Loved by a Beast - Miranda Bridges Page 0,63

away from their family. The other tribe members smile and wave at me as Yania brings me to stand at the end of the aisle. I grin at my friends, making sure to acknowledge each one, but they have their hands full with their children.

Especially Scarlett with her twin boys.

I swing my gaze to the dais, immediately locking it on Jaxar. He stands tall and proud with his arms crossed and wings spread. Even though I wait for him to give me some hint as to what’s going on, he doesn’t.

So far this party sucks even though the scene is gorgeous.

“Now what?” I whisper to Yania.

“Be patient, Massela.”

Just as I’m about to respond, Vivian walks up to me with Kharis on her hip and Tika at her side. I take in their fancy outfits and smiling faces and want to squeal with delight. My babies are so precious. Instead of acting the fool, I kiss both of them and then look to Vivian for some explanation.

“They’re almost here,” she says to Yania.

I wave to get her attention. “Who’s here? Come on, guys, what is going on?”

Vivian looks at me with brightness in her gaze that’s infectious. “You are so beautiful.” Then she smirks at me. “For a glowworm anyway.”

I make a face at her, which she ignores.

“It is time.” Yania embraces me, her slightly rounded middle brushing my stomach. “Try to keep your composure.”

“For what?” I call after her. She doesn’t look back, and I frown.

“Are you ready?” Vivian asks my children. Tika nods, and my son babbles before putting the end of his tail in his mouth. “Okay, then, let’s go. Makayla, follow after me, but after I reach the platform.”

She doesn’t wait for me to answer and waltzes away with my children. They walk down the aisle, and everyone around us watches them with rapt attention. I wait like she instructed, not understanding what’s going on, but with how everything is set up, it’s almost like a wedding.

Ohmyfreakinggoodness.

The realization hits me as Vivian climbs the steps to the dais and hands my children over to Jaxar, after which he turns to look at me. With a lump in my throat, I step forward, walking slowly to give myself time to process what’s happening.

And then the Dravians show up.

Lia, Morgan, Eleanor, Natalie, and their husbands and children along with Braxton, who has a female tucked to his side, all appear right behind Jaxar. Seeing them all together wrecks me, and now I know why Yania told me to keep my composure.

Yeah, right.

I think that there are more tears than petals on the ground by the time I’m standing next to Jaxar. He gazes down at me and wipes my cheek, gold dust now coating the pad of his thumb.

“Are you unhappy?” he asks, his voice low and meant only for my ears. “Do you not like the…” He blinks for a moment and then supplies, “Vow renewal?”

I bob my head as more tears gather and spill down my face.

“Vivian told me that you were unhappy with our wedding, which did not please me until she explained human tradition.” He shrugs his massive shoulders. “I did not realize you would want to have an active part in the mating ceremony, but I am correcting that error today.”

“I love it,” I choke out. “Thank you.”

He takes my hand and pulls me closer. “I understand that vows need to be said, but I have already pledged myself to you with my every breath and every heartbeat. I want no other, desire no other, and that will never change.”

After handing my son off to Morgan, Jaxar takes both my hands, his large ones gently cradling mine. Then he slides a golden ring that’s encrusted with tiny gems onto my ring finger. “I did not have one made for myself, knowing I would not wear it. Boraq do not wear rings.” He pauses and gives me a wink that has my heart fluttering. “But this can be a symbol of our union, a physical representation that shows you are mine and mine alone.”

I squeeze his hand and smile up at him with all the love inside me. “And you, husband, are mine. And I will want no other, love no other.”

He nods as if that is obvious, and I have to hold back my laughter.

“You may now kiss the fucking bride already!” Zaden shouts.

Morgan turns to give him a withering look, but he just grins.

Jaxar maneuvers our joined hands to the small of my