Everyone was not civil here.

Onyx had been here for fifteen minutes and he hated it. He'd never had to deal with the politics side of war and battle, it almost made him reconsider being an Alpha to his pack.

Demi was seemingly more aware of her surroundings than he'd ever seen her. Her eyes darted around them, examining the council men and women sitting at the large table.

Elora and Demetri were sat at the head of the meeting table, being the founders along with their friend Elio. The infamous Hell Hound was not here at the moment.

They'd been summoned by the Vampires on the council.

Onyx in particular had a history with these Vampires, unfortunately. They'd been glaring daggers at him since he'd gotten here.

Demi watched them, the female Vampire locked eyes with her. The Witch glared at the old bat, her eyes blazing.

The Vampire looked away quickly. Demi had a reputation among the Council.

There was guards all around the room, and Georgie stood in the other side of Onyx.

"I don't see how this meeting is at all necessary," Demetri repeated for the umpteenth time.

"We're just concerned about the company you're keeping, Bordoa. And how close you're letting him to your little monster."

Onyx and Demetri both snarled at the insults.

Elora slammed her hand down before pointing at the Vampire. He was Councilman Frederick. An old prick.

"Watch your damn mouth about my daughter and son in law, Frederick. Don't inquire about things you don't understand."

Frederick and his wife, the other Vampire Cynthia, balked. This was much worse than they'd thought. If Onyx's group was bound to the Bordoa family for life, it made both of them that much more powerful.

Elora snickered at their shock, lifting her hand up to flip them off.

"We understand your concerns for the small human group but partnering with that thing-"

Demi was beginning to see red as they continued to talk about Onyx. She balled her fists up, her mate glancing down at her in concern. The words monster, beast, and murderer were beginning to push her over the edge.

Slowly, she released her hold on Onyx's arm. She didn't spare him a glance as she took a seat next to her father. Closest to the Vampires. Now Onyx and Georgie stood behind the three of them.

Frederick was continuing his rant, but Cynthia who'd been nervously watching Demi glare began nudging him.

But she was too late because in the middle of his idiotic rant, Demi had been rummaging around in his brain. She wasn't able to do this often, only to the weak minded.

Demi's eyes and finger tips glowed as she found his worst fear, hm burning alive. Demi meddled with his mind, tweaking things around and suddenly Frederick stopped speaking and started screaming in agony.

Cynthia screeched in panic, trying to hold her husband as he fell to the ground. The Vampire clawed at his skin.

Everyone glanced at Demi. Onyx's eyes widened in surprise.

"Demi..." her father scolded.

"I didn't like the way he was talking about Onyx."

Demi's voice had never sounded so serious.

Cynthia whipped her teary eyes to the young Witch. "That Wolf tore our sons arms off! He challenged my baby boy and tore him to shreds! All for Ego!"

"Sounds like he deserved it," Demi hummed playfully with a sly grin.

She rocked back in her chair as she watched Frederick beg for the flames to end, to die quickly instead of slowly burning to death. It was the only way to kill a Vampire.

She tapped her hands on the table to her own beat but saw her mother give her a stern look.

Demi sighed and stood up, ignoring the gawking shock of her mate and Georgie. They didn't think sweet, little Demi was capable of this.

She swayed over to Frederick, kneeling in front of him as Cynthia held him tightly.

"Hey Freddy?" Demi tilted her head. She knew her voice was echoing in his mind, probably creating a killer headache.

A cry tore from his throat in response.

"You know better than to poke at someone stronger than you. I think an apology is in order for my poor mate? Hm? You think you can do that?" she pouted condescendingly.

Demi reached to grip the man by his hair, dragging it up to look at Onyx.

"Apologize now."

Frederick blubbered an apology, coughing and gagging as he felt nauseous from the smell of his skin burning off.

"I'm sorry Onyx!"

Demi stood up and blinked, her eyes ceasing to glow. Frederick fell limp as he panted with wide eyes.

"Stop harassing my parents please, and don't speak to my mate. I don't like you, so tread lightly as you finish your stupid inquisition." Demi spun on her heel and silently tucked herself back into her Wolf's side.

He was staring at her with wide eyes, he really had no idea about the expanse of Demi's magic.

Suddenly Demi glanced up, "did you accept his apology?" The way she asked was as if her next actions depended on his answer.

"I've been called much worse," he whispered back.

"Hm... not anymore," she grinned at him.

Onyx just leant down to kiss her forehead slowly, "Why don't we go get some air?"

Demi thought about it but her mom who'd overheard nodded at them both to take a walk. She cut her gaze to the shaking Frederick and sighed in annoyance.

She allowed Onyx to pulled her out, they had a common room among the endless offices and meeting rooms in the large building. Demi skipped as she held Onyx's hand.

Onyx was somewhat jarred at the powerful display of Demi's magic, seeing her go right back to humming and tripping over herself endearingly.

She let go of his hand to trot over to the mini fridge in the lounge room. Demi gripped a juice box as she bent to rummage through the snacks. She'd specifically asked for this to be in the building. Onyx sat on one of the couches and watched her carefully.

She sipped on her juice and pulled out strawberries while swaying her hips, he could hear her humming.

Demi chewed on the fruit as she sat on the counter besides her.

"Did I make you upset?" she suddenly asked as she looked at him.

His brows furrowed and he quickly stood up to approach her. Onyx rest his hip besides her leg on the counter.

"No you didn't make me upset."

"Did I scare you?"

He smiled smally, "No, you didn't. Not at all."

Demi slowly grinned, her eyelids lowering as she bit her lip sneakily.

"Did you think it was hot?"

He grinned wolfishly, dragging his tongue over his canines.

He leaned in, their noses nudging one another's. He growled lowly as their breaths mingled.

"Maybe," their lips brushed.

They were interrupted by the door being pushed open. They both glanced to see a guard stepping into the room and standing post at the door. His eyes attached to Demi's figure.

Onyx immediately scowled while Demi furrowed her brow in confusion.

"Adam, there's no guards posted in this area. It's not necessary," Demi informed him politely as she jumped off of the counter, Onyx was glaring at the man.

Demi continued on with looking for snacks, assuming the guard would leave.

Onyx stared at the man, who hadn't left.

"I'm here for extra protection Miss Demi."

Demi's lips formed a small frown. She glanced at her mate, the only protection she needed.

She was distracted as she dropped some berries, letting out a squeak before picking them up.

"Protection from what?" Onyx growled to the Elven soldier.

"I'm sure you're aware, Wolf." Adam sent him a sharp look of judgement.

He sneered in response, blocking Demi with his body. She reached and gripped his thigh to balance herself while picking up the mess she made.

He reached behind him and placed a hand on her head possessively.

"There must be a miscommunication then, please soldier- inform me of this threat so I can protect my Witch."

Demi's head snapped up at the anger in his tone and the declaration. It sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. It was not healthy to think that was so attractive.

He glanced behind him to the kneeling Demi, she scooted closer as she rubbed his thigh gently.

A rumble came from his chest before looked back at Adam.

"I've known Demi for a long time, I have e-every right to be concerned when a strange man comes into her life."

Demi felt her stomach twist in discomfort, she barely knew Adam. He'd been a guard for a while but she never liked him much. Demi stood and hid herself behind her large mate, peaking her head around his arm.

Onyx felt her grip his shirt tightly, could hear her heart beating a little faster.

Mate is uncomfortable

His Beast had spoken clearly for the first time since he'd claimed Demi.

"That strange man is my mate," Demi huffed quietly to him.

"And you have nothing to be concerned about," Onyx continued for her.

Adam rubbed his face in obvious frustration, gritting his teeth as he grew closer. His hand coming to rest on the sword on his hip.

Onyx shoved Demi back further.

"You don't understand, Demi needs my protection," he seethed.

"Back the fuck up, Elf."

"You have blood on your hands Onyx Wolf! Get yours grimy paws off of her!" Adam shouted as he finally unsheathed his weapon.

Onyx snarled and stalked forward to meet him halfway.

Demi stumbled forward to follow, Onyx quickly barked for her to stay.

Adam swung his sword at Onyx, which he swiftly dodged. Onyx wasn't concerned with this man, he was simply furious.

Onyx pegged his foot into the man's knee, hearing a sharp crack and a scream following. Onyx threw his fist into the Elf's cheek, watching blood splutter from his mouth as he fell to the ground.

~~

oop