Alpha's Regret After Her Rebirth by Aurora Starling

“You know how things get twisted around here,” Noah insisted, raking a hand through his tousled hair. “If people

see the two of you out in public like that, it'll only breed even more nasty rumors. It was bad enough the first

time.”

| arched a challenging eyebrow at him. “And whose fault is that, exactly? You're the one who's been so hot and

cold withlately that nobody can figure out what the hell is going on between us.”

1 opened his mouth, likely

to argue, but | held up a hand to stop him.

Besides, it’s good for the Luna to be seen bonding with members of the Alpha Council,” | reasoned, vaving a

dismissive hand. “It shows unity, strength, understanding. The Alpha Council will eat that right

ip.”

it that, Noah's brows drew together in a scowl. “Is that really what this is about? Putting on skind of

erformance for the council?”

Sure it is.” | circled around the couch, plucking my phone out of his now-slackened grip. “Besides, it's not ke you

ever have a good excuse for all those cozy moments with Zoe.”

s soon as the words left my lips, | knew | had struck a nerve. Noah's entire frwent rigid, the muscle his

cheek twitching as his gaze bored into me.

ve never been intimate with Zoe,” he said, each word precise and clipped. “How many times must | say before

you believe me?”

harsh laugh twisted my lips as | folded my arms across my chest. “Not yet,” | countered c*¥*ly. “And int think

I've forgotten about that haunted house trip-everyone saw how you cradled her while she was ving. How is that

not worse than going out for lunch in public on a sunny Saturday afternoon with ake?”

angry growl rumbled up from Noah's chest as he raked his hands through his hair again, pacing a few ps away

from me. When he whirled back to facehis eyes were blazing with a mixture of frustration

d hurt.

u're digging your own grave here, Hannah,” he bit out. “But go ahead. Go out with Drake and see what opens;

just don’t say | didn’t warn you when it all backfires.”

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0085

With that ominous warning hanging in the air, Noah turned on his heel and stormed out of the living room, his

broad shoulders rigid with tension. | stared after him for a long moment, and only then did | realize how hard my

heart had been pounding in my chest.

| stood in front of the mirror, my curling iron hot against my hair. | had gone for simple makeup, not much more

than swell-placed concealer to hide my dark circles, smascara, and a light shade of lipstick.

It was a beautiful, sunny moming; a little chilly given the tof year, but still comfortable. | had awoken with

an undeniable feeling of excitement in my belly, although I couldn't seem to decide whether it was excitement

over the prospect of going out or if it was over the idea of pi***ng Noah off a little-if only to get back at him for

walking away fromat the library.

As | worked, | kept thinking back to Noah's words from last night: “Don’t say | didn’t warn you when it all

backfires.”

He knows nothing, | thought to myself. It'll be fine. Drake is... an ally.

My phone chimed on the counter then, startlingout of my reverie. Glancing down, | saw a text from Drake

light up the screen.

“Wear something casual,” his message read. “Where we're going, you'll want to be comfortable. Oh, and wear

pants.”

frowned slightly at that, puzzling over his cryptic words. Where exactly did he plan on takingthat would

require casual attire? The furrow in my brow deepened as | tapped out a response.

Should | be concerned?” | teased. “You're not about to dragoff into the woods and have your wicked vay with

me, are you?”

lis reply was instantaneous. “Tempting, but no. It'll be fun, you'll see.”

reluctant grin tugged at the corners of my mouth as | set my phone aside and continued curling my hair. un, he

had said. | supposed | needed a little fun.

ow that Drake had giventhat warning, | had to abandon my initial outfit choice in favor of something lore

laid-back yet still flattering. Black skinny jeans that hugged my curves, a close-fitting burgundy weater that

hugged my waist, and a pair of low-heeled boots with just a hint of a pointed toe.

imple yet stylish, an outfit designed to turn heads-but not make it seem as if | was trying too hard.

‘hen | finally stepped back to evaluate my appearance in the full-length mirror, | couldn’t help but smile a 1.

Casual, yet undeniably attractive. It was just the right blend to keep Noah wondering what was going 1 today.

noon on the dot, just as promised, the faint rumble of an engine reached my ears from outside. Casting le last

glance in the mirror, | touched up my lip gloss and strode out into the main hall, grabbing my cket off of the hook

as | went.

ouldn’t deny the small flutter of anticipation in my belly as | pulled open the front door, curious to see at Drake

had up his sleeve for our little outing. But | was completely unprepared for the sight that eted me.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0085

Idling at the curb in a sleek black leather jacket that hugged the lines of his muscular torso, Drake shota

lopsided grin as he extended a motorcycle helmet in my direction.

My jaw dropped as | took in the gleaming chrand polished black metal of the motorcycle beneath him, its

powerful engine purring enticingly. Drake’s grin widened at my stunned expression.

“Are you ready for a little adventure?” His eyes raked over me, a satisfied expression overcoming him.” You

dressed well. | hope you're comfortable going fast, though,”

| took a hesitant step forward, my heart lodged in my throat. The motorcycle purred beneath Drake like a

metallic feline just waiting for the signal to pounce.

Before | could speak, he patted the seat behind him.

“Get on,” he said, his voice low and just as gravelly as the motorcycle’s engine. “I told you we were going to

have fun.”

word

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