Backstage at the Freak Show (Harem of Freaks #7) - Crystal Ash Page 0,11
of all walks of life,” the officiant began. “Today is one of many new beginnings. For these five people, today marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to not only care for and comfort their one partner, but each other. Today, these people acknowledge that together they are greater than the sum of their individual parts. As a single unit, they have the strength to overcome all obstacles, both internal and external.”
“Today also marks a new beginning for all shifters,” he continued. “As the first wedding between shaman and shifters in generations, this holy union represents a new age of love and tolerance. May this proclamation and commitment of love between human and shifter inspire all of you here today, so that we may look toward a brighter future.”
Mel pulled her hands away from her guys to start clapping, and the grooms quickly followed. In moments, everyone stood up and joined in thunderous applause for the officiant.
He smiled humbly, lowering his head, but he was right. That was why Mel and her guys invited shifters from all over to attend. To be here was to witness history.
“And now,” the officiant said after everyone quieted and sat down. “I’ll hand it over to one of the men of the hour,” a soft chuckle arose from the guests as that, “to say the vows they have prepared.”
A microphone was passed to Connor, who pulled a velvety ring box from his pocket with his other hand. The mic picked up the tail end of his long breath before he began speaking.
“I’m not a shifter. There’s nothing special about me—”
“Shut up,” Mel interrupted, earning a laugh from everyone in attendance.
A massive grin of joy erupted onto Connor’s face. “Clearly, I’m wrong about a lot of things but you’re the one thing I got right. I’ll always cherish you, babe, through the highs and the lows. I’ll be the shield that protects our family, whether shifter or human, for the rest of my days.”
Blinking tears away, he passed the mic and ring to Hunter, who took a long moment to gaze at his bride before speaking.
“Some wolves believe in fate,” my brother began. “I never did until I met you. My children are yours. My heart and soul is yours.” He paused to glance at Razvan, the tattooed dragon shifter returning his gaze with wide, dilated eyes. “I’m blessed with two incredible mates I’d do anything for. This is the pack I was meant to have. I’ll always put our children and you two first.”
Mel sniffed, blinking rapidly as Raz took the mic and ring next.
“What can I say, steluta, that I haven’t already promised you before?” His Romanian lilt was low and thick with emotion. “You have my loyalty, my love, and my trust for the rest of my days.” Looking at Hunter, he continued, “And you’re just as much my mate as Melody is. I’ll light up any motherfucker stupid enough to come near either of you.”
A few laughs, gasps, and wide-eyed looks from children came over the crowd as he passed the ring and mic to Arjun. But it just wouldn’t be a Razvan wedding without some expletives and threatening to set something on fire.
“I’m going to be a massive pain in your arse,” the tiger shifter smirked. “I’ll take the piss out of you every day because that’s how I show I love you. But I’ll also make you a proper cup of tea and purr you to sleep every night. I’ll love you to the end of my days, dove, and I promise you’ll never have a dull moment with me.”
The vows of each man seemed to soak into everyone attending as the mic was handed to Melody. She drew a shaky, emotional breath before her voice rang musically from the speakers.
“I would make vows to you all individually, but our guests need to eat and drink before the day is over,” she joked. “So my promise to you, the four loves of my life, is that my heart will always have room for each of you. I’ll never pick favorites or pit you against each other. I’ll always make time. I’ll always listen and give you someone to lean on the way all of you have done for me. I have a unique story with each one of you, but the greater story of us is just beginning.”
Barely any eyes were dry by the time Mel finished speaking. Even Gabe sniffed in front of me and wiped his eye