Alpha's Choice

Chapter 33 The Ritual

Part 1

Alexandria's POV

I woke up and the sun was high in the sky. It was at least midday if not after. Xander was gently caressing my back and shoulders as he spooned me to him. He occasionally played with some stray strands of hair. It was hard to believe the events of the past few days were over with so suddenly. Here in the comfort of his arms it all felt like a bad dream.

Yet there was another pseudo bad dream to worry about and that was scheduled for tonight. Who the hell loses their virginity to an audience?

At least with all the events that have been unfolding it kept my thoughts distracted, and I knew I had saved myself for someone worthy. Xander was everything anyone could hope for in a mate. Of course, he may have been a few additional things to that were a bit over the top, but after everything unfolded, I was more soothed than perturbed by his possessiveness.

At least after today there would be no more waiting, which is how my whole life felt leading up to this moment. I was always waiting, for school to finish, to fit in, to find a partner, and basically just to start my life. Today was that day, and my stomach was full of nervous bubbles. Yet the idea of it being with Xander had me both terrified and giddy. Those two combinations were not meant to exist inside a body at one time, because I felt ready to burst.

I rolled over to face him. He was laying down and had his head propped up on one arm. His blue eyes scoured mine. I was searching for the right words to say when he interrupted my thoughts. What's the matter Trouble? Are you already missing getting into mischief? I'm sure we could make plenty right here in this bed. His smirk screamed I am up to no good, and I really was excited more than I ever wanted to admit about the prospect of his hands being all over me.

"If it was up to me I would never leave this bed again." I retorted with a feigned innocent look on my face. I did enjoy toying with him a bit. It's like I could sense what were the right buttons to press to stir him, or maybe I just knew him that well already. He was a creature of habit if nothing else.

"A creature, huh? I'm hurt. I thought I was better than the things we just escaped from."

"That remains to be seen." I bit my lip to keep from giggling. He wasn't supposed to hear that!

He caressed my cheek looking down into my eyes. I couldn't tell whether it was love or admiration I saw in his eyes, but I didn't care. I loved whatever it was. "I'd love to set up a demonstration for you." I both adored and hated his smugness.

"Xander I'm scared for tonight. I don't know if this is something I can actually do!"

"It's okay. I know you're scared. I did talk to members of the council, and they said if it helps to make the ritual easier for you that I can give you a blind fold. It will help block out the crowd and just focus on the act itself. I know it's not much, but It's the only time you will ever have to do anything like this. I swear."

I nod at him, now more chewing on my bottom lip trying not to think about it. I know he can feel the uncertainty and shame boiling inside me. I can read it in his eyes. He scooped up my face into the cradle of his hands, and pressed his lips to mine with such conviction, it was almost convincing.

You need not worry, Alexandria. You have no reason to feel shame. You are mine and I am yours forever. I know this is all new for you, but If this is something you think you cannot do; I will not force you. There are always other options.

He pulled back from the kiss slowly, like one pulls flower petals. I didn't dare to open my eyes and dissipate the spell his words cast over me. I wanted to linger as long as possible in the moment, because each one that passed brought more anxiety.