Page 166 of Alastair

“Speak your vows in front of these witnesses,” Michael said, presenting the goblet. “And then, drink to seal that oath.” He smirked at Alastair. “I assume Pride will insist on going first?”

Castor snorted from the front row.

Alastair shot his brother a glare before taking the wine. The dark liquid swirled, and though it was faint, magical energy hummed from the goblet. He focused on me, and my heart banged against my ribs. Excitement tangled with anticipation.

“I’ve deeply contemplated what I’d say to you tonight,” Alastair started. “A bold declaration of my love seems too theatrical, but a simple I love you will never be enough. Truth is, I hated you when we first met. That hate eventually turned to respect. Your training was tough but made me strong. And your guiding hand since then has allowed me to lead my brothers and hold my head high. Without you, Laz, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. You showed me what it was like to be truly loved… and to love someone in return. In front of all these witnesses, I swear to remain by your side as husbands, as mates, until the end of our days.”

He took a drink.

“Would it be improper to kiss him now?” I asked, brushing my finger against his as I grabbed the goblet.

A wave of chuckles rippled through the crowd.

“Vows first, then kissing,” Michael said. “You impatient angel.”

Alastair grinned. “I know I’m a temptation like no other, but do try to restrain yourself until after you confess your undying love.”

“Normally, this is where I’d say I don’t take orders from you, Pride.” I grabbed his hand, holding the wine in my other. With our gazes locked, I then dropped to one knee in front of him. He sucked in a small breath. “But tonight, I kneel before you and offer you everything I am. Our path has not been easy. Obstacles kept us apart for so many years. But I believe that only made the love we feel now stronger. I give you my life. I give you my heart, for it has never belonged to anyone but you. I vow to love and honor you for the rest of our days and to hold you up in moments where you need strength. Lean on me, and I will never let you fall.”

I bowed my head to him before lifting it again and taking a drink.

“Come here,” Alastair said, dragging me to my feet. He closed the space between our bodies and grabbed me by the nape.

“With these vows made, you can now—”

Alastair didn’t wait for Michael to finish before capturing my lips. Whimpers rumbled in his throat. The guests applauded, and hoots and hollers came from his brothers on the first row. The kiss broke as he smiled. And the tenderness of that smile caused me to pull him back in for another.

“I know what you two will be doing later,” Bellamy said, waggling his eyebrows.

“Playing checkers?” Raiden grinned as Titan snorted. “Yeah, you’re right. They’ll play chess. That’s more sophisticated and shit.”

“Dammit, Raiden,” Alastair mumbled, briefly closing his eyes.

“Hey, you’ll love me once you taste your cake,” he said, standing from his chair and pulling Titan up with him. “Guess the flavor.”

“It’s Earl Grey and lemon!” Gray exclaimed.

“With notes of honey,” Raiden added. “So? Am I your favorite brother right now? It’s okay if you don’t wanna admit it out loud. You can just confirm telepathically.”

Alastair laughed. The hearty sound of it was so light and free from the restraint he normally carried. It caused his brothers to stare at him in stunned silence before breaking out into big smiles.

I pulled him into my arms. “I love your laugh.”

He rested his head on mine. “Well, I’m happy. More than I ever thought I could be.”

“You deserve it,” Galen said, patting his shoulder before placing a hand on Simon’s back and guiding him away.

“See you inside,” Raiden told us before leaving with Titan. Nico ran up to them and started talking ninety-to-nothing. Titan put an arm around the boy’s neck and tugged him in to ruffle his hair.

“Hey! Stop!” Nico wiggled around. “Someone help. I’m being abused.”

My blood heated, and a gnawing ache radiated through my chest. The binding magic was taking effect. I felt so close to Alastair. But even with my arms snug around him, I couldn’t get him close enough. Only one thing would help that ache: completing the ritual.

I rested my mouth at his ear. “Think anyone will notice if we skip our own wedding reception?”

Alastair chuckled. It was shaky. “Let’s at least grace them with our presence. We look too damn good.”

“Very well. We’ll make an appearance andthensneak away to the hut.”