Hard Embrace

ALPHA

Me and my pack are headed back to Onyx pack territory. I'm not letting Mackey's death go unretaliated. Sterling has been a pain in my ass ever since he became alpha, and I'm ready to put an end to his bullshit.

"Alpha Davis, we just got word that the Onyx pack was attacked a few days ago, and their alpha is missing."

"What?"

To say I was shocked is an understatement. Surprisingly, Sterling being missing didn't bring me comfort. I was now curious to find out what happened.

Within an hour, we pulled up to the black steel gate of Onyx territory. It looked like they had things locked down like Fort knox. As if they were planning for a war.

"LEAVE THE PREMISES. YOU ARE NOT WELCOMED."

A high-ranking member from behind the gate announced through a megaphone. I knew they weren't going to let me in, and I wasn't planning on asking.

Prior to receiving news on Sterling, I was going to crash through their gates, but now I need to know what was happening with their Alpha.

I got out of the truck with my hands up, walking closer to the gate.

"I'm not here to cause problems. I was informed that your alpha is missing."

More of their pack came to join the lone man. I lifted my shirt, both ends of my pants, then turned around to show I had no weapon.

"Why did you come here?"

"To have a one on one with Sterling, but I was told he's not been here for a few days."

All ten of them looked at each other.

"Were you attacked?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Rogues or pack?"

"Neither."

My brows furrowed at his response. I was going down a rabbit hole with my questions.

"It was a shadow demon."

I heard a familiar voice...it was Merla.

"What the hell is that?"

"Exactly what the name says. It's not of this world and is pure evil. We were attacked after our alpha found his mate."

My mind was hoping she wasn't talking about Tamryn, but I knew better. Before I could speak, low growling sounds could be heard around us.

"Pack get ready....Davis, I hope you got weapons in that truck."

Merla walked away, still not opening the gate. Soon, I saw dark figures coming from the ground, and my men grabbed our guns.

The grotesque creatures that formed from the shadows made my skin crawl. Their loud shrieks ripped through the night air, making us cover our ears in discomfort.

"What the fuck?!"

I have never feared anything in my life but tonight changed everything.

***

"I don't understand the thought process of some women. If your feelings for a man aren't reciprocated, why would you continue to pursue him?"

Sterling's glowing eyes stared at Mindy. She was still lifted off the ground, shaking in fear while Tamryn was still sound asleep.

"All I'm trying to do is show you that I care about you....can't you see that?"

"No, I don't."

He stood up then walked closer to her. His height and stature seemed to have gotten bigger.

"All I see is another female wanting to be with me for a title and status that I don't give a shit about. You are so hungry for power that you tried to intimidate Tamryn."

"That's not true!"

"You fail to realize that she is wanted by me...she will not be run off with intimidation or threats."

"St-Sterling, she is the reason for the Raven pack coming to our territory. Tamryn was fucking their alpha and now that she's with you the shadow demon attacked our pack."

"Davis has been a nuisance way before Tamryn came along. As for the shadow demon, we now have an understanding." Sterling walked closer.

"You are possessed...that is not natural. What if it consumes you completely?"

"It can't..."

"How are you so sure?"

"Because it tried, and you're looking at the result."

She tried to counter his response, but her eyes showed his words to be true.

"What you need to worry about is the disrespect that you've shown Tamryn."

"I was only saving her from the disappointment of not being accepted into our pack."

"Why would she not be accepted...she is my fated mate."

"Wh-What?" Mindy's eyes widened.

"And going against your Alpha's mate is a form of treason. I wonder what your punishment will be."

Tamryn, a human, is his mate? This can't be possible.

Mindy couldn't accept the words Sterling was speaking. Soon, her heart raced as she struggled with each breath, and a smile formed on his face.