Long one coming up :) listen to the song when the action picks up hehe
it's v good i promise

Onyx stared at the fire, listening to the crickets in the background.

They'd arrive outside of the village just before day broke and set up a small camp. They spent today looking around the forrest for any signs of Human experiments or camp sites. Tomorrow would bother second day here.

He moved the logs around with a stick to create the most heat, his mind wandering.

"I missed this, Alpha. We haven't gotten to work as a pack in a good amount of time," Quincey sat besides him.

Onyx nodded, he did miss spending time with his pack mates. Going from 24/7 contact and communication to less and less was odd. But for the life of him, he couldn't stop himself from thinking of Demi.

"I haven't been around as much as I should be," he muttered.

Georgie gave him look in disagreement. "You have a mate, Onyx. A mate you didn't think existed. We're all capable, and on our way to becoming an official pack. With a Luna no less! Focus on what's important."

"The pack is important too," Onyx insisted as he moved the logs.

Sylvester piped up, "We know. It's just good you have someone, who would've thought you'd be the first to get a mate?"

Onyx huffed a quiet laugh, nodding in agreement.

"I'm surprised you haven't marked her," Bear piped up. "I don't know if I'd be able to wait as long as you have."

"I do whatever she wants me to," Onyx hummed. "When she wants me to mark her I will." Even the thought sent shivers down his spine.

"Maybe she's waiting for you to say something?" Quincey nudged him. "Have you told her anything about the past?"

"Maybe she is," Onyx took a deep breath. "And no, I haven't. She hasn't asked, I'm not sure if I'm grateful or it makes me more on edge. Demi could sense the curse as soon as she met me. I'm not sure she knows its a curse but she could feel the magic."

Their eyes widened a little but Georgie continued. "For someone so curious, I'd expect more questions."

Onyx hummed in agreement, his mind churning with the thought of telling Demi everything. What would she think?

"You know, I was talking to Kekoa," Sylvester sharpened his sword. "She mentioned Demi would always talk about getting married. Because in all the movies she watched as a girl the princesses would get married at the end."

Sylvester squinted, "Now that I think about it- I think she told me that so I'd tell you. Because I asked her where to put papers."

"Did you ever find out where to put the papers?" Bear asked.

"That's not the point!"

Onyx's eyes were wide at the detail. Marriage? If anything it was less binding than the mating ritual. He supposed Demi did like to dress up. He swallowed hard, it seems like something Demi would like.

Chosen mates were pairs of supernaturals that weren't bonded through any feral species. Feral species included Wolves, Lycans, and any type of Demon. If a Vampire and Elf wanted to be officially mated, they could get an enchanted piece of jewelry that would have the same effects as a mating bite.

That's where Humans got the idea for marriage in the first place. They added the ceremonies and traditions over the centuries.

"Bossman you look like you're going to shit yourself."

Onyx waved off the comment, "I'm going to sleep now. Be up by dawn, we know the drill. Scope out the perimeter first then we meet to enter the town. Scope out information. It's full of Witches and Warlocks. Try to make yourself... less intimidating."

He almost wished Elora or Kekoa could've come, they'd help gather information. But he knew if this was a high traffic area it was too great of a risk. He didn't want Demi anywhere near this area.

~

When the sun began to rise, Onyx was already awake. He couldn't sleep, reminding him of a time before Demi. His Beast didn't allow for much sleep.

He didn't shift like the twins, knowing if he wasn't already recognized for his features- his Wolf would garner fear. Onyx slid on sunglasses as the light peaked through, he found hiding his eyes helped somewhat.

The Beta Wolves sprinted off in opposite directions, they would run the edges of the village for weakness.

Sylvester had already gone in, he planned to pose as an Elven merchant. Georgie and Onyx stood at the entrance of the Village.

"What exactly are we looking for?" Georgie side eyed the Wolf.

"Try to get the magic users to give details on who's been suspicious. Demi spoke about how the people are usually always aware of their surrounding. It's surprising humans even can get the jump on them. While we're here look for any humans as well."

Georgie nodded swiftly, "Gotcha."

They fell deeper into the Village. Around them they watched shacks close their door swiftly, shutting the windows tight.

"Not too popular here," Georgie sighed.

"They're smart to be cautious."

After many failed attempts at starting conversation, Onyx saw a woman peeking her head out. He approached closer, she gasped and went to slam the door shut.

Onyx shoved his foot in the door, pushing his way into the small shop. He smelled herbs and potions around him.

"I was hoping you could help me," he husked.

The woman stuttered, "I-I... we um- I can't..." She looked ready to pass out at the large Wolves presence in her small store.

"My mate is a Witch, I'm trying to gather some things for her. She's carrying my pup, she's been nauseous." He felt his ears turn red at the thought, even if it was a facade.

"I was hoping to find something to help with her sickness. She can't hold anything down, could you help?" He tried his best to make his voice less commanding.

The woman stared up at him, she had purple eyes and pin straight red hair. She was tall, for a Witch. Reaching his shoulders and wearing a loose, long sleeved navy blue dress.

She took a deep breath, "Is she allergic to anything?"

He shook his head slowly, watching her through his sunglasses.

She ran her shaky hands over her dress, grabbing herbs from the shelves and began grinding them together. He followed her, standing on the opposite side of the table.

"H-How far along is she?" Her purple eyes peaked up.

"Four months," was the first thing he came up with.

"I have a l-little one of my own. His names Angus. He's around he-here somewhere. I'm sure you're excited."

"Ecstatic." He looked around the dark room, so many trinkets catching his attention. He heard the thumping of tiny steps behind the back door.

"We were thinking of moving here, for the pup," he gaze cut to hers. "What do you think of the area?"

Her hands stopped for a moment, freezing. She took a gasping breath, meeting his eyes momentarily and darting back down.

"You said s-she's a Witch?"

"Mm, a powerful one."

She closed her eyes, gathering herself. "We've had.. an unfamiliar crowd hanging around the past few months. A lot of our Witches and Warlocks are leaving. Or at least I hope that's what they've been doing. Some just disappear one day."

"Who's this new group?" Onyx feigned ignorance.

She wrung her hands together, "humans." Her voice was barely above a whisper. "They come, looking for business. They speak of buying merchandise from shop owners and those same owners are gone the next day. I'm growing more and more nervous having Angus here."

Onyx nodded in understanding. "My mate, she comes from a big family of magic users. They're trying to get in contact with other Witches. If they have any advice, I'll return and help you."

Her eyes widened, "Really?" She was astonished.

Onyx nodded once.

"M-My names Valerie. I-I'm truly so grateful!" The door opened to the back, a small boy with auburn hair flying through.

Onyx watched him carefully, the boy halting at the sight of him.

He was scared.

"Gussy, this nice man is getting medicine for his mate." Valerie pat her sons head, she didn't want to get Angus's hopes up by telling him about possibly leaving the village.

"You have a mate?" Angus asked in wonder.

"I do."

"Are they pretty?"

Onyx allowed a small smile to pull at his lips, "The prettiest."

Valerie finished up the potion after whispering an incantation over it. She handed him the small bag, Onyx walked back over to her.

He almost stumbled over the boy who began following him closely.

Onyx handed her more than what the potion was worth, nodding in thanks.

"You're so tall," Angus looked up at him.

Onyx only hummed in response as he walked towards the door. "Will I get that tall?"

"Maybe."

"Do you travel to a lot of villages like this?"

Onyx looked at him, "I have before."

He walked out of the door and saw Angus following. He looked up at Valerie in surprise. Valerie began to call him back into the shop.

"Mama I'm going to show this mister around while he tells me the cool places he's been!"

Angus looked up with hope filled eyes.

Onyx slowly nodded, completely unfamiliar with children.

Valerie crossed her arms but agreed reluctantly.

"I'll bring him back soon."

Onyx used the boy to point out where the humans frequent, meanwhile telling him about the different lands he'd visited.

He met his Beta's gaze. Onyx nodded for the twins to investigate another shop Angus had pointed to.

Angus chattered about how he wanted to be somewhere warm, so he and his mother could go swimming.

Onyx slowed to a stop, motioning for the boy to stop as well.

Angus reached to grip the Wolves pant leg, his breath hitching in fear.

"The humans are here," he whispered. If Onyx thought the village was hostile towards him, it was nothing compared to now. Everyone on the street froze.

Onyx glanced at the boy that couldn't be older than 8, "Go to your mother, pup. If you can't get there, then hide."

"I can't, they pick on anyone who tries to leave. They have these collars they put on people, I've seen it." Angus was hyperventilating, purple eyes filling with tears.

"Nothing will happen to you, go hide."

Onyx debated approaching the humans. Strategically it'd be best to observe, but he doubts they would be oblivious to his presence for long.

Angus let go of his pant leg slowly, leaving to do as told. Onyx felt Sylvester and Georgie approach his side.

The humans group was made of about a twenty men. They were all armed, Onyx suddenly felt the ache their bullet left. Now they knew their weapons could cause damage.

The leader, he supposes, glanced in Onyx's direction. His eyes widened.

Onyx sighed through his nose, here we go again. The Alpha casually walked to stop the humans in their tracks. He stood in front of their path, Sylvester and Georgie stood on either side of him.

"You seem out of your element, here," Onyx kept his voice monotone.

He could feel the rumblings of his Beast as the sight of the humans. He wanted blood for his mate.

"I could say the same to you's," the man had an Irish accent.

"I don't come in armed."

"You're existence is weaponized enough, Wolf. Us, humans, we need to protect ourselves."

"From a merchant town? Seems like you're scared of something," Onyx took a step forward. He raised his sunglasses to sit atop his head. The Leaders eyes widened at the black eyes. The whites of his eyes were already gone.

"We want no business with you. We aren't picking a fight with your people."

"You've already attacked my people."

Onyx's fist clenched as black veins crawled up his muscular arms.

"Small witch, long brown and white hair, brown skin. Real powerful, ring any bells yet?" Onyx examined the Human that began to pale. "The Bordoa's? Sounding familiar yet?"

Onyx watched the Leaders finger twitch, he was going to reach for his weapon. His men behind him began shifting.

"Georgie..." Onyx grumbled lowly.

"I'm on it," He'd secure the civilians.

"Open fire!" The Leaders cried. Onyx reacted quicker, slashing his claws into his face.

Five of the humans rushed him, trying to overpower him. He heard howls from Bear and Quincey as they joined the battle.

Onyx dug his feet into the ground as he held his ground, ducking the barrel of a gun. He gripped it and swung it back at his attacker.

He surged his fist through another man's chest, a snarl slipping from his chest. Onyx threw the man's corpse into the other men, knocking them back.

While they were on the ground Onyx stomped on their skulls. Their blood was splattering his body.

The twins were attacking some of them when he heard a high pitched scream.

Onyx's head whipped back to see four of them dragging Angus away.

The sound of a gun firing caught him off guard but Sylvester jumped in front of him, deflecting the bullet with his sword.

"Go get the kid!"

They were dragging the boy towards the woods, Onyx roared. He felt his Beast taking over, lurching forward into his Wolf.

Protect the pup! His Beasts raspy voice echoed in his head.

The forced shift was grotesque as his skin tore apart. His Wolf was a giant compared to normal Wolves. He had scars running along his body where hair wouldn't grow, black smoke billowed from his fur.

The Onyx Wolf darted forward, a belting growl ripping from it. He was a blur as he moved fast, quickly gaining on the soldiers.

Onyx leapt over the boy and tackled down two. The Beast tore off one of their limbs, clamping his teeth into the others torso.

The Wolf tore at his guts, screams and gurgles of pain sounded. Until Onyx took his skull between his teeth to rip his head off.

The Onyx Wolf's eyes darted to the two other humans. Angus had fallen from their grips, they stumbled back in fear.

"W-We'll leave... right now. We'll leave right now and you'll never see us again!" The Wolf only snarled, showing his bloody teeth. He licked his chops slowly.

It was a blur as the Onyx Wolf tore into them, ripping them apart slowly.

"Angus!" A familiar voice screamed.

The Wolf, after several minutes of tearing apart the corpses, glanced up. He saw a stunned Angus begin to cry and run back to his mother.

The village had gathered around them, Onyx standing over the bloody scene.

"You!" Valerie screamed. She recognized the Wolf as the mysterious man in her shop. It couldn't be anyone else. The Wolf had the same powerful aura.

Onyx lifted a paw to step closer slowly, black eyes examining Angus for any injuries.

"Stay right there. Y-You're a monster!" Valerie cried out, cradling her son.

The towns people behind her began to murmur. The words 'Onyx Wolf' circulating and 'Beast'.

Suddenly they began screaming, yelling towards the humongous Wolf.

"Get out of here!"

"Fucking monstrosity! Murderer!"

"The Onyx Wolf is a plague! He brings death!"

The twins came to his aid, growling at the crowd. Sylvester ran up with Georgie following, the Vampire tried to speak over the yelling.

"We can explain-!" Georgie ducked as they began to throw things. Onyx stood, and didn't react as a glass bottle broke against his hip.

Onyx's eyes fell to Angus, who peaked at him over his mothers arm.

Angus glared in disgust.

The Wolf hung his head, before nodding for his Pack to leave.

"Fuckin' ungrateful!" Sylvester waved his sword at them.

When someone tried to throw another beer bottle, Sylvester turned to charge them.

Georgie caught him and watched as they cried out in fear.

"We're done here," the Vampire dragged him away.

The two looked and saw Onyx sway deeper into the forrest.