----Elaine----
The hum of voices still echoed in my ears long after the last gift was opened and the final crumbs of cake were swept away. My cheeks ached from smiling, but my heart was full. Still, the weight of expectation pressed against me like a second skin—every glance, every whisper seemed to remind me that I was no longer simply Elaine. I was the Alpha’s mate.
Kave’s low voice rumbled over the crowd, pulling me back from my thoughts. “As much as I hate to interrupt the festivities, we do have a monthly meeting to hold. So if everyone would take a seat, we can begin.”
The cheerfulness slowly dimmed, replaced by shuffling and murmurs as pack members settled into their places. Helen, Karrie, and I sat together near the front. My stomach tightened as Kave and John moved toward the p
