***
Philip waited until the laughter died down before speaking more solemnly:
“Being someone’s first love may be great. But to be their last is beyond perfect. It’s priceless. I’ve met thousands of people. But none of them really touched me here…” He laid a hand on his heart and then turned to face Troy. Then for the very first time since meeting his mate, the alpha let down his mind-barrier, allowing Troy into his mind. “…Until I laid eyes on you. Then my heart kinda went…’oh there he is…I’ve been looking for you.'” The crowd laughed softly. “My life changed…forever. You awakened my soul and planted a fire in my heart that brings peace to my mind. Thank you.
You are the very air that I breathe, Troy. I’d give up my soul for you in an instant, even if it means I have to spend eternity in torment.” He rasped in a voice filled with so much emotion. “I promise to live within the warmth of your heart and always call it home. I promise to speak when words are needed and to share the silence when they are not.” He reached out to catch the tear that fell from Troy’s eye, with a thumb. “I promise you my eternal fidelity and everlasting love. Well, can’t help that…” He shrugged, making everyone laugh. “I vow to always be there for you, hold you with tenderness, and have the patience that loving you demands.” He drawled the last bit, making Troy laugh. “I love you, baby.”
The crowd cheered. Some, like Troy, wiped their tears. The alpha’s declaration of love had been honest, heartfelt, lovely, and brilliantly done with just the right amount of sappiness to make it perfect. Most of the people gathered, especially the alphas were shocked at Philip’s declaration. In the first place, a declaration of love had never been part of a mating ceremony. But even though that was a shocking first, the ease with which Philip had said those beautiful words to his mate simply blew their minds.
“That was…” Troy looked shaken. Being in his mate’s mind and feeling exactly what the alpha felt was overwhelming, intense, and totally humbling. “That was beautiful.” He whispered.
“How about telling him what’s in your heart?” The high priestess gave a very emotional Troy a microphone.
Troy took a deep calming breath and then brought the mic closer to his mouth. The arena went quiet as everyone listened with rapt attention.
“As far back as I can remember, I never really understood anything about the world.” Troy began in a hoarse voice, his moist eyes locked on Philip’s. “And I never understood anything that happened in my life. I didn’t have my mother around to help me understand.” He shrugged and threw his mother a quick sad smile. “The very first thing that ever made sense to me was you…and how I felt about you. That first time I laid eyes on you…” He paused and slowly shook his head with an expression of awe. “Forget about butterflies…I felt the whole zoo in my stomach.” That drew a thunderous holler from the crowd. When the excitement died down, Troy continued. “And I still feel that at the mere thought of you. It’s like…” He hesitated, searching for the right words. “It’s like my life isn’t even real to me unless you’re in it and I’m sharing it with you.
I know we haven’t had a smooth sailing love story but I must admit I won’t change any part of it.” He said softly. “If I had to dream up the perfect man, he wouldn’t even come close to you. To me, you’re the world.” He paused to smile when Philip actually blushed. “I’m yours, my alpha. Like the stars, my love for you is boundless.”
With those last beautiful words, Troy stepped into Philip’s opened arms for a soul-melting kiss, passionately mating with lips and tongues. And as they kissed, their audience applauded, whistled, and screamed their lungs out. The crowd, like the alpha and his mate, were on cloud nine.
The rest of the official part of the ceremony went smoothly without any hitches. After the necessary ceremonials had been performed by the council, it was the turn of each elder and beta to pledge their loyalty to Troy by kissing the back of his hand. Next, the various heads which included the heads of the warriors, sentinels, hunters, assassins, medics, scouts, pup watchers, and the omegas, also pledged their support and vowed to protect their alpha’s mate with their lives.
Although they were supposed to kiss the back of Troy’s hand to pledge their loyalty, it was allowed if anyone chose to kiss any other part of Troy’s body. Philip had pleaded with Jeremy to change that rule such that the kiss strictly remained on the hand. But Jeremy had insisted that it had to stay. It was all part of the fun, he’d said to Philip’s annoyance. The scowl on the alpha’s face didn’t stop his sister Paige and the head of warriors, Kate from going for Troy’s mouth. The crowd went crazy. Apart from Gloria and Deloris who kissed Troy on the cheeks, all the others…to Philip’s relief, kissed him on the hand.
After the pledges, the fun part of the ceremony began. There was an abundance of food and drinks. People danced, made friends, and generally had the time of their lives. At some point, Troy dragged Paul to his and Philip’s suite to help him pack a few things for himself and Philip. According to his mate, they were leaving for Venice that evening.
“That’s supposed to be one of the most romantic cities in the world, you know.” Paul gushed.
“So I hear.” Troy chuckled. “The flight’s going to be pretty long though.” He sighed. “Wish I could shower first but there’s no time. I guess I’ll have to do that on the flight. Know Enzo?”
“The vampire?”
“Yep. He insisted on sponsoring our honeymoon.” Troy said. “He owns the most luxurious hotel in Venice. That’s where we will be. My brother and Ryan will be joining us next week. Enzo insisted they come there to celebrate their birthday which strangely falls on the same day.”
“Wow! The guy must be wealthy.”
“He’s a vampire, Paul.” Troy drawled. “He’s been around for too long not to be wealthy. He wants to spend time with us…get to know us better. I can’t wait to see Venice.”
“From a magical Island to a luxurious hotel.” Paul grinned. “You, my friend, are living the life.
“I know,” Troy said softly. “We’ve come a long way.”
“I have.” Paul smiled. “You only came home. I sometimes look at my life, how well I’m living now…how happy I am, and can’t help but marvel at it all. I’m loved by the most amazing man who is my world. I have people I didn’t even know existed some months ago, ready to sacrifice their happiness for mine.”
“Not only their happiness, their very lives,” Troy said softly.
“It’s just…surreal.” Paul breathed. “Thank you.”
“What did I do?” Troy zipped up a suitcase.
“Don’t get me started.” Paul got to his feet and grabbed Troy’s hand. “But for you, I wouldn’t be alive right now and you know it. I can never thank you enough, Troy. I’m forever in your debt.”
“Stop the silly talk.” Troy groaned. “You would have done same for me if the shoe had been on the other foot. I’m glad you’re happy.”
“Me too.” Paul laughed and then gave Troy a fierce hug. “Now let’s get back to the party before our possessive mates come looking for us.”