Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder-Chapter 1718 - 160 : We Have Forever

*Briella*

The bride had yet to come down the aisle, and I was already extremely emotional. I laughed inwardly at the irony of it all. I had set out to be a fearless warrior, going into battle and fighting off enemies. Almost as soon as I became a mother, I could feel my emotions constantly running high.

Just a few days earlier, I sobbed loudly after Sulien presented me with a drawing he did of our little family. I had been so ecstatic and decreed immediately that it deserved to be framed and hung alongside the expensive painted portraits that adjourned the hallways of the palace.

I knew I wasn’t going to make it through this wedding without crying when we first arrived in the valley and reunited with my parents and Kellan. Seeing my family awoke something within me, something childlike and extremely nostalgic. It made me grateful for all the guidance and care they showed me throughout my childhood.

Having children of my own really put into perspective just how much my parents must have gone through to raise my brothers and me. I was sure we weren’t easy children to raise with my stubbornness and Kellan’s off-the-chart energy levels.

I was currently on the verge of tears, emotional from having my parents and brother on my right and my husband and children on my left. I was completely and thoroughly surrounded by so much love that it was making my chest want to explode.

I sucked in a breath when the music changed, signaling that the bride was going to make her grand entrance. We all turned in our seats to watch as Lillian appeared.

I heard several guests gasp quietly at the sight of her. She looked like an angel in her lacey white wedding gown with intricate floral patterns. Her wavy golden hair was flowing and loose around her heart-shaped face. She had minimal makeup, which I thought suited her soft and innocent personality well.

I was relieved to see that she wasn’t nervous at all like I feared she would be. She was smiling softly, her bright blue eyes like warm gemstones as she looked past all of us at my brother.

I was unsurprised to find that when I turned to face the front again, Kai was staring open-mouthed at his beautiful bride, his green eyes wet with tears.

I couldn’t help but giggle. He was in trouble. Hopefully, he could make it through their vows without blubbering too much.

It was clear that Kai and Lillian were completely lost in each other during the whole ceremony. It was as if the rest of us didn’t exist. A few times, Lillian jolted slightly as if she was being brought back down to this earth.

Kai was staring into Lillian’s eyes intently as he delivered his vows. “Lillian, I have been astounded by your kindness and gentleness since the day we met. You possess a kindness that warms every part of me, and I am so blessed to be able to experience it every single day. I love you so much, and I vow to be the best husband to you. I will love you always.”

Tears were streaming down Lillian’s cheeks, but she was smiling widely as she recited her vows. “Kai, I am truly the luckiest girl in the world. I never thought there’d be someone like you who would want me. Someone as brave and kind and compassionate as you, yet here you stand. I vow to strive every day to be the wife you deserve. I can’t wait for all the adventures that lie ahead of us, especially knowing that we’ll go through it all together. I love you.”

Mathias beamed at them both before raising his arms. “I now pronounce you man and wife. Kai, you may kiss your bride.”

Kai’s eyes were warm and soft as he gently wound his arms around Lillian’s waist and pulled her close before bending to press his lips to hers in a sweet kiss.

Everyone jumped to their feet and cheered, tossing flower petals and quite literally showering the two newlyweds with love. They stepped off the stage, and we immediately surrounded them, probably overwhelming them with hugs.

I was one of the first to hug my brother after my parents, pulling him to me tightly. “Congratulations, Kai,” I said, my voice quivering with tears. “I’m so proud of the man you’ve become. I know you’ll be the best husband to Lillian. You two are perfect together.”

“Thanks, Bri,” Kai said, his voice a bit hoarse. He pulled away and looked me in the eye. “I really am the man I am today largely because of you. I don’t think I’ve ever told you that, but it is definitely true.”

I swallowed the large lump in my throat, tears burning my eyes. “I think I’ve cried enough to last me a lifetime today,” I said with a laugh, punching my younger brother in the shoulder.

He laughed and then hugged me one more time before moving on to hug other guests.

There was so much happiness in the air. Kai and Lillian were getting passed around to every guest, so it took a while for us all to eventually make it out to the nearby reception area, where large tables were brought out.

The space was gorgeous with flowers hanging from light fixtures and soft, lacey linens covering the sleek wooden tables. The dance floor was surrounded by hanging vines covered in soft white flowers.

I held Sulien against my chest as we watched Kai and Lillian dance. The two were so clearly in love as they stared at one another with shimmering eyes.

“Can we dance now too, Mommy?”

I laughed and brushed some hair out of Sulien’s eyes. “Soon, my love. This is Uncle Kai and Aunt Lillian’s special dance. We’ll be able to join them after.”

Sulien nodded but couldn’t quite keep from pouting as he watched his aunt and uncle longingly. I found it amusing that he enjoyed dancing so much but figured that it was more than likely the act of moving his body that he wanted more than anything else.

I tore my eyes from the new couple to check on the other two members of my family. My heart warmed at the sight of Kryzen and Emberly. For the first time in the past few days, my daughter actually looked content. She seemed to enjoy weddings. Her eyes were sparkling as she looked up at all the lights and the flowers.

It must have all truly seemed magical to a little girl.

Kai and Lillian didn’t even seem to notice when the song ended and the next one began. People began to join them on the dance floor, so I set Sulien down in front of me.

“Alright, you can go dance now,” I told my son fondly.

Sully wasted no time, running over to Emberly and taking her hand so he could pull her to the dance floor. Emberly giggled and followed her brother, running with him to the middle of the area.

Emberly grabbed her brother’s hands and began to spin him around, clearly ignoring the speed of the music as they hopped and spun together. The sound of their elated giggles was music to my ears. I was so grateful that Emberly was feeling better.

I shut my eyes for a moment, thanking the Goddess for this time and asking her to always watch over my children, especially when I was unable to do so.

"Are you actually falling asleep at your own brother’s wedding?”

I turn to look up at my mate. Kryzen was staring down at me with an amused expression on his face, one eyebrow raised.

I scoffed a bit but could feel my face heating up as I realized what I must have looked like sitting here with my eyes closed. "Of course not, " I said. "I was just thinking about how lucky I am."

Kryzen seemed to understand exactly what I was talking about. His dark gray eyes looked as if they were melting as he stared into my eyes. "I can think of somebody even luckier than you are."

I laughed loudly and shook my head. "Impossible, " I said flatly.

Kryzen leaned down so that his lips were right at my ear. "I’m not just the luckiest person here," he whispered, his warm breath tickling my ear. "I’m the luckiest person in existence."

I pursed my lips. "Second luckiest, " I hedged. "That’s my final offer."

Kryzen chuckled. "I didn’t realize we were conducting a deal. It doesn’t matter though. Even if this was a contest, I would be the winner."

I shook my head fondly Before patting the seat beside me. "Sit with me?" I asked sweetly.

Kryzen shook his head with a wry grin. He held his hand out to me. "May I have this dance, Mrs. Stormfall?”

I grinned up at him and took his hand. "Yes, you may," I said, a little breathlessly.

And just like that, I was brought back to the night when I first danced with Kryzen in Celestial City. A lot had obviously happened since then, but one thing hadn’t changed, and that was the effect that Kryzen had on me.

I was very much aware of all the eyes that were trained on us as Kryzen pulled me into the middle of the dance floor. I quickly forgot that everyone else existed when Kryzen wrapped his arms around me. He rested his hands loosely on my hips as we swayed back and forth.

I felt as if I was floating as we danced. At that moment, I couldn’t help but feel like everything was perfect. I was in the arms of a man who loved me more than anything, and I loved him even more. I was also surrounded by our loved ones, who had supported everything we’d stood for since the beginning.

"What’s that look for?" Kryzen asked softly.

I found that I couldn’t really sum it up in words. As my mate held me close and I could hear the beautiful sound of our children’s giggles, I found that there were no words. There was only us.

"I’m just thinking about the only thing that truly matters," I answered quietly.

Kryzen looked intrigued. "Which is?"

“This,” I said, reaching up to place my hand on his chest, right over his heart.

Kryzen placed his hand over mine, the palm of his hand warm against my skin. “It’s amazing how you used to be nothing but an annoying little girl to me,” he teased.

I laughed, rolling my eyes. “Leave it to you to ruin this tender moment.”

Before I could react, he bent down to kiss me, his mouth lingering on mine. “I’ll make up for it,” he said heatedly when he pulled away.

I smirked at him. “Good thing we have a while for you to do that,” I quipped.

“Forever,” he agreed, leaning down to capture my lips with his.

Forever wasn’t long at all.