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.

gown before her eyes fell

out of the goodness of his heart, but rather that he wanted something. I didn’t know what

the diamonds as I offered Zoe

a gift from Noah, actually. A bit…

up in surprise, and for a moment, something unreadable flickered through their depths. But only for a moment. “A

opened my mouth to respond, but the bartender reappeared with my drink at that moment. With a murmur of thanks, I

again–the subtle tightening around her gaze as she

Tamping down a flare of panic, I responded with a casual shrug. “Just taking a bit of a break from alcohol on my doctor’s recommendation. I’ve been

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 fully, at

she didn’t push the matter further than that. Instead, she simply lifted her wine in a

blame you for keeping a clear head,” she said breezily. “It would be wise for all of us to be on

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

Alphas by name. I recognized Drake at once as they drew nearer–that bold sweep of raven hair, those chiseled features so

saw Drake. I sidled a little

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

it was Noah, who was now at his side, his face practically carved from marble, who drew my gaze like a magnet. I braced

as their names were called out. When Drake’s turn came, he cast a sweeping glance

Zoe had slipped off

then as 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 whether I felt more heat from his own figure

the waist once he had stopped a few