Chapter 0188 Chapter 0188 +25 BONUS But, deep down, something stirred in me. A But, deep down, something stirred in me. And I couldnât help but act up, even if only a little bit.
âHow about we share it?â I suggested, picking up the cookie. I put half of it in my mouth, leaving the other half sticking out, and leaned close to him on my palms. âBite the other half off,â I mumbled around the cookie.
Noahâs eyes widened slightly, and he leaned back. âNo, thatâs alright-â he began, only for his voice to die in his throat when he saw the intensity in my gaze.
For a moment, he floundered there, the tips of his ears reddening... But then, finally, he leaned in. Our faces were inches apart as he carefully bit his half of the cookie.
I felt a familiar flutter in my stomach at his proximity; he lingered there for several long moments, carefully biting the treat. A few crumbs fell to the carpet between us, but I hardly noticed.
All I could do was slowly lower my eyelids until his broad form was lost amongst my lashes, and hope- even though I knew I shouldnât-that....
But it was over just as quickly as it had begun, and there was no way I could go without noticing how he took the utmost care not to let our lips touch. The realization stung more than I expected, especially when he pulled away quickly and ate his cookie without a word, instantly averting his gaze back to the papers.
As we chewed, an awkward silence fell between us. I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the lump forming in my throat and the fact that the sugar now tasted like soot.
Itâs almost over, I reminded myself. I shouldnât be upset; I should be glad that there are no more hard feelings. That our relationship wonât be missed.
âSo,â Noah said after a moment, his voice slightly strained. âWhat are your plans after... you know.â
I tensed, suddenly made wary by the unexpected question. âAfter the divorce, you mean?â
Noah nodded, not meeting my eyes.
I sighed, picking at a loose thread on my sleeve. âI was thinking of returning to my pack. Might take up my position as female Alpha there.â
There was a tense silence before he cleared his throat. âI see. Is that the only reason?â Noah asked, his tone unreadable. âFor the power of being an Alpha?â
I felt a flash of pain at his assumption, and I couldnât help but wince. âNo, of course not. If we didnât have... issues, I wouldnât be leaving at all. I gave up my status as female Alpha to be with you, remember?â
Noahâs face reddened slightly. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it again. He remained stiff and silent for several long moments, and during that time, I thought he might not speak again at all.
âI... thank you,â he finally said, then cleared his throat, running his hand through his hair. âFor your help today, I mean. But itâs getting late, so I should probably head to bed.â
I nodded stiffly, watching through heavily lidded eyes as he stood up and gathered a few papers from the floor. âGoodnight, Noah,â I said softly.
+25 BONUS Chapter 0188 He paused there in the doorway, glancing back at me with tense shoulders. For a moment, just a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something in his eyes-regret, maybe? Longing? Or something else? But then it was gone, and he was turning away.
âNight,â he murmured tersely before disappearing down the hallway.
I sat there for a long time after he left, surrounded by the remnants of our dayâs work... And I couldnât help but feel more