The Beasts of Baye Road

The Ritual

‘I need you to seal the mausoleum after we’re inside.’ Karl told the woman.

They managed to get to the cemetery together unharmed. Some of Baye Road’s most powerful witches were laid to rest in the cemetery. The werewolves had built tunnels under the witches territory in order to escape their old castle during the war with the strigoi centuries ago.

‘What about David and Cameron?’ Gianna asked. They’d gone to evacuate West Baye Road. They were supposed to meet them in Coven Cove.

‘We can’t wait for them. Let’s just pray they get to another tunnel.’ Karl said.

Everyone rushed into the mausoleum. As the solid door closes Karl caught a glimpse of the dark hairless creature stalking the cemetery. Karl knew then that Coven Cove had fallen, he prayed he saw his friends again when the sun rose. Blue light lined the frame of the door, sealing them in and baring anything or anyone out.

***

‘Why isn’t anyone back yet?’ Matteo ran a hand through his hair. Blanca waited by the window, biting her nails.

She hoped to see the aggressive blue glow of Gianna’s eyes appear from anywhere.

Several locals had arrived at the Manor, though none of the guardians had returned. Franz made sure the locals were settled. Debra had finally opened her eyes and the gaping hole in her gut had vanished. Although, she couldn’t last two minutes on her feet.

Matteo still had to talk to Blanca. So, he beckoned her away from the living room. Susanna was outside in the courtyard preparing it for the ritual. He took Blanca downstairs to her bedroom. He closed the door behind them and exhaled.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘I have to tell you something.’

‘Of course you do. Spit it out.’ Blanca folded her arms.

He took her in his arms. Blanca sniffled and held on to his waist as if a tornado was about to wipe through them. Matteo breathed in her apple shampoo. He sighed, he hoped she didn’t hate him for what he had to do.

‘What are you going to do Matteo?’ He pressed her against his chest.

‘I have to kill the beasts or else Baye Road will never be safe. Blanca before anyone can go out there I have to marry Gianna.’ Matteo paused.

‘Marry Gianna? How will that even help?!’ Blanca broke free from their embrace.

‘Here me out. During the ceremony Gianna’s powers and mine will combine and pass on to the wolves in the audience. It’ll make us stronger. It doesn’t mean we can’t still be killed.’

‘There’s no magical way to make them disappear, is there?’

Matteo shook his head. Blanca walked to the mirror on her dresser. She saw him staring at her. It was all too good to be true.

‘Do what you have to do Matteo. I hope you had your fun.’ He knew all along what he had to do but he pulled her along! Like a little fool.

Blanca turned away, but Matteo yanked her arm and pulled her against his chest.

‘It wasn’t fun Blanca. You think with the fate of my pack, my town, my own life I had the time to be messing around!’

‘I don’t know Matteo! Maybe if you weren’t you would have told me about your obligation or at least stayed away!’

‘I fell for you and it was hard. This is where we are now and I have to do this.’

‘Do what you have to Matteo.’ Blanca struggled to keep her voice from cracking.

‘When this is over and I come back. I don’t want to lose you. My Father has to hand over his right as Alpha to me for the ritual to actually work.’

Blanca looked away. She had fallen victim to get another rues. She pulled the door handle and walked through the door, leaving him to his roaring thoughts. He had to put his Blanca aside. There were more pressing issues to attend to. Matteo meant every word he said, if he came back when it was over he didn’t want to lose her.

Finally Karl returned with Gianna. Although, David and Cameron were no where in sight. Matteo embraced his best friend and best man in a couple minutes.

‘Are David and Cameron back?’ Karl asked.

Matteo shook his head. He didn’t want to say what he thought, he had to hold out to the shred of hope left in his chest. Karl nodded and gazed out the hope door into the eyes of their enemy; the night.

‘I should have waited.’ Karl muttered.

Matteo's hand landed on his shoulder. ‘Hey, they’ll pay for this, for everything.’

Matteo had to get to his Father the clock was against them. Before Matteo could ascend the stairs, Franz came marching down. His eyes locked on Matteo.

‘The Alpha is no more. I’m sorry son, but you are our leader now.’

‘Oh, what now?’ Kyla gripped Cooper’s hand. All eyes were on Matteo. Debra had managed to pull herself away from the couch and stood with the others.

It was like the wind had finally stopped blowing and the moon shone solely on him. There was no way he could stop now.

‘Gather the wolves the ceremony has to happen now.’

***

‘I can’t believe I have to marry Matteo. I sure as hell am not sleeping with him!’

The clouds had parted and the moon had finally come out of hiding. Less than a hundred wolves gathered in the courtyard to witness a ceremony that hadn’t been performed for more than a hundred years. There was no music, no fancy clothing, they half expected a clap of thunder to sound in the distance.

‘Gianna…’ Blanca sighed, she stood beside her sister.

‘Are you even okay with this?’ Gianna shot Matteo daggers. Matteo rubbed the back of his neck.

‘Gianna this isn’t about me.’ Blanca whispered.

Franz stood in front of the small crowd. Susanna handed Gianna and Matteo a long twisted root with tiny white flowers. She used the root to join their hands. Blanca sucked in the cold air. It was for the good of the town, she reminded herself.

‘We’re gathered here today to join two souls and bind two powerful forces.’ Franz began. ‘I assume there are no objections. With the union of the white wolf and the black wolf. Will see a rise in tension and a break in power—’

Screams from the Manor cut Franz off. The beasts jumped out of the darkness and raced to the entrance of the Manor.

‘No!’ Matteo broke the root and raced to the house. Karl bolted behind him.

Blanca watched as the crowd fell out of their seats and scattered. Blanca turned to her sister and was met with an out swinging arm. Franz was hit in the head and fell over unconscious. Hairless arms grabbed Gianna from behind and dragged away from the makeshift alter.

‘Gianna!’ Blanca cried.

‘Let me go you disgusting monster!’

The beast roared and the others adhered to its commanding cry. Gianna disappeared with the beast. The others scattered into the night. By the time Matteo ran back outside the beasts had vanished with Gianna.