Zeiden woke up in his own bedroom and not in the hospital today, which felt too damn good. Being attached to IV drips, machines and monitors was not the most comfortable way Zeiden chose to spend his time.

The last couple of days, he had spent them with Dr. Kim and Dr. Avery in psychical therapy to get his leg back in good shape. Thankfully, the recovery went well and now the cast had come off too. However, there was a scarring fear inside him.

Last night, he had left the drapes open, and so the morning light beamed through the windows and onto his bed. Zeiden ignored the aches all over his body, as he threw the blanket off his body, that made him uncomfortably hot. He rolled off the bed and placed his bare feet onto the cool floor. His legs bent at the knee and he stared down at the floor. Everything was the way it used to be before.

Zeiden drew in a broken breath, wondering if he was going to fall today or lose balance again. Although, with the physical therapy, his leg was pretty much healed with no major damage. Then why didn't Zeiden feel restored or healthy? he wondered.

The leg was as heavy as a bus and felt as if someone had crushed it all down. Though the cast and the brace had been taken off, but Zeiden sensed himself being confined. Dr. Kim explained that it was just the trauma to the body, which would need healing and it wasn't a quick process. Frankly, is was pathetic for Zeiden to be told that he was traumatized by all this.

Zeiden sighed jadedly. He pushed off the bed and stiffly got to his feet. He took the first step and didn't feel any pain or restraint. He moved ahead and went into the bathroom, with a careful speed.

He switched the light on and marched up to the counter. He speedily steadied himself by grabbing the edge of the sink hoping not to fall down.

Zeiden hadn't realized how his breath came out with difficulty and he was covered in a light sheen of sweat too. He looked up in the mirror, his paled expression contrasted against light remnants of some bruises on his body. However, his eyes froze over the massive scar running downwards on his left pectoral, it was an angry red scar that would be with him forever. A reminder that he almost died with a blade to his chest, like a fucking pathetic loser. There was no pride in this moment for him, not like how he got the other scars on his body.

Zeiden turned the tap of water to coldest temperature he could get. He splashed his face with that icy-water to calm himself down. He shoved his hands into his hair, wetting it too. His blue eyes looked back at him and he didn't recognize them. Zeiden didn't feel like he knew who stood in that mirror.

Zeiden's frozen hand touched the scar over his heart. A rush of memories haunted him as if a nightmare relived itself. He remembered the icy scent of Aziel; the cold and rigid concrete; the tires of the bike blowing out from a gunshot. Zeiden remembered everything down to every detail. Although, he hid that fact from his brothers- his pack. He didn't tell them that he relived it all every time he breathed or closed his eyes.

Zeiden turned and slid the door to the shower open. He rotated the handle to get the temperature to the coldest he could get and got under the spray of water. His muscles stiffened and he felt his blood cool down right away. Zeiden used as much soap and tried his hardest to get the smell of Aziel away from his memories. He tried but no hope; it seemed it was imbedded too deep, like his scar.

Zeiden finished with the unsuccessful shower, that didn't provide the solace he required. He got out with a towel around his waist. He left the bathroom and went to the closet. Usually, after a shower he would've played some music on his phone and got ready. But now, he didn't even feel like doing that anymore either.

Zeiden skipped the hassle. He pulled out black pants and a matching hoodie with sneakers. He put the hood over his head before leaving his bedroom. He awkwardly padded down the hall and stairs too, surprised that he hadn't fallen on his face yet, which was what he'd been doing a lot of.

He reached the last step when he heard muffled voices in the kitchen. Everyone was home because Ashley had arranged a party for Zeiden. He was grateful for her to turn this pathetic time in his life into something fun at least. However, Zeiden wasn't in any mood to play around. Something in him was crushed that night. He didn't know if he could get it back by being around more people.

Annoyed at himself, he hadn't realized how much of a frown he had on his face. He walked into the kitchen and his eyes landed directly on the man sitting back on the corner chair. Marcello was sitting with them at the kitchen table, like it was nothing out of the ordinary.

Zeiden learned at the hospital that Marcello had moved into their house. Zeiden acted nonchalant about it at the time, but since then, he's never been more anxious. It was hard not to be, when Zeiden knew that Marcello didn't want the bond to be acknowledged.

Zeiden stared at Marcello who sat dressed in jeans and t-shirt. The man looked fresh out of the shower too. He sat in the chair, a cup of coffee in his hand and he was busy looking at his phone. Zeiden wanted to throw his phone across the room. It was a petty thought, but Zeiden didn't care. He was frustrated at the man.

"Oh, good morning, uncle Zee," Evelyn greeted him first from on top of a chair.

Zeiden's frown slightly lifted. "Good morning," he said before he walked around the table towards his seat.

But not before, he noticed Marcello's eyes on him. They followed him everywhere and it was so obvious. Zeiden was exhausted and it definitely didn't help now that he kept seeing Marcello everywhere now.

"You good?" Ronin asked as Zeiden sat beside him.

"Yup," mumbled Zeiden. He wished people would stop asking him that. "I'm the same as yesterday."

Lazarus walked over and put a plate in front of Zeiden. He looked up at his big brother. "Eat every bite," he instructed sternly.

Zeiden nodded. "Thanks," he said and looked down at the plate, that had soft-scrambled egg sandwich, just the way he liked it.

Lazarus must be trying really hard to make him feel better. Zeiden smiled and ate his breakfast, that only Lazarus made perfectly. Ronin and Evelyn were talking away and Lazarus was busy over the stove.

Zeiden ate quietly, but his concentration was on Marcello who was silently drinking coffee too. He didn't even bother keeping himself discreet as his eyes stayed on Zeiden. But Zeiden didn't look at him, he didn't have the strength to do it, because he knew what happened to his heart the last time he fell for that gaze.

"Good morning everyone," Ashley beamed. She arrived looking dazzlingly in a yellow dress, that was flimsy and all the way to her sandals. She came right over to her daughter and kissed her cheek. "Is Lazarus cooking something delicious again?"

"He is," chimed Evelyn.

Ashley came over to Zeiden and kissed his cheek too. She's been doing that a lot and hugging him whenever she could. Zeiden didn't mind and it seemed if he stopped her then he'd only hurt her feelings.

"You know that I'm the only one that cooks for you lazy pups," retorted Lazarus from the stove. Ashley went over to him and helped out.

"Um- I cook," added Ronin over the rim of his cup.

"Yeah, only when you feel like it," retorted Lazarus.

Ronin couldn't disagree with that. "I'm sorry for being lazy," he muttered making them laugh. "I thought it was my redeeming quality."

"It's not," added Zeiden with a chuckle.

Ronin shot him a side-glance. "You're one to talk," he said. "When was the last time you did your chores or cooked?"

Zeiden pouted and put his hand on his chest. "I would love to do everything, but I'm still injured," he said.

"Oh-" Ronin stiffened and he remembered again what happened. His face fell grim and he regretted what he had said.

Zeiden laughed at him. "I was joking," he said patting the man's shoulder.

"Not funny," sulked Ronin.

Well, Zeiden didn't know what else to do other than make fun of himself. Zeiden got up and he went over to put his plate in the sink. He pushed up his sleeves and was about to clean his plate, when an arm brushed against his, he looked up and saw Marcello beside him. The man was really close and Zeiden could sense every single detail. The slow breath, that dark cologne, those amber eyes that had shifted to a brighter gold under the light.

"Let me," offered Marcello.

"Huh?" Zeiden's mouth went dry and he could only stare.

Marcello pointed to the dishes. "I'll do them," he said.

Zeiden pulled back and moved away. "Thanks," he said. He was about to leave the kitchen when he slammed into a hard surface.

"Watch it," warned Isaiah, as he caught Zeiden. "Where you headed in such a rush?" his grey eyes did a whole up and down over Zeiden making sure he wasn't hurt.

Zeiden caught Marcello's eyes again on him. "Nowhere," he said. Isaiah frowned and didn't get it. "I mean- I was- The-"

"Let me stop you right there," interrupted Isaiah.

Zeiden shut his mouth before he embarrassed himself more than he already had in front of his brother. The last person he wanted to look weak in front of was Isaiah, but it seemed the goddess didn't care for that.

"Did he eat?" Isaiah asked everyone in the kitchen.

"I fed him," answered Lazarus dutifully.

Isaiah looked down at Zeiden. "Did you take your meds?" he asked sternly, just like he had ever since Zeiden got prescribed medication.

"Not yet," he answered.

Isaiah's grey eyes blinked and he searched Zeiden's face. "What's wrong?" he questioned as he watched carefully.

Zeiden flinched. "Er- I'm just tired," he said. "I was going to my room."

Isaiah didn't believe it for even a second, but he dropped it. "Let me take you," he said.

"It's fine," said Zeiden, but then he saw he unyielding expression on his brother's face, that he had to give in.

Both of them left the kitchen towards the stairs, when suddenly, Adrik came down freshly showered, dressed in dark jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Zeiden met Adrik's eyes and instead of seeing his cousin who he had fought alongside so many times. He saw Aziel's eyes in them like a haunted ghost.

Fuck, Zeiden cursed. He stiffened and he froze in his tracks. Isaiah caught it and he stepped closer to him.

"You okay?" asked Isaiah quietly.

Zeiden swallowed. "I'm fine," he lied. "My leg hurts if I go too fast."

"Oh," said Isaiah as he put his arm around Zeiden's shoulder.

Zeiden wished he'd forget that night already. But it wasn't healing and he wasn't forgetting anything, like he usually would.

Adrik came up to Zeiden. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"You know me, I'll get over this," he told Adrik.

"I know you will," he replied.

Adrik's eyes shifted under the sunlight. The blue turned from that dark shade of indigo to a sky-blue. A kindness appeared in them, although it was faint. These were the eyes that Zeiden recognized and had grown to love. Adrik was a brother, a part of the pack. There was nothing to be afraid of here, Zeiden told himself that over and over again.

"Lazarus made breakfast," Isaiah told Adrik.

"Did you eat?" Adrik asked Zeiden.

Zeiden nodded. "I just need to lay down," he said and brushed off Isaiah's support. "You two, go and eat. Stop worrying about me-" he went towards the stairs, which was a bad idea because that was when Zeiden's whole body locked.

Zeiden was sure that he'd slam straight onto the floor. But he hadn't, Isaiah had caught him.

"Damn, be careful," chided Isaiah.

Zeiden closed his eyes in frustration. He didn't move and couldn't until his leg finally had loosened up a little. He could sense the way his knee had loosened.

"Just give me a second," he gritted out painfully.

Isaiah stood beside him. "Take all the time you need," he said. "There's no rush."

Zeiden hid his pained face behind his hood. He hated this so fucking much. "You guys can go eat," he said with a heavy breath. "I'll go up on my own."

"Adrik, go eat," instructed Isaiah. Adrik didn't want to, but he listened.

"You too, Isa-" said Zeiden.

"No-" Isaiah cut Zeiden off. "I'm not going anywhere."

Zeiden groaned in frustration. "This really isn't the best time to play big brother with me," he said bitterly, which he regretted because he didn't mean to be rude. It was just the pounding behind his ears, that didn't let him focus on anything except the disturbing pain.

Isaiah closed the space between them. "Let me help," he whispered warmly. "I wasn't there to protect you from Aziel. So, let me help you now. Don't take that from me."

Zeiden gaped up at him. "I- I," he was at a loss of his words. Isaiah's eyes saddened, like the desolate chaos after a hurricane. "I'm trying to fix this, but it's not working," his voice broke and his throat tightened on him.

Isaiah frowned. "This is going to take time-"

"I know and I hate that it will-" he interrupted harshly. "Damn it, I'm acting like an idiot."

"No, you're not," said Isaiah.

"Really," scoffed Zeiden, "because the last time I checked, you nor Lazarus or any of you, ever acted this way after getting attacked."

"None of us ever took a blade to the chest either, Zeiden," said Isaiah. "I'd be a mess too."

Zeiden shook his head. "No, you wouldn't," he truly believed it.

Isaiah looked dead into his eyes. "The only way I never turned out a mess was because I relied on all of you," he confessed.

Zeiden's eyes dropped, he couldn't face his brother. Instead, he forced himself up the stairs and every step hurt like a bitch. Sharp needless crawled up his knee through his calf, then thigh. Isaiah walked alongside him sensing the pain too.

"Um, are you really going to let Marcello stay here?" Zeiden asked as they climbed up to the top.

Isaiah held a blank expression. "Yeah. Why, is that a problem?" he asked. "I thought you liked him."

"And I thought you didn't," said Zeiden.

Isaiah shrugged. "He's alright if you look past his attitude," he said. "Besides, he saved your life. I owe him."

Zeiden bit his lip. "Okay," he said.

They reached his door.

"Also, what were you doing at Marcello's place that night?" asked Isaiah. "I don't remember giving any order to go to him."

Zeiden stiffened because Isaiah wasn't aware of the bond. "He had a cold. So, I thought I'd check on him," he said. "He doesn't have any friends, you know."

Isaiah believed it. "Yeah, he's a loner," he said and dropped the conversation without any further investigation.

Zeiden pushed open the door to his bedroom and strode inside.

"Hey, do you want us to cancel the party?" Isaiah asked as Zeiden walked into his room alone. "We don't need to-"

"No, it's fine," said Zeiden. "I think it'll be fun to have everyone come over."

Isaiah nodded. "Okay, get some rest and take your meds," he reminded.

Zeiden smiled weakly. "Yeah, I will," he said before he closed the door.

The moment he knew Isaiah had gone far enough from the door. Zeiden's legs gave out from underneath him. He slumped against the door and fell to the floor. His chest compressed against his lungs. He couldn't breathe in or out because he felt those brutal hands around his throat again.

Zeiden covered his eyes and didn't know how long he spent on the floor...

Eventually, Zeiden pushed off the floor and went to the drawer next to his bed. He pulled it open and saw the three bottles of medication. One was to fall asleep, so he left it and grabbed the other two. He shook out the white pill and a red one too. But when he looked at the table, he realized that he had no water.

Damn it all, he cursed in his head. Zeiden fisted the pills and slumped his shoulders in defeat. Now that he had to go all the way to the kitchen again. Zeiden wondered if he texted someone that they could get him some water, but then, he backed out of that too because it was a stupid idea.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," said Zeiden thinking maybe it was Isaiah or Lazarus.

The door opened and before someone even walked in, Zeiden sensed that tantalizing fragrance that bewitched him. Zeiden stiffened and he braced himself.

Marcello appeared inside the room and he closed the door behind him. "I thought you'd need some," he said.

But Zeiden didn't really hear him because he was lost in his golden gaze and that deep voice. Zeiden's eyes dropped to Marcello's hand, that was extended out towards him. He held a chilled bottle of water in his grasp. Zeiden realized that he came to give water. A bitter ache set inside him and his heart hurt painfully.

"You know you're in my room, right?" asked Zeiden.

Marcello raised a brow. "I remember when you didn't have a problem sleeping in my room," he retorted.

Zeiden put his hand on his chest, over the scar because he knew perfectly well what he was capable of doing with Marcello. But that wasn't possible anymore.

"What's wrong?" asked Marcello sternly. "Is it hurting?"

Zeiden closed his eyes. "I'm fine," he said. "Just give me the water." He held his hand out and Marcello passed the bottle. "Thanks. You can go now."

Marcello crossed his arms and stood firmly. "Not until you take those pills," he affirmed.

Zeiden sighed and took the pills, otherwise there was no other way of getting this man to leave. Zeiden closed the lid to the bottle of water and placed it on the table. "All done. Happy now?" he mocked.

Marcello stared intently. "No," he said austerely. "I'm not happy."

Zeiden didn't understand why Marcello had a pained expression on his face. The way his eyes looked so tired and defeated. "You should go," said Zeiden. He moved back on the bed turning away from Marcello purposely.

From behind him, Zeiden heard Marcello's broken breath. Eventually, the door reopened and he left leaving his lingering scent behind. Zeiden unconsciously closed his eyes to it, like it hypnotized him more than the sleep pills ever could. Only after Zeiden realized that what he felt for Marcello was still very real, he couldn't rest anymore.

Zeiden couldn't forget that night though. Marcello rejected the bond and that wasn't something Zeiden understood yet. He knew that Marcello was the type of man that needed their space and time to figure things out.

However, Zeiden was so happy that he found his mate. A mate only some are fortunate to have in this dark and damned world. Except, Marcello didn't even give their bond a chance to grow or to understand it. Zeiden didn't want to feel that anymore. He didn't want to feel the blade in his chest that Marcello had put way before than Aziel got the chance to do.

Zeiden groaned in frustration because he didn't know anything anymore. He was stabbed in the damn heart for god sake. How the fuck was he supposed to know how to feel right now? he thought.

Usually, his wolf was pretty clear on answering these questions. But ever since the night of the attack, his wolf was asleep and trying to heal Zeiden the best he could. Both of them were exhausted by the time his wolf had regained consciousness again. Zeiden let his wolf rest after that night of the attack.

There was a knock on the door again.

Zeiden got off the bed and went to the door. "Marcello, I thought I told you-" Zeiden opened the door and froze.

"Good to see you on your feet," beamed Dr. Avery with a broad smile.

Jennifer Avery barely stood to Zeiden's shoulder, but she was tougher than she looked, he guaranteed it. Her strawberry blonde hair was left open in waves and she had bright hazel eyes. She wasn't in her surgical scrubs, like he had always seen her in. Instead, she had a white summer dress on with matching sandals.

"Dr. Avery," said Zeiden. "What are you doing here?"

"It's Jennifer, and Ashley invited us to the party," she said.

"Where's Dr. Stone?" asked Zeiden.

"Katherine's downstairs," said Dr. Kim, as he appeared as well.

Justin stood tall and broad behind her. He was also changed out of the blue scrubs. He looked quite handsome in black jeans and a casual white shirt, leaving the buttons open at the top. Through it, Zeiden spotted the dark tattoos peeking through the shirt.

"How are you doing?" Justin asked.

Zeiden moved back letting them into his room. "I'm still slow," he confessed.

Jennifer walked in with him. "That's going to happen," she said. "Heart surgery is hard to recover from, but it's definitely doable."

"What about your leg?" asked Justin. "I heard it's been giving you trouble."

Zeiden knew right away it was Isaiah that told him. "Yeah, it freezes on me," he said.

Dr. Kim and Dr. Avery shared a concerned look. "Okay, let me take a look," said Justin. "Lay back for me."

Zeiden got on the bed again and laid back. Justin's hand circled around his knee and felt around the bone and muscle. He lifted Zeiden's leg and bent it slightly. Zeiden didn't feel any pain nor did he get that locking sensation he's been feeling all day. Maybe, it was because he was distracted by his new friends.

"Your leg looks fine," said Justin, his frown disappeared and his black eyes looked relieved. "Better than fine actually, since I worked on it. Not to brag or anything, but my work is flawless."

Jennifer chuckled. "That's bragging," she muttered.

"So, what's the deal then?" asked Zeiden as he leaned up on his elbows and met their eyes.

"It could be many things, but to me it just feels like PTSD," answered Justin.

Zeiden's eyes widened. "You're kidding, right?" he laughed at little, but the doctors' expressions didn't lie. "How- what- why?" he stuttered.

"It's normal after someone has been in a trauma accident," explained Justin. "Your leg has recovered and your heart too. But the memories from the accident still keep you from fully healing."

Zeiden seriously didn't need another reason to find fault in himself again. "So, what do I do?" he asked them.

Jennifer smiled at him. "Rest and have some fun," she stated plainly.

"She's right," added Justin. "Don't lock yourself up in here. Be with your pack."

Zeiden shoved a hand through his hair. "I don't feel like myself," he said and he knew he sounded pathetic.

"You will," assured Justin. "It just takes time."

Zeiden smiled a little at them. "Did anyone ever tell you guys that you are great listeners," he jested.

They laughed. "It comes with the territory," remarked Jennifer.

A knock on the door interrupted them. Dr. Stone popped her head inside. "How are you doing?" Katherine asked as she came inside.

Zeiden smiled at her. "I just found out that I have PTSD," he remarked.

She nodded. "I suspected that too," she muttered. "How's the leg? Isaiah told me you're feeling uncomfortable."

"He's good," Justin answered for Zeiden.

"This is why I suggested another few days of therapy-" said Katherine who had turned into her doctor mode again. Although, she definitely wasn't looking like one.

As the three doctors compared treatment and theories, Zeiden realized that this was the first time he had seen Dr. Stone with her hair down, literally. She had thick, black hair that was to her hip and slightly curled too, but naturally wavy. She effortlessly pulled off a pair of blue jeans and a camisole with some sneakers. She looked calm and comfortable, which Zeiden was glad to see all three of them be. After all the work he'd seen them do at the hospital, they really deserved some time off to enjoy themselves.

"Okay, okay," Zeiden interrupted their banter like he always did at the hospital too. "Did anyone give you the tour of the house?"

They looked at each other. "Not yet," said Jennifer.

Zeiden pushed off the bed. "Come on," he ushered them out of the room and into the hallway. "Let me show you the great Iron mansion."

Zeiden ignored the lingering pain in his leg, that seemed to grow with every step. Justin caught on and the other doctors did too. But Zeiden didn't show any expression on his face about it. He didn't want to think about the pain right now. Otherwise, the night that was meant to celebrate and have fun would've been ruined.

Zeiden managed to show the entire property to the doctors and they were happy to express all and every opinion they had. Jennifer, Justin and Katherine were all friends from work and school, so they weren't shy around each other.

By the end of the tour, they reached the busy kitchen. Ashley was bustling around the large island, pulling treats out of boxes and onto trays. Lazarus and Ronin were helping her as much as they could. Isaiah was outside with Adrik, they were cleaning the grill for dinner later. Evelyn was inside the house one minute then outside the next. No one could keep an eye on her anymore. Although, they didn't need to because she had balloons tied with a string on her small wrist. So, wherever she ran, a bunch of rainbow and animal balloons followed her like a cloud.

"Cupcake, anyone?" Ashley prompted as she saw Zeiden walk in with their guests.

"Yes, please," said Jennifer as she leaned over and grabbed the chocolate cupcake from Ashley.

"You guys have a beautiful home," said Katherine as she grabbed a cupcake too.

"They definitely picked the best," Ashley said while looking at Lazarus and Zeiden.

"We practically live at the hospital," said Justin. "So, it's rare for us to see a beautiful house."

"Hold on, living at the hospital isn't allowed," Katherine stared at Justin who shared a concerned look with Jennifer, it was that moment they realized that they messed up.

"How long have you two been here in New York?" Zeiden asked them.

"All our lives," said Jennifer. "But we moved states to join Katherine at her hospital." All of them understood now since renting a place here was a mission.

"We've been looking for a cheap place to rent," said Justin as Ronin passed a beer bottle opened. "But Manhattan isn't the easiest place."

"That's true," said Ashley as she ate a cupcake too.

Lazarus looked at her confused. "You lived at the Plaza hotel," he remarked. "What trouble did you have?"

Ashley shrugged. "I can imagine the trouble for them, can't I?" she remarked.

Jennifer opened a bottle of spring water for herself. "So, how many other packs are coming tonight?" she asked curiously.

"Three packs," answered Ronin.

"Centauri, Waldorf, Crimson North," stated Zeiden.

"Hold on, Centauri as in the practically royalty of wolves, Centauri?" asked Justin sounding as bewildered as the surgeon could be.

"I told you I worked with them," Katherine chuckled at her friends. "You two never believed me."

"I didn't even think they were real," said Justin. "They seem unreal."

Zeiden patted the man's shoulder. "I guess tonight you'll get to see how real they all are," he said.

"What about Zero?" asked Katherine. "Is she joining the party as well?"

Speaking of Zero, Zeiden looked around and didn't see Marcello anywhere. He wondered where the man went after he had talked to him.

"We didn't hear anything from her," replied Lazarus.

"She's probably busy on a mission," added Ronin.

It was rare to see Zero having any down-time to herself. Zeiden wondered how she had so much on her plate and hadn't worn herself out yet. Zeiden had injured his leg, took a stab wound too. But that was nothing to the injuries Zero probably occurred over the years.

Zeiden wondered who took care of her when she was hurt? Who helped her change bandages or remind her to take medication on time? Zeiden's heart wrenched for her. Something deep down in his soul, he prayed that she was safe out there in the darkest parts of the world that she tried to cleanse.

Ashley was done plating all the treats on large trays. "Okay, I need all of you to lend a hand and get this outside," she instructed. "We need to set up the tables and get the drinks too."

All of them moved and helped out. Zeiden stayed on the stool after he was instructed not to move an inch. Ashley passed him a strawberry tart and a glass of iced-tea with lots of ice to keep him company. They all went outside, hands full and voices chattering away.

Ashley rushed inside to grab the last remaining trays of sugar cookies.

"Ashley," Zeiden whispered her name.

She looked at him. "Yes," she copied his whispering voice.

"Where's Marcello?" he asked.

Ashley arched a brow. "Why are you looking for him?" she asked.

Zeiden fidgeted with the hood of his sweater. "I- I-" what was he supposed to say to her? "You know, everyone is about to arrive, so he should be here too."

Ashley leaned on her elbows towards him. Her glossy pink lips in a sly smile and her blue eyes gleamed. "Is that the only reason?" she asked.

Zeiden put the strawberry in his mouth, so he wouldn't have to answer. Ashley laughed at him, which was even more embarrassing.

"He's in the library room," she finally answered Zeiden.

Zeiden looked at the closed door where the library was. "Oh," he mumbled with the mouthful.

"Don't choke on that," she warned and left again.

Zeiden chewed on the strawberry that burst with spring flavour inside his mouth. The nectar of the fruit poured down his throat.

"I don't want to give my balloon!" Evelyn yelled, as she ran inside obviously away from someone who was snatching her balloons. "Uncle Zee!" She ran over to him and hid behind his stool.

Isaiah appeared right away. His eyes looked at Zeiden. "Where is she?" he asked.

Zeiden looked down at the little pup hiding from her dad. "No idea," he said to his brother.

"Okay, if you see her, tell her that the balloon needs to come off," he said. "It's dangerous around the grill."

Zeiden nodded. "I'll tell her," he said and like that Isaiah left.

Evelyn pocked her head up. "Dad's a balloon thief," she menaced. "I won't let him kill my bunny."

"Bunny?" asked Zeiden.

Evelyn pointed up at her last balloon in the air, that was shaped as a white rabbit. Her eyes left off the balloon and to Zeiden's fork. "What are you eating?" she asked as she changed topic faster than anyone.

Zeiden picked her off the floor and positioned her on his lap. He forked a piece of the tart and brought it to her eager mouth. But she didn't like being fed, so she grabbed the fork and ate it herself.

"Are you sad, uncle Zee?" she suddenly asked.

Zeiden gaped at her. "What makes you say that?" he asked.

"You smell different," she said as she stabbed a strawberry and put the whole thing in her mouth. She instantly knew that was a bad idea, because it was too big for her small mouth, but she didn't accept defeat.

Zeiden smiled. "I'm not sad," he told her.

"Is it because you got hurt?" she said not believing him.

"That and because of something else," he muttered to her.

Evelyn turned her head and looked at him with those inquisitive grey eyes, that reminded Zeiden of Isaiah so much. "Is it because of our new friend?" she asked.

Zeiden blinked. "What friend is that?" he asked.

"The man with the golden eyes," she said to him.

Zeiden gaped at his niece. "How can you tell?" he astounded.

Evelyn shrugged a shoulder. "He also smells like he's sad," she answered. "He has your scent on him too. I asked mom about it, but she didn't say anything."

That explained Ashley's behaviour earlier. "You can't tell anyone else," he whispered and she stared at him perplexedly.

"Why not?" she asked.

Zeiden stumped. "Because he wouldn't like it if you told everyone that he's sad," he said. "Would you like it?"

Evelyn nodded. "If you say so, uncle Zee," she said. She quickly jumped off Zeiden's lap and landed on the floor before she ran outside again. Again, Isaiah's voice rolled in and Evelyn's too. They were battling over the bunny balloon.

Unexpectedly, the far library door opened. Zeiden panicked. He turned away and tried his hardest to look natural as he drank iced-tea, which he needed to cool him down and that just angered him more. Damn, all these years of training and he had no self-control over his body. Every nerve in his body called out for Marcello, it was a rush far from what he had ever felt.

"Fuck me," mumbled Zeiden.

"Gladly," responded Marcello.

Zeiden looked up and found Marcello right beside him, standing a bit too close. "Um- that's not what I meant," he muttered.

Marcello grinned at him. "I know," he said. "It's not a bad idea though."

Zeiden kept his mouth around the straw, otherwise he would've blurted out something embarrassing.

"Sooner or later, you're going to have to talk to me," said Marcello, "or even look at me-" Zeiden ignored him simply out of stubbornness. Suddenly, Marcello gripped the back of stool and swerved it around to face him. He pushed off the hood from Zeiden's head too- "You're really good at testing me."

This was why he avoided those golden eyes. Zeiden's heart started to hammer and everything liquefied like jelly, that was unable to support him and stay firm of their resolve.

Zeiden felt himself give into that aroma, that Marcello engulfed him into like a protective shield. Zeiden's stopped his wolf from taking any comfort from it though.

Zeiden didn't know if it was the bond speaking or his scarred heart. "I don't trust you anymore after that night, Marcello," he said.

Marcello stiffened. "That's understandable," he added.

Zeiden sighed and was confused why Marcello was being so complacent. "Whatever, let's just forget it," he said.

"No," Marcello closed more space between them. "I messed up once, not this time. I'm not going to push you away. I will keep trying until you mark me."

"Me?" scoffed Zeiden. "Mark you?"

Marcello nodded smugly.

"It's not happening," said Zeiden sternly.

"Wanna bet?" Marcello dared, as he leaned in and they were mere inches apart. Zeiden noticed when his golden strands fell over his forehead when he had closed in on him. "We've kissed already. So, I know how you unravel beneath me. I've tasted your lips when you're aroused. And how you get more aggressive when you want more or how you take it slow when you-"

"Okay, I get it-" interrupted Zeiden.

Marcello backed away with a grin and he pushed his hair back, making Zeiden yearn for the same too. Zeiden knew how Marcello's hair was soft under the hand and it felt between his fingers. The memories were all still inside Zeiden, haunting him and consuming him.

Zeiden also remembered what Marcello had said that night. He hadn't forgotten it and he couldn't so easily. He wasn't angry or hurt, just confused more than anything. He was perplexed over why Marcello was a 'no' one night and then a 'yes' one day.

"I can hear your brain," whispered Marcello.

Zeiden held a bewildered expression. "Then you can hear me saying that you're one confusing man," he retorted.

"And that I'm super-hot," added Marcello.

Zeiden slumped his head in his hand. "You're driving me crazy," he said. Marcello let out a hot, low laugh that sent a chill down Zeiden.

A chime went through the large halls of the house. Marcello stiffened and turned. "What was that?" he asked.

Zeiden found his stern expression funny. "It's the front door," Zeiden said. He moved to get up, when he forgot that his leg wasn't in the position to take his weight.

Zeiden's knee locked suddenly and he would've fallen face first. But he hadn't. A pair of strong arms caught him.

"Careful," grumbled Marcello.

Zeiden slumped in his arms. He couldn't pretend in front of Marcello. "Fuck-" he growled his frustration and let out a few nastier curses. "I can't do this."

"Hey, hey, you just froze up," said Marcello. Zeiden opened his eyes and stared at Marcello, that only showed Zeiden's wounded reflection. "Nothing's wrong. You're fine."

This was the first time, that anyone told Zeiden whole-heartedly that he was fine. Zeiden placed his foot firmly down and leaned the weight back on it. Marcello didn't let his hold on him go, his arms were around Zeiden's waist until he was sure that Zeiden was good.

"You can let me go," whispered Zeiden.

Marcello's frowned as he stared at him with concern. But soon, he let go and moved back. Zeiden walked around him and went to the front door.

Zeiden opened the door without checking the tablet to see who it was. But as soon as he opened the door, he knew from the lack of chatter who it was. Two towering brothers stood ominously. Both of them thought it was a good idea to wear dark leathers to a backyard barbecue.

Alexander Waldorf, the new alpha of the Waldorf pack which had a terribly reputation when his father was in charge of the establishment. But now, Alec had reformed the pack with his brother and his beta, Vadik Waldorf.

These were the last two remaining members of the Waldorf pack, which were enemies of the Centauri pack when their father Lucas Waldorf ruled. But after an orchestrated plan to kill Lucas and replace the alpha with Alec; the two packs have had a peace treaty and alliance for a few years now.

From their dark hair and sharp features of their faces, they looked twins. But Vadik Waldorf had mismatched eyes; one was a light aqua blue whilst the other was as green as jade. Resilient to the core, a ferociousness and raw dominance emitted from Alec and his brother. Zeiden sensed the bond the brothers had, it reminded Zeiden of his own brothers.

"Hey guys," Zeiden smiled at them.

Alec's blueberry-blue eyes scanned down his body. "You look perfectly fine," he remarked. "They made it seem like you were in a wheelchair." The brothers walked inside passing Zeiden.

"I did get stabbed in the chest, you know," remarked Zeiden to these badass twins.

Vadik held a bored look. "My dad stabbed me too," he shared. "It was an ordinary event after the third time."

Zeiden shared a concerned look with them. "You are freaky, dude," he said.

Vadik rolled his mismatched eyes. "Seems like we were worried for no reason. You're still yourself too," he added. Alec agreed with his brother.

Zeiden smiled. "Isaiah and the rest of them are in the backyard," he told them.

Alec and Vadik went off towards the kitchen. More of their voices rolled in as Zeiden turned to close the door. He guessed that the Waldorf brothers were surprised by Marcello's appearance. He tried to hear what they all exchanged between each other, when the doorbell went off again.

This time, it wasn't quiet. There were a bunch of muffled voices. Zeiden instantly smiled before he opened the door again. The alpha of the Crimson North pack, Zachariah North stood beside his mate, Evangeline North. Both of them wore matching dark blue jeans, crisp white t-shirts.

Evangeline had copper-brown hair, that was bouncy curls around her small face. Her green eyes were highlighted by her dark lashes that surrounded them. Evangeline was a beautiful woman and Zeiden understood perfectly why Zach fawned over his wife.

But as he fawned for his wife, everyone else sang praises about Zachariah North who was a tactful alpha, that preferred words over violence. More than his diplomacy with wolves though, his alluring appearance was what stole people's breath away first. His dark hair was styled to sit back away from his enchanting face, that had sharp blue eyes and a rugged cut jawline leading to his corded neck. Over the fitted white shirt, he wore a denim jacket that looked expensive on him.

"Why are you on your feet?" Evangeline panicked. "You should be resting."

Zeiden smiled at her. "It's nice to see you too, Evangeline," he remarked.

"She's right," said Zach. "Should you be on your feet?"

Zeiden moved to the side letting them inside. "I'm good," he said. "Oh, where's Victor and Dimitri?" Before the mated couple could answer, Zeiden spotted the two he asked about straggling behind.

Dimitri North was the carbon copy of his father. Both looks and attitude, father and son were the same. Dimitri was much taller now and had lost some chubbiness around his pretty face, that was becoming quite handsome. He also wore jeans and a shirt, like his parents. But he held his uncle's hand as he got out of the car.

Victor North was the beta of Crimson North pack and Zach's younger brother. Victor rarely used more words than necessary and his fighting style was the exact same. He used his fists, blades, guns whenever it was needed, otherwise he wasn't a dangerous man, unlike how he appeared.

Victor had a peculiar shade of silver hair, that was as pale as moonlight all the way to the roots. His hair wasn't styled nor was it raked back, instead it fell around his vigilant blue eyes. Victor had black piercings too, which was quite daunting. He stood in all black, unlike his brother. And Zeiden was sure, the man had a few weapons on him too.

"Hey, Zeiden," greeted Victor.

Zeiden smiled a little brighter. "It's good to see you," he said. "Hey, Dimitri."

Dimitri's smile reached his bright blue eyes. "Hi," he said.

"Everyone is in the backyard already," said Zeiden as he closed the door. "You all can head down."

Everyone moved through the house and Ashley was the one to rush inside to meet Evangeline. Both the women filled the halls with their bright voices and laughter. Evelyn was excited to meet Dimitri and she proved it with a hug, which he didn't like at all, but couldn't deny it from her. All of them easily joined the group. Alec and Vadik were glad to meet Zach and his family again too.

They all vanished outside in the back, leaving Zeiden alone at the door again. Since when did this task get assigned to him? he pondered.

He noticed that there was still one more group missing before this barbecue really began. And when the doorbell rang, Zeiden knew right away who had arrived.

Zeiden opened the door wide to fit the massive group that arrived now. They had an unbreakable friendship with not only the Iron Blood pack but with all of them, that much Zeiden attested for.

A face appeared blocking the glint of the sun. "So, who's the asshole hunting you now?" A familiar voice spoke, it was King Vitiello and his mate Klaus Centauri, that stood in front of the massive crowd of remarkable wolves.

Zeiden grinned. "It's good to see you guys."

The Centauri pack was the last to arrive. Now, the party began!