Richard did not answer immediately, Instead, he looked at Maya one final time.
The gesture was subtle, yet it carried the final courtesy of choice. Maya met his eyes.
Then nodded.
Once.
Calm.
Deliberate.
Richard extended his hand and the elder Alpha accepted it. Their handshake was firm and measured. Not a marriage, not a mating. Just only the first formal step toward one.
Luna smiled quietly and at the same time pleased.
Thomas attempted to look dignified and failed spectacularly.
Victor exhaled slowly.
And Maya sat very still, struck by the strange realization of how much a single day could change.
This morning she had gone to the market.
Yesterday she had been nursing old wounds.
A week ago, she had not imagined herself considering anyone, but now she was engaged. The thought felt strange.
Not unpleasant, just simply strange at how fast things and the future could change.
For several moments, no one spoke.
