Cruel Kiss (On Hold)

Chapter 10- Sacred Rites

The steady pounding of drums ring through the trees. The moon, a slash of bloodied crimson, cast the field in a reddish hue. The bonfires blazed, the flames hissing and crackling. Men and women, all adorned in midnight colored robes, were swaying and dancing themselves to near oblivion around me.

Tonight was a night for reveling. I could feel it in the air, a wild and chaotic atmosphere. This was a night for magic and mischief, a night for losing oneself. It seemed to me like it was the perfect night for a hunt. Emir had said that he wanted my first hunt to be magical, and he certainly was holding to that.

I sipped my wine, hoping it would serve to calm my nerves. I hoped that I would do well tonight, I truthfully wasn't sure what to expect. Emir has explained a little bit, the goal of tonight would be to hunt a bear and take it down. The pack had decided a bear would be a good choice for the Sacred Omega's first hunt. Vicious and deadly, taking down a bear would serve as a show of strength.

The time to hunt was drawing nearer, and Emir walked up onto the podium. Tonight, his shaggy chestnut hair was styled, but a few stray hairs curled out on the sides. His strong jaw and sharp cheekbones seemed to be more pronounced tonight. He looked devilish, full of mystery and power. He looked ready to devour.

What? I think to myself. No, Kenna, pull yourself together.

I can't think of him that way. I promised myself that I'd keep my distance. It's highly inappropriate of me to think of him that way. I can't keep thinking of our kiss, or his gorgeous blue eyes and absolutely delectable mouth. Oh, sweet fudge, I need to stop! Luckily, I'm spared from any more sinful thoughts as he raises his hand to begin to speak.

"We are here tonight to partake in the Sacred Omega's first hunt. As you know, she has been staying with us the past week, and it is an absolute honor that she has chosen our pack to be the ones to assist her in this sacred rite." His loud, rough voice echos through the crowd.

There are murmurs of agreement amongst those gathered around me. A collective burst of excitement begins to build. Everyone seems eager to see my wolf and hunt with me. It just makes me all the more nervous. I don't want to disappoint them.

Emir motions for me to join him, and I begin the heart pounding walk up to the stage. I lift the ends of my pale robes, fearful that I might trip over them in front of everyone. He faces me and takes my hands, bringing them up to his lips to kiss. The feel of his warm skin against mine is enough to send my heartbeat kicking. He lifts his eyes to look at me, and my cheeks begin to heat. A small twitch of his mouth is the only sign that he's noticed my reaction before he turns back to the crowd.

"It is nearly time to begin. As per custom, I Emir Lockwood shall lead the Sacred Omega into the forest for her first shifting," he tells them before turning back to me.

"Kenna Darrow, it is my duty and privilege as the Alpha of the Bloodmoon Pack to assist you in this rite," he tells me sincerely.

I had already known what he would say, since we had rehearsed this several times yesterday. Still, the way he looks at me and the sound of my name on his lips has my cheeks heating. They burn hotter as he takes my hand to lead me to the woods.

We cross the clearing, coming to a stop a little ways in the tree line. Emir turns to me and raises an eyebrow, making no move to let go of my hand. Instead, his thumb begins to stroke the back of my hand. My burning cheeks flame hotter, and his lips twitch upward.

"Um...h-how do I...uh...do this?" My voice comes out shaky and I stutter.

His eyes hold an amused glint as he steps closer, leaning down to whisper in my ear.

"You will it into being, my dear. Focus on your instincts, the animal in your soul will respond, and you'll shift." His voice sounds husky and his lips brush my earlobe as he speaks.

I take a stumbling step back, drawing a deep steadying breath as I do. I try to clear my head, which is near impossible with him standing there. I draw deep into myself, searching for something to focus on. I think of wolves, running gracefully through the trees. I think of limbs morphing, hands becoming paws. I think of my skin becoming fur. I can almost picture it, and yet nothing happens.

I breathe a huff of frustration, just as warm lips crash onto my mine. Hot and burning, my body erupts into flames. Emir's lips move against mine, rough and demanding. His canines nip my lower lip and I gasp. The opening allowing him to slip his tongue inside. I moan, light and breathy, and it snaps something inside him.

His arms snake around me, lifting me clean off the ground. My legs wrap around his waist instinctively and he walks us forward until my back is against a tree. A low growl begins in the base of his throat as my hands come up to tangle in his hair. The feel of his body on mine is wondrous. We erupt into flames, hot and violent, as we attack each other's mouths and claw at each other's skin. I fear I may burn into oblivion, I fear that I won't.

My arms snaps, bone breaking cleanly in two. I gasp in pain, my mind wanting to close down to escape it. A small scream escapes my mouth as my leg fractures. Stars cloud my vision as over and over, my body morphs.

"Shhh, Kenna, stay with me. Baby, stay with me," Emir pleads, holding me through my transformation.

I can't think, I can't hear him after that, all I can do is feel the pain radiating through my body. It hurts. I knew that it was going to be bad the first time, but I never imagined it would be like this. A pop and a crack echoes in my ears, and then a wave of cool relief surges through my limbs. I breathe, drawing in cold, crisp air.

I open my eyes and take a look at my surroundings, before snapping my gaze to Emir. He sits back, eyes glazed over in awe. A small smile forms on his lips. He raises a hand to rest it in my fur, fingers curling around the soft tufts of stark white hair.

"Beautiful. You're so- goddess, Kenna, you're beautiful," he says dazedly.

The compliment pleases me immensely. My tail begins swaying in happiness. I pad over to him on my paws, and rubbing my body along his. He lets out a soft, happy laugh at my actions. He stands, lifting his shirt over his head. I can't help but stare, entranced. His body is well defined, packed tight with muscle. He catches me looking and smirks, hands going down to his jeans. His fingers undo the button and reach down to the zipper. I quickly look away, embarrassed. I hear him chuckle and inwardly cringe. What is wrong with me? I can't just stare at a man that's not my mate. Pull it together, Kenna!

I hear his bones pop and crack, and then I feel his warmth. A moment later, his furry body rubs against mine. I stand very still as his head nudges my shoulder. He steps back, and a moment later, other wolves trot into the woods. He must have mind- linked them that we were ready to start.

He moves forward, motioning his head for me to follow. As a group, we take off into a run, going deep into the trees. Emir playfully nips at me as I surge past. We don't go far before we catch a scent. I turn, instincts beginning to take over, and the hunt begins.