Alpha's Ball: Part 9

~Bella~

As the music swirled around us and the lights of the ballroom cast a soft glow, I found myself lost in the gaze of my mate. His eyes, a mesmerizing shade of red, held a mix of confusion and longing as I suggested we part ways for the moment. 

"Why can't we just leave together?" he asked, his voice tinged with disappointment. 

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts.

"I... I can't," I stammered, feeling flustered under his intense gaze. "I'm the beta, and this is my first official event in that role. I can't just leave the Luna and Alpha. They're my friends, and I don't want to let them down.....and I just...." He smiled, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he pulled me close, cutting off my words with a kiss. My heart fluttered in my chest as his lips met mine, and for a moment, the world fell away. Breaking the kiss, he spoke softly, his breath warm against my ear.