VANESSA
"I'd like to make an announcement."
Wesley's voice boomed across the ballroom, silencing the orchestra and drawing every eye in the room. Including mine. I looked up from my conversation with Leo's mate, Olivia, completely caught off guard.
"Tonight marks a special occasion," Wesley continued, his confident voice carrying to every corner. "Not just the celebration of our alliance, but something far more personal."
My stomach clenched. What was he doing?
Wesley's hand found mine, pulling me forward to stand beside him. His fingers laced through mine with practiced ease, but something about his grip felt different tonight—tighter, more possessive.
"Alpha James West, Luna Catherine," he addressed my parents formally, though his eyes swept the entire crowd. "I would like to officially ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."
The room fell silent. My heart stopped.
