Page 78 of Noah

Cooper nodded, his eyes softening for a moment. “I can see that. And I trust you will.”

I was on cloud nine as I left his office, the decision officially made. But as I walked down the hallway toward the exit, I knew I wasn’t out of the woods yet.

I still had one more conversation to face—the one with my father and Hudson.

The summit was winding down, most of the other packs had already left, including Carter and the Thornbane pack. But my pack was one of the last remaining.

I found my father and Hudson sitting together in a quiet room, the air thick with tension.

My father’s expression was unreadable, but I could tell he wasn’t thrilled about my decision.

“So, is your decision final?” my father asked, his voice cold.

I nodded, my jaw tightening. “Yes. I’m staying in Pecan Pines. I’m with Noah now.”

My father’s eyes narrowed, but before he could say anything, Hudson spoke up, surprising me.

“Jackson’s made a good decision,” Hudson told our dad. “He’ll flourish in Pecan Pines. And you know that.”

I wasn’t sure what I expected, but it wasn’t that. Seeing Hudson back me up, it felt like a weight had been lifted.

My father didn’t say anything for a long time. Finally, he gave a sharp nod.

“Fine,” he said. “But you’re still my son. And I expect you to be a good partner to your mate and be an asset to your new pack.”

“I will,” I reassured him.

After speaking to my father, a sense of relief washed over me. I walked out of the pack house and made my way to the car.

I started the engine and realized for the first time in days, I felt free. Free from the tension of having to make a decision, free from the fear of what might happen.

I drove to town, and I couldn’t wait to see Noah. His band was playing tonight at Griffin’s bar, and I’d promised him I’d be there.

I didn’t mind hanging out in the back, watching him from a distance. Just being near him was enough.

The parking lot in front of Griffin’s bar was busy, the sound of laughter and music spilling out into the street.

I parked and walked inside, the warm glow of the lights and the buzz of conversation filling the air.

I took a deep breath, my chest tightening in anticipation.

It felt good to be here, among the familiar faces of my new pack mates and the bar’s regulars. But what really drew me in was Noah.

I made my way toward the back, slipping through the crowd and standing near the bar, leaning against the wall.

I could see Noah setting up, adjusting his guitar with that focused intensity I loved so much.

The moment Noah’s gaze flicked toward me, my heart skipped a beat. His eyes locked on mine, and I could see the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips.

It was small, almost imperceptible, but I knew that smile was for me.

The connection between us pulsed, warm and steady, like a steady beat that echoed through my chest.

As Noah played, I watched him, completely entranced by his presence. He was everything I had ever wanted.

Noah’s eyes met mine a couple more times throughout the performance, and each time, it was like the world narrowed down to just the two of us.

I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

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