死にゆく世界で、熾天使は舞う

Debbie.

“I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the voice of the priest announced.

I leaned in even before my husband did, my lips gently reaching for his.

Cheers and applause of joy echoed throughout the whole place.

Today was supposed to be the best day of my life. It was my wedding day, a day I most anticipated. The day I got married to my alpha.

Alpha Black. Heir alpha of Dark-Hearts Pack.

“You look so beautiful, Mrs. Black,” an old lady whom I had no idea who she was commented, as her hand flew to my chin, gesturing beautiful.

“Alpha Black made the right choice,” another woman said. “Choosing someone as beautiful as you is a blessing. A perfect Luna in the making.” Another woman added, “You are gorgeous.”

I was all smiles now, receiving praises from these women who I had little to no knowledge of who they were.

I mean, it's Alpha Black so… I should be expecting people from all over the world here.

Then,

“Hi sweetheart,” the familiar voice called.

My head snapped to the side and there… he was. Uhmm…

“Sweetheart, you look gorgeous,” he said, lining his upper lip with his tongue while staring at me with those seductive eyes.

Rain.

That was Rain. My husband's brother. One of the triplet brother in-laws and the most forward and radical of them all.

Even though they were identical, it was very easy for me to differentiate them from each other—thanks to their personalities.

“Thanks, Rain, you look handsome yourself,” I said, smiling.

He nodded. “I know, right? I'm so handsome and sexy, but you still chose to be with that vulture.”

“Rain!” I called, giving him the “please don’t start” kind of glare.

I don't know how he doesn't find it weird saying things like that about his brother.

He shrugged. “So you are really getting married to him?”

I chuckled. Was he really asking me that?

“See…?” I gestured towards the ring and dress.

He nodded, looking around irritatingly.

Then,

“Debbs, what do you really see in Black? That guy is a sore loser, you know. And he doesn't even know how to fuck.”

Jeez. This guy—he really had no filter in his mouth.

I looked around, making sure nobody heard that.

“Rain, I'm married to your brother. Can you please keep some of those words at bay?” I asked, trying to sound as polite as possible.

I don't know why, but I think it was a part of Rain to make advances at any woman. Black had warned me that he was a womanizer, so… it wasn't a surprise.

He scoffed, swirling the drink in his hand. His eyes dropped to my chest, the V slit in my dress exposing so much of my double Ds.

He tucked his lower lip between his teeth briefly, his gaze shifting back to my face.

“Sweetheart, if you need anything. I mean anything at all, including a good fuck,” he whispered, his blue eyes narrowing seductively. “I’m here.”

I was about to respond when my phone in my hand buzzed.

I thought it was one of the numerous messages from social media and pack members.

I opened it, clicking on—

It was a message from…

My world.

**Meet me at the bridal’s room now!**

My heart paused. The blood in my body ran cold as my chest began beating fast.

“Rain, if you don't mind, I will be attending to other things now,” I said politely, already taking off.

My legs carried my body like I had no weight at all, walking past guests who wanted my attention, but this wasn't the time.

In a few minutes, I was already at the door. My hand trembled as I reached for it. Opening it, I stepped inside.

I saw him—my husband. Standing in the middle of the room with his back to me.

“You are 1 minute late,” Black’s voice, low but commanding, resonated in the small room.

“I… I had some guests that I was chatting with,” I stuttered. “But I dismissed them immediately I saw your message,” I quickly added.

He turned. His eyes fierce and having that look they usually had before—

I saw his jaw tighten.

“You had some guests you were chatting with?” he asked, taking a step towards me.

“I… I…”

I tried to say something, but I wasn't quick enough because—

Fuck!

A hard slap landed on my face,

snapping my head to the side forcefully.

“Shut your mouth, maggot!” he barked.

The hot sting on the side of my face was a testament to the size of the map his hand had left.

“Who do you think you are chatting with when I am calling you!?” he barked.

“Who do you know!?”

“Listen to me, cow.” He shot a hand to my face. “You are nothing. And the next time you keep me waiting,” he scoffed, “I will burn that thing you call a face.” He spat.

“Now get those crocodile tears on your ugly face off! I don't want to see any atom of sadness on your face when you come out there. Do you understand!?” he asked.

“Ye… s,” I responded shakily.

His hand flew to my chin. Gripping tightly, he snapped my face up. “Do you understand me!?” he barked.

“Yes… yes… I… do,” I responded in between sobs, and he released me with a push.

I staggered backwards.

My chest was heaving now as I watched him get out of the room, leaving me broken even on this day, not even looking back.

Scratch whatever I said about today being the best day of my life. I have never had a best day. And this was evidence.

I walked into the bathroom. I didn't know how much of my makeup had been ruined.

Fuck!

My eyes met my reflection.

My mascara.

Damn.

I really needed to fix this.

But the stupid tears—they wouldn't stop flowing.

My hand scurried through the purse in my hand shakily.

Setting powder, mascara, face wipes, everything. Anything to put this face together. It had the imprint of Black’s fingers on it.

“Stop being ungrateful, Debbie,” I muttered low.

My hand worked fast. Until…

In a few minutes, I was done.

Tears ceased.

Phew! I breathed.

“Black is not a bad person,” I repeated to myself.

It's just… he has times when his mood swings. And those times, I happen to be too unlucky to be close. Or he just needs someone to vent his bad moods on. And somehow, I happened to be the only one around him.

He had done a lot for me—so much that a little beating here and there was not even enough to let go of this good man.

He was everything I needed. Everything I had. The only family I ever knew.

He was my savior, sent from heaven, so… I'm sorry, but his role in my life cannot be overemphasized.

I took one last look at my reflection.

Took a deep breath in and out.

“Smile, Debbie. It's your day.”

As I walked out of the bathroom, through the room, and stepped out—

Just before I fully closed the door—

“How long?” the voice behind me said.

My heart split.

As I jerked back, looking at who.

Rex. One of the triplets. His blonde hair was his physical difference from the others, except of course his quiet nature.

“Rex. You startled me,” I cooed, smiling.

But he ignored me, face grim. He pushed off the wall opposite.

His finger pointing at my eyes. “You cried.”

I laughed. A deceptive laugh that sounded more sad than I wanted it to.

“Cried? I didn't—” I started my defense, but he cut me off.

“How long? Do you intend to lie?”

But I still wasn't ready for that conversation.

“Rex… I… what do you mean?”