Rosalie looked at the clock once she had walked out of the steamy bathroom. It was almost midnight now that she was done cleaning up from the long day. She didn't know what else to say except that she had never had so much fun then she had at the party today. When she was getting ready to leave for the BBQ, she was nervous because she didn't know what to expect. But she worried for no reason, they all made her feel so welcomed. She even met the other packs, which was extraordinary because she had only ever heard stories about those packs. But today, she met them and they were ferocious like the rumours, but they were unexpectedly easy to get along with. They were down-to-earth and kind, which was refreshing.

The house was eerily quiet now that Vivian wasn't home. Usually, Rosalie would be getting Vivian tucked into bed. But she didn't need to do that today, which was strange. Rosalie wondered if Vivian was alright. But Evelyn and Ashley were with her, so Rosalie didn't worry too much.

Rosalie took a seat in front of the dresser when she reached for her cellphone. Maybe it was weird, but she just double-checked if Vivian called or not. As expected, Vivian hadn't called. Rosalie was tempted to call her first. But she didn't want to break the child's sleep just to satisfy her curiosity.

Rosalie gave in and called. The phone rang a couple of times when it was answered.

"Hello-"

"Um- Ashley," said Rosalie, she was caught off guard by the different voice. "Is Vivian not there?"

"I just put the girls to bed," said Ashley.

Rosalie let out a breath. "Is she okay?"

"Vivian is doing fine," assured Ashley. "She's sleeping comfortably in matching dinosaur pyjamas with Evelyn. Nothing to worry about."

"I think I'll always worry," she mumbled.

"Trust me, I get it," said Ashley. "If you want I can give Vivian the phone-"

"No-" interrupted Rosalie. "I don't want to ruin her sleep. Just if she asks, then tell her that I called."

"Of course," chirped Ashley.

"Thank you, Ashley," Rosalie shared "for letting Evelyn play with her and for making her feel so welcomed."

"That's not on me, Rosalie," said Ashley. "You are raising her to be a wonderful pup. She is mirroring you and your upbringing."

Rosalie's heart squeezed. "I would hug you," she blurted out.

Ashley laughed. "Save that for tomorrow," she said. "And your influence isn't only changing the pup."

Rosalie held a puzzled expression "What do you mean?" she asked.

"Oh, nothing. Goodnight, aunt Rosa," Ashley mimicked jokingly.

"Goodnight," chuckled Rosalie.

They cut the phone together.

A silence drifted in the house as Rosalie sat in front of the mirror. Her hair slightly damp, her face fully cleansed and her body clean. She ignored the pit in her gut and got to combing her hair and using a blow-dryer. She combed it thoroughly and let it down her back, then she applied some lotion hoping she didn't get too much of a tan from being outside all day. Thankfully, she applied sunscreen before leaving.

Rosalie took off the towel from her body and slipped on a nightgown, that skimmed above her thigh.

She made her way to the kitchen, that was too big to live in alone. She was kind of out of practice being by herself. And since Vivian didn't make a mess of toys or her books, it seemed like she wasn't ever here. The only reminder was their memories; the voices in her head that remembered Vivian's tone and actions.

Rosalie stood leaned against the counter. She didn't take her eyes off the fridge where Vivian's drawing hung by a sunflower magnet. Beside the fridge sat an old bat that Rosalie bought at an antique store. She used it to scurry off the raccoons that rummaged through the trash behind the house. It was honestly a horrid task, but the bat made it easier. Vivian was the brave one who would always offer to do it. But Rosalie never wanted Vivian to feel like Rosalie couldn't protect her, or in this case, even the trash bins.

Rosalie smiled at that memory.

When Rosalie used to live alone in her old apartment, she never really had memories like these because it was always ballet that she was focused on. Now, things changed around her. Rosalie honestly didn't recognize her own life anymore. So much had transformed and she didn't know if she was strong enough to handle it.

Rosalie went to the sink, poured herself some water.

The silence in the house reminded Rosalie why she had worked so hard to leave behind her old home even Madeleine and her father. Silence in that house was a blessing she only got a few times. The shouting, beatings, crashing of bottles or chairs was all Rosalie knew her life. Vivian knew the exact same too. However, Rosalie was relieved that Vivian didn't live with the abuse for too long.

Did it make her horrible for thinking like that? Rosalie wondered. Of course, the death of her sister was a bad thing and it devastated her. But Vivian was safe now. That was the unexpected blessing, Rosalie guessed.

Thinking of the unexpected. Rosalie didn't even know where to begin talking about Adrik. The Iron pack wolf was something she hadn't planned for at all. She had no idea what she was doing with them or Adrik. In her heart, there was so much that overwhelmed her and Adrik did that to her.

Adrik, without even, had trying slipped past her defences and made sure that she could never forget him. He had those desolate blue eyes, that sank into her memory with a deep sensation which she couldn't quite grasp yet.

Rosalie recalled his face, that scar and wondered how badly he worked to escape his own tormentors. The scars that he showed her, the ones on his arms were probably nothing to the ones given to him on his soul and heart. He carried each and every scar with him, that much was clear to her. However, Rosalie didn't understand why he reached out to her. Why had Adrik gone through with this bond with her? she pondered. What was he looking for?

Rosalie had no answer. She didn't know anything about why he did what he did.

No, she thought. That wasn't right.

She knew him. She felt him- all of him. He wasn't broken to her or lost. Adrik was a strong pack wolf who protected his family. She saw the way he took care of them, helped each wolf, ate with them. Adrik had honour, that other people lacked. He carried himself with a dignified demeanour, that was something Rosalie never saw before.

Over all that though, she saw the way he took care of Vivian. That alone told Rosalie all she needed to know. No one ever made Vivian comfortable enough to let her show her true colours. She was a reserved wolf. But Adrik brought out her inner smile, something even Rosalie couldn't figure out. Rosalie was grateful that he managed to not only make her feel safe, but Vivian too.

Was this what it felt like? wondered Rosalie. To be protected. To be a family that helped each other.

Rosalie touched the cool glass to her lips, when she remembered the kiss she shared with Adrik. Unlike the cool glass, Adrik felt like slick fire. The touch of his rough hands on her body made her shiver even now just thinking about it. She sensed the lingering imprint he left on her, that the shower couldn't erase no matter how hard she scrubbed.

No one touched her like that before. No one made her feel the way Adrik made her feel. She unhinged beneath his touch and it was terrifying to see herself come undone.

Rosalie closed her eyes, remembering his dark scent and that wild wolf of his that had no intention of letting her forget him. She remembered Adrik's wolf clear as day, the beast had ripped through her mind when Adrik kissed her before she came home. The rabid beast promised that he'd mark her, bind her to him, just wait and see.

Rosalie's wolf had raised a brow at the beast's tone earlier. But now, something inside Rosalie told her that Adrik's wolf was not being a tease. But that wasn't what told Rosalie to be careful; it was Adrik's sexual angst and need that warned her of his desires.

Adrik let her go earlier. He let her walk away even though he didn't want to. Rosalie wondered if she would have stayed if he asked her. She didn't know, but her heart told her that she probably would have.

Maybe it was the bond or their wolves, but Rosalie didn't want to leave his side. There was something serene about being with him. Adrik had a calm nature, quiet but his actions spoke to her. Despite telling her that he couldn't bare the touch of another. He was overcoming that too.

What gave him the incentive? she wondered. Was it Vivian and her? But why would he try so hard for them.

Rosalie put her palm on her chest, her heart hammering inside. She didn't know much about him or his pack. But they felt so close to her, closer than her own family ever did. Rosalie only knew the rumours surrounding the Iron Blood pack. But spending the day with them told her that rumours were nowhere close to what they truly were. They were a family, that would gladly die protecting each other. Rosalie knew that that's what a family supposed be like, not what she had back home.

The pack called themselves tainted and cursed because of what they went through with the old Petrov pack. But that's not what Rosalie gathered at all. She saw a group of honourable wolves who built a safe home for each other. Now, that was a pack.

Frankly, Rosalie wouldn't have a problem joining them. Well, that's if they wanted her and Vivian to be a part of them. Becoming a family was hard on everyone, so Rosalie didn't want to force anyone into anything. She'd give them space and let them decide if they'd want two rogue wolves to join. Until then, she'd wait and get to know them better.

Rosalie drank the rest of the water quietly. After sating herself, she checked the windows and back door. She reached the front door when the doorbell went off. Confused for a moment, she went up to the door.

Rosalie turned the lock and pulled it open. "Adrik," she said, surprised that he was here this late at night. "It's late, is everything okay?"

His body straightened as he put his hands on the ledge of the door frame, like he held himself back from barging inside.

Something was off about him, thought Rosalie. His eyes were hungry and his scent overwhelmed her, like the thick air as a raging fire burned a forest to ashes.

Adrik's blue eyes darkened as it trailed over her body, the frown harshened the scar across his eye. "Rosalie," his voice was low; it slid over her body like honey. "I'm going to give you two choices. Either you close this door right now and lock it, so I can't get in and mark you. Or, you let me in and I don't stop until tomorrow."

Rosalie's stomach fluttered, her scent flared and her legs weakened on her. "Adrik-"

"Choose, Rosalie," urged Adrik, his voice a low whisper still.

Time froze for her.

A tantalizing rush took over all her control. She didn't know what else to do except give into the wicked desires of her body.

Rosalie moved back from the door, giving him room to enter. His eyes flared when he realized her answer. Adrik entered the house, towering over her, masking her with his scent.

The silence drowned them. But she couldn't hear anything over the hammering in her ears, that was presumably her heart.

He closed the door. The lock clicked into place and that was when her mind blanked.

Adrik stood right in front of her, not touching, although she could feel the weight of him already. Rosalie stared up into those conflicting blue eyes, that were surrounded by dark lashes. They casted a shadow on his cheeks, that showed the stiff jaw. A darkness engulfed him, his pheromones were thick with arousal; an arousal that was for her only.

"Are you sure?" he asked once again.

She drew out a deep breath. "Yes," she whispered.

Suddenly, she was swept up in his arms and his lips met hers. Rosalie was intoxicated to his chilling hot taste, that made her forget everything around her. She didn't even realize when her feet got off the floor and her legs were wrapped around his waist. He held her to him, against the wall that was like ice to her hot skin.

Rosalie moved her mouth against his, intertwining her tongue until both of them moaned from pleasure. She pushed her hands through his hair, around his nape and tugged making him groan against her lips. Adrik roughly shoved his hands up her nightgown, that wasn't sufficient protection from him.

"Bedroom," he growled against her lips.

"Upstairs, on the left," she moaned hotly.

Adrik turned with her in his arms and somehow, he managed to take them both to the room, without falling. Well, that's what one got when they had a body like his. He really was perfection and she had only felt him through his clothes.

The arousing scent carried through the house. Her back pushed the door open and now they stood in her bedroom, where no one had ever been except Vivian. Suddenly, a blush crept up her cheek as she realized that she really was going to have sex with Adrik.

The faint glow of the lamp radiated a golden beam just around the floor near the bed. Rosalie was glad that it was kind of dark, otherwise seeing herself and him like this was too embarrassing.

Adrik gently laid her down, on the mattress after pushing the duvet and pillows away. He stood at the edge of the bed, towering over her. The shadow of his body covered her and she felt his intense gaze trailing all over. She felt the arousal between her legs heighten. She had to bite back the carnal sound that would have come out of her throat.

Adrik peeled off the shirt from over his head and dropped it on the floor. She didn't even dare look down from his eyes, otherwise she knew that she would have lost it. But hell, it was so tempting.

She gave in.

Rosalie's eyes trailed down his corded neck to his chest, down to the hard muscles of his sculpted torso and abdomen. But over his bronzed skin where layers and layers of ink, that marked every part of him. She thought the tattoos on his neck and hands were hot, but this was even more than she prepared herself for. He was more intimidating shirtless, maybe it was because now she could see every part of him and it was scary.

Adrik crept onto the bed over her. She had noticed that he had taken off his shoes, he was barefoot now, which was quite intimate.

Rosalie laid between his strong arms, his knees were bent between her legs and she felt vulnerability and terribly exposed.

Adrik leaned down, his lips kissed her neck and she unconsciously shuddered to his touch. "I can smell your fear," he whispered as he nipped her ear.

Rosalie shifted her legs, trying to close them. But he stopped her. His hands grabbed between her thighs and he held her apart. "It's you that's making me nervous," she breathed.

Adrik's hand trailed down her thighs but he teased her by not going to her centre. Rosalie squirmed underneath him. Except, he didn't seem to care for her shyness because he was too immersed in feeling every inch of her right now.

Adrik leaned down, his lips hovered over hers. She felt the coolness of his breath near her. Adrik kissed her closed lips, his tongue licked her bottom lip. She didn't move an inch under him, she couldn't when she felt the heaviness of his bond overwhelm every sense in her mind. She was losing it to him.

"Open for me," he growled against her lips.

She parted her lips. A feral impulse set inside him. Adrik pressed himself against her and now she felt each inch of him. The weight of his body was mesmerizingly hot that she pulled him closer. He kissed her hard and rough, tasting her like he never wanted to forget how she felt underneath him. Adrik's hands gripped her waist, his fingers roughly digging into her but that just made her heart race even faster.

Rosalie drank the feel of his hands. He touched her like he was so desperate for her body. Adrik's hot touch seeped through the flimsy silk fabric, which looked like it annoyed him that it was in his way.

"I want to mark you everywhere," his deep voice made her moan.

Rosalie faced his blue gaze that was dead serious. She was looking for some amusement or some fun but found none. She ran her hands over the span of his tough back, each distinct muscle moved under her palms and it was hot as sin. Rosalie heard him moan as he pressed closer.

The excitement built inside her. Rosalie stopped the kiss, her mouth trailed down his neck and she found the spot that called out to the animal inside her. Her wolf emerged, her teeth sharpened and she bit down violently. The iron taste hit her tongue and she knew then that she had done what could never be erased. 


Rosalie leaned back, her lips coated with the trickle of blood. Adrik's blue eyes flashed and like something shattered, he didn't hold back any longer. He hungrily kissed the blood off her lips, both of them moaned.

Adrik grabbed the top of her nightgown, shredding it through the middle. She gaped at him, but he was too occupied to care. His hot mouth savagely latched onto the hardened peak of her breast. A gasp escaped her lips at the contact and she felt his hand cup her hot core. As his tongue lathered the hard peak, his thick fingers were coated in her essence. She hadn't realized that she had gotten so wet for him until he had pushed his fingers into the pulsing hole. He curled his fingers and she almost broke right then and there.

Adrik came over her, his fingers still pushed far inside her. "Look at your state," he said haughtily. "The way your body lusts for mine is fucking beautiful."

Rosalie looked and she saw what she knew would make her even more aroused. Adrik hadn't removed his hand from her core. He kept it there like he possessed her forever.

"Rosalie," he called out her name with that deep voice of his, that drove her crazy. "Show me where you want me to mark you."

It was dark around her, the air thickened and Rosalie sunk into scent. Something moved in her, she tilted her neck and showed entire column of skin for him to see. Adrik didn't hesitate, his mouth latched onto her neck, his sharp teeth bit down. Rosalie erupted from pain and shattering pleasure beyond her senses.

As the stinging pain lingered on her neck, she realized that the pleasure she felt earlier was from the orgasm, which most definitely broke her.

Adrik licked the skin soothing the sting, and then, he kissed her. "So sweet, so mine," he moaned.

Adrik had pressed his hard erection against her core. She almost gasped at the contact, but she bit it back. "Just the thought of someone else touching you or you touching them like this enrages me," he growled.

"No one touched me in a long time, Adrik," she told him. "I forgot what it felt like."

Frankly, no one ever attempted to touch her like this, she thought dazedly. Everyone was too hesitant or too ignorant to even do it.

Adrik's blue eyes trailed down her body. She could feel them, because a chill followed as he bent back and straightened between her legs. His beautiful body riding the waves that she felt too. He was spectacular in her grip, so strong and rigid; all a weapon to be used for his advantage. His heavy muscles flexing at every movement. Adrik was mind-numbingly stunning.

Adrik stripped the rest of his clothes off. His eyes grew glossy with lust; a craze appeared in them and she drowned in him. His erection sprung free and she felt the quiver in her lower stomach. Her core pulsated, begging for him to enter her, ruin her, possess her. She needed him to make her his.

Curiosity overwhelmed her, she leaned up on her arms. She put her around the hot aroused flesh and he let out a carnal sound, like it was painful. But he didn't stop her. He let her explore to her heart's content. She kept stroking down the large length that was heavy in her hand. The length was hardening with ever stroke, and with a little tease in her mind, she purposely ran her thumb over the head of his shaft. Abruptly, his rough hand seized her small wrist.

"You can't tease me or else I won't be able to stay calm," he said. He shoved a hard hand through his dark hair, that had fallen over his forehead because she had run her fingers through it earlier.

Adrik had leaned back to reach for something when the large span of his back hit the light of the table lamp. Rosalie's eyes widened and she couldn't help when the small gasp escaped her lips.

Scars. Angry red slashes across his broad back, they were everywhere. Amongst the tattoos, hidden between the beautiful art were horrid reminders of the past that Adrik detested.

Rosalie leaned up, putting her small hand on his back. Adrik released a deep groan, it was because he knew now what she saw.

"Did your father do these to you?" she asked.

Adrik's scent turned cold. She felt him change the moment she mentioned his father. She didn't want to do that. She didn't want him to remember.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. The only way she knew to stop the pain right now was to kiss him. Rosalie got to her knees and kissed him.

Adrik didn't stop her then. He wrapped his tough arms around her and pressed her again him, their chests together and his erection pulsed against her soft belly. Rosalie lost herself as she kissed him, long hard and deep. She hadn't even realized when he had pressed her back down, the condom had been rolled on and he was ready to be inside her core.

The invasion was sweet and slow. She felt her body stretching to his length, the girth of her core widening to take all of him. She swore she felt her eyes roll back from this alone. An urgency built up and he hadn't even moved yet. Rosalie bit her lip to stop the moans from coming out.

Suddenly, all movement stopped and all she felt was his shaft inside her and their harsh pants echoing in the room.

"Look," enticed Adrik. "All of me is inside of you."

Rosalie daringly opened her eyes. She looked down at how their bodies were connected on a level of such hot intimacy.

Adrik leaned in, his lips over hers. "Your body is so hot around me," his voice was hoarse, thick with arousal. "I can't bear it anymore." Adrik pulled out his shaft, the length moved with him. He moaned against her lips. "You're squeezing me too tight, baby," his voice was amused from what it sounded like to her.

Rosalie tried her best to calm down, biting down her own arousal. But it was too much. He was a force she didn't know would need so much control on her behalf. Rosalie opened her legs wider, letting him in closer. "You don't need to be careful," she didn't recognize her own sultry voice. "This much won't break me."

Adrik pushed hard and deep she gasped at the surprise. He didn't hold back now. As much as she knew that he was trying to be polite to her, she didn't care. She wanted to fucked raw right now because the bond was controlling both of them.

Adrik thrusted into her hot core that dripped from excruciating pleasure of his size. She loved how hard he was inside her, he hit unbelievably deep. Their bodies moved together, both of them losing control.

Rosalie ran her nails across his back, trying to erase those horrible memories that were slashed across his skin. The brutality that he went through was still deep inside him, they were secrets that only he knew. Rosalie didn't know the vastness of his pain at all. The only thing she could do was comfort him, give him the warmth now.

Rosalie moaned his beautiful name. He looked deep into her eyes like he always did. He always paid so much attention. Rosalie kissed his lips softly, as he thrusted deep and long like he wanted to remember this feeling forever. The kiss felt like it lasted for eternity, Rosalie held him to her, letting both of them feel only each other.

Rosalie gripped onto his shoulders, as he penetrated greedily taking both of them on a rushing high, only to come crashing down. Adrik groaned as he neared his release, she felt it build up in both of them. She didn't need to catch up because she was right there with him.

Both of them felt the other explode. The bone-wracking release rendered them speechless and gasping for air.

Rosalie's limbs fell, she couldn't feel any part of her body. The only thing was that her heart hammered inside her chest. Adrik however looked hungrier- scarier as his eyes darkened over her again. He pulled away, his great length pulling out of her with him.

An arousing ache trembled through her entire body when he had pulled his shaft out of her. A small moan escaped and that seemed to trigger Adrik to go again.

"Hold on," she said, a light chuckle left her lips as she held him. "Let me catch my breath."

Adrik looked over to the table, where he saw what he seeked. Rosalie was too exhausted to look at what it was. It was only until he had reached over, that she saw the bottle of water in his hand. He turned the cap, opening it. He put the end to his lip and swallowed the chilled water. A thirst grew in her too as she simply stared. But it seemed Adrik had other intentions with the bottle she always kept at her bedside.

Adrik leaned down. "What-" she couldn't get another word out because Adrik had locked lips with her. Cool water poured down her throat, quenching the thirst she had in seconds. Rosalie had a stunned expression as he looked back at her again.

Adrik put the bottle down after he drank some. He settled between her legs. "I'm far from done," his sensual voice quickened her pulse further.

She didn't say it out loud but even she wanted more too.

Adrik bent down, his lips kissed down the skin between her thighs, His sharp, white teeth exposed and he bit everywhere he put his mouth. She was going to have to wear thick layer tomorrow if she didn't want anyone seeing all the marks.

He neared her dripping wet core, that showed how much her body begged for his touch in such little time. Rosalie was tempted to close her legs, but the anticipation had her frozen in place. His hot breath caressed her skin, his strong hands gripping her thighs, keeping them apart.

This unfamiliar spicy aroma grew darker, deeper riling Adrik's monstrous instincts that were always dormant. Adrik loomed between her legs, her fragile body under him like an offering to sate the beast.

Rosalie gasped when Adrik's wet tongue penetrated her core, caressing the sensitive nub.

She moaned at his continuous assault. Her rapid breath couldn't be controlled as he teased and played with her again. "Please, I need more," she whispered her plead, that resonated through him like thunder.

Adrik didn't given in though. He continued to lick up her arousal, making her lose all her sense of time and place. She felt the world around her vanish, only his hands and mouth were guiding her. She arched her back when she felt his thick fingers enter her hot core. She tightened around them, stopping all movement, because she was ready to explode. But she wanted to feel this to the end.

Adrik moved, giving her time to calm down. The dark musky scent of rich jasmine and smouldering sex enticed Adrik to brutally torture Rosalie, which he would, no doubt.

Rosalie combed her hand through his dark hair, letting her see those piercing blue eyes. He looked up at her, as his mouth worked to bring her pleasure. She moaned the moment her eyes met his, she couldn't help it. Adrik's growl, she felt it in her core and quiver up her stomach too.

Adrik sensed that too. Forcefully, he pushed in a third finger, stretched her out even more. His tongue grew greedier as he licked and lathered everything. She felt the drip down her core, it was so hot all over her body. Rosalie's stomach tightened and she could feel the high taking her away.

"Adrik," she moaned his name.

Adrik pushed his fingers deeper when he heard the urgency in her tone. In seconds, she didn't know what came over her. But her orgasm shook the ground beneath her. Her body quivered and she was left breathless and chaotic.

Adrik leaned over her, his eyes captivated and seducing her once again. The smouldering gaze had entranced her all this time. He laid his lips on her jaw and moved down slowly, his lips froze on the fragile skin that covered the hammering pulse.

He suddenly kissed her cheek. "My wolf wants you," he whispered gruffly, and then, he moved back and away from her.

Rosalie couldn't even lift a finger, but she forced herself up. She glimpsed at the time and it was almost one o'clock. She looked at Adrik, his eyes closed shut and he ran his hands through his hair.

"Your wolf doesn't scare me," she said.

"He should," Adrik's voice was heavy with arousal. "Because he's been fighting me this whole damn time to come out."

"To kill me?" she asked hesitantly.

Adrik opened, then closed his mouth. He didn't speak. But he didn't need to, because Rosalie confronted Adrik's wolf herself. She took over for her mate now, pulling herself up on Adrik, straddling his waist, her arms circling his neck.

"Forget about him," she whispered near his lips. "Focus on me. On this-" she laid her lips gently on his. She licked his lips and incited him to open them for her.

Right when he decided to deepen the kiss, she pulled away making her laugh at his surprised expression. Rosalie teased him, she couldn't help it, he had a cute side to all his hard exterior. But as she enjoyed kissing him, she felt two eyes on her. A predator watched her intently, as Adrik got distracted with her kiss, she weirdly focused on the wolf. He had this wild look as he prowled in the darkness. She couldn't detect his appearance, only his lusting blue eyes that matched Adrik's so much.

"He's not talking to me," she said.

"Talking isn't on his mind right now," said Adrik as he kissed down her throat.

"Why does he look angry?" she asked. Adrik was quiet, but busy feeling the curves of her body on him. "Adrik," she called out again.

"Not angry," he answered. "Jealous."

She gaped. "Of who?" she asked.

Adrik looked at her, focused. "Me."

"But why?"

Adrik pinned her down against the bed. "Because he doesn't get to touch you," he said as he pushed his hardened shaft at her welcoming entrance. "I'm keeping you all to myself."

Rosalie arched her back in pleasure as he filled her up again. "That doesn't seem fair," she mocked playfully, but she did genuinely feel a little bad for the wolf.

Adrik raised a brow. "Don't feel sorry for him," he said. "He's not a creature to feel bad for." Adrik suddenly shifted her legs over him, turning her onto her knees. "That's much better," he growled against her ear.

She pushed her hair to one side, looking up at him surprised that he had done that. Adrik kissed her shoulder, before nipping the skin there too. His hands caressed down her small back, down to her butt that was in the air presented to him. He rustled behind her putting on another condom, and then with a hungry thrust, he penetrated her core again.

Rosalie planted her hands on the bed, gripping the sheets and she wasn't even sure if she had ripped them or not.

"You should worry less about my wolf," alleged Adrik, "I'm the one that's the scary beast who's after you." He thrusted relentlessly, making her feel every inch of his aroused shaft. She felt his sharp teeth making her neck again.

This time it was hot and fast.

Both of them collapsed after the shattering release took over.

Rosalie laid on the bed, motionless. But Adrik was on his feet walking around the room. She looked over. Which when she had, she saw Adrik grabbing something off the floor. She wondered if he was leaving now after mating with her.

A sick pit grew in her stomach. What did she expect from a man like Adrik? He didn't seem like the type to cuddle after having sex.

"What's wrong?" she asked, trying her best to get up.

Adrik looked over. "Cellphone," he said and he found it.

Rosalie got up, sitting at the edge of the bed, she grabbed the robe hanging on the bed-post. Slipping her arms through it, she tied the sash around her waist.

Adrik looked over to her. "Where are you going?" he asked her, his tone concerned.

She tilted her head. "aren't you-" she stiffened. "You're not leaving?"

Adrik held a confused look just like her. "No," he said. "Do you want me to go?"

"No," she confessed. "But you were looking for your phone, so I thought you wanted to leave."

Adrik came over in front of her. "I would never leave you like that. Especially now that we've marked each other," he said. "I was just going to text Ronin and tell him where I am. I left in a rush and wasn't able to let them know."

"Oh," she nodded, a sigh of relief escaped her lips.

Adrik leaned into her. "It seems marking every part of your cute body wasn't enough to make you believe in me," he said pushing her down again.

"No, that's not it," she said, but it was too late.

Adrik had already untied the bow, pulling off the silk. His eyes feasted on her again, like he could never have enough even though they just had sex.

"I was going to take a bath," she told him.

"I'll bath too," he said.

Adrik shifted back, picking her up with him. Her feet dangled off the floor and he took her to the master bathroom.

Rosalie had only blinked when she found herself pinned against the shower wall. Adrik stood in front of her, her weak legs straddling his waist. She was afraid of falling, but she knew that he'd never let her.

"This was not what I meant when I said I wanted to bath," she bemused.

Adrik grinned hotly. "This was what I meant," he told her.

A hard head probed her core and she instantly flared alive with the insatiable need. What was her body turning into? she thought. She had no control over it. Everything just reacted to Adrik and she didn't need to do anything.

Rosalie laughed at him. "There's no stopping you," she said.

Adrik gripped her waist. "Not when it comes to fucking you senseless," he said. He pushed his shaft inside her and did as he said he would.

He fucked her senseless against the shower wall. Hot water pouring down them, trying its best to wash away the smell of sex and their arousal; it failed.

Finally, she convinced him to let her go because she couldn't feel her legs anymore. Rosalie got out of the shower first. Adrik wasn't showering the whole time he was in there with her.

Rosalie returned to the bedroom, when she picked up the nightgown from the floor. The silk was ripped apart, looked kind of painful. She put it on the chair, like the rest of his clothes. She pulled on a longer nightgown since it was colder now.

Rosalie escaped to the kitchen, looking for something to eat because she was starving. She opened the top cupboard, pulling out the metal canister. She opened the blue lid and found the stash of chocolate-tipped butter cookies. She took out the delight and enjoyed it, as she waited for Adrik... who was her mate now.

A wave of flutters trembled through her as she realized that. Mate. Adrik was her mate. Rosalie closed her eyes, and instead of tasting the delicious cookies, she tasted Adrik. She remembered his touch, smell and his controlling attitude that he had with her.

Rosalie got herself under control. She refocused on the cookies and tried not to lose her head.

Adrik appeared freshly out of the shower. His jeans were on which hung low on his lean waist, his chest bare and his tattoos on display. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him again. His hand raked his damp hair and he had a lustrous gleam in those blue eyes, but he always had that look.

Rosalie's eyes went to his neck, where at the juncture of his throat was her mark proudly adorned by him.

"Keep staring at me like that," he dared suddenly.

Rosalie looked away quickly, trying not to laugh at herself. "Cookie?" she offered.

Adrik came around the counter. He smelt of soap, shampoo and that sultry dark scent. Rosalie's stomach did a flip. Adrik bent down and bit the end she had already taken a piece from. He pulled back and stood beside her.

"Did you call Ronin?" she asked.

"Yeah," he responded.

"He's still awake this late," she said.

Adrik leaned on the counter, his back against the edge and his face in front of her. He crossed his arms over his chest. "Ronin was working in the garage," he told her. "He doesn't sleep until much later, like me."

Rosalie was impressed. "I fall asleep the moment I touch my bed," she smiled.

Adrik looked down at her lips, he wiped the bit of chocolate off the edge. "I don't sleep much," he told her quietly.

Rosalie straightened, but she was still shorter than him by a lot. She guessed that he had trouble sleeping because of all he went through because of his father and brothers. She remembered the scars on his back, and that he hadn't talked about it. She was curious, even though she didn't tell him.

"I can see it in your eyes," he leaned in.

"No, you can't," she retorted and grabbed another cookie. She also hated that she was so transparent to him.

Adrik laughed a little. "You were thinking about the amazing time we had upstairs," he said hotly.

She gaped. "No, I wasn't," she astonished.

Adrik grinned. "Then what were you thinking about?" he asked.

Damn, she cursed, he caught her.

Rosalie didn't know how else to get him to open up to her without showing a piece of herself first. Rosalie moved back from him. She pulled down the straps of her nightgown, although it wasn't to arouse him. The silk fell down to show the section between her shoulder-blades.

"My dad gave that to me," she revealed.

Adrik stiffened. He reached out touching her warm skin, he brushed his fingers on the lengthy scar across her back. "What did he do?" he growled harshly.

"He threw a broken vase at me and the glass pierced my skin," she said. Adrik sucked in his breath. "That wasn't the only time." Rosalie turned and pulled the nightgown further down, exposing her belly now. "I got this one after he got found out that I secretly took ballet classes. He used the fireplace's iron rod to burn me."

Adrik's eyes viewed the pale scar with a grim desolation.

Rosalie didn't like thinking about those days when she didn't know when she's get hurt again. Her father's attacks were sudden, erratic. But still, she hated how she knew when or how he'd get triggered. She knew his breathing; his footsteps; his movements; his moods, everything even now.

"Other scars aren't on my body because of our healing abilities," she said. "But he beat me a lot." Those beatings scarred her inside and supernatural powers didn't heal those.

Rosalie looked over to the corner of the kitchen at the baseball bat. "I was locked up too," she told him. "But I drew the line one day, just like you had." She looked back at her mate. Adrik pulled up the straps on her nightgown covering her.

"Tell me," he asked with a low voice.

"He found out that I used his money to pay for my ballet class," she said, her throat tightened on her because she remembered the screams and the tears. "My father grabbed me from bed, dragged me from my hair and was going to lock me in the basement."

"Didn't your sister help you?" he asked.

"She was too afraid," Rosalie answered. "My sister always thought that fighting back just made it worse. I disagreed." Adrik smirked at the smugness in her tone. "My dad was strong, but he was old. So, I fought back and grabbed the iron rod he hit me with-" she stiffened when a chill crawled down her body. "I beat him that night. I hit him until I saw his blood." Rosalie went quiet and she closed her eyes.

Suddenly, warm arms drew her in. She was wrapped in his strength. She breathed in his scent and relaxed. This was what it felt like to be safe, she thought to herself.

"That was the night I ran away from home," she told him.

"I'm sorry," he kissed the top of her head.

Rosalie wrapped her arms around him now. "I know what it feels like to carry baggage," she told him. "So, don't be afraid to tell me. I won't run away."

Adrik chest rose and fell as he took a deep breath. "My family did this to me," he told her. He pulled away and showed his back. She stared at the scars. "They tortured us whenever we showed disobedience, weakness or even fell asleep."

Rosalie sucked in a breath. She put her hand on his back, he reacted by jerking forward like she had petrified him. "What is it going to take for people to just be kind," she whispered. Her heart broke for him, for every person who suffered abuse.

"At the time, I thought I deserved it," he confessed. "A sick twisted part of me always waited to be punished, because I disobeyed out of spite. I killed anything in my path to get my father enraged."

Rosalie found it strange how similar she was to Adrik. She had done the same against her father. She found any and every way to enrage him because that was the only way to fight back. Rosalie planted her hand on his middle back, feeling the muscles flex under her palm. She was entranced by him and she wanted to memorize what he felt like under her hands.

Suddenly, Rosalie leaned in and laid her lips on a slashing scar. Adrik hissed and straightened when he felt that, it was like she burned him.

"Fuck, woman," he growled. Adrik turned rapidly and slammed into her. He grabbed her face in both his hands, crushing his hot lips on hers.

Rosalie toppled back by the force, she gripped the counter to stable herself. But then, his hot tongue intertwined with hers and it felt as if the floor was pulled out from underneath her.

Adrik moaned into her mouth, she felt that carnal sound all the way to her core. Her arousal heightened and she felt the wetness between her legs grow. She even felt his arousal against her belly, it was a hard shaft throbbing to be set free.

Which she did.

She grabbed the edge of his pants, putting her hand in, she gripped his shaft in a tight fist. Adrik buckled against her, the dishes behind them shook from the force of his reaction. Rosalie loved that she had this much of an effect on him. So, she didn't stop her assault.

Rosalie stroked his erection, setting it free. She matched each stroke with the stroke of her tongue in his mouth. Adrik seemed to let her take control now, like he wanted to feel how she'd make him shatter from arousal. She didn't expect that from such a dominant wolf who needed control. Adrik however knew how to be hard, be dominant, but he also knew how to let go and be sweet to her, kiss her gently and then rough too. He had that balance with sex, which Rosalie didn't know until now that she loved it.

"Rosalie," her name was a growl off his lips. He breathed against her mouth, which was panting from the rush. "Fuck-" he moaned as he gripped her hips and kissed down her throat to his mark. "You need to stop-" she kissed him to make him stop talking. Her hand stroked and quickened when she knew he was close.

Abruptly, her hands were grabbed and Adrik seethed in front of her. His eyes flared with sex- with need.

"No," his voice was that of a predator. A hot predator. "I will only come inside you."

Rosalie was lifted off the floor, her legs straddled his waist again. Adrik pinned her against the nearest wall. Both of them in a rush to feel the invasion of bodies. Adrik pushed his shaft into her hot core. She whimpered at the sensual penetration of his thick shaft spreading her open. It was so hot and wet, she didn't know what to do. There was no control in either of them. All they felt was the sex consuming them.

Adrik took his time pulling out, then thrusting back in. She licked her lips, biting down on them too because this was driving her insane. She wanted it fast, she needed Adrik to pound into her and to make her come rightfuckingnow.

"Adrik," she moaned, as he pulled out. "I need more."

Adrik pushed in making her throw her head back in pleasure. He bit at her throat marking her again but on the other side. "I want you begging," he jested.

Rosalie raked her fingers through his hair, slightly gripping it to force him to look at her desperate eyes. "I'm begging now," she said sternly. "Fuck me."

Adrik didn't need to be told twice. He fucked her against the wall. The next time was on the rug in the living-room...

Rosalie didn't remember much after that. She was being carried up the stairs, put into bed. She laid on the tussled bedsheets, her eyes drowsy but enough to see Adrik cleaning between her legs. His gentle touch, the brief kisses between and the soothing gaze that always stayed on her. He had taken another shower too before he joined her on the bed.

Both of them lay sated.

Rosalie watched Adrik's chest drop and rise in a steady rhythm, she studied the contours of his hard body. She was exhausted and didn't even know how much time passed. But staring at Adrik beside her, she craved more of his touch. The yearning in her heart, body and soul was deep and not going to disappear any time soon.

When suddenly, those sapphire eyes opened matching her need.

Adrik gritted his teeth before pulling Rosalie in his arms, he swiftly rolled Rosalie on top of his body. A giggle erupted from her surprising Adrik, but Adrik accepted the cheerful response as a challenge. He grabbed Rosalie's silky hair, and at the final moment, their eyes darkened and their lips locked.

Adrik's skillful tongue stroked and danced with Rosalie's. She shyly copied him, but the patience broke, when abruptly, Rosalie began rolling her hips on Adrik's shaft. The throbbing erection rubbed against her sensitive nub. Rosalie found her blistering release like that and so did he.

Rosalie collapsed on Adrik, her head rested on Adrik's chest.

After a moment passed, she opened her eyes and looked at him. "Are we crazy?" she whispered because it felt weird talking loudly at night.

Adrik put his arms under his head, resting back and coolly viewed her. "I know I'm crazy about you," he answered.

Rosalie leaned up and kissed him sweetly. "Me too," she whispered. Her heart hammered in her chest when she confessed that, but she couldn't hold it in anymore.

Adrik pulled her into his arms, by his side. He snuggled her close enough that she could feel his heartbeat. He lifted the blanket over them. Rosalie wasn't going to lie and say that she wasn't nervous because she was. But, nothing in this world felt more real than this bond with Adrik.

"Sleep," he whispered gently. "I'll watch over you."

"I know you will," she said gently. Rosalie felt him intertwine his legs with hers before her eyes voluntarily closed, hoping that he'd get some sleep too.

Rosalie fell asleep in his arms thinking how much she had gotten used to being with Adrik. She snuggled closer to his side. Then letting the darkness pull her away in the endless void of dreams for who knows how long.