Chapter 21

We walked back to the restaurant in silent, thankfully everything was under control and no one was seriously injured. Noah gestured toward a seat and grabbed us some drinks. The inside was quiet, except for the soft hum of the fridge in the kitchen and the distant rustling of leaves outside.

Chloe was curled up on the booth seat next to me, remaining in her wolf form yet finally at peace, her small chest rising and falling with every steady breath. I maintained a hand on her gentle fur, anchoring myself in the cadence, despite my thoughts swirling.

Noah leaned against the wall opposite me, his arms folded. He had been observing me for what seemed like hours, his face inscrutable but his presence weighty. At last, I ended the quiet.

"Just say it," I whispered, not raising my gaze.

"You're aware of what I'm about to say," he answered softly, his tone calm yet firm.