Alpha's Regret After Her Rebirth by Aurora Starling

e Luna Council meeting had gone better–so much better–than I could have hoped. For the first time in weeks, I felt like I had a new purpose, a new step in the right direction. The shackles binding me to this marriage and this house suddenly felt lighter, like I could slip out of them at any moment.

But my smile faded as soon as I walked into the dining room.

Noah was sitting at the head of the table with a fork in hand and an expectant look on his face. The sight of him brought me crashing back to reality, reminding me of the cage I was still trapped in–for now, at

least

“Welcome home,” he said, gesturing to the seat across from him. “I made dinner. Join me?”

I hesitated, torn between my desire to retreat to my room and the tantalizing smell wafting from the plates on the table. The aroma of herbs and roasted vegetables filled the air, making my stomach growl despite my reservations.

Begrudgingly, I sat down, the chair scraping softly against the hardwood floor. “What’s all this about?” | asked, poking suspiciously at the potatoes.

perfectly balanced. I recognized the exact proportions

cooked for me before, at least not

your first meeting.” Noah said as he popped. a piece of meat into his

too much. So

you been invited to

took a tentative bite and couldn’t help but let out a small sound of appreciation. It was genuinely good–the chicken was tender and

I shouldn’t be complimenting him, because I knew that there was more to this

want to make a good

found myself picking at my food, my appetite suddenly

word used to bring me such joy, but it only felt hollow now, a reminder of the chains that bound me