Maxwell's POV

　　Staring into the sinister flames that danced around the once magnificent gothic church, a sense of unbearable sorrow washed over all who stood and observed the misery the hellfire unleashed upon these people's faith! Its ancient walls, composed of intricate sculptures and brightly stained-glass windows, crumbled dramatically around the glorious gold and stone altar as if a force protected the heart of the church.

　　An overwhelming reminder of the last time I had witnessed these flames devouring our land played through my mind; Like now, the menacing flames left nothing in their wake but heartbreak and destruction. 

　　A neighbouring pack had crossed onto our territory under the pretence of looking for a rogue wolf who had apparently fled through our land after slaughtering one of their elders. We had agreed to help them search through our domain, not fully trusting them or their story. And we were right to have been suspicious because once they were within our borders, we found ourselves overrun by beasts and demons alike!

　　One of the most brutal attacks I had ever witnessed was swiftly launched upon my pack, and no one suffered more than the innocent, elderly and defenceless! None of us fighting the ominous forces had felt the alarm and fear that those we left behind in the sanctuary of the packhouse had felt. Somehow these rebels had found a way to cast us under a blanket of illusion, momentarily muting our connection to our loved ones.

　　It wasn't until we returned triumphant that we realised the cost of our victory. The charred remains of those we left behind scattered the streets completely unrecognisable. Their scorched bodies glistened a metallic red and copper, the heat that rose from their discarded bodies was unparalleled to anything I had ever felt.

　　Those that had not been savagely roasted alive had been displayed throughout the town, Their mangled bodies telling us of the unspeakable monstrosity they had suffered through at the hands of our new enemy. Watching in horror as my pack members fell to their knees one by one as they felt their mate bonds breaking, others riddled with guilt and heartbreak knowing their mates and loved ones had been taken captive and were undoubtedly suffering a fate worse than death. 

　　Running at full sprint to the packhouse, I froze seeing the fiery figure that stood facing me on the balcony of the Alpha suite that I shared with my mate; large black wings proudly sat at his back, each feather doused with the same copper glow as the bodies that littered my streets. His ominous aura would have stopped many a great warrior in their tracks, but the fact in his demonic hands, he held my mate and Luna seemed to fuel the fierce fire within me. 

　　I could sense she was alive but petrified for her safety and mine. The sorrow I felt through our bond told me she had witnessed enough of the horrors that had been brought upon our people to know what this beast was capable of.

　　"No! He is more than just a demon," I heard her link me shakily, "It's a trap! You can't win, and our people need you now more than ever!"

　　"I can't live without you!" I cried, stopping in my tracks, my eyes filled with hot tears. Looking up at my beautiful mate choking down a devastating sob just as the creature's wings hugged her to him, fierce flames enveloping them possessively.

　　"I will find my way back to you! In this life or the next! I promise, my love," She screamed as the flames hissed around them, devouring the pair of them- and just like that, she was gone! They both were-Leaving an unstoppable blaze in their wake.

　　Lethal flames ate at the pack house, leaving nothing untouched by the devastating rampage. The menacing flames didn't disperse until they had engulfed every inch of the property, never spreading to the neighbouring buildings. They were focused, thorough and determined, but above all else, obedient to their master!

　　The harsh black smoke that spiralled miles high in the sky roared furiously. The smell of burning flesh was almost as offensive to the senses as the agonising screams of those sealed inside the walls of the nightmare before me. Unable to bare it a second longer, I started to shift, ready to take on the flames; I had lost my mate to this evil I would not lose anyone else.

　　"It's suicide!" Marcus, at my side, had grabbed my arm mid-change. "You can't get justice for us if you're dead!" He growled, looking into the flames angrily. The muffled cries stopped abruptly, turning to see what was left of my pack, looking to me for guidance, needing my strength and protection! Sucking down my own pain, I stood tall, motioning to the devastating scene beside me.

　　"I am your Alpha. It was my job to protect you, ALL of my pack! And I failed you; I failed them! I failed your Luna!" I admitted refusing to give in to evil. "But I promise if it's the last thing I do - I will avenge them! All of them!" I roared.

　　Looking into the flames of the church now, I felt the same feeling of foreboding - Evil had touched this town!

　　Like all those years ago, I vowed inwardly to make this right- once and for all!

　　Knowing I wasn't the only one reliving that dreadful night, I turned to face Marcus, an unspoken understanding passed between us! We had to find the mayor and assure him we would help however we could. Noticing Marcus on my heels tensing beside me, I followed his gaze; my jaw locked, feeling my teeth grind fiercely.

　　"Who the fuck does he think he is!" Rage hissed in my head; we were already storming toward the tall, dark-haired male who stood reassuring the mayor. As we approached, his dark features shimmered with excitement—Shrugging Marcus' grip off my shoulder, interjecting myself into their conversation, my large body squared up to his lean athletic form; most would have stepped back from my intimidating aura- he just smirked looking at me as if I was some amusing fool.

　　"You smug bastard Blackwood! You have some nerve turning up here! Haven't you caused enough damage!" I growled, struggling to control my wolf, who wanted to rip this piece of shit apart.

　　"Not here, Alpha. Not the time!" Marcus was in my head, instantly trying to soothe my wrath, I knew he was right but Rage felt like right now was the perfect time to hold him accountable for his actions.

　　"Maxwell, nice of you to join us; and why shouldn't I be here? I am a member of this town." He was right of course,at least in the eyes of the mayor of this shit show of a town! "Plus." He continued without giving me a chance to reply "I was just saying to the mayor here that it wasn't that long ago your town had a devastating fire; I am sure you remember." Blackwood boasted recklessly. The mayor turned to look at me curiously.

　　"Yes," I spat, seething inwardly but trying to control my temper in front of the humans.

　　"It was arson", Marcus calmly interjected, trying to defuse the situation diplomatically, something I had no doubt was hard for him given all he had lost at the hands of this man.

　　"Really, how dreadful! Did you ever find the culprit" The mayor quizzed, hoping I had some information for him! Looking straight at the Blackwood scum, I nodded slowly.

　　"Oh, yes, we know who was responsible..." I growled, my eyes never leaving the face of the man responsible for my Lunas year of unthinkable torture. After a moment of awkward silence the mayor excused himself, quickly sensing the tension.

　　"I hear your son has a little crush on Damiens girl," The demonic filth started to spew. His tone was so silken and smooth he could have been talking about the weather - not making a sinister threat! "How.. unfortunate for him! I hope he has his mother's brains and knows when he is beaten! It would be a shame if he were to need a lesson on respecting his betters... Like his... Father."

　　"I suggest you keep my son's name out of your filthy mouth." I growled intensely. This wretch had taken enough from my family, I did not appreciate the underlying threat against my son. However I knew Marcus was right; this wasn't the time to air our differences. This town was grieving it didn't need the added stress of two alpha males going head to head, nor the consequences this demonic scum could unleash!

　　"Tell me, how is your darling mate, Alpha? I do miss her sweet little... cunt!" The taunt proved too much for Rage; all rational thinking - gone! He seized control, forcing my bones to snap as he ignited the change. 

　　Deep green hues that swam with a fierce red furry planted themselves in front of me, halting Rage momentarily.

　　"No! Not here! Not like this, Rage!"