Chapter 149

Hannah watched with disgust as Noah approached the game stand and slapped money onto the counter. “How much to win that stuffed dolphin?” he asked, pointing.

The bored teenager shrugged, barely glancing at Noah. “That’s the top prize. You have to hit all the ducks.”

“Don’t do it, Noah,” Drake chuckled. “These games are rigged—you’ll just waste your money.”

A muscle twitched in Noah’s cheek, but he shrugged and picked up the toy rifle, aiming at the bobbing ducks. “I’ll be fine,” he muttered, squeezing the trigger.

The bright orange foam disc sailed wide. Hannah stifled a snort, exchanging an amused glance with Drake, who looked ready to laugh. Undeterred, Noah tried again and again, each shot wildly off target. One even flew into the crowd, causing nearby girls to giggle.

“Maybe try an easier game,” the teenager smirked, indicating the children’s fishing game. Noah’s ears reddened, but he threw down more money and lifted the rifle.

Zoe huffed. “Wait. Let me try,” she said, reaching for the gun.

But Drake was faster, snatching it from Noah. “Allow me,” he said.

Hannah smirked. Typical Alpha male posturing—the game was rigged; the gun was probably bent. To her surprise, Drake’s first few shots were solid hits. But then, his next shot missed completely. He blinked in surprise, then tried again, missing again.

“What the hell?” he muttered, jaw tight with frustration.

Beside him, Noah let out a derisive snort. “Weren’t you the one who said it was rigged?”

Hannah felt a flare of irritation. Before she could stop herself, she snatched the rifle from Drake, pushing past him and Noah to take her place. “Let me try,” she said through gritted teeth.

Drake started to protest, but she waved him off, taking aim. She felt everyone's eyes on her, waiting for her to fail. She would show them.

Taking a deep breath, she aimed, noticing a slight curve in the gun. She adjusted accordingly. Then, she felt a hand on her lower back, steadying her.

She squeezed the trigger. Every disc hit its mark. A thrill surged through her as she turned, expecting Drake's proud smile.

But it wasn't Drake behind her—it was Noah, his expression unreadable, his hands having been pressed against her back. Hannah froze, the rifle slipping from her numb fingers, her heart pounding.

Before she could react, the attendant cleared his throat, gesturing to the prize shelf. “You did it,” he said flatly. “Pick whatever you want.”

Her gaze swept over the stuffed animals, settling on a plush bunny almost as big as she was. But then she saw Zoe’s thinly veiled frustration. A wicked idea formed, and a slow smile curved her lips.

She pointed to the dolphin. “I’ll take that one.”

The young man shrugged and handed it over. Cradling it, she spotted a little girl, about five or six, staring longingly at the toy. Perfect.

She strode over, crouching down. “Here you go, sweetie,” she said, offering a genuine smile. “This is for you.”

The girl’s jaw dropped. She reached out, squealing with delight and hugging Hannah. “Thank you, thank you!”

Hannah hugged her back, savoring the moment. Looking up, she saw Zoe, face beet red with barely concealed rage. Drake shook his head, amused. Served her right, Hannah thought.

The little girl scurried off, clutching her prize. Her parents waved happily. “Thank you, Luna Hannah!”

Hannah smiled and waved back. “I hope she enjoys her new toy!”

As she rose, Zoe turned and stormed away. Drake followed, casting an impressed look over his shoulder. Noah followed, but Hannah grabbed his arm.

“You’re not going anywhere,” she growled.