The room was adorned with twinkling lights, elegant drapes, and the laughter of joyous guests fille

with awe. "It's just like I imagined when I was young! Thi

I replied, my voice barely abov

and powerful. He wore an impeccably tailored suit that highlighted his strong physique. The way h

oach. As we walked over, I noticed Lucas standing beside him, looking dashing in his fitted su

tened as he looked at my mom, but then he turned his attention to me. "Tonight is about celebration, and

es and excitement. "What do you mean?"

u, Lyra, as part of the family," he explained. "It's a

dance floor. "Go on, Lyra! Dance with your stepfather. I'll be

could focus on was the sound of my heartbeat in my ears. Gabriel took my hand, an

s's friends, a tall guy with dark hair and an easy smile

said softly as we swayed to

urreal. As we finished the dance, Gabriel leaned down and w

moment. Just as I was catching my breath, Lucas's friend, Happing, approached

music shifted to a livelier tune, and I found myself laughing as we moved.

rms crossed. His intense gaze was locked on me, and my heart raced as I felt the weight of h

ging my attention back to the dance. "Lucas is always li

oed, confused. "

want anyone else dancing with you if he had his way. But don't worry, he

sending a rush of warmth through my body. As the dance continued, I occasionall

f Lucas's friends. This one had an easy charm, and I found myself smiling at his playf

adable yet filled with an undeniable intensity. It was as if he could see stra

ntle hand on my shoulder, turning me around. Lucas stood th

ce?" he asked, his v

t-the moment I had been anticipating yet dreading all at once. Lucas took my

e said, his eyes scanning my face with

ell, you look like an Alpha,"

eper in his gaze. "I'm glad you're here. You b

. The rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins, a

e teased, stepping closer. "I didn't kno

e despite the fluttering in my chest. "I'm just

slightly so his face was inches from mine. "You

gainst my skin. "You're not the only Alpha here, y

h that infuriating smirk still on his fac

" I said, archi

ecessarily

stomach twist. "Oh, I think they're admiring. I mean, who wo