Alpha's Regret After Her Rebirth by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0036

Chapter 0036

Hannah

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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.

black gown before her eyes fell on the diamonds around my

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

the diamonds as I

was a gift from Noah,

their depths. But only for a moment. “A gift?” she asked. “How lovely of him.

that moment. With a murmur of thanks, I accepted the sparkling

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

of silence. “Is everything alright?” Tamping down a flare of panic, I responded with a casual

did make my queasy belly churn even more violently than usual

Chapter 0036

+25 BONUS

didn’t believe me. Not fully,

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

I certainly don’t blame you for keeping a clear head,” she said breezily. “It would be wise for

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

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

when she saw Drake. I sidled a little

smile. She seemed to relax a bit–perhaps

title as an Alpha. 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

When Drake’s turn came, he cast a sweeping glance across the ballroom–his eyes glittering like shards

see that Zoe had slipped off into the crowd. She was

slow, serpentine smile curved Drake’s mouth 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

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