When we gathered for the wedding, more than one person in the crowd wore mourning colors. Spikes of irritation went through me at the sight of them, standing huddled together and looking on as though they were the ones suffering from this arrangement. I didn’t want my pack pitying me, and they certainly did.
Jasmine didn’t have anything suitable to wear for a wedding, so the others ignored what I suggested, just wearing casual clothes, and had gotten a dress quickly made for her. It fit her well, a testament to the tailor’s skill. A creamy color that complemented her coloring, with small flowers sewn onto the train. Either there was no veil available, or she’d opted not to wear one, her dark hair bouncing down around her shoulders.
She really did look beautiful. At least there was that. Although I didn’t think I’d be any less inclined toward this marriage if she had looked hideous.
The priestess stepped toward us, carrying a small silver goblet in one hand, a long needle in the other. Her nerves from the previous ceremony had calmed. Clearly, she had more experience performing marriages.
As was tradition, the priestess addressed the bride first. “Do you consent?”
Jasmine held out her hand without hesitation. “I, Jasmine Philips, consent to marry the Alphas of Tyrell.”
The priestess pricked her finger, and a drop of blood fell into the cup. The priestess then moved on to Killian, who stood next to Jasmine. Killian gave his consent and blood readily, followed by Jace. Owen was next, and he scowled a moment toolong before begrudgingly holding out his hand and saying the words.
On my turn, I held out my hand before the priestess even asked. “I, Renz Hattie, consent to marry Jasmine Philips.”
My blood was added to the goblet. I twined a small bandage around the prick in my finger as the priestess spoke of the blessings of marriage and what our vows to one another meant. For the sake of the pack, I kept my expression smooth, hiding my true feelings.
Owen might be the angriest about this marriage, but I didn’t want it, either. Over the years, whenever the possibility of the four of us finding a wife came up, I was always the first to oppose it. I’d never really wanted to marry, despite how unavoidable it had been. Marriage was too stifling, no matter who it was to. Even the most charming and amenable woman couldn’t hope to be enough for four men.
Now we were being bound to not only an omega, but to Jasmine. In their eyes, it was perfectly reasonable to wear mourning colors.
It just pissed me off that they could so proudly show off their dislike for this match. Would they be doing the same thing if we’d taken an Omega mate like I suggested, before all this happened? I wouldn’t have chosen Jasmine. I didn’t want to marry, but I figured if we had chosen our own mate, expectations would be set before making the decision.
Now, it was too late. I had to marry someone I didn’t like, and instead of showing my true feelings, I had to wear a blank face. I had to remain strong and emotionless for the pack, when all I wanted to do was to punch Owen in the face.
Owen specifically, because he wouldn’t stop bitching about it when we were at the house.
“You are wed,” the priestess declared.
I looked down at the goblet in my hand. I’d been so caught up in my internal pity-party, I’d missed the part where we all drank our blood mixed with…lavender tea again? Why did our pack use lavender tea? Other packs just used water.
Close to me, Jasmine twitched. Her hands kept fluttering over her bodice, as though it was uncomfortable. It shouldn’t be. It looked fantastic on her.
As the marriage ceremony came to a close, Jace addressed the pack. Killian moved closer to Jasmine as Jace spoke, and she grew stiffer with his proximity. It was an observation that nearly made me want to laugh. I bet that hurt his pride.
I turned my face away, reminding myself of my duties. Days like this, I wasn’t sure how I’d ever gotten roped into this charade. It wasn’t as though I was a top pick to become one of the alphas; somehow, I’d just ended up falling into the role. Since my three best friends were perfect picks, I guess the previous alphas figured that I’d be fine. They’d decided we would be the presumptive next alphas at an early age. I supposed they figured I’d grow into the role. Maybe I did, somewhat at least. I still couldn’t help but think if I wasn’t attached to the others, I never would have been chosen.
Sometimes I wondered just how much of a scandal it would cause if I just said no and refused to be an alpha any longer. It would probably cause an irreparable rift between me and the others.
When Jace was finished with his speech, we started a celebration. The music was loud, the lights dim, and nobody really felt like it was a party. At first, the four of us stayed close to Jasmine, trying to act like this was a good thing that weall believed in. A few people approached and gave the expected congratulations, but it quickly became apparent that this wasn’t working.
“Stay here,” Killian told Jasmine. “We’ll go mingle, and you should just stay to the side and try not to look so glum.”
I glanced at her and shook my head slightly. Glum wasn’t the right word. She looked like she was about to burst into tears. Any other woman would have found it an honor to be married to the four alphas.
With another shake of my head, I slunk to one side, trying to avoid attention. A headache pounded at the back of my skull, and my wolf was tense and irritable. What we’d both like to do was just go back home, pound a few beers, and watch a football game. Not that I particularly enjoyed beer or football, but it seemed like a pleasant enough distraction.
Or maybe a run.
From my vantage point, I saw that when Jasmine, watching Killian, stood up. Her gaze darted around, finding both Jace and Owen; seeing them distracted, she gathered her skirt in her arms and hurried into the old college. I hesitated, then followed after her.
It was an excuse to get away from the crowd, at least.
I had just stepped inside when laughter met my ears. Not the joyous type, but the mocking, derisive type. My jaw tightened, and I walked swiftly.
“The Goddess only picked you because you’re replaceable. They only needed a placeholder wife to remind them of how united they’ll be,” a voice said.
I rounded the first corner to find the famed Alpha Fuckers standing in a tight half-circle in front of Jasmine. Theywere a group of women who prided themselves on running around the valley towns to seduce alphas. I’d enjoyed them myself once, and I wasn’t ashamed of it. They knew their stuff.
