#12 The Triplets of Emerald Forest

Harlow

So, now I find out that Clementine has been secretly planning my wedding behind my back. Honestly, it was the best news ever because it meant I didn’t have to answer any more event planning questions. We would just knock out two birds with one stone tonight at the Luna ceremony/wedding of the century. I was so excited to get this day over with. I know that sounds terrible, but I hated being the center of attention and I was a complete and utter mess.

“Relax, Harlie, you’re going to sweat right through your makeup.” Kori laughed as she steadied my shoulders.

I was sitting at the vanity table in my room while Kori did my makeup. She was brushing on soft gold eyeshadow and dark, winged eyeliner. She plucked my eyebrows and glued on some bushy fake eyelashes that made me wince everytime I blinked. She painted my lips a light pink that complimented the champagne shade of the gown. I was pink enough of my own that I didn’t need any blush.

Up next was my hair which was Matti’s responsibility. She curled my thick locks into loose waves before pulling the front of my hair back to create an elegant braid crown. She fluffed up my hair and made sure it fell correctly over my shoulders before allowing me to stand up.

Annie and Nova helped me into the gown, making sure not to get any makeup or hairspray on the thin, delicate fabric. Before they allowed me to see myself in the mirror, they forced me to sit so Sammy could put on my heels. Thankfully, the one thing I got from being a pole dancer was the ability to do just about anything in stiletto heels. Which was great, considering Sammy picked out 10 inch strappy heels that sparkled like the gold tulle of the dress.

Sammy helped me to stand and move to the mirror in front of my closet. I gasped as I looked at myself. I felt angelic and regal, two things I never ever thought I would be.

“When Mom hands over her title to you, she’ll crown you with a small golden crown. It’ll sit into your braid perfectly.” Nova explained, motioning towards the top of my head.

“There’s an actual crown?” I gasped.

“It’s only used for the Luna and Alpha ceremonies.” Nova shrugged.

“Mommy!” Canyon came running into the room then. I laughed and knelt down to catch him up in my arms.

“You’re so handsome.” I gushed over his tiny tuxedo, “Look at you two!” I gasped as Maggie and Tulley entered.

They were both wearing flowy lilac colored gowns. Maggie ran up to me for a hug,

“You’re gorgeous, mommy!” She gushed.

“You really do look beautiful, Harlie.” Tulley smiled, offering me a hug from the side.

“Godric, Griffin, and Gabe are the luckiest men in the world to get all four of us, aren’t they?” I teased and Tulley grinned.

“That’s for sure.”

“Wow.” Waylon’s voice came up from behind us. I saw his face in the reflection and laughed as his eyes bugged out of his head, “Forgive me Kori, but our Luna is absolutely stunning.” He said,

“You’re forgiven, this one time.” Kori teased her mate.

“Are you ready? Lukas is waiting for you at the bottom of the elevator and they’re all set up outside.” Waylon reported.

“Ready.” I nodded, determined to be the Luna this pack deserved and the mate its Alphas deserved.

Annie, Kori, Sammy, and Matti all gave me quick hugs before scurrying out to find their seats. Nova snatched up the kids and escorted them out of the packhouse. They would all be sitting in the front two rows of the audience. Ambrose, Callie, and Cambridge, as the Betas, would be standing up with their Alphas and Waylon would stand beside me as the Gamma. The Alphas would be center stage with Clementine off to the side waiting for her part.

Waylon helped me down the elevator and then took off across the packgrounds to take his position. Lukas smiled at me kindly before offering me his elbow,

“Our pack and my sons are truly lucky to have such a beautiful Luna and mate, both inside and out.” He whispered in my ear.

“Thank you so much, Lukas.”

“I want you to know, Harlie, that Clem and I see you as our daughter even before this ceremony or the wedding. We know you haven’t had the opportunity to have parents in your life and we’d be honored to step up to that role for you, with whatever you need. We love you, sweetheart.” He kissed my cheek and I felt myself blush.

“Thanks….Dad.” I whispered and his face lit up. He pats my hand which gripped his elbow for dear life.

“And you’ve already given me three grandkids so I can’t complain about that!” He chuckled and I smirked,

“I’m happy that you and Clementine have accepted them as your grandkids, too.” I confessed.

I was a little worried about the entire situation when I heard what the girls said about the rarity of werewolf adoptions.

“Are you kidding? We love them already and you brought them to us.” Lukas smiled at me reassuringly.

There was a golf cart waiting for us outside of the packhouse. I was so grateful that I didn’t have to walk across the packgrounds in these heels. I sure could do a lot in them, but walking that far would put even my calves to the test.

We walked through his home and towards the back. There were two men in black tuxedos standing on either side of the french doors that led off the back porch and towards the clearing where the ceremony would take place. Apparently, my purple satin aisle started there.

“You ready?” He asked and I nodded,

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“You’ll be perfect. Just relax and walk towards your mates.” When he said it like that all my nerves washed away.

At Lukas’ nod, they pushed open the doors and the orchestra began to play the tune that signaled my arrival. I gripped Lukas’ arms tighter as he helped me down the steps of his home. I stumbled the first few feet of the aisle until we came into view of the stage. The second my eyes landed on my three mates, my confidence grew and I began walking with a purpose. Lukas chuckled as I tried to pull him down the aisle.

Before I could reach the end, I heard Canyon yelling for me and struggling to break free from Tulley’s grip.

“Mommy!” He cried out.

I laughed and stopped at the front row, releasing Lukas’ arm to hold my hand out towards Canyon. He ran towards me and buried his face in my dress.

“Canyon, I have to go up there and make us all a family, okay?” I whispered to him.

“You mean up with daddies?” He said and I gasped, looking up at the three grown men who were now balling on stage. This was the first time Canyon had called them dad.

“Yes, baby, with daddies.”

“Okay.” He smiled, letting me go and jumping back on Tulley’s lap.

I winked at her and Maggie before continuing towards the stage with Lukas.When we finally reached the end, he handed me off to Waylon who helped me climb the three stubby steps to the stage. My mates winked at me, looking me up and down with a lustful and hungry expression.

“Emerald Forest pack, we are here today to welcome our new Luna. Before we get to that, the Alphas have an announcement to make.” The elder said, gesturing towards my mates.

Gabriel stepped forward and cleared his throat,

“Last night, your soon-to-be Luna made us even happier by agreeing to marry us. So, before the ceremony, we will be having a short wedding ceremony to truly unite the four of us in the eyes of the werewolf and the human world.”

The crowd cheered before settling down once the elder stepped forward. I guess he could perform a wedding ceremony, too. Who knew?

“Short and sweet, angel.” Griffin promised me with a wink as I stood to face all three of them.

This morning, my engagement ring had been separated into four separate bands that hosted the sapphire, ruby, emerald, and diamond. The diamond ring remained on my finger while the other three bands were given to the mate they represented to be put back on during our vows. I also had three black bands that each had a different gem engraved in the center.

I took Gabriel’s hands first.

“Harlow Nyx, do you take Gabriel Emerald as your husband? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for eternity?”

“I do.” I smiled, looking deep into Gabriel’s eyes.

I slipped the black band with the small emerald encrusted into the center onto his finger.

“Gabriel Emerald, do you take Harlow Nyx as your wife? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for eternity?”

“I absolutely do.” Gabriel said in a hoarse voice.

He pushed the silver band with the emerald onto my finger. Next, I stepped to the side and took Griffin’s hands.

“Harlow Nyx, do you take Griffin Emerald as your husband? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for eternity?”

“I do.” I whispered as my gaze locked with his.

I slipped the black band with the small sapphire encrusted into the center onto his finger.

“Griffin Emerald, do you take Harlow Nyx as your wife? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for eternity?”

“I most certainly do.” Griffin winked at me.

He pushed the silver band with the sapphire onto my finger. Lastly, I shifted to stand in front of Godric and took his hands in mine.

“Harlow Nyx, do you take Godric Emerald as your husband? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for eternity?”

“I do.” I choked out, my throat becoming thick with emotion as I settled on his face.

I slipped the black band with the small ruby encrusted into the center onto his finger.

“Godric Emerald, do you take Harlow Nyx as your wife? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for eternity?”

“I do.” Godric’s voice was low and husky, his eyes swimming with unshed tears.

He pushed the silver band with the ruby onto my finger.

“With the power entrusted to me by the Emerald Forest pack and the state of Virginia, I now pronounce you all husband and wife. You may seal your love with a kiss.”

Godric leaned forward and placed a steamy kiss on my lips, wrapping his arm around my waist and dipping me back. I laughed and clung to his neck. When he released me, Gabriel took his place and covered my mouth with his. He moved passionately against me, his hands rubbing up and down my back. Griffin cleared his throat and then Gabriel moved into his arms. Griffin’s lips were soft and sure against mine.

“And now for our Luna ceremony.” The elder said.

We all separated from each other and I stood off to the side while the Alphas addressed their pack.

“I, Alpha Gabriel Emerald, have accepted Harlow Emerald,” He winked at me when he said my new last name and I fawned over it shamelessly, “as my mate and your Luna.”

“I, Alpha Godric Emerald, have accepted Harlow Emerald as my mate and your Luna.”

“I, Alpha Griffin Emerald, have accepted Harlow Emerald as my mate and your Luna.”

“Emerald Forest pack, your Alphas have accepted Mrs. Harlow Emerald as their mate and as your Luna. Will you accept her as your Luna?” The elder addressed the pack.

They all stood, placed their fists over their hearts, and hit their knees.

“Long Live Luna Harlow Emerald!” They chorused.

I felt myself becoming emotional. I didn’t think this would hit me so hard, but it did. I felt the hot tears falling down my face.

“Harlow Emerald, do you swear to honor, protect, and love this pack to the best of your ability for the rest of your life?” The elder asked, turning towards me.

“I do.” I nodded, forcing my voice to come out strong and stern.

“Do you promise to be the mother to not only the heirs of the pack but also the entire pack, to the best of your ability?”

“I do.” I said again.

“Alphas, please add your blood to the chalice.” He handed Gabriel a golden chalice and a dagger.

They each took turns slicing the knife across their palms and squeezing a few droplets of blood into the cup. Griffin handed the dagger and chalice back to the elder.

“Would you please add your blood to the chalice?” He asked me, handing the chalice and dagger to me.

I nodded and took both, gulping as I looked at the dagger. Godric cleared his throat,

“Elder, may I have your permission to assist the Luna with cutting her hand?” The elder nodded.

Godric stepped up to me and took the dagger. He held my hand lightly and pricked the palm of my hand with the knife ever so gently. He held my hand over the chalice and gave it a little squeeze so two droplets of blood mixed in with theirs. He then kissed my hand and carefully set it at my side, giving me a wink.

“Harlow Emerald, please drink.” The elder instructed and I looked down at the cup, a bit disgusted.

“You only need to take a little sip, love.” Gabriel whispered to me.

I nodded and held my breath so I wouldn’t smell the blood. I took a little sip, resisted the urge to scrunch up my nose, and then handed the chalice back to the elder. The Alphas each took a sip and then the elder opened his arms wide.

“Emerald Forest, I present to you, your Luna: Luna Harlow Emerald!”

The pack stood up and started to cheer. I gasped as their cheers were suddenly coming from both the rows of chairs and inside my head. I stumbled backwards, holding my head. I felt the familiar sparks as the brothers wrapped their arms around me.

“Just relax, angel, it’ll get better soon.” Griffin whispered in my ear.

“Just focus on us.” Godric suggested.

I closed my eyes and focused on the feeling of their hands on my skin and their voices in my head. Finally, I was able to push out the other voices and only heard my mates.

“I love you, angel.” Said Griffin’s voice.

“I love you, precious.” Repeated Godric.

“I love you, little mate.” Purred Gabriel.

“I love you, all three of you, forever.” I was able to finally reply back.

I laughed as they all jumped at the sound of my voice in their heads. They grinned at me and I was surrounded by arms and lips and bodies until all I could see or feel was pleasure.

“We have one last announcement that all of you have probably guessed already. Maggie, Tulley, Canyon, would you please join us on stage.” Gabriel said, motioning towards the kids.

They hurried towards us. Canyon jumped into my arms and Maggie held onto Griffin’s leg. Tulley smiled and stood bravely beside Gabriel.

“Warrior Jackson and his mate, Helen Meadow, perished in one of the rogue’s attacks, leaving their three children as orphans. Our lovely Luna brought these children into our home to care for them and, well, we all just fell in love with each other. We’ve asked Maggie, Canyon, and Tulley to be a part of our family and they’ve said yes.” Gabriel proudly announced his adoptive children to the pack.

The pack cheered and gladly accepted our adoption, something that filled my heart with such joy.

“Can I say something?” I whispered and Gabriel motioned me forward,

“Of course, my love.”

“I just wanted to thank you all for welcoming me with your whole hearts and accepting me so willingly, despite how different I am from you. Something you don’t know about me is that I was orphaned when I was a young girl and I never got adopted, I grew up in foster homes. So, the fact that I can give these three amazing children a safe and loving home, means so much to me. To have such accepting partners who have whole heartily accepted these children as their own and to be a part of a pack that has taken it all in stride, means more to me than any of you will ever know.” I quickly wiped away fresh tears and smiled at my pack. My pack.

“Beautifully said, my little Luna.” Gabriel purred in my ear, wrapping his arm around my waist and tugging me against his chest.

“Time to party!” I heard Griffin cheer towards the crowd and then I was swept up into his arms and was being carried off towards the packhouse.