~The hunt for blood-stained love~

~The matching~

My eyes were met by exactly what I'd pictured before, to my horror. Large, bulging muscles were being flexed in our direction. Inside, I was about to throw up at the repulsive display, although, on the outside I remained completely nonchalant.

I felt burning eyes survey us girls, a few gazes resting on me in my satin dress, or more specifically, my bust. I'd heard that was a feature that men...liked.

As some girls stood frozen, nervous, palms sweating. Others stood with a man, thin arms wrapped around his broad neck. One just casually wandered around, fidling with the rim of a satin dress. As I wandered, I gazed at all the men, from the corner of my eye. Fortunately, I saw something strange, a group of tall, skinny, 'boys' stood behind the wall of heavy testosterone. They talked casually, chuckling to eachother. They were far less packed with muscle, instead, they looked fit and normally strong. I felt a hint of intrigue, and cautiously stepped over towards them. They noticed me, turning to face me, eyes widening. Arms folded in front of me, I looked up at them intrested, as they stared back.

I heard masculine growls emminate from behind me, directed at the group in front of me. They looked a little unsettled, and stepped back, but my feet followed their's. It looked like the muscle-heads got 1st pick, not that the other girls minded. I thought that was unfair. Two of the boys slinked away, leaving their friend, who continued to stare down at me. He was the strongest (and most handsome) of the three. He had coal black hair providing cover for his crystal blue eyes. His skin was darker than mine, and showed off his muscles. He looked friendly, so, in a vague attempt, I shot him a weakened smile. To my delight, he returned it with a cheerful grin.

The whole room was metal, with several doors leading out and a scattered amount of furniture. He led me over to a bench and gestured for me to sit down, I complied, and he sat down next to me. "I'm Mark." He grinned, his husky voice welcomed in my ears. "Scarlett." I managed, my voice luckily not weak from talking more than usual today. "That's pretty." He smiled down at me sweetly. It was sweet, but, pretty? if he knew why my mum named me that, he wouldn't think so. "Thank you." I replied, returning his smile with my own. We began talking more, after a prolonged, akward silence. He told me of how they'd been put through grueling training, I felt a slight tinge of pity for them, or him, at least. However, I soon told him about how us girls had been locked away, and a small frown settled on his lips. I didn't know when, but he'd sneaked an arm around my back, and, he pulled me to his chest to comfort me. I'd never been hugged before, It was warm, loving, forgiving, and I could feel Mark's body heat slowly sink into me. I grinned, flashing my naturally straight, snow white teeth. I wrapped my arms around him. I could feel his face slowly growing hot against my cheek.

The abrupt ring of an eerie bell ripped us apart. That Bell signalled, when the 'matches' would be made. When the men would choose the woman they would protect for the rest of their life. The woman he would start a family with. Mark and I shared a pout before the men were dragged away. Quite soon after, I felt lonely. I doubt I'd even be picked.

We all stood, still, glaring intensely at one another. Anticipating our fate.

At that moment, two official-looking people strode in. Shortly followed, by all of the nervous-looking men. The officials cleared their throats, holding up two pieces of paper to read. They'd read out a man's name, he'd step forward, then they read out the name of the woman he'd chosen, and she would join him at his side.

Then, finally, "Mark Tanase." I watched discreetly as Mark gulped, before stepping cautiously forward. My mouth went bone-dry. The silence was killing me! "Scarlett Hunter." My eyes widened, and, it took a second to snap out of it, and walk over to join him. "Thank you." I whispered into his ear. He smirked, as he bent down to reach mine. "I thought you were really nice, and beautiful." I beamed widely. "Also, I couldn't let such a lovely little lady wander off with some meatbag." We both laughed together, I was so relieved that Mark picked me, I was happy, finally. I'd thought this would be the worst experience of my life, But, I believe, it might just be the best.