T H E   R I T U A L –   P A R T  O N E

Alpha Talia's POV

You know what they say, time flies by when you're having fun. More often than not, we would be too preoccupied in exploring each other's bodies to remember to eat or sleep. There wasn't a part of my body Hugo hasn't touched, explored or tasted. He made sure of it.

Frieda and Rhea spent hours at the spell room poring over mother's books in an unsuccessful attempt to learn more about the hex.

Rhea was a historian omega who spent most of her time immersed in books learning about the origins of the supernatural as it was her role at her previous pack. She had extensive knowledge about the true-blood hybrids and witches of Draverri's heritage. So one can imagine how excited she was, to meet one face to face.

Even with Rhea's knowledge, Mother's Hex was an uncharted category. But one thing was apparent. The ritual day had finally arrived. It would end today. As I glanced at the time, I realized that it would actually end in exactly one hour.

I straightened up the white satin dress, which featured a chic cowl neckline and thin rolled straps that crossed over the backless bodice to accentuate my curves. The mere sight of the dress would make Hugo go crazy, I chuckled to myself.

Frieda had the brilliant idea to segregate us in two different guest rooms at the mansion until the ritual commenced. My heat has been raging as I wasn't permitted to employ my powers at all today and we were instructed to conserve all of our energies for the ritual.

However, the last time I disregarded my heat, I fell unconscious, so I made the choice to do something about it. I got comfortable on the bed and gradually raised the white satin dress. Taking two of my fingers, I slid the white lace panties to the side. My lips quivered slightly as my fingers touched my already-moist pussy.

My mind wandered to the first time I brought Hugo to the mansion, when his wrists were bound and he was eating me out. The moment I surprised him by giving him a foot job in the bathtub. The moment he stopped talking and attended to my pussy in the spell room because he couldn't concentrate on his words while I'm wet for him. When we played hide-and-seek in our wolf forms and he chased me across the city. I recalled how we had sex while covered in each other's blood on the table in the living room. How we repeatedly fucked at the cliff. . .

My soft moans were cut off by three quick knocks at the door. Since Frieda and Rhea were busy preparing the master bedroom for the ritual ceremony, I was certain it wasn't either of them. After clearing my throat and fixing my dress up, I walked towards the door.

"We're not supposed to see each other for another hour, Hugo" I whispered without opening the door. I could hear him grunt on the other side.

"I can hear your moans, Talia. Let me in" He growled. His desperation was evident through the door, which made me desire him even more. But instead of allowing his words to influence me, I held my composure.

"You know I can pleasure myself whenever I want, right?" I stated, placing my hand on the door. I could hear his ragged breaths as he twisted the door knob twice.

"You know I can break down this door and fuck you, right?" Hugo replied. I knew that tone of his, he needed me. My legs began to feel heated, forcing me to touch myself once again. I leaned up against the door and worked my fingers under. Even the sound of his breathing aroused my desire for him.

"We have to conserve energy. The ritual will take a huge toll on you." I remarked biting my lips whilst inserting two fingers into my pussy. Even at the most crucial moment of our lives, I couldn't help but want to tease him.

"Open the door" He demanded.

"No can do, Romeo. I really don't want to piss off Frieda today. And besides I kind of missed touching myself" I giggled. Hugo sighed and gave the door a little head-bang. He was silent for a little moment before speaking,

"You were thinking about me though" He stated and I could almost visualize his smirk behind the door.

"Don't flatter yourself" I rolled my eyes, removing my fingers and fixing my dress again to not give him the satisfaction.

"Oh fuck, Hugo . . it sounds like you were thinking about me, Hybrid. Fuck, Talia my cock is throbbing inside these pants, just open the door. Let me fuck your heat away" Hugo pleaded. My pussy throbbed at his words. I sighed before unlocking the door. He entered the room grinning broadly, but as soon as he saw me, he stopped dead in his tracks.

"Oh gods, you look . . beautiful" He ran his fingers through his hair as he gazed in awe at my beauty. He looked so hot in a black suit. My eyes landed on the sizable erection in his trousers.

"And you look handsome as fuck" I whispered leaning in to kiss him. He didn't completely undress; instead, he unzipped his pants, pulled out his cock, lifted my dress, and pulled my panties down halfway. I choked back my breath as the tip of his pulsing cock touched my pussy.

Once he fully plunged into me, he immediately began fucking me vigorously. My fists clutched onto the bed sheets with each stroke as he quickened the speed.

"Grrrr . . the sounds your pussy makes drives me crazy, Tal. It's so fucking sexy" He whispered.

I could hear Frieda's voice from the living room instructing Rhea to bring both of us to the master bedroom and then Rhea replying with an "Oh they found each other and currently are in each other". There was no force that could stop us from being together. Not even for a few hours. Hugo made me feel like myself again. Playful, naughty and carefree. And I loved it.

Hugo picked up the pace, pushing in and repeatedly striking my g-spot. As the pleasure in my pussy overflowed, I screamed. Hot fluids filled deep in to me and he persisted in moving, inserting them ever-deeper into my pussy. When he was done, he pulled my panties up and turned me around to face him. His hands wrapped around my body, our lips met one another and we kissed passionately.

"Don't clean up. I want you all creamed up for the ritual, my sexy cum bucket" He whispered in my ear before tucking his cock away neatly in his pants and fixing himself up. He winked before he left the guestroom. I could feel the moist between my legs, pulsating every second craving him more and more.

After a while I exited the guest room and entered the living room, where Frieda and Rhea were sat at the table working on the concealed page as usual. Frieda used both of her hands to make the concealed page float in the air while Rhea had her face buried in a book. However, as soon as they both cast a quick glance my way, they immediately walked over.

"Luna, you look gorgeous" Rhea stated.

"Thank you, Rhea" I muttered. Frieda's eyes were beginning to fill up with tears as I turned to face her.

"This is it. After today, the curse will finally be over." She said.

"This is it" I repeated her words. Aware that the journey was finally coming to an end, Frieda offered me a bear embrace. "Go on, he's waiting for you at the master bedroom"

I peered at the clock and saw that there were just thirty minutes remaining. Mother's spirit appeared lurking in the shadows, and I could sense her soft sly laughter reverberating down the hallways. This was it. My last link to the Doherty's would be severed as of today.

The bedroom decorated with candles and rose petals welcomed me as I entered. Hugo was waiting for me while wearing his suit and there was soothing music playing in the background. Meanwhile, Frieda and Rhea shut the door, giving us some privacy.

He extended his hand, bringing me up against him. We both swayed to the calming music, and I gazed at him while beaming uncontrollably.

"Why are you smiling?" Hugo asked.

"I don't know, even since I met you I haven't been able to stop" I replied, taking him in my arms and giving his muscular body a small squeeze.

"Are you flirting with me, Alpha?" he whispered in husky voice.

"Am I not allowed to flirt with you, little claws?" I asked coyly.

"Little Claws, you haven't called me that in a while. I missed being called that" Hugo chuckled, tucking my hair behind my ear.

"Do you miss being a hostage as well?" I smirked reminiscing about how our paths crossed.

"Anything that'll keep me close to you" Hugo replied placing a soft kiss on my forehead.

"Stop making me fall in love with you more" I muttered gazing into his eyes. I was overcome with emotions and sentiments that words cannot adequately express. I truly, deeply, and completely loved him.

"Can't help it, hybrid" He pulled me closer and kissed my lips, biting them softly.

We clung on to one another tightly as the time inched closer. I laid my head on his chest and rested while I listened to his heartbeat. He gently rocked me back and forth while humming a soothing tune.

"Before the ritual begins, I've prepared to give my vows" Hugo finally uttered.

"Vows? I didn't know we were doing that" I pulled away from him as he cleared his throat.

"Well, the Shaw's usually umm . . . we make a promise to our mates before the mating ceremony" Hugo knelt down in front of me. He carefully took off his suit, exposing his chest beneath the shirt. He grabbed both of my hands and gave me an intense look.

"Talia Doherty soon to become Talia Shaw, I Hugo Shaw, hereby promise to be your lover, companion and friend, your partner in parenthood, your ally in conflict, your comrade in adventure, your sub and your dom, your consolation in disappointment, and your accomplice in mischief. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things. All things." He drew his claws and carved out an X on his chest and then with the blood, he painted my forehead red.

He took some time to collect himself, taking a huge breath. His watery eyes gazed at me as he continued the rest of this vows. "If I got reincarnated a thousand times I'd pray to the gods to let me be your mate in all of them. I'll love you in each life. I'll choose you in each life. I'll love you through the clear skies and even more during the storms. I'll love you as you are. As you were and as you will be. You are my soul . . . mate, Talia."

As I reached over to pick him up and place him on the bed, a tear escaped my eye. I climbed on him wrapping my legs around his waist as he sat on the bed. My forehead glistened with the white crown as the ritual's start time approached. My crimson eyes fixed on Hugo.

"I, Talia Doherty soon to become Talia Shaw, declare you Hugo Shaw as my eternal mate. Now and forevermore. In life and in death. You are my mate, Hugo" I whispered before unleashing my fangs and piercing in to his neck with the pure intention of marking him. The room filled with a white light as the curse took its time to assess Hugo. A shock wave of air swept the room, rocking the furniture and knocking things out the cupboards. My dread of the unknown was, however, overcome by the love that engulfed the room.

As I pulled back, Hugo gazed at me with a huge smile on his face. His neck still bore my mark and it remained intact. I couldn't hold back the emotions as I busted out crying tears of joy.

"My mate. Hugo, you're my mate" I hugged him tightly. "We did it" I shrieked as I sensed the return of my hybrid powers to my body and the hex's effects fading away.

"I love you, Talia" Hugo whispered burying his face in my neck.

"I love you, Hugo. So much" I cried, with tears streaming down my face. I could hear swift footsteps approaching close followed by multiple urgent knocks at the door. Something felt off. Hugo's arms felt lighter, and his silence drove me withdraw his clasp. His face looked pale.

"I'm sorry . . ." He whimpered as his voice trailed off. Slowly, he extended his fingers toward my face, but his hand gave way. He fell back into the bed, and I caught him. He smiled while a tear trickled down his cheeks as his eyes fixed on me with a blank expression.

"What's . . . what's wrong? Hugo, talk to me!" I asked in a panic.

His lips twitched, but he did not speak. He looked as though he was battling to hang on. All of it appeared too familiar, and at once terror swept through my body. Everything came down at once and my entire world shattered before me as he took his final breath, his eyes lost its colour, and I stopped hearing his heartbeat.