Sunshine greeted Rosalie and Vivian as they walked down the fairly busy streets on New York's fifth avenue. Women and men strolled down the lanes and walked into the luxurious stores of the active city. The traffic was a bit heavy and all the yellow cabs moved inch by inch to get to their own destinations.

Since it was quite chilly out today, Vivian wore a lavender hoodie and a black pants. She had sneakers on since there was a lot of walking to do as well.

Rosalie, on the other hand, selected a black embroidery lace dress, that had small puffed sleeves and hollowed-out tulle. She loved how it hugged her bust and waist and then flared at her knees. She had let her hair free an hour ago, so she wouldn't get a massive headache from being tied up. She had clipped up her bangs and let the rest tumble in waves behind her.

Rosalie hung her black purse over her shoulder and made sure to never let Vivian's hand go. Rosalie wore comfy black flats, that were worn-in and proven to last her a few hours of travel on foot. Although, she brought the car today, but she had parked it on a less hectic street.

"So, where would you like to go now?" Rosalie asked Vivian after the just walked out of Prada. "Are you hungry?"

"What would we eat?" asked Vivian, as her eyes measured the busy area. But she hadn't seemed bothered by it, which Rosalie was relieved about.

"Maybe we can get some coffee and cake," suggested Rosalie. "We did manage to get a lot of shopping done." She lifted her free hand, that had over four bags clutched in her fist.

"Cake sounds good," replied Vivian.

Rosalie knew this great bakery across the block. She walked past the stores and the people and they eventually got to the second street full of bakeries, delis and cafés. They crossed the street-light with the other groups of people, when suddenly, Rosalie's hand tugged.

"What's wrong, Vivian?" she asked. Rosalie looked at her niece and saw the kid lost in thought as she stared at a small art's and craft store. "Would you like to go inside?" asked Rosalie.

Vivian's greenish gold eyes gleamed with interest. "Can we?" she asked.

Rosalie laughed. "Of course, we can. You can get whatever you want," she said. "Come on." She opened the glass door, which instantly set the chimes hanging above them to sing.

"Welcome, I'm Callie," a short young woman greeted them. She had a blue apron over her yellow jumpsuit. "Are you two looking for anything in particular?"

"No, we're just here to browse," answered Rosalie. "Thank you."

Callie smiled. "Let me know if you need anything," she said and then walked away.

Rosalie and Vivian went around the lanes of the store with a basket in-hand. Rosalie was quick to pick up photo frames, albums and all sorts of fun crafts to do later with Vivian. She wanted to get in the habit of spending time with her niece, and not just for dinner or cleaning. Doing loads of art projects should be exciting to do. Rosalie picked up colouring books too with Callie's help.

"Did you find anything you like, Vivian?" Rosalie asked.

Vivian presented a small case of pastels, that were lined up like the rainbow. "Can I get this?" she asked.

"Where did you see that?" Rosalie asked.

Vivian pointed behind her. "Over by the paint aisle," she said.

Rosalie went over and saw the massive collection of paint, crayons, markers anything an artist would dream of having to themselves. Since Vivian picked up pastels, Rosalie went over to the massive rack of all different boxes of pastels, that ranged from twelve dollars all the way to three hundred dollars.

"Are you sure you want the small box?" asked Rosalie. "I can get you a bigger one. How about the biggest?" She held up the massive case, which was heavier than her.

"No, I only need these colours," said Vivian. "Besides, how are we going to carry that big thing around everywhere?"

"You don't need to worry about that," said Rosalie. "I can get it delivered."

"No, aunt Rosa, I only want this one," said Vivian.

Rosalie picked up some markers and crayons just in case they needed it. After Rosalie had piled up an entire basket, they went to the checkout.

Callie packaged everything in an eco-friendly brown bag. Rosalie quickly paid and they left the craft store, only to go to the café next door.

The bright white bakery was fairly large but cozy. There were romantic round tables and paintings hung on the walls. Right in front, as they entered, there were large displays made of glass, that showed of all the different cakes and pastries.

"Which one looks good?" asked Rosalie.

"I like the chocolate one," said Vivian who leaned her hand onto the glass, like she reached for the cake through the display.

"Should we get a big slice of chocolate and caramel swirl cake, that has white-chocolate mousse?" asked Rosalie who was already salivating from the description alone.

Vivian was too distracted to answer.

Rosalie went up to the cashier. "Can I get a slice of the chocolate swirl cake."

"Any drinks?" he asked.

"A strawberry spritzer; a cappuccino and a bottle of water as well," she replied.

The man quickly tapped on the flat screen and got it her order down. He pushed the credit machine her way, which she paid for right away. "Please take a seat, I will bring your order once it's done," he responded politely.

"Thank you," she smiled at him.

Rosalie and Vivian sat near the window where the fresh breeze cooled them down and the sunlight danced on their table. Rosalie placed all the bags under the table, near her feet as she lounged back on the chair.

"I didn't know you liked working with pastels," said Rosalie.

Vivian was twiddling with her thumbs. "It's just something I do for fun," she said. "There's nothing special about it."

"I suck at art," said Rosalie making Vivian laugh cutely. "I can't draw anything. Well, I can draw shapes, maybe even a tree. But nowhere near enough to call me Picasso."

"I'm not that good either," said Vivian.

Their food arrived and they didn't waste any time before chowing down. Rosalie passed Vivian a fork and they both scooped up the chocolate goodness and ate without restraint.

"Do you like it?" asked Rosalie.

Vivian bobbed her small head up and down. "Chocolate is my favourite," she shared openly. "Back home, mom used to take me to Pierre's store all the time. He would make us a cake that was similar to this for dinner."

Rosalie stiffened when she heard that familiar name. "Pierre still works at the chocolatier store?" she asked. "I thought he closed it down."

"He re-opened it after coming back from Italy," said Vivian.

Rosalie's lips tugged up into a smile, that was sad but relieved. Pierre was like an uncle to her. His small family-owned chocolatier was the heart of their town. Everyone went there to eat his freshly baked treats. He always gave the kids free chocolate at the end of the day when there were left overs, because he never re-sold anything. Pierre's motto was to make it fresh or don't sell at all. Pierre was kind to everyone. He was the one person who guided Rosalie on the ballet career she had now.

Pierre was the only one in that small town who ever thought to reach for the stars. He helped her escape the small town and gave her courage to achieve her dreams. She owed him a lot for that. However, when she had found out that he was returning to Italy, she was devastated. One day, she just saw the lock on his shop and he had never opened those doors again. She never got to say goodbye to him.

"How is he?" asked Rosalie.

Vivian titled her head. "He's old now, uses a cane to get around," she said. "But he still gives out left-over chocolate."

Rosalie smiled as she drank her coffee. "What about Agnes, the bookkeeper? Oh, and uncle Izad from Persia who runs the deli?"

"Agnes passed her shop off to her granddaughter now," said Vivian. "Izad is still running the deli with his family."

Rosalie's eyes widened. "His family is with him now?" she astounded. "I still remember how hard he worked to get them their visa."

Vivian nodded and accidentally got the chocolate from the cake on her cheek. "It's been a few years since they all came," she said as she tried to clean it off with her hand.

Rosalie grabbed a napkin, wetted the end with water before she wiped Vivian's rosy cheek. "It's good to hear that they're all doing well," she said. "Now, let's finish the cake and head out."

Rosalie and Vivian spent their time talking about their home-town, La Roche-Guyon village as they finished their small treat.

Once they were done, they grabbed the bags and left to return to the car. Rosalie was sure that Vivian was probably tired by now. Although, the spirited kid had a gleam in her eyes as she surveyed the entire area. She may be a quiet one, but her eyes captured everything around her with great interest.

Suddenly, Rosalie bumped into another shoulder. She jumped back and couldn't believe that she was so busy looking at Vivian, that she forgot to look ahead.

"I'm so sorry," Rosalie said, just when she looked up and saw familiar faces.

The woman's bright blonde hair, let loose in thick curls styled to perfection. Ashley was dressed in a white dress that went down to her heels. She looked as radiant as ever and she was always flawless.

"Oh, what a wonderful surprise," said Ashley, she had her daughter with her too.

"Hello, Ms. Lenoir! Evelyn beamed up at her. She was dressed cutely in a lavender frock. Her black hair was tied back with a headband and matching shoes.

"Hi, Evelyn," Rosalie smiled back at both of them. "It's wonderful to see you, Ashley."

Ashley's pink lips, that had a sheen of gloss lifted. "I see you got a lot of shopping done," she said approvingly.

"Since Vivian is new to this city, I wanted to show her around," said Rosalie. "What about you two? Out to shop as well?"

"You bet," chuckled Ashley. "But I was just about to head down and get my nails done. You should join me?"

"I don't want to intrude," said Rosalie.

"Please, it's not every day I make a new friend," said Ashley. "And I think Vivian and Evelyn should have some fun too."

Rosalie looked down at Vivian who was listening to Evelyn. "Sure, why not," she gave in.

The four girls crossed the street and went to the salon to get their nails done. As they walked together, in the back of Rosalie's head, she couldn't help but watch as Ashley moved with such elegance but also strength.

There was this quality about Ashley's wolf that told Rosalie a lot about the woman. From the sweet scent alone, Rosalie knew that Ashley was an alpha; it was also clear that Evelyn was an alpha too. The two females didn't show it, but they had a dominant liveliness to their wolves.

Rosalie sensed the calm air around Ashley, it was like soft tidal waves, but still a resilient force came from Ashley as she walked with them. She never lowered her head and as many would judge her glamourous appearance first before anything. However, Rosalie knew that there was nothing naive about her ocean-blue eyes. Ashley was a formidable woman and wolf shifter.

As they turned the corner street, the light from around the brick building beamed over them. That was when Rosalie caught the faint mark on Ashley's shoulder, it was like a puncture of some sorts. Must have been a nasty wound to leave such a deep scar.

Scars, Rosalie thought with a bitter taste in her mouth. She knew all about those.

"We're here," said Ashley, her chirpy voice broke Rosalie's trance.

They all walked into a stylish salon, that had white walls, crystal chandeliers and black decorations. The building was fairly full but also tidy and organized. Employees were at their stations working hard to assist their customer's requests. There was a tall front desk made from black marble, where a stiff woman with red hair, that was definitely dyed to get that hot-red tone, which was vivid against her pale skin and black eyes.

"Welcome, Ms. Iron," she spotted them and beamed.

"Hi, Valerie," greeted Ashley. "I'm here for my appointment and I brought my friend too."

Valerie's eyes went to Rosalie, she smiled politely. "I will get Sasha and Lia for you," she said as she walked away on her platform black stilettos.

Ashley turned to Rosalie. "I usually come alone and Evelyn's too young to do it with me. So, thanks for coming along," she said.

"It's been a long time since I got my nails done. So, I should be thanking you," Rosalie responded.

Once Valerie returned, all of them were taken to the private room at the back, which was divided by wooden walls. In the background played soothing flute music to calm them all.

Rosalie took a seat on the black chair with Ashley beside her. Vivian was taken to the other sitting-area with Evelyn who knew the place really well. Or maybe because Evelyn was so buoyant that it seemed like she knew what she was doing. Either way, the girls seated on the couch and Valerie handed them both large cherry lollipops to keep them occupied.

Young women, with black uniforms arrived with their separate kits and they greeted them. As Rosalie settled in the chair, the one called Lia got busy cleaning the nails on her hands. Rosalie always kept her nails short and clean, for dancing and all. But as Lia got cleaning and cutting, it seemed they needed some work indeed.

"So, Rosalie, has Vivian transitioned into her wolf form yet?" asked Ashley breaking the silence and music.

But more than the silence breaking, Rosalie couldn't believe that Ashley asked about wolves in front of humans who didn't know about the shifter world. Rosalie couldn't help but gape at her.

"Oh, don't worry, they're all wolf shifters too," Ashley waved off. "Valerie and her entire staff. Only the customers are human sometimes."

"Oh," Rosalie thought that was convenient. "Er- no. Vivian hasn't transformed yet."

"I have!" astounded Evelyn bolting straight and eager. "Want to see?"

"No!" Ashley stopped her girl from exposing to the human at the hairdresser area. "She gives me a heart attack every time by doing that."

Rosalie chuckled. "You have an adorable daughter," she said.

"She's like her father," said Ashley. "Cute and fluffy."

Rosalie remembered Evelyn's father and he was not cute and fluffy.

"You're niece, she's six, right? She should be able to change by now," Ashley voiced her concern.

Rosalie knew all about that and it was a needle in her heart, that her niece didn't know how to transition yet. "It's been a stressful few years for her," she confided to Ashley. "Her wolf hasn't emerged yet because of everything that's happened. And the change of city, school, home also put a strain on her."

"That's understandable. Oh, if you want my brother-in-law, Lazarus is great with Evelyn," said Ashley. "He can help Vivian if you want?"

Rosalie looked at Vivian who was swinging her legs back and forth. "That would be great. But I don't want to be a bother."

"It's fine, he won't mind since he helps Evelyn too," she said. "We can meet tomorrow at my house."

"You all live together?" asked Rosalie.

"Yeah, at our pack house," said Ashley.

"Pack?" puzzled Rosalie.

"The Iron Blood pack," said Ashley.

Rosalie stiffened. She knew all about that pack and it's past. Ashley picked up on her cold approach right away too.

"Sorry, did that surprise you?" asked Ashley. "I can assure you that we're harmless."

"No, it's just I heard about what that pack did," said Rosalie. "I didn't mean to offend you."

"No, not at all," Ashley shrugged. "It's normal to be freaked out about it. I get it."

"But I believe that you guys are good people," said Rosalie. "Otherwise, you wouldn't be with them."

Ashley smiled. "You're right about that."

Eventually, Lia and Sasha asked what colour nail polish they wanted. Rosalie picked the pastel lilac colour for her mid-sized nails. Ashley changed her bright red nails to a bubble-gum pink now, which was perfect for the warmer weather coming soon. Although, today it was bit chilly and as time passed, the colder it got, even in the salon.

Lia and Sasha left to retrieve the colours from the back shelf leaving Ashley and Rosalie. She quickly looked back at Vivian who was helping Evelyn stay balanced on one-foot. They were practicing ballet positions. Rosalie couldn't help but smile at them.

"They seem to be getting along really well," said Ashley. "Evelyn doesn't make friends easily."

Rosalie gaped. "She's seems like someone who could make friends in a day," she said.

Ashley's eyes softened. "Evelyn is guarded towards strangers," she said. "Even at school, she tends to stick alone."

"Vivian does too," added Rosalie.

"I'm glad she found Vivian though," shared Ashley. "Your niece seems like a sweetheart."

Rosalie smiled proudly. "She's the best," she spoke truthfully. "My sister raised her to be a wonderful kid. I don't know if I'll be able to carry that on."

"You will," said Ashley. "You're a strong woman. I can tell. But you know, a mate could help you with raising Vivian."

Rosalie's smile grew melancholy. "If I were to be honest, I don't think that my mate would want me," she never confessed this out loud, so it felt foreign to her.

"Why not?" Ashley frowned.

"I have a six-year-old niece," Rosalie said. "It's a lot of responsibility to take care of a kid. I can't put that on someone."

"I see," said Ashley.

Rosalie smiled at her. "You know, you seem pretty badass to me," she said. "And I need to confess, that I've been dying over your heels ever since I first saw you."

Ashley burst out laughing, a blush on her cheeks crept up. "Talking to a woman feels like a dream," she said. "I've been surrounded by men way too long." They laughed together.

Sasha and Lia returned with the nail-polish and got busy. Soon after, Vivian and Evelyn joined them once their nails had been under the hand-dryer for a good few moments.

By the end, Rosalie had sparkly lilac nails. She had forgotten the feeling of freshly manicured nails, it was brilliant and so much fun.

"We should come again," Ashley said exactly what Rosalie was thinking.

"I would love to come again," she agreed.

Ashley forcefully paid for the manicure saying that it was her gift for becoming friends. They spent the rest of the day together after that.

Ashley and Evelyn were a blast to be with and Rosalie didn't say that about everyone. Rosalie was like Vivian, they preferred to keep to themselves and enjoy life at their own pace. But it seemed the fast-paced Iron girls matched the gentle Lenoir girls.

They managed to go through all the stores. Rosalie had to admit that she loved shopping with Ashley who knew anything about everything. The woman was a fashion expert and everyone in each store knew her face upon arrival.

Ashley took Rosalie to her hot-spots for heels and other shoes. Rosalie was thrilled to buy more heels and once the girls got started they didn't stop.

The clock hit late six o'clock and the sky was darkening, since the sun was starting to set.

Rosalie looked at Vivian who was holding Evelyn's small hand in her own. The walked ahead with their own shopping bags. Vivian only held the bag with the pastels though, while Evelyn held her dresses and toys.

"I think we should head home," said Rosalie.

"Aww," pouted Evelyn as she heard Rosalie. "Can't we stay a little longer?"

Ashley turned to Rosalie. "There's a great ice-cream shop here," she prompted. "I would love to treat you and Vivian."

Rosalie looked at Vivian. "What do you say?" she asked.

"Oh please, Vivian," Evelyn pleaded. "Let's play a little longer."

Vivian nodded. "Okay, I don't mind," she said. "We can stay, aunt Rosa."

"Then it's decided," Ashley clapped her hands together. "Let's go!"

They all went to the ice-cream parlour together. But who would have thought that things would take a left turn by a simple visit for some ice-cream.

Rosalie walked with Ashley and the kids towards the ice-cream parlour, that was still open and fairly full with other families and couples.

But it wasn't the crowd or the fact that people were staring at the girls, that sent a chill down Rosalie's back. The air at the entrance of the store thickened with a threatening scent, that only wolves picked up on. She instantly grew on high alert before she turned and face whatever appeared behind them all.

Three daunting men stood tall and proud as they faced Ashley.

"Dad!" Evelyn ran over to the man who was probably the scariest of them all. He stood in front of the other two.

Rosalie knew those iron-grey eyes anywhere. It was Mr. Iron, the alpha of the Iron Blood pack. He wore a black pin-striped suit that tailored to his dangerous physique. But he didn't care of the expensive suit, as he scooped up his daughter from the ground into his welcoming arms.

Evelyn really didn't suit his stern expression and visible tattoos, but the gleam of love in his eyes spoke a thousand words. He hugged his daughter before he kissed Ashley and they stood together now, like a family.

Rosalie didn't know who the taller, broader man with the long blond hair was though. Neither did she know the auburn hair-coloured one, that wore plaid and jeans, but still looked daunting with that leather jacket strapped over to fit his massive built, that almost out-sized the blond one.

Hold on, thought Rosalie. Two of them were missing. The young kind looking one and the one with the scar, he wasn't here. Maybe, he didn't come. He didn't seem like the type to enjoy ice-cream. Well, none of them looked like they enjoyed anything sweet.

"Rosalie, this is my pack," Ashley introduced. "You've met my mate, Isaiah. This one is his brother Lazarus and their best friend Ronin."

Rosalie smiled. "It's nice to meet all of you," she said politely.

"It's nice to meet you too," said Ronin, his tone amused more than anything, like he knew some big secret.

"Where's Adrik?" Ashley asked.

"Parking the car," said Isaiah. "Should we head inside?"

Ashley quickly put her arm around Rosalie, which Rosalie was grateful for because those men were a lot to handle all at once.

They reserved the largest table to fit all of them. It seemed the ice-cream employee knew the group and helped them before everyone else. But the group was still picking their flavour, so they let the other customers go before them.

Rosalie looked down at Vivian. "What flavour should we get?" she asked her.

Vivian's eyes loomed over the counter. "Um, I don't know yet," she answered. "They all look good."

"Vivian, did you pick one yet?" Evelyn asked, the kids ran off to get a closer look at the options.

Rosalie was distracted picking one for herself as well. When suddenly, the air in her lungs was sucked out and it was as if time stopped for her. She was afraid to turn around again, because this time it seemed she wasn't going to recover.

The man who had saved her from what could've been a nasty fall walked inside the ice-cream store. Adrik was what Ashley called him. A unique name for someone like him. Rosalie had never seen such raw strength before, he was a force to be reckoned. This time he wasn't standing near the car away from her. They were both in the same building again and it was like everything blurred around her except him.

The long leather trench coat hung on his sturdy and broad shoulders, that were held back straight and proudly. The leather dragged behind him near the heels of his heavy buckled boots, that made a slight clinking sound as he walked without being impeded by anyone. Rosalie didn't think anyone would dare come in his way, it would be scary to be under his blazing blue gaze. He watched like some kind of inspector that would judge the worth of that life to be below him.

Rosalie noticed that he wore a fitted black shirt and cargo pants to match. He didn't seem to dress for style, it seemed that he wore these pieces for a reason. A reason only he knew and maybe his pack.

Rosalie ripped away her gaze. She went straight to Vivian where it felt a little safer, rather than standing by herself only for him to pass her. She didn't want to catch a whiff of that dark scent she had smelled when he had caught her.

The unforgettable deep notes of hypnotic roses, but the roses felt as if they were on fire and their scent darkened. There were hints of ambroxan, which was a strong woody-amber fragrance. She didn't know if that was from him or if it was a cologne. But seeing his stern attitude, he didn't seem like the one to pick out cologne. This scent was all him, so very male and powerful.

"Are you okay?" Ashley asked her.

Rosalie jolted "Huh?" she turned.

"You froze up there," said Ashley.

"No, I'm fine," Rosalie said. "If you don't mind me asking, but who is that?"

Ashley looked behind where her husband was standing beside the one with the scar slashed down his beautiful blue eye. "Oh, that's Adrik," she whispered. "He's Isaiah's cousin and single."

Rosalie gaped at her. "Er- you didn't need to tell me that much," she astonished shyly.

Ashley waved a hand. "He's not mated and he's a year younger than my mate," she explained further. "He may look mean and scary. But don't let it fool you. Adrik Vasiliev is harmless. He doesn't even hurt a bug." Ashley slightly stiffened as her face changed with confusion. "Well, unless the bug is being a nuisance. Then it's a different story." She regretted the moment when all that slipped out of her mouth, it seemed.

Rosalie was a bit confused as to what Ashley was referring to when she said that. Looking at the Iron pack men, it didn't seem like they were friendly people. However, what they looked like was opposite of what they were actually doing.

They simply stood in front of the ice-cream display contemplating what flavour to get. They would politely ask the young employee for a taste of the flavours too, like this was a normal occurrence.

A smile crept onto Rosalie's lips as she watched this group of individuals. They really were nothing like the rumours.

Rosalie decided that being with them wasn't so bad. They were polite and kind to her and more to Vivian. They were sweet to help Vivian and Evelyn together, like she wasn't some stranger but a friend already part of the pack. The four men seemed to protective as they guarded their pack wolves and the kids too, it was very sweet.

"Aunt Rosa," Vivian called out.

Rosalie got out of the thought bubble over her head and joined her niece's side. "Okay, what flavour do you want?" she asked her.

"Triple chocolate-" Vivian's voice was covered with another deeper voice.

Rosalie looked to her side and stiffened when she saw who it was. The eyes that resembled arctic glaciers stared down at her. She felt that the weight of that extreme blue was heavy and tough. The gaze penetrated through her body and she could sense when an overwhelming heat seeped deep inside her. Adrik stood beside her like it was the normal thing to do. He wasn't bothered by her or Vivian at all. The two of them even shared the same ice-cream flavour.

What was this feeling? she wondered. It was like he was binding her to him.

It's his wolf, her wolf spoke. His wolf isn't safe, Rosalie.

Rosalie pushed her wolf behind and didn't focus on that right now, because even Rosalie could sense that Adrik's wolf wasn't safe at all. Honestly, anyone would be stupid to think that Adrik or his wolf were not dangerous. He hid a lot behind that calm demeanour, but to Rosalie it was clear as day that he wasn't as reserved as he appeared.

Rosalie went up to the employee. "Can I get two scoops of the triple chocolate for the both of them and two scoops of the Butterscotch Ribbon for me?"

"Coming right up," said the employee.

Rosalie guided the girls to the vacant tables and brought their ice-cream cups for them. She lifted her own cup and Adrik's too. She turned to give it to him, but he stiffened and stared at her with a perplexed look. His body had straightened like he was bracing for the impact of the two-ton truck and not her slender hand.

"Aren't you going to take it?" she asked him.

Adrik's lashes lifted and his blue gaze locked to hers again. His hand reached over, she got a full view of his dark tattoos that were inked onto his bronzed skin. What she thought would be as hot as fire was cold as ice. His tough fingers wrapped around the cup and over her own hand. She didn't expect him to be so cold to the touch, especially when he had pheromones as fiery as wildfire.

Rosalie's hand heated up, she felt herself burning more than him. She pulled her hand away and left to sit with Vivian and where everyone else gathered already.

To distract herself from Adrik, Rosalie watched as Vivian quietly sat with Evelyn. Her small voice only for the little girl to hear and everyone could hear Evelyn. Ashley's baby girl was fiddling with the toy, not looking at the slip of instructions and trying all on her own to build the small pink dinosaur. Vivian built her blue dinosaur and reached over to help Evelyn, which the pup greatly appreciated.

"Oh, that piece was the tail," stunned Evelyn.

Vivian put the pieces together and placed it on the table, then went back to her ice-cream.

"It's so cute," said Evelyn. Vivian nodded in agreement. "I'm going to hang it on my backpack. What will you do, Vivian?"

"The same, maybe," she said.

"I was just telling Rosalie that Lazarus is teaching Evelyn to transition," said Ashley. All the men stared at her with calm expressions but with ardent alertness. "I thought we should offer to help Vivian, since Lazarus is such a good teacher."

Isaiah straightened. "That's a great idea," he added.

"Lazarus, you're teaching Evelyn tomorrow, right?" asked Ashley.

Lazarus raised a brow. "Of course," he said. "Classes are always on Monday afternoon."

"No, they're not," said Evelyn.

Rosalie tilted her head. "What?"

"Er- um- she's got terrible memory," said Lazarus.

"Oh," Rosalie was confused of their weird behaviour. But maybe, this was normal for them.

"We can pick you up after ballet class and you can come over to our house," said Isaiah. "The drive to the house is a bit far and tricky."

"Sure," said Rosalie. "Thank you for helping us, Lazarus."

Lazarus managed a small, but kind smile. It seemed smiling was hard for all of them except the girls in the pack. Especially Adrik who sat furthest from her, but she felt his deep gaze the most. He crossed his legs at the knee and simply sat back and watched, which was unnerving.

They enjoyed the rest of the ice-cream. Rosalie knew that it was almost seven o'clock by the time they were done. Evelyn promised to meet tomorrow at the ballet academy.

"We had a lot fun today," beamed Ashley.

"We did too," Rosalie said for Vivian and herself. She couldn't help but look at Adrik who was standing behind Ashley. "I'll see you all tomorrow then."

They left the Iron Blood pack wolves and Rosalie went to her own car with Vivian.

Rosalie, her wolf called out again. You know what this means, right?

I do, she replied to her wolf. Adrik isn't someone ordinary to us.

Are you afraid? her wolf asked.

Of Adrik? Rosalie asked back.

Of his wolf too, her wolf said.

Not really, alleged Rosalie. This whole time he didn't once release his pheromones to me. A dangerous wolf wouldn't miss any chance.

What about Vivian? asked her wolf.

Rosalie's stomach flipped as she looked down at the little girl holding her hand and walking with her. Don't worry, she said to her wolf. Vivian comes before anyone, even if it is my mate.

Rosalie's heart saddened, but she meant what she said. If her mate wasn't going to accept Vivian, then she didn't need him, even if he was as captivating as Adrik Vasiliev.

-Adrik's POV-

They all lingered in front of the ice-cream shop as they watched Rosalie and her niece Vivian walk away from them.

"What happened?" The men hastily asked Ashley.

"I think what I found out is only for Adrik to hear," said Ashley. "Now, run along all of you." The men groaned when Ashley turned towards Adrik and they had to leave right away. "Do you want me to tell you?"

Adrik nodded. "Does she know?" he asked grimly.

"I think so," said Ashley. "But there's a problem and I'm with Rosalie on this."

Adrik's gut sank. "What is it?" he inquired carefully.

"It's her niece," said Ashley. "She doesn't want to mate because of her niece."

"She doesn't want to mate," Adrik felt even more sick now.

Ashley shook her head. "I don't think it's that," she said reassuring him. "She doesn't want to force the responsibility of her niece on anyone, including her mate."

Adrik could see even without Ashley telling him that Rosalie cared a lot about Vivian. Her eyes were always on the pup and she was alert of everything that happened around her. So, he figured that Rosalie would have her concerns.

"What are you thinking?" Ashley asked him.

"Taking care of Vivian is not a concern," he told her. "If my mate comes with family, then it's my duty to protect them."

Ashley grinned proudly. "Good," she said and let out a breath of relief. She turned and saw Isaiah standing with Lazarus, Ronin and Evelyn. All of them eyeing Ashley and Adrik with great interest. "Do you know what you're going to do now?" she questioned.

"I'm going to tell her everything," said Adrik. "I shouldn't lie or hide what I am."

"I think you should do that too," Ashley agreed. "You know, if you want some tips on how to seduce her. I can help you, since I seduced my alpha."

Adrik shook his head and sighed in disbelief. "Isaiah had zero restraint when he first met you," he said, as they started to walk towards the group.

"How could he?" she grinned playfully. "I am pretty irresistible."

Isaiah held open the door for Ashley after he put Evelyn in the back seat too. "We should drop you home first," he told her.

"What about you guys?" asked Ashley.

"We're on a mission tonight," said Ronin.

"Oh, right," she said before she climbed inside the vehicle.

They all got inside the van together and drove home to make sure that Evelyn and Ashley got back safely. Evelyn was asleep in Isaiah's arms by the time they reached home. He carried her out of the car, into the house and to the bedroom too. He always tucked her in and it didn't matter if he needed to go on a mission or not.

Ashley stood at the top stair of the porch. "Make sure you boys come home safe," she said with tired smile. "Look after each other."

"We will," Lazarus reassured her with a kiss on the top of her head, like he always had done for her.

"And bring Zeiden back with you," reminded Ashley. "I don't want him away from home for too long either."

"Stop worrying," said Isaiah as he walked out and faced his mate. He kissed her sweetly and smiled for her. "Get inside and lock the door. We'll be back after midnight."

"Alright, be safe," she said.

"What about our goodbye kiss?" remarked Ronin from the back.

Isaiah scowled and glared at Ronin. "Get in the car!" he scolded.

"I was kidding!" Ronin laughed but got in the car if he wanted his limbs intact.

"We'll see you soon," said Isaiah. Ashley left inside and locked the front door.

Adrik and the rest of them got in the van and drove to the nightclub Xeon. The sky had darkened as if the world knew what the Iron Blood wolves were up to this night. Before they had gone to the ice-cream parlour, they surveyed the area around the nightclub. So, without even a word of exchange, all of them knew what and where they all needed to position themselves.

Since security at this club was shit, Adrik didn't find any problem to take over with their own rules now.

Xeon was already busy despite it only being barely ten o'clock now. Adrik waited in the car with the rest of them. Zeiden had texted them that the meet was at exactly eleven o'clock, because that's when Bruno arrived.

Lazarus parked the car across the club, which had lit up a bright red with all the neon lights enticing everyone to come inside. Many people were gathered at the front probably already drunk or high. Adrik could see lots of them tumbling on their feet and causing small petty fights too.

Disgust filled Adrik as he watched the tedious scene in front of him. He really didn't like anything about this place. His wolf even growled and snarled at the annoying behaviour of humans when they were being useless and stupid.

Adrik turned his head away from that unsightly view. However, when he had closed his eyes for a momentary moment. He recalled that entire instant he had spent with Rosalie. She was beautiful and as fresh as mountain breeze to him.

Adrik understood why she was worried for her niece, since he was always protective of Evelyn. He would never force her to part with Vivian, especially not since he saw that pup for himself. The little girl was too serious for her age, which could only be caused if something dark happened in her past.

Vivian was definitely Rosalie's niece. Both of them were so pretty and had that same refreshing fragrance. But Vivian had a hint of vanilla and orange sorbets, like the wild forest and garden flowers were mixed into one. Once he caught the subtle hints in their scents, he didn't forget them and neither did his wolf.

"We should head into position," instructed Isaiah. "You all know what to do."

Adrik opened the car door and crossed the road. He was concealed in the darkness of the night and he masked his own scent once he needed to hunt. But the plan tonight wasn't to kill anyone, he needed to be ready if anything harmed Zeiden and Marcello.

Adrik vanished between the alley of the nightclub and the old warehouse, that was another place people sold drugs and drank until death.

Slowly, Adrik crept into the alley. A bricked-up cage that would serve him well if a fight did threaten to break out. The moment someone even tried to attack Adrik here, they sealed their fate. Death was preordained the moment Adrik took his guard against anyone. There was no chance of walking out alive for anything that moved as a threat.

Every muscle, every nerve was revitalized with the simple thought of killing someone tonight. Adrik knew that that wasn't the mission. But he really wanted to sedate the thirst both his wolf and him lived off from.

And it was like Maya, their goddess listened to his wishes.

The door of the warehouse swung open and a group of men walked out. They were tripping over their own feet because they were drunk. Adrik smelled that putrid aroma of heavy beer, and he knew that none of them were stable right now.

But Adrik didn't engage, that weren't his orders tonight. He would show leniency and let the fools walk away without any realization of the danger that lurked behind them.

Except, when did bastards ever do what was good for them. One of them saw Adrik, he was taller and bigger than the other four.

"Hey, look at this asshole," he slurred. "What the fuck you staring at?"

Adrik didn't drop his condescending glare, that viewed the ugly and got annoyed even further. Adrik's wolf was excited now.

"Come closer," said Adrik.

"What'd you fucking say?" snapped another man.

Adrik's blood was as cold as the tundra's. Nothing in his mind told him to hold back. "I said come closer," he repeated.

The man scoffed. "Do you want to die?" he asked smugly.

"Fucker has a death wish," another lanky added.

"Give him what he wants, Chaz," said one of them.

The one they called Chaz was drunk, maybe even high, because he wasn't balanced on his feet as he walked towards Adrik who stood squarely and alone.

Chaz lifted his beefy arm, that was sluggish and nowhere near fast enough to reach Adrik. The man moved as if he was in slow motion.

Adrik drew in the cool air of the night. He moved with precision that Chaz would never understand. He grabbed Chaz's weak fist, that was meant to punch Adrik. Chaz gaped in surprise that Adrik had caught him. But that wasn't what caused Chaz to let out a tortured scream.

Adrik smashed Chaz's poor-excuse-of-a-face right into the concrete wall of the warehouse. The man's jaw cracked under Adrik's palm, his teeth spilled out of his bloody mouth and his eyes bulged out to witness Adrik's unsympathetic expression. The sensation of the man's bones cracking and ripping apart in his face was slightly satisfying to calm Adrik's wolf. But not Adrik, he still needed more right now. And it seemed the other four were ready to serve the same fate.

Two of them took out dirty and rusty switchblades as they ran to avenge Chaz. But Adrik doubted these idiots knew what friendship was for real.

The type of friendship that healed and taught Adrik to never let the bloodlust kill innocent people. But sometimes, Adrik didn't want thugs like these tainting the world with their filth.

Adrik dodged the first knife that went for his face. He grabbed the thug by the throat and snapped it in half- quick and clean, just as he was trained.

The other one that ran after Adrik with the knife, dropped it and fell to the floor trying to back away. But Adrik wasn't really in the mood anymore to be compassionate. Adrik snapped his neck too letting him experience the same pain as his other friend.

Adrik sensed the shadows in the alley grow once the moon had hid behind a thick cloud.

The last one, that hadn't joined the fight was quivering in his shoes, as he witnessed his friends drop like flies.

As darkness fell around them. The last thing that the thug saw was Adrik's feral instinct blazing in his icy-blue eyes. The man couldn't even let out a cry for help before Adrik pulled him into the alley and slaughtered him too.

However, Adrik wasn't satisfied. The killing didn't sate him or his wolf anymore. They both searched for that woman who had managed to touch them. That soft and sweet touch that overwhelmed them and beat the rush of killing. Rosalie was what he thirsted for now. Adrik needed her.