Chapter 86: Hannah + 25 Bonus

My hands trembled as I gripped the sleek leather of Drake’s jacket, the motorcycle’s low rumble vibrating through my boots. Straddling the seat behind him, the machine seemed even more intimidating—and precarious.

“Settled in back there?” Drake asked over his shoulder.

“Um…”

“Don’t tell me the big bad Luna’s scared of a little bike,” he teased.

I bristled, my chin lifting defiantly as I tightened my grip. “Of course not,” I scoffed, though we both knew it was a lie. “Just… go slow. I’ve never done this before.”

Drake laughed, turning to look at me. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Before I could protest, he grabbed my hands, pulling them around his abdomen. A startled gasp escaped as he pulled me flush against his back, my breasts pressing against his firm muscles. Heat flooded my cheeks, my heart pounding as he pulled me tighter, forcing my fingers to clasp around his midriff.

“There,” he said, releasing my hands. “Hold on tight, like that, and you’ll be fine.”

Then, before I could speak, he roared the motorcycle to life. I barely inhaled before we were peeling away from the curb, the sudden acceleration flattening me against his back.

For a few moments, terror gripped me. I gritted my teeth, grateful for the helmet’s privacy as my fingers tightened on his jacket.

But as the city streets gave way to winding forest roads, as the wind whipped my hair and the scent of pine filled my lungs… something loosened inside me. Something that hadn’t felt sweet release in a long time. My wolf.

My fear transformed into thrill, an electric exhilaration that tingled through my body. I was flying—soaring in a way I never imagined, my wolf howling with excitement.

As we whipped around a curve, a wild whoop escaped me. There was no holding it back, no embarrassment; not here, where no one could judge.

I craned my neck, feeling gloriously alive as the winter breeze whipped across my hair and hands. When a snowy owl took flight before us, my shout of surprise and joy echoed through the trees as it streaked past.

Drake seemed to feed off my exhilaration, his muscles tensing as he hit the throttle harder. For a moment, I thought that if I died here, at least I’d go out in glory.

Finally, he eased back on the throttle. Our breakneck speed slowed to a relaxing cruise, and I realized how sore my face was from smiling.

As we stopped in a small pull-off area, I blinked, my surroundings coming into focus. We were high in the mountains; below, all of Nightcrest was revealed.

“Wow…” I breathed, loosening my grip to slide off the motorcycle. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the entire pack like this.”

It was true; Noah had only taken me to business—councils, negotiations, dull political affairs. He’d never taken me sightseeing. Not like this.

“That’s a crime,” Drake murmured, removing his helmet. “You’re the Luna of Nightcrest, and you’ve never seen your pack like this?”

I shook my head, quickly looking away. No. Of course not.

“What about you and Zoe?” I asked, tilting my head. “Do you take her on your motorcycle for sightseeing?”

To his credit, Drake didn’t tense. He averted his gaze, a guilty expression on his face.

“Not as much as I should,” he sighed. “Ever since Adam was born… I haven’t been the most attentive husband.”

“Why not?” I blurted. “Having a child usually bonds couples more.”

He paused, clenching his jaw. “Certain rivals wouldn’t hesitate to use Zoe and Adam against me. Holding them hostage… threatening their lives… to gain power over me, over my pack.”

His jaw ticked, but he continued, explaining how he’d created a persona to deter any hint that they meant anything to him beyond duty. It had worked.

The realization hit me: his coldness toward Zoe, his philandering—all a lie. He was no playboy, just a man making terrible sacrifices to keep his family safe.

My fingers moved to his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “I’m so sorry,” I murmured. “That must be extremely difficult.”

Drake let out a mirthless laugh. “That’s putting it lightly,” he said, glancing at me. “And I’m pretty certain my behavior pushed Zoe back toward Noah.”

My chest clenched at the mention of Noah and Zoe, but for a different reason. I’d only seen their relationship as an insult, but now, seeing the sincerity in Drake’s eyes, I knew I wasn’t the only one suffering.

Suddenly, I had an idea. I pulled my hand away, facing Drake, tilting my chin up. When I spoke, my voice was surprisingly clear.

“Let me help.”