Chapter 14: Like a Common Whore

Olivia’s POV

The maids led me down a long corridor, their eyes filled with barely concealed judgment. To them, I was nothing more than an unwanted mate, a pawn in a political game, a Luna in name only. Finally, we reached my chamber. The door creaked open, revealing a lavishly decorated room with dark mahogany furniture, deep red silk curtains, and a massive bed draped in the finest sheets. A faint scent of lavender hung in the air, but it offered no solace.

“Your bath is ready,” Nala announced with a forced smile, gesturing to a large tub filled with warm water and rose petals. “We’ll help you undress.”

My frown deepened. The thought of their touch, of being treated like a fragile doll to be presented to their Alphas, revolted me.

“I can do it myself,” I snapped, my annoyance sharp.

Cynthia and Nala exchanged smirks. “Suit yourself, Luna,” Nala taunted, drawing out the title mockingly before stepping aside.

Ignoring them, I went to the bath. I slipped off my gown, the weight of the day pressing down on me. The warm water felt good against my skin, but it did little to alleviate the ache in my chest. I sat, trying to gather my thoughts, to quell the pain threatening to overwhelm me.

When I emerged, the maids had laid out my attire: a sheer, lacy lingerie set, delicate yet undeniably seductive, with a matching silk robe.

“Put this on,” Cynthia ordered, her mockery barely concealed. “The Alphas will be expecting you soon.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. Expecting me? They could barely tolerate a kiss at the altar. What made them think they'd want me in their bed?

I stared at the lingerie, swallowing hard. This was my first time. I had never been touched. What if the triplets decided on a punishing intimacy? I couldn't refuse tonight; tonight, we were to consummate our marriage.

Fear and panic seized me. This wasn't how I'd imagined my first time. I'd fantasized about being in the arms of a loving man, adored and worshipped, whispered sweet words to as we made slow, passionate love.

But tonight… tonight with the triplets would be nothing like that. I doubted they even wanted to touch me; if they did, it would feel more like an obligation, a punishment. And all three of them at once?

“Olivia, are you alright?” My mother's voice broke through my thoughts.

Wordlessly, I slipped into the lingerie and tied the robe tightly, taking a deep breath before turning to the maids.

“I’m ready,” I said, trying to mask my unease.

“Excuse us. I’d like to speak with my daughter,” my mother said firmly.

Nala and Cynthia looked ready to argue, but my mother's look silenced them.

“Five minutes,” Nala muttered before leaving with Cynthia.

Alone, I sat on the bed, tears finally flowing.

“Mother, I feel like I’m being dressed up and delivered like some common whore,” I choked out.

“No, my dear,” my mother said softly, shaking her head as she sat beside me. “You are not a whore, Olivia. You are their mate, their wife. They are your husbands.”

I scoffed bitterly. “Husbands? Husbands who can’t even bear to look at me, who can’t stand my presence or even kiss me? Did you see the disgust on their faces?”

My mother pulled me into her embrace. “Everything will be okay, darling. Trust me,” she whispered, patting my back.

I sobbed, wishing her words were true.

After a few moments, the door creaked open. Nala and Cynthia entered.

“Time’s up,” Nala announced, her frown deepening.

I quickly wiped my tears, forcing myself to stand. I couldn't let them see me weak and vulnerable. To survive this night, I had to maintain my defenses, no matter the pain.

Cynthia glanced at my swollen eyes and scoffed. “No need for the dramatics, Luna. The Alphas don’t care if you cry.”

I frowned, biting back my retort. Fighting them wouldn't change anything.

They led me down another corridor. My heart pounded; my legs felt heavy, my stomach twisted. We stopped before a set of large, ornately carved double doors—not any of the triplets' rooms.

Nala paused, a glint of mockery in her eyes. “Try to make a good impression, Luna. Wouldn’t want to disappoint your husbands on your first night.”

Cynthia chuckled. “Not that it matters. They already seem disappointed.”

My nails dug into my palm, but I remained silent. They weren’t wrong.

With a sickeningly sweet smile, Nala opened the doors. I stepped inside, my body rigid with anxiety. Then I saw it.

The air left my lungs. On the massive bed, tangled in the silk sheets, were my husbands—the triplets. But they weren’t alone. Anita was with them.

My stomach plummeted. She was sprawled between them, naked, her body intimately entwined with theirs. One triplet’s arm draped over her waist; another’s lips grazed her neck; the third’s fingers traced idle patterns on her thigh.

My wolf whimpered.

Anita lazily turned, meeting my gaze with a slow, satisfied smirk. “Oh,” she purred, stretching. “You’re finally here.”

The triplets turned, their expressions blank—no guilt, no surprise, just emptiness. My knees trembled; my entire being went numb.

“You took your time,” Levi murmured.

My breath hitched. I didn’t know what hurt more—the sight before me or the knowledge that they'd known I was coming. And yet… they still did this.

Nala and Cynthia exchanged delighted glances before softly closing the door.