It took a little more than two hours to get to the village that got ambushed. Nobody had any long conversations, mostly small talk the entire way. My girls didn’t mention anything that happened today, I guess they knew it was a touchy subject for me. They talked with Pri the whole time until we came upon the horizon, smoke could be seen with fires still burning. We noticed that the town had barriers around it that were about to crumble. 

“How many wens did you say were here, and how many did you kill?”

She looked down when I asked these questions like she was embarrassed to answer. “Twenty small ones and one massive one like in the mine, but we couldn’t defeat even one. They were resilient, and we got slaughtered. We took refuge in the town before we were commanded to come seek you out.”

“It’s okay, nothing to be embarrassed about. Let’s see what we can do to help.”

She smiled broadly and thanked me. I turned my attention to the battlefield and found the ugly cretins in the back of the invaders. They looked ready to attack, but the other dark ones kept up the fight for now. Draugr, trolls, ogres, and goblins made up the other part of the army, numbering around five hundred. I saw four overlords in the back covering the siege machines. They were making headway and about to break through at any time.

“Listen up. Mages get ready to destroy those machines and subdue those overlords. I want to know where they are in this kingdom. Everyone else, get your teams in position and wait for my signal.”

“YES ALPHA!”

I looked at Pri and said, “Wait until everyone else moves before you and your crew move.”

She nodded and responded, “We will wait for your signal.” I walked to the front with Reap, Herc, and the girls.

‘You ready guys?’

‘Always!’

I looked at my girls and winked at them. They smiled and blew kisses at me for comfort and support. “Frank, light em up!” They didn’t disappoint, spells flew from everywhere destroying the machines and attacking the overlords. The army found us and started to march towards us but the wens wanted to play. They came up to the front and screeched at us. 

‘Go get em baby!’ Soph bellowed.

‘Kick their ass love!!’ Cass shouted and the others gave their cheers too.

I nodded at them and concentrated to bring out my shadow form. I felt myself shift and waited for a few moments to calm down before summoning three dire wolves and titanoboas. The creatures from the underworld were engulfed in shadows and dripping black ichor, I felt their links immediately. The wens started our way, so I copied myself nine times. Gasps and shouts came from behind me, but I ignored them and started walking towards my prey.

***

Pri whistled, “Damn, your man is one scary fucker. He can summon creatures too?”

Cass nodded, “Yeah, he can.”

The amazons shuddered as they watched the scene before them.

“The things he can do have me and my ladies wary. Amazons aren’t known to bow down to any man unless they know he can defeat her. We wouldn’t even try to duel with him,” Pri stated while observing the upcoming battle.

“He takes it to the extreme when others are in trouble or that are trying to harm his people. As you and the others witnessed today, he doesn’t care who or what you are. The beast you witnessed today won’t take shit from anyone,” Soph replied.

“It was definitely a site to see. He and his killing crew are an army by themselves. Especially since he can summon. It is amazing to watch, yet hard to, because of the way they kill things,” Pri answered.

“He made a statement for the rest of us to see today. To know that when others come to take what isn’t there’s, he will end them in some horrific manner. Max is a lethal, brutal killer, but at the same time gentle and loving. He treats us like we’re the most valuable items in the world. He allows us to help him in any manner we choose and loves us unconditionally,” Cass responded to her statement.

Pri shook her head in disbelief, “How can that killer right there do a complete turn around and be a gentle lover? I just don’t see it.”

“Well, hang around. You just might learn something then,” Val answered as her eyes were glued to her mate. 

The group watched as Max and his crew made their way towards the wens, but the adversaries stopped and started turning back towards the invading army when they realized what was coming for them. Death was staring them in the eyes and the wens knew they were about to perish, so they tried to escape.

“My goddess, they are turning around, retreating!” Nasi bellowed in disbelief.

“It won’t help them any,” Soph stated in a calm manner.

“What? They will make it back to the army and then we’ll have to join in at that time,” Nasi replied not wanting to fight those evil creatures again.

“They won’t make it. Watch my love and his killing crew in action. It’s about to get brutal,” Soph grinned in anticipation as she replied to the amazons.

Half of the shadow weres moved faster, white flames rippling through them like they were wraiths come to life, and then suddenly disappeared. Moments later they appeared fifty yards in front of the retreating wens. All of the shadow weres, the underworld creatures, and Herc and Reap sprinted towards the enemy. The invading army started backtracking away from the death demons that came out of nowhere. The wens stopped completely, bracing to defend themselves, but didn’t know if they would survive the day. Max and his crew just kept running, about to collide with the enemy. Everybody braced for the impact that was sure to be deafening.

The juggernauts met with an impact that shook the earth all around both armies, making it hard to stand upright. Grass and earth flew in every direction. Minutes later when the air was clear enough to see, Max and his killing crew stood still in the middle of a crater that had to be at least forty feet wide and five feet deep. They just stood, looking at the decimated foes on the ground below in ash piles. 

“Holy shit! What the fuck is he? They just took out those creatures like it was nothing,” Nasi demanded with panic in her voice.

“What he needs to be at the moment. That’s all that needs to be said,” Cass replied while watching her mate.

“That isn’t a fuckin answer. You need to tell us what we’re dealing with,” Nasi shouted at Cass angrily.

“Or what? You’re going to make us? I wouldn’t advise that, but you’re welcome to try,” Cass replied as her eyes turned white and lightning crackled all over her body. The amazons yelped and moved away from Cass and the others as their eyes glowed, letting them know they were about to shift.

“Wait! Please, calm down. She means no offense. We’re just being cautious, and trying to figure out how he can do those things. Nasi, stop with the demands. They’re here for our sakes, not theirs,” Pri yelled trying to calm everyone when they were interrupted by a loud roar. The group turned their heads to see the massive wen come up to the crater, and roar out its defiance. 

Max’s crew turned slowly, synchronized. The surrounding armies just watched them, most of them in awe and fear. They didn’t respond to the bellowing of the huge wen with any sound, instead every one of them elevated out of the crater at the same time, and walked slowly to engage the last wen. It took a step backwards but that’s all it took to meet its end. The killing crew disappeared, then all of a sudden the wen screamed in pain and terror. Slashes showed up all over its body with blood gushing out.

The wen was slashing wildly, trying to kill whatever was causing it pain. Moments later the screams got worse when body parts started falling off the creature. Not too long after, the head was cut off and tumbled to the ground, rolling off to the side. White fire engulfed the body and burned to ash in a matter of seconds. The shadow demons reappeared seconds later and looked straight at his army. It was an eerie feeling, knowing they could end everyone there.

“I’ll say it again, that is one scary motherfucker,” Pri whispered and the other amazons trembled from the gaze they were given.

The invading army started running away, a few moments later the defending army heard a voice in their minds.

‘Everyone come join the party, kill every fuckin one of them!’

‘Yes Alpha!’

“Let’s go!” Cass advised the amazons.

***

The weres shifted and everyone sprinted towards the invading army as they were retreating. It wasn’t a battle at all, but a massacre. The dark ones never stood a chance when the wens and overlords were taken care of.

I pulled my copies to me and shifted into my lion form before letting go of my magic to release the surviving creatures back to the underworld. Herc and Reap went back to normal after a few moments. I was tired and had a mana induced headache, more than likely from the enormous amount I used today. Rest would be in my future. My girls would complain if I didn’t and I’m inclined to agree with them.

‘Max, you just keep getting better with your magic,’ Reap stated.

‘Yeah man, that was fuckin awesome. We felt synched with you somehow,’ Herc said.

‘Yeah, that’s what I was going for. It worked out, but we’ll probably need to practice it more, just in case we need this in the future.’

‘Right on man, anything to get you ready for what’s coming,’ Herc answered.

Within a half hour the fighting was over, our side had some injuries, but nothing fatal. I saw the gates open up from the town or village, whatever you want to call it, and amazons poured out. I didn’t really care at the moment, so I scanned around to find my girls, and found them in a conversation with a group of amazons. 

“Alpha.” 

I turned around to see who the voice was and saw Gordon standing still not making any sudden moves, but I could see fear in his eyes.

“Have no fear my friend, it’s me.”

He sagged in relief, “Thank goodness. That was fuckin unbelievable, man. You know I love ya, right?”

“Yeah, same for me. What’s up, Gordon?” I knew what he was about to say though.

Gordon took a deep breath and said in a low voice, “That was the scariest thing I have ever witnessed. Those things you did were right out of a nightmare, and somehow included Herc and Reap. I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t affecting you in any way, and to see how you were doing.

“Tired, but otherwise calming down. I understand what you’re saying Gordon, people are starting to fear me. You don’t have to step around my feelings.” I turned and watched my girls talking with another group of amazons, but these looked like the leaders of the city.

“I’m sorry man, I should’ve known I couldn’t hide that fact, but your people still love you. Please remember that. They love you. Fear may be in their mind, but they know you will do anything to protect them, as do I,” Gordon said in a pleading manner.

I smirked and responded, “It’s okay warden, I won’t fly off the reservation if that’s your concern.”

“You know damn well that’s not what I’m saying. I want to make sure you give them a chance to prove to you that they are behind you one hundred percent. It will take time, so just be patient,” Gordon said.

“I will, my friend. Go on and do your thing with the politics. I’ll stay here and oversee our people.”

He smiled, nodded, and walked to the leaders to discuss the shit I didn’t care about. Battle yes, asking about government or court shit, no thanks. Sean and Frank slowly came over to converse with me.

“Stop being fuckin pansies! Get your ass over here if you want to talk, I’m not going to bite.”

“Sorry Alpha, we just were making sure that you’re okay,” Sean commented with worry in his eyes.

“Look guys, I’m the same asshole I was yesterday. If you would spread the word to the others that are afraid to approach me, that would be awesome. Now, what can I do for ya?”

They both chuckled for a few moments after the tension broke. “The invaders are all taken care of and the machines are destroyed,” Sean replied.

“We got information from the overlords before they off’d themselves. It seems that Amenoa is getting hit worse than we were. Several villages are about to get hit, if not already. They are taking slaves to a central location, but they didn’t know where,” Frank said.

“Shit, go head off Gordon and tell him. He’s about to discuss things with their leaders.”

“Will do boss!” Frank and Sean bowed then left.

So much for needing rest, this day just keeps getting better. I wonder how much of a cluster-fuck we’re about to get into. Sighing loudly, I turned my attention to some others that were nearby waiting for me.

“Justin, Marie, Sam, and Felicity, tell everyone to make camp for the night. We may have to leave early on the morrow, so get set up quickly.”

“YES, ALPHA!”

Herc, Reap, and I sat in the middle of the battlefield. I scanned the area and noticed the crater that we made. 

‘Nicas, you there?’

‘Yes, chosen.’

‘First, thank you for helping me with my magic.’

‘No problem. That’s what I’m here for.’

‘I know, but I would still like you to know I appreciate it.’

‘It has been my pleasure to serve you Max.’

I smiled and continued, ‘Nespea, I need help with the crater.’

‘I’m conversing with the nearest elemental. Hold that thought.’

It was a few minutes actually, but came back and sighed, ‘Alright, let’s do this. The elemental wasn’t too thrilled from me waking him up, but we will get it done for you boss.’

‘Thank you.’

Closing my eyes, I felt my magic flow through me into the earth. I smiled when the tremors started from within the crater. Nespea pulled up the rock from deep below the crater, basically pushing the earth up to fix the deep hole and pulled all the grass that had been blasted out of the way back to its original place. I felt every move the dirt and rock made and opened my eyes to see the terrain was fixed. Smiling broadly, I thanked Nespea and the elemental for their help. They said no big deal

I felt the connection break and noticed that no one was around me, nor a sound was made. I scanned the horizon, but was interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Turning my big ass lion self around, everyone that I knew was staring at me, smiling for some reason. I cocked my head to the side, waiting for someone to tell me what’s going on. The amazons were in attendance too, which I could ascertain why, but waited in silence for details.

“He’s not much of a talker is he? I see he’s more of a doer. I like that,” the lead amazon voiced.

I sat there not responding to that shit. Tia surprised me when replying, “Max this is Tukayme, the leader of this village. Tukayme, this is our beloved Alpha, Max.”

She smiled, “Beloved? It would seem you’re an esteemed representative of your tribe.” I still didn’t reply to her statements.

Pri saw that I wasn’t going to respond and voiced her opinion. “Max, thank you for answering our call for help. We’re grateful beyond words.” I bowed my head to them, wondering when the real reason they are stalling to come out. 

“I am glad we were able to help in time. I hope your sisters are okay?”

“Yes, they are. Thank you for asking,” Pri replied with a smile but her eyes showed uncertainty.

I sighed loudly, “Ladies, as you’ve probably heard, I don’t do political shit very well. Especially, you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. Although, I wouldn’t mind having someone scratch mine right now, it might be fun. Why don’t you tell me what it is you’re wanting instead of this play on my ego?”

Pri and my girls were shocked by the reply, but Tukayme nor Gordon showed no emotion. Tukayme started laughing loudly and Gordon did his usual smirk when she calmed down. “Max, you’ve made my day twice today: when you brought your people to help and to show me you’re not a pompous ass like some of the assholes from your kingdom. I don’t like political bullshit either, and I can relate to getting to the point of the matter. I apologize for that, but we were careful just in case.” The ladies around and the amazons were shocked at the response to my rant.

“Alright Tukayme, let’s cut the shit and tell me what you need.” I smiled with my fangs showing and people shuddered then looked away.

She smiled sadly and shook her head, “We need your help, Max. The information that your mages received is disheartening to say the least. My clan will suffer if I can’t get you to help. If those bastards make it to our capital, then our Queen will perish. Please name your price, we are desperate.”

“Tukayme, I don’t need anything. It was a quick decision for us to come here because of the time factor. You’ll have to convince my inner circle of these matters, if you can do that then we’ll talk further.” All of my people were smiling at my statement, I suppose they have already spoken about this and came to a decision.

She smiled broadly and replied, “They’ve already agreed to help in these matters and the decision is now yours to make.”

I groaned inside and spoke out, “Then let’s discuss what role we’ll be playing. What do you propose?”

“I want you to lead my warriors, and the warriors you help save into battle. Pri and her company will go with you. They will be your guides and proof of help that was sent,” Tukayme advised and Pri nodded her agreement in this course of action.

“Why would your warriors follow me? I thought they only followed women warriors.”

She thought carefully of her next words and then spoke them. “Max, you’re a being we’ve never seen before. The things you can do go beyond what our minds can comprehend. You’re the scariest fucker I’ve ever seen and we’re glad that you’re on our side. Pri has already told us of your exploits of today, but that doesn’t change the fact they will follow you regardless.”

“You mean their scared shitless of me.”

She nodded slowly but didn’t reply. Pri responded, “Max, we need your help and that will override our fear of you. It will just take us some time to warm up to you, and I hope that doesn’t make you feel ill towards us.”

“It’s fine, I’m getting used to people fearing me,” I replied looking at my ladies and seeing tears in their eyes, so I continued, “We will need provisions if we’re to help, my inner circle will fill you in on anything else we may need.”

“Thank you. I can’t tell you how eternally indebted we are to you Alpha,” Tukayme smiled with a twinkle in her eyes. I nodded and we dispersed. Walking away I knew that food would make me feel better. I needed to go hunting.

‘Reap, Herc, let’s go hunting.’

‘Hells to the yeah!’ Herc bellowed.

‘Let’s go bitches!’ Reap shouted.

I turned towards the forest let loose a little mana and my fire and lightning came out to play. I walked at first then roared, everyone around turned to see what the fuck was going on. Chuckling, we ran to get some food and left the camp for a little while.

****

They watched their Alpha take off into the woods, knowing he needed to blow off some steam. It was frustrating to them that they have fear of their mate.

“That man must be something else to live with,” Tukayme observed.

“You have no idea. The things he can do in private are mind blowing,” Val stated.

“Yeah? He’s good in the sack?” Pri wondered not for the first time since she laid eyes on him.

“He’s the best we’ve ever had, and I should know, I’m over two centuries old. I’ve had lots of sampling,” Soph bragged to the amazons.

“We normally have some men come from your kingdom to try and satisfy us. They normally can’t handle our musculature bodies and stamina. We just have to satisfy ourselves or each other,” Tukayme replied in a casual manner.

“That sucks. Our Max, just by himself, his stamina is mind blowing,” Tia replied.

“What does that mean, by himself? There’s only one of him, your man lets others mate with you?” Pri was shocked by that statement. He was a bad ass and didn’t think he was into sharing.

“No, no, no, no, no, he would disown us and kill the male we did it with. I for one can’t live without him. What I meant was, he can copy himself into how many he wants. That day was extraordinary, let’s just say all three of our holes were satisfied and sore for the rest of the day,” Tia gushed.

“Damn, makes me wish I had been there,” Tukayme stated in an envious voice.

Cass sighed in longing, “I still have daydreams of that day.”

“Yeah,” They all answered in the same manner, Soph continued, “He fucked us in lots of different positions, we had to tell him to stop because we were about to pass out. We actually did fall asleep right after he stopped.” All the girls giggled to each other for a few moments while the amazons were in wonder at the possibilities that could happen.

“You girls wouldn’t mind leaving him a couple days would you?” Tukayme asked, smiling.

“He won’t. That’s one of his stipulations, he doesn’t do casual sex,” Cass advised the hopeful amazons.

“Dammit, how do I get some of that then?” Pri demanded.

The girls giggled at her, “You have to become his mate,” Sasha answered with a smile.

“Aaaannd, that’s it?” Pri asked not knowing if she wanted that or not.

“No, you have to be invited by us to join the family,” Val stated while sizing up the amazon.

“Hmm… hypothetically, if I wanted to join, what stipulations are involved?” Pri questioned.

“We have a certain criteria we can discuss in private if you’re interested,” Cass specified to the amazon.

“Are you really going to choose a mate, Pri?” Tukayme asked, stupefied.

She shrugged, “Maybe, but that’s one male I won’t let get away without knowing if he is or isn’t my mate. He scares the fuck out of me, but at the same time my heart skips a beat when I see him. It started back at the mine, and I thought it was because he saved us. When I saw him today as he came out to meet us, it happened again and it hasn’t stopped.”

The girls smiled at Pri, they ended up talking deep into the night. Max didn’t come back till late that night with four stags on his back, Herc with the same, and Reap with three. His inner circle cleaned and field dressed the deer before they went to bed. The meat was cut up in portions that could be saved for a couple days. They got cleaned up and hit the sack, tired after the day they had.