Hey Angels :)

Hope you are all doing well.

Enjoy

********************

When the lunch was completed, everybody settled into the living which was now clean compared to what I witnessed today. Me and Harry were sharing the love seat because all insisted that married couple have to seat together and all. Married. That word still gives me chill. I cannot believe that I am already married. Above all married to one of the greatest Harry Styles. Wait...now will it make me Louis William Styles ? I never thought about that. I mean, I was sure that I always wanted to carry my husband's surname but Styles, that's loaded. I never imagined myself to be Styles. Wow..but I like it even if I try to deny it.

We all settled and were talking about everything and nothing, some were even reminiscing their own wedding. It felt so normal, right there sitting amidst my family with my Husband. Only if it was normal in real. I know there is something dangerous lingering in the air which is everyone frightened about but right here in this moment, losing themselves in festivities and joy.

" Can I change my clothes now ? We have to travel too. " I asked Mommy in general.

Every lady immediately shouted in negation. Geez ! What is with them ?

" You have to complete the ritual  while being in your wedding clothes, Louis. Don't change it before that." Aunty K said to me.

Well...okay then.

" Now...what about that essence, guys ?" Niall tried to put that previous topic not so subtly but he tried.

Everyone was looking at him and there were again mixed responses and reactions. Cederic was winking at him and now I see the resemblance in both. They are both trying to be subtle but were failing miserably in their curiosity.

" Niall James Horan, I said to drop that topic." Ma said to him in very serious tone which made him cower in himself. But he is Niall so he won't give up completely.

" Liam, you are my friend and my boss too. So you have to clear all my doubts, right ?"

Oh no, I know where he is going with this. Poor Liam !

" um yes ?" Liam replied questionably.

" So you tell me and Cederic about this ritual. In detail. Please"

Niall gave him his puppy eyes and now Liam was looking at every face who can help him but to no avail. All were just amused particularly Harry listening his poor concealation of laughter and smirk towards Liam. Some real friend he is !

" Ni-all, you will get to know when you yourself get married. Its um well...nobody can know before that."

"Oh ! But you know it already. Oh my ! Are you married, Li-Liam ?"

I can hear the disappointment and desperation in Niall's voice about the mere possibility that Liam can be married.

" What ? NO..no. I am not." Liam said looking wide eyed at him and Niall's resulting smile was what made Liam sigh a breath of relief. They both idiots are in love, already and Niall thinks Liam doesn't love him.

I turned towards Harry and saw him already studying Niall and Liam. He met my eyes and I can see the understanding there. He too was sure about what was going on there. How come we can communicate with just eyes and without words ? I thought that was only possible in novels or movies. That strong connection between partners. But here I am, doing the same. It feels bittersweet to think that I have totally indulged myself into this marriage and I am still not sure that if Harry was forced or it was his own free will. But if he agreed without any prodding then why did he do that ? It does not make any sense to me.

Soon, the elders dissipated and were lost in their own talks while we all sat there and were talking about trivia. It was mostly Niall, Cederic and Zayn talking loudly and indulging everyone. Josh looked more relieved and more than happy whenever Zayn addressed him or just gave him a smile. On the other hand Niall and Liam were sneaking glances at each other when they thought that the other is not looking. The opposite of that was Cederic and Dragomir. They both were way too happy to cut each other's sentences and glare and frustrated by each other. Dragomir was mature enough to retort smoothly while Cederic just said whatever came to his mind the first thing.

Watching all of them, I almost forgot about the presence beside me. I felt eyes on me and turned to look at Harry who was already studying me, as if memorizing my every move. Again, how many times did it happen today ? I hold his eyes with mine for seconds before asking

" What ?"

" I advice you should take some comfy clothes for our uh outing tonight. And um we will have to walk for some distance so keep some shoes with you if you want."

I just looked at him not identifying the soft, caring person sitting beside me. His tone, his demeanour, it was oozing just softness and care, genuinely. I can only bring myself to nod in response. Before we can talk further, everyone came into the room to announce that we should take leave before its too dark.

Again, the cycle continued of hugs and kisses and goodbyes and such. But now everyone looked more amused and were buzzing with energy.

" Louis, today you are gonna be the big boy. Remember that now onwards your new journey will began and not everything will be rainbows and sunshine. I hope you and Harry find each other by being together and god bless your union, tonight." Mommy said emotionally, kissing my cheeks and hugging me. She turned towards Harry and said softly to which he replied with a hug and comforting words of his own.

" Please be careful, Harry. My Louis does not know all this. Take care of him."

" Always Mom. He is my responsibility now. And I will be careful uh um tonight."

Niall hugged me and gave me a loud kiss on my cheek but not before whispering

" Tell me everything tomorrow. With minute details." He literally ordered. Well, there will be nothing to hide anyways.

" Are you sure you will do it today, Harry ?"

" I- I have to. I will see what can I uh we do."

I heard Liam and Harry whispering to each other. What is it now ? What is Harry afraid to do tonight ?

Me and Harry bid goodbyes to everyone and jumped into one of the cars to start our journey into the woods. Anne had given me my overnight bag along with some clothes and leftover food.

Harry started driving and soon the figures of people started getting smaller before they disappeared completely out of my sight. I turned away from the window and just sat there silently. The crackling electricity between us was palpable. We both sat there squirming and trying to start a conversation but failed miserably. Nobody from us made the first move. Well after some really uncomfortable silence Harry started the radio and melodious song started filtering the silent atmosphere in the car. It eased my nerves a bit.

Soon I started singing along in a hushed voice and Harry too joined someway in the middle. To say our notes, our voices just sync together will be an understatement. I never felt so much in tune with anybody than what I was feeling right then. It was perfect. It was rejoicing. It was melody. It was harmony. The song completed with a high crescendo which we carried on together, his soft voice wrapping around my raspy one. We laughed a bit and smiled softly to each other and ourselves.

" You really sing beautifully, Louis"

" T-thanks. Y-you too."

" W-why now, Harry ? Why this sudden.....softness ?"

"......"

" I don't want you to feel obligated to force yourself to be soft and civil just because we are married now. I would love if you will always be honest with me."

" O.o"

" Say something, Harry."

" We will talk all about it once we reach my cabin. Till then, lets not get burdened by those heavy topics. Enjoy the journey, Lou. You will love the way up there."

" Okay"

I looked outside and true to his words, the way outstanding to say the least. The giant trees were on both sides with a narrow path of sand and gravel in the middle. The surroundings were thick with dense bushes and somewhere it resembled rain forest. The sunlight was not imparting its brightness completely as it got blocked by the huge trees.The trees consisted of leaves of different colours like lilac, mauve, purple,pink, light orange, yellow and every shades of green. It was mind boggling. The sound of birds chirping and some animals was heard in the far distance. Soon at an opening with a shed came where Harry parked the car and we got out of it. I believe from this place we have to go on legs. He carried our stuff which Anne gave us and started making his way towards the more dense part but this time not before or after me, this time beside me, side by side.

Walking in the forest with my wedding clothes on was not so adventurous or comfortable. The weather was not sizzling hot, it was moderate to cool, somewhere in between but still the humidity in the air was a bit more to make me want to get into my comfy clothes. We walked and walked for sometime and in between once or twice...okay many times I stumbled but Harry was there to hold me in place, never letting me fall or scrape myself. He was always the stable presence.

The evening soon turned into night and after some time we came to a place which just made me stop in my tracks.

Beautiful ! Home !

The sight was phenomenal. There was a small cabin made of wood and it was situated in the canopy of two huge trees providing shade to it. The branches of trees had something hanging from them at some distances which due to darkness was not properly visible to me. The full moon was soon and so there was enough moonlight to see the surroundings and make out the way towards it. There was a small lake near the cabin which reflected moon in its slightly waving water. I was not able to figure out many things due to lack of light but I can say it was another fairytale forest and did I say ever since I started reading novels I always dreamt of having something a keen to this type of home for me and my husband. This is like a dream come true. The cabin was dark without an ounce of light and I wonder if Harry has everything necessary inside it or Anne packed it in our bag.

" This is so...beautiful Harry"

" I know. This place is a special one. It gives me peace."

" You mean to say that this is your cabin ?"

" Well..yes, of course."

If this is his own cabin, then

" That house, is that yours too ? Or is it Josh's ?"

" Uh..its mine actually"

" Oh...so when I asked about it to Josh, you did not say that you owned it. Why ?"

"Because you did not ask me. Simple. Now will you please come inside so that I can light this up."

"Its not that simple and okay...I will help you with that. Now stop talking, its already late."

I made my way towards the cabin and came face to face with the locked wooden door. I huffed under my breath and turned to look that Harry was standing some steps behind me, amused. I signed him with my eyes to open the door and he just shrugged, smirking.

" What is stopping you, Lou ?"

" Nobody can stop me, Harry but I am too tired to break it right now."

I do not know from where this confidence was coming to banter with him in me. Maybe I was just trying to not blush whenever I think about our kiss because it was on my mind constantly.

How his lips were so demanding yet gentle, so passionate yet sweet. So pink and full and wet and how they pulled and suckled mine and...

"Why are you blushing now ? Is this normal for you to stand and admire the door while blushing."

"Harry ! Open this fast. We still have that ritual to complete and you have to explain me all about it. I am tired also so I want to get it done quickly and sleep. Tomorrow we will have to wake up early too."

Harry moved and produced a key outta his suit, amused and smug, and opened the door. It was dark inside and before I can move forward he grabbed my wrists halting my entrance into it. Before I can question his action, he switched on the lights and Wow.....

It was just as beautiful inside. The living room and kitchen were kinda attached with only a glass to separate them. The living room had two sofas and a couch in dark blue colour with black pillows. It had a small table on the side beside which there was a small pot of plant. The floor was covered halfway through rug and there was a little fireplace on the side to keep the room warm. The kitchen was also equipped with necessary materials and to my surprise also had a mini fridge. There was a closed door beside the table which I assumed was a bedroom.

Oh freakity Fuck ! One bedroom ! ONLY ONE !

" Did you like it ?"

Harry asked almost in a scared tone as if afraid that I would hate his cabin but on the contrary, it made me feel homey and warm.

" Its perfect. Loved it."

The answering smile of Harry was blinding and I just savored it in my heart.

He took out the candles and lighter and started lightning the lamps in the cabin. I helped him to light up some and then he moved outside the cabin. Oh now I get it ! That hanging things from trees were lanterns. He lighted them up and it added more beauty to the cabin. It truly looked like a scene directly abstracted out  from a fairy tale.

" Come inside Louis. You will get cold."

I heard Harry calling me from inside and after glancing one more time at the reflection of now lightened cabin in the lake, I went inside, locking the door and was welcomed with warmth from the fire emitting from fireplace. Harry was arranging the logs in proper place and he too looked a bit tired. After all it was his wedding too today.

I sat on the sofa which were so soft and bouncy, removing my shoes on the side of the door and waited for Harry to join me. He too removed the shoes and sat on the couch adjacent to mine.

" So, um did you know about this wedding from the start ?"

"...."

" Harry, please I am fed up with secrets and I have right to know. Did you know or not ?"

" See Louis, it was for a reason that-"

" Yes or No, Harry ?"

" Uh..Yes"

Oh ! He was too involved in all the secrecy. He knew I was suffering and then too he did not even tell me. He did not even brought to my notice that he was the one getting married to me and not Josh. He lied to me. Or at least he concealed the truth just like others.

Though my heart lurched at the thought that he did not oppose about my wedding with Josh because he already knew that he himself was the one all along from the start.

Why this is so confusing ?

" Were you forced to marry with me ?"

" Louis, why are we -"

" No, I need the truth Harry. We are married now but if this is forced then I will set you free as soon as this whole-"

" STOP ! Will you give me a chance to even explain ?"

" Its simple. Were you forced or not ? Was this only an obligation ?"

" What about you, Louis ?"

" I-I asked y-you first."

" Oh ! Back to middle school. Great"

" This is not funny."

"Exactly Louis. I too wanna know how you feel about this"

" I was kept in dark, Harry. I was made to believe that Josh will be my groom and then suddenly I see you on the altar. It was overwhelming."

" What the fuck? Who said about you marrying Josh ?"

" Papa"

" See Louis, I did not know about that."

" Okay. I trust you. But what about the other thing ? Why did you marry me ?"

Harry just stared at me with pained expression as if in conflict with his own mind and I knew he was searching for the answer that can make me feel less humiliated and disappointed. I lowered my eyes before it starts to spill and just took a deep breath. How fate works ! I got married with Harry but he was not at all happy with it. It was a duty or responsibility burdened on his shoulders by our families. I never wanted compromise in marriage and now I am the one who will living it and imparting pain to Harry too. But I cannot keep him bound to me even though how badly I want this to work. I am not that selfish. I will have to set him free.

" Don't worry I get it. You don't need to answer. After all the danger is gone, you will be free of me to do anything. You won't have to fulfil any obligation."

" I am not leaving you and that is final. End. Of. Discussion"

What ? Seriously ? We didn't even start the main conversation and he already is terminating it. Oh god ! Harry Mysterious Styles is back.

" Okay. Some other time then. Now tell me about this ritual."

Harry sat wide eyed squirming in his place after hearing about ritual. Why all are behaving so weird about it ?

" C'mon Harry, tell me. Lets complete that and sleep."

"O.o"

" HARRY !"

" Its like you know the thing people do uh normally when they um get married."

"Genius. Harry, married people do many things in general. What we have to do ?"

"Oh god...it means putting my din-ga-ling in you and uh uh doing some activity and then um climaxing in you."

"You lost me at your dinga-ling whatever. What is that now ? Where is your essence ?"

"The hell, essence is my...your mom never told you about all this ? I mean before leaving today in private."

"No. She said you will explain. Harry can you be a little direct. Explain me whole activity and essence thing. Please."

" Fine. You want it direct then here it is. Theritualistoconsumateourmarriage."

Huh !

" What ? Please speak at normal human speed."

He huffed and then sitting straight looking in my eyed he repeated.

" The ritual is to consummate our marriage, Louis"

Um...! THE FUCK ! LITERALLY ! OH GOD !

This was all fuss about. Who consummate their marriage on the first night anyway. And oh god ! That essence was actually Harry's c.... I cannot even spell it. Mommy was being so crude in a fancy way while delivering the whole ritual speech. This is so so embarrassing  ! I was blushing from head to toe and my heart was racing at horsespeed. I was not even able to meet Harry's eyes. I squirmed and fidgeted a bit not knowing how to handle this awkward situation.

" Louis, its normal for married couple to do that. Now look at me."

Normal my ass ! How can he be so calm about this. I am mentally screaming and jumping and just not calm.

I looked at him with great difficulty and still with very strong conscience met his eyes which were calculating my every move.

" See, its not like we are gonna do that. So, chill."

" Its easy for you to say that." I mumbled but somehow he heard that.

" You think. Its not easy for me too, alright ? Not everyday I have to go through this talk."

" B-but you are um at least uh um experienced ?"

"How do you know that ? Don't assume anything before you know it, Louis."

So what does that mean ? Is he experienced or not ? Why cannot he give straight answers?  Because he is not straight.  Huh ! I laughed at my own joke and for a moment forgot that Harry is there looking at me.

" What was so funny about that ? Pray tell."

"N-nothing"

" Fine, now see we cannot do the ritual but I will have to mark you so that others are convinced that we did it today."

" What ? NO ! They will assume that I am deflowered now."

" Deflowered ? Who even uses that word ?"

" I, Louis William Tomlinson, use that word."

"Its Louis William Styles now. Better get use to that."

He replied smugly as if enjoying the situation very much. I am STYLES now. I cannot even wrap my head around that.

" Huh ! Now what about the marking ? How you gonna do that and why we have to do that ?"

" Too many questions, Louis"

" Because you guys like to play Mystery Mystery with us."

" Geez ! Fine. I will have to like uh mark you on your junction of neck and shoulder."

" But how do you mark there, Duh ?"

" By giving you a giant hickey."

" W-WHAT-T ?"

" You heard it right Louis. There is no other way."

" There is. We will tell them truth that we did not do that ritual. Simple."

"Its not that simple.  See, they will bug us till we make them see your mark. So just play along and we will be fine."

" What is the importance of this marking by the way ?"

"Ughhh..."

" I am waiting, explain."

" Aren't you tired, Lou?"

" Don't change the topic. I am hungry for information right now."

" Fine. See there is this uh myth that um our ancestors were gifted with powers that when two people who love each other mates, then at the time of uh um the uh r-release the alpha um I mean the top one bites his/her mate and that seals their bond for all their lives. That mark remains permanent on their body. Now happy? "

" Y-yeah. Um did you say alpha mate ? But I have read that alphas are mostly in werewolves."

" Um, see this topic opens debate for many things. So let me mark you and then we can sleep."

" B-but Harry-"

" Trust me Louis. Please."

He said with almost vulnerable truth in his voice.

" I will try. Don't get me wrong but its not easy for me to trust anyone right now. My own parents lied to me, Harry. They lied to me on my face. I never in my life lied to them, loved them, still love them but they broke my trust. Its hard."

And the tears started running. It was too much for me to restrain myself from crying. I tried and controlled through out the wedding but now in front of Harry, its like  everything is rushing back. All the feelings. Anger, disbelief, confusion, disappointment, betrayal and....love.

Harry immediately sat by my side wrapping his arm around my shoulder and soothingly rubbing it. I felt comfort of many sort and almost snuggled into his side. He murmured soft words which were along the lines of "Lou" "Shh, baby" and it gave me some relief.

I cried for some minutes and then as my tears ran dry, I wiped my eyes and decided to go along with Harry's plan. I do not want them forcing me to do anything I am not ready for and I actually respect Harry for not going through with the ritual and taking my side and understanding the situation.

" T-thanks Harry. I am ready to go with your plan. "

" See, Louis its fine if you don't want to. I won't force you."

I looked him straight in the eyes and breathed the words.

" Harry, Mark me"

********************

So, thoughts ?

How was the whole essence thing ? Was it a bit funny ? What do you think about them faking whole mating thing ?

My Angels, your response on my story has totally blown me away. Thank you so so much for making me so happy. I hope you all enjoy the other chapters too. Love ya all !

Updated on : 19/06/18

DON'T FORGET TO SHARE, VOTE AND COMMENT

ALL THE LOVE

Alexa