Page 58 of Rejected By the Alpha

As Sienna reached the front, I saw her bend down and pick up her violin. I hadn’t even realized it, but Killian must have set it up for her while we were gone. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes as she began to play the most beautiful song I had ever heard. Her talent had always surprised me, but the combination of the romantic setting, my joy at seeing her, and the fact that she was playing just for me was overwhelming.

I began walking down the aisle, tears already in my eyes as I walked toward my mate and our best friends, surrounded by the rest of our found family. I reached the front as Sienna held onto one wavering note and clasped hands with Killian.

“Welcome, friends and family, to the marriage ceremony of Alpha Killian Stone and his true mate, Luna Leah Stone,” Jasper began. “Love is more than a contract; it is an eternal bond between two souls who are prepared to go through fire for each other. No couple has shown this more than Killian and Leah.

“You two have already exchanged your formal vows, cementing your bond,” Jasper continued, turning his attention to us. “As you start the next chapter of your journey together, each of you has asked to share new vows that signify the loyalty and commitment you have for one another.”

Killian gazed at me. “Leah, my love for you has no beginning and no end,” he said. “Being your husband is the greatest gift that I have ever been given. Loving you gives me purpose and drives me to be a better man each and every day.You are the sun in my storms, the stars that guide me, and the moon that lights up the dark. I promise to always protect you, always serve you, and always love you.”

My heart burst with love for him as I listened to his promises of forever. Killian deserved to be loved for everything he was and everything he could become, and I found myself struggling to speak now that it was my turn to share my vows.

“Killian,” I began after clearing my throat of the emotions that had risen. “You are the most dedicated and loyal man I’ve ever met. I am honored to call you my mate. I promise to stand beside you, no matter what we face. I promise to be your comfort and a safe place to rest from the storms of life. And I promise that from now until forever, you will never need to be alone. I will choose you today, tomorrow, and every day, for as long as we live.”

When I finished, Killian’s eyes had filled with tears to match my own. He smiled at me happily.

“By the power given to me by the parties gathered here today, I name you, once again, husband and wife,” Jasper declared. “You may kiss the bride!”

Killian took me into his arms and kissed me with the promise of a thousand kisses to come.

***

Our wedding reception was the biggest, most elegant party I had ever attended. Everyone we knew had come to celebrate us with food, drinks, and dancing. We mingled and chatted with everyone, thanking them for their attendance, before the notes of our song played from the speakers.

“Mrs. Stone, may I have this dance?” Killian asked.

I blushed to hear my new name and accepted his request to join him on the dance floor. Polite applause greeted us as he twirled me around the dance floor.

“Are you having a good time?” he asked in a low voice.

“Amazing,” I answered. “It’s everything I dreamed of. Especially because I’m here with you.”

“I have a feeling the party is going to go on all night.” Killian grimaced.

“I’m thinking I don’t want to stay much longer, to be honest,” I said. “As much fun as it’s been, I’d rather spend some alone time with my husband.”

Killian dipped me as the song ended, planting a kiss on my lips. I smiled into his mouth, realizing he had given me the picture-perfect finale for our wedding.

“Let’s get out of here,” I said as he brought me upright once again.

“Everyone, can I have your attention, please?” Killian said to the room. “The bride will be tossing her bouquet. If we could have all the single ladies to the dance floor.”

A mad rush of feet followed his announcement as people cleared a space for all the women to huddle together. I spied Miranda and Nia elbowing for a position in the front row and rolled my eyes. Our spat had ended, but I knew that a part of me would always find their presence slightly annoying.

With my back to the group, I threw my flowers in a high arc over the top of my head. I turned around just in time to see Sienna snatch the bouquet from midair before it reached the waiting hands of Miranda. She smirked at me and gave me another wink.

“Better luck next time,” I overheard her say to the girls as I walked forward to give her a parting hug.

“You’re staying for a few days, right?” I asked her.

“Of course,” she said. “I’m staying at Nile’s tonight, but I’ll call you in the morning.”

“Actually,” I said, spying the look Killian was giving me, “better make that the afternoon.”

Killian and I waved goodbye to the crowd, and we headed back home.

“You need to keep your eyes on the road,” I pointed out.

“I can’t,” he said. “You look too damn good in that dress, mate.”

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