Winter's POV:

I can't for the life of me, get some sleep.

How could I? In a few hours, my past will mean nothing, my present and future meshed with the likes of wolves.

I am to be mated to Derrick Blackbird today. It's drizzling outside, rain dripping down the old windows. The house is over a century old, protected by spells upon spells, yet today it feels fragile. Like it knows something I don't.

The moon looks funny. Like some error in the matrix. It's red, blood red, the sky looking puffy and unnatural. It looks like the sky is bleeding. It's a Blood Moon. My stomach tightens on instinct. Every witch knows what that means. It's been drilled into our heads before we could spell the word witch.

Stay inside.

Lock the windows and doors.

Do not wander.

Wolves rule when the sky bleeds.

My powers are malfunctioning, my poor body mixing up signals with the strange moon is giving out. I take a deep breath, inhaling like Mother taught me to do when my powers go off. Inhale for 6, Exhale for 6.

It doesn't work. Nothing does.

It's nearly 2am. In 12 hours I will stand on an altar and be forced to swear myself away to a brute. Consent is a useless word in our world. It's either do or die. My body for peace.

Would I be so evil if I just let Father die?

My bed is old and I can feel the wood piercing my back. I groan loudly sitting up. I shiver when my feet touch the ground. I've always been cold easily. One of the downsides of being weak like me. We will always get the short end of the stick. Why couldn't Ariana be the one to be mated off? Oh yeah, she's the strong sister, one of the most powerful. The coven can't do without her.

Me though? I'm weak, disposable.

Bullshit.

I get up. Father's not around. Mother's probably in bed by now. No one will be around to stop me.

I pull off my nightgown, changing into black leggings and a dark hoodie. My hand reaches for big boots on the top of my closet.

If I only have a few hours of my freedom left, I'm going to use it on having a nice time, not cowering in fear like some sacrificial lamb about to be slaughtered.

My hand glows in the dim room, and a few seconds later I'm outside, rain drops pouring in my hair. Up ahead, the forest stares at me. The air is wet and oxygen feels heavy, like a predator is waiting for me to take two steps in before ripping me to shreds. My insight flares.

I'll only be gone for a few minutes. One hour tops. By 3am I'll be back in bed. I just need some fresh air. Freedom from all of this.

I take a few steps in the wet soil, my magic pushing me deeper into the forest. There are no birds out tonight, no insects and definitely no stars in the sky. Everything seems to have paused, like the forest itself is afraid of what might happen.

I'm in there for at least 10 minutes before I reach a clearing, a wide space surrounded by tall trees. My insight is almost screaming at me to go back.

My arms are twitching, a headache forming at the back of my head. Something is wrong. I turn around slowly, trying to spot anything amiss in the dark night.

"Get a grip Winter, jeez." It's nothing. My insight is probably not working right because of the moon. I take a few steps forward.

I hear a branch break a few feet behind me.

It's too heavy to be a critter. Fear makes me take a deep breath, as I try to calm myself down. "Hello?"

I don't get a response, only movement.

I don't even have the time to react.

Something huge runs out of the darkness and right into me, taking me to the ground with brute force. Pain hits my spine and I freeze for a moment before I scream.

This is it. A witch has caught me. I'm going to be punished for disobedience. I don't want to be whipped. I fight and claw against the force pressing me down.

He growls, and I freeze, true fear entering me. It isn't a witch or wizard. It's worse. Far, far worse. It's a wolf. A big rogue wolf. His claw is the size of my head, his nails digging into the ground beside me. Our eyes meet, and his eyes are glowing red. The pupils that are supposed to be there are gone, his body a horrid mix between man and wolf.

My magic is basically useless on someone his size. I try kicking against him, but his huge hand pins me down. He bends down and smells me, the intimate move making me dizzy. His nose is all over my body, and my insight flares loudly, screaming wrong, forbidden, mistake.

"Let go of me! Let me go!" My screams fall on deaf ears, and when his canines bite into my back. My limbs go numb in shock.

Everything stops. I've been bitten. No, marked by a rogue.

I scream so loud even the wolf freezes. My back is aching, my body conflicted. Witches and wolves were never meant to be. And being marked by one out of nowhere is taking a toll on me. Confusion and fear hit the hardest, then heat.

It feels like something foreign is spreading through my every vein all at once, my body shaking against my will. I can't see properly anymore, different parts of me acting against each other. "No! No! No! No!" Something ancient crashes into me, numbing my resistance, while the wolf howls loudly like he's hurt.

I feel myself fall into his arms before I lose consciousness, his touch gentle, my cheek presses against something warm, solid.

When I regain consciousness, it's dawn.

Shit.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I'm in the arms of another wolf on the day of my wedding.

Fuck!

I get up immediately, removing myself from the wolves grip. I turn around and flee for dear life.

By the time I reach home, it's nearly 5am.

I appear in my room shaken. I tear off my clothes, running towards the mirror. Maybe he didn't mark me right, and there's no evidence of my mistake permanently on my skin.

The mirror says otherwise.

"Fuck! Fuckkk!" Right there on my back is a crescent mark, dimly glowing. Fuck. A marked wolf is a tainted, unclean wolf. If anyone finds out about what happened, the mating will not go through and war will ultimately happen.

Shit.

I shower in under five minutes, using my magic to scrub all over me several times until I'm sure the smell of the forest is gone. I throw my clothes in the trash, sitting down on my bed ass naked. I'm scared. I'm so scared.

Relax Winter, no one will know, the dress will cover it up. In a few hours, you'll walk down the aisle like you didn't get assaulted, and be mated to Derrick. Hopefully he'll mark me on my arm instead of my back and by the time he notices the mark I'll tell him he marked me again when we were mating but he couldn't remember because he was drunk.

"Winter? Are you awake yet? Get up." Mother's knock brings me back to the present. Oh yeah. I'm being mated to Derrick, a man I have never met, today.

Fanfuckingtastic.

Winter POV:

The plan for today is simple.

I'll get dressed from home, our magic will take us directly to their borders, where we'll be taken to the chapel. I'll meet the wolf, the priest joins us, and then that's it. I'll be mated to Derrick, Father will be returned and peace will reign.

That's what will happen if I can get through today without anyone noticing this stupid mark. I've tried to make it go away, tried using my magic and old spells and washing it away but nothing is working. It really is permanent.

I hiss in irritation. Stupid wolf. Stupid fucking wolf. If he hadn't met me my walk would've gone perfectly and I would've returned home fine, this is all his fault it's always–

What am I doing huh?

Complaining and cursing the rogue does nothing for me. Nothing other than waste my energy levels which are already lower than they should be, considering my power levels. Dammit.

I take a deep breath and step out of my third shower of the day. That's right, this is the third time I'm getting out of the shower today. I tried scrubbing it off on my second shower over and over again but nothing worked.

Mother thinks I'm nervous but that's far from the truth. My insight is itching against my skin.

If anyone found out...

Mother's knock snaps me out of it. "Winter I understand you're nervous and all but we need to arrive on time and the seamstress is here."

Translation: Get out of the shower right now. We're running out of time. Remember why we're doing this.

I take another deep breath, drying my feet. The foggy mirror in front of me shows my milky eyes faded with bags. I look awful.

No matter, that's what the beautician is for.

I step out of the bathroom in a long dress that covers the mark. Mother's face sags in relief. "I'm going to get my wedding pins from the house and bring over Ariana. She'll help with your makeup." I nod once and she vanishes, and I spot the seamstress, holding my finished dress. The original style had a covered front and a slightly revealing back. My lip twitches.

"The dress. Fix it." Her brows furrow. "Cover the back. Now." She pauses for a second, before getting to work. I watch her as she fixes up the dress so I can wear it without the mark showing. Only then do I collect it from her shaking arms.

By the time Ariana comes, I'm already in the dress, and the seamstress is gone, noting no errors in the dress. She smiles at me, mirroring my inner sadness. A part of me is angry I'm the one up for offering. Why couldn't it be her? Oh yeah, she's strong, and I'm not.

Her warm arms embrace me, reminding me of just how different we are. Two witches, bound by blood but on two completely different levels. "How are you Winter?" I smile. "As fine as someone in my shoes can be, I guess." Meaning: I'm not fine, not even a little bit. A small part of me wishes she could take my place instead. As if reading my mind she sighs. "I tried. I tried asking their Beta if I could take your part instead but they were insistent." There are tears in her eyes.

Guilt rushes in through me. How could I ever be mad at my little sister? "It's okay Ari, relax, on the plus side, I hear the wolves are physically endowed." I wiggle my eyebrows in fake excitement. She laughs, a tear running down her cheek. "God you're so dumb Winter. Come on, let's get you looking hotter than sin!" She pulls me towards the vanity.

"You look stunning darling." Mom says as the gates of the Stonefield Pack shine up ahead. I nod, even though I disagree.

She cups my face softly. "This is the only way Winter. For the coven, for peace."

I finish for her. "For father."

She kisses my forehead then steps back, as a chariot of wolves approaches. "It's time."

The reception is boring and brief to say the least. Unlike normal cultures where an engagement party is like a get together for both families, this one is more about wolves digging at us and throwing subtle threats at us. Only a few witches are present, my mother, Ariana, and Paul, Pauline and Paulina, important members of the high council.

My apparent mate has brown hair boring brown eyes, and is sitting in the corner with another buff man Ari tells me is the Beta of Stonefield. Said duo approaches me. The beta is taller, has longer legs and reaches me first. "Miss Winter, lovely to meet you." Derrick growls, forcing him to release me quickly. He laughs. "Relax dude, it's not like I'm marking her or anything. My pulse quickens at the reminder of my mistake. Derrick rolls his eyes. "Whatever." He takes up the hand that was dropped, kissing it. "Hello mate." He smiles at me. It's doesn't suit him, and the way his lips turn upwards has my insight screaming. I fake a blush. The Beta turns his attention towards Ari, smiling. "Ari, how are you?" She smiles, but unlike me I can't tell if she's faking it or not.

That's weird. This whole charade is weird.

Why on earth are we acting like this is a real wedding? The sight is almost comedic.

A few minutes later, just as the wedding us about to begin and the priest demands everyone stand up, the door slams open.

The Alpha of Stonefield enters. Everyone, wolf or witch, bows. My insight is over the charts. When I lift my eyes to spot the rumored tyrant, my breath hitches.

It's him. It's the rogue. Only he's not a rogue, not at all!

Our eyes meet, and my back ignites in heat.

Fuck!

Every from several feet away, the words he whispers reach me loud and clear.

It's a simple four letters word that carries so much weight.

"Mine."

Winter's POV:

Fuck.

Fucking fuck.

The man that forcefully marked me yesterday is not a rogue but the most feared wolf on the continent, Alpha Keon.

None of the rumors whispered about him were accurate enough. He's so tall I would have to turn my neck to catch all of him. His eyes are dark green, so dark it's like the forest floor. My neck won't stop burning. He's built like a Greek god. A beautiful, fatal one. His muscles are on display, the rain pouring outside outlining his torso and V line. I gulp. Luckily, it seems only me catches his words. The wolves are chanting to their Alpha, their King. The hall resonates with their voices.

"Alpha Keon! Alpha Keon! Wise and noble to his people,

Ever wise, ever valiant!

Long may he reign!

By canine and by blood,

Stonefield stands–"

"Silence."

Shit. Is he going to expose me? He knows, he has to. Any no wolf would stand and watch his mate marry another wolf.

The entire room goes dead silent.

"This mating will not stand."

I almost collapse on the spot. Out of the corner of my eye I spot mother's eyes bulge, Ari holding her arm stiffly.

Chaos breaks out. Small whispers turn into loud shouts.

Some are lost, others are angry.

"What? Did he already kill the wizard already?"

"It's the girl, she's marked isn't she? Our people can't be with someone already tainted with another wolf."

"We should just kill all the witches already, haven't they done enough?"

"What the hell is happening?"

"Let the fury of Stonefield rain on all the witches! War on the witches!"

The entire hall is screaming, chanting for our heads.

My heart is beating so violently it might fall out.

Oh well, I heard wolves eat the hearts of their enemies, might as well get a move on.

"Enough." The Alpha speaks once more, forcing everyone, every thought to pause.

His steps toward the altar are delibrate and slow, and my insight is telling me to sprint in the opposite direction. He reaches us, me, Derrick and the priest.

"Do I need to repeat myself? This mating isn't happening." His attention is on the priest.

Derrick hisses beside me. "You can't decide that–"

The Alpha's stare forces him into silence. He smiles, and it's official, the Blackbird Brothers were not built for smiling. It's like he's trying out the movement for the first time, and goosebumps erupt on my spine at the move.

"You were saying?" Derrick's fists tighten.

"Come with me." He turns away, and like a good shadow he follows, out of the halls and away from a confused crowd.

Everyone is staring at me. The feeling makes my skin crawl. I pray to anything and everything no one somehow spots the mark. My Mother is in tears, the Triplets, Paul, Pauline and Paulina are whispering loudly, arguing amoung themselves in the old tongue. The wolves look on with curiosity and disgust. I recognise the blood lust swirling in their eyes. They can't wait to kill me on their King's command. I blink back the tears.

I stand for what feels like forever, but is probably 30 minutes max. A lot of time for a lot of wolves to lose their patience. When they return, I can tell a word from the wolves and we'll be torn to shreds. I gulp.

If Keon ratted me out, then it's over, it's truly all over. I scan their faces. Keon's face is unreadable, but his brother's is calm. Happy even?

What the fuck is happening?

In Derrick's arm is some staff, and I hear Paul and Pauline whisper: "It can't be..." "It is" Paulina completes for them.

Mother's eyes widen even further.

I take a step back, even though my insight isn't telling me to. It's obvious whatever is in Derrick's hand has a lot of power, everyone can tell. He reaches the altar, a small grin on his face. He bellows to the crowd:

"Fear not great people of Stonefield. The mating shall go on." The tension dies down immediately, people sitting back down unsure of what to do next. "My brother here just wants to make sure the witches have no form of escape, an issue noted with the natural marking. Today, the relic of the Blood-Fang known to force bonds permanently between two creatures will be used! What you are about to witness is a once in a lifetime experience!"

The hall erupts in gasps. My jaw loosens. The Blood-Fang is the name for the first witch wolf war that took place centuries ago. Legend says this weapon was used to cause hundreds of deaths on both sides of the war. It was rumored to be lost in the forest. And it's here. It's actually here.

And it's going to be used on me.

Fuck.

Ariana curses under her breath. Mother is on the verge of tears again. Surprisingly, I'm not in the least bit worried. My insight has gone quiet, like there's absolutely nothing wrong about to happen and I'm not about to become a walking puppet for the wolves.

The priest begins the mating, chanting ancient words to deities no one is sure exists anymore. Outside, the rain pours down on us. When the priest lifts the staff to finalise the bond, the staff glows brightly. The people look on, amazed. It flickers like a candle, once, then twice. I'm about to blink when lightning strikes.

Inside the chapel.

Screams erupt in the room. I spot Ariana darting up. Mother's hands are glowing. The Triplets cannot believe their eyes.

I realise half sprint I'm not going to make it. It hit the center of the chapel, right beneath where I stand, and I'm not moving fast enough to not get struck.

Well, this is it. This is how I die. Death by lightning. One of the most unfortunate ways to die. How fitting.

I blink and open my eyes, warmth spreading through me. Above me, Alpha Keon is holding me in his arms, his eyes glowing.

Holy shit.