Noah’s gaze shifted to me, “Willow,” he said smoothly, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
I nodded, unsure of how to respond. “And I’ve heard about you, Alpha Noah.”
He smirked a glint of amusement in his eyes. “I hope it’s all good.”
My mother chimed in, her tone light but pointed. “Oh, mostly stories of your exploits in battle and your skill at forging alliances.”
Noah chuckled. “Your mother flatters me, but I prefer to let my actions speak.”
The rest of the evening passed but Noah’s presence lingered in my mind long after the gala ended. Something about him intrigued me, though I didn’t fully understand it at the time. He was unlike anyone I had ever met—confident and powerful.
~~~
A few months later, tragedy struck.
My parents were killed in a rogue ambush while travelling between territories. Their sudden death left our pack in disarray. I was thrust into a leadership role that I wasn’t prepared for, while still grieving.
It was during that dark time that Noah came back into my life.