Mathilda
Roughly two hours later, someone gasps, and there are puzzled looks from the entourage as I place one frightened foot after the other, taking slow unsteady strides.
I am wearing Genova's trumpet wedding dress. Something which brings back memories of the day I had gone out with her to try wedding dresses, and Archibald tagged alongside us. He took shots of her in this exact dress when we gushed about how well it suited her. And she decided to take it, with a full-blown smile on her face.
Anyone who had seen her on that day would think she was clearly excited and so much in love. Unaware it was all a facade.
Despite all that is going on, I cannot help but feel shocked that the dress fits me as though it was specially made for me.
It's sleeveless, tight-fitting from my chest to my mid-thigh, down below my hip, showing the outline and curves of my body, then it flares outward to the hem of the dress.
My hair is braided and pinned into a bun on top of my head. And I am too worried to think about my make-up because several whispers are going around.
"Isn't that the bride's sister?"
"Why is she dressed as the bride instead of her elder sister whom we all know is the Alpha's bride?"
"Did Alpha Cahill change his mind overnight?"
I am glued to a spot because I cannot go any further. Everyone knows I am not the bride. It's Genova who is supposed to be here and not me.
People don't even bother to hide the horror on their faces.
"Take a look at the face of the young lass, it looks like she's forced into doing this."
"Where is her sister?"
"Something doesn't seem right,"
Then there are grunts of agreement.
I still haven't summoned up the courage to look at the man who's waiting for me with his beta beside him.
Instead, I shift my gaze towards the pack elders, with the looks on their faces giving out that they do know already.
I cannot do this, I already have my own life to live, someone else that I love, someone I see a future with.
Brandon Miller, the handsome twenty-year-old engineering student who I found out was my mate to since ninth grade. He's from the Hallow pack.
He's supposed to be here today, thankfully he went with his family to bury his grandfather. Otherwise, things would've leaped from bad to worse because he'd have done everything in his power to stop this.
But Alpha Cahill is powerful, while Brandon is just a mere werewolf from another pack. Alpha Cahill can order his execution or kill him within seconds, and that's the last thing I will be able to bear.
My heart drops in my chest when images of Brandon's lopsided grin flashes through my mind, and my lips part as sharp breaths flow out. He's always talked about getting a job after graduation and coming to marry me right away since we're already mates.
Too bad all of that beautiful dream is turning into a nightmare for me. All hopes of getting married to him has been shattered when Genova decided to run away on her wedding day.
Mom who is standing in the front row of seats shoots me a look, her eyes brimmed with tears as she wordlessly begs me not to leave.
Damon, being the family's head, steps forward and grabs my arm gently yet firmly. He looks like someone who just had a shit in his pants and still manages to throw smiles at everyone staring. When he sees that their faces aren't being cooperative, he drops the act and then leans closer to my ear.
"Do this for our family, for mother," he begs.
Gulping down the sobs that are threatening to tear themselves out of my throat, I nod.
He presses a kiss to the side of my head, then starts leading me towards where Alpha Cahill is waiting for me.
The whispers suddenly die down when At Last by Etta James starts playing in the background as Damon starts leading me towards Alpha Cahill.
And I cannot help feeling cheated by this cruel fate that has befallen me because it's Brandon, my mate that I should be marrying and not my sister's supposed husband.
My knees wobble when Damon hands me over to Alpha Cahill, and I thought I'd faint when I finally let my eyes meet him.
I felt numb all through, as we exchanged lies as vows, then rings.
And when the elder asks if there's anyone who wants to oppose the marriage, I look forward at the entrance of the courtyard, silently praying Brandon shows up, or even Genova to put an end to all of this. I am sure Alpha Cahill will forgive her because of his love for her.
Somehow I know it's impossible.
"You may kiss the bride, and the Luna of the Blackwood Pack," the elder says, and I make sure I hold captive my inhale and press my lips tightly together as Alpha Cahill leans forward.
Thankfully he doesn't kiss me, our noses are touching and his hot minty breath is fanning directly into my face.
I can tell that he did this because he doesn't want to betray Genova even though she's hurt him.
The crowd bursts into cheers, adding a stamp to the fact that I am married to Alpha Cahill, and now the Luna of the Blackwood Pack. And I'll have to break the news to Brandon and reject him.
Alpha Cahill takes a step back and then holds my hand in his as he forces out a smile that doesn't reach his eyes.
My heart shatters into a thousand pieces because my life is a mess now. I just got married to save my family, when I already have a mate.
"I am so sorry, Brandon," I whisper.