บท 8: A Kiss to Remember

Every aspect of his appearance was finely crafted, each feature meticulously chiseled as if an artist had poured their heart into sculpting him.

His features, so sharply defined and exquisitely contoured, seemed like a masterpiece of care and devotion.

His strong jawline complemented the magnetic allure of his gold eyes, a gaze that held a captivating force.

His hair, a shade of deep nocturnal black, like that of a dark wolf, was neatly combed at the back of his head.

This marked the third time Mikael would come face to face with Nicolaus. And every time they crossed paths, Mikael couldn't help but be slightly taken aback by his visuals.

A little flutter danced in his chest as he laid eyes on someone seriously good-looking. His presence exuded power to captivate, and it was how Nicolaus had left an impression that lingered in his mind.

He could not look at the guests inside the cathedral as he focused on calculating his steps. He did not want to ruin the day by stumbling on the wedding gown and tripping on his heels.

Mikael strolled down the red carpet, getting closer to the end. At last, he made it to Nicolaus, who was standing there with a stoic expression. Nicolaus extended his hand, offering the gesture to mark their union's beginning.

Mikael met his gaze with a swirl of emotions beneath his face. Taking a steadying breath, he took Nicolaus' hand, a gesture that marked the beginning of their union.

Together, they turned towards the altar, their attention fixed on the bishop who would guide them through the ceremony. And as the wedding commenced, Mikael's gaze shifted briefly to the statue of Silvest.

He silently surrendered his faith to the deity, seeking blessings for his chosen path and putting his trust in the unknown journey ahead.

As the wedding took place, Mikael's gaze softened, his long lashes delicately fluttering, and his attention momentarily diverted from the bishop's words.

He stole a bashful glance towards his hand, resting delicately atop the Marquess'. Their hands showcased a striking contrast in size, with the Marquess' being way bigger than his own.

Interestingly, despite Mikael identifying as an alpha, he didn't quite fit the typical stature. Unlike most alphas known for their imposing presence, Mikael's physical body remained noticeably more... diminutive.

The wedding progressed with the bishop's voice resonating through the hallowed hall. He finally asked the pivotal question, "Do you wish Lady Mikayla Steele to be your lawfully wedded wife–"

Before the bishop could conclude, Nicolaus responded resolutely, "Yes."

The bishop, momentarily taken aback by the prompt reply, swiftly regained his composure with a slight clearing of his throat. His gaze then shifted to Mikayla.

He posed the question that hung in the air like a promise, "Do you, Lady Mikayla Steele, wish to take Marquess Nicolaus Wolfram as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward? Through better and worse..."

Mikael's attention wavered, his heartbeat echoing in his ears as he struggled to contain the swirling storm of nerves within him. The bishop's voice faded into the background as his thoughts consumed his focus.

As the question's weight settled upon him, Mikael hesitated for a fleeting moment. His answer came as a brief nod, his lips barely moving as he whispered, "Yes."

He mumbled the word, making sure it was hard to hear. He was cautious, trying to manage how he replied to maintain his disguise.

"And now, you can kiss the bride," the bishop's voice echoed, a big announcement that felt like a bridge connecting two lives coming together.

Mikael's fingers tightened around the delicate bouquet he held, his anticipation rising as Nicolaus gently lifted the white veil hiding his bride's face.

And their eyes met in a moment of silent connection. Nicolaus, his expression remaining impassive, revealed little of his emotions.

Mikael found himself entranced, lost within the depths of Nicolaus' mesmerizing pair of gold eyes.

He was hooked on that shimmer, flickering like molten gold. Such a gaze could awaken the desires within anyone, casting a spell that tugged at the strings of greed.

Nicolaus gently tilted Mikael's chin upward, his fingers brushing against the delicate skin as their lips met. Mikael had anticipated an innocent kiss, but their lips locked with a more intense passion.

Their lips pressed together, and a quiet yet thrilling tangle of their tongues sparked desire between them.

The touch sent warmth rushing through Mikael's veins. And as their kiss deepened, Nicolaus's fingers slid along Mikael's jawline.

His taste was a rich blend of honey with an intriguing kick of strange warmth that left a lingering trace of sensation on his tongue.

A soft moan escaped Mikael's lips, an involuntary surrender to the overwhelming pleasure that pulsed in him. Mikael's heart raced, his senses heightened by the delicate waltz of their tongues.

Eventually, they separated, their lips lingering briefly before breaking away. Nicolaus's eyes held a smoldering intensity, a silent promise of things yet to come.

With a shared glance, they turned their attention to the guests, their hands entwined. A cascade of white petals rained down as they exited the cathedral, symbolizing blessings and well-wishes.

…

Following the wedding, with a shared carriage, Mikael headed over to Wolfram's house as they were now joined in matrimony.

He had initially left Steele's estate in the hands of Mister Remus and Talon before leaving. Even though Talon was keen on tagging along, Mikael had to halt him, explaining he needed to get the Marquess' permission before bringing him over.

And now, inside the bathroom, Mikael was getting ready. Beth was lending a hand, setting the water to a cozy temperature while he relaxed in the tub.

Naturally, he sent away the other maids meant to assist him.

He lowered his body until the water reached his neck. Staring at the ceiling, he inadvertently traced a finger over his lips.

The residual heat of their kiss painted an invisible mark. He could still feel the tingling warmth that lingered on his lips and played around with his tongue. It spread across every nook of his mouth.

He couldn't quite understand how someone could make such a show of it right there in the holy cathedral, in front of all the guests. The embarrassment he felt was beyond words.

"Ugh, this is driving me nuts!" Mikael groaned, dunking his head into the bathwater.