Page 51 of Noah

I didn’t want to. I didn’t regret kissing him. Not one bit. Still, the reactions surrounding us were impossible to ignore.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Hudson glaring at Jackson from one side, his expression dark and seething.

A few feet away, Jackson’s father stood with his arms crossed, frowning, though his eyes were unreadable.

My own pack mates had a different reaction. Sawyer grinned and gave me a thumbs-up, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

Griffin, on the other hand, stood still, expression neutral.

That one made my stomach twist. If anyone would have something to say about this, it would be Griffin.

But to my surprise, he didn’t say a word. Maybe, just maybe, he was beginning to accept that Jackson and I weren’t some fleeting thing.

“You should probably put your clothes back on,” I murmured, lowering my voice so only Jackson could hear.

Jackson smirked. “Why? Jealous that someone might take a look and want me?”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re so full of yourself.”

Jackson straightened up, his smirk fading into something more serious.

His golden eyes softened as he reached for my hand, fingers brushing against mine before he curled them into a fist.

“You know I only have eyes for you. No one else,” Jackson said.

My wolf practically preened at the words, but I didn’t know how to respond. My throat tightened as something warm and unfamiliar settled in my chest.

I swallowed thickly, then nudged his shoulder.

“Get dressed,” I muttered. “And have fun explaining that kiss to your dad and Hudson.”

Jackson let out a low groan, rubbing his face. “Yeah, that’s gonna be a blast.”

I smirked. “Meet me in the dining hall after?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Jackson replied.

With that, we went our separate ways. I headed for the dining hall first, only to be intercepted by Griffin before I got there.

He was waiting by the entrance, arms crossed, brows furrowed.

“Why him?” Griffin asked, skipping the pleasantries. “Why Jackson?”

I sighed, already knowing this conversation was inevitable. “I’ve gone on dates, Griffin. You know that. I’ve tried. But my wolf never responded to anyone.”

His eyes darkened, his shoulders tensing. “And your wolf responds to Jackson?”

I didn’t even hesitate. “Yeah. He does.”

Griffin studied me for a long moment before exhaling through his nose. Then, to my surprise, he nodded.

“Just… be careful, Noah,” he said, voice quieter than before. “Adrian’s been watching you. He’s getting worse.”

A shiver ran down my spine, but I forced a smile. “I can handle him.”

Griffin didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t push it.

Inside the dining hall, the scent of grilled meats and roasted vegetables filled the air. The place was packed with shifters, some talking, others already eating.

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