012- The Ritual, the Kiss

Ember's POV

As I stepped close, the ceremonious Altar grounds reeked of fate, fire and blood.

Across the sky, I watched as the blood Moon bled like a Vendetta, its light igniting like a shadow and death. Behind the crowd, I stood, hidden beneath the chaos at the edge of the forest.

I took a deep, shaky breath, my hands trembling as I gripped the bark of the tree which I leaned on, my legs wobbly, barely keeping me standing.

Earlier, I felt it. Someone had spiked my wine. Maybe it was Kaela? It had dulled my senses, making my limbs feel heavy as stones, numbing my body, but not enough to numb the pain I felt.

It was not even enough to drown out Ash’s whimpers and sobs in my head.

Zane couldn't kiss her. If he does that, it would definitely be the end of us. But, the pack didn't seem to care because they began to change loudly as Zane stood at the center of the ceremonious Altar, draped in silver and black armor, engulfing the moonlight like a god himself. He looked like he was for war, ready to kill whoever stood in his way.

And beside him? Kaela stood, red silk hugging her curves like temptation itself. And on her lips, that sly smirk danced with pure fucking malice.

My breath hitched, my heart beating vigorously.

My soul screamed, my blood turning icy.

Zane didn't even spare me a glance, not even once.

He stared into the air, into the void as the sea of werewolves confirmed to chant his name. And then finally, his eyes locked with mine.

I parted my lips subconsciously. Then, just one breath of plea, just one word from the darkest part of my heart.

“No”

He seemed to freeze almost immediately, a hint of confusion flashing in his golden orbs.

“Let the trial begin!” Alpha Magnus announced, grinning as he outstretched his hands to the cheering crowd.

Zane broke gaze with me as he stepped closer to Kaela, my heart shattering in a million pieces.

“Hold hands” the priestess spoke up, chanting spells under her breath.

Kaela beamed, Zane stood there with a grim expression on his face, not even showing a hint of happiness through the ceremony.

Just as they were about to hold hands, the sky suddenly thundered violently, lightning shooting out, burning almost half of the ceremonious altar.

Then, Kaela turned, confused and furious. Alpha Magnus, that bastard, walked forward, his voice thundering with venom.

“The signs have been made obvious!!” He roared, standing at the edge of the ceremonious altar as he addressed the pack, raising his hands towards the blood red moon. “The moon bleeds, the goddess is hesitant!”

Almost immediately, the pack members descended into chaos, gasps and murmurs filling the air.

I saw Kaela freeze and Zane staggered backwards.

“The flames didn't rise immediately, which is an abomination!” He growled again. “The bond must be tasted over time”

The crowd immediately grew silent, bowing at their alpha's decision.

“The trial has been postponed” Alpha Magnus roared. “The bond must be given time to become strong”

I heaved a deep sigh of relief, my knees giving out. No one saw me fall.

******

The hot springs steamed under the mountain, hidden and lit only by moonlight coming through the cracks. I took my clothes off slowly, every move hurting. The potion was still affecting my blood.

But I needed to feel clean. I needed to wash her smell off me and my memories of him. I got into the water, and the heat felt nice.

Then, something changed. I held my breath. Zephyr.

He stepped out of the darkness, without a shirt, breathing hard like he’d run here. His eyes weren’t golden tonight, they were black, full of anger and restraint. He didn’t talk. I didn’t either.

He moved fast through the water, his fists tight, jaw clenched, muscles tense. When he got to me, he didn’t wait, he pushed me against the wet wall. I gasped loudly.

“Tell me to stop,” he said in a rough, broken voice. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t.

His hand was around my throat, not tight, just enough to hold me there. His other hand moved down my side, fingers touching my ribs, hips, and then lower. He touched me roughly.

His hand was on me, feeling the heat from the spring and him as he cupped my pussy. He made a low sound, like I was burning him. “You’re always really wet for me.” My legs shook. My hands gripped the stone behind me.

He rubbed my clit in slow circles on me until I was breathing hard, moving restlessly in his hold.

“Zephyr…..”

He stopped my words with his mouth. It wasn't a kiss, it was rough. His tongue and teeth took over. His fingers kept moving, teasing me, making it hard. They slipped in a little, then pulled back, never giving me enough.

I whimpered and moved restlessly. He grabbed my hips and pushed me back against the wall. “You want my cock?” he whispered against my mouth, his voice sharp.

I nodded, my eyes wide and desperate. He smirked, but it was mean and perfect. “You don’t get it.”

His thumb rubbed hard over my clit while two fingers moved in just enough to make me cry out, but not enough to ease the need.

“You don’t get my cock, Ember. Not tonight. Not until the curse is lifted.”

“Please,” I begged. I didn’t care. Pride? Gone. Dignity? Burned away.

He moved his mouth down my neck, biting and kissing, leaving his mark. He ran his tongue between my breasts, his breath burning hot.

“Beg louder.”

“Please, Zephyr. I need you….I need to feel you….inside….”

He stopped and pulled away completely.

I broke into a sob.

For a brief moment, he said nothing but just stared at me, then finally, he spoke up.

“Do you think you are suffering, Ember?” He growled under his breath. “Do you think I don't dream every fucking night of splitting you open with my cock and cuddling beside you until the sun breaks?”

I said nothing then, he dropped to his knees and devoured me.

His tongue flicked my clit, relentless and fierce. He didn't lick me sweet or softly, no. He ate me.

His face buried deep between my thighs, his arms holding my legs apart, veins bulging. With each stroke of his tongue on my pussy, my legs shuddered, a scream tearing through my throat over and over again until I forgot my own name.

And when I came, it was violent, brutal and at the same time, beautiful.

But I was still not satisfied. This wasn't what I wanted.

When he stood, his lips glistening, I reached out to touch him, pulling at his belts.

“Pls…. please let me….”

“No” he shook my head, kissing me.

“I want you to fucking burn, Em” he purred into my lips. “Just like I do”

And then, he spun his heels as left.

*******

**SOMEWHERE IN THE PACK HOUSE**

Deep in the highest tower of the keep, Alpha Magnus watched through the glowing orbs as it flickered with silvery-green light.

Kaela stood near him, her arms crossed against her chest, a sly, mischievous smirk dancing on her thin lips.

“The curse is working,” Alpha Magnus growled.

Kaela’s smirk seemed to deepen at the news.

“Then let Zane keep fucking her” she sneered. “Until there's nothing left”