Chapter 0285

“I know,” Viona said softly. “And I told her that. But she was so scared, so convinced that you would take the baby away from her. I knew it was wrong to keep you in the dark, but I couldn’t betray my friend. I’m sorry, Alpha.”

Noah sighed, feeling some of his anger dissipate. As much as he and Viona disliked each other, he understood her position, caught between loyalty to her friend and her duty to her Alpha.

“I don’t blame you, Viona,” he said after a moment. “You were in a difficult position.”

Viona looked surprised, then nodded gratefully. “Thank you for understanding.”

As Noah turned to leave, a thought struck him. He paused, looking back at Viona. “Hannah has been… different lately. Why?”

Viona’s face softened. “You mean the eating disorder campaign, the training, and… everything else?” Even Viona was no stranger to Hannah’s sudden change in demeanor, apparently.

Noah nodded.

“I think so,” Viona replied after a moment. “The pregnancy was a big part of why Hannah started trying to get healthy. She wanted to do what was best for the baby. That’s why she’s suddenly showing an interest in training: just in case she ever needed to protect her child. As for everything else, I think… I think she’s just trying to be a better person for her child.”

Noah felt something tighten in his chest as he recalled the day Hannah had shown an interest in training. His wolf bristled slightly; a silent, “I told you so,” played in Noah’s mind. Maybe his assumptions about Hannah had been wrong. Perhaps she wasn’t trying to “steal” his heir for her own gain, but was panicking, feeling trapped in a loveless marriage, and wanting to do what was best for her child. And maybe all the changes she’d been making were genuine attempts at self-improvement.

It didn’t lessen the sting of her actions, but it did shift his perspective. It also highlighted his own lack of change, though he hadn’t been given the chance, considering Hannah hadn’t told him about the pregnancy.

“There’s something else you should know,” Viona added hesitantly, worrying her lower lip. “Hannah has been suffering from horrible morning sickness. She hides it well, but she gets violently ill every morning. She always puts on a good face and pretends she’s fine, not just to you, but to everyone. Even I’m a bit worried for her.”

Noah felt a wave of concern wash over him. He had no idea Hannah had been going through that. “How did she hide it?” he murmured, more to himself than to Viona. Hannah had never been one to hide her discomfort. She had always been a bit of a… whiner.

Viona shrugged helplessly.

Noah nodded, his mind racing. If she was suffering from bad morning sickness, then he needed to go to Hannah’s appointment with her, to ensure his heir’s health.

“You’re worried about her too,” his wolf whispered in his mind.

Noah ignored the voice, but couldn’t deny the truth in it.

As he reached for the doorknob, Viona’s voice stopped him. “Noah?”

He turned back, and her eyes were filled with concern. “What… what are you going to do?” she whispered. “About Hannah, I mean. You’re not going to give her life in prison, are you?”

Noah’s jaw tightened. “That’s the penalty for attempting to steal a pack heir.”

“Please,” Viona begged. “Show her mercy. Hannah doesn’t deserve such a harsh punishment. She didn’t mean any harm; she just wanted to protect her baby. Your baby,” she quickly added.

Noah didn’t respond. He simply turned and walked out of the apartment, leaving Viona’s pleas echoing in his mind.