Alpha's Regret After Her Rebirth (Hannah and Noah)

Sighing, I said softly, "I could say the same for myself. But people change."

Her gaze lifted to mine. "Yeah, I guess they do. Thank you, Hannah. Really. I wouldn't have even thought about it if you hadn't put in a good word for me."

I shrugged, brushing it off with a smile. "I just suggested the best person for the job, that's all."

Emma laughed, glancing over at Melody with a soft gaze. "If I do get the spot, I want to make a difference -for girls everywhere. I hope I can bring a fresh perspective to the table, remind people that women should be uplifting one another, not attacking each other." I nodded, wrapping one arm around her shoulders and giving her a squeeze. "I think that sounds wonderful, Emma."

A while later, after Melody had opened her presents and dismantled every ribbon and bow in sight, I snuck away with her for a quiet moment. She was squirmy and eager after opening all those presents, trying to grab everything in reach as we approached the household shrine.

I balanced her on my hip as I knelt down in front of the shrine. I'd made a small offering earlier-a bundle of white flowers from our garden. As I gently rearranged them on the altar, Melody's tiny hands grabbing

at the petals, I felt tears prick my eyes. But not the bad kind.

I

"Thank you, Moon Goddess," I murmured, bowing my head. "For giving us this second chance: For letting us be here. Together.**

Melody squirmed in my arms, her fingers reaching for the flowers. And just as she brushed the petals, her eyes lit up, glowing an ethereal green that made me pause. I felt myself go still, watching the light dance in her eyes.

In that instant, I saw her-it was just a flash, but it was vivid and real.

She was older, taller, standing strong in her wolf form, her fur a stunning silver, with a single, bold streak of black over one eye. She was.... beautiful. No, more than beautiful. She was going to be a force to be reckoned with-a devastating, powerful wolf who would carve her own path in the world.

She was so much more than I or Noah could ever be, and for that, I was grateful.

I blinked, the vision fading, leaving me staring into her eyes once more. Melody gurgled, oblivious, babbling happily in my arms.

"You're going to be something amazing, my little moon," I murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. She just giggled and shoved a strand of my hair into her mouth.

We returned to the party just in time for the main event-the cake. Noah crossed the room and took her from my arms, kissing me on the cheek as he did. I felt a gentle thrum through our mate bond; he'd given me the space to visit the shrine with her alone, but he'd sensed the vision that I'd seen.

"Are you ready, birthday girl?" Noah asked softly, looking down at her as she squirmed in his arms. Her eyes were already laser-focused on the cake, and she was licking her lips hungrily.

Drake laughed, nudging me with a grin. "I think she's got her mind set on frosting."

"I don't blame her," I laughed, still blinking the mist from my eyes after that vision. I had a big piece

reserved for myself-something that I never would have allowed myself before, but was excited to indulge in now.

Amber started the birthday song, and the rest of the room joined in. Melody looked shocked, and maybe a little disturbed, by the off-key chorus.

When the song ended, Noah leaned forward, helping her blow out the candle. And before anyone could react, her little hand shot forward, grabbing a fistful of purple icing and smearing it directly across Noah's cheek.

For a moment, the room went silent as everyone waited for Noah's reaction. I clapped my hand over my mouth, stifling a snort.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Noah burst into laughter, reaching up to swipe a dab of icing from his cheek and place it on her tiny nose. Melody squealed, her laughter echoing through the room like a thousand tiny bells.

And then, right there in the midst of it all, Melody looked up at Noah and said her very first word.

"Papa!"