My Arrogant Mate Is An Alpha Jerk [Book 2 of Alpha Mate Trilogy]

Chapter Thirteen: Alpha Union Interrupted

Twigs broke underneath my boots and I climbed my way up a hill on my way to the meeting ground. Hugging my coat closer, I felt the undeniable shift in winds speed, making my eyelashes coated in tiny, frozen dew drops. I never felt more eager to be near Markus because the closer I am the closer to this will be over. I flipped my collar up and covered my neck and I shoved my hands into my pockets. I mean I'm mostly human and you couldn't make it convenient for me, maybe a little more clothes would be nice instead of this bullshit.

I smelt burning wood before I saw the red flames of the fire between the trees, and I was ecstatic! I mean fire! Hot, comforting fire! I composed myself and stepped through the clearing and several pairs of eyes. I rubbed my hands together and blowing warm air into them and made my way over to the men.

Markus wore a traditional outfit like me. Leather and fur pants and boots, nothing else and let me tell you my dreams don't compare to the real thing and I'm ashamed that I think about the man who treated me like shit for most of my childhood.

"Hello Alpha Female Ella," The Elders bow to me and I wanted to tell them it wasn't necessary, but wanting to get this over; talking would only prolong it.

"Hi." I greeted back nodding.

"Before we can begin, you must take off the coat Alpha Female Ella."

"Is that such a good idea?" I looked towards Markus before adverting my eyes. "It's cold outside."

"You'll be fine, but it's part of the ritual that must be performed."

I sighed. "Fine."

I slugged off my coat and one of the Elders took it and held it for the rest of the ritual.

"Both must kneel before the fire of tranquility, and repeat the spoken words of Moonlight prayers." Elder Walter commanded. I kneel first and Markus followed, his gaze obviously not of the fire and I tried to cover myself, but that only make him angry. I hissed at him when he growled and the Elders called for us.

"Please, this is a sacred moment, first Alternative Alpha Union in wolf history. Let us do it right."

I nodded and Markus mumbled something inaudible under his breath. I watched the fire as the Elders spoke words and Markus and I repeated them in unison. After the words, Elder Walter came over to us and stood in front of us.

"Blood must be mixed for both sides to blend-"

"Um..." I said.

"Understanding the circumstances, I fed before I got here and I've got all urges under control." Markus answered. I looked for Elder Walter for help, but he just nodded and continued.

"Blood must be mixed for both side to blend. North America and South America, black and white, hot and cold," He looked at Markus. "Yes," Then looked towards me. "And no."

Elder Walter took my hand and a small blade appeared. Frightened, I tried to jerk back, but Elder Walter gave me a reassuring nod and I looked at everyone else, and they gave me the same response. I bit my lip and held my hand out. Elder Walter tilted my face away from our hands before, very quickly thank God, he sliced my hand opened and blood flooding down my arm and dripped into the cold dirt at our feet. Grimacing, I watched him walk from me to Markus. Locking eyes with him, he snarled and stared at my bleeding hand, eyes widening. I stepped back and tucked my hand into my side.

"Now, you must blend blood," Elder Walter instructed. "Take each other's hand."

I looked at Elder Walter like he was crazy while, reluctantly, I held my hand out to Markus. He took my hand and when we touch, I lost control of the feelings in my body. Stumbling, Markus caught me and stood me up against him.