Fated To Not Just One, But Three

Chapter 8: Eighteenth Birthday

Chapter 8: Eighteenth Birthday

Two days later.

Olivia's POV

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Olivia... happy birthday to you."

My mother's soft singing pulled me from my sleep. Slowly, I forced my heavy eyelids open, meeting her warm gaze as she sat beside me on the bed. A bright smile lit up her face as she held a tiny cupcake with a single candle on top.

A matching smile spread across my face as I sat up.

"Happy eighteenth birthday, my love," she said cheerfully. "Now, make a wish and blow out the candle."

Sucking in a deep breath, I hesitated. It wasn't that I didn't know what to wish for—I had too many wishes. I wished for my father's release, for him to be proven innocent because I knew in my heart he was. I wished for our old life to be restored, for the respect we had lost to return. And maybe, just maybe, I wished to find a mate who would love me.

So many wishes, but in the end, I summed them up into one.

Closing my eyes, I whispered, "I wish to be happy again," before blowing out the candle.

When I opened my eyes, my mother's warm smile remained.

Are you ready for the mating ceremony?" she asked.

I hesitated. The mating ceremony was a tradition for every wolf who turned eighteen. It was a grand event where one's wolf would emerge, and if their mate was present and of age, they would find each other.

But there would be no ceremony for me.

The only mating ceremony happening today was Anita's. She was convinced that at least one of the triplets—Levi, Louis, or Lennox—would turn out to be her mate.

"Mother, I don't feel like going. Besides, the ceremony is for Anita," I murmured.

She sighed and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Just attend, darling. Who knows? You might meet your mate."

I scoffed. "A mate who will probably reject me? Or worse, an omega like me?"

Mom offered me a reassuring smile. "The Moon Goddess has something planned for you. Just trust in her."

in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead before standing. "Get dressed and meet me in the kitchen.

had fantasized about this day—how I would get my wolf, how a ceremony would be held for me. For once, I used to have the silly thought of being mated to one of the triplets. I adored them so much,

made my bed. After a quick shower, I pulled out the dress my mother

tied my black hair into a ponytail and studied my reflection in the cracked mirror

okay to

I slipped on my sandals and headed for the main

everyone was. Today was

preparing food, and ensuring everything was perfect for Anita's big day. The scent of fresh flowers and baked goods filled the air, but instead of making

acknowledged that today

I

in concentration. She looked up as she sensed my presence

beautiful, my love," she said, wiping her hands on her apron before reaching out to cup my

forced a small smile. "Thank you,

me for a moment before sighing. "I know this isn't how you imagined your eighteenth birthday, but don't let it ruin your day. Who knows what fate has in store

Fate.

our lives fell apart. The only thing that excites me today is that I will get my wolf tonight. My better half will be given to

of answering, I grabbed an apron and began helping her prepare the pastries for the ceremony. As much as I hated being here, I didn't want to leave

aside the bitter feelings stirring inside me, the kitchen door swung open. A young maid stepped inside, her eyes scanning the

wants to see you in her

sighed and gave me a small nod.

my hands on my apron, I removed it and walked out of the kitchen, making my way toward Anita's room. The closer I got, the louder the excitement in the air became. The halls were filled with pack members chatting about the upcoming ceremony, and though no one spared me a glance, I could feel the weight of their judgment like a

I took a deep breath

her voice rang

inside, and my eyes immediately spotted what was displayed

items: an exquisite red beaded gown, a pair of elegant heels made with crystals, and a velvet-lined box filled with dazzling jewelry. The sight of them alone was overwhelming, but what made it worse was Anita

grandly toward the lavish gifts. "Aren't they beautiful? Each piece was personally picked out

me this," she said, her fingers trailing over the delicate beading. "He said

curling in amusement. "And these? Louis picked them out. He has such good taste, don't you think? He said they were meant for someone who would

remained silent, my

She knew.

I had

rubbing it in

the jewelry box, opening it to reveal

she purred, lifting the necklace, "is from Lennox. He