Torn by fate

The wedding

It had been two days since Hazel stopped cleaning the floors and scrubbing dishes in the dark, cold corners of the packhouse, and being treated like s**t by lady Celeste and Selena and for the first time in her life, at least since her parents were killed, she had a room to herself—one with a soft bed and a window that let in the golden light of morning. The change was so sudden, so unbelievable that it still didn’t feel real. But today was the day. Today was the wedding. A day she never thought would ever be happening to her, but it really was.

She stood by the window, staring out at the courtyard, watching the pack members bustle around, preparing for the ceremony. The air was full of excitement, but for Hazel, it felt like an endless storm of emotions, joy, fear, and a sense of disbelief. How could this really be happening to her? She has asked herself for the hundredth time today.

The door creaked open behind her, and she didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.

“Are you ready?” Damien’s voice was soft, yet commanding, like it always was.

Hazel swallowed, taking a deep breath before turning to face him. She had never seen him look so serious, so breathtaking. His usual confidence was gone, replaced with something more vulnerable. The wedding wasn’t just about her; it was about him too. She could see that now.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready for something this big,” she admitted, her voice trembling.

Damien’s gaze softened, and he closed the distance between them. “You don’t have to be perfect, Hazel. Just be yourself. That’s all I need from you.” He reached for her hand, gently squeezing it. “I can’t wait to call you mine, to make it official. You don’t have to worry about anything anymore.”

She nodded, trying to calm the fluttering of her heart. But something still nagged at her—the part of her that feared this was all a dream. That it was too good to be true.

Just then, the door opened again, and Lady Celeste swept into the room, her expression as cold and distant as ever. Hazel stiffened, her nerves spiking instantly.

“Damien,” Lady Celeste greeted her son with a nod before her icy eyes turned to Hazel. “Hazel.” Her voice was sharp, and cold “I trust you’re preparing for the ceremony? It’s not every day that an omega like you is married to an Alpha.”

Hazel lowered her gaze, unsure of how to respond. She’d long since learned not to challenge Lady Celeste, but the disdain in her eyes was hard to ignore.

Damien didn’t seem fazed. “Mother, you’re here to make sure everything goes smoothly, right? I don’t need your commentary on Hazel.” His tone was firm, a subtle warning in his words.

Lady Celeste raised an eyebrow but said nothing, instead turning toward Hazel. “I hope you understand the weight of what you’re stepping into,” she said, her voice softer but still dripping with judgment. “You are marrying the future Alpha of this pack, Hazel. That’s no small responsibility.”

Hazel swallowed hard, meeting Lady Celeste’s gaze. “I understand,” she whispered, her voice steady despite the nerves twisting inside her.

“And don’t forget,” Lady Celeste added, “the pack will be watching you. They will see what kind of Luna you will be. I do hope you can live up to their expectations.”

Damien stepped in, his hand at the small of Hazel’s back, offering silent support. “Enough, Mother. We don’t have time for your games. It’s Hazel’s day, and you will show her respect.”

Lady Celeste’s lips curled into a thin, disapproving line, but she said nothing more. She turned on her heel and left, the door slamming behind her with finality.

Hazel’s heart was pounding in her chest. “I always knew she would Never accept it.”

Damien sighed, his expression a mixture of frustration and concern. “She’s not happy about it, but I’ve made my choice. You’re my mate, Hazel, and nothing will change that.”

His words were comforting, but Hazel couldn’t help but wonder if this was the right choice.

The ceremony came quickly, and Hazel found herself standing at the entrance to the courtyard, the weight of all eyes on her. She wore a beautiful gown, the delicate fabric soft against her skin, and the air around her seemed to hum with tension. The pack was gathering, their murmurs dying down as she walked toward the altar.

Damien stood waiting, looking more handsome than she’d ever seen him, his expression serious but warm. His eyes never left her as she approached.

“You look perfect,” he whispered when she reached him, his voice full of admiration.

Hazel could only nod, her throat too tight to speak. This was the moment she had dreamed of her entire life—being loved, being wanted, being accepted.

The officiant spoke the vows, but the words barely registered in her mind. All that mattered was the man standing beside her. He was finally hers, and she was finally his.

When the moment came to seal their bond, Damien’s hands gently cupped her face, and he kissed her. It was soft at first, a tender exploration, but then he deepened the kiss, holding her close, as if he couldn’t let go.

The crowd’s cheers and applause rang in her ears, but all Hazel could focus on was Damien. His kiss, his warmth, his promise.

For the first time, she felt like she was where she belonged.

As they pulled apart, Hazel noticed something strange in the crowd. Selena, standing at the far end, was watching them with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, she sipped a glass of wine and behind her hazel was Lady Celeste’s whose gaze was equally cold, her lips curling in a tight, controlled smile.

Something in their expressions sent a chill down Hazel’s spine. She couldn't help but feel something was about to go wrong, but what?