Beneath the Alpha's Moon
Chapter 163: The Devil

Chapter 163: The Devil

ADRIAN’S P.O.V.

I stepped out of Lucian’s pack lands with a slow, deliberate pace, but inside, I was a tempest. The thought of Gregory Williams daring to harm Teresa, my sweet Teresa, boiled my blood. It wasn’t often I allowed my anger to consume me, but when it did, well, let’s just say the results were... memorable.

Lucian had given me Gregory’s address through the mind link. Not that I needed it—I could have found the man in a heartbeat. Teresa wasn’t just anyone; she was family. And when someone dared to hurt my family, I became the devil they prayed to avoid.

The wind was my ally as I tapped into my vampire speed, my surroundings blurring into a smear of greens and greys. The journey, which would have taken an hour by car, was over in minutes. A part of me pitied Gregory. He had no idea what kind of storm was heading his way.

When I arrived at the grand mansion, I paused to take in the scene. It was a Sunday afternoon, and the air carried the faint scent of roasted meat, perfume, and... arrogance. The residents were home. Perfect.

Slipping inside was child’s play. Humans never lock doors properly, always believing in their false sense of security. Using my speed, I moved silently through the halls, searching for the one heartbeat that carried the sour tang of cowardice and malice. I passed rooms where children laughed and women chatted, but I didn’t care for them. Gregory was my target.

At last, I found him in what appeared to be a study. The scent of whiskey and leather filled the air. Gregory sat behind a mahogany desk, papers spread before him. He looked up as I pushed the door open with a calculated slowness.

"Who the hell are you?" he barked, his beady eyes narrowing. "And what do you want in my home? I’ll call the police!"

I smiled, slow and wicked. "The police? Oh, Gregory, they can’t save you from me. I’m the devil, and I’ve come to collect your rotten soul."

The man stiffened, his hand slipping toward the desk drawer. I watched, amused, as he pulled out a gun and pointed it at me.

"One more step, and I’ll blow your head off," he threatened.

I tilted my head, genuinely impressed by his audacity. "A gun?" I said, laughing softly. "How quaint. But let me give you a piece of advice, Gregory. If you pull that trigger and anyone comes running, I’ll have no choice but to eliminate them as well. And trust me, I’ll enjoy it."

The gun wavered in his hand, and then, with trembling fingers, he dropped it to the floor.

"Good boy," I said mockingly. "Like a well-trained dog. Now sit, Gregory. We need to have a chat."

He sank back into his chair, his face pale. "What do you want?"

I stepped closer, enjoying the way his heartbeat spiked. "I’m here for Teresa’s mother’s belongings. The ones you so carelessly decided to burn."

His expression shifted to one of incredulity before he burst into laughter. "Did Teresa send you? She’s even more pathetic than I thought! I warned her, and she didn’t listen. It’s all gone. Everything. You’re too late."

I didn’t give him the luxury of finishing his laugh. In the blink of an eye, I was in front of him, my hand gripping his cheeks tightly. His eyes filled with panic as he tried to pull away.

Gregory’s scream was short-lived as I let go, stepping back to let the reality of his situation sink in. "Now," I said calmly, "let’s try this again. Where are the ashes of those belongings? And think carefully before you answer, Gregory, because lying to me will be the last mistake you ever make."

Fear clouded his eyes as he stammered, "Wh-what on earth are... you."

I leaned in, allowing my fangs to slide into view. "Something far worse than your pitiful imagination can conjure," I whispered.

"Th-the trash can... in the corner." His trembling hand pointed to a trash can in the corner of the room.

I released him with a flick of my wrist, watching as he stumbled to the trash can. "Empty it," I commanded, my tone sharp.

Gregory obeyed, dumping the contents onto the floor. Among the scattered pieces were half-burned photographs, a charred wooden box, rings, and necklaces. My eyes narrowed at the pitiful remains of what once belonged to Teresa’s mother.

"Put them in a bag," I ordered, crossing my arms.

Gregory scrambled to comply, his hands shaking as he pulled open a drawer, pulled out a bag, crawled back to the trash can, and began to shove the items into the small paper bag. When he placed it on the desk, he looked up at me, his fear visible.

"You’ve got what you came for," he said shakily. "Now leave."

I picked up the bag, examining it briefly before setting my gaze back on him. "Oh, Gregory," I said with a wicked grin. "You love making Teresa and Luke live in fear, don’t you? It’s only fair I return the favor."

Before he could react, I grabbed him by the throat and flashed my fangs. The tiny cut I made on his neck was enough to send him into a panicked frenzy.

"From now on," I whispered, my voice a deadly lullaby, "every corridor you walk, you’ll see monsters. Real ones. They’ll be your constant companions until the day you die."

He opened his mouth to protest but froze, his eyes widening as the hallucinations began.

"No... no! Get them away from me!" he screamed, swatting at invisible creatures.

I laughed, the sound echoing through the room. "Goodbye, Gregory. Enjoy your new friends."

Bag in hand, I left the house as swiftly as I had entered. Outside, I allowed myself a moment to breathe in the fresh air, the faint scent of burnt memories lingering. Gregory Williams had been put in his place.

And Teresa? I will do everything possible to save her and her brother.