Oh Hell

2 weeks later.

"MOVE," I shouted angrily as Cuyler stood in front of me, folding both arms over his chest.

He didn't fear a woman in the least, that was very evident and the past two weeks was undeniable proof of that.

I was hoping by now Cuyler would have changed that disposition as I charged him, determined to get past him this time as my fist collided with his cheekbone, fraying his neck backwards like a willow caught in the wind.

Stumbling back, Cuyler fell over an old chair and shot me a look of pure annoyance as he rubbed his cheek. I didn't wait for him to recover as I shouted again, jumping over the guard on the floor.

Rounding the corner, I keep running but I know my time is almost up. Out of the corner of my eye I see a figure and as I skid to a stop, Alistair side stepped in front of me.

"Move," I seethed.

Alistair didn't budge. Instead, he stared at me in amusement, one hand scratching the back of his head.

"No can do, poppet."

When I went to speak, Alistair raised his hand and continued.

"You see Noir, you have made the time you've been here since your arrival, in simple terms, Hell. Not only on myself and Cuyler but a number of other poor bastards under this roof," Alistair spoke lazily now with a slight twinge of irritation in his voice.

"Since you can't behave, you will remain here for the next two days until the pack initiation ceremony where you and your sister both will be introduced to my pack that you will be undoubtedly joining," Alistair states as he moves towards me, his eyes glowing gold.

"Now STOP trying to run and STAY put until then," his voice boomed causing me to slump my shoulders at his commanding tone.

The next two days passed by painfully slow. I was allowed to leave my room but prohibited to leave the home so instead of trying to run, I took that short time to venture around the house, again, with a bored Cuyler at my heel.

Stopping to look at a vase with fiend interest, Cuyler's voice snapped me out of my bored trance.

"You're being oddly cooperative," he states, leaning against the opposite wall.

I turned to look at him. This was the first time that he had spoken to me that wasn't a yell or curse. Can't say I blame him though. I've made his job quite difficult.

"I don't really have a choice, now do I?"

Cuyler glared at me from his place against the wall.

"You're not planning to run again, are you? The ceremony is tonight. You need to save your overly enthusiastic energy for the run after," he equipped, now having my full attention.

Finding a wooden bench in the foyer, I sat and Cuyler followed suit.

"I know every pack is different but what happens with the ceremony here," I questioned, genuinely curious.

Leaning back, Cuyler shrugged, arms across his chest.

"Alpha doesn't usually bring in newcomers, rogues or members from other packs, but I have seen him do it," he stated, passing me a sidelong glance before continuing.

"The pack gathers in a clearing east of here where they wait for Alpha Alister, Pack Elder Macario and whoever is being initiated. Once everyone is in place, our Alpha makes a small announcement and when he is done, Macario places a bowl between the two— it's big enough to place your hand in. Once in position, both you and the Alpha will cut your palms and fill the bowl," Cuyler paused when he noticed my expression.

"It's not a deep bowl," he chirped in amusement, patting my shoulder.

When I sighed, Cuyler continued.

"Once there is enough of both your blood and the Alpha's mixed together, the Alpha will use that to mark your face in whatever design he chooses. When he is done, you will do the same to him. After the fact, he will have you swear under oath your loyalty to Him, his pack and Máni. He will also swear under oath then you both will grab hands and let the connection complete itself. However," he paused, looking at me blankly before a flash of amusement crossed his features.

"If our new Luna is being initiated, he may or may not mark his mate in the process but who knows" Cuyler shrugged as I stared at him, my face void of all emotion.

Cuyler laughed and slapped my back.

"But hey, that won't happen to you," he laughed causing me to laugh awkwardly.

"Well, that's reassuring," I finally spoke and stood, popping my back as two women approached us.

Nodding to Cuyler, one of the women spoke, "it's time."

With that, I was dragged off to get ready.