Chapter 167

“You’ve gained weight,” he said suddenly, stopping to look at me. My mouth dropped open. If my hands weren't full, I would have smacked him. The urge to drink my soda or eat my pretzel vanished, despite their tempting appearance.

Before I could respond, he rolled his eyes. “Don’t look at me like that, Hannah. That was a compliment.” He paused, his tongue briefly wetting his lips as his eyes lingered on my body for a moment. “You look… good. Keep up the good work.”

“You… you think so?” I blurted, glancing down. It was true; I’d gained a few pounds—four, actually. I was still ambivalent about it, thanks to that persistent eating disorder voice in my head, but hearing him say it looked good…

He nodded and turned. “Yes. So drink the damn soda and eat the pretzel, alright?” He strode off toward our seats. A small smile touched my lips as I jogged after him, biting into my pretzel.

A few minutes later, the next fight began. The crowd roared as the two men battled, fists and feet flying. My favorite part was when their fangs bared and their pace intensified, unleashing their wolfish strength. Goddess, how I wished I could do that. I hadn’t accessed my wolf’s strength in years, and wasn't sure if I could anymore. I hadn’t sparred since childhood training, when my parents forced me to attend lessons.

I hated it then, but now felt a sudden urge to experience that rush again. Perhaps impending motherhood fueled this desire—to stay strong, to protect my child, and myself. After all, I wouldn’t have an Alpha husband as my bodyguard for much longer.

During the fight, Drake leaned close, his shoulder brushing mine. “See how the guy in red is pulling his punches?” he asked. “He’s toying with the other guy.”

I nodded, watching intently. “Oh, I see it now,” I said as the fighter in red shorts slowed, focusing on dodging and engaging the crowd. He was tiring his opponent and making a fool of him.

Suddenly, a warm arm encircled me. I was pulled away from Drake and pressed against someone else: Noah. His side pressed against mine; I could feel his pulse.

I gasped, my face flushing at the sudden intimacy. His expression remained impassive, his jaw tight as he watched the fight.

A warm, primal yearning, frankly pathetic, radiated from my lower belly. But I didn’t pull away. I couldn’t. I simply leaned into his warmth, feeling his arm tighten around my waist.

Out of instinct, I glanced at Drake and Zoe. But Zoe was gone.