Caroline’s POV
At the dinner party, everyone was engaged in cheerful conversation.
Waiters circulated with trays of champagne, and conversations flowed freely until Draven called for everyone’s attention.
"Friends and family," he began, his deep voice commanding the room, "this week we went through some truly scary moments, but they’ve only brought us closer together. Everything that happened made me realize when we’re sure of what we want, we shouldn’t wait." His violet eyes found mine across the room. "That’s why we’ve gathered you here tonight."
He took a deep breath, emotion showing on his usually calm face. "I want to thank each of you for your support, especially during my darkest times. When my parents died, I felt completely alone in this world. You surrounded me with love and strength when I needed it most." His voice softened. "And when I thought nothing could bring joy into my life again, I found the woman of my dreams and our son. Now we’re expecting another miracle."
He raised his glass. "I’d like to toast to that. To you, to family, to my children, and to the extraordinary woman who filled my life with light when I needed it most."
Everyone raised their glasses in response, applauding his heartfelt words.
Draven continued, his voice steady with conviction. "I am absolutely certain that you are my true mate, Caroline, and I want to spend my lifetime by your side." He took my hand and led me toward my parents. "Robert and Lena, I respectfully ask for the honor of making your daughter my wife and Luna. I promise you, and everyone gathered here, that I will protect her and cherish her every day. I will build her a safe home and provide a peaceful life for our family. I ask for your blessing to marry Caroline, and I vow to create a marriage as strong and loving as yours and my parents’."
"Draven..." my father cleared his throat, visibly moved. My mother was already wiping tears from her eyes. "You are indeed a man of your word. When we first met, you mentioned your intentions toward my daughter and that your courtship wouldn’t be prolonged. You certainly kept that promise." My father smiled, earning warm laughter from our guests.
"I am a simple wolf, Draven," he continued, "but I’m certain you’ll make my daughter happy. Anyone can see the depth of your feelings in the way you look at her. And where there is true love, any challenge can be faced and overcome together. You have our blessing. Consider yourself welcomed into our family as a son."
Tears streamed down my face as a server discreetly offered tissues to the emotional guests. My father and Draven embraced, followed by my mother who hugged Draven tightly and kissed his cheek.
Draven then turned to me, pulling out a small velvet box from his pocket. When he opened it, I gasped at the beautiful engagement ring inside. Made from white gold with detailed branches and leaves forming the setting, it had a brilliant round diamond in the center with two triangular aquamarine stones on either side that met at the diamond’s base,a perfect combination of stones and meaning.
"The diamond, Caroline," Draven explained, his voice full of emotion, "represents strength and loyalty, qualities I promise our marriage will have." His fingers shook slightly as he held the ring. "The aquamarines mean uniqueness—because you are uniquely perfect for me, my mate. I want you to never doubt that."
His voice grew deeper with respect. "With this ring, my grandfather proposed to my grandmother. With this ring, my father asked my mother to be his mate and Luna. And now, with this same ring that carries my family’s history, I ask you to marry me. This ring shows my complete commitment and love for you." His violet eyes looked into mine so intensely that I caught my breath. "Choose me to be yours, Caroline, for all our remaining days."
"Yes," I whispered through tears, then more firmly, "A thousand times yes. I will choose you every day for the rest of our lives."I placed my hands on my mate’s handsome face and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, mindful of our audience. Draven removed the ring from its velvet box and showed me an inscription inside the band that said "Maktub," which he explained meant "it was already written." This thoughtful detail made fresh tears spill down my cheeks. With gentle care, he slid the ring onto my finger and raised my hand to his lips.
"Before I forget," Draven announced to our guests, "you’ll receive formal invitations, but our wedding will take place this Saturday."
"I won’t deny I’ll rest easier knowing you’re mated and married," my father said later, hugging me after dinner. "Knowing you’ll have someone standing beside you from now on gives me peace, daughter."
My father had always seen my strength and independence in raising Liam, but like any father, he wanted to see his daughter happy with a mate who would love and protect her. I understood his feelings completely.
"Ryan, you kept your promise. This dinner was truly worthy of Alphas. Thank you," I said, hugging my friend warmly.
"It was nothing, beautiful," he replied with a wink. Then, looking mischievously at Eleanor, he added, "I can’t wait to see if you can outdo me!" He was deliberately provoking her, knowing she was coordinating our wedding preparations with her usual determination.
"Ryan, don’t wake up her inner dictator," I groaned, making everyone burst into laughter. But it was too late. Eleanor had already accepted the challenge, her eyes gleaming with competitive fire that promised our wedding would be nothing short of spectacular.