Angela woke up under the massive crystal chandelier that shined under the sun. It was fair to say that she slept like a log and wasn't even sure if she was fully awake right now. She turned onto her back and saw that the bed was empty and Trez wasn't here. Reaching over, she touched the sheets and they were cold, so she figured he must have been gone for a while. Forcing herself to get up, she looked around the room when she remembered that she was at the Luciano manor and not her own bedroom.

Angela pushed off the blanket from her body and fixed her tousled hair before she grabbed her phone to check the time. Thankfully, she didn't sleep the entire day away and it was only ten o'clock right now. Getting out of bed, she walked straight into the bathroom to freshen up because she woke up starving for waffles, fries, bacon and anything with chocolate on it too. Brushing her teeth and her hair, she jumped into the shower and washed up before she returned to the bedroom.

She looked around and Trez wasn't here still. She wondered where he was and if he had left for work already.

Angela walked into her new closet that still felt surreal. She didn't know what to wear or even touch, since everything felt expensive and luxurious. She ran her hand over the long row of dresses and finally decided on the short black dress and the heels that strapped around her ankles. Getting out of the towel, she opened the drawer of the various lingerie pieces. She grabbed the matching black set and put it on before she got into the dress and heels.

She sat down in front of the dresser and grabbed the comb to brush her hair and perhaps put some curls into it. She spotted her make-up bag on the side, so she decided to use it too. Eyeliner and mascara was more than enough but she never left without lipstick. Since she had her curling-iron here, she used it on the ends of her hair and left it as is. She got up from the seat and went over to the door when she heard a voice.

She left the closet and walked out into the bedroom when the door opened and Trez appeared. He stood in his tailored black suit that exuded his status and legacy of being the powerful club owner. There was something about seeing him in broad daylight, it added to his authority. She could see his controlled blue eyes and the way he held himself with dignity that money could never buy.

Angela felt the smile on her lips spread when she saw him. She shut the door behind her and went to him. "Good morning," she greeted.

Trez's blue eyes locked onto her and the air of authority that clung to him spread over to her. "Good morning," he wrapped his arm around her waist before he kissed her cheek. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," she smiled at him. "It's the dress you got me."

Trez cupped her nape before he leaned into her. "I knew it'd be perfect on you," he laid his lips on her softly and she let him lead her through this kiss, that was as soft as the sunlight cascading over her.

He held her close to him, like he'd never let go. Angela pressed into him and wrapped both her arms around his neck as she found herself enjoying the soft kiss with him. The way his tongue caressed hers without urgency made her heart melt for his touch. This moment could last forever and she wouldn't mind at all.

Trez lifted his head away and his blue eyes shined under the sun. "I was here to ask if you wanted breakfast, but I'm getting different kind of ideas," he said as he leaned in to kiss her again.

Angela laughed as she averted to the side so his lips touched her cheek. "I love kissing you but I'm starving," she told him.

Trez graced of his rare smiles, that always brightened his dark eyes. "Come on," he opened the door behind him and lead them both downstairs.

Angela noticed that the house appeared completely different in the morning. Don't take her wrong, the place was still extravagant but with the sun beaming through all the windows, it brought some warmth to the black walls and tall ceilings. Climbing down the stairs, she spotted Scar standing in front of the two large vases full of flowers and watering them.

"Hi, Scar," Angela waved at her.

Scar looked over the flowers. "Hello, madam," she peeked a smile.

"These flowers are beautiful," she said. "Did you choose them yourself?"

"I did," Scar answered. "Would you like breakfast, madam?"

"Yes, please-"

"Don't bother, Scar," Trez intervened. "I'm taking Angela out this morning."

Angela looked at him confused since he didn't mention anything upstairs. "You are?" she asked.

Trez nodded as he glanced at his watch. "I have to meet up with someone and I thought it'd be nice to take you out," he told her.

Angela was about to ask who he needed to meet when she heard Sonya's cheery voice from the corridor. She turned and saw her best friend walking around the hall in a beautiful greenish-gold saree and her hair left open in thick waves. She wore these big earrings that hung down and she wore them beautifully. Axe was by her side in a t-shirt and leather jacket in his hands as he listened to her talk about something that made him smile.

"Guys," Angela called out as she rushed over to her friend's side.

"Good morning," Sonya beamed at her.

"Definitely is," Angela said. "Are you going out with us too?"

Sonya glanced at Axe. "Are we?" she asked him.

"Yeah," Axe nodded as he put his jacket on. "Brother, I'll get the car." He kissed Sonya before he left them to complete the task.

She glanced over her shoulder and Trez was talking to Wade and Darius who had arrived as well. "I have so much to tell you," she whispered to Sonya.

"Me too," Sonya whispered back.

"Trez got me a closet full of clothes," she alarmed.

Sonya's eyes widened that had black liner surrounding them. "Me too," she astonished. "I mean, Axe did, not Trez."

"We kissed," Angela said.

"Me too," Sonya added as she squealed while jumping in her spot. "What are we going to do with these men?"

"I don't know," Angela sighed. "I've never felt this way before."

"Neither have I," Sonya said. "I can't even think straight in front of him."

"Me either," Angela astonished.

The girls hugged as they tried to give each other strength.

"You look great by the way," Sonya said. "This dress makes your ass look fantastic."

Angela laughed as she pulled away from the hug. "I'm guessing Axe got this saree for you because it's stunning."

"It's not just the saree," Sonya said as she lifted the hem of her dress and showed her sandals, but that wasn't what made Angela almost scream. It was the golden anklets strapped to her legs and they shined under the light.

Angela gasped loudly that everyone behind her looked if something was wrong. Sonya and Angela smiled at them before they went back into their discussion.

"They're beautiful," Angela said as Sonya put her saree back in place.

Sonya hid her face behind her hands since she was smiling ear-to-ear. "He got them to replace the ones that got ruined after the attack," she clarified.

Angela hugged her friend again. "I'm so happy for you," she said.

Sonya squealed before she put her arm over Angela's shoulders. "Do you know where we're going?"

"Trez said that he needs to meet someone, but we're going out to eat," she answered.

"Great because I'm starving," Sonya shared.

"Me too," Angela chuckled.

"Scar," Sonya called out as she walked up to her. "Are you coming with us?"

"No, madam," Scar answered as she held the pot of water. "I will greet you when you come back."

"That's no fun," Sonya said. "Come with us. What are you going to do here all alone?"

"She's right," Angela voiced.

Scar hesitated and her panicked eyes looked at Trez for help. But he agreed with the girls and told her to come with them as well. Scar gave in and she went to change out of her apron that was over her suit.

Eventually, everyone in the house got ready to leave. Detective Reyes wasn't here since he had to go to work this morning. Angela and Sonya followed the men out the house and to car that was outside in front of the door. Wade and Darius had their own ride and Scar joined them. Angela and Trez went separately and Sonya was with Axe in his own car. All three cars left the house and they went down into the city for a nice family outing.

Thankfully, the sun was out today and shining its glorious light all over tall maple trees that were a fiery red and orange. The paved path was decorated with all the leaves and she enjoyed the bustling roads with all the people outside shopping or taking a walk to enjoy the warm day out. Angela sat in the car wondering if she had finally overcome her fear of being inside a vehicle. She glanced at her side where Trez sat driving them down the roads. Perhaps, it was the fact that Bertorelli was dead or maybe that she almost died a few days ago that allowed her to overcome her fear. But something told her that it was because she had Trez by her side.

"What do you want to eat?" Trez asked her.

Angela studied the hard structure of his jaw and the way his collared shirt contrasted against his bronze tattooed skin. "Waffles, maple syrup and coffee," she listed.

Trez turned the car to the left and got onto the next street when he stopped in front of an old restaurant. She's never been to this place before but it seemed popular with all the people walking in and out of the building. This was an odd choice for someone like Trez, since this establishment felt like it was part of the community and not for the wealthy. But Angela was more than comfortable here.

After parking on the side of the road, she unbuckled the belt and got out of the car. Trez came to her side and shut the door as he guided her off the road that had cars rushing past them. The others parked their cars too and joined them on the sidewalk.

Angela and Sonya followed into the bustling restaurant. There were tables arranged everywhere and even large booths to fit any size families.

"Trez," a huge man appeared from the kitchen. He was beefy and had a white beard with white hair, that showed his kind blue eyes.

"Hey, Bobby," Trez greeted the man.

They both shook hands before Bobby guided them to a large booth to fit them all. Angela squeezed down the cushion and sat with Trez while Sonya sat in front of her with Axe. Wade and Darius joined with Scar as well.

"Bobby, I am craving anything you cook," Wade spoke.

Bobby gave a good hearty laugh. "That's my boy," he patted Wade's shoulder. "I'll fill this entire table of food that you'll be eating for days."

Angela liked the sound of that, especially now that she smelt the spices and flavours wafting around the booth.

"Add Waffles into that mix, Bobby," Trez said before he smiled down at Angela since he remembered.

"You got it," Bobby said.

"Cheeseburger as well, please," Sonya added in.

Bobby smiled at them that his beard couldn't even hide it. "You have to take fries with it, dear," he said.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Sonya chuckled.

Angela noticed that Scar was sitting looking down at her hands. "Is there anything you want, Scar?" she asked.

Scar's eyes lifted and she looked around. "Er- waffles too," she answered politely.

Angela laid her hand on the woman's shoulder. "Bobby, loads of waffles," she said.

Eventually, once everyone listed off every single craving that they were having. The table was filled with every single food one could think of right now. She was staring at all the trays of burgers and bowls of fries. The waffles she needed arrived and they were as large as the plate. Bobby poured maple syrup over them and told her that he added a batch of crispy bacon just for her. She was forever grateful for that man for taking care of her. Scar had a plate of fried eggs and she handed one to Angela as well.

Everyone dug into their food and it was safe to say that they needed this more than ever. After everything that happened to them, she knew that they were all on edge since they were targeted. But she wondered if this place was safe from any attack, because it felt like whatever criminal that was after them didn't care about targeting a public area.

A hand brushed her arm. She glanced at her side and Trez had his blue eyes on her. "What's wrong?" he asked quietly that no one else heard them.

"Is it okay for us to just be wandering down any restaurant?" she asked. "Won't this place be targeted too?"

"No," Trez answered. "There isn't criminal out there that would dare touch this place. So, don't worry and just eat your fill." He ran his hand down her back before he ate his pizza slice.

Angela had a feeling there was another story to this old restaurant that allowed it to be safe from criminals. She glanced at her friend who was thoroughly enjoying her cheeseburger and fries. Honestly, it felt like if anyone came in between Sonya and her food, she'd kill them first. Angela put another fluffy waffle bite into her mouth and thought that she would kill someone for coming in the way of her food too.

"Do you like to dunk or smother?" Sonya asked Axe.

"Smother, it's faster," Axe answered and everyone at the table gaped at him.

Angela had a feeling that these two weren't talking about the same thing. And everyone at the table thought the same.

"Really, then they get all soggy," Sonya said as she dunked a French fry into ketchup.

Axe froze because he was caught off guard by this line of questioning. "What are you talking about?"

"Ketchup and fries," Sonya said like it was obvious.

Wade laughed and so did everyone else. "Axe, buddy, she's not talking about murder," he replied.

"Smothering is faster though," Scar and Darius pitched in making them laugh again.

"It is," Trez voiced.

"What is wrong with you all?" Wade was astounded as he ate his burger.

Sonya patted Axe's shoulder supportively since he didn't know what he had just started.

Angela realized in that chaotic moment how much she missed being in a family. This sensation of her heart pouring with joy that she couldn't keep the smile off her face was astounding. After her parents died, she thought that she'd never be able to sit at a table and feel the warmth of a family. Yet, years later, she was sitting here with people that fought to protect one another and she was overflowing with gratitude. Her wolf had dropped all her defences and found herself giving everything to these people.

A family, she thought. She finally found a family again. She glanced at her mate who was explaining to Axe that he can't talk about killing people outside in public. She could have never predicted Trez coming into her life. He took her by storm and made her see her own life differently. She didn't need to guard her heart anymore and she was ready to give this family her all, especially her mate.

After finishing all the food on the table, they got up to leave. Bobby packed some pizza for them to take home and Angela definitely needed to come back here to enjoy this man's cooking. He had magical hands for sure. They left the restaurant and Sonya voiced that they should go down to the park for a walk to burn some calories off.

Angela didn't mind and she was more than happy to walk down the long path where there were benches to sit under trees. They crossed the road and went to the park, when Trez had to make a phone call and stepped aside.

Sonya linked arms with Angela as they went down the path. "I smell cinnamon," Sonya voiced as her eyes looked around and spotted a truck freshly baking churros. "We need to get some."

Angela glanced at Trez who was discussing something with Axe. "They seem busy, maybe next time, Sonya," she said.

"I'll take you," Scar offered kindly.

"Really?" Sonya clapped her hands together.

"I'm up for some churros too," Wade said. "Come on, Darius." They all walked off to the truck before it drove off to another location.

Trez returned to her side and put his arm around her waist. "My friend is going to be here soon," he said.

"That's fine," she smiled.

"Where are they going?" Axe asked as his eyes tracked Sonya.

"There's a churros truck," Angela told him.

"Didn't you want any?" Trez asked.

"Not really," she said since she was craving something cold, like ice-cream.

They three of them walked down further through the path when Trez took a seat on a lonesome bench and that was when Angela spotted the ice-cream truck on the street.

She gasped. "Axe, get me an ice-cream," she said.

"What?" He looked over her head at the truck that was handing out soft-serve ice-cream on cones.

"Take her, Axe," Trez ordered as he put his phone against his ear.

Angela hurried Axe as he trudged along behind her. They finally reached the truck and she was quick to get what she craved as well. She knew that Sonya would want some, so she got a large ice-cream sundae for all of them to share. She turned to hand it over to Axe as he was busy paying the man in the truck. That was when she noticed the two men with Trez. Both of them were dressed in suits, but the one sitting on the bench looked a lot more dangerous than the one that was standing with his hands folded in front of him.

"Who is Trez talking to?" she asked.

"King Vitiello," Axe answered as he held the sundae.

"Who is that?" She licked the ice-cream that was dunked in chocolate, so the hard shell crushed into the vanilla and it was sinfully delicious.

"He's an old friend," Axe said. "And the one standing with them is Bone. They're both part of the Centauri pack."

Angela gaped. "The Centauri pack, you're kidding," she said because she couldn't believe it.

Everyone knew who the Centauri's were a famous family that ran the corporate world with their strong lineage and powerful bond. But in the shifter world, they were a massive pack that was run by five siblings and she knew that no one dared to attack that pack without facing deadly repercussions. Angela looked over at the table and understood why that man sitting next to Trez looked the way he did now. He was the epitome of dangerously handsome but also had a rigid gaze that could kill. She didn't know that Trez was acquainted with the Centauri pack. What else was she going to learn about her mate? she wondered as she saw Sonya and the other return with churros.

Everyone gathered at the benches and sat down to enjoy the hot, fried dough and Sonya dipped it into the ice-cream sundae too. They were all having a good time and Trez joined them again after his friends left. She didn't ask anything about it because she had a feeling that whatever business he conducted was top secret. Besides, if it was important, she'd find out soon enough.

"We should head home," Angela said as she noticed that the chill in the air was picking up quicker than she thought.

"Not yet," Trez said as he helped her up onto her feet and put his arm around her. "We have a surprise for you ladies."

Angela and Sonya glanced at each other as their mates were withholding a secret from them. They didn't tell them anything through the entire drive down the roads. And mid-way through the journey, their eyes were covered with a blindfold. All four of them were in one car together.

"What's going on?" Angela asked as she sat with her arm's crossed because she hated surprises, they made her jittery with questions. "Is it scary?"

"It's won't be," Sonya added who was also in blinded with a cloth on her eyes, "because if it is then these two men know that I will kill them."

Trez and Axe shared a laugh before they continued to drive down to an unknown location. Eventually, the car came to a stop and Angela heard the doors open. She couldn't even take the blindfold off to check what was going on. Until, she heard the door beside her open.

"Come on, baby, this way," Trez's soft voice teased her since he could read her nervous mood quite well.

She was guided out of the car and onto the street that was quiet, so she couldn't figure anything out. Trez's arm was all she felt and focused on as they crossed a few steps.

"Ready?" Trez whispered to her.

"Yes, please, end this misery," she begged.

Trez grabbed the bow on the back of her head and untied it. The silk cloth fell open and the bright sun pierced her eyes. She blinked away the bright light until she found herself standing in front of Angel's Cafe. However, the disarray had vanished and it was like the attack never happened here. The van that had hit the front of the building had been taken away and all the glass was replaced with new windows. Any bodies or blood or sign of bullets and guns was gone.

"Our cafe is-" Angela and Sonya shared a deep look that almost brought tears to her eyes.

Angela turned to Trez. "You fixed the cafe?" she said.

Sonya leaped into Axe's arms hugging him close. "This is amazing, thank you," she beamed.

Angela ran straight into her mate's arms and held him as tightly as she could. "Thank you," she let the tears fall because there was no helping it. "Thank you, Trez."

"Anything for you," Trez vowed.

Sonya and Angela burst through the front door that had been fixed as well, they even got rid of that squeaky hinges. The entire cafe had been restored; from the white tables to the paint on the walls and even the art was the exact same. It was like nothing had ever happened here and it held no horrible memory or stain. There were additional pieces of art and flower bouquets that weren't here before though. Angela went around to the coffee machines that had been lined up on the table and she noticed that they were all brand new.

"I had the old ones changed," Trez explained. "And I knew you'd like these better." She did like these better because they were easier to clean and a lot faster.

"The glass is bullet proof as well," Wade added.

Angela glanced at the windows that looked completely normal to her.

"Even the kitchen is brand new," Sonya came out from the back with Axe. "You guys went above and beyond."

"Scar had new art pieces picked out," Axe told them.

Angela looked over at Scar who was proud of the paintings on the wall. "Thank you so much, Scar," Angela said.

"You are very welcome," Scar beamed, which was a first. "I've always wanted to decorate a cafe."

"Aww, Scar," Wade put his arm over her shoulders. "Just tell Trez that you hate working for him and want a job here."

"Can I do that?" Scar asked.

"If you can, then we will hire you any day," Sonya chimed in.

Scar's pale cheeks burned bright red. "Er- that, that would be wonderful," she said.

"How about I make everyone a cup of coffee to celebrate?" Angela offered as she opened the cabinet and saw the coffee beans that they used here.

"I'm down for that," Wade answered as he guided Scar to a seat.

"Where's Darius?" Sonya asked as she counted them.

"He's gone to check on his new friend," Wade answered. "I'm pretty sure that he's in love with her, but the man's too shy to tell me."

Sonya and Angela gasped. "Call Hazel," Angela said.

"Later," Sonya advised. "What if she's busy doing something with him?"

"Like what?" Axe who was standing right behind Sonya intervened.

"Er- well," she hesitated when she noticed the smirk on Axe's lips. She hit his broad shoulder. "Go sit down." He took her in his arms and kissed her cheek before he joined his brother and the others.

Sonya took the orders and Angela was quick to brew multiple cups of coffee; all different styles. Soon after, Darius joined them and he was by himself. Angela was expecting for Hazel to be with him, but that wasn't the case. He didn't look pleased and his expression was a stern frown, but that wasn't any different from his usual mood. She was tempted to ask but Wade beat her to it.

"What's wrong?" Wade asked and everyone listened without even trying since they were all sitting together.

"Nothing," Darius answered as he drank his coffee.

"Something is definitely wrong," Wade said. "You're all doom and gloom."

"I'm not," his brother responded.

"He is, right?" Wade asked them.

"Leave the man alone, Wade," Trez advised.

Angela had a feeling that Hazel was the problem and something happened between them.

"Do you think we should call Hazel over?" Sonya whispered to her.

"We definitely should," Angela mumbled.

Sonya pulled out her phone and texted their friend who responded with a dramatic crying-face emoji and agreed to hang out tonight.

After everyone finished off their coffee, Angela told Trez that she wanted to bring Hazel over tonight. He didn't have any objections and Darius was on shift at the club anyway, so they wouldn't bump into one another. They drove over to her boutique where Hazel was waiting on the street with a solemn look on her face.

"Hazel," Angela got out and went to her.

"Angela," Hazel beamed before they hugged. "Thank you for coming."

Angela held her friend. "Come on, it's getting cold." She took her friend into the car with her and Trez.

Axe had already drove home with Sonya and Trez was quick to catch up as well. They arrived home around four o'clock in the afternoon. The house filled with noise as all the girls conquered the silence with their voices. Although, they didn't say anything about Darius while Trez and Axe were with them.

They decided to camp in the living-room with comfy blankets while the fire in the hearth was ignited by Scar. Angela quickly changed into something comfy and joined Hazel and Sonya. Trez had left to the club for work and Axe was at the house, but he was working somewhere else in house with Detective Reyes.

Angela grabbed a blanket and sat on the ground after pushing the glass table to the side to give more room.

"We should get some wine," Sonya suggested.

Angela moved to get some when a tray appeared before them. She looked up the arm and saw Scar. "Here you are," she said. "It's a red wine and I've even provided some cheese and crackers as well."

"Thanks, Scar," Angela smiled up at her. "Hazel, this is Scar, the coolest housekeeper I've ever met."

Scar blushed red. "Er- hello," she greeted Hazel.

"Hi," Hazel smiled at her. "I love your hair, it looks phenomenal on you." Scar definitely wasn't used to compliments so she didn't know how to respond or react.

"Why don't you join us, Scar?" Sonya said.

Scar shook her head. "Er- I couldn't do that," she said.

"Why not?" Angela said. She moved to the side and patted down on the seat next to her. "Come, sit with me." Scar hesitated but she took a seat on the ground and took it upon herself to pour them wine too.

"Alright, Hazel, tell your big sister what's bothering you," Sonya said making Hazel laugh.

"There's not much to tell," Hazel sighed as she grabbed a cracker. "I thought I found my mate in Darius."

Angela and Sonya gasped, so did Scar.

Scar coughed. "Sorry," she drank some wine then.

"Darius is your mate," Angela astonished.

"Yes," Hazel said sadly.

"When did you find out?" Sonya asked.

"I knew the moment I met him," Hazel's eyes saddened. "But maybe, I thought wrong."

"You can't mistake a mating bond, Hazel," Angela said as she remembered when she felt her bond with Trez. It's powerful sensation that courses through the wolf's body and it makes them utterly defenceless.

"Then why else would Darius reject the bond?" Hazel told them.

All three of them gasped again.

Angela drank some wine because she couldn't believe it. "Did he give a reason?" she asked.

"He said that his past can't allow him to be with me," Hazel explained. "Whatever that means."

Angela and Sonya shared a look because they knew exactly what Darius was talking about when he told Hazel that. He spoke of his days in the cages and the things he had to do to survive that purgatory. He couldn't load this on Hazel and that's why he chose to reject the bond.

"Maybe, this is just my family's curse," Hazel laughed, but the sweetness didn't reach her eyes.

"What do you mean?" Sonya asked as she laid a supportive hand on her shoulder.

"My mom didn't get to bond with her true mate either," she explained. "I think I'm just carrying out this tradition being her blood."

"You can't do that, Hazel," Angela said. "Try to talk to Darius and let him-"

"No-" Hazel interrupted. "I'm not going to chase anyone that doesn't want me. Besides, my mom has a great husband without the help of a bond anyway. I'm sure I can do that too."

"You can't give up, madam," Scar voiced.

Hazel smiled at Scar. "I wasn't the one that gave up, he was," she wiped the tear from the corner of her eye and hid her expression as she drank some more wine.

The conversation changed over to the cafe now since Hazel asked about it. Sonya was ecstatic while talking about how the whole cafe was renovated and re-decorated again. They'd be able to open shop soon too, which was something everyone was looking forward towards.

Angela tried to focus on the discussion as her thoughts drifted over to Trez and how he must have felt when he gave their bond a chance, despite his own past. He must have convinced himself to let go of everything before he came to her. Even though, she was never going to reject him even after learning about his past. She was sure that Hazel would support Darius once she learned the truth as well. They just needed to talk this out, but it didn't seem like Hazel was going to forget his rejection anytime soon.

Angela couldn't even imagine getting rejected by her mate, it's unbearable even thinking about it. She glanced up at Hazel who was smiling at Sonya's story, but her golden-green eyes were mirroring the pain in her heart. Sonya tried her hardest to keep the mood light, but it wasn't enough to cheer Hazel up. Scar even offered to cook them dinner to enjoy, but Hazel wasn't up for it.

The three of them didn't know how to help their friend because this pain of losing a mate was far more tremendous than even death.

Once the sun set and Scar made fresh mozzarella spaghetti for them, everyone had dinner and the left-over pizza Bobby gave them. But the men hadn't arrived from work. Axe was still with Reyes and Trez was at the club, which was what he told her in his message when she texted him.

Angela and Sonya both begged Hazel to stay the night, but she had work tomorrow and said that she wasn't risking bumping into Darius here. They couldn't argue with that knowing that he lived here as well. Sonya called Axe and he sent two guards to drop her home safely.

"We'll meet up again soon," Angela hugged Hazel.

"Can't wait," Hazel said before she hugged Sonya too. "Bye, Scar." She waved at the housekeeper who was at the door with them. "I'll enjoy this spaghetti at work tomorrow," she said as she held the Tupperware container in her hand, that Scar packed with food.

"Goodnight, madam," Scar said waving at her.

Hazel followed the two guards to the car and they drove off soon after. Scar shut the door and locked it as Angela turned to Sonya.

"I feel horrible," she shared.

"Me too," Sonya added. "No one deserves to be treated that way."

"What are we going to do?" Angela asked.

Sonya shook her head. "There's nothing we can do," she said. "Darius and Hazel need to figure this out together."

Angela sighed heavily. "Scar, you know a lot about Darius, don't you?" she said. "Can't you tell us why he'd reject the bond?"

Scar looked down at her gloved hands. "The only truth I know is that his heart must be aching just as much as hers," she shared. "One doesn't reject the bond willingly, you must know that."

"Do you think he can be convinced to change his mind?" Sonya asked her.

Scar's purple eyes shifted under the light. "I don't think it's impossible," she said.

Angela and Sonya smiled at one another. "Then, all he needs is a little nudge," Angela said.

"What can we do?" Sonya asked.

"One of us just needs to talk to him," Angela said before both of them looked up at Scar.

The woman's eyes widened. "No," she answered. "I am not equipped to talk about feelings."

Sonya chuckled. "You think we asked her to go to war," she remarked.

"I'd rather do that," Scar retorted as she scurried off to do the things she knew she was good at; housekeeping.

It was getting late, so Angela and Sonya separated ways around midnight to freshen up and head to bed.

Angela entered the bedroom but it was empty and no warmth was here despite the sun being out all day. She searched the vacant space for Trez, but she knew he wasn't here. She glanced down at her phone and there was no call or text either. She tossed it on the bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up.

Taking a long soak in the bath, she found herself loving the expensive body soaps and the lush oils that were kept for her. She only lived in the house for a single night and she was being pampered too much. She got out of the tub and wiped herself dry before she walked into her closet. She grabbed the soft pink silk gown and pulled it on, it reached just above her thighs and it felt luscious against her skin. Taking the matching robe, she put her arms through it and tied the sash around her waist.

Angela walked out of the closet and shut the door as she went over to the bed and got under the duvet. Turning the lamp on, she sat against the pillows wondering if she should call Trez. But then, the knob turned and the door opened. She got out of bed as soon as she sensed her mate's blazing pheromones.

"Trez," she called out.

His blue eyes landed on her and a fluttering gleam passed through them. She got out of bed and ran to him and he took her in his arms. "You know, if you greet me like this I'm never going to leave this house again," he said as he breathed deeply before he kissed her neck.

She laughed as she pulled back and stared up at him. "I was going to call you," she said.

"Did something happen?" His frown appeared again.

"No," she assured him. "You didn't come home."

Trez shut the door behind him before he put his arms around her. "I promise to come home early from now on," he said as he lifted her slightly so her feet didn't touch the ground. She couldn't help but laugh as he carried her right to the bed.

He placed her down on the fluffy duvet and got distracted with the bow around her waist. "Actually, I had to ask you something," she said.

His blue eyes lifted and met hers. "Anything," he replied.

"It's about Darius," she said. "Do you know why he'd reject the bond with Hazel?"

Trez's face strained with a frown and his smile fell. He leaned back and took a deep breath. "You have to understand, bambina," he got to his feet and stepped away from the bed. She looked up at his broad shoulders that were carved out from the silver light through the windows. "Darius has seen the worst this world has to offer," Trez told her. "There's nothing that can help him forget his past and the things he had to endure."

Angela's heart tightened as if there was a fist around it. She knew right away that it was Trez's anguish that she felt through their mating bond. "Trez," she whispered as she got up onto her feet standing behind him. "I'm sorry," she mumbled as she wrapped her arms around him and laid her cheek on his back, hugging him close to her.

She didn't mean to bring up the past that he tried so hard to overcome. Everyone in this house tried their hardest to be stronger together and for each other.

"Even I can't forget the things I've done in that vile place," Trez's tone darkened. "It haunts every waking moment and if I close my eyes I can see the cage again, like I never left it."

"What made you pursue our bond then?" she asked knowing that he had ad dark past just like Darius.

Trez turned in her arms and he put his hand on her cheek, his blue eyes that glowed under the silver light. "I ached for you day and night," he drew in a breath that felt as if he stole it from her. "Despite my past and all the sins I've committed, I couldn't let you go." His arm circled around her waist as he gathered her against his body. "There was never a moment that I didn't burn to hold you in my arms and steal the taste of your lips." He ran the pad of his thumb across her bottom lip as his eyes blazed with a ravenous desire. "No one else could have the one I was madly in love with."

Angela's heart hammered in her chest and she felt his dark pheromones seep into her skin, like he was marking her as his prized possession. His arm tightened around her waist and his lips were inches away for her to claim them as hers.

"Thank you," she confessed surprising him, "for not giving up on our bond. You say that you need me, but you don't know how much you helped me." She leaned into his touch. "I found my home in your eyes, Trez." Angela leaned onto her toes and laid her lips softly against his own. He drew in a sharp breath as she smiled. "And I couldn't help falling in love with you, especially after you avenged my parents. That was particularly hot and got you so many brownie points." Trez revealed his rare smile and she was pleased.

"If there's anything else you want me to do then I'm at your service," he said as stared at her lips.

Angela didn't know if it was the full moon beaming outside the windows or the wolf that clawed inside her body, but all she knew was that her heart ached to complete their bond. She was finally ready to become Trez's mate and let their wolves join together in this sanctified union.

"Mark me," she wished from him, "and make me yours."

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