Trap of the King Alpha Triplet
Chapter 25 Farce

Emily

I stood frozen, the joyous atmosphere of the wedding shattered by Jasmine's outburst. Her words echoed in my head. Wolfless bastard. The phrase stung more than I wanted to admit, especially now that Eartha was silent within me. Alpha Christ's voice boomed across the garden, his Alpha command silencing everyone instantly.

"SILENCE!"

Jasmine's mouth snapped shut, her eyes wide with fear.

Alpha Christ strode forward, his presence seeming to fill the entire garden. Gone was the gentle man who had just lovingly kissed my mother. In his place stood a true Alpha, power radiating from every pore.

"Jasmine Delacroix," he said, his voice still thrumming with that otherworldly power. "You dare disrupt this sacred ceremony? You dare insult your Luna and her daughter?"

Jasmine shivered, unable to meet his gaze. Her father, Beta Russell, looked like he was praying for the earth to swallow him whole. I almost felt sorry for him. Almost.

"I-I just thought-" Jasmine stammered, but Chris cut her off.

"You're stirring up dissent in my pack, challenging my choice of mate." His eyes flashed that characteristic Alpha red, making me gulp even though his anger wasn't directed at me. "Let me make this perfectly clear. Olivia is my mate. She is your Luna, and you will honor her."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd before landing on me. His expression softened slightly, but the steel in his voice remained. "As for Emily - she is under my protection, both as my daughter and as my sons' mate. Anyone who dares to oppose her is opposing me. Is that understood?"

The wolves responded in unison. "Yes, Alpha."

I expected that to be the end of it. But Jasmine would not.

"She's a witch," Jasmine spat, her voice trembling. "And her daughter has no... no wolf. I think we should choose a strong shewolf as our Luna."

I gaped at her, stunned by her audacity. It was like her hatred for me and my mom had overridden her fear of Alpha Christ. Part of me was almost impressed by her stubbornness.

Alpha Christ's voice dropped low, a growl underlying his words. "There is no requirement in pack law that my Luna be a werewolf. However, there is most certainly a law against disrespecting your Luna." He turned to a group of burly wolves standing at attention nearby. "Soldiers, take Jasmine Delacroix into custody."

Beta Russell stepped forward, his face ashen. "Please, Alpha, forgive her. She's young, she doesn't understand-"

"Russell," Alpha Christ cut him off, his tone sharp enough to make the Beta flinch. "I am reminding the pack what happens when someone disrespects or threatens my Luna. You, of all people, should know my rules."

I watched as the fight seemed to drain out of Beta Russell. His shoulders slumped in defeat as he stepped back, following the soldiers as they led a still-protesting Jasmine away.

The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife as Alpha Christ's gaze swept over the remaining guests. When he spoke again, it was with the full force of his Alpha Voice. "Everyone here will respect our Luna. Is that clear?" "Yes, Alpha," came the unanimous response, the words ringing with submission.

"Very well," Chris said, his voice returning to its normal timbre. He turned to my mom, taking her hand in his. The tenderness in his eyes as he looked at her made my heart ache. "Now, I believe we have a celebration to continue."

It was like someone had pressed play on a paused video. Music started up again, the tension in the air dissipating as people began to mingle and chat. I could hear snatches of conversation, most of it centered around Jasmine's outburst and what would happen to her now.

I felt a presence at my side and turned to find the triplets surrounding me. Their eyes swept over me, concern evident in their expressions.

"Are you okay, Em?" Logan asked softly, his blue eyes searching my face.

I nodded, not quite trusting my voice yet. Leo's arm tightened around my waist while Luca took my hand, squeezing it gently.

"Don't let her get to you," Leo whispered, his breath warm against my ear. "She's just jealous and scared."

"Yeah," Luca chimed in, a hint of his usual humor creeping into his voice. "Everyone knows that even without shifting, you're ten times the woman she is."

I managed a small smile at that, feeling some of the tension leave my body. "Where will they take her?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

The triplets exchanged glances before Logan answered. "Probably to the interrogation room. Jasmine's done some pretty bad things, Em. This outburst is just the tip of the iceberg."

I frowned, a thought suddenly occurring to me. "How did she know about my wolf? About Eartha being... gone?" The last time Jasmine and I had faced off, Eartha had been very much present, nearly taking a chunk out of Jasmine's wolf. Leo opened his mouth to respond, but Luca cut him off.

"Maybe we should discuss this later," he said gently. "When we're home and can talk privately. For now, let's focus on celebrating your mom's big day, yeah?"

I hesitated for a moment before nodding. He was right - this wasn't the time or place for such a heavy conversation. I pushed the worries to the back of my mind, determined to enjoy what was left of the wedding.

As if on cue, I spotted Mom and Alpha Christ on the dance floor. They were swaying together, lost in their own little world. The love between them was almost palpable, warming me from the inside out. This was what she deserved - happiness, security, love.

"May I have this dance?" Leo's voice pulled me from my thoughts. He stood before me, hand extended, a playful smile on his lips.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. "Oh, um, I don't really dance," I stammered. "Especially not with three partners."

The triplets laughed, the sound rich and warm. "It's easy," Logan assured me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just follow our lead."

Before I could protest further, I found myself being tugged onto the dance floor. The triplets surrounded me, moving with a grace that made me feel like a newborn fawn in comparison.

"Relax," Luca murmured, his hand warm on my waist. "Just feel the music."

I took a deep breath, trying to let go of my self-consciousness. As the music swelled, I found myself being passed between the triplets, twirling and swaying. They moved around me in perfect synchronization, like planets orbiting a sun.

Despite my initial awkwardness, I couldn't help but laugh as Logan dramatically dipped me, or when Luca attempted a fancy spin that nearly sent us both tumbling. Even Leo, usually so serious, was grinning as he guided me through the steps. "See?" Leo said as he pulled me close. "You're a natural."

I snorted, even as I felt a flutter in my stomach at his proximity. "I think you're just really good at leading."

"That's because I have an excellent partner," he replied smoothly, making me roll my eyes even as I felt my cheeks warm.

As we continued to dance, I felt the last of the tension from Jasmine's outburst melt away. Here, surrounded by the triplets, I felt safe. Protected. Maybe even a little bit loved.

The song changed to something slower, more intimate. I found myself sandwiched between Leo and Logan, with Luca at my side. We swayed together, our bodies moving as one. "You look beautiful tonight, Em," Logan murmured, his lips brushing my ear.

"He's right," Luca agreed. "That dress is something else."

I glanced down at the bridesmaid dress Mom had chosen for me. It was a soft lavender color, with delicate lace sleeves and a flowing skirt that swished around my legs as we moved. "Thanks," I said softly. "You guys clean up pretty well yourselves."

Leo chuckled, the sound reverberating through his chest. "Was that actually a compliment, little witch? I'm shocked."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't keep the smile off my face. "Don't let it go to your head, wolf boy."

As we danced, I caught glimpses of other couples on the floor. Arya was twirling with a handsome wolf I didn't recognize, her face flushed with laughter. Joe was doing some kind of energetic jig with one of the pack elders, looking years younger than her usual stern self.

And there, in the center of it all, were Mom and Alpha Christ. They moved together like they'd been dancing for a lifetime, so in sync it was almost magical. As I watched, Chris leaned down to whisper something in Mom's ear, making her throw her head back in laughter.

"They look happy," I murmured, more to myself than to the triplets.

"They are," Leo said, his voice soft. "Dad's been alone for a long time. Your mom... she brings out a side of him we haven't seen in years."

I felt a lump form in my throat. "I'm glad," I said. "Mom deserves to be happy."

"So do you, Em," Luca said, squeezing my hand gently.

I looked up at him, then at Leo and Logan. Their faces were open, earnest. For once, there was no trace of the arrogance or teasing that usually colored our interactions.

"I..." I started, not sure how to respond. But before I could figure it out, the music changed again, this time to something fast and upbeat.

"Oh, I love this song!" Luca exclaimed, his face lighting up. "Come on, Em, let's show these wolves how it's done!"

And just like that, we were off again, laughing and twirling across the dance floor. I let myself get lost in the music, in the warm press of bodies around me, in the joy of the moment.

As the night wore on, I found myself actually enjoying the reception. There was cake (delicious), speeches (embarrassing but heartfelt), and more dancing than I'd done in my entire life. By the time the last song played, my feet were aching and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

"Ready to head home?" Leo asked as we made our way off the dance floor.

I nodded, stifling a yawn. "Yeah, I'm exhausted."

We said our goodbyes to Mom and Alpha Christ, who were preparing to leave for their honeymoon. Alpha Christ would be visiting several packs around the neighborhood with his new Luna. A Rolls-Royce festooned with 'Just Married' signs and trailing cans was waiting for them.

Mom pulled me into a tight hug, her eyes shining with happy tears.

"I love you so much, sweetie," she whispered. "Thank you for everything."

I hugged her back just as fiercely. "I love you too, Mom. I'm so happy for you. Happy honeymoon."