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."

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

she left, I remained on the bed, staring at the ceiling of my room. Years ago, I had fantasized about this day—how I would get my wolf, how a ceremony would be held for me. For once, I used

out of bed, murmured a short prayer, and made my bed. After a quick shower, I pulled out the dress my mother had bought for me. It wasn't luxurious, but it was a gift from her, and

into a ponytail and

okay to look

bit of lipstick, I slipped on my sandals

Today was Anita's birthday—she might turn

perfect for Anita's big day. The scent of fresh flowers and baked goods

even acknowledged that

as I walked toward the kitchen, where I knew my mother

inside, I found her kneading dough, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration. She looked up as she sensed

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

a small smile. "Thank

before sighing. "I know this isn't how you imagined your eighteenth birthday, but don't let it ruin your day. Who

Fate.

the day our lives fell apart. The only thing that excites me today is that I

the ceremony. As much as I hated being here, I didn't

bitter feelings stirring inside me, the kitchen door swung open. A young

called, hesitating slightly before stepping closer. "Anita wants to see you in her room. She said

only sighed and gave me a small

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

I took

in," her voice

inside, and my eyes immediately spotted what

box filled with dazzling jewelry. The sight of them alone was overwhelming, but what made it worse was

here," she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. She gestured grandly toward the lavish gifts. "Aren't they beautiful? Each piece was

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

picked them out. He has such good taste, don't you think? He said they were meant for someone who would be standing beside

silent, my

She knew.

how much I had once admired the

she was rubbing

opening it

lifting the necklace, "is from Lennox. He said a Luna should only