Page 3 of Hitched to the Wendigo (Monster Matchmaking #1)

CHAPTER THREE

Eryx

The scent hit me like a physical blow the moment I entered the village. Her scent. My mate's scent. It called to something primal within me, urging me to find her, claim her, make her mine. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to remain still as the village elders approached.

Their fear formed an unseen tangible wall, a sour note that hung in the air. But beneath it, I detected hope. It was hard to tell with humans sometimes.

"Welcome, great one," the eldest among them said, his voice quavering slightly. "We have been expecting you."

I nodded, my eyes scanning the crowd that gathered. Where was she? "I've come for my mate," I rumbled, my deep voice causing several of the villagers to flinch.

The elder nodded quickly. "Of course, of course. Sakira!" he called out. "Come forward, child."

There was a moment of hushed murmuring, and then the crowd parted. And there she was.

My breath caught in my throat. She was even more beautiful up close than she had been from afar. Her auburn hair gleamed in the sunlight, and her green eyes, while filled with fear, held a defiant spark that made my heart race.

But as she approached, I noticed something else. The slump of her shoulders, the pallor of her skin. She looked defeated. This wasn't how I wanted our first meeting to be.

"Sakira," I said, trying to soften my voice. "I am Eryx."

She looked up at me, her eyes widening as she took in my full height. "I know who you are," she said softly. "You're the one I'm supposed to marry."

The way she said it, like it was a death sentence, made something twist painfully in my chest. But I pushed past it. We had a ceremony to complete.

"Are you ready?" I asked, gesturing towards the path that led out of the village and into the mountains.

For a moment, I thought she might refuse. Her eyes darted around, as if looking for an escape. But then she squared her shoulders and nodded. "I'm ready."

The journey to the ancient cave temple was silent and tense. Sakira walked a few paces behind me, her steps faltering on the rocky path. Several times, I had to resist the urge to scoop her up and carry her. But I knew that would only frighten her more.

As we entered the Sacrarium, the air grew thick with the scent of incense and old magic. Torches flickered along the walls, casting dancing shadows across the stone floor. At the center of the cavern stood an altar, ancient and worn smooth by countless ceremonies.

The priestess was waiting for us, her white robes glowing in the dim light. "Welcome," she intoned, her voice echoing off the cave walls. "Are you prepared to bind yourselves in the eyes of the ancestors?"

I nodded, but Sakira remained silent beside me. I glanced down at her, noting the way her hands trembled. Gently, I placed my hand on her lower back, trying to offer some comfort. She stiffened at first, but then, to my surprise, she leaned into my touch ever so slightly.

The priestess began the ceremony, her words a mix of ancient wendigo tongue and the common language. As she spoke, the air grew heavy with power. This was more than just a wedding, it was a binding of souls.

"Now," the priestess said, producing a ceremonial dagger, "we come to the blood binding. Eryx, if you would demonstrate your strength and commitment."

I stepped forward, taking the dagger. Without hesitation, I drew it across my palm, letting my dark blood well up. Then, in a display of wendigo strength, I gripped the blade with my cut hand and bent it, twisting the metal until it snapped.

Sakira gasped beside me, her eyes wide as she watched the broken pieces clatter to the floor. A mix of fear and awe flashed in her eyes.

"Your turn," the priestess said, producing another dagger.

Sakira's hand shook as she took it. I watched as she steeled herself, then quickly drew the blade across her palm. She winced, but didn't cry out.

"Now," the priestess instructed, "join your hands."

I held out my injured hand, and after a moment's hesitation, Sakira placed hers in mine. Our blood mingled, and a jolt of energy passed between us. Sakira gasped, her eyes meeting mine in surprise.

"By blood and bond, you are now one," the priestess declared. "May your union bring strength to both your peoples."

As we left the Sacrarium, the blood binding created a connection between us, one that hummed with potential. We had a long way to go before Sakira would truly accept me as her mate.

Our journey back to my territory took us through treacherous ice fields. The wind howled around us, driving snow and ice into our faces. I moved carefully, acutely aware of Sakira struggling behind me.

"Here," I said, stopping and turning to her. "Let me help you."

Before she could protest, I scooped her up into my arms. She let out a small squeak of surprise but didn't fight me. Instead, she curled into my chest, seeking warmth.

As we traversed the ice fields, she relaxed slightly in my arms. Her scent enveloped me, stirring my protective instincts. I would keep her safe, no matter what.

We were nearing the edge of my territory when I caught the scent of guanaco on the wind. My stomach rumbled, reminding me we hadn't eaten since before the ceremony.

"Hold on," I told Sakira, setting her down gently behind a large boulder. "I'm going to hunt us some dinner."

Her eyes widened. "You're leaving me here?"

"Just for a moment," I assured her. "Stay hidden. I'll be right back."

Before she could argue, I was off, moving silently through the snow. The guanaco didn't stand a chance. With my wendigo speed and strength, I had it down in seconds, my claws making quick work of the kill.

When I returned to Sakira, dragging the carcass behind me, I found her exactly where I'd left her, huddled behind the boulder. Her eyes grew wide as she took in the sight of me, probably covered in blood, with my kill.

"I've never seen anyone hunt like that before," she said softly.

"I'll always make sure you're fed and safe," I promised .

As night fell, we finally reached my mountain den. I helped Sakira up the treacherous path, my hand on her lower back guiding her. When we reached the entrance, I hesitated.

"This is my home," I said, suddenly feeling uncertain. Would she find it too primitive? Too monstrous?

Sakira peered into the darkness of the cave, then back at me. "It's bigger than I expected," she said finally.

I chuckled, relief washing over me. "Come, let me show you around."

I led her inside, lighting torches as we went. The main cavern was spacious, with a high ceiling that disappeared into shadows. Furs and woven rugs covered the floor, and shelves carved into the rock walls held an assortment of items I'd collected over the years.

"This is where we'll sleep," I said, gesturing to a large nest of furs in one corner. Sakira swallowed hard at my words, her scent spiking with anxiety.

"I'm not sure I'm ready for that," she said quietly, not meeting my eyes.

I moved closer to her, careful not to crowd her. "Sakira," I said gently, waiting until she looked up at me. "I won't force you into anything you're not ready for. We have time."

Relief flooded her features, and she gave me a small, tentative smile. It was the first real smile I'd seen from her, and it made my heart soar.

As the night wore on, we sat by the fire I'd built, eating the guanaco meat I'd prepared. Sakira was quiet, but I could see her stealing glances at me when she thought I wasn't looking.

"Tell me about yourself," I said, breaking the silence. "What do you like to do?"

She seemed surprised by the question. "I work with herbs," she said after a moment. "I help heal people in my village."

I nodded, genuinely interested. "Perhaps tomorrow I can show you the plants that grow in this area. They might be useful for your work."

Another small smile graced her features. "I'd like that," she said softly.

As the fire died down, Sakira fought to keep her eyes open. The events of the day had clearly taken their toll.

"You should rest," I said, standing and offering her my hand. "Come, I'll show you where you can sleep."

I led her to a smaller cavern off the main one, where I'd prepared a separate sleeping area for her. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw it.

"This is for me?"

I nodded. "I thought you might like your own space, at least for now."

Gratitude shone in her eyes. "Thank you, Eryx," she said softly.

As I turned to leave her to her rest, she caught my arm. I looked down at her, surprised.

" I know this isn't what either of us expected," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I appreciate your kindness today."

A warmth spread through my chest at her words. It wasn't love, not yet. But it was a start.

"Goodnight, Sakira," I said softly. "Sleep well."