Page 94 of Freeing My Alpha

“If they had no idea our dads were important, they really could've just thought they found a big kill,” he mutters. “Or maybe some humans thought they found ‘mythical werewolves,’ and wanted to prove it by memorizing our run schedule.”

My stomach churns and my eyes sting hot. “So you don’t actually feel the same way? You don't think it was premeditated?”

“No, my love. That’s not what I’m saying.” He squeezes my hand, grounding my racing heart. “I think if we told anyone what we’re thinking right now, that’ll be their counterargument. We need to find definite proof the hunt wasn’t only intentional, but also that they knew exactly who they were killing.”

After a deep, calming breath, I nod, squeezing Noah’s arm again. “Okay. I have no idea how, but I’m sure we’ll think of something. We have to.”

The silence we share isn’t silent at all in our bond. Our aching hearts tangle, meeting each other where we’re both at until we find a new, sorrowful equilibrium. We’re gutted, but we’re okay.

Noah parks outside the Community Center, turning to stroke my hair. “I’m so fucking glad I’m not alone in this anymore, Omega.”

“So am I, Alpha.” I grip his jacket collar, urging him to my lips.

Our kiss is laced with a blurry mixture of relief, hope, and fuming, torrid grief.

22

As I give thorough hello hugs to every touch-heavy wolf I know, Noah lazes back into his chair beside me. I can’t stop gazing at his sharp profile, softened by his plump lips. They're pinker than usual after crying earlier. The second he catches me staring, Noah melts into a gentle smile.

God, my heart. Just that smile makes me feel like everything will be okay.

I lean against his side, and he wraps an arm around me, stabilizing me against him. I hum contentedly.

But when the Elders finally arrive and the meeting hasn't started, I look around to see who's still missing.

I turn to Noah. “Where’s your Luna?”

Noah looks me up and down with furrowed brows, then scans the room. Then he softens. “O-oh, I guess you’re right. My mom isn’t here yet.”

My stomach flips. Did he just look to me first like I’m already his Luna?

Noah suddenly won’t look me in the eyes, turning away to fiddle with his chipped chair seat. Our bond gives him away; giddy embarrassment races through his frantic wolf.

I break into giggles, no matter how serious the atmosphere. Noah’s smile bursts across his face, his head still bowed. Our shared laughter lifts my heart ten feet.

“I love you, my shy Alpha.”

“I love you too, my sweet Omega.”

Once Lilian arrives, our warm, knitted hands are the only thing stabilizing us through an otherwise stressful meeting. Noah debriefs Lilian and the Elders about last night’s Mason incident. Everyone’s faces sink lower the more Noah describes, the atmosphere plummeting with them.

Finally, Noah announces his conclusion on the situation’s consequences. “After this latest stunt, I want to send out an order to hold 24/7 surveillance on Mason Hart.”

The collective scent shifts to unease, and my stomach groans in response.

Okay, that wasn't just a groan. More like a screech. Everyone turns to look, and I flush in embarrassment as I give the Elders an awkward smile. “Sorry. Please, continue.”

Noah’s tense posture softens into threatened laughter, his eyes closing and lips bitten. God, I fucking love you.

I love you too. Sorry for interrupting your meeting.

Trust me, I needed that. Thank you—and your adorable stomach. Noah has to scrub his jaw, containing his grin as the Elders charge ahead in the discussion.

But I allow myself a smile. After how upset Noah was this afternoon, his relaxed shoulders are a welcome relief.

Unfortunately, the Elders aren't on the same page.

“How the hell are you going to justify 24/7 surveillance?” Elder Alpha Frank growls. “Are you sure he doesn’t have a point about acting like a dictator? What are you going to do, put up surveillance on every wolf who challenges you?”

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