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

I managed a small smile, taking my usual seat, and found myself looking around at the familiar faces- women who had become friends, allies, sisters in arms. It was hard not to cry, if I was being honest. "Actually," I said, "I have an announcement to make.

The room grew quiet as I explained my reasons for stepping down from the Council, my gratitude for their support, and my hopes for Silvercrest's future. Truthfully, I hadn't been giving the Luna Council as much thought as it deserved lately, what with all of the responsibilities of an Alpha, the merger, an upcoming wedding, and motherhood.

And besides, I wasn't a Luna anymore. Not even in spirit. I was an Alpha now, through and through. And who was I to take that spot on the Council away from someone else? Perhaps there was another Hannah out there, a Luna with big dreams, who deserved a chance. When I finished, I was met with silence. My hands shook under the table as I began to wonder if I had offended the Luna Queen or the other Lunas.

But then, with a sniffle, the Luna Queen rose from her chair and bowed her head to me. "We understand completely, Hannah. You will be missed dearly."

"Actually," I added, "I have a recommendation for my replacement-if you're open to hearing it.

The Luna Queen tilted her head thoughtfully. "Of course."

"Emma-a friend of mine, an ex-Luna. She is recently divorced, but she's one of the most intelligent, compassionate leaders I know. I believe she'd be an invaluable asset to the Council."

Luna Alanna's eyebrows shot up, and she nodded to the Luna at her left side, who made a note in her leather-bound notebook. "Emma... yes, I remember her from last year's charity gala. Sharp mind, that one. Thank you, Hannah-I'll be in touch with her for an interview." The goodbyes that followed were bittersweet. There were hugs, well wishes, and promises to keep in touch, and by the time I finally made it home, the sun had long since disappeared behind the horizon.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

I wasn't sure what I expected as I walked through the front door, but the scene that greeted me was nothing short of chaotic. Music blared through the speakers-a ridiculously catchy pop song that had taken over the radio recently.

And there, in the center of the living room, was Drake, holding Melody in his arms, singing loudly and twirling her around. Drake belted out the words like he was born for it, sending Melody into a fit of giggles as he tickled her side. Meanwhile, Noah was sprawled across the couch, grinning at his friend's antics, while Viona sat curled up in the armchair, watching her boyfriend with begrudging amusement.

She caught my eye as I slipped in, her cheeks coloring slightly as I whispered, "You know you're in trouble. nów, right?"

"Oh?" she raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "Why's that?"

"That man is going to start wanting a baby of his own after this," I muttered, nudging her in the ribs with my elbow. "And if I'm not mistaken, you're starting to want one of your own, too."

Viona's eyes widened, her face turning crimson. She looked away and covered her mouth with her hand, saying nothing, but we both knew I was right.

I drifted toward Noah after that, who had extended a hand out to me, an invitation I gladly accepted as I sank onto his lap.

He slid his arm around my waist and pulled me close. "Long day?"

"The longest," I murmured, resting my head against his shoulder. My whole body felt heavy as the past few weeks finally caught up to me.

But being here, surrounded by the chaos that was my life...

How could I be tired now, when the party was only just beginning?