But that wasn’t what broke me. It was his other arm.
The way it slid around Laura’s waist without hesitation, without thought, pulling her into him.
My wolf remained silent.
The crowd erupted with gasps, excited whispers, and the electric crackle of gossip spreading like wildfire.
Someone shouted, bold and unrestrained, “Alpha Victor! Is Miss Stone your mate? When are you going to announce it to everyone?”
The entire hall held its breath. I did too, waiting for something, anything… a denial, a correction, or a rejection.
But Victor said nothing. He simply held Jasper, glanced at Laura, and nodded at her. That was all.
Then he sat back down, like the question didn’t deserve an answer. Like the answer was already obvious.
Something inside me went cold.
Laura turned back to the audie
