"Stop-" Zeiden moaned against Marcello's lips. "We need to-" he groaned as they almost toppled into the elevator when the doors opened. "Marcello," his voice was aroused but cautious too.

Marcello didn't care right now. All he saw and felt was his mate who had so savagely marked him in front of his brothers. Zeiden wasn't really expecting him to stay calm about this now, was he? The mark still burned through Marcello's neck, it tingled and ached as he felt his shaft thicken to the point that it pained him.

Marcello pushed Zeiden against the metal wall. Both of them pulling at each other, as their tongues intertwined and never to let go. Zeiden grabbed him by his waist and held him lodged against his own hardened shaft. The thick length felt fucking divine against his own.

"Button, Marcello, the door," breathed Zeiden hotly.

With a carnal grunt, Marcello pulled back just enough. He smacked his hand on the top floor button without even looking. The damn doors finally closed and Marcello refocused on Zeiden.

Marcello locked their lips together again and he eagerly put his hands wherever he could find some skin. Zeiden was fire under his touch, his skin was tight and hard muscle that moved as Zeiden did. Fuck, it felt so satisfying to touch him right now. Remembering how hard they had done it back in his car, Marcello was even more desperate to get Zeiden in bed, naked and writhing underneath him. Frankly, he didn't recall most of what happened back at the warehouse, it was like his own mind blocked it all out. But Marcello will never forget the look Zeiden had before he marked him. That was going to stay with Marcello forever.

This was going to get wild, could they handle it? he thought.

Zeiden bit Marcello's lip. "I know we're eager," he said. "But you need a shower before we do anything else."

Oh right, he was covered in blood. Marcello vaguely remembered what happened in Bruno's warehouse. But right now, he didn't care about those feelings, he didn't need them. He needed Zeiden and now that he was marked, Marcello wanted to mark Zeiden.

Zeiden was right though, Marcello needed a little patience to enjoy this night.

The elevator doors pinged open. Marcello laced his hand in Zeiden's and took him to the front door of his penthouse. It felt weird coming back here, he didn't know why but living in the Iron pack house was a lot more eventful. This place felt like it was his past.

The door opened after he punched in the code. The cool draft touched them once they had entered, which was dark and lonesome. The fire wasn't on in the pit and no lights were on either. The streetlights from the city below them had shined a low glimmer over the dark floors and interior.

"Shouldn't you turn on the lights?" Zeiden asked as Marcello took him to the room.

"Why," he replied gruffly as he opened his bedroom's door. "We won't be needing them." Marcello wasn't letting Zeiden leave the bedroom.

They stood in the dimly-lit room, that had brightened upon entry like it always would. Zeiden looked fucking spectacular under the shadowed florescent light. His chiselled face, those sterling blue eyes and that enticing mouth. Marcello licked his lips and swallowed. He was angry at himself for being covered in blood because that just took away precious time. Man, he was going insane just by looking at Zeiden. He needed to cool it otherwise he was going to scare him.

Marcello drew in a breath thinking it would release some of the tension in him- it didn't. "I'm going to take a shower," he told him as he faced Zeiden. "Wait here for me." He realized that he sounded restless and almost nervous of Zeiden vanishing if he left even for a second.

Zeiden shrugged off his jacket and dropped it on the bed. "I'm not going anywhere," he said reassuringly, like he sensed Marcello's angst. Maybe that was the mating bond at work or Zeiden read Marcello's eyes too easily.

Marcello shoved a hand through is tousled hair and rushed to the bathroom. He stripped out of his clothes and didn't bother warming up the water or anything. He got under the hard spray and scrubbed every inch of his body free from the filth and blood. The water eventually had turned hot, steaming up around him and he bent his head under the water, the shampoo washing out and he closed his eyes.

That was when he heard rustling behind him and he heard the door slid open. Marcello stiffened under the water, but that wasn't the only thing that was stiff. Marcello swiped his hand through his wet hair. He opened his eyes and through the glass in front of his, he saw Zeiden's lustful blue eyes. If felt like time stopped as all they heard was the water rushing and the steam making it hard to see.

"My mark looks good on you," Zeiden jested as he ran the pad of his thumb across Marcello's neck. Zeiden then inched closer, the water rolling down his body now too. His lips replaced his thumb and he nibbled softly.

Marcello moaned at the touch. He dropped his head back onto Zeiden's strong shoulder. "I never thought you'd mark me like that," he said.

Zeiden's hands inched over to his waist and abdomen. "Me either," he responded softly. Zeiden continued to bit over his neck, when his hand gripped around Marcello's shaft. "Do you need help with that?" he asked as he stroked the erection.

"Fuck. Yes, please" he moaned.

Zeiden stroked the stiffened shaft with his tough hand luring Marcello to him. "If only you had been so compliant when we met," Zeiden bemused. "You wouldn't have missed out so much."

Marcello felt a tug on his lips, a smile almost appeared. "I was ready to jump you the day I saw you," he admitted and it was the truth. "I was just-" he hesitated to admit that he was afraid and felt unworthy of having a mate.

Zeiden bit down viciously, making Marcello gasp from the arousing pain. "Remember what I told you in the car," he said against Marcello's ear. "I told you that I love you."

Marcello's heart fluttered and never thought that was possible. "I never forgot," he replied. How could he? No one ever said that to him before.

"So, don't spiral away from me," Zeiden asked as his hand teased his shaft. "You're mine. Nothing will change that. Not even you."

That did it.

Marcello turned surprising Zeiden. He pushed Zeiden up against the cool tiles of the shower, their lips locked and their tongues found each other together. Both of them moaned at the contact and Marcello stepped closer. He pressed his leg between Zeiden's legs and held him up. Water fell between them, but only Zeiden quenched the thirst inside Marcello.

Zeiden collared his throat with his hands and brought him closer. Marcello kissed him with wild urgency. Marcello felt his own scent emit into the dense steam and through it was Zeiden's scent too. The rush grew once Marcello noticed the scent had intertwined, like sealed bonds would for wolves.

Marcello fisted their shafts in his hands and stroked them together. He almost came right then and there, but he held back wanting to make this moment last longer. Zeiden kissed him, accepted him which was more than Marcello could ever wish for.

Marcello's rough hands didn't stop against their slippery hot shafts. They both pulsed in his grasp and he was breathless simply from wanting to come right now. Zeiden dropped his head back against the wall, his arms around Marcello's shoulders and he had a hazy look in his lustful gaze.

"Oh, god," Zeiden moaned as he bit his lip. "Marcello, that feels so good."

"Do you want to come?" Marcello asked, his voice clearly amused. He couldn't help it.

Zeiden's pure blue eyes that grew a deeper blue against the dark shower walls. "You know I want to," he responded.

Marcello's jaw tightened. He planted his hand beside Zeiden's head, he let go of his own shaft and fisted his entire palm around Zeiden's only. Zeiden's eyes widened and he seemed to grow more focused now. Marcello didn't look away until Zeiden had come into his hand, the thick load coating his palm.

Zeiden kissed him again, gently this time; the type of kiss that made his legs weak and his heart pound uncontrollably. Marcello found himself craving more of that. He lost himself to the sweetness that coated Zeiden's lips, like honey and sugar. Marcello's hand trailed over his lean waist, over to his taut chest. But he froze when he felt the scar.

Marcello pulled away from Zeiden. He looked down at the scar that was sliced right over his heart. The stitches had healed, but the scar would burn into his skin since it was done with pure silver. He noticed that Zeiden watched him patiently now, letting Marcello explore. Marcello ran his fingers over the scar, images of the blade flashed in front of his eyes, his gut sank then. Marcello leaned down and laid his lips on it.

Zeiden made a deep, carnal sound, like he was pain when Marcello continued to kiss the scar. "Marcello," he said trying to get him to stop.

Marcello straightened and closed the water now. He needed to do this right, he decided finally. Zeiden picked up the change in him then too, but he didn't say anything. Marcello slid the glass and helped them both out. He towelled them off and took Zeiden back to the bed where he'd spend the entire night memorizing his mate's gloriously built body.

Marcello laid Zeiden down, on the silk sheets and Marcello swore he was turned-on from that alone.

"You know, you're very cute when you're feeling guilty," bemused Zeiden.

Marcello raised a brow. "How do you know I was feeling guilty?" he asked as he crawled over him.

Zeiden's blue eyes that were always so tough and cocky grew soft. "You keep looking at my scar," he said, as his tattooed fingers touched his left pec. "I swear, it doesn't hurt that much anymore."

Marcello melted to his honeyed voice. "You're still concerned for me," he astonished softly. "I'm not the one that almost died."

Zeiden reached over to him surprising Marcello. "We might as well have," he said. "Both of us suffer from scars that night." Marcello gave in. He fell into Zeiden's reach and let him kiss him.

Marcello settled between Zeiden's legs. He rocked his hips into him and felt both of their shaft caress each other. Zeiden moaned into his mouth and his hands gripped onto his arms for support. Marcello was reaching his limit.

Marcello didn't lift his head from the kiss to see where his hand was going. He rummaged forcefully through the drawer on the side of the bed, dropping and throwing things, he grabbed the gel on the side. He repositioned in front of Zeiden, their tongue hot and aching to taste more.

Marcello forced Zeiden's legs further apart. He squeezed the cool gel, letting it spill over Zeiden. He winced at the cold gel. Marcello would turn that cold into heat fast though. Marcello's eyes darkened over Zeiden; a feral need worse than any animal awakened. He was almost afraid that he'd fuck them both to oblivion.

Marcello lifted and he licked over the corded column of his neck. "I'm aching to mark you," he growled. He nibbled on the skin, not hard enough to leave a mark just yet. Marcello's fingers thrusted into his opening and worked to loosen to fit his erection inside. Zeiden closed his eyes and he tightened around his fingers.

Marcello kissed Zeiden's jaw. "I need you to relax otherwise it will hurt," he said.

Zeiden's fiery eyes opened. "I am relaxed," his voice was brusque and eager. "I just need you to stop playing around and fuck me already."

Marcello bit back his laugh. "So, that's how you want to play this," he said. Zeiden frowned, with an inquisitive gaze on Marcello. "And here I was trying to be a gentleman."

Zeiden smirked at that. "Be a gentleman tomorrow," he said. Zeiden wrapped his leg around him, forcing him forward.

Marcello's hand trailed over his chest towards his neck. He slowly let his fingers wrap around him, then he gripped him. Both of their scents flared and he saw the heat in Zeiden's eyes. "You're going to regret that," he said.

Zeiden's eyes drowned with sinful arousal, so did Marcello's.

Marcello pushed the head of his shaft into Zeiden. The hot grip engulfed him and he slipped deeper inside. Zeiden gasped from the invasion and Marcello almost died himself from the heat swallowing him whole.

"It's too deep," moaned Zeiden.

Marcello kissed down his neck and teased that one spot over his rapid pulse. "I'm only half-way," he revealed wickedly. Zeiden tightened around him, sending both of them over the edge. "Fuck, don't tighten like that. I almost came."

Zeiden racked his nails across his back and rocked his hips too. Marcello was going to go insane if Zeiden was going to continue being so honest with his body. The man had no control over what he needed to get his pleasure. Marcello was happy to oblige though. He thrusted deeper, putting his entire length inside him. Zeiden was so slippery and hot, that Marcello could feel deep inside the man. Both of them were panting as they felt their bodies connect intensely.

Marcello pulled all the way out, until the head of his shaft showed and he plunged back in. He watched as Zeiden swallowed him whole, it was so fucking erotic. Marcello continued to do that until he was satisfied and he knew that Zeiden was going crazy.

Marcello rode him slowly, taking his time feeling how he tightened around him when he was close to orgasming. However, Marcello had no intention of letting Zeiden stay in control over himself. In this room, on this bed, Marcello controlled his mate.

Marcello plunged hard and fast, his own release climbing faster and faster. That was when Marcello felt his wolf emerge and his canine teeth sharpen. Marcello thrusted inside one more time, before he latched his teeth onto Zeiden's neck. He bit down and both of them came hard.

They were breathless and bewildered to the point that the room was spinning. Marcello stared down at Zeiden whose eyes were glassy from the bone-wracking release. He stared up at Marcello, collapsed on the bed, looking sexy as hell. Marcello licked over the mark he left, soothing the sting.

When Zeiden came to, he lightly touched his neck where the mark was. Marcello saw the mix of emotions swirling in his mate's pure eyes. "Took you long enough," he had muttered. Zeiden gasped when Marcello suddenly hardened again inside him. "A little warning next time," he grumbled, as his back arched to the wild sensation that teased him like a slick fire.

Marcello fell back on the bed, pulling Zeiden above him. "Again," he grunted. Zeiden straddled his hips and threw his head back in arousal, he grew hard again too.

Zeiden moaned in pleasure and stiffened from this being too much. "Fuck, this is driving me insane," he said hotly.

Marcello adored how lithe Zeiden's body was on top of him. Marcello didn't wait though. He fisted Zeiden's shaft, making him moan. He lifted his hips and thrusted deep into Zeiden again. They both felt how his erection slipped so easily into him and pulled out without any resistance. Marcello moaned at the lustful body of his mate who held no reserve whatsoever.

Zeiden quickly took over and rode Marcello to oblivion, which never happened to him before.

Zeiden collapsed onto Marcello's chest. Both of them out of breath and even more aroused then before.

Marcello drew Zeiden in and kissed him. They moaned as their tongues invaded as deep as they could. Marcello had noticed when Zeiden moved his hips and rode him again. Marcello's fingers dug into his skin, bruising and marking to the point that he became obsessed with tainting him. Anywhere Marcello could do it, he did and Zeiden did the same.

"You look good on top of me," said Marcello. Zeiden smirked smugly when he hotly raked his dark, tousled hair. "But I know how you'll look even better."

Zeiden was surprised when Marcello lifted them both and he changed position. Zeiden didn't know how he found himself on his knees. Marcello thrusting deep into him without any warning or patience.

Marcello could never get tired of this feeling. Being inside Zeiden felt so good, to the point that it felt surreal.

The orgasm hit them hard and quick, like surging waves that were relentless. Marcello collapsed and so did Zeiden. Both of them breathless, their limbs felt like jelly and sweat coated them.

Suddenly, Zeiden drew in Marcello. "Come here," he whispered.

Marcello moved with curiosity. He realized later what Zeiden intended. He drew in Marcello into his arms and they rested together. A pang of guilt filled him and he snuggled closer.

"I'm sorry," he blurted out.

Zeiden didn't seem surprised though. "For what?" he asked.

"For going rogue," he answered. "I should not have gone alone to hunt Bruno. But I felt like it was something I had to do."

"Oh, and why is that?" asked Zeiden.

"I needed to make it right with you," replied Marcello. "Bruno was the reason Aziel even came to my turf. It was all my fault that night and I needed to fix it. Although, Aziel is still out there."

"Wow, I get it now," Zeiden suddenly said. Marcello looked at him confused. "You know, how Isaiah feels when I do something reckless."

Marcello noticed the hint of amusement in his tone. "Oof, that mouth of yours," he said as he eyed those lips with hunger. Marcello climbed back over his mate. "If you do anything reckless then I think I'd be pretty pissed myself."

Zeiden smile grew and it reached his gorgeous eyes. "Let's be reckless together," he said as Marcello neared to kiss him. "Drive my brothers insane while we're at it." Zeiden laughed.

Marcello found himself laughing too. Finally, he thought as his heart fluttered and he sank into his mate's tender arms.

-Rosalie's POV-

With a jolt, Rosalie woke up beside Vivian on the small bed. They had both fallen asleep after what happened today. Rosalie looked at the clock and four hours had gone by. Her eyes widened and she panicked as she got off the bed. She grabbed her cellphone and saw no messages or calls. Adrik must still be on the mission with his alpha.

Rosalie took a deep breath and rubbed her head from the ache growing behind her eyes. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked at Vivian behind her. The pup was fast asleep, her face frowning like she was having a terrible dream. Rosalie laid her hand on Vivian's, when finally, some relief showed.

Rosalie wondered how much pain Vivian must have suffered in that house with her father, Elliot. Her gut sank just thinking about it. Rosalie's eyes stung as the threat of tears grew in her. She didn't want this for Vivian or any kid out there. No one deserved to be abused the way they both were.

Elliot was still out there and he was going to come again, Rosalie just knew it in her gut. So, she needed to get them to some place safe. She should pack a few things and maybe go to a hotel just until she tells Adrik about Vivian's father and how he's not six-feet in the ground.

Rosalie left Vivian's room to grab a bag from her room. She worked quickly since she already wasted four hours. Rosalie opened the duffle bag, putting in her clothes and money, passports, papers and anything else she would need. She grabbed the keys to her car and the school too.

Rosalie changed out of her clothes. She put on jeans and a shirt, she searched for her leather jacket but then remembered it was hanging in the closet downstairs. She'd just grab it before leaving. Rosalie went into Vivian's room and collected her stuff too. She packed her clothes for a few days, her school bag and toothbrush, comb too. Rosalie zipped-up the two bags and hurried downstairs, where it was too cold her for thin shirt.

She opened the closet and pulled out her jacket. She tossed it over the bags and rushed back upstairs to get Vivian. They needed to leave as soon as possible, but she didn't have the heart to wake up the pup in such a spooked way.

Rosalie froze on the stairs and she walked back down. She was just being too paranoid. She needed to calm down because she didn't want to traumatize Vivian by scaring her.

Rosalie went and took a seat on the couch, with her cellphone in front of her. She pulled up Adrik's number and hesitated to call him. She didn't know what to say to him, it was all so confusing. She didn't even have time to process it all.

Rosalie looked under Adrik's name and saw Ashley's name. She didn't know why but she called the alpha-female instead. The phone rang a few times and it was answered.

"Hello," her bright voice was comforting.

"Hello," her voice croaked because she was nervous. "Ashley, it's me, Rosalie."

Ashley laughed. "I know, honey," she said. "What's wrong? You sound a bit spooked."

Rosalie closed her eyes tightly. "It's a long story," she told her.

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Ashley kindly.

"I would love that, but Ashley I need some help," she said.

The line fell quiet.

"Are you or Vivian hurt?" Ashley's voice fell stern.

"No, no," said Rosalie. "But it's kind of unsafe for us right now. I-" she didn't know what to say.

"Okay, calm down," said Ashley. "Do you want me to call Adrik?"

"No, he went with Isaiah, didn't he?" she said.

"He did, but he'll come to you if you need help," replied Ashley.

"No, I don't want to bother him when he's working," said Rosalie. "But I need to get out of my house and I need to take Vivian somewhere safe-"

"Come to me," said Ashley without even letting Rosalie finish. "Bring Vivian and come to the pack house."

"Are you sure?" she asked because she was feeling guilty for bothering her.

"Yes," said Ashley. "Do you want me to pick you up?"

"No, I can't let you do that. I already bothered you too much," she said. "Thank you, Ashley."

"Don't worry about it," said Ashley, her tender voice warmed Rosalie's heart. "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked again.

Rosalie didn't know how to answer that. "I don't know," she told her honestly. "I just need to get my baby to safety."

"Then hurry and come to us," said Ashley.

"Thank you," she said and they cut the line.

Rosalie got to her feet, when the air around her changed. A cold current seeped into her bones and her knees slackened. Her first thought was to run to Vivian and make sure she was safe. But then, her second thought was to get to her baseball bat.

Rosalie ran.

Her blood turned icy as she ran through the hall towards the kitchen. That was when she spotted the figure at the back door about to break inside the house. Rosalie's eyes widened and she covered her face when glass shattered everywhere, some of it cut her hands and face. The cold air from the dark night outside spilled into the house, but the stench of liquor and tobacco come from Elliot who still held a bottle of beer in his hand. However, that wasn't what terrified Rosalie. It was that in his other hand, he held the baseball bat like she had.

Fuck, she thought and almost said it out loud too, but she was too busy trying to figure out how to get out of here safely.

"You psychotic bitch," he drawled as he walked inside through the broken glass.

"I should be saying that," she mumbled as she inched back. Realizing that he was drunk from his scent alone, she knew she had some advantage over him.

"First it was your sister that made my life miserable, and now it's you," he snarled as his eyes glared at her.

Rosalie looked at the side of the kitchen where her bat should have been, but it wasn't, because he had it. He must have taken it when he was here, which was just fucking fantastic.

"Elliot, don't do this," she used her voice of reason.

Elliot's face curled with hatred. He swung his hand so fast, she didn't have time to move. He hurled the bottle in his hand and it smashed against her head. The pain made her topple back and drop to the floor. The sharp shard of glass and cut the side of her head and blood trickled down quickly.

Elliot grinned, like he was happy to see blood on her. "You know, let me tell you what happened to your precious sister so you don't get any ideas," he began.

"I don't want to hear it, Elliot," she snapped back.

Elliot swung his bat, slamming into the photo frames, knocking it all down. Rosalie covered herself and moved back. "My stupid wife secretly signed off the property of the house to Vivian when she clearly knew that I wanted it. I deserved it all because I was the man of the house," he shouted to her. "She took everything I wanted and gave it to that stupid child. So, I played a game with her. I killed her-" he laughed crazily.

Rosalie gaped at him. "What do you mean?" she asked, as ice poured through her body.

"I killed Madeleine and posed it as a suicide," he laughed even more now. "Which then left Vivian to take care of. I thought it'd be easy to kill her. Everyone would just think that the child was grieving from the loss of her mother and died-" Elliot's face twisted with rage.

"That was when Vivian burned the house down," said Rosalie.

"I lost it all in seconds," Elliot gritted out. "Now, you see why I can't go back. I killed to get rich. So, if you don't want to die then I suggest you make better choices than those two."

Rosalie felt like crying for Vivian, for her sister. She always thought her sister killed herself, gave up. But that was a lie. Madeleine fought for her own daughter, but she just wasn't strong enough. No one was strong enough to fight men like Elliot. They always caused chaos and wanted their way. No one protected the weak, this thought made Rosalie's eyes blur with tears.

Elliot laughed at her. "You know, Madeleine never shut up about how proud she was of you and your ballet career," he told her as he nudged her shoulder with the baseball bat. "But let's see what you do with this pristine career if you lose your legs."

Rosalie crawled back as blood trickled down her head into her eye. "Elliot, don't do this," she said as she tried her hardest to move away from him.

Elliot looked at her angrily. "Where's Vivian?" he asked curtly. "I should show her what happens to girls who don't obey."

"Don't you dare touch her!" snapped Rosalie baring her sharp teeth.

Elliot chuckled. "You know, Madeleine said the same thing before she died," he said.

Rosalie reached for the bat, but she wasn't fast enough. He slammed the hard wood into her back and knocked her to the ground. But she didn't let up. She grabbed the bat from his drunk, weakened grasp. But he fell over her and pinned her to the ground. Both of them struggling to get the bat.

Elliot shoved the bat away and threw it across the room, smashing the coffee table in the living room.

"Aunt Rosa!" Vivian's voice was like cold water splashed across Rosalie.

"No!" Rosalie screamed when Elliot's eyes found his daughter. "Go to your room!" she screamed hoping Vivian would listen as she held onto Elliot. "Lock the door, Vivian! Run, now!" Rosalie struggled, as tears and blood blinded her. She was getting weaker from fighting him. Her arms hurt against the floor. She looked once and saw Vivian had done as she was told. Thank god, she breathed in relief.

"Fuck!" snarled Elliot, his face in front of hers. "You bitches never quit!" He pinned her hands and held her down. "I know what will teach you a lesson," he growled as his hands found the button on her jeans.

Rosalie cried out. "Stop!" She kicked and screamed. But he didn't stop.

Suddenly, the doorbell went off surprising them.

Rosalie needed to let her voice out but she couldn't because Elliot had wrapped his hands around her throat. They tightened every time she tried to take in a breath. She scratched his arms, his face, trying to make him cry from pain, but it didn't work. He was smiling as he saw her struggle to call for help.

Rosalie through her blurry eyes, looked at the door. She knew it was Adrik, she could feel him through the door. Adrik! she screamed in her head. Please! Save me! Adrik!

However, he couldn't hear her. It wasn't possible. Adrik walked away. She could hear his footsteps as he left to return to his car.

Adrik! she cried in her heart. Please, someone save us!

"He's not going to save you. No one can," whispered Elliot against her neck, he licked blood and was about to kiss her with his hands still around her throat.

With a loud bang, the door burst open in front of her.

Elliot let go of her throat and she gasped for air. Her wet eyes looked at the dangerous figure looming in the entire doorframe, those piercing blue eyes stared at her. Adrik stood in front of them, his stare deadly and his powerful body looking more than ready to kill.

Elliot was flung off of her. Adrik's eyes flashed like a predator and she moved to give him room. She got to her feet by using the wall and didn't move her eyes from Adrik, as his tight grip held Elliot by his throat with one hand only. Adrik strangled him until he cried out in his grasp, his legs flailing. Elliot choked just like she had.

Adrik dropped Elliot to the floor, leaving him gasping for air. Rosalie didn't want him to let Elliot go. She needed Adrik to kill him. Like Adrik sensed her desire, he was already going to do that. Adrik grabbed the hand that held Rosalie down. Adrik bent it back and slammed it against his knee, the bones shattered, but Elliot couldn't scream to let it out because Adrik plummeted his fist against his face, until Elliot was bloody and so were Adrik's knuckles.

Rosalie slumped back against the wall in relief. Seeing Elliot break was so fucking satisfying. Adrik shifted when Elliot tried to run, but Adrik broke the knees too. He shattered everything Elliot would need to move. Elliot was sobbing on the floor and he was starting to bleed from everywhere, not enough to kill him just yet. It seemed Adrik had other plans for him.

Adrik got to his feet and came to her, his expression changed from deadly to concern. His blue eyes looked at her and her wounds. He peeled his lips back showing his sharp wolf teeth, like he was ready to rip Elliot's throat out.

Rosalie closed the space between them and she hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her too, his bloody hands tainting her clothes, she melted into him and she loved it. Adrik hoisted her up, her legs wrapped around his waist and he pinned her to the wall. Her lips found his first and she desperately kissed him. She kissed all the fear away. More tears came down her cheek and she hurt from everywhere but being in Adrik's arms made it all fade away.

"I love you," she said against his lips, tears in her eyes. "You saved me."

Adrik kissed her again. His hands not rough but protective as he held her close to him. "I always will," he growled. "You're hurt." He inspected the bruising and bleeding.

Rosalie felt her eyes close from feeling light-headed, but she forced that down to stay alert. "Is Elliot dead?" she asked him.

"No," Adrik's gaze fell cold. "I still have to make him bleed."

Rosalie's body shivered at his bitter-cold tone. She dropped her head against his shoulder and hugged him. "I was so scared," her voice trembled. "I thought you left me."

"Never," that's all he needed to say.

Rosalie kissed him again. "Vivian," she gasped out suddenly and ran up the stairs to the bedroom. "Vivian! Vivian!" She knocked on the locked door. "Open the door, baby!" She shouted for the pup, but there was no answer.

Adrik came up behind her, he had followed her.

"Wh-what about Elliot?" she asked.

"He can't run away even if he tried," he told her smugly. He moved her to the side and broke the door open again.

Rosalie ran inside but she didn't find Vivian anywhere, she checked the washroom too. "Vivian," she called out. "Baby, where are you?" Rosalie started to cry again, when her eyes caught the blanket under the bed.

Rosalie bent down and looked under the bed. Vivian was shaking under a small blanket that covered her fully. Rosalie lifted the blanket and met her niece's wet and scared face.

"He- he will hurt me," she wept while shaking like a leaf. "Dad is alive. I killed him but he's alive. He's going to hit me again."

Rosalie reached for her niece. "No, he can't hurt you," she toughened her voice for Vivian.

Vivian shrank away from Rosalie. "No, he always finds a way," she said.

"Adrik stopped him," she told her.

Finally, some realization appeared on Vivian's face when she heard Adrik's name. Vivian poked her head out from under the blanket. But her tears continued and she sniffled her little nose. Rosalie reached but she didn't come to her.

"I called him," said Vivian. "I tried to call him. He didn't answer, but he's here?"

Suddenly, Vivian was dragged out from under the bed. She cried harder and screamed and Rosalie shot to her own feet too.

Adrik had her in his strong arms. "It's just me, baby," he said. Adrik held Vivian to his chest. She was crying on his shoulder as she clung to him.

"You came," Vivian cried out as her small arms hugged him.

Rosalie ran to his arms too. She hugged him and Vivian, both of them were crying as Adrik held them for a long while...

Rosalie didn't notice how Adrik calmed them, but he had. Vivian had fallen asleep again and Rosalie held her. Rosalie's body hurt, but she needed her niece in her arms to know that they were really safe.

Suddenly, a figure appeared at the door. Rosalie jolted, still shaken up but it was just Ronin.

"The man is in the car," he told Adrik.

Adrik was already on his feet. "Rosalie, you're coming with me," he said. "Grab what you need-"

Reality sank in. "I already did," she told him. "I was going to leave, but Elliot beat me to it." Adrik and Ronin shared a confused look.

"Elliot is who?" Ronin asked.

"He's Vivian's father," she told them. "I was going to tell you, Adrik. I swear. But then you left with Isaiah and I-"

Adrik put his hand on her cheek. "It's fine," he said, although his brows were furrowed with anger. "Where are the bags?" he asked her.

"Living room," she told him.

Rosalie got to her feet too quickly when her sore ribs and legs and everything gave up on her. But strong arms caught her. Adrik had her and Ronin grabbed Vivian.

"I'm okay," she said as she got to her feet again. She reached for Vivian.

"You can barely walk," Ronin said to her gently. "Let me hold Vivian for you."

"I don't-"

"Trust me, I won't let anything happen to her," Ronin smiled at her.

Rosalie's eyes stung again. "Thank you," she said quietly.

Ronin looked at Adrik and walked off with Vivian. They quickly followed and made it to the messy foyer. Isaiah and Lazarus were standing there too now.

"How did you guys know to come here?" she asked Adrik.

"Ashley called me and told me you were in trouble," he answered. "And then I got Vivian's call too, but it got disconnected. I drove here as fast as I could. They all just followed after me."

Rosalie looked at all of them with a grateful smile.

"We should get those wounds checked out," said Lazarus pointing to his head, but he was talking about her busted head injury.

Isaiah went to the kitchen and came back with some towel-paper. He came up to her, she was standing on the third step of the stairs, but he still towered her. "Hold it, just like that," he said calmly as he grabbed her hand and put it over the paper on her head. "Is Vivian hurt anywhere?" he asked her calmly, as his grey eyes stared softly at her.

Rosalie's eyes filled again and she shook her head. "I didn't let him hurt her," she said despite feeling like crying.

Isaiah's eyes were strong. "You protected her," he said, like he was proud of her. "Now, let us protect you both."

Rosalie bit back her tears. "Thank you," she said softly.

"Everyone, get to the cars," said Isaiah. "Let's go home."

Ronin held Vivian and Lazarus grabbed the luggage from the living-room. He passed Adrik her jacket and Adrik draped it over her shoulders. He closed the broken door again and they left for the pack house with Elliot tied up inside Adrik's trunk.

They eventually arrived at the house.

Rosalie only realized when Adrik had opened her door. She looked around blankly, then up to meet his gaze. She got up from the seat and went to Vivian who was in the back seat. Ronin was already beside her though. He grabbed the pup and she settled in his arms. Rosalie drew in a breath and realized that they were safe. Nothing would hurt them here.

"Come on," Adrik whispered and kissed her head, his arm around her waist.

They went into the house where Ashley and Evelyn eagerly awaited.

"Oh my god," exclaimed Ashley as she saw them all walk in battered and bruised.

Rosalie tried to smile, but it didn't work. She wasn't feeling happy at all, only sick to the stomach.

Ashley put her arms around Rosalie. "Are you okay?" she asked pulling away and examining her. "Of course, you're not okay. You're bleeding and-" she stiffened when she saw the bruises forming around her neck.

"Mom, what's wrong with Vivian?" Evelyn asked, as she stood with Ronin looking up at her friend. "Is she hurt?" her voice started to tremble and her eyes filled. Isaiah went to his daughter.

"I'm okay, Ashley," she said. "Thanks to you."

Ashley hugged her again. "I'm sorry this happened," she said.

Rosalie hugged her back just as tightly. "It all happened so fast," she admitted.

"You're shaking," Ashley cried then.

Rosalie pulled back. "I'm fine-" she tried to smile then. "I'm-" her eyes blackened and her blood drained.

"Isaiah!" Ashley had yelled in the distance.

Adrik had caught his mate before she had fallen to the floor though.

Rosalie didn't know how much time passed until she finally came to it. She woke up in a dark bedroom, the low light of the lamps spilling enough glow to illuminate the simple room she was in. Suddenly, everything came crashing down on her.

Rosalie shot off the bed. "Vivian," she gasped.

"Aunt Rosa." Vivian was right beside her.

Rosalie looked and saw her niece waking up from sleep. Rosalie laid back down, ignoring the aches crawling through her body. She engulfed Vivian's small form into her arm and gathered her close. She kissed the top of her blonde head.

"You're safe," she hushed softly. "I got you." Rosalie didn't know if she was reassuring Vivian or herself.

Vivian's small hand reached over Rosalie. She gripped onto her shirt and tucked her head into her, laying her ear on her heart.

"My mom never slept with me," she suddenly spoke up.

Rosalie then recalled what Elliot had told her about Madeleine's death. She wanted to tell Vivian that it was okay, that she didn't need to explain anything. But Rosalie couldn't find the voice to do that. So, she just listened.

"My mom never even took care of me the way you do," Vivian continued quietly. "She was always so afraid to come near me because she thought my dad would hate it." Rosalie felt when Vivian took a deep breath. "That's why I'm so confused when you try to do things for me. I'm not used to it." Vivian shivered and Rosalie pulled her in closer. "I'm sorry my dad hurt you and I couldn't save you-" her little hand clutched harder onto Rosalie.

"Shhh, baby," Rosalie whispered calmly. Vivian sniffled her nose. "It's my job to protect you, Vivian. You are not to blame because your parents failed you."

"I don't want dad to take me," Vivian said firmly. "Don't let him take me."

Rosalie felt her eyes sting. "Shhh," she calmed her niece, hugging her closer. "He won't take you. No one can take you from me." Vivian snuggled closer. They fell quiet for a long moment, until Rosalie found the courage to speak again. "Vivian, I think you have the right to know something about your mom. Your mom didn't suicide, Vivian."

Vivian gaped up at her. "What?" Her eyes paled and terrorized.

"Your dad killed her," Rosalie explained.

"Mom didn't leave me," said Vivian. "She didn't abandon me?"

"No," said Rosalie hoping to make the pup smile from this revelation, but Vivian didn't smile still. "Vivian, can I ask you something and no matter what you say I will believe you?" she asked. Vivian didn't answer but she signed instead. Rosalie hugged her again thinking maybe that would lighten the topic. "Did you burn the house down?" she asked carefully.

Vivian hesitated.

"You don't need to say anything if you-"

"I did-" she interrupted. "I burned it all down because I didn't want to live there after mom left me all alone."

"How did you expect to leave the house when it was burning down?" asked Rosalie. Vivian held her head down. She didn't say anything. "You weren't thinking of getting out, were you?" asked Rosalie but the pup stayed quiet. Rosalie's throat burned, her gut churned just imagining Vivian wanting to die in the fire.

"I don't know how I got out," Vivian's small voice spoke. "I think the gardener found me. I don't really know."

"It's okay," said Rosalie. "You don't need to think about it anymore. That's all in the past. You're with me now."

Vivian's warm breath tickled her neck. "I like being with you, aunt Rosa," she said softly. "You make me feel safe."

"I love you, Vivian," Rosalie whispered as she kissed her pup's head again. "You're my baby, my family. Nothing will happen to you." Rosalie slightly rocked lulling Vivian back to bed.

Once she had, Rosalie untangled her limbs carefully and went to the bathroom across from them. She flicked on the light and that's when she froze. She couldn't recognize herself in the reflection, the woman in front of her had bruises all over her neck, stitches near the temple of her forehead and cuts over her cheek too. Blood had trickled down the front of her shirt, there were large handprints smeared across the fabric too. There was a small tear near the collar where she had tried to get Elliot's hands off her. There was blood on her jeans too. She walked closer to the sink, rinsing her cold hands under warm water. She splashed some of it on her face trying to get some colour on her pale cheeks. She used the fluffy towel on the side and wiped herself, but that was when she caught whiff of Adrik's scent.

Rosalie returned to the bedroom and realized that this was his room, his scent marked this entire space. And now, so did her own. It felt so intimate to be here, in his room, like he needed them in his space and not in any guest bedroom.

Rosalie looked around the dark room and saw how simple and clean it was. There was no decor or any artistic touch. The cool tones of grey, white and black covered the room and it was so like Adrik to have this type of room. Rosalie looked back at the large bed, imagining him laid back on it with his large figure.

The door behind her opened, the golden light from the hall breaking the black in the room. The wide figure appeared at the door again. Rosalie felt every nerve in her body loosen up. The ice in her veins trickled away by the fire Adrik brought near her.

"You're awake," he said, as he walked in closer. He crossed the space and stood in front of her now. His strong arms circled around her and hugged her close to him, her front pressing against his.

"I just woke up a few moments ago," she whispered. "Where is everyone?" She wanted to ask about Elliot, so she could shoot that fucker's face herself.

Adrik's blue eyes darkened as he looked at her, or more at the bruises on her neck. "They are with Elliot in the basement," he told her like he already knew what she needed to hear. That was Adrik for you, she thought.

"And- um- is he-" she closed her eyes tightly.

Adrik kissed her softly on the mouth stopping her fumbled words. "He's still breathing, but barely," he told her.

Rosalie sank into him. "He killed Madeleine," she told him. "He killed my sister for the money. But Vivian burned the house down so he couldn't get any of it." Adrik didn't seemed stumped or even surprised, like he had already known the dark parts. Or more like he knew any darkness that was out there and wasn't fazed anymore.

"So, he came to you," Adrik gritted out, his jaw tightened to the point that it'd shatter.

"He came to me this morning," she told him. "I was going to tell you-"

Adrik made her look at him, as he titled her head back. His blue eyes deep and trusting. "I know, but I failed to listen," he said. "I was the one who left."

"No, it's not your fault," she shook her head. "You came back for us. You saved us. I've never had anyone do that for me." She put her hand on his. "Thank you."

Adrik skimmed his fingers down her neck, his eyes darkened over the bruises and he laid his lips on it. "I'm so angry that he marked your beautiful skin," he grumbled against her throat. A chill shivered down her body and made her core hot. "I wanna rip the fucker's throat out."

Rosalie found herself smiling for some reason. "Please, do," she insisted.

Adrik kissed down her neck, his hands cupped her butt and pressed into him. "I'm going to do much worse to him," he growled against her pulse. "I came to get you for it. Will you come with me?"

Rosalie combed her fingers through his soft hair and breathed in his masculine scent. She knew at that moment nothing would happen to her when she faced Elliot again. "Yes," she whispered to her mate. Adrik kissed her softly this time. "Let me get changed first," she told Adrik. "Where my bag?"

Adrik shifted slightly to the right showing the bags near the fireplace.

Rosalie went over and unzipped it carefully, so the noise wouldn't wake up Vivian. She pulled out fresh hoodie and pants with an elastic band so she wasn't confined right now. She didn't need to be in tight clothes after being so violated.

Rosalie's skin fell cold and prickled like a million needles when she remembered Elliot trying to rape her. Pushing those thoughts down, she went to the bathroom again. Closing the door, she quickly stripped out of the dirty clothes, her underwear too and put on the hoodie and pants. She ditched the bra because she didn't need that right now either, it would just get annoying.

She closed the light and returned to the bedroom. Adrik was standing still at the foot of the bed, his eyes on Vivian.

"What's wrong?" she whispered to him.

"Nothing," he said as his gaze lingered on Vivian's face.

Rosalie extended her hand to him. "Let's go then," she said. "I think it's time to get back at the son-of-a-bitch for hurting Vivian. Don't you think?"

Adrik smirked. "What do you think I've been plotting in my head ever since we got back," he took her hand in his. "I'm about to show that asshole what happens when you touch my family."

Rosalie smiled at him. Family, she thought. Finally, a family that protected each other.

They had just opened the door, when they were stopped by a figure behind it. Evelyn was sitting outside the door. She bolted up on her feet when she saw them.

Evelyn's grey eyes, red and puffy looked up. "Is Vivian awake?" she asked them.

Rosalie bent down. "She isn't yet," she told the pup. "But can you stay with her until she does? So, she's not alone."

Evelyn's face grew determined. "I can do that," she answered. "I won't leave Vivian alone even for a second."

Rosalie kissed her rosy cheek. "Thank you," she said. "I'm glad Vivian has a sister like you."

Evelyn's face uplifted with a beaming smile. She scrambled through them and ran to Vivian on the bed. She plopped down beside Vivian and slept beside her, linking their small hands together too. Rosalie stared at them remembering her own sister who had lost her life even though she had so much to live for. Rosalie shut the door, leaving a sliver of space for them.

"Ready?" Adrik asked.

For Vivian and Madeleine, thought Rosalie. "Yeah, let's go."