30. Michael

Michael felt a lump form in his throat as he saw Kri walking down the aisle, looking every inch the warrior princess that she was.

Her strength and beauty left him breathless.

The dress, which he hadnt been allowed to see, was exquisite. It complemented her tall, powerful frame, capturing the essence of Kri, which was fierce yet beautiful and feminine, formidable yet graceful and kind.

Beside him stood his groomsmen, a solid wall of muscle and fierce loyalty. They were more like family to him than friends and mentors, but he once again regretted not having his family by birth and his old friends with him at this monumental moment.

His father.

His mother.

Zach and Eddie.

Reminding himself of his plan to have another ceremony with them in Vegas, Michael took a deep breath and focused on the present. He hoped he would remember all the beautiful words that Yamanu and Bhathian had helped him craft and that they would please Kri, conveying the depth of his feelings for her.

As she reached him, Michael took Kris hands in his, feeling the familiar rush of energy that always flowed between them. He looked into her blue, smiling eyes, which had captivated him from the first moment hed seen her and hadnt loosened their hold on him ever since.

I love you, he mouthed, but she was already turning to the Clan Mother.

Listening to the goddess deliver her speech, he waited for her to finish her blessing over their union and give them the go-ahead to recite their vows.

Hed won the privilege of going first in a fierce game of War of the Godzillas they had played the day before, which made him anxious.

What if Kris vows were more beautifully worded than his?

It wasnt a competition, he reminded himself. And even if it was, he should happily accept Kri winning.

Turning to the love of his life, Michael smiled. My beautiful Kri. From the moment I met you, I knew that my life would never be the same. The man I became, thanks to you, is very different from the boy I was before. You challenged me, you laughed with me, and you showed me what it means to be truly strong. Youve taught me that true strength is in the heart and mind and that bravery manifests in many ways. But most of all, you taught me all I know now and will ever know about love.

As her eyes glistened with unshed tears, he rubbed his thumb over her racing pulse. I vow to honor the incredible woman you are, to support you in your battles, and to be your partner in every adventure life throws our way. I vow to respect our differences as much as our similarities and to cherish the love that binds us. For better and for worse, you are stuck with me.

As their audience laughed, Michael took a deep breath and continued, I pledge to stand by you, to be your confidant, your ally, and your partner in all things. I will be your shelter in the storm, your light in the darkness, and the one who holds you close through all the seasons of our lives.

He paused, looking into her glistening eyes and hoping that she could see the sincerity and love he felt for her. Kri, my mate, my one and only, the owner of my heart. Today, in front of our friends and family, I pledge myself to you for eternity. He pulled a ring out of his pocket. Kri, my love. With this ring, I thee wed.

As Michael finished with the traditional words, the weight of the moment settled upon him. He felt blessed beyond measure to have Kri by his side and to call her his mate.

As Kris eyes held his, shimmering with unshed happy tears, he was awed by the power of her presence, the strength of her spirit, and the tenderness of her heart.

She took a steadying breath. Michael. Before you entered my life, I thought that I had all that I needed to be happy, but I was wrong. You brought me joy, friendship, and companionship, and you even managed to convince me to enroll in online college. Thanks to you, I now hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

As the crowd clapped and cheered, she lifted their joined hands in the air. Michael earned a degree in business, so give him a cheer as well.

She waited for the applause and cheers to subside before continuing. And that was in addition to training for long hours every day. She smiled at him before turning to look at their guests. Respect, people.

The applause and cheers were deafening.

He dipped his head. Thank you.

This was the Kri he knew and loved. The female who took charge and led the crowd even at her own wedding and with the Clan Mother standing inches away from her.

His mate wasnt afraid of anything.

Kri smiled and squeezed his hand. Michael, my love. I vow to support you, to stand by your side, and to be your partner in all things. I vow to be your shield in times of war and your solace in times of peace. I vow to laugh with you, to dream with you, and to shoulder any burden or challenge that comes our way. Together, we are stronger, braver, and more complete than the sum of our parts. I promise to cherish and love you forever and beyond. She reached into her corset and pulled out a ring from between her breasts to the cheers and laughter of their guests.

Michael, my love, with this ring I thee wed.

Their audience erupted with hoots, cheers, and applause, and then someone started a chant, Kiss, kiss, kiss…

Michael lifted a hand to shush them. The Clan Mother hasnt said the last words yet.

The room fell silent in an instant.

Stepping forward, the goddess raised her arms, signaling the culmination of the ceremony. Kri and Michael, I pronounce you mated and bonded for life. May your union be blessed by the Fates and as enduring as the fabric of the universe. She paused, allowing her words to settle over the congregation. You may now seal your promises with a kiss, she announced with a twinkle in her eye.

As Michael wrapped his arms around his brides narrow waist, she wound hers around his neck, and the kiss they shared was an affirmation of their vows, tender yet full of strength—a perfect balance of passion and promise.