6

MARRYLEN'S POV

 At this point, I wanted to shun Kaleb; the way he barges in, even though he's an Alpha and with all the dominance towards humans, there's still something known as politeness which he lacks.

Also, the way he commands Xenia to do certain things and how she goes with it without resistance is appalling.

I've been studying werewolves ever since I was put in charge of my department, and something looks amiss here.

 The way Kaleb commands Xenia, the way she shows little or no clap back, and even with the little she told me about her life in New York and her sudden pull to return home, it can only mean one thing… Why didn't I catch onto it earlier? That's the only sensible explanation for this scenario.

  Back to the bar where He'd just asked her to come with him, she looks at me, smiles apologetically, and leaves with him. Like she just went with him, a woman I'm still trying to woo just stood up and left with Kaleb. Is it that she's not into girls or hasn't noticed the blaring signs of my feelings toward her? Even if she's of any importance to him which I feel is entirely archaic, she should be allowed to make her own choices and with the way, it's going, she's devoid of her mind control. 

XENIA'S POV

  There's absolutely no way for me to apologize to Marrylen for walking out on her the way I did but that's the thing with this stranger I just met, even my common sense fails me whenever it comes to him, it's like there's this magnetic pull I can't just explain and the way he gives me butterflies with just one touch is something I never felt in my long relationship with Bradshaw. "You'll be safe with me, I'll never hurt you", Kaleb explains as we walk into the night toward the woods, probably, he felt I'll feel endangered and what not but like I just explained, I'll walk with him to the ends of the earth.

 "I don't want you to be scared if you ever feel the need to be reassured, then look at me, I know you can see in my eyes how much you mean to me Xenia", he said and I nodded, signaling him to continue what he wants to say, "We're about approaching the caves where I stay, tonight is a special night my kin and soon, you'll see why I said so but I'll need you to trust me, Can you?", he asks and I nod again which makes him smile as we finally approach the caves.

 Now I know I've heard of myths and legends concerning places like this and also of species l never would have imagined being so close to them, let alone being a part of their world but I guess this is my life now, and to be honest, I'm very prepared for it, whatever might arise from the situation, I'm here to stay.

 On getting to the cave, we are greeted by an elderly woman who looks like she must be well above a hundred years if not more, but somehow, even with her age, she looks like she could give me a good ol' smackdown. "Meet Nenyia, she's our eldest member and also our connection with the spiritual", I feel inclined to curtsy which is what I end up doing. "Come, my child, we've been expecting your arrival", she says as Kaleb nudges me to go with her while he takes another turn himself.

 "Are you aware of what we're about to do here, my child?", she asks me to which I nod my head and she smiles seemingly satisfied with my response, "Then we must commence immediately and spend no more time delaying as today is an auspicious day", she says, leading me to a section of the cave that looks like a room. "Here's what you'll adorn yourself with for the ceremony, do so and meet me at the entrance you came from", she finally ends and walks off. 

 Almost like I was being prepped for this event from the sands of time or maybe it was just pure curiosity to see how this would go, I quickly undress and tie the white silk material over my chest, and put the white beads on my neck and hand. 

  Getting to the entrance, I'm met with several other faces all dressed in similar outfits as I am, but I don't still spot Kaleb. Nenyia comes towards me, leading me to the center of the circle made of slabs of stone with every other person standing behind the slabs.

  "SPIRITS, HEED TO US, WE BESEECH THEE", Nenyia cries out as everyone unisons, I know Kaleb mentioned to trust him but he's the only familiar face I know and him not being here at this moment is beginning to feel sketchy to me as I mostly don't understand what is going on here.

  As if on cue with my thoughts, he emerges from the shadows, shirtless with chalk marks on his chest and back, looking like the traditional wear of the native Americans, he strolls towards me and joins in the circle, also howling the chants the others were making.

  He raises his hands and everyone halts in their chants as he beckons me to place my palms in his, "OH SPIRITS DIVINE, I AM GRATEFUL TO BE UNITED WITH MY MATE AND KIN ON THIS AUSPICIOUS DAY, AND AT THIS BONDING CEREMONY, I BIND MY SOUL, BODY, AND SPIRIT WITH XENIA, FROM NOW TILL THE END OF TIME", he says and everyone begins to holler.

  All of a sudden, my vision turns blurry and I fall to the ground, Kaleb tries to lift me up, but when he outstretches his hand, I see Marrylen calling to me, at the exact same time as Kaleb, their voices both loud and strong as a magnetic pull. The power surge and tussle between both energies are so strong that I pass out from the impact.