Chapter 9: The Wedding Preparations

Harper's POV

I spent the morning sleeping because I was exhausted from the day before. Subconsciously I knew I would be run off my feet today, so I wanted to take a little more time to stay in bed and have some time to myself.

Asher hasn't stopped in to check on me, aside from the plate of food he left on the bedside table while I was asleep. I was a bit embarrassed when I woke from a dream about water being poured down his torso. I would like to pretend that didn't happen.

The compound is in chaos when I leave the bedroom. Multiple people are running through the hallways with flowers and pieces of cardboard. Some members stop to say good morning before they rush off again.

The kitchen is the only room that is quiet. A large window above the sink reveals the backyard. A massive gazebo has been put up, and it is in that moment I realize what's going on.

Wedding preparations are in full swing.

I groan as I pour myself a cup of coffee. I know I chose to marry Asher, but I forgot about everything that needs to be done to have a wedding ceremony. The idea of having to try on multiple dresses, picking a type of flower and arranging a seating chart, doesn't sound appealing to me.

Watching the rush of people outside is entertaining, though. The members look excited and happy, which I'm sure Asher is thrilled about. He loves making his pack feel special and heard within the group. Helping to organize their Alpha's wedding would be a privilege to them.

I spot Asher amongst the crowd. A group of people have surrounded him, probably to ask questions about the set up. With a smile on his face, he answers all the questions and sends them on their way. It's obvious that he loves them with all his heart.

I'm startled by footsteps behind me. I spin around, only to see Amaris holding a dust proof dress bag.

"Good morning," she chirps, "Did you sleep well?"

I smile, "Yeah, I slept well enough." I point to the bag in her hands, "What's with the bag?"

"This is your wedding dress." She's more excited about this wedding then I am.

"Do I not get to pick one myself?" I thought that was the best part about getting married.

Amaris looks confused, "Asher picked it out. Didn't he mention it to you?"

I turn to the window to watch him outside. He makes eye contact with me over the heads of the group in front of him. With a smile on his face, he lifts his arm to give me a wave.

I look away, still embarrassed by this morning.

"No, he didn't" I say.

"It's beautiful. You're going to look amazing in it," Amaris gushes.

I try to look enthusiastic as she describes what needs to be done for the wedding preparations. I'm often reminding myself to appear in love with Asher in front of the pack. If I seem unengaged, they're going to get suspicious.

Amaris drags me to her bedroom so I can try on the dress Asher picked out for me. Despite it being a fake wedding, it was a nice gesture for him to pick out my dress. I'm trying not to care too much about how I look, but every girl wants to feel, and look, beautiful on their wedding day.

I close the door to bedroom as we enter. Amaris's room is cute, just like her. A rainbow-colored mat covers the floorboards, and the walls are bright yellow. It's a stark contrast to the rest of the compound.

"I'm so excited to see you in the dress," Amaris can't contain her excitement.

Seeing her this excited almost makes me feel bad for deceiving the pack; after all, our relationship has an expiration date. She's so happy for the two of us, but doesn't know the truth.

I grab the dress off the bed and head for the bathroom, "I'll be back in a minute."

The dress has some weight to it. I hope it's not a puffy dress that'll make me look like an idiot. As I'm sliding down the zipper on the bag, the first thing I notice is the diamond encrusted bodice. The gems shimmer under the fluorescent light, shining like a disco ball under the sun.

When I pull the dress out, my breath is taken away. It's beautiful and elegant. The bodice is the staple piece of the dress, while the bottom half is a soft fabric that hangs loosely. The dress is both simple and stunning. How did Asher know I'd like this style?

The dress slips on to my body with ease and hugs all the right places. I open the door to reveal the dress to Amaris, only to see she's talking at the door with Asher.

My eyes widen as I gasp; I'm shocked to see him standing there. He looks at me with the same expression.

Amaris jumps between us, "Asher, get out! You can't see the bride in her dress before the big day."

Mine and Asher's eyes stay locked together, neither of us able to move. It's when Amaris begins shoving him out of the room that our eyes break apart. Asher laughs awkwardly and leaves the room.

"Sorry about that," Amaris says as she shuts the door, "I didn't think he'd still be here when you came out."

I shake my head, "Don't worry about it."

"You look amazing by the way," Amaris gushes, taking in the sight of the dress on me, "Asher has good taste. He must know you so well."

"Yeah, he sure does," I'm sure it was a lucky guess. He most likely had someone else pick it or picked at random with his eyes closed.

Amaris and I spend the next couple of hours going through jewelry, make-up, and hairstyle ideas. I'm not sure how I want to look on the day; I don't think it's a big deal, but everyone here is obsessed with making sure the wedding day goes smoothly.

I think now is the perfect opportunity to ask Amaris questions about Asher's uncles. She would have inside information from other members of the pack, and I need to know if his uncles are up to no good.

"Amaris," I begin, "What are your thoughts on Julius and Dean?"

Amaris shrugs, she's busy painting my nails white, "They're okay. Most members of the pack like them."

I try to form eye contact with her, so she can't be dismissive, "Surely there's more to it than that."

"Well, I have heard several members say there is a bit of unrest within the pack." She's hesitant when she speaks, acting as if she's being listened to.

"Unrest?" I question, "Do some of the members not like Asher?"

Amaris shakes her head, frantic, "Not at all. It's just some people think he's not very strong and they believe that Julius should be Alpha instead."

Woah, she just dropped a bomb. I was under the impression that all the members were supportive of Asher. It didn't occur to me that some of them would want Julius to be Alpha instead. If Asher knew about this, I'm sure he would flip out.

"Asher is a strong Alpha, though, why are people doubting him?" I ask.

Amaris shrugs, returning to the task at hand, "I'm not sure. I've only heard small pieces of information through passing." She stops to look at me, "Would you like me to get more information for you?"

I'm shocked by her offer, "That would be great. Now that I'll be Luna, I would like to know what's happening within the pack."

Amaris smiles, "Easily done."

The room falls silent as Amaris continues to paint my nails. I lean back in the chair and let out a sigh. I'm in way over my head here. I knew Julius and Dean were suspicious, but I had no idea they were spreading rumors to get members to not support Asher.

Whenever Amaris gathers information for me, I'll compile it together to present to Asher. He needs to know what's happening within his pack. As his Luna, I'll be the one to provide the information.

Julius and Dean must be stopped.