✓ [18+] SACRIFICE

T H I R T Y - S E V E N : S I X T E E N H O U R S

A/N: This is the chapter that's been long awaited since the first book. Enjoy!

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T H I R T Y - S E V E N : S I X T E E N  H O U R S

Today is the day I finally get to marry the love of my life.

I take a deep breath as I look at my reflection in the mirror. I no longer have my blonde hair but my natural dark brown. My wedding dress is very simple and Gabriella was shocked I wouldn't go with something grand and expensive looking. I couldn't help but laugh because she clearly doesn't know me well enough. If I'd had let her have her way, this wedding would be costing thousands of dollars and would have over five hundred guest.

A lot of people are actually surprised about mine and Dante's union. It's not everyday you see a half warlock and human getting married to a demon. Especially not a half warlock and nephlim, but not very many people know that my mother was a Templar. Obviously it doesn't matter to either one of us. We love each other and not because of what blood is running in our veins. I can't help but smile at the similarities between our relationship and my parents. They too didn't care about such things and stayed together regardless of what everyone else thought.

"You look so beautiful Kat," Skye beams at me and runs her fingers through my hair. I went with loose curls with the top half of my hair pinned back. Skye finishes making sure my hair looks perfect as Nadine walks into the guest bedroom that I'm getting ready in.

"How is everything going in here?" she smiles and rubs her hand over her belly. I smile at her as she walks around behind me to make sure my dress is properly tied in the back.

"It's going good so far," I sigh and rub my hands together to clear my nerves. I'm not so much nervous but anxious about today. I just want to hurry up and get this day done with so Dante and I can enjoy our honeymoon.

"Are you excited to be going to Spain for your honeymoon?" Nadine asks with excitement and sits down on the bed.

"I am. I just can't wait to spend the whole week with Dante. I hope he'll enjoy his wedding gift," I grin and she giggles in response. I'd told her what I was planning and swore her to secrecy. I didn't want Dante finding out about this ahead of time. I want him to be thoroughly surprised.

"Oh I'm sure he'll enjoy it very much. I can't wait for you guys to get pregnant and have a little one. Just imagine how beautiful your babies will be," she beams with excitement.

Skye smiles as she sits down next to Nadine and looks up at me. I think she's more excited about me having little ones than anyone else. She told me she can't wait to be an aunt and I'm so glad she feels that way. The last few months, Skye has been one of the most important people in my life. She was the only family I had that I could trust while I still couldn't remember who I was.

There's a knock at the door and Jax walks through. He smiles at us and as he adjusts the sleeves of his tux. Of course he's Dante's best man, just like Dante was for him at his wedding.

"It's time ladies," he smiles and holds his hand out for Nadine to take.

I take another deep breath as I check myself out one last time. When I turn around, everyone is staring at me with a smile on their face. Who would've thought that a little over a week ago I'd be here?

When we make it downstairs, I meet Father Samuel at the back door that leads to the massive yard that is currently decorated in wedding decor. His eyes go wide at my appearance and a warm smile covers his face.

"You look absolutely stunning Katarina. I'm so proud of the young woman you've become. You're parents would be just as proud. Dante is one lucky man to have you in his life," he weaves his arm with mine.

"Honestly I think I'm the lucky one. Who would've thought I'd ever get married one day," I laugh.

The music starts up and everyone gets into their places. My heart begins to race and I continue to take deep breaths before it's my turn to walk down the aisle. Right now, I'd prefer doing a mission than freaking out about this. I never get this nervous before a mission.

When it comes to my turn, I turn towards the aisle and look up at Father Samuel. He smiles warmly at me and gives me a reassuring nod, letting me know everything will be fine. I smile and turn towards the end of the aisle and that's when I see him. As soon as our eyes lock I can't look away. He looks so incredibly handsome in his all black tux. It's just like the one he wore at the Gala.

I watch as Dante's eyes look my body up and down and he bites his bottom lip in approval. I'm glad he's loving the way I look right now. I giggle under my breath and want to so badly run into his arms and have him take me upstairs to his old bedroom.

As he takes my hands and we stand facing one another, I look up into his blue eyes. I barely hear Father Samuel as he begins the ceremony. Dante gently runs his thumbs over my hand, soothing me. He mouths 'I Love You' and I can't help the smile that comes across my face. I reply back and bite my bottom lip.

When it comes time to say our vows, I don't even remember the words. I go through it while in my own little world with Dante. The next thing I know, Father Samuel is announcing us as husband and wife as Dante grabs a hold of my face and presses his lips to mine.

"Finally," he whispers as he lays his forehead against mine.

"Finally," I agree and lean up to press my lips to his once more before we walk back down the aisle.

Hours pass as we are next to each other the whole time. Every moment he can, Dante has his hands on me. I don't even pay attention to anyone else and the only one I see is him. I never knew I could ever be this happy.

"Ready to go? Need to leave now to make it to the airport in time," he grins down at me.

"Yes, I just need to change. I'm not wearing this to the airport," I laugh and make my way inside to his bedroom where our change of clothes are. Our luggage is already in the rental car that's parked out front.

Dante is hot on my tail as I walk through the bedroom door. When he closes the door, I shove him against it and press my body and my lips against him. He wraps his arms around me and moans into our kiss.

"Save all of this energy for when we land in Spain my beautiful wife. I'm going to have you on every inch of our suite tomorrow," he grins down at me as he runs his fingers through my hair.

We finally get dressed in comfortable clothing and make our way downstairs to tell everyone thank you and give our love to both Skye and Joseph. As we get into the rental car, I lean over the center council and grab a hold of Dante's collar to pull him towards me. I kiss him aggressively, teasing him with what's to come once we land in Spain and make it to our hotel suite.

He smirks down at me and starts the car. The next sixteen hours is going to be the longest of my life. Hopefully I can sleep most of them but I have a feeling I won't be able to and neither will Dante. It'll be a test to see which one of us is more patient and in control of our needs than the other.