Five
980 Words
5
Summer looked at herself in the mirror, trying to muster a smile but only managing a creepy grin instead.
"You look stunning, Miss Yversen," Riri said, beaming at her.
"Thanks..." Summer replied, keeping it short.
"Don't sweat it, everything's gonna be fine."
"Fingers crossed," Summer sighed. But she must admit, she looks much better now, thanks to Riri, the makeup artist hired by Luxian. She perfectly covers up her thin cheeks and disheveled look.
Glancing at her reflection again, she noted that loose white wedding gown clung to her bony frame, and let’s be honest, it wasn’t doing her any favours; it hung loosely around her bust and hips. Clearly, this dress wasn’t tailored for her since it had been worn by all the previous brides of Alpha Luxian.
"How many times has alpha Luxian been married, Riri?"
"You're the fifth."
Summer swallowed hard; just thinking about it already made her uncomfortable.
"You are Alpha Luxian's last hope..." Riri, the makeup artist, whispered.
"Yeah, I know," Summer replied, trying to look calm even though her mind was rumbling.
"You just need to get pregnant and have puppies for him. That is the only way to end the curse, but....the four other mates failed. And they died." Riri's words stuck in Summer's mind, giving her a dark view of her future.
"All set." Riri finished by placing a veil on Summer's head.
"I’m off, Miss Yversen."
"Don't go anywhere unless the bridesmaids come to take you." She said with sympathy in her eyes.
"Don't worry, thanks Riri..."
Summer really trying to think things through—screw the idea of a fated mate, and Luxian's curse or repay him for rescuing her from Rhys, for her Luxian was no better than Rhys. They were no different, they just had their own way of torturing and murdering her.
And in the end she was just a f*****g tool for them.
The thing was, ever since she made up her mind to give up from Rhys, she promised herself she wouldn’t let anyone take advantage of her again.
She believe she could figure out a way to escape this terrible situation. If not right now, she had 98 days left to get out of Luxian's grip.
Because she did not planning to do something dumb like trying to break his curse.
****
Summer was right in front of the door where the ceremony would occur. She looked around the hall, her eyebrows knitted as she sensed Rhys' presence. She could still catch his scent, but oddly enough, he was nowhere in sight.
The piano played as she and the bridesmaids moved slowly to the altar. All the guests stood to greet the bride. They stared at her with different expressions. But she tried not to let their unfriendly gazes and whispers affect her.
"Isn't she barren? How could she be?" The woman with the high bun whispered to the bald man beside her.
"Shut up. If Alpha Luxian hears your words, we will be finished," growled the old man.
"Luna Jocelyn said she is a lunatic," the middle-aged woman did not want to shut her mouth and continued to blurt out.
"Gosh, what a pity, Alpha Luxian, that crazy woman will ruin his life just like she did to Luna Jocelyn and her son..."
She raised her head, took a deep breath, and continued her steps toward the place where Alpha Luxian was standing.
"Come take your bride, Alpha..." the elder said.
Alpha Luxian strolled to her with firm steps, reached out his hand, and helped her hop up to a small stage before the altar.
Summer felt nervous when Luxian's hand held hers tightly.
"Don't even think about running off from me," he whispered softly with menacing gaze.
"No worries," Summer gave an annoyed glance.
Their eyes met, locked, and her heart raced as they approached the altar, and she felt so nervous. She could sense every gaze on her—some scornful, others mocking, but a few tinged with pity. It was as if their judgments seeped into her skin, festering doubts and insecurities she had worked so hard to suppress.
"Did you catch what they were saying?" Summer asked.
"Yeah," he replied calmly.
“Let them talk,” Luxian continued.
"But...."
"Just brush it off," he said as gripped her hand firm and reassuring.
All of sudden she felt something deeper—a bond that both terrified and exhilarated her. The world faded, and it was just the two of them in that instant.
“Come…” he urged, his voice a soft, a whisper on her ear like a gentle breeze. His thumb brushed against the back of her hand, grounding her.
"This evening we will be witness to the union between Alpha Luxian Alderon and Summer Yversen, as the great Moon Goddess has destined!" The elder, his voice booming and authoritative, brought her back to the moment.
“Do you, Alpha Luxian Alderon, take Summer Yversen as your lawfully wedded wife and mate?"
“I do,” he replied, his voice firm.
“And do you, Summer Yversen, take Alpha Luxian Alderon as your lawfully wedded husband and mate?"
"I do...."
"Are you willing to dedicate your life to serve your mate, and hudband? Do all your duties well, and be a good wife and Luna to this pack?”
She took a deep breath and spoke clearly, “I... I do.”
The elder’s voice boomed once more,
"Then, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife and mated. You may kiss your bride, now, Alpha....”
Luxian stepped closer, tilting her chin gently upward. She lifted her gaze to meet him. He leaned closer, pressed and sucked her lips slowly. It was soft, gentle, and passionate. Summer tried to break Luxian's kiss but he held her tight, as he savored her lips.
- Writer
