Chapter 0329

Hannah

Noah held my wrist tightly, his finger stroking my inner wrist. I felt my resolve crumbling, and there was no hiding the tremor in my hand under his touch. His eyes flicked between my hand and my face, reading my conflicting emotions like an open book.

“I know you want me, Hannah,” he said softly, his voice low and husky. He rose to his full height, still holding my wrist. “You don’t need to lie anymore.”

I swallowed hard, craning my neck back to look up at him. His eyes caught the bedside lamplight, tiny wildfires burning in their forest-green depths. I wanted to kiss him, to shove him down on the bed, to ride him like my life depended on it.

But I restrained myself. I pulled away, turning to grip the dresser. The cool wood under my palms grounded me, but my mind raced, torn between desire and reason. The large hotel room suddenly felt too small for both of us.

Finally, I took a deep breath and spoke.

“Noah, I think we need to be honest about our feelings,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “Yes, I enjoyed what happened earlier. The way you touched me… it felt incredible. But if we’re still getting divorced, this could complicate things. It would tangle our emotions and make everything more difficult.”

I felt Noah stiffen behind me. “So you still want the divorce?” he asked, his tone carefully neutral. I nodded slowly, feeling a pang in my chest. “Our marriage has been in shambles for years. We’ve been living like strangers, Noah. And… there’s something else.” I paused, steeling myself for his reaction.

“I want to take over Silvermoon when my father abdicates,” I said. “And I can’t do that if I’m married to another Alpha.”

Noah was silent. Slowly, hesitantly, I turned to find him facing the window, his shoulders rigid. I wanted to go to him, but I couldn’t.

“So you just want a divorce for power,” he finally said, his voice low and controlled. The words stung, even though I knew they weren’t entirely true.

“It’s not… like that,” I protested.

He turned to face me, his face hard. “What is it like, then?” he all but growled.

“My cousin Alvin is the only other heir. If he takes over, he’ll run Silvermoon into the ground. You know what he’s like, Noah.”

Noah grimaced at the mention of Alvin. He knew exactly what I meant.

“My father plans on abdicating within the year,” I explained, surprised by my own candor. Silvermoon could be at risk within a year. I can’t idly stand by while my home pack is destroyed.

Chapter 0329 +25 BONUS

Noah sighed. “You’re right about that,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair. “Alvin would make a horrible Alpha. He’s a playboy with no real sense of responsibility.”

I sighed in relief. He understood, at least; that was something.

He moved closer, his eyes softening as they met mine. “You, on the other hand… A few months ago, I might have thought you would make a horrible female Alpha too.”

“Do you still think that?” I asked.

He shrugged. “Lately, you’ve shown such strength and responsibility. It’s like you’ve become a different person, Hannah. As much as it pains me to allow you to divorce me, I won’t lie; you could make a great Alpha.”

His words warmed me, but also made me feel guilty. There was so much he didn’t know, so much I hadn’t yet told him. Maybe now was the time.

“Noah, there’s something I need to tell you,” I started, my heart racing.

“What is it?”

I wanted to tell him everything—about my rebirth, how I had died and been given a second chance. How that was why I had suddenly changed.

But the words caught in my throat. I couldn’t do it, because I knew he would think I was crazy, and it would negate everything he had just said.

Instead, I said, “Finding out I was pregnant made me realize the flaws in my ways. That’s why I’ve been working so hard to be better.”

Noah nodded slowly. “I can understand that. I don’t want to divorce you, Hannah. But I won’t stand in your way. I don’t want you to feel like a prisoner. And if you’re really concerned about Silvermoon, I can’t fault you for putting your pack above your heart. It’s… admirable, actually.”

His words ached in my chest. Why did he have to be so understanding? It would be easier if he was angry, if he fought against this. Fighting was something we were so good at, but this…

“In the meantime,” Noah continued, his eyes flicking over my body, “I still want to do whatever I can to make your pregnancy easier. And I meant what I said about daily orgasms being recommended for pregnant women. It’s not just about pleasure, Hannah. It’s about your health and the baby’s health.”

I felt my face flush. “I have toys,” I mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

Noah shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. “You can use toys if you want, but it’s not the same. It doesn’t produce the same mental chemicals as real intimacy. Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin—they’re all important for a healthy pregnancy. For bonding, for reducing stress, for overall well-being.”

I bit my lip, unsure of what to say. I couldn’t deny that I had enjoyed his touch, that my body craved more.

But the idea of continuing this… arrangement felt dangerous. Like playing with fire.

“What if…” Noah started, then paused, running a hand through his hair. “What if we agree to a ‘release,’ like I suggested before? If you don’t want sex, I can still pleasure you in other ways. Just for the pregnancy. No strings attached.”

I hesitated, my mind whirling. The rational part of me knew this was a bad idea, that it would only make our eventual separation more painful. But another part, a part I had been trying to ignore, longed for his touch. Craved it like I craved air.

“I… I don’t know, Noah,” I said, my voice trembling. “It’s tempting, but…”

“Let me show you some other options,” Noah said softly, stepping closer. Our bodies were almost touching, and I could feel the heat radiating off him. “Not just with my fingers. There are so many ways I can make you feel good, Hannah. Ways that will benefit both you and the baby.”

His hands moved to my hips, his touch gentle but firm. I felt my breath catch in my throat, my body responding to his proximity despite my reservations.

Before I could respond, Noah gently pushed me down onto the bed. I didn’t fight him as he pushed my dress up around my hips, as he tugged my panties aside. I moved my legs apart for him, watching with wide eyes as he dropped to his knees beside the bed. And I didn’t fight as he buried his face between my thighs.