Chapter 10
~Alexia-
"Make her so beautiful that Kieran's jaws will drop!" Rae suggested as a stylist began with the hair and makeup.
The stylist giggled with Rae as Alexia glared at her friend. She said, "Not helping, Rae."
"Trust me, Alexia, I am helping," Rae said before another chuckle escaped her lips.
An hour passed after carefully doing her hair and makeup; Alexia was done. Rae and the stylist rushed her to wear her gown and her shoes. After which, she faced the full-length mirror inside the guest room. Kieran did not want guests to enter the fourth floor. All wedding preparations were made on the second floor of the packhouse.
"Oh, my Goddess!" Alexia could not believe her eyes. She looked like a princess, no, more like a queen!
Her hair was tied into a gorgeous bun, with little strands falling into her face. A small crown sparkled over her head. She wore light makeup, but it was enough to put a glow on her face. "So beautiful!" Rae exclaimed.
"I'm so happy for Alpha Kieran. The king chose a beautiful luna for him," the stylist expressed.
Behind Alexia, Lydia and the other maids voiced their contentment, seeing her in her gown and makeup.
After everyone in the room had praised Alexia, Rae walked up to her, fixing every inch of her gown. She chuckled and suggested, "Alpha Kieran is going to fall in love with you for sure."
Her face turned tomato red as she scolded, "Rae, please. Stop it. If Alpha hears you, I'm in big trouble." With a sigh, she added, "You are going to be the death of me." "Haha!" Rae scoffed and answered, "I'm telling you, he is the one in big trouble."
Alexia was left with perplexity throughout the rest of the preparation. Thanks to Rae's suggestion, she wondered if it meant she could have a real marriage with Kieran.
Of course, whenever she thought about it, she would be reminded of how this was all a sham, a mere show for the king. Very quickly, she realized the king would grace their wedding. Her eyes lit up with the realization that she could ask the king why he chose her for Kieran, that and many more questions that dawdled in her head.
***
The ceremony proceeded as scheduled.
The event began with King Balthasar and Queen Helen being welcomed. The wedding was held on the green lawn that extended behind the packhouse. Lush pines bordered the estate and gave the surrounding air the refreshingly sweet scent of nature.
Huge tents covered the seats and tables that were scattered precisely across the yard. A stage was set up at the very front. To the left, a unique table was designated for the king and queen.
Alexia could only watch from a window inside the packhouse as she was yet to make her grand entrance.
Little by little, guests arrived, taking their respective seats. After everyone was settled in their places, Kieran appeared before the crowd. He held his chin up as he walked gracefully to the front, his hand buttoning the black suit that hugged his broad frame perfectly. "That's your cue, Alexia! Get ready!" Lydia, the omega, guided her to the packhouse's backdoor.
Finally, when it was time for the bride to march, the double doors opened, and Alexia made her slow entrance.
At first, Alexia held her head down, but recalling Rae's reminder, she forced a smile and lifted her face. Immediately, she locked eyes with Kieran. Her heart fluttered. There was tenderness in his eyes that she did not recognize. More than that, she thought he looked very handsome that day.
She felt her ears burn at the strange thrill that ran down her body, but admitting her place, she cautiously looked away, attending to the calls of the pack members around. Alexia did not want him to think she was affected by him. She reminded herself that she wasn't supposed to like him.
Alexia smiled and waved at those she met during the days when Rae brought her around town. When she directed her gaze to the unique tables at the front left, she bowed in recognition of the king and queen.
King Balthasar smiled at her. She turned to his wife and saw Queen Helen strangely seem unhappy, raising a brow at Alexia. In fact, the queen's stares made her skin crawl. Alexia speculated why.
Ignoring her senses, Alexia returnedConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
her attention to Kieran. She walked
straight to the front and accepted his hand Just like it felt yesterday they were
ere rough, with signs of
marks, yet his hand held her firmly,
making the butterflies in her
stomach go wild. Content, belongs to
At that moment, his woodsy and spicy scent engulfed her. She tried her best to ignore his intense gaze. For one, she was skeptical of why he was even staring at her that way. Under his watch, she felt like melting altogether. The initiation began with Alexia slashing her hand with a knife. Before taking Kieran's hand, the man asked, "Do you promise to serve me as your Alpha from now till the day you die?"
"Yes, Alpha Kieran. I do, till the day I die," she acknowledged.
Kieran did the same, cutting his hand, and then took Alexia's hand, accepting her bond into the pack.
Moments later, she smiled, hearing the voices in her head. She turned to Rae, who was mindlinking with her. 'Welcome to the pack, Alexia!'
'Welcome our Luna,' she heard the child named Cindy greet her.
Lydia greeted the same, including the kitchen staff inside the packhouse, preparing for that evening's special dinner.
'Welcome, Alexia,' Jaxon mindlinked with her as well.
The last person who welcomed her was none other than her husband-to-be, Alpha Kieran Stone. He said out loud, "Welcome to the Stone Blood Pack."
'Thank you,' she said to each that welcomed her into the pack. She smiled and looked into Kieran's eyes, saying, 'Thank you, Alpha Kieran, for allowing me into your pack.'
He nodded. He did not smile but did not show a hint of hate either. As they turned their frames to the officiant, Alexia was stunned when Kieran said in her head, 'You are welcome.'
It made her smile, but Alexia masked her excitement.
Ultimately, the wedding resumed. Many words were said coming from the officiant. Kieran and Alexia exchanged their vows, following standard verbiage.
Alexia's heart began to race as they put on their wedding rings. She recognized what was next and wasn't sure if she was ready for it. 'Oh, my Goddess! Help me!'
"Let us welcome!" The officiant announced. "Mister and Misses Stone! You may kiss the bride!"
Applauses and hoots could be heard across the garden, and all Alexia could do was blush as she peered into Kieran's brown orbs.
She gulped at how Kieran gazed at her intently. Thrilling electricity ran through her body as soon as his hand gently landed on her cheek. He lifted her chin, and fireworks erupted in her stomach when their lips met!
He brushed his lips against hers. He bit her bottom lip before nibbling it gently. He forced her mouth open, simply exchanging their flavors without involving their tongues. The kiss lasted not just for one, not for two, but for five seconds long.
Alexia did not realize when she closed her eyes, but apparently, she did. When Kieran pulled away, she was still in a daze. When she opened her eyes, she caught him staring at her lips as if... he wanted more.
He was still impassive when he gazed back up at Alexia. He said nothing. He took her hand, and with his other arm stretched to the crowd, he announced, "Welcome, your luna, Alexia Stone!"