Noah nodded. “As my date.”
Chapter 422
Hannah
I tossed my phone aside, the screen still illuminated with the article titled “Hannah and Noah, the true star-crossed lovers, officially back together?” The accompanying photo showed us at the farmer’s market, pushing Melody’s stroller together, our hands brushing.
My cheeks burned at the memory of that moment, the electricity that had sparked between us just minutes after our little ice cream interlude. The soft afternoon light had caught Noah’s profile perfectly, highlighting the strong line of his jaw and the tenderness in his eyes as he looked down at our daughter.
A knock at my study door interrupted my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, quickly composing myself and smoothing down my blouse.
My father entered, his face beaming with excitement. Oh, no. Here we go… “Hannah, have you seen the news? This is wonderful! Why didn’t you tell me?”
I sighed, already anticipating the direction of this conversation before he even held out the newspaper to show me the same article I’d just been reading.
“Dad, you really need to learn not to believe everything you read in the paper.”
“But you were together at the market, weren’t you?” He scratched his head, staring at the article. “The picture doesn’t lie, Hannah. Oh, I’m so happy for you both. I knew you and Noah would find your way back to each other someday.”
“Dad…”
“We should start planning the wedding soon,” my father continued, oblivious. “And of course, you’ll be moving back to Nightcrest with Noah, won’t you?”
I felt a headache coming on, a dull throb beginning at my temples. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I said evenly, “Dad, slow down. We’re not planning a wedding anytime soon. Yes, we’re dating, but nothing is ‘official’ just yet. And besides,” I added, my voice growing firmer, steel entering my tone, “I’m not sure if I’m interested in going back to Nightcrest.”
My father’s smile faltered. “But Hannah, just think about it. A nuclear family is so important. Melody needs her father in the picture, and Noah clearly cares for her. Plus, you two are fated mates. You belong together. Especially after everything.”
“I can’t just give up my position as Alpha of Silvermoon, Dad,” I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “I’ve worked hard for this. It’s not something I can just toss aside on a whim.”
“But there is a way to combine the packs,” he suggested. “You would have to be Noah’s Luna again, but you would have even more power if you joined Silvermoon and Nightcrest. Think of the strength that union would bring!”
I leaned forward and rubbed my face with both hands, frustration building in my chest like a gathering storm. “I’m not just doing this for ‘power,’ Dad. My title and my independence are important to me. I can’t back down from being an Alpha so soon after becoming one. Do you know what that would make me look like? What sort of example that would set for my daughter?”
My father’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“The Luna-turned-Alpha-turned-Luna-again,” I spat out, already picturing the headlines. “All the men who look down on me and see me as nothing more than a broodmare, a stupid woman playacting as an Alpha, will have a field day if I give up my title to become Noah’s Luna again. I’d be a laughingstock. And I would be letting down Melody, the Luna Council, and all the other girls who might be inspired by my work.”
My father’s expression softened, understanding finally dawning in his eyes, but only slightly. “Hannah, my dear, I understand your concerns. I do. But please, at least consider it. You’re attending the Full Moon Festival with Noah as your date, aren’t you? Maybe you could think about it then. Use the time to really talk to Noah, see where you both stand. I know you love each other.”
The mention of the festival sent a flutter through my stomach—excitement or anxiety, I couldn’t tell. “Just because we’re going to the festival together this weekend doesn’t mean that I’m giving up my position,” I whispered.