Chapter 229

And the way she was looking at him… well, it had been a long time since anyone had looked at him like that. A fleeting thought crossed his mind: What if Hannah was cheating with Drake? Would it really be so bad if he…? But no. Noah pushed the thought away immediately. He knew Hannah wasn't cheating. And even if she were, he wouldn't stoop to that level. He wasn't a cheater.

"Neither is Hannah," his wolf growled.

Noah cleared his throat, gently pulling his arm away from Zoe's touch. "Thanks, but I'm okay. How's the singing gig going?"

If Zoe was disappointed by the shift in conversation, she didn't show it. She launched into an enthusiastic description of her new job, her hands gesturing animatedly. She was close to getting Adam back from her parents, and things were looking up.

As Noah listened, he couldn't help but think back to the day Hannah had tricked Zoe into going to the coffee shop. It seemed insignificant now, though it had been a big deal then. Had he been too harsh with Hannah? She had apologized to Zoe almost immediately. Maybe she hadn't meant to hurt Zoe.

"Noah?" Zoe's soft voice broke through his thoughts. He blinked, realizing she was looking at him and that he hadn't touched his whiskey in a while. "Are you sure you're okay? You seem really distracted."

Noah forced a smile and took a sip. "Yeah, sorry. Just… a lot on my mind, I guess."

Zoe nodded sympathetically. "I understand. Listen, if you ever need someone to talk to…" Her voice trailed off as the bartender called her name. "Oh, that's my cue. I've got to get back on stage. It was really good to see you, Noah."

"You too, Zoe," Noah said. "Break a leg."

As Zoe walked away, Noah watched her go, shaking his head. He needed to focus on Hannah, not this mess. Zoe was his ex; it was over. Their mate tie had been severed years ago, and he had no intention of rekindling it.

Just then, a commotion near the door caught his attention. Drake strode into the bar, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Noah. Drake's face darkened as he approached, fists clenched. "I knew it," he spat. "I f***king knew it."

Noah stood, confused and irritated. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb," Drake said, gesturing toward the stage. "I saw you two together. How could you cheat on Hannah?"

Noah's temper flared. "You've got it all wrong. Nothing is going on between me and Zoe."

Drake scoffed. "Right. And I suppose you just happened to be at the same bar where she works, looking cozy and intimate?"

"I didn't even know she worked here," Noah growled before Zoe could speak. "And what the hell are you doing following me, anyway?"

"Me? I'm protecting Hannah," Drake retorted. "Someone has to do it, since you're clearly not up to the task."

Noah took a step forward, his wolf rising. How he wanted to attack Drake. "You don't know a damn thing about me and Hannah."

The two men stood toe to toe, tension crackling between them. The other patrons had gone quiet, watching warily, and Zoe stood nearby, wringing her hands.

Then, all three of their phones buzzed simultaneously. Noah pulled his out, seeing a group text from Hannah. His heart raced as he opened it to see one word: "WATERFALL!"