THE WEDDING TRAP

Chapter 4 

Natalie P.O.V

The Black’s garden was filled with all sorts of roses. White, red, blush pink. They were wrapped around the golden pillars in the garden. 

Though I hated roses, I have to admit it looked magical, like something out of a fairytale.

From the front row I was sitting at, I could hear the laughter of the five different packs here today, camera flashes were everywhere, laughter echoed through the garden. Their scents were thick with power and influence.

They were all in very expensive suits and glittering gowns exchanging plastered smiles and occasionally smiling for the cameras.

I could feel a few glances towards my direction.

I looked down to my flowy rose-gold Lace dress and clung to it. The neckline was a v-neck, and I wore a simple but elegant crystal necklace with a heart-shaped pendant that complimented the dress.

Tasha was seated beside me, her dress identical to mine. We looked like mirrored reflections, our hairs pinned in soft curls.

We were almost identical in every aspect, except for her strappy gold 3inch heel.

I wore a low heel silver sanders.

Sitting next to her made me feel like I was fading while she glowed.

“Sit up straight!” Tasha whispered beside me.

I straightened up automatically.

Her smile was bright and practiced as she looked forward, “you look like a peasant.” 

“Try to look happy”, she added sweetly. “You're making mom look bad.”

I let out a quiet huff and just ignored her.

She shot me a quick glance before keeping her gaze forward.

The guests gradually took their seats in the front and back rows, their laughter and chatter soon died down.

The reporters then focused on taking more pictures of the garden. It was truly a sight to behold. The pathways were lined up with cherry blossom trees and twinkling lights leading up to a beautiful archway covered in flowers where the vows would take place.

The camera flashes soon slowed down a bit, and the garden fell into a hushed silence. A sense of anticipation settled in the atmosphere.

A tall and commanding figure soon appeared, walking down the aisle. The camera resumed their flashes.

It was Alpha Black.

His black tailored suit fitted him perfectly. He soon took his place under the flower covered archway, his eyes were scanning the crowd before focusing ahead.

The camera flashes soon intensified as my mom, the bride, radiant in her white gown, began her walk up the aisle. The flashes turned into a frenzy capturing her every step, and smiles.

She soon took her place beside the Alpha. Her gown flew around, diamonds glittering around her neck. She didn't look like the enraged woman who slapped me yesterday and called me incompetent. She looked like a queen.

My stomach twisted as the Alpha held her hands. Murmurs rippled through the guest.

This wedding was all an alliance.

“I Eleanor vale…”

This has to be the beginning of my nightmare.

“…take you, Alpha Black as my mate and partner. I vow to stand by you as Luna of this pack.

Once they were declared bound under the moon goddess, everyone cheered as applause erupted. Some bowed down in respect.

And just like that, my mom was now Eleanor Black, Luna Mother of the Black pack.

Tasha dabs out a fake tear while my face remains emotionless.

I wasn't going to pretend like her.

All the guests stood up as the newly wedded couple walked down the aisle. As I watched them go, it suddenly dawned on me that this was my reality now, this was permanent.

****

We went to the Grand ballroom of the Black's big estate, for the reception. The polished marble floor was lit up by the crystal chandeliers above us. Each table was loaded with food and wine, and soft music could be heard from a string quartet.

Tasha, like glue, stuck to me. I knew that it wasn't her looking out for me, but to ‘make sure I don't embarrass mom'

Tasha stepped slightly in front of me, her hands brushed my arms as if to steady me.

I looked ahead to see an older couple approaching us.

“You two must be twins” the woman said warmly.

“Yes,” Tasha answered before I could even process a thought. “I’m Tasha. It’s such an honor to meet you. We’ve heard so much about your pack’s success.”

I had no idea who they were.

“And you are?” She asked as her gaze shifted to me.

“Natalia.” I quietly answered.

“She’s been away at college,” Tasha adds smoothly, laughing softly. “She’s probably forgotten what it’s like to be around other wolves.”

Tasha gave me a subtle jab and I forced a polite smile.

After some few back and forth talks with my sister they soon left, Clearly impressed by my sister more.

Whenever a guest approached, she stepped half a pace in front of me, she was subtle, but I knew she was trying to make herself out as the good daughter while I was sullen and ungrateful.

“You see? that wasn't so hard, just try not to look miserable.” She whispered to me.

I didn't respond because I suddenly felt the temperature drop. I shifted my gaze forward to see the presence I was sensing 

Cassian.

Kade.

Karl.

Even from a distance, I could feel their presence.

24 year old Cassian wore a black tuxedo. His dark hair is slicked back, jaw sharp enough to cut. He moved like he owned the room—like the future Alpha he was destined to be.

Kade stood to his right in deep burgundy, his smile easy and dangerous. He laughs at something a guest says, leaning in close. 22—being the youngest exude effortless charm. 

Karl lingers slightly behind them in charcoal gray. Silent and observant. His eyes can be seen scanning the room.

They've really transformed in these four years, since Cassian read my diary to the whole class, since kade smeared make-up on my face like the joker. Since Karl held me down and posted the videos and photo of me and I watched in the bathroom as it went viral.

They looked like powerful Alpha males.

“Don’t slouch,” she whispered without moving her smile. “You look like you’re waiting for scraps.”

I gently pulled my arm from her grip. “I’m fine.”

Alpha Black walked to them and gestured them forward.

“Cassian, Kade, Karl,” he announces proudly. “Come meet your new stepsisters.”

That word makes my stomach twist.

I felt like I was now chained to these tormentors, anger simmered beneath my skin, and a suffocating sense of entrapment stole my breath.

They began approaching us, as I held my breath.

Cassian’s eyes landed on me first.

Recognition flickered in his eyes, then something darker.

Kade's playful expression falters for just a second on seeing me. His eyes raked over me, assessing everything.

Karl’s gray eyes pinned on me, not blinking once.

They remembered everything, and I felt no shed of remorse from them.

“Gentlemen!” Tasha stepped forward, “you all look dashing as always.” 

Kada grin widens “so do you.” 

She giggled, brushing something imaginary off his sleeves, “burgundy suits you.”

Cassian's eyes never met Tasha's, he kept his focus on me.

“As you all know Cassian will be taking over more pack responsibilities this year. Kade remains his Second. And as you know, Karl is now officially my third son.” Alpha black beams.“And my new daughters.”

“It's an honor.” Tasha says smoothly.

Cassian steps closer to me.

I quickly caught his cedar-smoke scent.

“You've changed.” He spoke softly.

My heart hammered in my chest.

“So have you.” I managed to say.

A smirk formed on his lips, though his eyes remained cold.

Kade tilted his head to me “college treating you well.” 

“Yes.”

“Learned how to control that heart of yours yet.”

Tasha giggled, “she's working on it.”

“Still holding grudges, Natalie?” Karl's voice came low.

The air suddenly felt thick.

“I don't forget easily.” I answered.

Tasha shifts, carefully placing herself between me and them. Trying to take the attention from me.

“She's just adjusting,” She explains sweetly. “It's a big change for her.”

“Is it?” Cassian asks, his gaze still on me.

I felt like I was in a silent war.

I felt trapped for some reason.

Tasha quickly chimes in and compliments his outfits. Kade pulls a joke and she laughs at it.

The Alpha soon left to his Bride's side.

I scanned the ballroom avoiding their gaze. My eyes fell on my mom as she moved through the crowd like royalty, her hand resting proudly on Alpha Black’s arm. The Alpha whispers something to her and she searches for Tasha with her eyes and smiles when their eyes meet.

She doesn’t l

ook at me. Not once.

This whole wedding felt like a trap.

Mom has acquired power, Tasha's secured proximity with the boys. And I was trapped in a lion's den.

I quietly slipped out into the garden.