The Heat Ceremony: Bred Before The Pack

"It is time," the advisor announced, his snowy beard glistening under the blood moon. Behind him, the pack gathered-men, women, and the elderly-staring with shock or anticipation.

They brought her out: Aria Montero. Nineteen. Untouched. Her wrists trembled as she stood before the stone altar, ringed in pulsing flames. The ritual was beginning. The Heat Ceremony meant she would be bred before the pack by Alpha Alaric Feneris.

"You will lie on your belly," the advisor commanded. "They will give you a drink to trigger your heat, making your body eager for his coupling. Alpha Alaric will mount you from behind. No eye contact. Do not touch him."

Aria's heart pounded. "Don't fight, don't move, don't make a sound," he warned. "The rutting will last a while. He will knot you. You will lie there until the seedgiving is over."

"B-but everyone will be watching?" Aria choked, drowning in humiliation.

"The pack must witness the breeding to prove the legitimacy of the heir," he replied. "You should feel honored."

Aria felt only horror. She was a virgin; he was a forty-five-year-old widower, as giant as a tower. If he was just as big between his legs, she feared she would break. Alaric didn't want a wife; he needed an heir, and he was going to breed her to get it. As the massive Alpha approached, Aria didn't feel lucky. She felt like a sacrifice, about to be mounted like an animal while the whole world watched.