“Your father is smart,” I mused, leaning my head back against the plush couch cushions. “He kept all of his accomplices in the dark.”“And promised them all the things they wanted most,” Noah replied.I nodded, shutting my eyes for a moment.Doctor Patel had been greedy for money and gifts, and was
HannahThe diamond on my finger caught the light, sending a dozen tiny fractals glimmering across my skin. I tilted my hand this way and that, admiring the ring that I hadn’t worn or even seen in ages.Wearing my old engagement ring like this felt… surreal. I couldn’t seem to decide whether it made
“Hannah, you look even lovelier than the last time I saw you,” Emma said, planting a kiss on each of my cheeks before shoving a wrapped gift box into my hand. “Yes, I know you said no gifts, but I don’t care.”“I figured you wouldn’t,” I laughed, making a mental note to return that one to her as wel
HannahAs the four traitors walked into the room, Marcus gripped his champagne glass so tight that the stem snapped in his hands. Nearby guests gasped as the foamy drink spilled onto the floor, but Marcus didn’t even seem to notice. He just stared at his four cohorts in shock.“As you can all tell b
Noah shook his head in disbelief. “But you arranged a marriage between me and Hannah,” he said. “You and Hannah’s father agreed—”“I am nothing if not a man of opportunity,” Marcus hissed. “When Hannah’s father presented a business deal of a lifetime, a sizable share in Silvermoon’s mines, well… I f
HannahThe prison van was already waiting outside by the time Marcus realized that he had been wholly, truly, trapped.“Did you really think that no one here would record your evil villain speech, Dad?” Noah said, clapping his hand on his father’s shoulder. “I thought you were smarter than that.”Ma
“You’re all welcome to stay for cake and champagne if you’re not too put off by the whole experience,” I said with a small smile. “But no, it’s not a real engagement party. We just needed a way to get Marcus to come to the house before he left the country again.”I paused, feeling a bit guilty, then
Hannah With the old ring submerged beneath the pond’s surface and the new ring glittering on my finger, Noah and I made our way back to the house, where the party had apparently returned in full swing—with even more fervor this time. As we stepped back into the house, we were met with the sound
“Almost done…” she murmured, leaning in with a touch of gloss for my lips. I couldn’t help but laugh at how serious she looked, as if I were some delicate art piece she was trying to perfect. Finally, she stepped back with a smile. “There. Now, the dress.” Amber was already at my side, helping m
Hannah The next morning, I woke with a flutter in my stomach that had nothing to do with morning sickness. Sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. I blinked up at the ceiling, letting that first realization sink in. It was the day of our wedding. In le
Hannah Mornings had gotten louder since Melody learned to walk. And she wasn’t just walking—she was trying to run, arms flapping and her chubby legs barely holding her up as she went. This morning, she seemed to be hell bent on dashing down the hallway as Noah tried to brush his teeth and I hunted
I laughed, hoping it sounded more natural than I felt. “Hey, I can spoil you once in a while if I want. Just because it’s a Thursday doesn’t mean I can’t surprise you.” We chatted about our day as we ate, filling each other in on all the usual things. But every so often, his eyes would flicker to
Hannah My hands shook a little as I straightened the delicate flower crown over Melody’s soft hair, adjusting it so the petals framed her tiny face just right. She blinked up at me with those wide, innocent eyes, slapping her hands contentedly on the top of her high chair. I smiled as I ran my f
Hannah By the time we stepped out of the ring, it felt as if my entire body was on fire. Every muscle seemed to be taut, every heartbeat one thump away from shifting. I couldn’t tell if I wanted to run circles around the building or maybe tear up the walls like a caged animal. What was wrong wit
Hannah For what felt like the hundredth time that morning, I sidestepped Drake’s punch with ease, narrowly dodging his hook. Training with him had become an obsession of mine lately. He’d pushed me in ways I hadn’t expected, helping me learn how to use my speed and endurance instead of relying on
Noah pushed himself harder, letting out a playful howl as he gained on her, the hunt pulsing through his veins like a drug. She glanced back, her ears twitching, and he saw her eyes flash with excitement before she put on an extra burst of speed. It became a game of cat and mouse, each of them pus
Noah For the millionth time that morning, Noah’s gaze drifted from the stack of papers on his desk to the stretch of forest that was visible through the office window. The afternoon light filtered through the trees, casting that familiar, deep green hue over the landscape. Just seeing the expans