Anita's POV
The clink of glasses, the hum of conversation, and the low murmur of the crowd faded to a complete hush as Alpha Hades led me onto the stage. His hand, warm and steady in mine, was the only thing comforting me as I stepped into the glaring spotlight. The eyes of the pack were upon us, and though the room was filled with familiar faces, the weight of their gaze made me feel like a stranger in my own skin. I tried to swallow my nerves, but my throat felt dry, and my pulse raced faster with every second that passed.