Chapter 96
Olivia's POV
Crystal chandeliers cast shimmering reflections across the floor of the Lunera Beauty gala, the elegance of the venue matched only by the energy buzzing through the room.
Dressed in a sleek gown that hugged my frame, I stood at the edge of the crowd, watching as Council members, Alphas, and Pack allies mingled. This was a celebration of my medical formula, but it was also a testament to everything we’d worked so hard to achieve.
I took a slow breath, grounding myself. Tonight was an opportunity to bridge divides, to prove that innovation could unite where tradition often divided.
Mia moved up beside me, her emerald dress catching the light as she handed me a glass of sparkling juice. “Nervous?” she asked, a teasing smile on her lips.
“More like... determined,” I replied, scanning the room. Kelvin was deep in conversation with Kerrick near the banquet table, while Ethan stood with Marlus, their presence commanding yet approachable.
For once, the atmosphere felt light, almost hopeful. Mia followed my gaze. “You’ve got this, Liv. This formula, this gala, it’s brilliant. It’s a damn vision come to life.”
Her words warmed me, and I nodded. “Ugh, don’t make me cry before I have to speak to all these people.”
“Feeling emotional, are we?” Mia said playfully, her hand brushing my arm before she moved off to mingle.
The emcee announced the start of the evening’s formalities, and all eyes turned toward the small stage at the center of the room. My heart thudded as I climbed the steps, but I straightened my shoulders, projecting the confidence I’d worked so hard to cultivate.
“Good evening, everyone,” I began, my voice steady, carrying through the room.
“Tonight, we’re here to celebrate more than a formula or a product. We’re here to celebrate the power of collaboration, innovation, compassion, and what can happen when we step beyond our boundaries.”
I paused, scanning the crowd. Ethan’s eyes locked onto mine, his expression one of quiet pride and encouragement. It was all the reassurance I needed.
“For years, I’ve worked to create something that bridges gaps in understanding, not just between health and beauty, but between people. This formula is a symbol of what we can achieve when we combine care with ingenuity, tradition with progress.”
The room was silent, attentive. I could see nods of approval, the faint smiles of those who understood the importance of what I was saying.
“But this isn’t a solo effort,” I continued. “What we’re building – what we’re dreaming of – is only possible because of the bonds we share. Within our Packs, between Alphas, and across communities, the strength of compassion is what allows us to innovate, to lead, to thrive.”
I lifted my glass. “To collaboration, to progress, and to a future where we all rise together.”
The room erupted in applause, and I felt the knot in my chest loosen.
The rest of the evening unfolded in a blur of handshakes, conversations, and laughter.
Pack allies mingled with a comfort that seemed impossible just a few weeks ago. Kelvin pulled me aside to commend the formula’s potential impact on Pack health, while Kerrick shared how important it had been in diagnosing the warriors for quicker treatment.
As the night wore on, I found myself gravitating toward a quiet corner, needing a moment to catch my breath. The gala had been a whirlwind of success, but the constant socializing was starting to wear on me.
I leaned against the cool wall, closing my eyes for just a moment. The sound of approaching footsteps made me look up, and I saw Ethan making his way through the crowd, two glasses in hand.
"Thought you might need this," he said, offering me one of the glasses. The scent of sparking juice wafted up, and I smiled gratefully.
"You're a lifesaver," I murmured, taking a sip. The bubbles fizzed pleasantly on my tongue, helping to clear my head.
Ethan's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Hiding from your adoring public?"
I laughed softly, glancing back toward the crowd milling about in the grand hall. "Something like that. It’s a lot of smiling and talking. I didn’t realize how exhausting it would be."
Ethan stepped closer, his presence grounding me in a way no one else could. "You’ve been handling it flawlessly, though. Everyone’s captivated by you tonight."
I tilted my head, raising an eyebrow. "Captivated? That’s a strong word."
He smirked, his voice dropping into a softer, more teasing tone. "You should’ve seen Kade earlier. He called you the epitome of a Luna. I was half-tempted to challenge him on the spot."
A flush warmed my cheeks, and I ducked my head, laughing. "Kade’s just being polite. But… it does feel good to know I’ve made an impression. For the right reasons."
Ethan leaned against the wall beside me, his gaze turning more serious. "You’ve done more than that, Olivia. Tonight wasn’t just a formula launch. You showed everyone what kind of Luna you are—strong, innovative, and unshakably loyal. It’s why I…" He paused, his words trailing off as if he wasn’t ready to finish the thought.
I looked up at him, my heart tightening. "Why you what?"
He smiled faintly and shook his head. "Why I know I made the right choice in you."
His words wrapped around me like a protective shield, easing some of the lingering doubts I hadn’t even realized I was carrying. I reached out, lacing my fingers with his. "Thank you, Ethan. For everything. For being here, for seeing me."
"You’re impossible to miss," he said softly, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand.
For a moment, we stayed like that, the noise of the gala fading into the background. It was just us, the quiet connection between us more comforting than words.
Then Ethan straightened, a small glint of mischief returning to his eyes. "Come with me. I think you need a moment away from all this."
I gave him a curious look, but he was already tugging me gently toward the balcony.
"Where are we going?"
He glanced back, his smile warm and knowing. "Somewhere the only person you need to impress is me."
The music from inside the gala softened as Ethan led me onto the balcony, the cool night air brushing against my skin. Above us, the stars spread across the sky like scattered diamonds, their light casting a silvery glow over the world below.
Ethan’s hand was warm and steady in mine, as he pulled me closer.
“Dance with me,” he said, his voice low and inviting.
I smiled, unable to resist the quiet command in his tone. “There’s no music out here.”
He wrapped his arm around my waist and drew me flush against his body. “We don’t need music.”
With a soft laugh, I let him guide me, our steps slow and unhurried. The whirlwind of the night began to melt away, leaving only the steady rhythm of our movements and the warmth of his body against mine.
My hands rested on his shoulders, and I let myself relax into the moment, savoring the rare chance to just be with him.
“You were incredible tonight,” Ethan murmured, his lips brushing against my temple. “Watching you up there, leading, speaking... I’ve never been prouder.”
I glanced up at him, my heart swelling at the sincerity in his gaze. “I couldn’t have done any of it without you.”
His hand tightened slightly on my waist, pulling me closer. “You could have. But I’m glad I get to be by your side to see it.”
At his words, I felt a warmth spread through me. I tilted my head up to meet his eyes, the love and devotion in them grounding me. “I love you, my Mate,” I said softly. “You, our family, everything we’ve built.”
His thumb brushed over my cheek, his expression softening. “You’re my everything, Olivia. And I’ll protect you and our family with everything I have.”
For a moment, the world faded away. It was just us, swaying under the stars, a quiet promise passing between us.
As his lips met mine, gentle and full of a controlled passion, I felt the weight of our responsibilities fall away, replaced by the certainty that together we could face anything.
The night stretched on, but in Ethan’s arms, it felt timeless.
