Chapter 23
23
RUBY
T he 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.”
I take a deep breath, my eyes already stinging. “I can’t believe I’m getting married. Hours ago, I was escaping through a window.”
Hannah laughs softly. “And now you’re marrying three of the hottest Alphas in town. Life’s funny that way.”
My stomach is swarming with butterflies.
The doors open, and my breath catches. The room feels surreal in the evening light, snow falling softly outside tall windows. My Alphas... dear God. They’re standing at the front in borrowed registry suits, and the sight of them steals what’s left of my composure.
Knox’s ice-blue eyes lock onto mine, his normally casual demeanor transformed into something powerful in the black suit. Garrett’s gentle smile has an edge of possession that has me grinning at his wickedness. And Dominic... the dangerous grace I’ve always sensed in him is on full display, dark eyes burning as they track my every move.
My feet carry me forward. Here I was worried about telling them how I felt about each of them, and the whole time, they had intended to share me. I shouldn’t be thinking about how this will work in the bedroom—I’m still mad at them. But with studying them watching me, it’s hard to hold on to that anger. Especially when I know why we’re rushing this ceremony.
It’s to help me with the will.
The lawyer’s addition to the marriage contract sealed it for me—if we split, I keep my bar completely and get half of their combined assets, while they can’t touch what’s mine. It wasn’t about money for them. It was never about anything but me.
When I reach them, they arrange themselves around me—Garrett and Knox on either side of me, Dominic creating a protective semicircle by standing behind me. Their scents wrap around me like a shield, making me feel safer than I ever have.
“Dearly beloved,” the officiant begins, but I barely hear the words. I’m too caught up in the intensity radiating from my Alphas, the way they keep touching me—Garrett’s hand on my lower back, Knox’s fingers brushing my shoulder, Dominic’s breath warm against my neck.
A tear escapes, and Knox catches it with his thumb. They hold me closer, and I know with absolute certainty that I’ll never forget this moment. As magical and rushed as it is, it’s perfect in its own way.
The officiant’s voice breaks through my haze.
“Do you, Ruby Winters, take these three Alphas as your lawfully wedded husbands?”
“I do,” I manage, despite my cracking voice filled with emotion.
Their individual I dos purr through me.
We sign the papers—me first, then my Alphas, then our friends as witnesses. The lawyer adds his official seal, making everything legal and binding. And just like that, I’m married. To three men. Who are now kissing me one by one—Garrett soft and sweet, Knox passionate and claiming, Dominic deep and possessive. And I kept my bar…
My fingers drift to the snowflake pendant at my throat, and I send a silent thank you to Aunt Eve. I’d cursed that crazy marriage clause in her will, hating how it tried to control my life, but without it, I might never have found my three heroes. Maybe she knew something I didn’t all along.
“Tomorrow, we’re getting you proper rings,” Dominic murmurs against my temple.
“We’re doing everything backward,” I laugh through my tears.
“Been backward since the start,” Knox grins. “Why change now?”
Our friends surround us with hugs and congratulations. Lily and Hannah are both crying, too, squeezing me tight and declaring it was meant to be.
Ash pulls me into a bear hug. “About damn time. Though I gotta ask… taking time off for a honeymoon?”
I shake my head, still dazed. “This is so sudden... I just want to focus on now.” I hug him back, so blessed by the friends I have around me.
Before long, the celebration moves to Lily and Hannah’s bakery, transformed into an intimate reception space with short notice. Soft music plays while fairy lights twinkle overhead. They’ve somehow produced a gorgeous three-tiered cake decorated with fresh flowers and silver ribbons.
“I can’t believe I have three husbands,” I say for probably the hundredth time, making everyone laugh as we gather around the cake.
“So... sleeping arrangements?” Lily wiggles her eyebrows. “Because, honey, I’ve seen your bed. Not exactly built for four.”
“Lily!” I feel my face flame, suddenly very aware that I haven’t actually thought about the logistics.
“Don’t worry, we have it covered,” Dominic says with a smirk that leaves me simultaneously nervous and excited.
“We do?” I ask, earning chuckles from all three of them.
Garrett pulls me close, his lips brushing my ear. “Angel, you’re not spending our wedding night alone. Especially not this close to your heat.”
I try to hide my blush as everyone pretends they didn’t hear that very personal observation, but it’s impossible when my Alphas are looking at me like they want to devour me whole.
“Anyway,” I say loudly, making everyone smirk. Garrett just hugs me tighter, dropping a kiss on my head.
The party is perfect, filled with laughter and so much love, I’m about to burst. By the time we’re ready to leave, I’m floating on a cloud of happiness and cake. Then it hits me—a wave of heat so intense, my knees nearly buckle. I fall into Knox’s arms, and he’s got me in his arms instantly. Slick floods my panties, and my core clenches with sudden, desperate need.
Oh fuck. My heat’s here, and it’s hit like a freight train.
All three Alphas freeze, their nostrils flaring as they catch my scent. Their eyes darken with synchronized hunger that makes me whimper.
“My place,” Dominic says, his voice a low growl. “I definitely have the biggest bed.”
“Always bragging about size, aren’t you? We’ll see!” Knox smirks. But the heated looks all three Alphas give me suggest Knox isn’t just teasing about the bed dimensions.
Knox leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. “Ready to be fucked by three Alphas, pretty girl?”
The possessive promise in his voice has me shuddering. This night is about to get very, very interesting.