19. Marie

NINETEEN

MARIE

Three months had passed since the harrowing encounter with Ophelia. Life had gradually returned to a semblance of normalcy, and the wounds of the past were beginning to heal. Jesse and I had come out of that ordeal stronger than ever, our love deepening with each passing day. I couldn’t believe how quickly things had gone, but at the same time, it just felt right.

As we stood at the altar, ready to exchange our vows, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness and gratitude. My father, Mike, stood before us, ready to officiate the ceremony. He had come a long way since our revelation, learning to accept and support our love for each other. I was so grateful to him for being so willing to accept and embrace me. Honestly, life in Wolf Mountain had been so much better with him letting me go just a little bit. Now, I didn’t feel the need to go anywhere.

The sun bathed the outdoor setting in warm, golden light, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Our closest friends and family gathered to witness this pivotal moment in our lives, and I felt a sense of belonging and completeness that I had never experienced before.

Jesse, looking handsome in his suit, smiled at me with all the love and adoration in the world. His deep, brown eyes held a promise of a future filled with happiness and shared adventures.

As I waited for the ceremony to begin, my heart swelled with happiness as I looked out at the familiar faces that surrounded us. The serene beauty of the outdoor setting was the perfect backdrop for our celebration. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, and the gentle breeze carried with it a sense of peace and unity.

Belle, my darling new stepdaughter, was the star of the day as our adorable flower girl. She looked like a little angel in her flower-adorned dress, and her infectious giggles brought smiles to everyone’s faces. With her small basket of petals, she walked down the aisle with a radiant smile, spreading joy and love along her path.

Jesse, my soon-to-be husband, held my hands with a proud and loving smile on his face. His pack members surrounded him, supporting him on his big day. It was so sweet to see their bond, which had also grown by the day since the attacks happened. There were even some Blackpaw members, and World Walkers, too, their unity stronger than ever. I seriously hoped that nothing ever happened in the future to shatter that calm. As far as I was concerned, we had been through enough drama to last us a lifetime.

My dad stood before us, his presence commanding and his voice steady as he began to speak the official words of a wedding officiant. The solemnity of the moment settled over us, and I couldn’t help but feel a rush of emotion. This was the day I had dreamed of. The day I would pledge my love and commitment to Jesse in front of our friends and family.

“Dearly beloved, we gather here today in the presence of family and friends to celebrate the union of Marie Oldfield and Jesse Rivers in marriage. Marriage is a sacred bond, a commitment of love, trust, and support that two individuals share with one another. It is a journey of shared dreams, of overcoming challenges together, and of cherishing each other’s presence every day.”

As he continued with the ceremony, his words were filled with warmth and wisdom, a testament to the love and support he had always shown me throughout my life. He spoke of love’s enduring nature, its ability to weather storms and stand the test of time. I looked into Jesse’s eyes, his gaze unwavering and filled with love, and I knew that our love was just as enduring.

“As we stand beneath the open sky, surrounded by the beauty of nature, let us remember that love, like the world around us, is ever-changing and ever-growing. It is resilient, just as you both have been in your journey together.”

The sunbathed us in its golden glow, casting a warm and inviting light on our outdoor ceremony. I could hear the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze and the distant chirping of birds, as if nature itself was bearing witness to our union.

“Marie and Jesse, today you come before these witnesses to declare your love for each other and your intention to spend the rest of your lives together as husband and wife.”

With each word my dad spoke, I felt a deepening sense of joy and anticipation. This was the moment we had been waiting for, the culmination of our love story.

Jesse spoke first, filling my heart with warmth and joy. “Marie, from the moment I started working with you, I knew my life would never be the same. You are the brightest star in my universe. Your spirit, your laughter, and your boundless love have brought endless joy into my life. Today, in the presence of those we hold dear, I pledge to be your unwavering protector, your confidant, and your greatest supporter. I promise to cherish every moment we share, to listen, to laugh, and to comfort you in times of need. With all that I am, I vow to love you fiercely, honor you deeply, and hold you close for all eternity. Today, I promise to stand by your side, to cherish every moment we share, and to be a source of strength and support in times of joy and sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to listen when you need to be heard, and to laugh with you in times of happiness. With all that I am, I choose you as my partner for life.”

A tear rolled down my cheek. Maybe I should have gone first because the emotion was choking me up. I wasn’t sure I would be able to get it all out, but I had to try. “Jesse, you are my rock, my confidant, and my greatest love. I promise to stand by your side, to encourage your dreams and aspirations, and to cherish the unique bond that we share. From the moment we met, you’ve been a guiding light in my life. Your strength, your kindness, and your unwavering love have shown me what it means to be cherished. Today, in front of our loved ones, I promise to be your rock, your partner in adventure, and your shelter in the storm. I vow to support your dreams and encourage your passions, just as you’ve always done for me. With all my heart, I promise to love you, honor you, and cherish you for the rest of our days. I promise to be your refuge in times of storm, your companion in times of adventure, and your source of laughter in every moment. With all that I am, I choose you as my partner for life.”

Dad stepped forward with rings in his hands. “These rings are a symbol of your unending love. As you wear them, may they remind you of the promises you have made today and the love that binds you together.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as Jesse gently slipped the ring onto my finger. It was a beautiful, symbolic moment that overwhelmed me with happiness. His touch was tender, his eyes filled with love, and as the ring found its place, I felt a profound sense of belonging.

I could see that Jesse was trembling with happiness too as I took his hand in mine and placed the ring on his finger. It was a powerful exchange of promises, a bond that symbolized our commitment to each other. With each passing second, I knew that we were sealing ourselves to one another, becoming partners in this journey of life.

As the rings settled into their rightful places, the tears in my eyes weren’t just tears of joy; they were tears of gratitude, of love, and of a future filled with hope and happiness. We were now officially bound together, and I couldn’t have been happier.

My dad was starting to get a little choked up, as well, which just proved how far we had come. “By the power vested in me and by the love you have declared before your loved ones, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss.”

As Jesse and I shared a sweet, tender kiss, it felt like time had momentarily stood still. It was our first kiss as husband and wife, and it was filled with the promise of a beautiful journey ahead. The warmth of his lips against mine, the softness of his touch, and the love that radiated between us enveloped us in a cocoon of happiness.

Amidst the cheers and applause of our friends and family who had gathered to celebrate this special day, it was as if the world around us had faded away. All that existed at that moment was Jesse and me, bound by our love and the vows we had just exchanged.

As our lips parted, the sound of joyful cheers and applause echoed in the air, reminding us of the love and support that surrounded us. It was a perfect beginning to our new life together, and I couldn’t have asked for a more magical moment to start our journey as husband and wife.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Rivers.”

Belle, our little flower girl, clapped her hands with delight, and the entire gathering joined in the celebration. It was a moment of pure joy, a culmination of our love story that had triumphed over every obstacle.

As we turned to face our friends and family, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Our journey had been challenging, but it led us to this beautiful moment where our love was celebrated and embraced by all those who mattered most to us.

The wedding reception had been nothing short of amazing. Our friends and family had gathered to celebrate our love, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter, music, and joy. The first dance as husband and wife had been a beautiful moment, and we had danced together, lost in each other’s arms, as if the world revolved around just the two of us.

As the night continued to unfold, Jesse and I shared smiles, laughter, and stories with our loved ones. The celebration was in full swing, but at a certain point, we both felt the need for a quiet moment alone, away from the bustling crowd.

I looked into Jesse’s eyes, and he must have read my thoughts because he leaned in and whispered, “Would you like to steal away for a little while, Mrs. Rivers?”

A rush of excitement coursed through me at the idea of some alone time with my new husband. I nodded and replied with a soft smile, “I’d love that, Mr. Rivers.”

With a gentle touch of his hand in mine, we made our way to a quiet area outside, away from the music and the dancing. It was a peaceful oasis amidst the joyful chaos, a moment for just the two of us to reflect on the incredible journey that had brought us here.

As we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude and love. Our wedding day had been a dream come true, and I knew that our future together held endless possibilities and happiness.

“Do you want to…” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully. “Get out of here?”

I started to realize exactly what he meant, and I nodded emphatically. I couldn’t wait to get out of here with my husband. Everyone was having fun, they didn’t need to have us there. Plus, Dad had already agreed to have Belle for the night, so we were fine. “Yes, I agree. Let’s start the honeymoon earlier.”

It felt so naughty, sneaking away like we were teenagers doing something cheeky, but that only made it funnier. As we tiptoed away, I could hardly contain myself. I couldn’t stop giggling, pretty much all the way to Jesse’s home. Well, my home now, too.

We didn’t waste time, we headed straight for the bedroom, which was where all the magic was going to happen, and I couldn’t wait for it.

In the cozy bedroom, adorned with delicate candlelight flickering across the wood paneled walls, Jesse and I nestled in the embrace of passionate love, sharing tender whispers and gentle touches that would soon give way to the intense heat of desire. We were married now, everything was different, and that was electrifying.

As I lay with my head resting against Jesse’s strong chest, our wedding attire long gone, I could feel the beat of his heart thumping in harmony with mine, conveying the powerful connection between us.

His hands, large yet gentle, caressed my skin as they traced the contours of my body, eliciting involuntary shivers from me as my breath hitched. Suddenly, Jesse turned towards me, his lips brushing mine ever so slightly before claiming us with a hunger that belied the tender moments shared earlier during our beautiful wedding ceremony.

As we kissed, our tongues danced in unison, exploring every crevice of each other’s mouth, leaving us both breathless and aching for more. Our hands became increasingly bolder, venturing downwards and finding solace in the hidden valleys of each other’s bodies. The subtle touches had transformed into bold strokes, mapping out the territory we were about to conquer.

With a slow and deliberate pace, Jesse moved to lay on top of me, our skin touching in places where our bodies met, causing goose bumps to rise along my flesh. As our kisses intensified, a mutual desire took hold, burning through us like wildfire. Our hands roamed freely, seeking the perfect spots to leave the most tantalizing sensations. With every touch, we seemed to be discovering new ways to ignite pleasure. Our fingers intertwined, tracing lines of anticipation, making promises that our bodies couldn’t wait to fulfill

Jesse’s lips found the soft skin beneath my ear, sending shivers down my spine, while his hand cupped my breast, teasing its firmness with the tips of his fingers. In response, I arched my back, allowing my breasts to press against his palm, creating a new level of intimacy between us.

My hand glided down Jesse’s chest, my fingers grazing the taut muscles, tracing the fine line of hair leading toward his manhood.

He groaned softly, his entire body tensing with anticipation. As I slowly took him into my hand, my eyes locked with his, conveying an unspoken promise of trust and vulnerability.

Our lips met again, our breaths syncopated as our movements became more urgent. Jesse shifted his weight, positioning himself between my legs, aligning our bodies in a rhythm of arousal. I arched my back, meeting him in each movement, creating a dance of desire that left us both yearning for more.

Our kisses turned possessive, our teeth occasionally nipping playfully at each other’s lips, a mix of pain and pleasure coursing through our veins. Until Jesse took it up another level and much to my surprise, he bit into my skin with his wolf-like teeth. The moment took me by surprise until I suddenly realized what was happening. He was claiming me, marrying me in his wolf way. Marking me with his teeth and claiming me as his mate forever.

This was even more powerful than the wedding rings and made me feel incredible.

“Jesse,” I whispered, pausing for a moment to catch my breath. “I want you inside me.”

My words echoed throughout the room, seeming to amplify the already palpable tension between us.

To highlight what I really wanted, I wrapped my legs tightly around his waist, my body pressing against his. I moaned softly, as Jesse positioned himself, gently parting my folds with his fingers. The sensation of his touch, mixed with the scent of our combined arousal, only served to increase our desire.

Jesse pressed his lips against my neck, whispering sweet nothings in my ear, his breath hot against my skin. My fingers curled around Jesse’s shoulders, digging into his muscles as I began to rock my hips, taking him deeper inside me with each thrust.

Our bodies seemed to merge together, as if our souls were intertwining with every move we made. Time seemed to have stopped, leaving us alone in a world where nothing mattered except our connection. My husband, claimed in every single way, was making me feel everything. I couldn’t get enough of him.

Finally, he gave me everything that I was asking for and he plunged deep inside of me, allowing me to emit a scream unlike anything I had ever done before. It was almost like a wolf howl, purely from desire.

The warmth of our touch and the sweet smell of our love-making filled the air, making the room feel as though it was bursting with our love. I responded with small gasps and moans, letting Jesse know just how much I enjoyed having him make love to me like this. The gentle rhythm of our movements carried us further into our passionate world, our bond growing stronger with each thrust.

By the time I reached my peak, my body convulsed with the power of my orgasm, causing waves of pleasure to ripple through me.

With a final surge of energy, my body clenched tightly around Jesse, drawing out his last remaining reserves of strength. As our climax finally subsided, our hearts still racing, we collapsed onto the soft pillows, intertwined and sweaty, the scent of our love lingering in the air.

“I love you,” Jesse murmured eagerly as he ran kisses all over my throat and cheeks. “You have no idea, wifey.”

I shuddered with delight. “Yeah, and I love you too, Jesse. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

The future was stretched out in front of us, looking absolutely glorious. We would have more children, give Belle siblings, and form the perfect life for us here. I would be happy with my wildlife photography career now that I found happiness. I was at the peak of my life, and I honestly knew that I was going to adore every single moment of it. I was the luckiest, and happiest, woman alive.