As usual, Trez was found in his office at the top floor in the club despite the hour running late into the night. He stood leaning against his table with a negroni in his hand as he waited for his brother's return. The event from this morning still lingered in his mind like it was consuming him into this ferocious whirlwind.

After spending weeks of convincing himself that he was better far away from Angela Moretti, it was useless. The moment he went to the cafe and saw that the workers had been replaced. He contacted the guards that were assigned to protect Angela to know her exact location. They gave a detailed report that the ladies were in fact on the other side of town running their own shop.

Trez promised that he'd see her one last time before he was done interfering in the life that she built herself after losing her parents to the gang that he was once part of too. However, when he arrived at the cafe and saw one of Russo's men standing there in front of her with a gun, he lost all sense of resolve. Only the thirst to kill that man in cold-blood and lay his body at her feet overcame him. He disarmed the loser and let his guards drag him out into one of their vans. He was held hostage until Trez could kill him after he was done with his conversation with Angela.

Just as the need to drink that thug's blood brought his wolf out of him, Trez found himself immediately calmed by Angela's wolf and her radiant smile. She stood in front of him as lovely as the day he first saw her. But she wasn't confined in that old cafe's uniform. Now, she found herself in this new cafe, she was dressed in a lovely pink dress that hugged her waist and flowed down her legs. She kept her beautiful chestnut-red hair in those bountiful curls around her shoulders. He was defenceless in front of her and he found himself drawn to her light, despite being the darkness for her.

Trez couldn't leave after that. He needed her. He ached for her body to be with him. He desired to sink his teeth into her rosy skin and mark her. His wolf craved for her sweet scent to pierce through them and link them forever. A part of him knew that he shouldn't go to her, that he wasn't worthy. But the moment that she met his eyes and let him into her space, he knew that he couldn't fight the dark side in his heart that wanted to pull her into his territory and claim her.

He decided now that he would give her everything. Trez would make sure that she was taken care of and he'll do anything for that to happen. He would take her on a date and show her that he was the one that needed her, not the other way around. He sensed the way she didn't feel confident in their bond and that they came from different worlds, when in fact, they shared the same life. They both came from tragic pasts but built themselves a life to be proud of now. He may have dubious methods of achieving his goals, but that could be discussed on their second date when she was comfortable around him.

There was a knock and Trez knew who it was that arrived. The door opened and Axe stood in his leather jacket and sweater.

"I've brought Russo," he announced.

Trez met his brother's dark eyes before he put the drink down and joined him at the door. He closed the button of his blazer and they left to the other room where Russo was standing with guards watching him. Axe opened the door for him and Trez strode inside before the door shut and the guards left as well.

"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Luciano?" Russo spoke sternly.

Trez stood in front of the five-foot man that had hollow black eyes and greying hair. "I thought it'd excite you to be doing business with me, Russo," he said.

Russo bit back his tongue. "I don't appreciate being dragged out of my house," he said as he glanced at Axe nervously.

"The matter is simple," Trez said. "There's some territory of yours I'm interested in."

Russo's black eyes widened. "Why would you be interested?"

He ignored his irritating questioning. "I will pay the amount you name and I'll have the southwest territory you own near the lake," Trez explained his part of the deal.

"And if I refuse?" Russo said as he crossed his arms wrinkling his grim suit.

Trez raised a brow. "I'm being polite and proposing a deal, Russo," he said. "I could've just killed you." He took out the cheque book from his pocket and laid the empty paper on the table. "Write your amount."

Russo looked at the slip. "What is that street to you, it's on the other side of town far from your club?"

Trez came right up to his face. "What I do is none of your business, Russo," he said coldly. "So, unless you want me to kill you and take everything you own. I suggest you do as I say and walk out of here with all your limbs intact."

He flinched. "Of course, the southwest territory is yours," Russo said before he wrote a measly amount on the cheque and the guards escorted him out.

Trez ignored his brother's inquisitive gaze that was definitely bringing the impending doom of questions. "Spit it out, little brother," he remarked.

"Russo will suspect something is wrong now that you've bought that area," Axe said.

"Keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't do anything," Trez offered a simple solution.

Axe sighed heavily. "You're taking a really big risk, brother," he said.

"There's no way I'm having Russo's rats showing up at Angela's cafe again," he answered back.

"Still, this is-"

Trez faced him. "It's a risk I'm willing to stake my life on-" he growled. "I never thought that I'd find a mate after being thrown into a cage. But here I am, standing here fighting every instinct in my body to find a reason that I shouldn't be with her." He laid his hand on his brother's shoulder. "I know I'm not good for her and I've done vile things in my life. But if she's my redemption than I will protect her."

Axe's eyes softened with understanding. "Alright," he said. "If that's what you need then I will make sure that it's done."

Trez let out a breath of relief because he couldn't take this step in his life without his brother by his side. The brother that went through thick and thin with him. They had a bond that was unbreakable and Trez knew that together, they could do anything and they did. They conquered the world together and nothing stopped the Luciano brothers once they put their minds to something.

Axe stepped back and faced the burning hearth that was lit up in great flames. "There's something I need to confess," he said as he put his hand on the marble surrounding the fire.

Trez sensed his brother's hesitation like he was also fighting something dark within his heart- or what's left of it. "You can tell me anything," he said.

"I know," Axe struggled to speak. "I was just unsure if I was ready to accept it like you have."

"What's going on, Axe?" Trez asked as he watched the orange flames dance on his brother's rigid expression.

"Angela's friend, Sonya Sharma is my mate," he confessed.

Trez did not see that coming. "Are you serious?"

"I wouldn't joke about this," Axe retorted as he faced him with his arms crossed over his chest, stretching the holster of weapons strapped to his shoulders.

"Does she know?" he asked.

"No," he said. "I don't know how to break the news that she got me of all people."

Trez joined his brother in front of the fire. "What's wrong with that?"

"Are you kidding?" he grumbled. "I'm a wolf who kills for a living, and frankly, enjoys it."

Trez couldn't help but smile or disagree. "Well, you're going to have to tell her if you want her," he said. "Do you want her?"

Axe's eyes gleamed with a dark glow, that only appeared when he dominated a target and killed them like helpless prey. Trez sensed the danger in his brother, and right now, reason wasn't leading his thoughts. He didn't need to tell Trez that he wanted her. Those glowing eyes and that dark expression was proof that he had already given himself to Sonya Sharma.

"It seems we have our work cut out for us," Trez said. "We both have to seduce our women."

"Seduction isn't the problem," Axe remarked as he raked his darkly tousled hair. "We have to be truthful and let them decide if they want us."

Trez smirked because he knew that seducing Angela wouldn't be a problem, but this was more than just a single night of feeding their lustful wolves. Angela and Sonya were women that honoured truth and would need transparency if they were going to give themselves to Trez and Axe.

"I have a date with Angela on Saturday," Trez told his brother then.

"Then I will have a security team at the restaurant that you want to go to," Axe went straight to business.

"I was thinking of going alone," Trez revealed. "All the security might freak her out."

Axe stared at him like he was crazy. "Have you lost your mind?" he bit out. "You want to go to a restaurant all by yourself without security, that's a great way of giving me an early death."

Trez sighed. "You're unbelievable," he said.

"My team will be deployed with you," Axe continued to explain the plan.

"Can you forget about that for just a second," Trez interrupted. "If I'm with Angela then that means Sonya will be home alone."

Axe's eyes shifted and the dark glow returned. "No, I will be by your side," he said.

"And miss the opportunity to talk to her," Trez remarked. "Sure, go ahead and be a fool."

Axe growled a curse. "I hate when you pull this shit on me," he said.

Trez smirked. "It's done then," he said. "I'll have Angela for a few hours and you can talk to Sonya at the house alone." He crossed the room to leave but his brother stubbornly followed.

"It is not done," he grumbled back. "You will still take a whole platoon with you for protection."

"As long as they stay under the radar," Trez bit back. Sometimes, he forgot who the big brother was in this relationship.

Angela wasn't entirely sure how they found themselves running through thirteen different boutiques all under one hour just for a single dress.

The date with Trez Luciano was tomorrow and she was buzzing with nerves, she couldn't even tell the time even if someone asked her. All week her mind has been occupied over silly scenarios that could happen on the date. What if she spills a drink? What if the food doesn't taste good and she has to lie? What if she hates his personality and doesn't want to mate him? Damn it, there was so much bothering her and she was almost convinced to just cancel the whole thing and stay home.

"Sonya, is this really necessary?" Angela asked.

Sonya was pushed through the racks and looking at each piece of clothing with a constructive eye. "You have to dress to impress, sweetie," she remarked.

"I know," Angela leaned on the pillar. "But I'll just pick something I already have."

"We already went through your entire closet and there was nothing," Sonya said as she pulled out a dark wine-red dress and gave it to the sale associate to try on in the room.

"I just think this is unnecessary," she mumbled. "Maybe, I should cancel."

Sonya took her attention off the clothes and came to her friend. "Why are you avoiding this?" she asked. "Being nervous is normal... unless, it's something else-" her eyes fired up- "if he makes you uncomfortable then I will kick him in the-"

"It's not that-" Angela laid her hand on her friend's shoulder. "I've just never been on a date with a man like that before and what if the food doesn't taste good?"

Sonya laughed. "Girl, you aren't going to this date to enjoy the dinner," she said. "You're there to enjoy him and see if he's your taste." She winked at her.

Angela rolled her eyes. "He's definitely hot," she added.

"So, stop thinking about your gut and focus on what your heart wants," Sonya said. "Now, try this on." She pushed another red dress in her direction.

Angela held it in her arms and went to the change-room in the back to try it on and the other one chosen for her before. But none of them were the right choice. The first one didn't even go over Angela's hips and she just felt worse about how many muffins she ate before coming here. The second choice was great and comfortable, but Sonya didn't like the way it hung, she said that it made her look like she had no curves. So, they walked out the fourteenth store empty-handed again.

"Let's just give up," Sonya said. "Do you want to wear something of mine?"

Angela linked her arm with her friend as they walked back to their cafe together. "Hold on, didn't Hazel say she worked at a boutique?" she said when she remembered the customer that visited them the day they opened the cafe. Hazel had come to the cafe every single day after that and she always had a different dress on.

Sonya and Angela crossed the road and went right over to Dream Boutique, which was a pretty little store with a Victorian inspired interior. There were racks of clothes lined up along the store and golden molding around the pale-blue ceiling, it was stunning. The small chandelier hung with loads of crystals that shined its light around the white walls and brown floor.

"Guys!" Hazel appeared from the back in a white frock and a ribbon in her hair. "Welcome!"

"Hazel, this shop is beautiful!" Sonya astounded.

"We should have come sooner," Angela said.

Hazel beamed with her bright greenish-gold eyes. "I'm so glad you like it," she said. "I love working here and the staff discount is the reason I stay." She put the box down behind the cash register as she came over to them. "What can I help you ladies with?"

"We need a dress for Angela?" Sonya said.

"Alright, what's the occasion?" Hazel asked. "Party, baby shower, wedding or birthday?"

"A date," Sonya said.

Hazel's red lips lifted like the Cheshire Cat. "That's so exciting," she squealed. "So, I'm guessing we're looking for something sexy but innocent."

"Of course," Sonya answered. "I was thinking red."

"Red will look great with her hair," Hazel said.

"Nothing too tight," Angela pitched in.

Hazel told them to take a seat as she poured them the hidden champagne bottle that she kept for moment like this. Sonya sat on the settee and Angela was too nervous to sit or stand, so she paced with her beverage. As time passed, Hazel pulled many dress and styles out, Angela was busy trying everything on for them. By the time lunch came around, each of them was exhausted.

"I do have something," Hazel said. "We got it this morning." She scuttled to the back room and walked out with a black bag that hung on a rod. She grabbed the top zipper and pulled it down revealing a red gown, that sparkled like delicate little rubies.

Sonya got to her feet. "That's perfect," she gasped dreamily.

Angela couldn't help but love the dress as well, it was truly a work of art. "Can I try it on?" she asked.

"Of course," Hazel said.

Angela stepped back in the change-room and closed the curtain. She stripped out of her clothes and Hazel handed the gown through the veil, which happened to be heavier than it looked. Angela stepped into the opening and slid it up her legs, she was relieved that the dress slipped up her wide hips without a problem. She held it up to her chest and put the straps over her shoulders. She reached behind her back and zipped up mid-way, allowing the fabric to stretch and hug her body perfectly.

Angela took a breath as she looked up in the mirror in front of her hoping it looked good just as much as it felt on her. The red dress sparkled under the golden light and it was a bit long at the bottom, but nothing a pair of heels couldn't fix.

"Angela!" Sonya shouted. "Hurry, I want to see!"

"Okay, okay," she bit back her smile as she pulled the curtain back and posed in front of her friends who screamed in excitement. One would think that Angela picked a wedding dress and not something for a dinner date.

"It's perfect," Hazel said.

"I need a picture," Sonya said as she pulled her phone out and Angela let her take one.

"Do you need a pair of heels?" Hazel asked.

"No, I've got a pair I'm comfortable with," she answered. "I'll take the dress though."

"It's already yours, honey," Hazel smiled.

The girls went to the front of the store where Hazel packed up the dress in a white bag that held the gown on a hanger so it would wrinkle or tarnish. On the white bag, the logo of the shop was written in gold cursive and there was a ribbon too, which was definitely Hazel's touch. But a dress like this was costly even with Hazel's additional secret discount, that no needed to know about, especially her boss.

"I'm starving," Sonya said. "We should get lunch."

"I agree," Angela said. "Hazel, would you like to join us?"

Hazel pouted. "I have to work," she sulked. "How about we have dinner and you can tell me all about this date?"

"That's sounds like a plan," Sonya and Angela agreed.

"I'll text you the address and bring pyjamas. We'll have a slumber party," Sonya suggested.

"We're gonna need wine then," Angela said.

"Cheese too," Hazel added. "There's a grocery-store here. I'll grab everything before I come over. My treat."

"Alright, see you soon," Sonya said.

"Thanks for all your help, Hazel," Angela waved before the girls left the shop together and passed a few other ladies who were heading into the boutique now.

Angela and Sonya grabbed sandwiches from the local deli and returned home together, since they didn't want any risks with the dress. They put it on the back-seat as Sonya drove them down the roads to their house.

The elementary school had just finished and all the kids were walking to their homes as well. Sonya had to drive extra slowly to avoid running any kids over. Angela watched as parents held the hands of their children and helped them by carrying their coloured bags. She couldn't help but miss her own parents that always walked her to school and back home. They'd probably freak out that she's going on a date now. Dad would cause a riot and make sure the man was honourable and mom would calm him down.

Angela smiled out the window. So much had changed without them by her side, but she wasn't lonely. She had her friend and now even Hazel joined their little family. The only thing left unexplored was the powerful bond coursing through her body that begged to go to her mate. She didn't know why her body was aching with this strange need, but she couldn't ignore it anymore.

They finally arrived and Sonya pulled up onto the drive-way. She put the car in park and turned the ignition off. Both of them got out and Angela was starving, so as soon as they entered, they put the dress down and sated their hunger. Angela was quick to whip up a parmesan salad with the sandwiches. Sonya needed chai and made a cup for Angela too, which always tasted like a warm hug after a long day.

They sat in the backyard since it was sunny and the breeze was warm too as it carried the sweet afternoon fragrance of apples and leaves.

After the quick lunch, they decided to get all the chores done so they could relax later in the evening. Angela took the duty to do laundry while Sonya swept and mopped the floors and took the trash out. Eventually, Sonya joined Angela in the bedroom to fold all the clothes.

The sun lowered down the horizon quickly today since most of their attention was on their chores and the music blasting in the background. Before Hazel arrived, they set up the living room with thick blankets and pillows to cozy it up for them. Sonya lit some candles that smelt of pumpkin and bonfires as Angela lit the fireplace too. They bought an abundant amount of wine, so there was no fear of running out.

Angela and Sonya were in their cozy pyjamas coming down the stairs when the doorbell rang. Angela rushed to the door and opened it wide finding Hazel standing behind it dressed in her own pyjamas and a trench-coat. There was a taxi, which must have been how Hazel got here while she held a bunch of brown bags full of food and wine too.

"Welcome to our home!" Sonya said as she came up to help with the bags.

"This is a beautiful place," Hazel praised. "I love the neighbourhood too, it's like out of a fairy-tale."

Angela agreed and that's why they bought this house. "Come in," she offered and Hazel walked inside as they shut the door behind her.

"I brought everything I could think of and more," Hazel said. "I also got ice-cream, so you might want to put that in the freezer."

"Got it," Sonya said as she rushed to the kitchen to do just that.

Angela and Hazel joined her and they prepared the cheese board with the red-wine to pair with it. Hazel also brought chocolate-covered strawberries and pumpkin sugar cookies which Angela had her eye on. They put everything onto the plates and loaded a bowl with cheesy popcorn too. Taking everything into the living-room, they arranged it on the table and settled under the blankets.

"So, the main topic of conversation is your date," Hazel started off after a sip of wine. "Tell me everything."

"Well, his name is Trez Luciano," Angela hid her face behind her hands. "Guys, I can't do this, I'm too shy."

"Wait, I've heard that name before," Hazel said before she gasped covering her mouth. "Don't tell me it's who I'm thinking!"

"Gazillionaire, runs a nightclub and sexy as hell, then yes," Sonya chimed in as she enjoyed a cookie with Angela.

Hazel screamed. "No wonder you're nervous," she said. "I'd be freaking out."

"That's not helpful," Angela said.

"But is he your mate?" Hazel asked then leaning in.

Angela stuffed her mouth with the cookie. "I did feel the bond between us," she admitted.

"That's crazy," Hazel laughed. "How did you meet?"

Then Sonya got into the story and made it as dramatic as possible, which was her speciality. Hazel was loving it, she was eating popcorn and watching Sonya explain the whole thing.

"I can't believe he saved you," Hazel said. "He's hot and honourable."

"We still need to know if he's a good kisser," Sonya said.

Angela laughed at them. "And perhaps, if he has a good heart," she said.

"Oh yeah, that too," Sonya jested as they laughed.

"Okay, that's enough about me," Angela said. "What about you, Hazel? Did you find your mate yet?"

Hazel sighed as she put the popcorn down. "Nope," she said. "My love life isn't as colourful as yours. Men that I've met aren't even men."

"I agree," Sonya chimed in.

"I want someone who sweeps me off my feet and has the dreamiest eyes," Hazel explained. "Well, maybe, I'm hoping for too much." The girls laughed together. "What about you, Sonya?"

"Me," Sonya sat up and crossed her legs as she contemplated. "Well, there is someone-"

Angela and Hazel gasped. "Who?" They asked together.

"Relax," Sonya said. "I don't even think he sees me."

"I'm always with you," Angela said. "What man are you talking about?" She sat there playing every single memory in her head like a movie and pausing at every man's face she met wondering who this mystery fascination for Sonya was. Until, she remembered when Trez came into the cafe and his brother was with him but talking to Sonya.

"He-"

Angela clapped her hands together. "Axe Luciano!" she exclaimed.

Hazel's eyes widened. "Are we talking about your date's brother?" she asked.

"Yeah," Angela answered. "We met him at the club."

"He helped me when I got into some trouble there," Sonya explained.

"Wow," Hazel said. "Where can I get one?" Sonya laughed.

"So, what did you two talk about at the cafe?" Angela asked.

Sonya sighed as she grabbed her wine glass. "He just asked me how I was doing and that those thugs wouldn't bother us again," she answered.

"Trez told me the same thing," Angela said to Hazel.

"Are we talking about Russo's men?" Hazel asked with interest piqued.

"Yup," Angela sighed.

"His gang members have been plaguing our street for years now," Hazel explained.

"Trez said that these men won't bother us anymore," Angela said. "Maybe, they'll stay away from all the shops now."

"Hope so," Hazel added.

They continued talking away about everything. They shared their adventures and life stories as they made hot chocolate with loads of marshmallows that Hazel brought for them.

Eventually, they fell asleep right here in front of the fire place since they were too busy talking and didn't realize that it was pushing dawn...

Since Hazel stayed the night, they had breakfast together.

Sonya prepared chai as Hazel drank coffee with Angela. They made steamy hot pancakes that oozed maple syrup as they stayed in the kitchen discussing how to spend their day off. However, Angela couldn't think of anything else other than her date tonight.

Most of the day passed in doing face-masks, their nails and then getting Angela dressed for the evening.

"How long were you a makeup artist?" Sonya asked Hazel.

"A few years," she said. "I even know how to cut hair."

"Wow, that's amazing," Angela and Sonya awed.

Angela was sat on a stool in her bedroom with Hazel holding all the makeup out in front of her. She was quick to do a simple look on her and went with a winged liner with a pink lipstick, which wasn't overly glossy.

The sun was already setting and it wasn't even six o'clock yet. But Angela was jittery in her seat and trying not to focus on the clock. Sonya was picking out heels and Hazel finished off curling Angela's hair. By the time, everything was done, Angela finally put the dress on and Sonya helped with the heels. The clock hit seven and they were rushing down the stairs.

"Wait!" Sonya shouted. "Take a purse!"

"A clutch is better!" Hazel yelled back.

"Just give anything!" Angela shouted.

"No!" Hazel and Sonya yelled back. "It'll ruin the whole look."

Sonya brought one of her own black clutch purse that matched the heels that she wore. She grabbed a shawl as well and couldn't find her breath at all. This night was something Angela had no control over and it scared her. She never went outside her comfort zone like this and it wasn't like her at all. There wasn't even any time to cancel.

Sonya came up to her. "Don't be nervous," she smiled at her. "Be your charming self."

Angela hugged her best friend. "Thank you," she said.

"I'm nervous and I'm not even going," Hazel added from the sofa.

Suddenly, the doorbell went off and all the girls stared at each other. Hazel snuck a peak outside the window from the living-room and confirmed that an expensive car was parked on the road with many other cars for some reason.

"This is it," Sonya said.

Angela nodded as she tried to control her hammering heart. The girls quickly moved into the kitchen so they wouldn't be seen.

She knew that this next step she needed to take herself. No one was going to be able to do it for her. Her wolf stepped forth and gave her some comforting assurance just as Angela twisted the lock out of the latch and the door opened revealing her date for tonight.

Trez Luciano stood powerfully tall in all black, his suit perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders and trained physique. The dark, rich cologne that clung to him reached her and she felt it seep inside her body marking her. He stared back at her with his blazing blue eyes that didn't falter or weaken ever. They were possessive as they trailed down her red dress. She felt her heart skip a beat in her chest and she tried to control herself, but it was impossible when her wolf emerged to meet him right away. There was something wild and dangerous about Trez that made her body yield to him, it was as if she didn't need words to let him know that she belonged to him. She responded to his body and he knew that.

Gosh, how was she going to survive tonight with him?

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