Page 61 of Claws and Controllers

As the family settled around the table, dishes being passed and conversation flowing, Ellie found herself marveling at how natural it all felt. Zy fit in as if he’d always been there, laughing at her father’s terrible jokes and earnestly discussing recipe techniques with her mother.

Midway through the meal, Elena set down her fork and fixed Ellie with a knowing look. “You know,mi amor,” she began, her voice carrying easily over the table chatter, “it’s a rare and precious thing to find someone who truly sees you.”

The table quieted, all eyes turning to Elena. Ellie felt Zy’s hand find hers under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“When I met your grandfather,” Elena continued, a wistful smile playing on her lips, “our families were rivals in business. But we saw past that to the person beneath. And what we found was a love that sustained us for over fifty years.”

Ellie swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her grandmother’s words. She glanced at Zy, finding him watching her with an intensity that made her breath catch.

“It’s okay to love deeply, Elliot,” Elena said softly. “When someone proves their love for you, not just in words but in actions, that’s a gift you shouldn’t take lightly.”

“Abuelita,” Ellie murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

Elena’s serious expression melted into a mischievous grin. “Besides,” she added, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Zy, “this one’s quite the catch. Those cheekbones! Your babies are going to be gorgeous.”

“Abuela!” Ellie gasped, her face flaming as the table erupted in laughter.

Zy, to his credit, took the teasing in stride. “I’m flattered,” he said, raising his glass in a small salute to Elena. “Though I think any children would be lucky to take after Ellie.”

As the laughter subsided and conversation resumed, Ellie caught Zy’s eye. The look they shared was filled with warmth, understanding, and a depth of feeling that made her heart race.

As the dinner was winding down and the family was lingering over coffee and dessert, Zy suddenly cleared his throat, a look of determination crossing his face.

“Mr. and Mrs. Madden,” he began, his voice steady despite the slight tremor in his hands, “there’s something I’d like to ask you.”

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Zy. Ellie looked at him curiously, not sure what he was about to say.

Zy stood up, smoothing down his suit jacket. “I know this might seem old-fashioned, but it’s important to me. I’d like to ask for your blessing to marry Ellie.”

Ellie’s jaw dropped, her eyes widening in surprise. They were already mated in the shifter world. She’d said yes when he proposed, but this... this was unexpected.

Jack and Letty exchanged a quick glance, smiles spreading across their faces. Jack stood up, extending his hand to Zy.

“Son,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, “nothing would make us happier. You have our blessing, and more than that, you have our gratitude for making our daughter so happy.”

Letty burst into tears, jumping up to hug both Zy and Ellie. “Oh, this is wonderful!” she exclaimed. “I can’t wait to start planning the wedding.”

Ellie, still in shock, found her voice. “Mom, Dad, I... we...”

“Oh hush,mija,” Elena interjected, her eyes twinkling. “Let an old woman enjoy this moment. Besides,” she added with a mischievous grin, “I’m not getting any younger. I want to see some great-grandbabies before I go.”

The room erupted in laughter with Frankie playfully elbowing Ellie. “Better get started on that, sis. Abuela’s not known for her patience.”

Letty, wiping tears from her eyes, nodded enthusiastically. “Oh yes! I can’t wait to have more grandbabies to spoil. And with your genes,” she said, looking between Ellie and Zy, “they’re bound to be brilliant and beautiful.”

Ellie buried her face in her hands, torn between embarrassment and laughter. “Mom, please. We haven’t even set a date yet.”

Zy, looking both amused and touched, wrapped an arm around Ellie’s waist. “One step at a time,” he said diplomatically. “But I promise, when the time comes, you’ll all be the first to know.”

As the family continued to celebrate, throwing out increasingly outrageous wedding suggestions and baby names, Ellie leaned into Zy’s embrace. “You never cease to amaze me,” she murmured.

Zy pressed a kiss to her temple. “Get used to it, love. We’ve got a lifetime of surprises ahead of us.”

“Ellie and I,” Zy continued while holding Ellie, “we’ve been talking about our future. Not just personally, but professionally as well.”

The table fell silent, all eyes on Zy as he spoke. “I’d like to propose a joint venture between our companies. A project that combines our strengths and creates something truly revolutionary in the gaming world.”

Ellie’s eyes widened in surprise. They’d discussed collaboration in passing, but this was the first time Zy had suggested anything concrete. She found herself nodding enthusiastically before he’d even finished speaking.

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