The Girl With The Mark

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Hanley ✓

During the first full moon of every eighth month of the year, Masarkkav held a ritual marking.

A period when the Shape-shifter alpha comes to choose his mate.

We respect it like we respected God, but that's for them, not me.

Girls at the age of eighteen to nineteen are tied at the village ground where they'll be marked, if chosen.

They always say the lucky ones are those who are taken by the alpha's and high ranked Betas, but to me, it's a hell nightmare.

Last year, the Alpha had come, leaving without a mate. It was said none were of his taste.

This year, he's gonna come for sure, maybe to find his luck... I guess.

The elders has send letters to all families whose daughters would be participating for the ritual.

Since my entire life, as far as I was never picked, I never seemed to care.

Until today, when mother read the shocking letter to me. " Hanley, you've been picked for the ritual. "

Right now, I felt like exploding. And if the ground would open in half, I would be glad to have myself thrown into it.

" I'm leaving Masarkkav for good." I said to their amazement.

" You're what?! " Dad stormed as he dropped what he was doing to look at me. " Did you just say you're running?"

" I can't stay here, dad. I don't want to undergo the ritual. " I insisted.

" Don't try what you'll regret after. " He said.

" There's nothing to regret in this. I'll just run and when they don't find me... that's it. No markings. "

" Now you listen to me young lady, get yourself ready for tonight. Whether or not you like it, you must participate in the ceremony. " He finalized.

I know there was no way out of these. There will never be a way out of these as far as mom and dad are concerned. Especially Dad.

I went to Florence's house to spend the rest of my day with her while I think of how my night will be. She was making sandwiches for the family.

Her grandmother had convinced her parents to have her make it. All those grandmother's who talks about marriage even when you're twelve. Tsk.

" Hi." I greeted, drawing her attention.

" Hey. " She beamed her lips with a smile, then returning her gaze back to the sandwiches on fire. " Thank your stars you came at the right time."

" I always come at the right time. " I said, knowing that I'll have a share from the sandwiches.

I sat on the stool by the side. " So, did your parents receive any letter?" I asked.

" You mean for the ritual? " She asked, not looking at me.

" Yes. "

" Nope, no letter. What about you?" Now she was looking at me for an answer. I nodded my head. " Really? "

" I thought about leaving the village but then, dad said I must stay whether or not I like it. I don't know why he has to be this mean over things. " I scoffed.

" I don't wanna stay, I don't wanna stand between those fires and I don't wanna think about being chosen. Flo, this shouldn't be happening, at all. " I said, depressed. " I'm scared, Flo. I really am."

" Look Han, your father is right about what he said. You running away will only end up getting your parents in danger. No matter what, you must stay and participate. " She advised.

" Honestly, I wish I were you, I won't have to bother about the ritual for the whole year. "

She chuckled. " Let's just hope it doesn't work out this year. Because, that's the only way you can become like me. "

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~ THAT NIGHT ~

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The night has finally surfaced. I almost pissed on myself the moment one of the elder instructed for the woods to be lightened.

The sticks were planted in circles, and we were tied against wooden poles for the ritual to begin. It was ten of us dressed half naked.

Only our chests and the lower part of our body could be seen covered, the rest of our skin were exposed.

Finally, the Shape-shifters arrived with their cars, they were only six of them, with their Alpha making it seven. He was the last to step out of the car.

My heart for the first time in so many years never beat like today. Everyone bowed their heads as he approached closer.

" The ritual is ready, Your Majesty." Said one of the elders.

After making some sacrificial incantations which took about thirty minutes or there about, it was finally the time for the alpha to pick his mate.

Then I just realized I wasn't the only terrified one here, it was the ten of us, tied like caught thieves. Alpha Ace moved close to the fire, making a stop.

Then he walked pass through the fire like it was nothing to his skin. He stepped in, staring at the ten of us.

One after the other, he leaned to sniff in our scent. When it got to my turn, I shut my eyes even before he could make it to me.

He was taking too long to sniff my scent compared to the time he took for the others.

" Open your eyes." His cold voice echoed like the waves in my ears.

I couldn't open my eyes, no, I shouldn't open my eyes. He said again. " Open your eyes." This time, his voice was softer and deeper.

I found myself doing so involuntarily, staring into the ocean blue irises glaring back at me, right into my inner soul.

A young gentleman from his clan came to untie me from the wooden pole. I would have loved to run but I couldn't.

I was in the middle of two werewolves, and more standing outside the fire plus the village committees. I'm doomed.

I was made to lay on the wooden table which was where the markings would take place in order to show if indeed I was the right one.

I just hope I ain't.

I wish this will all turn to be failure just like the previous years. I shut my eyes for the second time, taking a deep breath.

Then I heard a growling sound, not from me, but from the creature beside me.

I felt his hands on my shoulder and thigh while he leaned his face to my waist. His razor-like teeth piercing into my the skin of my waist.

I yelled in pains, screaming for heaven to come save me. When he released his teeth from my flesh, I was breathing like I was gonna die in the next minute.

Before I could gaze up to his face, he had turned to the normal human he was. The other wolf helped me stand to my feet.

I was feeling a huge pain on my waist but when I glared at it, the teeth marks were all gone, leaving a scar on my skin.

I was shocked. How the f*ck did that just happen? What the heck is happening to me??

I wish death can enroll me into it's embrace and the ground would widen it's mouth to have me in which of course, I will gladly give myself in.

It healed! The bite healed?!

But then he stared at me, and with his ocean cold voice, he said to me. " Mate..."

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To Be Continued...

Cisca Writes ❤️

Chapter 2&3: THE RUNAWAY.

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Hanley woke up by the chirping sound of the morning birds. The pain from the marking last night was like a trauma to her skin.

Right under her ribs, she could still feel the hunting itch of the mark.

She glared around the room, like it was her first time being in there.

Not a second thought, Hanley made it out of the bed to her wardrobe.

She started packing her stuffs into her backpack with her pony slippers and two shoes.

" Hanley!" Micheal, her little brother called from the outside. " Hanley!!" He called again, raising his voice.

" What monkey?!" She yelled back.

" Breakfast is ready!" He said, not minding how loud his voice was. He left.

She hissed.

Michael was one hell of a brother and definitely a pain in the ass.

He was only six years older than Hanley and yet, most times he acts like a six year old child.

She hid her backpack back into her wardrobe, underneath her clothes.

Possibly against Micheal who is able to sneak in at anytime.

She had a quick brush before heading out of her room, down to the dinning room where the others sat already eating on their breakfast.

Hanley wasn't focused on what she was eating, her mind was here and there, busy on how to make her imaginary plans work out.

All she was after was a successful sneak out of the house without anyone finding out.

" Dad, Hanley called me a monkey." Micheal complained, getting everyone's attention.

She threw him a hard glare. " You better shut the fu*k up or I help you with that." She threatened.

" Hanley, mind your words. " Said her mother. " We've talked about saying fu*k here. " She reminded.

" Sorry. But you have to warn this black mouth for yelling at my door. "

" Michael? " She turned her gaze to her son. " Did you yell at her door?" She asked.

" I thought she was asleep." He defended.

"Now say sorry to your sister, Mic." She said.

" Sorry." He felt embarrassed. It didn't go as he expected.

Hanley threw her tongue out at him, giving him a middle finger.

As if the day knew how desperate Hanley was to go, night approached so sudden.

While the rest of the family went out, Hanley stayed back at home.

She made sure she had done her duties, made dinner and had a warm bath.

She took some food stuffs from the kitchen, shoving it all into her backpack. Then she wrote a short note, dropping it on the dinning table.

« I'm leaving. I'm going some where far away from here. Please, don't come looking for me because you guys will never find me.

I can't let Alpha Ace take me with him. No, I still have a long way to go in this life. Move on with your lives, and I will move on with mine.

I'm sorry I am doing this in the wrong way, but it's also for my own good. Take good care of yourselves for me. I love you guys. "

She sneaked out, even without telling her best friend Flo. She knew if she had to tell her, they will convince her to tell them of her whereabout.

As soon as she left the house through the back door, she began to run. She didn't stop from running, until she was sure she was far away from home.

She stopped by a tree, leaning against it to catch her lost breath. " Phew! Never thought I'd make it out of there."

She kept on with her journey after a brief rest. At night, Hanley would gather some woods to make fire for herself.

Outside home felt cold. The wind blew on her skin, causing her to shiver.

She would used her clothes to make blanket for herself. Even the creepy sound of the night creatures frightened her.

Some how she felt like the wolves were watching her. And this only made her spend the rest of the night awake.

Hanley was heading to nowhere in particular. She was ready to go anywhere as far as it was far away from home.

On the third day of her journey in the woods, she heard voices of little kids and she knew her days of wandering has finally come to an end.

From a corner, she peered at the kids playing with a small ball. She thought of them to be alone so she walked out of her hiding place to talk to them.

But instead, the moment they saw her, they took to their heels.

" Hey," she tried stopping them but they didn't stop from running. " I'm not gonna hurt you. Fu*k."

She followed the same direction they had used to run. Moreover, the kids weren't alone as she had thought. They had someone with them. Someone more older and matured.

She stopped, listening as the children reported her to him. " You said what?" He asked them, trying to hear what they were saying.

" A stranger?" He asked again. " Where?"

They pointed out to Hanley's direction. " There." They both said in unison.

He turned, and he saw Hanley standing, watching them. " I'm sorry if I scared them." She apologized.

He chuckled. " It's okay, they're just kids. By the way, I'm Andrew." He walks close for a handshake.

" I'm Hanley. " She said, returning the handshake.

" They are my siblings, Hansel and Gretel." He introduced.

" Those are pretty names." She admitted.

" So, how did you get here if I may ask? Are you kinda... runaway? " He asked.

" No. No. " She sighed. " Kinda. Honestly, it's a long story. I'm searching for a place to reside for the mean time and make some little funds. "

" Come on, let's take you home first. " He said.

Hanley held Hansel's hand while Andrew held Gretel's. The walk was a bit quiet until they got to his home town.

Though he did asked her some few questions, but she made much efforts to create a fixed and concrete lie to avoid exposing the truth about the mark.

On getting home, he asked her to stay outside while he goes in to inform his mother about her.

Hanley nodded, hoping earnestly that his mother wasn't the aggressive and wicked type of person.

" Why didn't you let her in?" She heard the feminine voice ask. " Oh, Andrew, you're being so unfair to your new guest."

" I only wanted to inform you first, mother." He said.

She sighed. " It's okay, I understand you're only keeping to your manners. Okay, okay. Now let her in, will you?" She said, not trying to sound sentimental.

Andrew left to the door, ushering Hanley in. " You're free to come in." He said.

" Thanks." She walked in, glaring around the well furnished apartment.

The inside was a lot welcoming and appealing than the outside. Though it was a little smaller than her own home, but on the other hand, it felt much more comfortable.

" Good morning. " She greeted.

" Good morning, my dear." She responded. " Andrew told me he met you at the woods. Hope everything is alright?"

" Yes. Yes, of course."

" Please forgive my attitude. Have a seat." She ushered.

Hanley sat on one of the sofas. " Thanks."

" It's nothing." Sitting on the sofa opposite Hanley. " So, what happened to your home?"

" I uhmm... I'd say, I ran away from home. "

The woman stared at her surprised, " Seriously?"

" Yep. It's a complicated story, though. My parents made it complicated."

" Would you mind telling me this... complicated story?" She asked.

" My uhm... my parents agreed to give me out to some guy way too older than I am. They think I'm old enough to get married and they wouldn't even listen to me if I try saying no." She explained.

" So you left?"

" So I left." She grinned. " I uhmm, I'm only looking for a place to stay for a while and raise a little fund to travel outside the state. Only if you don't mind."

" I understand. And I wish I can help you but, my home looks little and you might probably not like it. "

" It's more comfortable, I'd say. You have a nice home. "

" Andrew, show her to her room, please. " She said and Hanley followed him as they trailed up the stairs. " Please feel comfortable."

They got to a room, it had a small bed beside the window. It was smaller than her own room, but it did looked comfortable.

" Uhm... I know it's too small..."

" It's perfect." She interrupted.

Andrew exchanged a warm smile with her. " I'll be going to the market, would you mind joining me?" He asked.

Hanley loved the idea. It would be a perfect time to get to know more about his home town and explore around it.

" Sure. I'll go with you." She agreed.

" The bathroom is just by the left. You can let me know when you're ready to take a shower. "

" Sure, I will. "

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To Be Continued...

Chapter 4&5: THE RUNAWAY 2.

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Andrew took his basket and together with Hanley, they went to the market. Hanley felt much safer in this village, it looked safe and peaceful.

Not like Masarkkav isn't peaceful, don't get it wrong, it no longer felt like a home to her since the marking ritual.

While Andrew did the shopping, she decided to hold the basket where he dropped the food stuffs.

Andrew bought her a carrot she would eat to keep herself busy. At first she refused, but then took it from him after so many persuasion.

After shopping, he took her around. He even showed her his favourite place where he stayed whenever he wanted to be alone.

" I haven't told anyone else about this place, you're the first." He said to her.

Hanley felt surprised. They barely know each other and he was being so open and plain towards her.

" You said you want to raise money, right?" He asked and she nodded her head. " I've got a place for you."

She followed him as he followed a different direction which led to the bar restaurant. This bar was the most popular joint in the community.

No poor inhabitant comes there, or you'll get drenched up trying. " What's this place?" She asked as soon as they got to the bar.

" I work here, I think you should too." He opened the door and they walked in.

Hanley stared around the bar, a lot of people were in there, including both men and women. Most of them looked wasted, yet they requested for more alcohol.

There was a man at the counter, he looked huge and dirty. His beard was almost touching his chest, and his hair... was the messiest hair Hanley has ever seen.

" Hey, Andy." Said the man in his croaky voice.

" Hey Thasmous."

" And who's this lovely lady?" He asked Andrew, eyes fixed at Hanley. " You never told me you found a new girlfriend."

" No. No, not at all. She's just friends. And besides, we came here because she wanna start up a little business with us. " He told him.

Thasmous nodded." Well, miss beautiful you came at the right time. When do you wish to start? " He asked.

" I don't know, I should be asking you that. " She said.

" She'll start tomorrow. " Andrew cuts in.

" If you say so. "

" We'll be leaving then. See you tomorrow." Andrew waved at him as they exited the bar.

" Thasmous, that's a horrible name. " Hanley said immediately they made their way out of the bar joint.

Andrew laughed for a while. " That's actually his nickname." He said.

" What's his real name then? " She asked.

" No one knows. " He shrugs.

They made it back home. Hanley took the basket into the kitchen while Andrew left to his room.

Mrs Tina, Andrew's mother had followed Hanley shortly into the kitchen. Hanley did most of the preparation while Mrs Tina did the cooking.

Hanley sat on the small stool, plucking the vegetable leaves out of it's stem. She listened as Mrs Tina told her about her home.

" I lost my husband two months after I gave birth to Hansel and Gretel. He hardly spent his time with them because he was always a busy man.

He wouldn't listen to me whenever I tell him to rest. He'd only do that if I refuse to eat. I know he's only doing that for his family but, " she paused, sighing. " sometimes, we all deserve to take a break. "

" I'm sorry. It must be really difficult for you. " She said pitifully.

" It's years now since he died, at least I have been able to handle the family without him. Though it hasn't been easy for me, all thanks to Andrew, he's been making much efforts for the family. "

" I must say, Andrew did took after his father. "

Mrs Tina smiled. " You're right. He did take after his father. Are you done with the vegetables? " She asked.

" Yes. " Hanley put it into a bowl of water, washing it into a small basket before handing it to Mrs Tina.

" You must be starving. Very soon, lunch will be ready." Mrs Tina assured her.

She notice Mrs Tina bring out a plate from the cupboard. She was expecting she'd bring out more but she only had that very plate in her hand.

" Is that for me?" She asked before Mrs Tina could grabbed a spoonful of the soup into the plate.

" Yes, it is." She answered.

" What about you guys?" She asked.

" Don't worry about us. You see, since things are a lot difficult for us, we only eat twice in a day. But you had a long journey, you need to eat something. " She said.

" It's okay, I can wait until night. "

" No, you shouldn't. You're my visitor. "

" Since I was little, I never ate alone. Whenever I eat, I eat with my family. This might not be my real home but, the attitude is still in me. Like I said, I can wait. "

Mrs Tina nodded, dropping the plate back into the cupboard. Hanley went ahead keeping the kitchen clean.

She made sure everything were in order before she thought of leaving. She went to her room. She laid on the bed, dozing off.

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" Thasmous approved she should start work by tomorrow." Andrew informed his mother.

" That's so good of you, son. May heaven reward you for your kindness. " She blessed. " Hansel, go check if Hanley is still asleep."

Hansel jumped down from the couch, running to Hanley's room.

" You let her go to bed in an empty stomach?" He asked.

" I did wanted to give her food but she refused. She said she preferred to eat together. " She said.

" Do you think her parents made the right decision to get her married so soon? " He asked.

" Peoples got reasons. Something must have conspired to them approving her marriage."

" Poverty? " He guessed.

" Possibly. Or maybe, she has been betrothed to him already when she was little. But you know, nowadays, we ladies prefer to be with the man we love other than getting courted with some one we don't love.

But, from a clear look at her, I doubt she is from a wretched background. "

" Mummy, she's here. " Hansel said in her thing voice, distracting them from their conversation.

" Oh, Hansel. I didn't ask you to wake her up, I only told you to check on her."

" I didn't wake her up, " she said. " she woke up by the sound of the door when I tried to peer in."

Hanley rubbed her eyes, taking a full glance at Andrew and Mrs Tina. " How long have I been asleep?" She asked.

" Hours." Andrew replied.

" I'll go get dinner ready." Mrs Tina stood up, heading to the kitchen.

There are six chairs in the dinning room. Hanley sat a seat away from Andrew. Hansel came to occupy it.

Gretel on the other hand sat opposite Hansel, as they all waited for the meal to be served.

" So where will you be going after here?" He asked, breaking the silence.

" Right now, I don't think I know. Maybe until then, I must have thought about it. "

Mrs Tina appeared with a tray of food, dropping each plates before them. They started to eat, quietly and silently.

Hanley thought of how the following day would be at the bar. If this was the only way to to help herself, it was the best idea she has ever made.

All she just wanted is to be far away from home. In a place not even Alpha Ace can find her.

They all think they are smart,* she thought to herself, " but I'll show them how smarter I am.* She smiled.

Though she knew the mark was some thing she can't take away, it was permanent, like a tattoo.

The thought of Alpha Ace tracking her with the mark didn't occur to her mind. It wouldn't, would it?

She felt much safer miles away from him. But should that actually be a relief to her?

Would it be so difficult for him to find her if he wanted to?? Was she safe being with Andrew and his family?

Would he come back for her when he finds out that she was missing??

None of this occurred to her, all she knew is she was safe.

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They got back home to see that Hanley was nowhere to be found. Her mother had to shout her name several times, but there was no reply.

The even went up to her room, only to find out that her was neat like no one ever stayed in there.

Michael was busy screaming her name at the backyard, yet nothing.

" I knew she'd be up to something when she said she was going back home. " He said.

" You should have stopped her then or, have Micheal escort her. " She said, worriedly. " Now, what are we going to do? What are we to tell Alpha Ace when he comes for her? "

" Hanley. " He said deeply, " That girl won't be the end of me. "

" I'll go to Flo's house and see if she is there. " She suggested.

" What makes you think she will be there? She's probably far from home. I knew after the marking she will leave for damn trouble. " He said, anger sounding in his voice.

" We should report this to the elders of the land. Maybe they can help us do something about this. " She collapsed on the sofa.

" I'm scared for her safety. What if something bad happens to her? " She asked no one in particular.

" That shouldn't be the problem now, because I know my daughter too well, she's safe wherever she is. The problem is us, we are the ones in the real trouble.

What if Alpha Ace comes today or tomorrow requesting for her, we won't only be stucked with what to say, we'll even be dead before we say anything. "

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To Be Continued...