Chapter 305
Hannah
The car ride stretched endlessly as we made our way to Silvermoon. Noah had insisted on driving, citing environmental concerns and my pregnancy as reasons to avoid flying. I stared out the window, watching the landscape blur, trying to ignore his presence beside me.
“We should reach the hotel in about an hour,” Noah said, breaking the silence that had persisted for most of the journey.
I merely nodded, not bothering to look at him.
He sighed. “Hannah, we’re going to be spending a lot of time together over the next few days. Can we at least try to be civil?”
“I am being civil,” I replied coldly. “I haven’t thrown you out of the moving car, have I?”
Noah chuckled, but it sounded forced. “I suppose that’s true. Small mercies, right?”
I didn’t respond, and we lapsed back into silence. As promised, we arrived at the hotel an hour later—an upscale place situated along the river that flowed between Nightcrest and Silvermoon. We always stayed here whenever we visited Silvermoon, and I liked the place. But mostly, I was just looking forward to having some space to myself.
“Welcome to the Silver Pines Hotel, Alpha and Luna,” the receptionist beamed as we approached the desk. “Let me just check your reservation… Ah, yes. I have you down for our deluxe king suite. Is that correct?”
My heart sank as Noah nodded. “That’s right, thank you.”
As we were led to our shared room, I pursed my lips but said nothing. I supposed I should have expected this—having to share a room. We still had to present a united front, especially so close to pack borders like this. Still, it didn’t mean I was happy about it.
On the top floor, the bellhop opened the door to our suite. It was spacious and well-appointed, with a sitting area, a small kitchenette, and a large bed dominating the center of the room. One bed. Of course.
After settling in, Noah suggested we head down to the hotel restaurant for dinner. I agreed, if only to delay the inevitable awkwardness of sharing a room.
The restaurant was just as elegant as I remembered, with soft lighting and white tablecloths. It was… romantic. Too bad I wasn’t in the mood for romance.
“So,” Noah said as we looked over the menu, “are you looking forward to seeing your family?”
“Yes,” I replied curtly.
“It’s been a while since we’ve visited Silvermoon. I wonder how much has changed.”
I shrugged. “You tell me. You seem to know plenty about my father’s personal matters.”
Noah sighed, frustrated by my cold responses. “Hannah, could you at least try to engage in conversation?”
“I thought I was,” I retorted. I decided I was craving a burger and tossed my menu down on the table.
He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Look, I know you’re not happy with me, but you could at least pretend not to despise me in public. It’s creating a negative image for our pack.”
A surge of vindictiveness filled me. “Oh, you want me to pretend? Fine. I can do that.”
Just then, our waitress approached the table. “Good evening! Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?”
I turned to her with a sickeningly sweet smile. “Oh, we’re ready, aren’t we, my darling?” I cooed, reaching across the table to grab Noah’s face.
Noah’s eyes widened in surprise as I leaned precariously over the table and peppered his face with kisses, pinching his cheeks and generally making a spectacle of ourselves. If he wanted me to act in love, then I would lay it on thick—make him regret ever asking.
“Isn’t he just the most handsome Alpha you’ve ever seen?” I gushed to the waitress, who looked both amused and a little embarrassed.
“I, uh… I’ll give you two some space,” she said, backing away with a nervous laugh.
As soon as she was gone, I released my grip on Noah and plopped back down in my seat. “There,” I said flatly. “Is that what you want? To be fawned over?”
To my surprise, Noah’s cheeks were flushed red. He said nothing, just looked down at his menu with an expression that was almost… bashful. For a moment, he reminded me of the cute, shy boy he used to be, before everything changed.