Alpha's Regret After Her Rebirth (Hannah and Noah)
Her Rebirth 261

Chapter 0261 Chapter 0261

Noah

Noah stood at the edge of the crowded reception hall, his eyes scanning the sea of elegantly dressed guests. The soft strains of the string quartet blended perfectly with the hum of conversation. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, their light catching on jewels and polished glasses.

But Noah was only looking for one person.

His gaze kept returning to Hannah, who was flitting from group to group, her black gown shimmering as she moved and the most perfect smile on her face.

some.

She had really outdone herself tonight-far more than Noah expected. Her charity gala was a smashing success, and he had even seen the Luna Queen eyeing her at one point. There was no doubt in Noah's mind that Hannah would reach her donation goal and then He had been trying to make his way back to her side all evening, but it seemed like the universe had other plans. During the opera, Zoe had constantly tapped his shoulder, whispering questions and comments in his ear.

"Noah," she had said, leaning close, "what do you think that aria means?"

Or she would say, "Noah, what do you think of their costumes?"

Or, "Noah, doesn't that dance remind you of our senior prom dance?" Noah, Noah, Noah.

He had struggled to focus on the performance, too distracted by Zoe's constant interruptions to be able to truly absorb himself in the show. At one point, he could have sworn that he felt Hannah touch his hand, and neither of them had pulled away. An unexpected warmth had spread through Noah at that moment. But then, she had yanked her hand away and had been cold toward him ever since. 1

Now, at the reception, Leonard kept steering him toward various high-profile individuals. He hardly had a chance to breathe, let alone replace his way back to Hannah's side.

"Alpha Noah," Leonard said, appearing at his elbow for what felt like the hundredth time that night. There's someone else you simply must meet."

Noah suppressed a sigh, his fingers tightening around the stem of his glass. "Leonard, I appreciate your efforts, but I really need to-"

"I promise it will only take a moment," Leonard insisted, already guiding Noah toward a cluster of well-dressed men and women with a broad hand firmly planted on Noah's shoulder. Zoe was among them, although he wasn't sure why. "This is an Alpha from one of the southern packs. He's been eager to

discuss a potential trade agreement solidify the ties between the north and the south."

As they approached the group, Noah's wolf stirred restlessly. He could sense Hannah's scent growing fainter, and it made him uneasy. He had promised to stay by her side tonight, and so far, he had done a piss poor job of it.

"Alpha Noah," the southern Alpha greeted, extending one thick, meaty hand. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person. Zoe here has told me much about you."

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0261

Noah shook his hand, forcing a polite smile. Zoe giggled, touching Noah's arm. "Noah may look gruff, but I promise, he's always open to negotiations," she said.

7 understand you're interested in discussing trade?" Noah asked.

"Yes, indeed. I believe I may have some goods that would be valuable to you...

The conversation dragged on for far too long, filled with political niceties and careful negotiations. Zoel remained by his side-she was friendly with the Alpha's wife and apparently prided herself on helping Noah make a connection. Although he was grateful, Noah's attention kept drifting, his eyes searching the room for Hannah, but every time he caught a glimpse of her blonde updo meandering through the crowd, he would get pulled back to the conversation.

After what felt like an eternity of small talk, Noah finally managed to extricate himself. "We'll keep in touch, Alpha. If you'll excuse me," he said, already sidestepping away, "I need to check on my Luna." He turned, his eyes immediately seeking out Hannah. He spotted her across the room... deep in conversation with the Luna Queen herself. The sight made him pause.

Hannah's face was lit up like a beacon, her slender hands moving animatedly as she spoke. The Luna Queen listened intently, a small smile playing on her lips as she sipped her champagne.

Despite his reservations, Noah felt a surge of pride for his mate. Hannah had worked incredibly hard for this night, and mostly on her own. She deserved this moment in the spotlight, and he wasn't about to interrupt. 1

Deciding to give her some space, Noah made his way to the bar. The bartender nodded in acknowledgment as he approached.