"It's a formality," Alpha Damien Nightwing said firmly to his sons, his voice low but commanding. "Each of you will kiss your bride. This is not negotiable."
I stood still as a statue, my heart pounding so loud I was certain everyone could hear it. The crown on my head felt impossibly heavy, threatening to topple with each shallow breath I took.
Kaelen's jaw clenched, a muscle twitching along his sharp cheekbone. "Is this really necessary, Father?"
"It is tradition," his father hissed. "Do not embarrass our family name more than this situation already has."
Ronan glanced at the crowd, all eyes trained on us, waiting for this final seal of our union. "Fine," he muttered. "But make it quick."
Orion remained silent, his brown eyes cold as they swept over me.
I felt like a lamb being led to slaughter, standing before these three men who couldn't even bear to touch their lips to mine. My wolf whimpered inside me, confused and hurt by our mates' rejection.
Kaelen stepped forward first, towering over me. His green eyes held nothing but contempt as he lifted my veil with stiff fingers. For a heartbeat, our gazes locked, and something flickered in his expression—so brief I might have imagined it.
"Smile," he ordered through gritted teeth. "Everyone is watching."
I forced my lips into what must have been a grimace. Kaelen leaned down, his warm breath fanning across my face for a moment before his lips pressed against mine. The contact lasted barely a second—cold, impersonal, devoid of any emotion except perhaps disgust.
He pulled back quickly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as if he'd tasted something foul. The gesture wasn't lost on the crowd; I heard several muffled laughs.
Ronan stepped up next, his expression equally grim. Unlike Kaelen, he didn't bother with instructions or warnings. He simply grasped my shoulders, bent down, and pressed his lips to mine in another brief, loveless kiss.
When he stepped back, he wouldn't even look at me.
Orion approached last, his movements deliberate and controlled. His eyes were hard as stone as he stared down at me.
"This changes nothing," he whispered, just before capturing my lips in the coldest kiss of all. His hands never touched me, maintaining as much distance as possible while still fulfilling the requirement.
Applause broke out when he stepped back—polite, obligatory clapping that did nothing to mask the awkwardness of the moment.
"I present to you," Alpha Damien announced, his voice booming through the hall, "Alphas Kaelen, Ronan, and Orion Nightwing, and their Luna, Seraphina Nightwing!"
More applause followed, slightly more enthusiastic for the mention of the triplets than for me. I stood beside my three new husbands, feeling miles apart from them despite our proximity.
The reception was held in the same hall, tables quickly arranged while guests mingled. My mother tried to stay close, but protocol demanded she sit at a different table. I was left alone at the head table with the triplets, who spoke around me rather than to me.
After an hour of picking at food I couldn't taste and enduring pointed stares, I excused myself to use the restroom. No one acknowledged my departure.
I was dabbing cold water on my flushed cheeks when the door swung open. Lilith sauntered in, her burgundy dress hugging her curves seductively.
"Enjoying your wedding day, Luna?" She practically spat the title.
I straightened my spine. "What do you want, Lilith?"
She laughed, the sound like breaking glass. "Just checking on my best friend. You look miserable, by the way. Those kisses..." She made a face. "If that's how they kiss you in public, I'd hate to imagine your wedding night."
The reminder of what awaited me later sent ice through my veins.
"They love me, you know," she continued, applying fresh lipstick in the mirror. "They're only with you because fate played a cruel joke. But fate can't dictate the heart."
I said nothing, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of seeing how deeply her words cut.
"Kaelen bought me this dress," she added casually, smoothing the fabric over her hips. "Do you like it? He has such exquisite taste."
I pushed past her toward the door, unable to bear another moment in her company. Her laughter followed me down the hallway.
When I returned to the reception, I noticed Kaelen speaking with Lilith near the bar. He touched her arm, leaning close to say something that made her laugh. The intimacy between them was obvious to anyone watching.
"Your dress looks beautiful on you," I heard Kaelen say as I approached, trying to return to my seat. His voice was warm, appreciative—nothing like the cold tone he used with me.
Lilith's eyes found mine over his shoulder, triumph gleaming in them.
I turned away, suddenly desperate for air, for escape. I spotted my mother across the room and headed straight for her.
"Seraphina, what's wrong?" she asked, taking in my pale face.
"I can't do this," I whispered. "Everyone knows this is a sham. The way they kissed me, the way they're acting with Lilith..."
My mother cupped my face gently. "You are stronger than you know, my daughter. This is just one day. Things will—"
"Luna Seraphina?" A voice interrupted us.
I turned to find two maids I didn't recognize standing behind me. One was tall and blonde, the other shorter with brown hair.
"I'm Selene," said the blonde, "and this is Astrid. We've been assigned to prepare you for tonight."
My mother's hand tightened on my arm.
"The ceremony is nearly over," Astrid added. "It's time to get you ready for your wedding night."
Selene leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper meant only for me but still loud enough for my mother to hear. "The unwanted mistress gets to play Luna for real tonight."
Astrid snickered. "More like their fuck toy. Don't expect romance, Omega."
My mother stepped forward, her eyes flashing with rare anger. "How dare you speak to my daughter that way! She is your Luna now."
The maids exchanged glances, surprised by the outburst from another Omega.
"Apologize immediately," my mother demanded.
Selene's face flushed. "I... we apologize, Luna."
I felt rage building inside me, hot and unfamiliar. My hands trembled with it, and for a moment, I imagined slapping both their smug faces.
My mother must have sensed my thoughts because she squeezed my arm in warning. "Seraphina will go with you shortly. Leave us for a moment."
The maids backed away, properly chastised but still radiating disdain.
"I want to hurt them," I whispered to my mother, shocked at my own thoughts.
"Control yourself," she cautioned. "You cannot afford to make enemies on your first day as Luna. Save your battles for when they truly matter."
She embraced me tightly. "Be brave tonight. Remember who you are—the daughter of Silas Moon, a man of honor regardless of what others claim."
I nodded, drawing strength from her words even as dread pooled in my stomach. "I'll try."
"Go now," she said softly. "Hold your head high."
I followed the maids toward the exit, feeling like I was walking to my doom. At the doorway, I couldn't help but look back. The triplets were gathered near Lilith, laughing at something she said. None of them noticed my departure.
The sight hurt more than I wanted to admit. I pushed the emotion down, lifted my chin, and kept walking.