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“Please tell me there’s no bloodshed,” Kai said as he fixed his tie for the upteenth time. It couldn’t be messy; not on this day.
Touya wrapped his arms around him, resting his head against his omega’s shoulder. “Not yet,” he replied with a smirk, “Though I made no promises after they’ve drunk.”
Kai chuckled and turned around, taking a look at his alpha, the only one he trusted enough to come near him without tainting his world. The all-black suit hugged his lover's form perfectly. It looked neat, a dark canvas that exalted the art of his family tattoos and the small sunflower that was pinned to his lapel, matching his own—yet another symbol of their devotion and commitment. With a rare smile, he whispered, “That will be enough; our bond will be secured by then,” before giving his partner a chaste kiss.
“Can’t wait, babe.” Bright blue eyes looked deeply into gold, his scent conveying more than words could ever say.
They walked out of the room to head into the vast forest where the ceremony would be held on sacred ground belonging to Kai’s family, who still held on to some of the old pagan beliefs. Still thinking about their conversation, Touya chuckled and said, “If they didn’t want casualties, maybe they shouldn’t have demanded a wedding between a Yakuza and a Triad.”
Kai chuckled and shook his head. “Joke’s on them. Our union’s already been cleansed through blood and sacrifice.”
“And fire,” the blue-eyed alpha hummed, eyes full of mirth.
Kai needed to keep himself composed. The man he would marry drove him crazy with his wit and passion. Those eyes, that smirk; the man would be the death of him. The handsome Yakuza beside him smelled so good, it brought back memories he really shouldn't be thinking about at the moment. He swore he’d slick during the ceremony is he wasn't careful. Just as a precaution, he wore extra scent blocking cream on his thigh glands and a liner he’d remove before their honeymoon.
The wedding was held on the evening of the summer solstice by the Triad’s head omega, and the guests sat in a circle around the altar under the rustling crown of tall trees that surrounded them. Both expectant and overjoyed scents swirled around the space, leaving the observants relaxed and calmed.
Touya, though constantly teasing Kai for his upbringing and family, loved every part of his omega. His gorgeous golden eyes, framed by thick, long lashes; his mouth watering scent that mingled so well with his; and even the way he was able to both tear apart and put together their enemies and allies alike was enchanting—a masterpiece. But on this day, his omega looked absolutely breathtaking. His fangs ached to claim his mate and he could only hope to hold on until the rituals had concluded.
The altar itself was hand-carved and it held symbolism from both groups, in addition to those of the elements, of course. On the northern edge, candles were lit to represent fire; on the southern edge, a sword that belonged to Touya’s father to represent air; a chalice of rainwater to the east for the element of water; and two gems in the west to represent the grooms and earth.
Kai’s younger sister, Eri, and Touya’s youngest sibling, Shouto, burned incense to bless the space and placed the herbs and flowers around the congregation to cast the circle.
Both grooms entered the space, standing in the center, causing all to pause any and all conversation. Given that it was a union of their groups as well as of their families, multiple rituals were to be performed and they were all expected to bear witness.
First came the blood offering. Kai and Touya each made a small cut on their hands, first dripping blood to the ground, then to the mix of wine and ashes, and finally clasping their wounds together to mingle their blood, symbolizing the union of the two families and the establishment of their homestead.
Touya’s eyes shone with determination and hunger which Kai readily returned.
Then followed the traditional pledge for the Triads. The bowl with the wine, blood, and ashes was consumed by the two lovers before they smashed the dish on the ground. Kai’s family was pleased to see that Touya was willing to commit and accept the conditions of what could happen should he betray them.
“This is so unsanitary,” the omega complained in a whisper, trying to hold a neutral look for the clans.
Touya chuckled, softly running his knuckles over the other man’s cheekbone. “Just a little more, love; we’ve done crazier things, haven’t we?”
Rolling his eyes, trying to appear nonchalant about the whole thing, Kai sighed, “I guess we have,” though a purr that rumbled from his chest betrayed him.
Touya’s parents, Enji and Rei, brought forth the mix of Sake—the Yakuza’s representation of a bond. They would now share a life that went beyond the proffered drink. They would share an organization, a family, a home.
“Can’t escape now,” Touya whispered teasingly.
The brunette shook his head with a slight upturn of the lips. “I don’t run—you should know that by now.”
“I do.”
The officiating omega cleared their throat and teased, “Not yet, pups.”
Kai’s ears burned red while Touya laughed at his expense.
Finally, the elder began explaining the purpose of the last ritual, but Kai was already taking his alpha’s large hands in his. As the officiant shared a verse, their linked hands were wrapped with cords.
Now you are bound one to the other
With a tie not easy to break.
Take the time of binding
Before the final vows are made
To learn what you need to know -
To grow in wisdom and love.
That your marriage will be strong
That your love will last
In this life and beyond.
“For so long as our love shall last,” both men added, eyes shining with unshed tears, overwhelmed with emotion, looking into the other’s before taking turns to brand each other with their claiming bite.
After that, things went by in a hazy, blissed-out, blur.
Rings were exchanged, a passionate, hungry kiss was shared that filled the air with lust and desire, and the families swiftly retreated to a large reception held by the Yakuza to celebrate the expansion of their territories and union of their families—and possibly the first deal between the two.
The two mates couldn’t help but feel complete as they watched the sunset from the hall’s balcony.
Their relationship had never been a traditional one. Even their wedding was bloody and had underlying threats. Despite all this, though, they were happy to be joined in instinct, love, and illegal dealings. It was a perfect representation of their lives, their love, and they couldn’t be more pleased.