Fated To Roman: The Almighty Alpha
Seventy-One

Roman's POV Tonight everything would change. Not only would we become husband and wife, but we would gain the titles of King and Queen.

I wasn't normally a nervous man, but today, I was. Today my heart beat wildly in my chest as I counted down the hours until it finally was time. Standing alone under the wooden archway, I fiddled with my fingers, my palms becoming sweaty. There was no doubt whatsoever in my mind I wanted this, so why was I nervous?

I had hoped Kai would be back by now, I'd wished to have him stand at my side as my best man, but I understood his situation. He had lost his other half, his reason for living, and had that been Cleo, I knew I wouldn't survive.

Watching out over all the faces in the crowd, I tried my best to remain calm. Balthazar spoke words of encouragement in my mind, but it wasn't helping. Taking a deep breath, I looked up to the moon and prayed that, for once, Cleo would be on time. I didn't mind waiting on the woman any other time, but not tonight. If she were late, I might start to think she wouldn't show. That maybe she had gotten a case of cold feet.

Finishing my prayer, the music began symbolising I had been heard. At the end of the aisle stood the most beautiful woman to grace this and any other world. Her red hair had been curled and pinned back, framing her face perfectly. The smile that I knew sat on my face was one I couldn't fake.

As the sides of the aisle ignited into flames, she made her way towards me, Layla at her side while my nephews scattered rose petals along the ground. The closer she got, the harder my heart pumped, and for a second, I thought I might pass

out.

"You look gorgeous." Leaning towards her, I pecked her cheek. I had wanted to kiss her lips, but Layla's look warned me off.

"You don't look so bad yourself." Smiling, I took her hand, and together we turned to face the only person on this planet I would want to marry us.

"Good evening, everyone. Tonight we have all come together to celebrate the holy union of two souls as they take the next step in their relationship. Becoming husband and wife is easy, but having a healthy and happy marriage takes work. Though if two people can do it, I know it's you. Roman and Cleo have come so far already and in such a short period. Not only have they been blessed with a beautiful daughter, but you blessed me with another perfect great-grandchild." Looking back to Cleo, whose watery eyes threatened to ruin her makeup, I couldn't help but smile. "Whether you should or shouldn't enter into this marriage isn't up for debate, so if anyone here has something to say, may I suggest you keep it to yourself for now and forever."

As all those present began to chuckle, I wondered how long she had been preparing this speech.

"Cleo, your vows, if you please?"

I turned to look at Cleo, who quickly wiped away a single tear before smiling at me. Layla quickly handed her a piece of paper which had everyone laughing.

"Roman, when we first met, I was scared to death. I didn't want to know you, not because I was in love with another, but because I loved myself more. When the witch told me how you would be my end, I ran away from everything I had ever known. Little did I know that I would run straight into you. When I was replaceing out who and what I was, you were there for me, and not once did you pressure me into anything. The only thing that scares me now is the thought of one day waking up without you. You gave me a pup, I gave you a family, you gave me a house, and together we made it home. Today I take your name, and forever it will make me your wife. I love you wholeheartedly, with a passion that can't be expressed in words, only in kisses, glances, and years of adventure by your side. I'm yours, Roman, forever and always."

"Well, Roman, think you can top that?" Together we chucked. Cleo's POV

"Probably not, but I'll give it a go." The guests joined in our laughter. "Cleo, you have given me the bloody runaround for years. I had begun to think I hadn't a mate, but then I found you. I've already told you that without you, I wouldn't be standing here now, but what I haven't told you is that without you, I wouldn't be this man. You've kept me grounded when I'd destruct, you've given me a pup, and most importantly, you've loved me, flaws and all. You are my every dream come true. So tonight, I say, 'Ido', but to me, that means, 'I will'. I will take your hand and stand by your side in the good and the bad. I dedicate myself to your happiness and success and to keeping that smile always on your face. I will love you, Cleo, forever." Turning to face Angel, he became cheeky. "How was that?" Smacking his arm, everyone here tonight laughed.

"A valid effort, but I think she wins. Take it as your first lesson in marriage; I'm not taking sides, but most of the time, she will win." Roman bowed his head in defeat before his eyes once again locked onto mine.

"You both promise to continue to be faithful partners, to be true, to encourage and inspire one another and to comfort one another in times of sorrow or struggle. You promise to love, honour, and respect each other when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when your love is simple and when it's an effort. Alone you would struggle, but together as one, you would triumph." Angel tied some rope around our joined hands. "Roman, in the presence of those that love you and under the watchful gaze of our moon goddess, do you take Cleo to be your wife?"

"I do, for now, and every day until my time ends."

"Cleo, in the presence of those that love you and under the watchful gaze of our moon goddess, do you take Roman to be your husband."

"I guess I should, shouldn't I." Roman squeezed my hand as he smiled. "I do take him for the rest of our lives."

As the words left my lips, the rope began to heat up.

"Then it gives me undying pleasure to pronounce you as husband and wife."