Adrik swiped his hand across the foggy mirror, exposing his face in the clear reflection. But he wasn't proud of what he saw nor was he glad to see himself again. That was because when he looked into the mirror what stared back at him was a scarred man who drank the blood of his dead father and hadn't sympathized or felt remorse for the dead. Memories that were raw as a gunshot wound had rooted deep into his tortured body.

No place was left unmarked by his father, because each time Adrik had lost in a fight or failed to obey an order, it had costed him deeply. Scars weren't his only punishment though. Frankly, Adrik preferred the solitary confinement sessions over the other heinous methods his father resorted to use, because confining Adrik in a cage only caused him physical scars. But the times when Adrik's father paid extra attention to his son's sessions caused the poison of hatred to sink deeper inside him.

His entire body was left at the mercy of the men who thought violence was the key to power. How wrong were those men to abuse their children? The children that are now the product of hatred, but also, they are the monsters that surpassed their fathers' resentful supremacy. The only way which Adrik knew how to conceal the past from his body was to replace every scar with a darkly inked tattoo. These tattoos on him weren't to be cool or for art, like how other ordinary people got them. For Adrik each tattoo covered a scar and showed Adrik that he had won against his father.

Adrik combed his fingers through his wet hair when the annoyance in his temper seemed to aggravate the blood in his veins. He had just finished his training around the pack territory, that typically lasted for five hours.

With a dark scowl on his face, he turned away from the mirror and left the bathroom entering his bedroom.

Eventually once dawn had passed, he saw other pack members out for a run in their wolf forms. But he couldn't transform, not without risking everyone's lives. So, he stayed in his human form for the last two hours of training.

He was always the first to wake up from the rest of the members that lived in the house. Adrik knew that Ronin, Lazarus would have already gotten up, since nine o'clock was their time. Isaiah would wake up with Ashley in an hour and so would their daughter, and Zeiden would be dead to the world still in bed. Only to be woken up by Lazarus with a pillow to the head, just so the boy could eat breakfast with them. It was eleven o'clock now and Adrik knew that everyone should be awake and gathered around the breakfast table as usual.

Adrik didn't bother with a suit today. He picked out a black shirt, which he just buttoned up to his collar-bones. He grabbed a pair of black jeans, that were rugged and torn-in. He went over to the table in his room; gathering his wallet, car keys and phone, he put it all in his pockets.

Adrik glanced over his bedroom, which was fairly simply. No extravagant decor or special pieces of art. There was a big bed that faced a fireplace and a seating area. He ditched the walk-in closet, since he didn't need that much room for his mainly black wardrobe. Adrik closed the door to his room and moved to go downstairs where it was always rowdy.

Evelyn's voice was the first thing Adrik heard before anything else. "Uncle Zar, could you pass me the milk?" she asked as she sat with her uncle.

"What's to eat? I'm starving," asked Zeiden, as he walked into the kitchen still in his pyjamas, which consisted of comfy red flannel pants and long-sleeved shirt set.

"It's between cereal or BLT sandwich, you choose," offered Ronin who was grilling bacon at the stove.

"BLT, please," said Zeiden eagerly. "I was missing your cooking, Ronin. You should do it more often and leave Lazarus in the dirt."

Lazarus glared at Zeiden. "Remind me next time not to feed your ass," he groused.

Evelyn giggled. "Uncle said a bad word," she bemused as she spun the spoon in the bowl.

"Lazarus, watch your tongue in front of her," carped Ashley. "She catches on quickly."

Adrik arrived and they all tried not to look at him or become aware that he had walked into the kitchen. He didn't understand why they all tried so hard, he wasn't worth their effort or sympathy.

"Good morning, uncle Adrik," Evelyn smiled up at him.

"Good morning," he said to her with the most levelled tone he could muster.

"I made you a BLT sandwich, Adrik," said Ronin. "Come here and take it from me."

"Excuse me, I came first," butted in Zeiden.

Ronin turned and put the sandwich on a plate handing it to Adrik. "Big-mouthed pups have to wait," he said.

Zeiden raked a hand through his midnight black hair. "It's fine," he shrugged. "My elder should be taken care of first."

Adrik narrowed his sharp eyes on the man. "Watch yourself," he warned.

Zeiden laughed before he scooted closer to Ronin for protection. "Enjoy your breakfast, sir," he wished in good spirit.

Adrik rolled his eyes. He took a seat at the table near the large window with the rest of the group when Lazarus looked up at Ashley. "Where's Isaiah?" Lazarus inquired.

"Why? Miss me so soon," a voice retorted from the entrance, it was Isaiah looking as comfortable as he could in all denim.

"Why wouldn't I?" retorted Lazarus. "Your grumpy moods, that salty-ass attitude and disturbing smile makes my day all warm and fuzzy."

"Love you too, brother," remarked Isaiah.

Zeiden pushed a plate with a sandwich in Isaiah's hand. "I love you too," he smiled brightly at him. "Now, eat. Ronin's orders."

Isaiah grabbed the plate. "Thanks, Ronin," he said before he sat down near Evelyn and Zeiden took a seat beside Adrik.

They all poured themselves coffee and got another round of sandwiches. Ronin prepared his own brunch and sat down with Adrik. They all discussed their plans for today even though they were all home for the weekend. All of them seemed in no rush to get started on pack duties. Except Zeiden who would pull out his cellphone every few minutes.

"Why do you keep looking at your phone?" asked Ronin who grew suspicious.

Zeiden looked up befuddled. "Huh?" he hadn't heard Ronin since he was so absorbed into the phone screen.

"Stop looking at your phone," said Lazarus sternly. "It's annoying as fuaa-" his voice fell and he looked down at Evelyn who was right beside him.

Zeiden gaped at his side where Lazarus was seated. "Why is it annoying you so much?" he astounded.

"Because it feels like we have work when I know that we don't," explained Lazarus. "Let me enjoy my latte in peace."

Zeiden put his phone away, when abruptly, it went off surprising them. They all heard it ring. Zeiden shot out of his chair and left the kitchen in a hurry. He almost toppled over Lazarus and his latte.

"What's up with him?" asked Isaiah looking over his daughter to Lazarus.

"Don't look at me," responded Lazarus. "I never know what's going on in that brother's head of ours."

Adrik considered over the rim of his cup as a voice from the back of his mind told him, that it had something to do with Marcello. He was the only one that was with Zeiden when they bumped into Marcello at the bar. So, Adrik was the only one to see the way the two of them behaved around each other.

After a good moment, Zeiden walked back inside with the phone against his ear, his expression wasn't playful or light like usual. Adrik only saw that expression on Zeiden when the man was talking about hunting a target.

"Isaiah," Zeiden called out to his brother.

Isaiah's grey eyes hardened as he was about to take a sip of his coffee. "Yes?" he incited for Zeiden to continue.

"It's Marcello," said Zeiden and Adrik figured as much. "He wants to talk to you."

Everyone around the table got an eerie feeling. Adrik knew that this was going to be interesting, maybe even the most fascinating thing all day.

Isaiah held his hand out to Zeiden who handed the phone right away. Isaiah turned the screen and put it on speaker. None of them said a word, so Marcello wouldn't know that everyone was listening right now.

The comfortable, relaxed father to Evelyn had left and the alpha to Iron Blood pack appeared. "What can I help you with, Marcello?" asked Isaiah.

Marcello's deep, stern voice spoke through the phone. "I want to meet with you," he ordered more than asked.

Isaiah looked around at all of their faces. Lazarus was confused and so was Ronin. Adrik didn't have much of a reaction, except Zeiden who looked deeply concerned. Adrik would've thought that Zeiden would be excited to see Marcello again.

"I have the day off, Marcello. I want to be with my family today," said Isaiah. "If this isn't important then it can wait until Monday."

"It can't," he retorted.

Isaiah rolled his eyes. "What do you want?" he asked.

"My penthouse at four o'clock," instructed Marcello. "Don't be late." He cut the phone and left them all stumped.

"Well, I didn't expect that," Ronin broke the silence first.

Isaiah passed the phone back to Zeiden. "He seriously needs to work on his people skills," he remarked.

"What do you think he wants?" Ashley asked, as Adrik pushed the bowl of blueberries towards Evelyn who was reaching over to eat them.

"Who knows, it's probably nothing good though," said Isaiah with a sigh. He raked his hair back, surely out of irritation.

"Do you think he found Reaper's location?" asked Lazarus.

"Even Zero didn't find Reaper's location yet," said Ronin. "Marcello couldn't have."

"That's because Zero's not looking for Reaper yet," said Isaiah grimly. "And god protect that man when Zero goes hunting for him."

Adrik cheers to that. Zero was a rogue wolf who dedicated her entire life to protecting wolves without a pack. She singlehandedly could wipe out an entire army and not break a sweat. That's why she was known as the 'executioner' in the shifter world. Her authority was unmatched and even the alphas couldn't match the influence she had on the wolves and humans.

"If you're heading out then you can drop off Evelyn to ballet class," said Ashley.

"There's class on Saturdays too?" asked Isaiah.

"Yes, there is, daddy," said Evelyn, as she swung her legs on the chair. "I want to go to ballet class every day. I even made a new friend."

"A friend?" asked Isaiah. "Who, Evelyn?"

Evelyn's smile grew as her dad asked about her new friend. "Her name is Vivian and she dances better than the whole class!" she explained enthusiastically. "She's older than me too."

"Vivian is Rosalie Lenoir's niece," clarified Ashley. "Rosalie told me that she's her sister's daughter."

"Is the sister not in the picture?" asked Lazarus.

Ashley nodded. "I don't think so," she said. "Rosalie also got very hostile when I asked about Vivian's father. I guessed something bad happened."

"For her to move from Paris to New York probably has a motive behind it," noted Ronin.

Ashley straightened her posture and leaned her elbows on the counter. "I feel kind of bad for her," she shared. "Having to quit with that much talent must have been hard."

Adrik didn't know this woman Ashley spoke of, but something told him that she probably didn't have it that hard since this was about family. Otherwise, to get back up, build a school and life for her niece wouldn't be possible for a weak person. But he stayed quiet on his thoughts.

"Zeiden," Isaiah called out, but the man seemed lost in thought. "Zeiden!"

"Huh, what?" Zeiden looked up befuddled.

"Get your head out of the clouds," said Isaiah. "I need you to get Marcello's address."

"What! Why me?" asked Zeiden.

"You're the only one with his number," pointed out Isaiah. "Which reminds me, how'd you even get his number?"

"He got it when we went to the club," Ronin answered for Zeiden.

"Oh, you guys bumped into him at the club," Ashley seemed intrigued. "That must have been fun."

Evelyn reached over and grabbed the strawberries next- only two fit in her small hand. "Who is Marcello?" she asked.

Isaiah gathered his daughter in his arms and positioned her on his lap. "Just some crazy man, baby girl," Isaiah said idly. He snuggled the pup close to his chest, resting his cheek on her head. Evelyn straddled his lap, her eyes on the strawberries and she quickly moved on from the 'crazy man' topic.

Adrik got out of his seat with his dishes. "I'm downstairs," he told his pack members.

"We'll head out at two thirty," Isaiah told him. "Be ready, all of you."

Evelyn stepped up on her father's lap. "Can I come too, uncle Adrik?" Evelyn looked over her father's shoulder to Adrik.

Adrik looked at her bright eyes. "Sure," he said.

Evelyn fumbled off Isaiah's lap. "Mom, where's my swimsuit?" she asked as she reached the floor on her two feet.

"In the bottom shelf of your closet," replied Ashley.

"I'll be right back, uncle Adrik," said Evelyn. She ran up the stairs and into her bedroom.

Isaiah watched his pup run off. "I wanted to cuddle," grumbled Isaiah.

Lazarus laughed smacking Isaiah's shoulder. "There, there, don't cry," he consoled. "She doesn't find you interesting enough." Isaiah glared at him making Ashley and Ronin laugh at them.

Adrik shook his head and waited until Evelyn returned. He would've went off but climbing down the basement stairs was a bit tricky. So, he didn't want her to fall. In a few minutes, she had returned in a swimming suit and goggles.

"Let's go," she grew more excited as Adrik lead her towards the basement where the indoor pool was.

The bottom level of the house had an entire gym for all of them to work out, which they all used religiously. However, Adrik used the swimming pool on the other side the most. It was one of the few things that appeased him more than beating the crap out of some thug.

Adrik opened the double doors wide. Evelyn burst through the doors with haste in her feet.

"Don't run-" he tried to warn her, but the kid had already jumped into the calm pool, splashing water all over the floor and him.

Adrik stripped out of his own clothes. He was in his swim trunks since the morning because he was already prepared to be here all day. Before getting in though, Adrik grabbed the donut-floaty for Evelyn to use once she got tired of swimming.

Adrik and Ronin had taught her how to swim just a year ago and she was already very good. The pup really had no fear no matter what she did. She was floating perfectly on the deep end of the pool. She had floats on her arms, but that was just for safety. Adrik knew she was fully capable to swim on her own.

Evelyn swam back to him. "Can you give me the donut?" she asked as she popped her head out of the water.

Adrik tossed it to her. "Be careful," he told her, and like that, she was already swimming off with her legs paddling behind her.

Adrik didn't waste any more time either. He plunged into the pool and used the wall to push himself off into the dense current of the pool. The cool water enveloped him whole and he lost himself to this exhilarating rush in his body. Each stroke of his arms cutting through the water helped him release the tension stored in each muscle. Adrik blocked out everything and gave in to pushing himself as hard as he could.

Adrik didn't know how much time passed, when he stopped out of exhaustion. He grabbed the ledge of the pool to look at the clock and saw that there were only ten minutes to two o'clock.

"Uncle Adrik, who taught you to swim?" Evelyn asked as she was sitting in the donut, floating aimlessly beside him.

"My mom," he told her.

"Where's your mom?" asked Evelyn.

Adrik ran a hand through his wet hair. "She's gone," he told her vaguely because he didn't want to tell the small kid that his mother committed suicide.

"Is she far away?" asked Evelyn next.

"Yeah," he said.

"Do you miss her?" she asked then.

"Sometimes," he told her.

Evelyn smiled cheerfully. "We should tell her to come here," she suggested. "It's so much fun with everyone here, right?"

"Evelyn!" Ashley's voice from the top of the stairs boomed loudly.

"Yes, mom!" Evelyn called out even louder.

"You need to get ready, baby," said Ashley. "Hurry back up and don't forget your uncle!"

Adrik let go of the ledge and dropped into the pool once more, before he climbed out with Evelyn. They both returned upstairs to freshen up again.

The drive to the ballet school wasn't long once the traffic had cleared out. Adrik sat with Isaiah as they drove with Evelyn in the back seat. Ronin, Lazarus and Zeiden were following in their own car behind them. He spotted the grey mustang through the side mirror, but since the windows were tinted, he couldn't see any of their faces.

Adrik looked to his side where Isaiah drove calmly. He appeared occupied in his own head. "Are you nervous?" Adrik asked his alpha.

Isaiah exchanged a sober look with Adrik. "I don't know what Marcello wants with us," he said. "And truth be told, that worries me more than I'd like to admit."

"I doubt he'll ask for something unreasonable," advised Adrik.

Isaiah pierced his lips together. "If he knows what's good for him, then he won't dare," he retorted.

Adrik had a feeling that Marcello could be reasoned with. Otherwise, he never would have worked with Zero. Well, who was he kidding. People's irrational behaviour stopped surprising Adrik long time ago.

The arrived at the school fifteen minutes late. Isaiah turned the car right to the front door of the entrance.

"Evelyn," he turned his head to help his daughter.

Evelyn had already unbuckled out of the car-seat. "I got it," she said hastily. She grabbed her bag and rapidly got out of the car. "Bye daddy and uncle Adrik!" Evelyn ran for the door without them.

Isaiah didn't even blink before his pup vanished. Adrik couldn't help but approve of the kid's spunk.

"She's too fast for me," grumbled Isaiah.

They both saw that her hand barely reached the handle of the door. But she managed, except she didn't have the strength to open the door against the strong wind today.

Isaiah unbuckled his seat belt to get out, but Adrik was faster. "I got it, stay in the car," he told Isaiah.

Adrik climbed the few stairs, reaching Evelyn. When suddenly, the glass door opened and Adrik froze in his tracks. The air in his lungs was sucked out as he breathed in a woman's sensual jasmine scent, that reminded him of mountain trails and summer rain.

A feral surge of passion rushed through his entire body. His muscles stiffened and every bone locked in place to brace for the impact of this scent. Adrik's heart quickened, his breath froze and he never sensed such a dangerous urge to claim before. This wasn't even something Adrik felt when he snapped the head of an enemy in half.

The woman who stood in front of Adrik had skin which was as smooth as pearls. The elegant lines of her body were delicate enough to break if he touched her. He could see her petite figure from the tight black camisole and silk white skirt. She had ballet shoes knotted around her thin ankles and her chestnut-brown hair had been let loose in wild waves. The heavy mass framed her small face that had striking golden eyes. She had plump pink lips, that had gloss over them and Adrik couldn't help but stare at the lushness of them when pressed together.

He lost his breath and all sense of time. Fuck, he thought.

"Evelyn, you're late," the woman said, her voice was soft to his ears. He wondered what else was soft of hers.

"I know, I'm sorry, Ms. Lenoir," Evelyn chimed.

"Hurry and get ready, the class is already stretching," said the woman or Ms. Lenoir. Evelyn scurried off under this woman's arm that held the door open.

Suddenly and unexpectedly, they were left alone. The woman straightened to her height, that barely reached his shoulder. She seemed taken aback by him, but her eyes looked straight into his and it seemed she wasn't scared.

Adrik saw the blaze of interest in her brown eyes, that were pools of honey out in the light. Dark lashes surrounded them and he noticed the flush on her cheeks too. The deepest, darkest need to touch her possessed him and he had almost done it.

"Classes end at six o'clock," she smiled up at him so innocently, that he felt it impale the place where his heart should be.

The woman closed the door and walked away from him; from his wolf whose interest grew. A low growl came deep from Adrik's throat. A greedy predatory sound, that was meant to ward off everyone because he was very fucking dangerous right now.

"Adrik, let's go! We're going to be late," Isaiah's voice boomed behind him.

Adrik had to rip himself away from the door. Otherwise, he was ready to go inside and track that wild jasmine and mountain rain scent.

"You alright?" Isaiah asked when Adrik got back in the car.

Adrik concealed his disconcerted expression by looking out the window. "Let's just go," he muttered.

Isaiah reversed the car out of the parking-lot and drove to Marcello's penthouse.

Adrik got himself under control by the time they had arrived. His wolf was on a rampage inside him though. He clawed and growled to be let loose. Adrik had to use every trick in his book to get the beast to fucking calm down. However, if Adrik wasn't even calming down well enough, then he couldn't expect his wolf to chill either. Both of them were hanging off the edge simply from smelling that wild scent and seeing those striking eyes.

What the fuck was happening to him? he wondered. Adrik cursed when he couldn't think of anything.

Mine, his wolf howled. Only mine.

Adrik froze. No, that can't be, he told his wolf. She can't be.

She is, his wolf growled angrily showing all his sharp canine teeth. I want her right fucking now.

Adrik ignored the smug look on his wolf's face. Cool it down, he warned him. We don't want to scare her.

I don't give a fuck about that, his wolf snarled. Go get her.

That's not possible, snapped Adrik.

His wolf rolled his eyes. I won't wait forever, he warned. Either you mark her or I'm coming out.

Adrik's jaw tightened and he gnawed his teeth too hard together that it hurt. His wolf thankfully went quiet by the time they reached Marcello's place.

The engine of the car died when Isaiah turned it off. He parked the car in front of the tall glass building that had no end. The large blue skyscraper on Madison Avenue, that was solely owned by Marcello Tricomi stood at a tremendous height. Although, he only resided on the top floor penthouse. The man definitely lived in style and had tons of other properties around the world to his disposal.

The other members joined them after they parked their car too.

"We're a bit late," said Ronin, looking at the clock that told them it was thirty minutes past four o'clock.

"Marcello should just be happy that we're even here," said Lazarus who looked daunting with the scowl on his face.

Together they walked into the foyer of the massive building, that definitely wasn't empty. A group of men stood at the entrance, dressed in clean black suits and guns strapped to their bodies. Each of them looked highly trained and efficient to kill. But they weren't on Adrik's level.

The security saw them and instantly grew tense. They stopped them from passing the threshold.

"We need you to put you weapons here," said a tall, beefy bald man, "and walk through the metal detectors here."

"Marcello's expecting us," said Lazarus sternly.

The tall, beefy bald guard looked unimpressed. "I am following protocol," he said using a reasonable but strict tone. "Disarm and walk through the metal detectors."

"Do as he says," Isaiah instructed when none of them moved a single step.

Ronin only had one gun on him and a blade. He quickly dropped it in the bin and walked through the metal detector. He passed successfully and stood alone waiting for them. Adrik had quite a lot concealed on himself, it took him a while and he loaded an entire bin himself. Ronin and Zeiden laughed at him. However, Lazarus was even worse. The man had blades strapped on his legs and wrists too.

Isaiah dropped his two lone black glocks into the pile and walked through with an irked expression. "This better be worth all the goddamn hassle," he growled to them.

"He's guarded like he's a fucking prince," said Lazarus.

Zeiden was last. He filled a basket with his weapons, but when he went through the metal detectors, the machine blared alive and warned them that the man was still armed.

"Oh, right. I forgot that we have a princess on our team too," grumbled Lazarus.

"This pup is insane," added Ronin.

Zeiden playfully held his hands up. "I took everything off," he said. "You can even check." The beefy bald guard went up to Zeiden who was biting back his laughter.

"Don't touch him!" a voice boomed in the hall.

All of them turned and found Marcello walking towards them in long strides. Marcello completely ignored Isaiah and went straight to Zeiden first.

"Sir, we believe that he still has a weapon concealed on him," said the bald man who couldn't even meet Marcello's ominous golden gaze.

The man towered Zeiden and he loomed over him with a stern scowl. His blond hair, that was neatly combed back seemed a bit disorderly, by the way Marcello ran his fingers through it right now.

Although, all of them knew this wasn't some special meeting, they all wore casual outfits. But not Marcello, he never wore anything other than a tailored suit. He stood dignified in a gun-metal grey suit, a black silk shirt that wasn't buttoned to the top and it showed his collarbones and those faint scars too.

Marcello slipped his hand inside Zeiden's jacket, surprising them. Reaching from behind, he grabbed onto something and pulled his hand back out. A long sharp fang-like blade appeared and he held it in front of Zeiden's amused gaze.

Marcello scowled. "You're late," he gritted out, as he put his hands back at his sides after he handed the guard the blade.

"Traffic was terrible," Zeiden spoke for them.

Marcello turned on his feet, then his ferocious eyes locked with Isaiah and the rest of them. He ushered them to follow him and he took them to the elevators. Strangely, there was a chirpy tune that started to play in the elevator. Adrik was highly confused and so were his pack members.

The ride came to an end and the doors pinged open to a wide floor, that had a single door across them. They all stepped out and the bright light from the elevator had slowly disappeared once the metal doors closed again. They stood surrounded by the glass walls around them, which showed them standing in the clouds and blue sky, the city at their feet.

Adrik entered the penthouse last and the door closed behind him. After they all passed the long hall, the room opened to a massive space that was square and wide. The far black wall had a plasma-screen TV. Underneath was a long fireplace, that was low to the ground and it danced with soft orange flames, that illuminated the dark oak floors. The entire left side was just glass walls, the entire city of Manhattan laid below them.

There was a wide-open kitchen which was right across from the lounging area. A rich chandelier hung over the black leather sofas, which were placed in a large square ring; it was placed on a black rug, and a slab of jaded marble was the table. This was definitely where he had spent his fortune and it was quite elegant for an underworld mafia boss.

"Have a seat," offered Marcello, indicating towards the black couches.

Adrik didn't take a seat unlike the others had. He simply stood next to his alpha and kept his eyes on Marcello who stood in front of them.

"What did you invite us here for, Marcello?" Isaiah asked as he crossed his legs at the knee and leaned back on the seat.

Marcello cut to the chase. "What were you doing infiltrating Ian Villers' hideout?" he asked.

They all exchanged a jumbled look but an unimpressed one too.

"We were ending the last son of a bitch that followed Vito Donovan," said Isaiah.

Marcello crossed his arms. "Do you even know what you cost me?" he retorted.

Isaiah rolled his eyes. "Blah, blah, something about Reaper," he sighed.

"Yeah, the man who is trying to control all of us," said Marcello. "He's coming for my head and all of yours."

"We know," said Lazarus. "But we can't do anything right now. We don't even know what he looks like for us to hunt him."

"What do you think I was trying to find out that day from Ian Villers," gritted out Marcello.

"I doubt someone as low-ranked as Ian Villers would even know anything," added Ronin. "He was probably bluffing you."

Marcello glared at Ronin. "If I had bolted him to a chair, then the man would've told me the truth," he grumbled. "But you five didn't even give me that opportunity."

"Why does he keep forgetting that we saved him?" Zeiden leaned into Isaiah and asked.

"I don't know," Isaiah answered back.

"Stop," growled Marcello shutting them up. "I need to know if you're going to keep getting in my way?"

Zeiden crossed his arms. "Are you going to keep putting yourself in danger?" he countered.

"What type of question is that?" retorted Marcello. "I'm always in danger."

"Then we're going to keep getting in your way," replied Zeiden.

Marcello grumbled a nasty curse, that wasn't worth repeating.

"Okay, let's just all calm down," reasoned Lazarus. "Why don't we help you out on this one?"

"No," Marcello stated abruptly. "I don't need your help."

"That's not what it looked like back at the warehouse," remarked Ronin.

"I work better alone-" Marcello looked at Isaiah- "I just need you to keep your wolves off my trail."

"No can do," said Isaiah. "These boys do as they please. So, if they want to help you then they will."

"Fuck," grumbled Marcello.

"You'll have a better chance in a fight if we're with you," Adrik spoke sternly.

Marcello couldn't deny that. His jaw tightened like he gritted his teeth at them or stopped another profanity.

"What is your next plan?" Isaiah asked him. "What are your leads to finding Reaper?"

"I have a few more establishments that I'd like to visit," said Marcello.

"Sounds sketchy," remarked Ronin.

"That's because it is," retorted Marcello. "And if I walk in with the Iron pack wolves, I won't get any answers."

"Who said that we need to be with you," said Lazarus. "We'll be back up for you."

Marcello drew in a harsh breath. "Why would I need backup from you?" he remarked. "I have my own bodyguards."

"But we're all friends here, right?" said Zeiden. He got off the couch and stood in front of Marcello with a broad smile, that was his usual charm to win anyone over. Zeiden put his hand on Marcello's stiff shoulder. "Take it easy," he said. "Now, you have us on your team. And we're awesome."

Marcello looked at Zeiden's hand and then back at his face- or maybe it was that smirk. "Are you always this touchy-feely with everyone?" he muttered.

Zeiden looked caught off-guard. "What?" he asked.

"Maybe Marcello's right," said Adrik. "Sending all of us together is a bit risky. It could give our position away and motive."

"And that would mean, we make it harder for Zero to stay undercover," added Isaiah. "Hmm, this is trickier than we thought."

"What should we do?" asked Ronin. "We can't risk Marcello's safety. If Reaper or his thugs get a whiff of what we're doing, it's game over for all of us."

"That's why I was doing this alone," said Marcello. "I have a lot more connections than you all do."

Isaiah shook his head. "There's no need to act hastily," he reasoned. "We can't have you dying on us."

"Even if you like it or not, I'm going to infiltrate Bruno's dealership tomorrow," said Marcello.

"Hold on, Bruno as in Big B?" asked Zeiden.

Adrik rolled his eyes at that ridiculous nickname. Apparently, Bruno was a champion fighter in the cage fights. Although, once he had gotten out of the fights, he opened his own cage fight ring and weapon's dealership at the edge of Brooklyn. He was known as Big B because he had the largest dealership after Vito and he always carried the largest gun no matter where he went. The man was a joke and Adrik would gladly kill him if he got the chance.

"Yeah," said Marcello. "Bruno's been selling weapons to Reaper's gang."

"For how long?" asked Lazarus.

Marcello's gold eyes brightened under the sun inside the room. "From the intel that I gathered, he's been sending a large order of shipments at the end of every month and it's been three months," he said. "Bruno's usually blowing his cash at a club every time he sends a shipment and receives his big fat bonus."

"What a sucker," grumbled Ronin.

Marcello scoffed. "He's the easiest target," he said. "I can get him to talk."

Isaiah got to his feet. "When?" he asked.

"Tomorrow night," said Marcello, their heights matched as they faced each other.

Isaiah raked his hair, out of old habit when he was plotting something away. "We'll join you," he said. "And I don't want any argument on it. Either you let us come willingly or we fight you and still come with you secretly."

"This is ridiculous," grumbled Marcello.

Isaiah looked at his wolves. "Let's go, we're done here," he said, as he looked down at his watch. "Evelyn's class ends in forty minutes."

They got out of their seats following Isaiah.

"Keep in mind, that I won't wait if you're late again," said Marcello, as they walked themselves out of his penthouse.

Isaiah met Marcello's eyes. "We're never late for a mission," he retorted smugly.

The door of their new partner's house closed behind them. The five of them entered the elevator and now it was time for them to come up with their own game plan.

"What are we going to do?" Lazarus asked Isaiah.

"Let's get some coffee first," said Isaiah, as he clicked the lobby button.

They left Marcello's building and went to the café near the Ballet school called Sarah's Bakery. The bakery was fairly full, but they managed to find an empty table near the window. All of them ordered a coffee of their choice and toasted cream-cheese bagels. People around the cafe definitely had a weary reaction to them. But the pack members were already used to this, so they ignored it and enjoyed their lunch.

"So, what's the plan?" asked Lazarus as he ate away his bagel.

"I got one," said Ronin. "Let's kidnap Big B and torture him until he tells us the truth."

"Kill him if he doesn't," added Adrik.

"Exactly," Ronin smirked at Adrik who was across him.

Isaiah frowned at them. "Any other less messy suggestions?" he asked.

They were quiet for a moment.

"Let's just let Marcello handle it," prompted Zeiden.

All of them stared at Zeiden bewildered.

"Why would we do that?" asked Isaiah.

"He's not an idiot, brother," said Zeiden. "Marcello's been doing this just as long as we all have. He probably knows how to get Big B to talk without seeming suspicious."

"I think Zeiden is right on this one," agreed Lazarus, which surprised them even more. "We might just get in Marcello's way by interfering."

"So, stay in the shadows," said Isaiah over his coffee cup.

"Like we did during Ian Villers mission," said Adrik. "No one knew we were there until Marcello was in real danger."

"Let's just keep on eye on the man from the shadows and trust him to get the job done," said Zeiden.

"And if that doesn't work, then me bolting Bruno to a chair is plan B," jested Ronin.

They laughed. "Yes, then your plan is the next best option," agreed Isaiah.

"We should get going," said Lazarus. "Ballet class is done."

Adrik's stomach plummeted the moment he realized that he had to go back to that school. What was he going to do if he met that woman again? he pondered. His wolf instantly awakened inside him and the beast began pacing back and forth. Damn, this was bad, Adrik thought.

They paid and left the tip for the waitress that served them lunch.

Lenoir Academy was right around the block. Despite leaving early, they still arrived late because of the traffic being a complete nightmare around six o'clock. No other cars were here anymore and there weren't any kids around either. But the lights in the building were all on, so there was still someone in the school.

Ronin parked right beside Isaiah's car. They all got out the moment they hadn't spotted Evelyn anywhere.

"Where is she?" asked Lazarus.

"She's probably waiting inside," said Isaiah.

Isaiah lead them towards the building and they all went inside. The foyer was open and wide. There was a large studio right ahead of them where the double doors were left wide open. They could see that the school was kept clean and tidy. There wasn't any suspicion from this place that told them it was a dark and vicious place.

Adrik could sense the tranquil spirit of the school. The tones of pastel colours and seasoned oak floors, that smelt of fresh wood. The bright white lights matched the sun outside today. He took a deep breath and relaxed a little. His body eased back and he felt amity.

Adrik instantly stiffened when he realized what just happened to him. Being content, at peace was never possible for him. So, why now of all times? he questioned.

"The place is empty," remarked Ronin. "Are you sure Ashley didn't pick her up?"

"She would've called me," said Isaiah.

They all turned down the long hall on the left and saw the girls' locker room. There was a bathroom and a few other office spaces.

Adrik froze in front of a door that said 'main office' in white lettering on a black plank, which hung on the door. Through the voices of his pack members, he heard muffled voices from behind the door; it was faint but he heard his niece's bright laughter. But another voice got closer to the door too, it was soft and sweet, the sound played with his heart. The laughter was like fire on his icy-cold skin.

The door abruptly opened.

Adrik's locked eyes with that pool of honey-brown gaze. The same woman gasped and stepped back, bumping into the two girls behind her. Adrik saw her heeled foot twist and she was about to fall on another older kid.

Adrik grabbed her hand firmly. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her back towards him. They both slammed together and the other two girls were saved from being flattened.

The woman froze in his arms, her eyes widened and her breath was out of control. She looked as lovely as she did this morning. Although, her chestnut-brown hair had been tied up and that bothered Adrik. He wanted to unclip it and let the thick waves fall back down. Her wild jasmine scent flared alive just by being in his arms; it got stronger and stronger by the second. Adrik found himself drawing closer to it- to her.

"Ms. Lenoir, are you alright?" asked Evelyn.

Adrik finally came to it. He noticed that everyone was staring at them. But the men behind him were definitely more noticeable right now. Adrik could feel their gaping gazes on his back.

"I'm fine," she answered Evelyn. Ms. Lenoir's gaze looked back at Adrik. "Er- you can let go."

Adrik didn't let go. Not until he was sure that she was safely on her feet. He straightened her position and then dropped his arms. When it all came crashing down on him.

"Dad," Evelyn called out. "You're late." she came around her teacher and walked to Isaiah who was stood baffled. "Dad?" she pulled on his hand. Zeiden, Ronin, Lazarus, Isaiah were all staring at Adrik. But they bit back every comment because they didn't want to freak out Ms. Lenoir.

"Huh?" Isaiah looked blankly at Evelyn. "Yeah, I had some work. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she said. "I'll see you on Monday, Ms. Lenoir."

Ms. Lenoir looked around at Evelyn. "See you on Monday, dear," she waved at her before looking at Isaiah. "Have a great weekend."

"Er- thanks," said Isaiah, trying his hardest to appear calm. "Have a great weekend as well. Thank you for taking care of Evelyn."

"No problem," she said. "Goodbye." She closed the office door on them.

Adrik and the rest of them made it out of the building.

"Oh my god," astounded Zeiden. "Did everyone just see what the hell just happened?"

"What was that?" astounded Ronin.

"I can't believe my eyes," astonished Lazarus.

"Me either," added Isaiah.

All of them turned and faced Adrik who was standing behind them. However, he had no answer for what they sought from him. He was just as confused and lost and blown away as them. 

Never in his entire life had this happened before, where he touched someone and didn't feel the need to kill. Adrik's hands still remembered the sensation of her body and the warmth from her flesh.

An exhilarating sensation crept into him. He couldn't control the fire deep inside him from raging blindly. His life turned upside down, but he couldn't explain the ache in his chest now that he had left that woman behind, when all he wanted to do was go to her and claim her.

Mate, growled his wolf who was thirsty for the bond of wild jasmine scent to mark him back. This was going to get out of control and fast. However, was Adrik ready to burn in this fire... Was she? he wondered.