Chapter 11: The Wedding Night

Harper’s POV



Today has been weird. I told myself I didn’t care about the wedding or getting married to Asher, but my stomach has been in knots since I walked down the aisle and saw him standing there with a big smile on his face. Maybe my body is trying to tell me I’m secretly enjoying the idea of being married.

Amaris hasn’t stopped gushing about how amazing Asher and I look together as a married couple. She has been taking hundreds of pictures of us since we said, ‘I do’. I haven’t had a chance to stop and talk to Asher about everything going on because the reception began straight away. We haven’t had a minute to ourselves.

Members of the pack have been giving us their congratulations and well wishes for our marriage since the end of the ceremony. It’s an odd feeling being the center of attention by a group of people I barely know. But it’s also nice to feel appreciated and cared for by someone who knows nothing about you or your past. I’ve been accepted by this pack after a short period of time and it warms my heart.

Asher and I are sitting at the bridal party table at the back of the tent. There are people dancing together on the dance floor, sitting at the tables eating, having a drink and there’s even a section for the children to play together. The sight is amazing, and I smile without realizing.

Julius and Dean, however, couldn’t make it any more obvious they aren’t happy about this wedding as they sit alone at a table, sulking. I don’t want to assume anything, but they might be keeping their distance from others so they can make a plan on how to take me down. It’s clear I’m not wanted here by them.

Asher places his hand on my thigh and leans into my ear.

“Are you okay?” He whispers.

I smile, and nod, “I’m okay. I’m just keeping an eye on your uncles.”

Asher leans away and looks towards them, “They’re acting suspicious.”

At least it’s not just me who thinks that way.

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” I say, “I know they don’t approve of me, but I doubt them being quiet proves they’re doing anything bad.”

Asher nods his head in agreement, “Let’s enjoy the rest of the night. You’re having fun, right?”

I smile, “As long as you’re having fun, then I am, too.”

Asher removes his hand from my thigh when Julius and Dean make their way to the table. They must’ve seen us looking at them.

“Congratulations to the happy couple,” Julius smiles, although I’m sure the compliment isn’t genuine.

Asher is stiff next to me.

“Thanks.” Asher is blunt with Julius.

The tension between the two is almost suffocating. It’s clear there is a lot of history there, but I’m starting to think there’s more to it than Julius being controlling of Asher.

“Thank you for coming,” I break the silence, “I hope you’re enjoying the evening.”

Dean chimes in, “Not as much as you and Asher will be enjoying the night.”

I’m confused by what he’s saying until it clicks in my mind. He’s talking about Asher and I marking each other.

“Oh yeah, right,” I stumble over my words, “That should be a lot of fun.”

I always struggle for words whenever Julius and Dean are around. They make me nervous because I know they are more than capable of wreaking havoc and getting away with it. I need to appear confident in front of them; I can’t look weak.

Asher and Julius are still staring at each other. I grab Asher’s hand and interlock it with mine, giving it a small squeeze. He breaks eye contact with Julius to look at me.

“Maybe we should retire for the night,” I smile.

The crowd is getting rowdy as more alcoholic beverages are consumed. Maybe now is the perfect time to slip away so no one continues to mention Asher and I marking each other. It’s already happened too much today. As per our agreement, we won’t be marking each other because we’re saving that intimate moment for our true Mates.

“You’re right,” Asher stands from his chair, and helps me out of mine, “Thank you for the well wishes.” He says to his uncles.

We leave without another word. Asher keeps a tight hold of my hand as we sneak away from our own wedding reception. The night is cool, and the moon is shining bright in the sky. I always see it at its most beautiful moments, like tonight.

Drunk people are walking through the compound as we head for our bedroom. Some of them stop to say ‘have fun’ with a wink. I almost laugh, but I don’t because Asher seems upset and I don’t want to make things worse.

We close the bedroom door behind us. The room is quiet, aside from our soft breathing.

“I’m sorry about that,” Asher breaks the silence. He slumps on the bed and falls back.

“Don’t be sorry,” I lie down next to him, “It’s not your fault Julius is a dick.”

Asher laughs, “Yeah, you’re right.”

We both lie in silence staring at the roof. I’ve never understood the saying ‘the calm after the storm’ until this very moment. Today has been chaotic since I woke up. I didn’t have much of a break in between getting my make up done and having a personalized photoshoot with Amaris before the ceremony.

But in this moment, right now with Asher, it’s peaceful and relaxing.

“Can we just stay like this forever?” I ask.

Asher turns his head to look at me, “You want to lie here in a wedding dress and tuxedo forever?”

I smile, and nod my head, “Forever.”

Asher tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear, “I can do that. It means I’ll have no more responsibilities or anyone needing something from me.”

“I can finally stop worrying about my rivalry with Artemis and just be me.” The thought makes me smile.

“Being yourself sounds nice,” Asher smiles at me.

After a moment I sigh, “We can’t do this, can we?”

Asher sighs with me, “No, we can’t. We can’t hide from our problems.”

We sit up and face each other. The thought of running from my problems is enticing, but I know I can’t do it. I love helping people too much to ignore their needs. My rivalry with Artemis will end with me getting the Alpha title, I’ll make sure of it.

"So,” Asher begins, “I guess we’re legally married now.”

“It’s weird, right?” I laugh.

A pounding on the door averts our attention. I wonder who it is.

“Have fun marking each other!” A man calls through the wooden door, his words slurred to the point I almost couldn’t understand him.

Asher shakes his head, “Thank God there’s a lock on that door.”

I stand from the bed and make my way towards the dresser, “Alright, husband, can you leave so I can get out of this dress?”

Asher laughs and walks to the bathroom, “Anything for my wife.”