Chapter 9: Mating Ceremony

Olivia POV

Anita stared at me, then chuckled softly, shaking her head. “You really don’t get it, do you, Olivia?” she scoffed. “You didn’t do anything wrong. You were just… too perfect.”

My brows furrowed. “What?”

Anita sighed dramatically, crossing her arms. “You were the golden girl. The pack adored you. The triplets—Levi, Louis, and Lennox—worshipped the ground you walked on. You were the daughter of the best and most respected Gamma.”

She stepped closer, her eyes filled with hate. “And then there was me. Just Anita. The daughter of a common warrior. Your shadow. Always ‘Olivia’s best friend.’ Never just Anita.”

Her voice hardened. “Five years ago, when your father was accused of stealing, everything changed. He fell, and you fell with him. For the first time, I wasn’t standing behind you.” She laughed breathily. “My father became Beta, and suddenly, the pack saw me for who I really was. Not ‘Olivia’s friend,’ but Anita, the future Luna. How ironic.”

She gestured around the room, her manicured fingers sparkling. “Look at us now. Your father is a traitor, your family is nothing, and I have everything. The admiration, the respect, and soon, one of the triplets will be my mate. Maybe all three.” She smirked, watching for my reaction.

The realization hit me. I’d spent years wondering what I’d done to deserve her cruelty. The truth was simple: I hadn’t. Anita had never been my friend; she’d been waiting for my downfall.

I swallowed, keeping my expression blank. “So that’s it?” I said quietly. “You were jealous of me?”

She scoffed. “Jealousy is an ugly word, Olivia. I prefer to call it justice. The pack finally sees me, respects me, and I’ll never let you take that away.”

A slow, bitter smile touched my lips. “I don’t want anything from you, Anita,” I said truthfully.

For the first time in years, I met Anita’s gaze and smiled—a genuine smile of relief. “Thank you, Anita,” I said softly.

She blinked, surprised. “For what?”

“For finally telling me the truth,” I murmured, turning and leaving the room.

Back in the kitchen, Mother noticed my improved mood. I assured her I was fine and continued working, relieved to understand Anita’s hatred. Soon, I would learn the triplets’ reasons as well; it surely wasn't solely my father's accusation.

I helped Mother until dark. Pack members began arriving at the pack hall for the ceremony. It was 6 p.m.; the ceremony would begin soon.

“Olivia, we’re done. Let’s go. You need to be there to receive your wolf,” Mother said.

The pack hall was packed. Excitement buzzed in the air as members took their seats. Golden lights and banners created a magical atmosphere.

Anita sat beside her parents, beaming. The triplets sat on the podium, formally dressed, their presence commanding the room. Their eyes met mine; a chill ran down my spine. I looked away, a strange sensation in my chest.

“Come, Olivia,” Mother whispered, guiding me forward.

I took a deep breath and followed her.

Alpha Richardson’s voice boomed, “Attention, everyone. The mating ceremony is about to begin.”

My stomach twisted.

“Anita, come forward,” he said softly, smiling.

Anita rose proudly, her red beaded gown trailing behind her. I swallowed hard; I was supposed to be there with her. Today was also my birthday!

Mother squeezed my shoulder. “Don’t worry. You’ll get your wolf even if you stay here.”

The priest stepped forward, his robe trailing. He raised his hands, his voice calm and commanding. “With the blessing of the Moon Goddess, Anita’s wolf will be released, and her fated mate revealed. A magical cord will bind those destined for each other. If your mate is here, the cord will appear on your wrist, guiding you to them.”

He began chanting. The air buzzed with energy; everyone watched Anita’s wrist. My heart raced. What if nothing happened?

Then, I felt a strange sensation, a gasp escaping me.

“Hi, Olivia,” my wolf whispered—sounding exactly like me. Before I could respond, I felt a tingling on my wrist. A thin, silver thread appeared.

My breath caught as the cord stretched, pulling me gently. I froze, but my wolf nudged me.

“Go, Olivia. Follow it.”

I followed the cord, hearing gasps, feeling eyes on me, but focused on the cord.

“Keep going,” my wolf urged.

My legs trembled as I followed the cord through the crowd. My heart pounded.

Then I stopped, breathless. The cord led to… the triplets.

My eyes widened in shock. Glowing threads extended to all three, wrapping around their wrists.

“Mates!” my wolf howled in my head.