His Wanted Mate

Part 9: "Preparations for the Ritual"

Preparations for the Ritual began slowly throughout the village. Everyone was nervous, the families lightly saying goodbye to their daughters, knowing there was a chance they would never see them again after that night. Other girls under the age of 17, their families would hide them in the basement of their houses, no one but the girls who participated in the Ritual were allowed to go out that night. Beasts were raging in the village and in the woods, everyone could be killed, and of course no one would bear the consequences.

Women from all families would prepare food and drinks, while men would bring benches and tables where the girls would dine before midnight. Before the hunt. Those who tried to escape would not succeed and their families would suffer the consequences together with them. So none of the girls dared to run away.

Lana's POV

It was the middle of the week, the Ritual is in just 3 days. My birthday in 2. I decided not to celebrate it. What's the point? I thought of spending it with those who mean the most to me. My Aunt Dani and my friends Sabrina and Laura, I will even invite their parents, Manuell and his wife Whitney. He helped us a lot when we needed it.

I was walking through the village, preparations for the Ritual had already begun, I shuddered when I saw on the right side how the men are setting up benches and tables for that damn evening. We should have dinner there before those beasts starts chasing us. "This is really creppy." Ruby added. "I know, I shudder at the very thought of it, Ruby."

One man even sat down on a bench and started crying. My heart broke. Poor people, what do they have to go through, lose their daughters for what? Because that some asshole can satisfied his needs? I thought as anger began to build inside me. "Wow what a gorgeus eyes u got there, I'd bet they change color, I honestly don't know which one is prettier to me." I turned and saw him. I will never be able to forget those blue eyes.

He stood leaning against a tree, he's beautiful eyes where watching me from head to toe. I just stopped, I couldn't speak. He chukled. "I'm sorry I didn't even get to introduce myself that night, you ran off. I'm Austin.Nice to meet you."
"I'm Lana." So that's his name, Austin. I like it, I thought. "Don't get too attached Bee, he's not our mate." Ruby commented and rolled her eyes. "I know give me a break." I sad then I blocked her.

"I haven't seen you here before. Where are you from?" I asked him. He paused for a second, then answered. "I have relatives here, my cousin spent the summer with us, so I decided to visit them a bit. He's my mother's nephew."
He said with a smile. "You know Kevin?" he asked.

"Ahaa Kevin yeah, yeah I know him. He was a host off the party last saturday." I said nervously, he made me nervous. What is happening to me I am never nervous around a man. Do I like him? "Ruby will strangle me." I muttered, not even aware that I had said it out loud, instead of think off it. "Who is Ruby?" he asked me suddenly. "Emm nobody, one of my friends. "How long are you staying here?" I quickly changed the subject. "Im returning home after the ritual is over. Are you excited?" He asked me. "To be honest I'm terrified, If I don't have to I would never participate in it." I said, my voice was shaking. Austin looked at me, pity in his eyes. "Do you want to walk with me? I'd like to get to know you better. You know I can't stop thinking about you since that night." He said as his hand scratched the back of his neck. He was visibly nervous. I chukled a little. "Sure."
As we walked, we talked about everything. I felt like we were connecting. I was incredibly attracted to him. I adored his blue eyes. He made me laugh, comforted me, and managed for me to totally forget about the Ritual. I was comfortable with him I enjoyed myself. "It's your birthday in two days, isn't it?" He asked me suddenly. "Yes, how do you know that?"

"Well it's not that I didn't ask about you, after the party. Kevin told me."

"Ohh right. Yes my big 17. How old are you?" I asked him. "Big 19." he chukled. I think we hung out for 3 hours at least. I enjoyed every moment, I just wanted to be with him, to laugh with him. I have never felt so close to another man. "I would have to go home now, so my aunt wouldn't worry." I said. "Sure, umm can I see you tomorrow?" He asked, hoping the answer would be yes.

I looked at him. "Of course, I had a nice time with you. I want to get to know you better too." He laughed broadly and hugged me all excited. The hug lasted a little longer than usual. Suddenly he mutter "You smell so good." "What?" I stepped back and looked at him. "Umm nothing, nothing .. See you tomorrow?" he said nervously. I chukled a little.
Not only does he make me nervous, and I have the same influence on him. "See you tomorrow Austin."

When I got home and took a shower, I went to bed. I wondered if I felt such a connection and attraction towards a man who is not my mate, what kind of feeling will I have with my mate if I meet him this Saturday?