And somehow, despite everything, I believe him. Believe in them. In us.
23
RUBY
The SUV pulls up in front of the Marriage Registry Office, its imposing stone facade dusted with fresh snow. Warm light spills from a few windows despite the late hour, making the snowflakes dance like falling stars. My stomach does a nervous flip when I realize this isn’t the route to my house.
“What are we doing here?”
Knox’s blue eyes catch mine in the mirror, a hint of mischief in them.
Dominic takes my hand in his. “Called in a favor while we were dropping off Marcus.” He winks, and my insides do that melty thing that I’m still mad about. “If you agree, we want to marry you this evening. Get the paperwork filed immediately since you only have three days. My lawyer’s meeting us with the will documentation, too.”
“We aren’t taking any chances,” Garrett says, his hand warm on my thigh.
That touch sends heat spiraling through me, and I shift in my seat, earning devious looks from all three Alphas. Damn them.
“But... how does this even work?” I gesture between the four of us, trying to ignore how good they smell, how right it feels to be surrounded by them. “I mean, legally?”
Knox turns in his seat, those ice-blue eyes dancing. “There are special provisions in Alpha-Omega law for multiple marriages. Specific circumstances where up to five Alphas can marry a single Omega.”
“Like what?” I ask, genuinely curious despite myself.
“Scent compatibility is the big one,” Garrett explains, his thumb making distracting circles on my thigh. “When multiple Alphas experience an irreversible scent match with the same Omega, it’s considered a biological imperative.”
“Plus, business entanglements,” Dominic adds. “When multiple Alphas’ businesses are interconnected with an Omega’s establishment. The law recognizes the practical need for legal protection of all parties.”
“Our lawyer helped establish our case,” Knox continues. “None of us could bear the thought of only one getting to call you wife.” His voice drops lower, making me shiver with excitement. “We all want our mark on you, our name with yours.”
I’m blushing furiously, but remind them, “You three still have a lot of making up to do.”
They’re all watching me with such intensity, my skin tingles.
“You’re gorgeous when you smile,” Garrett murmurs, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Yeah, well, I’m still angry at you three,” I say, trying to sound stern.
“And you should be,” Knox admits, looking appropriately contrite.
“But maybe for today only, give us leniency if we’re going to marry,” Dominic suggests.
I burst out laughing, the sound filling the car with warmth. They join me, knowing it’s crazy, yet I love the idea.
My heart’s racing as I look at these three incredible men who’ve turned my world upside down. I’m still mad, still hurt, but watching the snow fall around us, feeling their love and protection wrap around me like a blanket, I can’t help but think that sometimes the craziest decisions are the right ones.
“Well?” Garrett prompts softly. “Ready to become Mrs. Reynolds-Anderson-Chase?”
“That’s quite a mouthful,” I tease, but my voice catches as three pairs of eyes fix on me with such heated intensity, I forget how to breathe.
“Just the beginning of what we’ll give you,” Knox purrs, and suddenly, the car feels very, very warm.
Right. Wedding first. Then, I can figure out how to stay mad at them while also knowing my heat is bubbling just below the surface. Being an Omega is complicated.
My heart thunders as I stand just outside the doors of the Bridal Ceremony hall, barely able to believe this is happening. An hour ago, Lily and Hannah had swept in like whirlwinds with Ash in tow, armed with a dress, makeup, and determined expressions.
The dress they brought is perfect—a pearlescent white silk that flows like water, hugging my curves before falling in a gentle sweep to my knees. Delicate beading catches the light across the straight neckline and cap sleeves. My hair is swept up in a twist, courtesy of Lily’s skilled hands, with soft tendrils framing my face. The overall effect is bridal without being overtly a wedding dress.
“Ready?” Lily squeezes my hand, her eyes bright with happy tears. “You look so beautiful.”