Adrik spotted Zeiden coming out of the game room in a hurry. His expression clearly distressed, which was strange. But then it all made sense when Marcello walked out a moment later. Adrik's eyes followed as Zeiden went out to the backyard.

Adrik waited until Marcello had arrived in the kitchen. "Don't push him too hard," he warned the man.

Marcello's eyes were as chaotic as a storm. "I know," he responded. "But I'm desperate."

Adrik understood Marcello when he looked at his own mate. Rosalie stood with the other girls looking even more radiant than he imagined. Desperation, he definitely knew the feeling.

"Adrik," a voice called out. Adrik turned and saw Ronin. "Isaiah's calling for you both," he said. "Come. Now."

They left the crowd in the kitchen and went onto the patio where the alphas sat with Isaiah. Lazarus beside him; Zeiden was here too standing with his brothers. Adrik walked over and stood beside him and Marcello did too. King and Klaus were the last to arrive with Azura.

"All of you already know what happened," began Isaiah. "But I just wanted to caution you again that Aziel shouldn't be taken lightly."

Adrik watched as the other alphas lounged in their seats, but they carefully paid attention to Isaiah's words. There was something about these four alphas that he couldn't shake off. Alec, Gabriel, Zach and Isaiah, all had this energy that was as heavy as a hurricane. The impact of their power wasn't meant to the taken lightly. It was clear to anyone that these four were born to be alphas, no one could take that from them.

However, was this enough to frighten Aziel? wondered Adrik.

"What's Aziel like?" The alpha of the Centauri pack spoke.

Adrik really had never seen a scarier alpha than him, even Isaiah admitted to that fact. Gabriel Centauri was in a league of his own. He even had Zero's respect and that wasn't easy to come by.

Adrik faced his alpha's stern grey eyes who were already looking in Adrik's direction. "He's the type to watch his victim bleed out in front of him," Isaiah said bluntly. "And then when the final drop is about to land on the floor, he slits their throat for fun."

"So, he's kinky," remarked King who sat with his legs crossed at the knee.

"And nothing we haven't dealt with before," added Alec indifferently.

Isaiah leaned forward. "You're right," he agreed. "But it was my duty to inform you and I did."

"Which we are grateful for," said Zach. "All of us will be sure to double our guards and kill the son-of-a-bitch if he comes for our heads."

"Don't hesitate," cautioned Adrik, which surprised them that he spoke up. "If he's in front of you, then don't hold back. End him while you have the chance, otherwise you aren't walking out alive."

Adrik's eyes landed on Zeiden who was looking rather pale, which wasn't out of the ordinary. He was the only one apart from Adrik who saw first-hand what Aziel was capable of doing.

"Well, that's reassuring," muttered Hunter with a sigh.

"I hate vindictive losers," said River.

"You know Isaiah, you could've just told us all this over the phone," said Gabriel. "Why call us over? Unless that was part of your plan."

Isaiah raked his hair. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he replied. "I simply wanted a party."

"Mm-hmm," Gabriel grinned. "You're fucking with him."

All of them looked at Isaiah now, Adrik especially.

Lazarus frowned at Isaiah. "What is he talking about, brother?" he interrogated.

Gabriel's smile broadened. "If Aziel is watching right now, then all he'll see is us having fun," he said. "Isaiah here is taunting him."

Isaiah shook his head. "You're as quick as always, Gabriel," he praised.

Gabriel raked his dark hair. "I'd probably do the same," he admitted.

"You would," added Ryder.

"He definitely would," River said too.

"Damn straight," grumbled Hunter.

Azura, Klaus and King chuckled along with Gabriel.

"So, how are you hunting him?" Azura asked them. "Any diabolical plans."

Isaiah looked back at Marcello who had gotten them the lead on Bruno. "We have a lead," he said. "We're going to start there."

"What about Zero," said King. "Does she know about all this?"

"No, not about Aziel," responded Lazarus. "We did tell her that we'd help her find Reaper."

"Oh, how'd that go?" asked Zachariah, his blue eyes flaring alive with amusement.

"Not good," said Isaiah. "She doesn't want us anywhere near that case."

"She doesn't do anything without reason," advised Alec. "I suggest you listen to her wishes."

Marcello wasn't happy about that, it was clear to Adrik. But Marcello stayed quiet about his thoughts.

"Are you all done!" Ashley spoke behind them. They all turned. "I need to start dinner, Isaiah. But my two chefs are with you."

"Yeah, we're done," Isaiah answered his mate.

Klaus quickly left with Lazarus. They were fast to set up all the barbecue for tonight's feast. The crowd all returned inside, when Gabriel came up to Isaiah and Adrik separately.

"This isn't like any other fight," the alpha said sternly. "You're hunting family. So, it's bound to get nasty."

Isaiah looked at Adrik. "I've been in that dark hole before, Gabriel," he said. "Killing blood wasn't hard for me in the past and it's not hard now."

Gabriel's stiff posture eased. "Okay," he said. "If you need me and my pack, then I'm a phone call away. Don't hesitate to call."

Isaiah nodded. "Thanks," he said.

Gabriel looked at Adrik. "You be careful too," he sounded as if he was schooling Adrik. "And congratulations."

Adrik was caught off guard. "Oh, um, thank you," he said.

Gabriel walked away returning to his mate's side.

Adrik definitely didn't need to say that all the alphas were a bit tense now. Isaiah especially, since this wasn't some ordinary fight. This fight was going to get nasty like Gabriel said. Frankly, a few years ago Isaiah wouldn't have been so hesitant to fight Aziel. They probably would've took off one night and killed Aziel.

Except now, there were people that needed protecting and couldn't be left alone. Not only that but one of their wolves were down. Zeiden wasn't going to fight any time soon and Isaiah wasn't going to let him even if he tried. Adrik really didn't know what Isaiah was thinking about all this. What was his alpha's plan? Adrik pondered.

"I can feel you burrowing a hole in my head," Isaiah claimed.

"Gabriel's not wrong," Adrik spoke up.

Isaiah drew in a breath. "I know," he said.

"So, let me do this alone," asked Adrik.

Isaiah looked at Adrik now, a disconcerted gaze. "What'd you say?" his tone was strict.

"Let me hunt Aziel by myself-"

"I know what you said-" Isaiah interrupted curtly. "But why would you say that?"

"Because I don't know how far Aziel will go to get to me," admitted Adrik. "No one knows what he's capable of. I do. I am the only one who has a chance against him."

Isaiah frowned deeply; he was definitely irked now. "Remember the night when I came to you in your cage?" he asked.

Adrik's gut sank. Of course, he remembered that night. He replayed that entire night in his head so much, that now it was permanently in his memories.

The night of the massacre, Isaiah had unlocked Adrik's cage even though he knew that Adrik could've killed him. But Isaiah wasn't afraid. Instead, he calmly had unlocked the chains and handed Adrik a weapon. Which had become a promise of his loyalty to Isaiah later.

"I remember," answered Adrik.

"I asked you to help me kill our fathers," said Isaiah. "You took the gun from my hand and did it. You helped me when I needed you. Now, I'm going to help you."

Adrik's eyes drowned in that same vulnerability he had that night. "I don't want you getting hurt," he said softly.

Isaiah's grey eyes flashed feral, his wolf stepped ahead and Adrik sensed the dominance. "Aziel went against Marcello and Zeiden only," he said. "The man hasn't met me yet. And trust me, I'm not letting Aziel go alive." He walked away towards Ashley.

Adrik looked around at the pack of wolves everywhere. He knew that each and every one of them would die for the other. If this were the days in the cages, Adrik would have laughed if someone told him that he'd meet loyal, honourable wolves. He never thought he'd be around men and women like this. It didn't matter that they were all from different packs. Every one of the people here were loyal to the core.

Adrik looked down at his arm where there the knife cuts that his father gave him. Before he would have felt sick to the stomach and nightmares would've rushed in front of him. However, that didn't happen. Adrik hadn't drowned. He hadn't surrendered to the demon in the shadows, that always waited for him to slip-up so it could take over.

Adrik moved on his own. He didn't know what came over him. But he went inside the house and saw Rosalie standing over the sink helping Evelyn, Vivian and Dimitri wash their hands. She was distracted and smiling happily while talking to them.

But then, like she had sensed him. Her beautiful honey-brown eyes looked up and landed directly on him. "Hey," she beamed. "You guys done talking outside?"

Adrik walked around the counter, slowly towards her. "Yeah," he answered.

Rosalie turned her eyes back onto Dimitri who was tall enough to wash off the paint from his hands himself. "It seemed pretty tense out there," she said. "Was it about your brother?"

Adrik stood behind her, he didn't say anything. Rosalie looked over her shoulder confused. But she went quiet too and helped the kids first. She dried their hands with a towel and they were quick to run outside to join for dinner.

"I never understood before," said Adrik as she faced him now.

She backed away and her back accidently hit the counter. "What?" she asked.

"Why Isaiah looked for Ashley at every moment," he answered. "I get it now."

Adrik stepped forward, cupped her face and kissed her ravenously. Rosalie moaned into his mouth and he melted.

Something inside Adrik shattered and his wolf clawed his way through his mind. A dark feral need erupted. Adrik could feel the excruciating pain to mark her pearly white skin.

Adrik to his surprise pressed closer. The womanly curves of her figure deliciously molded against every hard muscle of his body. Adrik's entire tattooed hand wrapped around her frail neck. He pushed her head back letting him greedily deepen the kiss. He caged her within him, his one leg between hers and she clung to him too. Her hands gripped his shirt and she let everything go.

Adrik could feel her unravel in his hands. He didn't understand how she could just let all control go and gave in to him. She didn't even hesitate to let him consume her. Right now, Adrik wondered who was more powerful. Was is him who could unwaveringly kill anything that bothered him? Or was it Rosalie, who could draw him into her beautiful world where nothing was wrong?

Rosalie lifted her hand and combed her fingers through his dark hair around his neck. A carnal sound came deep from his throat. Adrik felt the arousing chill crawl down his entire body and shot right through his groin.

Adrik's hand trailed down the curve of her breasts, towards her slender waist and over her rounded hips. He felt every curve of her body through the tight dress she had on. He pushed up the skirt and felt the hot skin of her thigh. He forcefully lifted her leg and wrapped it around his own, he pressed closer between her legs feeling the heat of her arousal too. Adrik gripped her hair and kept her right against him. He didn't want her to feel anything else except how much he fucking needed her.

Rosalie broke the kiss to breath, which was clear that they both had lost all senses. Adrik hovered over her lips, feeling her breath calming. Her hands dropped and she put it right over his chest, where his heart hammered underneath her palm.

"We're in the kitchen," she whispered.

Adrik swallowed. He took in a deep breath of her seductive jasmine scent before he stepped back. Adrik locked his jaw, gritting his teeth together trying to get every bit of control back. He leaned against the counter and stared at her, with an animalistic urge that he couldn't hide.

Rosalie fixed her tousled hair and the skirt of her dress. She bit her swollen lip and was about to say something. But Ashley and Hailey entered the kitchen.

"Food's ready," said Hailey. Her eyes looked at Rosalie who was still distracted. "Rosalie, you okay?"

Rosalie's held Adrik's gaze, which amused him to smile a little. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said and turned away from him. She followed the girls outside leaving Adrik alone.

Adrik didn't go outside until he had calmed down. Once he had, he noticed that everyone was surrounding a massive table. They were all eating the grilled meat, that Lazarus and Klaus had cooked to perfection.

The sun had set and the crescent moon was dancing above them. Over the patio, line by line were tiny lights which had been turned on. They appeared as if little sparkling golden stars glimmered over the entire table. Adrik joined the table and took a seat the corner next to Ronin who was enjoying his saucy steak.

"Want some?" he had offered the bite from his fork.

Adrik looked at the man. "No, you eat," he said.

Ronin never held back with food, so he didn't need to be told twice.

More food was being passed around. Everyone had enjoyed their dinner, which was nice to see. Adrik's mind wasn't on food right now. He had no appetite for this. He was craving something much more satisfying.

Adrik got off the bench and joined Lazarus near the massive, hot grill. "You need help?" he asked.

Lazarus was flipping burgers. "Nope, I'm good," he said. "Why aren't you eating?"

"Not hungry," he told him. Adrik looked at the bulky beta whose hair had been braided by Evelyn, and it seemed that Vivian added flowers. Lazarus would never do that, but he couldn't fight the girls and their wishes. "The hair looks good," he jested.

Lazarus sulked at Adrik. "I couldn't do anything to stop them," he sighed, while looking up at the entire group at the tables. "It's crazy how much has changed around here."

Adrik crossed his arms when he looked directly at Rosalie eating with Vivian. "I know," he said softly. "I never even realized when or how it all happened."

Lazarus smiled calmly, as he pressed the spatula against the beef burgers, that were oozing their juices on the grill into the fire beneath it. "I'm just glad that everyone's happy," he admitted. "Isaiah, you, now Zeiden-"

Adrik's eyes widened. "You know about Zeiden?" he asked.

"Of course, I know," said Lazarus. "He's my baby brother."

"Why didn't you say anything?" questioned Adrik.

Lazarus shrugged a shoulder. "I didn't need to," he said. "This is between Zeiden and Marcello."

"What about Isaiah?" asked Adrik curiously. "He knows if you do, doesn't he?"

Lazarus didn't say anything.

Klaus came over with the tray. "You almost done with those?" he beamed.

"Yup," Lazarus quickly flipped the patties off the grill and onto the large tray in Klaus's hands. Who hurriedly took the patties to the table for everyone to enjoy.

Lazarus returned back to the grill. This time he took the cheddar and jalapeño sausages from the packet and plopped them all on the hot metal. The fire grew tremendously, but Lazarus didn't even flinch at the sight of it. Adrik never knew how Lazarus got so good at handling a grill for a barbecue, when they had never done this before with their old pack.

"You staring at me like that is going to make me blush," announced Lazarus.

Adrik chuckled and turned away. He looked at Marcello who was smack in the middle of King and Klaus. They were adamant on annoying the hell out of the poor guy. But Marcello deserved it, Adrik believed.

"Adrik," Lazarus called out.

"Hmm?"

"Let's not let anyone hurt our family again," he said.

Adrik looked into his cousin's warm green eyes. "We won't," he said looking back to his mate and her niece. "I won't let anyone hurt any of them."

For the first time, Adrik was grateful that he knew how to fight, kill and hunt. Now, he could protect everyone and that was a damn good feeling.

"Ugh, I'm stuffed," groaned Zeiden as he came over and stood with them. "Thank you for the food, Lazarus."

Lazarus smiled. "You're welcome," he said. He was always happy when someone was well fed.

Adrik wondered if Lazarus was going to mention the bond. But he hadn't. Lazarus stayed quiet and he joked around with his brother. Zeiden always had this sweet smile when he was with Lazarus. These two always bickered, but no one loved each other more than these two brothers.

Lazarus suddenly head-locked Zeiden as he stood calmly cooking sausages. Zeiden smacked Lazarus's arm, but it was no use. Zeiden laughed, a good loud laugh, that they all greatly missed this past week. He was beaming up at Lazarus and Adrik found himself smiling too. Finally, he was back to being his normal self. Adrik was so fucking thankful for that.

"Lazarus, let me go," exclaimed Zeiden. "I'm sorry I made fun of you."

"Not until you say it," said Lazarus.

"No, it's embarrassing!" shouted Zeiden.

"Then you'll stay like this forever," sighed Lazarus.

Zeiden groaned. "Okay fine, I lo- uo," he muttered something under his breath.

Lazarus tightened his hold. "I couldn't hear you over the fire," he said.

"I love you damn it!" shouted Zeiden and this time the whole crowd heard.

Lazarus let the kid go. "Love you too," he answered.

"I always knew you were a psycho," bit back Zeiden.

Lazarus reached to grab him again, but Zeiden dodged him. But in the attempt, he almost knocked over the beer bottles on the table. Adrik's first reflex was to grab Zeiden, but the man straightened himself.

"Watch it," schooled Lazarus.

"My bad," laughed Zeiden fixing his stance. "It's all good. Nothing dropped."

"I meant you," said Lazarus.

Zeiden's blue eyes warmed. "I'm good, brother," he said before he returned to the table. He sat beside Ronin.

"That boy is going to be the death of me," mumbled Lazarus. "He cuts my life in half every time he does something reckless."

Adrik smiled at the man. "Ashley said you'd make the perfect husband," he said surprising Lazarus. "I see it now."

Lazarus held up the hot spatula. "Get out of my face before I kill you with this," he growled.

Adrik chuckled and left because Lazarus who was dead serious about his threat. He returned to the table and sat to eat some food, that looked to delicious to let it go untouched.

It was after dinner, when everyone went inside the house to the theatre room to watch a movie. Half of them were adamant to watch a horror movie, but then that didn't work with the kids. Vivian was fine to watch the Conjuring or Insidious movies. But Evelyn and Dimitri were less enthusiastic. At the end, they all opted for Godzilla.

Adrik stood in the theatre room as everyone was still waiting for the popcorn and getting drinks in the kitchen. Evelyn and Dimitri chose the seats the very front, but their mothers quickly moved them further back, so they wouldn't ruin their eyes in the dark. Vivian was already sitting at the back patiently waiting for Rosalie.

Adrik saw her nod off on the chair though. Her small head bobbed and she could barely keep her eyes open. That was to be expected because she was on her feet all day today. Every now and then, her head would fall and she would wake up with a jolt.

Adrik went over and took a seat next to her. "Tired, huh," he said.

Vivian rubbed her palms on her jeans, that were stained a little with paint. "Just a little," she muttered and went quiet again.

Over the chair in front of them, he saw Evelyn talking away with Dimitri. Both of them seemed to be aware that Vivian was tired, so they gave her some time to rest.

The room grew quiet and suddenly, Vivian's small head rested against Adrik's arm. A chill ran down his body and he stiffened. His first instinct was to remove her from the dangerous feral need inside him that'd awake at any time. However, that didn't happen. His wolf hadn't emerged out of the cage to kill her.

Adrik slowly leaned back and then sat still as a stone. He didn't dare move a single muscle as Vivian's calm breath echoed in his ears. Adrik realized that his wolf was watching Vivian intently. He wasn't growling or yearning to kill, but simply watchful over the pup.

Adrik never thought this would be possible. A miracle, a sane person would call it.

Vivian was completely at ease, even her wolf that Adrik could sense wasn't hostile. Instead, both of them were comfortable enough to show this vulnerable side to him. Vivian rarely showed any sign of weakness to anyone. But now, in front of him, she didn't mind letting her guard down. Without a single word, she told him that she trusted him and his wolf.

Adrik filled with a burst of warmth, like Vivian had lit a tremendous flame inside him. He never would have thought that this was going to be his life. A life where a kid like Vivian would trust Adrik more than anyone else.

"Is she asleep?" Ashley asked quietly.

He didn't even realize when she had walked into the room. "Hmm," he nodded.

Ashley smiled. "She must have been very tired," she said before she went to her own seat with Isaiah.

Adrik looked down at the pup's golden head. He couldn't help but smile a little.

Rosalie walked in at that moment and he locked eyes with her. Adrik saw how her eyes widened and her mouth fell open. She was holding a bucket of popcorn and a can of pop. Thankfully, she hadn't dropped any of it all over her sandals.

"What's wrong?" Viola appeared behind her.

"Huh?" Rosalie jolted back into reality. "Nothing," she scuttled through the door and over to their seats. She came beside him and took a seat. "Is she asleep?" she asked quietly.

Adrik drew in a breath of her fresh fragrance. "Mm-hmm," he muttered because he couldn't find his voice beside her.

Rosalie took off the cardigan she had on. She stepped over his feet and draped the thin piece of clothing over the pup. Rosalie lingered as she caressed Vivian's small head that rested on his arm. She didn't say anything before she sat back down.

"Thanks for helping her," she whispered.

Adrik faced her, looking down at those lips he tasted earlier and never forgot how they felt. "No need to thank me," he said. "I already told you that I'd look out for her."

Rosalie's lips tugged up into a shy smile. "We're going to have a problem if she starts liking you more than me," she remarked as she closed her mouth over the straw of the soda.

Adrik was glad that it was slightly dark because his own lips betrayed him and he was smiling a little. "I'm already the favourite uncle around here," he said pointing at Evelyn. "Isn't that right, Evelyn?"

"Totally," she agreed with a chirpy voice in an instant.

Adrik knew that she had no idea what he was talking about, but she still played along. "See," he gloated to Rosalie.

Rosalie was taken aback by that. "She had no idea what you were talking about," she claimed.

"No," Adrik continued the bluff, "our Evelyn hears everything." Rosalie didn't look like she believed him. He shrugged a shoulder trying his best to stay cool.

Suddenly, a head popped up from the seats ahead. "What are you talking about?" teased Evelyn with a wolfish grin.

Rosalie chuckled. "Nothing," she bent over and squeezed the pup's soft cheek.

Evelyn rubbed her cheek. "I can't believe that my ballet teacher is your mate, uncle Adrik," she blurted out making Rosalie blush. "Now, I can learn ballet any time I need to. And I get Vivian not as a friend, but a cousin. How awesome is that? Isn't that Dimitri?" she looked at the boy enjoying his popcorn.

"Vivian would be pretty cool to have as a cousin," added Dimitri.

Evelyn grinned at them again. "Can she stay over tonight?" she asked Rosalie.

Rosalie smiled at the pup. "We'll ask her when she wakes up," she answered.

Evelyn was semi-satisfied. She grabbed a handful of popcorn and stuffed her mouth. "I'll ask her and if she says no, then I'll beg her to stay," she pledged with a full-mouth.

Adrik grabbed the napkin and handed it to the pup who looked at him confused, as she stuffed her mouth some more.

Rosalie laughed at them. "Here, give it to me," she said. Her hand brushed Adrik's and he could've sworn that he felt an electrifying surge jolt him up his entire arm.

Evelyn gasped dropping popcorn and surprising them all. "You- you-" she looked at Adrik then Rosalie then Adrik again. She even saw Vivian's leaning against him now- "they can touch." She flopped back on the chair without Rosalie wiping her cheeks.

Rosalie laughed before she sat back down. "She's a storm," she jested.

Adrik released a deep breath too. "Crazy since birth," he muttered.

"I'm glad that Vivian found a friend like her," she shared. "New York is a big place and it's scary to be alone here. I think Vivian is happier around Evelyn."

Adrik stared at her saddened eyes. "Are you happy too?" he found himself asking her.

Rosalie stared up at him. "Am I happy?" she repeated softly. "I don't know how to answer that-" but then, a gentle smile appeared as her eyes looked at him- "I guess I'm working on it."

Adrik reached over the chair's handle and locked his hand with hers. Her small hand dwarfed in his, but for some reason, her hand felt heavy in his. He felt the weight of her presence and what it did to him.

"I get it," he admitted sternly and he wasn't lying. He understood what she was saying perfectly because he was working on the same thing.

Everyone arrived in the theatre room after Evelyn reminded them, that she was going to start it without them. The theatre lights dimmed and everyone's voices hushed as they took their seats, with their drinks and treats.

The massive screen at the front lit up and the movie credits began.

Adrik didn't pay much attention to the monster attacking an entire city to fend off the other monster. He wasn't really into it. He liked horror movies more since it reminded him that the demons in his head were somewhat real. The haunting nightmares weren't just dreams playing a trick on him. But in fact, there was something dark trapped inside his head, that drugged him numb to the despair of his past.

A sudden warmth spread through him. In the loud theatre room, everything went quiet. He didn't feel drugged by his pain anymore.

Adrik sat between a little girl who lost her entire family, her home and had to put a brave face for her aunt's sake. Rosalie had forsaken her dreams and the career she worked with all her might, just so she could raise her niece properly. Both of them worked hard for the other. Now, smack in the middle was him. The man who was ripped his father's head off for the sake of letting all his anger out. Adrik killed every single monster who tortured him out of pure hatred.

Unlike him, he now sat with these two girls who had no one in the world except each other. What type of game was this? he wondered. Why was someone like him chosen for these two? He didn't get an answer. But his wolf awakened upon hearing Adrik's doubt.

I don't like you, his wolf snarled.

You never did, Adrik answered.

Exactly, his wolf growled. But if you walk away from them, then I'm going to hate you even more.

I won't walk away, said Adrik. I can't anymore.

Well, she still can because of you, his wolf rebuked showing his sharp canine teeth. If I was out, then I would've made her mine already.

Adrik rolled his eyes. And you're never getting out. So, back off, he snapped back.

His wolf let out a low growl. Don't you want her? he asked slyly. I know I do. His wolf backed away inside the darkness.

Adrik found some solace. But his mind had now filled with his own thoughts. He couldn't focus on anything except what his wolf told him. Adrik fisted his free hand, the ends of his nails digging into his palm painfully.

He stayed focused on that sensation, that he didn't even realize the movie had finished. Only when the lights turned back on, that he had some realization of what's around him. He didn't even notice when Vivian had woken up and had watched the last bit of the movie.

"I'm exhausted!" declared Viola as she stretched her arms into the air. "I would watch another ten movies if I didn't feel like a slug."

"And look like one," remarked Vincent.

Viola missed when she wanted to punch her brother. She ended up falling on Azura who was trying to get up.

"Ugh, you weigh a ton," groaned Azura who pushed Viola off and got them both of their feet.

"I blame the popcorn," muttered Viola.

"Can you two stop it," said Hunter who tried to get past them.

The noise grew as more voices gathered. Everyone walked out of the theatre and gathered near the door ready to leave for the night. Adrik saw Rosalie with Vivian asking her something. He guessed it was about staying the night.

Evelyn was holding onto Vivian's hand and swinging it back and forth. "Stay, please," she pouted.

Vivian looked at Rosalie. "Is it okay if I do?" she asked sternly. "I don't need to if you don't like it."

Rosalie shook her head. "No, sweetie," she said. "You can stay if that's what you want."

Vivian nodded calmly. "Thank you, aunt Rosa," she said. Evelyn jumped in excitement and went to ask Dimitri, but he didn't give in and decided to go home.

Adrik was beside Isaiah when the doctors all came up to them. "Hey, thank you for inviting us," Katherine spoke to Ashley and Isaiah. "We had a lot of fun."

Ashley smiled happily. "We held this party as thanks for saving Zeiden. So, thank you for humouring us today," she said.

"You have a beautiful house and family," Jennifer said to them.

Ashley smiled at Isaiah. "Thank you," she said and she hugged them. "You are welcome any time and we can party like this whenever you want."

Justin shook Isaiah's hand. "Don't forget Zeiden's appointment is tomorrow," he reminded.

"Actually, I was thinking of holding the session here at the house," said Isaiah. "We have a gym downstairs for you to use too."

Justin looked at Katherine and Jennifer. "Sure," he agreed. "I'll be here then."

Isaiah smiled. "Great, thanks," he said.

Isaiah and Zeiden showed all of them to their car personally. Adrik knew that he was being polite because they were the only three that got Zeiden through that night. They all owed it to them.

Alec appeared in front of Adrik. "Just wanted to say bye," he said.

"It's was nice seeing you both again," Adrik said to the brothers.

Alec and Vadik shared a grim look. "Give Aziel hell for me," said Alec before he said goodbye and left with his brother.

Adrik noticed that Rosalie was standing with the Centauri pack women. But his eyes were blocked when King, Gabriel and Hunter walked over to him.

"Oh, don't look so depressed, Adrik," King remarked.

Adrik sighed at the man who had changed more than anyone he had ever met. "I'm not depressed," he muttered.

"There's no reason to be," added Gabriel. "You found your mate and now you get to start a new life with her."

Adrik held a calm expression although he wasn't calm inside.

"Plus, Aziel can't harm this," Hunter looked at the entire foyer full of pack wolves. "He's going against some badass wolves."

"I feel kind of sorry for the bastard that he hasn't met us," scorned King. "I almost wish that he attacks us. I'd give him a taste of his own medicine."

"Careful what you wish for," added Adrik.

King shrugged and went back to Klaus's side who was talking away with Lazarus, Zeiden and Ronin and Evelyn.

"Is he always like that?" Adrik asked.

Gabriel chuckled. "If you are referring to him as an overconfident diva? Then yes, he's a handful," he answered.

Adrik laughed a little. "It was nice seeing you guys," he said. "Thanks for coming."

Gabriel would've probably patted his shoulder, but he knew that that wasn't allowed. But Adrik didn't know anymore. A lot was changing around here. "Thanks for having us," he said and left with his entire pack following him.

Evangeline, Zach, Victor and Dimitri were the last to leave. They drove off the property as Evelyn waved high and long after Dimitri.

Rosalie stood now amongst them. "Okay, I should head home too," she said holding Vivian's hand still.

"You could stay," offered Ashley.

"As much as I would love to, but I have to get back," said Rosalie. She bent down to Vivian now. "I'll pick you up tomorrow. Are you sure you're going to be fine?"

Vivian nodded. "I'm with Evelyn," she said, like that was a strong reason for both of them.

Rosalie kissed the pup's cheek. "Okay," she said. "Bye."

She got to her feet and turned to the open door. Adrik automatically followed, but not before he heard the entire pack snickering behind him.

"I can drop you off," he said as they got out into the darkness of the night.

"There's no need. I brought my car," she said as she climbed down the stairs.

Adrik followed her to her car. She stood in front of the driver's door when Adrik put his hands over the door. She faced him surprised that he didn't let her open the door. They just couldn't move away from each other.

Even though, the night sky darkened everything around them. Only the light from the house shined over the drive-way. Adrik could still perfectly see Rosalie's soft features.

"At least let me kiss you," he said.

"Huh?" she gaped at him.

Adrik didn't need answer, because more than anything, he wanted steal one more taste of her lips before the night ended. He lifted his hand to her jaw, his thumb and forefinger held onto her chin, a gentle tug released her bottom lip from her teeth. Her breath came out in short gasps as his lips neared closer to hers.

Rosalie's soft lips brushed against his, reminding him what she did to him with just a kiss. She placed her lips so gently on his making him crave more, always more.

Suddenly, he began to get hungrier. Adrik stepped forward, pressing her to the door of the car. His glossy tongue explored her mouth and intertwined with hers.

Everything around him stopped and all he felt was her. The bond that swam between them grew life wildfire. All control snapped. Adrik collared her neck bringing her to closer to his hungry mouth. She held his wrists, her fingers barely enclosed around them. But he felt the way her gentle touch awakened every fucking nerve in his body. The exhilarating rush was too much to handle, but Adrik was addicted, so he couldn't stop.

Rosalie moaned into his mouth, that small sound echoed in his ears and he deepened the kiss.

Adrik tilted his head, gliding his mouth over hers. Their bodies were so close that the crisp night air couldn't pass between them. She stood on her tippy-toes to reach him and Adrik would've lifted her to continue this, but he couldn't do that in the damn drive-way.

Rosalie opened her eyes. Her mouth parted and taking in the air she couldn't before. "Why do you have to kiss me like that?" she said while covering her face. "You make it so hard to stay calm."

Adrik's lip tugged up, but he bit it back. "You been trying to stay calm?" he bemused.

"Yes," she astonished, "and you make it very difficult when you kiss me like that." She turned and opened the car's door.

Adrik was actually the one trying to stay calm. But she made it impossible for him to do that. "I guess that makes two of us," he remarked.

She paused before getting in. "Um- I don't know if it's weird to ask this of you. But, can you make sure Vivian's comfortable?" she asked sternly. "She seems like a tough kid, but she hides what she truly feels. Except when she's with you."

"You don't need to ask," said Adrik. "I'll make sure regardless."

Rosalie smiled sweetly. "Thank you," she said before getting in. She closed the door, but then rolled the whole window down. She leaned her elbow on the ledge and propped her chin on her open palm. "Goodnight, Adrik," she beamed up at him.

Adrik's heart jumped and he lost himself to her smile. Rosalie turned the ignition of her car on and drove out of the large gates leaving him alone.

A silence engulfed him, when suddenly, Lazarus's loud-ass voice boomed from the front door. "Get back in the damn house!" he shouted.

Adrik grumbled a curse and returned to the house, that wasn't quiet even though everyone had left.

Evelyn was taking Vivian up the stairs showing her the bedroom they were going to share. Vivian didn't appear nervous from what Adrik could see. She held an unruffled expression like she always did, but whenever she was with Evelyn, there was a simple smile etched on her face.

"Did Rosalie leave?" Ashely asked as she followed the girls.

"Hmm," he told her.

Ashley turned away then. "Come on girls, let's get you bathed and changed into pyjamas," she instructed.

"Don't worry, Vivian," said Evelyn. "You can wear my pyjamas. I have tons to share."

The girls' voices disappeared as they walked into Evelyn's room with Ashley. Adrik walked into the kitchen. He saw Lazarus hovering around the fridge, his head inside it. Ronin was sitting on the long stool eating leftover strawberry cheesecake.

Adrik leaned on the counter. "Where's Zeiden?" he asked because usually the one eating leftover cake was that man.

"Outside," answered Ronin.

Adrik grabbed the fork and took a bite himself. But instead of the cream, he forked a strawberry coated in jam and ate it. Ronin wasn't too pleased his fork was taken though, so Adrik promptly returned it.

"I'm done packing the rest of the food," said Lazarus as he closed the fridge. "Thankfully, there wasn't a lot of leftovers."

Ronin chuckled. "I'm surprised there are leftovers," he said. "Our friends aren't ones to hold back on food."

"That's true," said Lazarus. He raked a hand through his blonde hair. He found a remaining flower again. "Where are the girls?" he asked looking at the flower.

"With Ashley," answered Adrik.

Lazarus's green eyes softened before he yawned. "Okay, I'm exhausted. So, I'm heading to bed." He walked off to his bedroom without looking back.

"Is Marcello already in his room?" Adrik asked Ronin.

"I think so," he said as he got up to put the cake in the fridge. "He said something about taking a shower. What about you? You going to bed yet."

"No," said Adrik.

"Not sleepy or too distracted?" jested Ronin with a smug grin on his face.

"Keep being smug like that. See what happens," Adrik retorted.

Ronin laughed at him. "It's not me that's acting like a teenager," he said. "Get yourself under control, dude."

"I will punch you in the face," threatened Adrik.

Ronin had already walked off, looking behind him and Adrik was following. "You are one scary bastard, you know that?" he astonished.

Adrik glared at him making Ronin speed up the stairs.

Isaiah had walked out of his room with a towel around his neck, his hair wet from a shower. "Don't run," he cautioned.

"Your cousin is about to kill me," Ronin said dramatically.

Isaiah laughed a little as he used the towel for his hair. "You probably did something stupid," he remarked.

"Wow," Ronin looked between the cousins. "This is what I get after all these years of saving your asses."

Adrik's lips tugged, a smile threatening to appear and getting rid of his frown. He noticed that that's been happening a lot nowadays.

"Where's Zeiden?" asked Isaiah.

"Right here," a voice behind them spoke, it was Zeiden. He trudged up the stairs, his hood pulled far down and they couldn't see his face.

"You okay?" asked Ronin, his smile vanished and he frowned now like the rest of them.

Zeiden looked up from his hood. His face sleepy but calm. "Yeah, I'm good," he said looking at all of their grim expressions. "You guys need to stop worrying so much. Every time any of you look at me it's like I'm broken or something."

Adrik looked at Ronin who had the same look of desolation as them. They didn't say anything because Isaiah was the only one berating Zeiden now. Isaiah had taken Zeiden to his room and hadn't take 'no' for an answer.

"Lazarus knows too," Adrik said softly.

Ronin's bulky arms were crossed over his chest. "Of course, that brother knows," he remarked. "Lazarus is a damn hawk. He sees everything. Maybe, it's because of his job title."

"Do you think Isaiah knows?" asked Adrik.

Ronin's hazel eyes grew inquisitive. "I think if he knew about why Zeiden went to Marcello the night they got attacked. Then I'm sure Marcello would've gotten that punch to the face," he shared sternly. "Isaiah is not going to be happy when he learns what Marcello did to Zeiden."

"You think Isaiah's going to mad that Marcello denied the bond?" asked Adrik.

Ronin shook his head. "Isaiah's going to be pissed," he corrected. "Let's all pray that the goddess saves Marcello when Isaiah finds out what happened that night."

"Did you and Lazarus know that Marcello denied the bond?" Adrik asked him.

"We both knew the moment Marcello agreed to live here," said Ronin. "Well, whatever, I'm not too concerned with what's about to go down around here. Shit happens, you get over it." He moved over to the stairs again.

"You're simple-minded," remarked Adrik.

Ronin smiled proudly. "Best way to live, brother," he remarked as he made it down the stairs.

"Where are you going?" asked Adrik.

"I'm going to be in the garage for a while," he answered and waved off.

Adrik turned on his feet and went down the hall to Evelyn's room. He was just about to knock, when suddenly, the door opened. Ashley jolted back and put her hand on her chest.

"You scared me," she reprimanded.

"Sorry," he said. "Is Vivian okay?"

Ashley had tied her hair up and her dress was slightly wet. "They are having fun in a bubble-bath right now," she told him. "I am low-key craving one myself now. But I'm too tired, I'd probably fall asleep in the tub-" she rambled and then paused- "which you probably don't care about. Sorry, you were asking about Vivian. Yes, she is doing good."

Adrik stared at his pack's alpha-female. "Thank you for taking care of her, while you know-" he paused taking a deep breath- "I still suck at this whole thing."

Ashley smiled sweetly at him. "You don't suck at all," she said. "I think the number one reason that Vivian is even comfortable is because she knows that this is your home."

"You think so?" he astounded.

Ashley's bright blue eyes gleamed. "Yes, because she told me," she whispered secretly and then laughed at his softened expression. "You're so cute. I just want to pinch your cheeks."

Adrik smiled slightly. "I think you're more of the cute one," he said. Adrik lifted his hand and put it on her head.

Ashley gaped, her mouth dropping open. "You- you-" she stuttered over her words- "Hand, me, head, you, oh god-" her eyes suddenly filled with big fat tears.

Adrik panicked and removed his hand. "Why are you crying?" he astounded. He knew he should not have done it.

Ashley sucked in her breath as she cried more now. "You never touched me before," she astounded loudly. "Oh my god!" More tears rolled down her face.

"What happened?" Lazarus came out of his room looking at the scene. He was wrapped in a white towel, his long blond hair set around his bare shoulders, wet like the rest of him. "Why are you crying?" he looked sternly at Ashley, and then at Adrik who was still shocked by what just happened.

"Adrik- Hand- Me-" she blubbered through her tears.

"What?" Lazarus laughed but was even more confused than before.

Isaiah appeared now. "Why are you crying?" he asked his wife but when she tried to answer, it wasn't clear to understand. Isaiah went over and wiped her face of the tears with his towel. "What's wrong?" he frowned down at her.

"Nothing's wrong," she smacked her mate's shoulder and returned to the girls' bedroom leaving the men gaping at each other.

Lazarus chuckled and closed the door to his bedroom, leaving Adrik with Isaiah.

"It's nothing serious," said Adrik. "I just-" he gave up trying to explain anything because he didn't know what just happened either.

Adrik left to his own room, closing the door shut behind him. The first thing he did was a take a long damn shower to get all these stupid nerves under control.

Adrik didn't know how much time had passed once he was done that shower. He put on a t-shirt and pants before he sat on the edge of the bed.

The silence in the room was loud to him. He couldn't hear any movement outside the room either, which was to be excepted since it was close to eleven thirty now.

He wondered if Rosalie went to bed by now. Adrik now sat alone in his room, unable to sleep. He didn't know what to do with all the angst in his body. He should probably hit the gym downstairs, but then he already took a shower, so that would be annoying. But then, he didn't know how else to get himself under control. And his erratic wolf clawing inside him wasn't helping either.

Annoyed, Adrik opened the balcony doors. He stepped out into the cold night hoping that it would extinguish the fire eating at him.

But the cool air didn't help as much as he thought it would. It happened to make it worse, because now he could smell his own arousal wafting back at him. The strong pheromones from his wolf blinded Adrik. He didn't expect the bond to grow to the point that it was almost visible now.

Adrik closed the balcony doors. He crossed the bedroom and stepped out into the dark hallway of the house. It was eerily quiet, which never bothered Adrik before. But maybe because he was trying to stay quiet, that any sound was thunderous.

Adrik was about to cross the hall, when he spotted a figure at the end of the hall. That door belonged to Marcello. So, Adrik knew right away that the man in front of the door was Zeiden.

Adrik slipped past the man towards the stairs. He went down to the first floor when he heard the subtle sounds from the garage. Ronin was still awake too, it seemed.

What was he doing? he wondered. Where was he going? To Rosalie. Adrik asked himself as he stood in the dark foyer of the house.

Yes or no? he repeated in his head.

Adrik's wolf growled the answer. Yes.