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.

her eyes fell on the diamonds around my throat. “And that necklace is

the glittering reminder of Noah’s actions tonight. Too bad he hadn’t actually given me the gift out

diamonds

was a gift from Noah, actually. A bit…

hiked up in surprise, and for a moment, something unreadable flickered through their depths. But only for a moment. “A gift?” she asked. “How lovely of him.

my drink at that moment. With a murmur of thanks, I accepted the

of the corner of my eye, I saw the shift in Zoe’s expression again–the subtle tightening around her gaze as she watched me drink water instead

beat of silence. “Is everything alright?” 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.

wasn’t 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

Chapter 0036

+25 BONUS

me.

lifted her wine in a silent toast, a small, almost knowing smile playing

a clear head,” she said breezily. “It would be wise for all of us to be on our best behavior with the Alpha Council

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 they

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

soften a bit upon seeing her pained expression when she saw Drake. I sidled a little closer, and placed a gloved hand on her

nod and a smile. She seemed to relax a bit–perhaps bolstered

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

the sea of faces as their names were called out. When Drake’s turn came, he cast a sweeping glance across the ballroom–his eyes glittering like

that Zoe had slipped off into the crowd. She was

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

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