Page 67 of Little Mate
“Congratulations, my King.”
“Thank you, my soon-to-be wife.”
20
THEODORE ASTOR
VAMPIRE KING
Gabriella is walking toward me in a simple, long silk dress that accentuates her every sinful curve. In her hands is a bouquet of bright red roses, their color a stark contrast to the black of her garment.
Simply stunning.
The traditional wedding march plays; Meera is behind the keys while our guest sit, eyes riveted on the beauty almost to the altar where I stand with an oracle. She’s from Gabby’s coven, the woman who replaced her dead grandmother and whose eyes shine with pride at my pretty girl.
The song comes to an end as her small hand lays over mine, letting me guide her up the two steps. A hush overtakes the crowd, a soft breeze swirls around us, and my mate smiles, eyes misting, yet no tears fall.
She’s not sad. The bond thrums with happiness and excitement.
I’m a lucky motherfucker.
Pay attention, she mouths, rolling her eyes when I ignore the chastisement. I just can’t look away from her face when the oracle begins, nor when she spoke about the sanctity of marriage or the importance of communication.
I hear it all. Every word.
Yet nothing can pull me away from the peace and pleasure my mate feels.
It mirrors my own.
“The ring, King Astor?” Patting my chest pocket, I grab it and without prompt, slip the band that matches her engagement ring onto Gabriella’s finger—the place it will stay for eternity.
“You may carry on,” I say, voice thick from my own sentiments.
“Okay.” The old woman chuckles a bit and my wife’s lips twitch, amused by my actions. “Your ring, Gabriella?”
“I have them.” The gold band has been on my finger since she woke up stretched out on my bed like a content cat and with her mouth in a pout. That’s our normal; kiss, fuck, and then she eats her breakfast.
“Thank you, your majesty.” Turning to Gabby, she winks. “And the vows?”
“Private,” we answer in unison, something we both agreed on after setting the date and color scheme. Something my mate was very adamant about—everything must flow and bring good vibes.
The guests could have the rest, but our promises were sacred. Engraved on our rings.
Always and forever.
Nothing else needed to be said.
We are, and will simply always be.
“Then by the power vested—” whatever she said after doesn’t matter, nor did we ask if anyone objected. If they did, it would never matter because I’m already kissing my queen, caging her delicate face in my hands while she grips onto the lapels of my tuxedo jacket.
The world fades away, the cheers of those present nothing but a light hum in the background as I lose myself in her taste. How she nibbles my top lip, licking after each drag of her teeth.
“I love you, Gabriella Astor. Nothing in this world matters more than you.”
“Always and forever.”
“It’s you and me.”