entire Alpha council as they made their way into the room with their black and white tuxedos and

the Alphas by name. I recognized Drake at

she saw Drake. I sidled a

to relax a bit–perhaps bolstered by my support. I

But it was Noah, 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

of acknowledgement to the sea of faces as their names were called out. When Drake’s turn came, he cast

see that Zoe had slipped off into the crowd.

his 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

bowing at the waist once he had stopped a few paces away. “It’s been a while since we’ve met. You look