The breeze tonight had a bitter bite to it and it was unpleasant.

Marcello walked down the paved path towards the nightclub where he'd meet Big B. However, meeting Bruno wasn't what made him anxious.

Marcello stole a glimpse over to his right where the most attractive man he'd ever seen walked alongside him. Zeiden Iron was the wild and beloved baby brother of the Iron Blood Pack's alpha.

Marcello cursed the darned breeze every time it blew by them because more than the stench of booze or drugs, he smelled Zeiden. The man didn't need any cologne when he smelt like fucking heaven itself. The dark silky amber notes were mixed with a lush sandalwood scent, which made Marcello lose his footing to the point that it was embarrassing. Zeiden didn't know what effect he had on him and Marcello would never reveal it either.

"My pack has arrived and are in position," informed Zeiden, his smooth voice caressed Marcello, like the richest silks would, but even then, the silks would fall short compared to Zeiden. "Marcello?"

"Hmm?" Marcello forced himself to stare at Zeiden's eyes and not his lips that moved.

"Did you hear me?" Zeiden asked, his sterling blue eyes, which were as bright as the sky shined under the dim street light.

"Yeah," Marcello lied.

It seemed that Zeiden caught him in the bluff. "I said my pack is here," he repeated.

Marcello's face grew stern. "Tell them not to cause any trouble," he stated.

Zeiden chuckled, which was a hot sound that made Marcello's stomach flutter. "Do you want to get killed by my brothers?" he retorted, as he put his cellphone away.

They rounded the last corner street and walked towards the Xeon nightclub, that was as busy as ever. Even from behind the closed doors, loud music escaped every time it was opened by drunk or high visitors. The neon light flashed all over the concrete roads and sidewalks, it was a bright red cutting through the darkness of the night. Everything was lit up to appear as if they were entering the gates of hell and not a nightclub.

As they closed in on the club's front doors, Marcello kept his eyes over Zeiden who looked sinful in that black Armani suit. The tailored silks framed his muscular physique, that was a bit slender compared to his brothers and pack members.

Marcello spent the entire day and studied the sharp lines of his jaw, those subtle cheekbones and the strong arch of brows. Zeiden's eyes; the colour of the summer sky held no hostility or peril. He had hair as dark as midnight, the thick silky strands raked away from his handsome bronzed complexion. The dark tattoos that were inked onto his taut skin were scattered around his corded neck and over his chest. He had some on his strong hands but they were clean and kept tidy too. Marcello liked that Zeiden matched his height with a few inches off.

Zeiden oozed confidence, his eyes had a penetrating sharpness to them and his scent was a dominant force too. Zeiden was a deadly fighter, that much was clear to Marcello, since that day in the warehouse when they killed Ian Villers, which Marcello still remembered clearly because it was hard to forget.

The Iron pack wolves had come to Marcello defence, but more than that, Zeiden had protected Marcello even when there was a threat of guns. Zeiden didn't hesitate for a second of his decision to help the person who was a complete stranger to them. Marcello remembered when Zeiden used his body to even stop his brothers from getting to Marcello. They man was selfless and it was clear that he had a good heart; a heart that was pure and resilient.

Marcello couldn't match that even in a million years.

A terribly cold pit grew in his gut. The pit sank further when he saw Zeiden standing under the neon red lights. The bright red highlighted the lines of his masculine frame and sexy face. Everything darkened and just that sturdy outline of his figure loomed beside Marcello. He couldn't breathe anymore.

Zeiden leaned in, that scent heightened. "Stay close," Zeiden's voice caressed Marcello's ear.

A chill crawled down his body and shot right to his groin. "Mmm," a small breathy sound came out from his throat.

"What's wrong?" asked Zeiden. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Marcello gritted out, maybe a bit too rudely. He didn't mean to but this Iron pack wolf wasn't backing off.

Marcello continued walking when they reached close to the doors. But just then, Marcello sensed an ominous darkness. The cold air that surrounded the alley beside the nightclub was worrying. He felt as if something demonic lingered inside the dark there. Death, danger and sin leaked through the air and it made Marcello choke on all the coldness here.

Marcello froze in his tracks and he stared into the deep void. The wolf inside his consciousness growled at the threatening sensation, that caused both of them to be watchful.

What the hell was this? he wondered. Why was his body frozen in fear? he found it dangerous just to take another step, like whatever sat in the darkness in the alley would attack the moment it saw movement.

Suddenly, Zeiden's fiery scent engulfed Marcello more than the vile stench of the alley. The man's arm circled around Marcello, but his baby-blue eyes scanned the alley with no fear in them.

"It's just Adrik there," Zeiden whispered. "Don't be nervous."

"I wasn't nervous," retorted Marcello.

Zeiden's arm circled more and his hand rested on Marcello's hip. "Then why are you still in my arms?" he remarked.

Marcello pushed away instantly, otherwise Zeiden would smell the hint of arousal on Marcello. "Who told you to touch me without permission?" he rebuked.

Zeiden raised a brow and that small action made Marcello's heart skip a beat. "You're the one that wanted to act like lovers," he said. "I'm just doing my part in our role-play."

Marcello sucked in a deep breath. "Don't get cocky," he growled. "Once this mission is over, you and I are done."

"So, you keep saying," Zeiden shrugged, he stepped closer and crowded Marcello. "Let's head inside, baby."

Marcello glared at that bemused tone this man had. He pushed past Zeiden and entered the nightclub, which masked all of Marcello's aroused scent and the need to kiss the fuck out of the man. But he knew he could never make that mistake because they would never work out. Marcello couldn't look for anything with Zeiden; no mindless sex or mating bond either.

Marcello was having a good day, but with these thoughts, his mind turned sour. He didn't like that he couldn't touch Zeiden. Especially when the man was right here next to him. But something told Marcello that Zeiden probably only wanted to be friends. Zeiden was likely still a virgin when came to sex with men too, especially if the men were anywhere close to Marcello's level.

Marcello and Zeiden entered the most dangerous nightclub to meet with Bruno. The black enclave was hectic with thousands of people dancing on the large floor. The music boomed and the voices muffled from the big crowd. There was an enormous bar, which was packed with hundreds of people pining to get a drink, never to stop and think maybe too many were a bad idea.

Marcello hated it here. The Underworld nightclub that was run by Trez Luciano was much more of his cup of tea. Although for business, Marcello had been here a few times for annual gang lord meetings, but he quit all that work now. He also came last year to gather intel for Zero, which was a risky gamble he had played to get all the name of the leaders who sponsored cage fights. Obviously, Marcello got the intel without any fuss and Zero killed them all like insignificant flies.

Marcello refrained from coming back since then, because it was clear to some dangerous people, that Marcello had been asking for those names and they died the next day. Quite the great deal of suspicions arose of Marcello's loyalties to the underworld crimes association. Although, Marcello separated before that debate got heated.

Now, he was back and looking for information again. He wondered how Bruno was going to take this visit.

"You seem worried," Zeiden's voice was right against Marcello's ear.

"I'm not," he told him.

Although, the music was loud, they could hear each other perfectly because that's how close they stood together.

"Where do you think Bruno is?" asked Zeiden.

"He's where he always is," alleged Marcello, "surrounded by women, guns and booze."

Marcello cut through the crowd, that moved on their own. Mostly all the wolves close to them felt his pheromones raging to back the fuck up, so they moved without fighting. Humans were frail minded and never stepped in front of someone as powerful as Marcello. They weren't even worth any trouble, so Marcello never bothered himself with their idiocy.

"You were right," said Zeiden.

Marcello followed Zeiden's eyes and saw Bruno exactly where Marcello predicted. The brawny Mexican man sat on a black velvet crescent-shaped couch. Big B was between a group of women who poured his drink; lit his smoke or just laughed at his damn joke, which Marcello always found so tacky. But, who was he to judge Bruno right now? Marcello was pining over a man that he could never have.

Bruno sat dressed in a black suit, but he wasn't as good-looking as Zeiden was in black. The suit on Bruno was lavish for sure, but the man didn't have the same confidence Zeiden carried. Bruno was a simple looking man with dark brown hair cut short. He had hooded black eyes that were cold and calculative, he had sharp cheekbones, hollowed cheeks. Big B was muscular above anything else, which was the result of being in cage-fights all his life. Those intense games had built Bruno to be a weapon in fights. So, unless someone fancied to be broken and crushed to death, no one picked a fight with Bruno around here.

"Stop right there," a security guard held his hand up and stopped Marcello from getting closer. "Boss isn't taking guests."

Marcello frowned at the scrawny guard. "Tell your boss that Marcello Tricomi is here," he said.

The guard's eyes widened and he knew that name anywhere. He fazed for a moment before he rushed over to his boss.

Bruno's head lifted right away. He got up from his seat and come to Marcello himself. "Marcello," he exclaimed with excitement, his grin smug and his tone beyond amused from seeing Marcello after so long. "What brings you to the dark side?"

"Can't I meet an old friend?" he retorted. "I was nearby and decided to pop in."

Bruno's eyes didn't miss Zeiden who was standing next to Marcello not like a boyfriend, but more like a bodyguard. "Were you out on a date?" he asked as he eyed Zeiden.

"Something like that," answered Marcello.

"You always choose the ones with the prettiest faces," Bruno remarked. "Come join me, Marcello." He left to the seats again.

Marcello bit back his amusement when he saw the perplexed look on Zeiden's face. He really was too pretty for his own good. Marcello turned to Zeiden; "Give me a second with Bruno," he whispered once they were alone again.

Zeiden had a stubborn look on his face. "I thought we'd do this together," he reprimanded.

"He won't open up in front of you. Now, go get yourself a drink, baby," his tone was pensive and held a lot of mockery.

Zeiden glowered at Marcello's jesting tone, but thankfully, Zeiden was reasonable and walked off without causing a scene.

Marcello didn't move until he clearly saw that Zeiden has safely taken a seat near the bar. He crossed his legs at the knee, propped his elbow on the oak table and glared at Marcello, which amused him.

Bruno dismissed the women and ordered another bottle of scotch. The long-legged barmaid with a skimpy neon red dress placed the bottle on the glass counter. Bruno poured it in two glasses and passed it to Marcello.

"Tell me what you've been up to these past few months?" Bruno asked.

Marcello sat down on the chair ahead on Bruno. "Not much has been going on," he answered nonchalantly.

Bruno drank lazily. "That's not what the rumours about you are saying," he remarked.

Marcello's froze, his lips hovered over the rim of the glass. "I didn't know I was worth talking about," he told Bruno. "Well, what do the rich and corrupt gossip about using me?"

"Words been going around that you joined Zero's side," said Bruno.

"And why would I ever do that?" Marcello lied. "Zero's a self-absorbed dictator that thinks she can save the world from utter doom."

Bruno laughed wholeheartedly. "That's what I've been saying," he added as he clinked his glass against Marcello's.

No, thought Marcello. He didn't think of her like that.

Zero was the only one who had reached her hand out to him despite all the mistakes he committed. That was something no one ever did after his brother died. But Bruno didn't need to know that. Bruno didn't know that Zero didn't bleed her hatred on others. Instead, she took the pain and made it beautiful enough to help others who can't help themselves.

Marcello wasn't hunting Reaper because he was a threat. He was hunting Reaper to help Zero. So, he could make up for his one mistake to the person who dedicated her entire life to protecting the innocent. Reaper was his chance to redeem himself in Zero's eyes. That's why Marcello's putting his life on the line for this mission. He needed to help Zero even if it meant that he had to make a deal with the devil.

"You may not be working for Zero," said Bruno. "But it is clear to everyone in the society that you've changed."

"Is that so," Marcello's voice dripped with scorn. Marcello has been a crime lord for over fifteen years, nothing like this every bothered him. But now even listening to these assholes made Marcello's ears bleed and gut twist.

"You've gone soft," observed Bruno.

Marcello glowered. "If you believe that then you're getting slow, Bruno," he retorted.

Bruno smirked where he showed his chipped tooth next to his sharp canine teeth, it was probably an injury from fighting. "Marcello, you cut the gangs off and you're only sticking to your day job," he said. "So then, what's the reason behind one of the most well-renowned crime lords retirement?"

"I got bored," said Marcello, but he knew that these were just his reformed days.

Bruno laughed again. "How could you get bored of all this?" he motioned around the women and guns and booze, the night life that Marcello didn't find appealing anymore. "The dark side is where all the fun is at."

"The dark side is where all the nightmares are," Marcello retorted because he couldn't hold it in any longer. "Can you honestly tell me that you can sleep at night without the fear of getting killed?"

Bruno's eyes felt as cold as ice. "You have gotten soft, if death is what scares you," he said as he threw the scotch back and poured more. "Getting shot a few times is an honour. Being sent to the hospital just means that you're still relevant and they fear you from rising too high."

Marcello shook his head. "I didn't come here to talk about your fetish, Bruno," he said. "I need some information."

"Ooh, sounds fun," he smirked over the rim of his glass.

"I need intel on a man named Reaper," Marcello revealed.

Bruno's face went pale, his smile dropped. "Why would you be looking for him?" he asked as his eyes scanned around the entire club, like someone was watching them now and listening to them too.

Marcello looked too, but he didn't care for Reaper or any danger. He looked for Zeiden who was relaxed and drinking a blue mai-tai.

"He has something I want," said Marcello.

"What could Reaper possibly have that you want?" asked Bruno sternly.

My redemption to Zero, answered Marcello in his head. "That doesn't concern you," he said to Bruno. "Do you know where he is or not?"

"I don't," said Bruno a bit too hastily.

Marcello's eyes narrowed. "Lying to me isn't a good idea," he said. "I know all about your deals with him, Bruno."

Bruno stiffened. "I may have done business with the man, but I don't know where he is," he said.

"You shipped artillery to him," said Marcello. "How could you not know?"

"It was through a third party," answered Bruno, he ran a hard hand over his buzz cut hair. "Talking to you about this is a risky gamble already."

"I thought death wasn't a problem for you," retorted Marcello.

"Don't be smart with me," remarked Bruno. "Lay off Reaper, he's no joke. The man is pure evil, more than both of us."

"Just tell me if he's in town already?" Marcello asked then.

"No, I know for sure that he's not here," said Bruno. "Reaper's not ready to arrive quite yet. But when he does come, I'm skipping town and I think you should too."

"Why would I do that?" asked Marcello.

"Reaper isn't coming to play politics here," said Bruno. "He's coming to dominate everything. And I'm not interested in being his lackey."

"Do you know when he is coming?" inquired Marcello.

"When he's ready, so it should be soon," said Bruno. "From all the orders he requested of my dealership, he's working fast and efficiently."

Marcello's mood dropped from bad to worse. "Fuck," his cursed under his breath.

"But that's not the only problem," said Bruno. "There's another man in town."

Marcello stiffened. "One of Reaper's men?" he asked.

"I don't know that much," said Bruno. "But this new chap is no joke. He killed over twenty men looking for answers, just like you."

"Is he looking for Reaper too?" asked Marcello.

Bruno tipped the glass back drinking the rich alcohol. "I don't know who he's looking for," he said. "Honestly, I don't give a fuck who he's after as long as he doesn't make the mistake and come for me."

Marcello didn't know what to think of this at all. Who was the new guy Bruno spoke of now? he pondered.

This was getting worse and Marcello didn't know how deep this hole he was digging would get. Was this too dangerous? he questioned. But since when did he care about his life. Danger and threats weren't what Marcello was afraid of, so then why was he feeling a deep sense of concern all of a sudden? he thought. This was the first time he was worried about himself or others. Marcello didn't know what to think right now.

"Marcello, you should get your new man under control," Bruno pointed behind him.

Marcello turned and saw someone flirting with Zeiden. "Are you kidding me?" he grumbled.

Bruno chuckled. "You've got a feisty one this time," he remarked. "Does he have a brother, I'd love a piece of that pretty face."

Marcello rolled his eyes. "Trust me, his brothers aren't as impressive as the one I have," he remarked, as he got to his feet. "Enjoy the rest of your night, Bruno."

"You too, Marcello," said Bruno.

Marcello cut through the crowded club and went straight to Zeiden. He wasn't smiling or showing any sign of interest, but Zeiden also didn't tell the flirty man to back off. Marcello didn't know why Zeiden let others easily cage him like that. He was too nice to others and that could prove to be dangerous for him.

"What are you doing?" Marcello interrupted them both.

Zeiden straightened on the stool. "We were just talking," he responded.

Marcello raised a brow. "Oh, talking, is that so," his voice was nothing less from mockery. He assessed the random stranger who was nothing special.

"Well, flirting more than talking," said the stranger who was grinning.

Marcello couldn't believe his ears. "I thought you were straight," he said.

"What gave you that idea?" said Zeiden. "I've tried it with other men before."

Marcello raised a brow. "Did you just say to my face that you tried it with other men?" he retorted.

"Yeah," he said. Zeiden stared blankly up at him, but only to see the ice in Marcello's stern gaze.

Marcello turned. "And what the hell are you staring at?" he barked out. "Leave. This one isn't available." The man winced at Marcello's harsh tone and walked away.

"You didn't have to be so rude," said Zeiden. "What's got you so off the rails?"

Marcello gaped at him. He was so stunned that he couldn't answer back for a while. "Should you really be setting up a date when we have a mission to complete?" he gritted out.

Zeiden shrugged a shoulder. "I knew you had it under control," he said before he paid and slipped off the stool.

Marcello followed him out of the club and he was beyond irritated. More infuriated than when he found out that Bruno had no information on Reaper's location.

Suddenly, as they stepped out of the humid club, the cold air of the night hit them hard. The air was crisp and the sky was black. The club was still busy, but once the door behind them closed, that club's energetic life closed behind them too.

"Hold on-" Marcello called out when Zeiden walked out too far. But he was interrupted when his phone went off.

"Answer it," said Zeiden. "I should call my brothers too."

Marcello pulled out his phone and saw the familiar caller ID, the one he could never forget. He didn't answer Zero's call right now. He'd just call her once he was alone and he reached his penthouse. Not out in the middle of the street.

"Who was it?" Zeiden asked Marcello.

"It's Zero," he told him.

Zeiden's face turned a bit stern. "Did you really mean that?" he asked, which confused Marcello of what he spoke about to him. "What you told Bruno about Zero. Is that really how you think of her?"

Marcello's stomach sank, it was like someone had punched him enough to make him sick. That was the last thing he needed Zeiden to know about. Marcello didn't think like that about Zero at all. "Wait, hold on-" Marcello reeled back- "how do you know what I said about Zero to Bruno?"

"I bugged you," said Zeiden.

"What the hell," he astounded. "When did you do that?"

"Back at the restaurant," answered Zeiden. "I even put a tracker on you."

Marcello crossed his arms. "You're smarter than you look," he remarked. "Now, take them off me or I kill you right here and now."

Zeiden grinned wolfishly before he stepped up to Marcello. He had amusement written all over his face as he reached over and put his hand in Marcello's jacket pocket.

Marcello couldn't believe that Zeiden put a radio transmitter, which was indeed a smart move to do. However, he couldn't believe that Zeiden could pull such a sneaky move. His innocent sky-blue eyes and cheery attitude fooled Marcello perfectly.

"Here we go," said Zeiden. He pulled back letting the cold air around Marcello again and not his scent. He showed his hand that held the miniature devices. "All done. No big deal."

Marcello raked his hair. "If you listened then that means you know that we have no leads on Reaper," he said.

"And that we have another target in town killing like a maniac," added Zeiden. "Yes, I know."

"We should inform your pack," said Marcello as he began to walk down the road.

"Oh, you're finally ready to work with us," Zeiden laughed as he followed.

"It's not bad having capable fighters," admitted Marcello.

"Did you just compliment us?" astounded Zeiden. "I never thought in a million years that that would happen."

Marcello rolled his eyes. "Just tell your pack to come or I will take back everything I just said," he grumbled.

"They said to join them on the next block ahead," said Zeiden.

Both of them walked down the dark street. The light of the street lights flickered on the black pavement, that was chipped and cracked. Marcello didn't look to his side this time around. He stared ahead and ignored that maddening scent too.

Ignore him, his wolf said. We can't have any distractions.

I know, responded Marcello. But somehow that lingering pull that sunk into Marcello had wrapped him around Zeiden. He couldn't keep his mind off it.

He's not safe with us, said his wolf. Don't forget what happened to Jude.

Don't say his name, snapped Marcello.

Then don't let history repeat itself, his wolf retorted and then went quiet.

Marcello looked at Zeiden with yearning. The dangerous longing that made Marcello lose his way and forget his past mistakes. The unforgivable mistake that cost Marcello his brother's life. He knew that Zeiden wouldn't understand or forgive for the mistakes that Marcello committed. So, there was no point in asking for anything he couldn't get here.

Marcello knew that Zeiden would die for his brothers and kill for them too. The loyalty that this pack had was unquestionable and also honourable. If only Marcello had learned that sooner, if only he had met Zero and the other packs before. Now, it was too late to turn things around for himself. He couldn't just move on when he was the reason for gambling his own brother's life the way he had.

"You keep staring at me," commented Zeiden. "Is there something on my face?"

Marcello nodded. "Hold still," he lied again. Reaching his hand over, he skimmed his fingers over Zeiden's cheek.

Zeiden patiently waited for whatever was on his cheek to be removed. But he didn't know that Marcello had lied.

Suddenly, the phone pinged and Zeiden moved away to answer it. "Hello," he said as he put the device over his ear. "We're reaching your location in a few minutes. Yes. Alright, brother." Zeiden turned to Marcello. "We should go. They're waiting."

Marcello's face fell cold. He placed that blank mask over his true intentions and hid away his desires. They weren't good to have because they would only make him lose control.

They walked the rest of the way in silence. Once they reached the other street, Marcello spotted the Iron Blood pack, it wasn't hard to find them when they were so conspicuous. All of them stood near a silver mustang looking rather dangerous together.

Isaiah was on the phone with someone. Lazarus and Ronin were talking to each other and Adrik was leaned against the door of the driver's side. His arms crossed and his expression was deadly like he had committed a sin and didn't mind the punishment he'd receive in return. Frankly, out of all of them, Marcello and his wolf were mostly concerned about Adrik. He wasn't a normal wolf at all, the man had a darkness in that hallowed blue gaze. The scar slashed across his face wasn't what made him appear threatening. More than the scar, it was that sinister scent that was enough to send other predators running with their tails between their legs.

Lazarus saw them first and he turned to his brother. Isaiah's grey gaze landed on Marcello and Zeiden. Marcello had to admit that Zeiden really went after Isaiah in looks and style. Both of them shared the similar handsome features, sharp eyes and dark hair.

However, nothing beat the charm that Zeiden held all the time. Zeiden walked with a cocky attitude, that was endearing but challenging too.

Marcello would have to get Zeiden's stubbornness in check if he wanted the man to submit in bed.

Marcello stiffened right away when he thought of Zeiden like that. Damn, he cursed. He was losing focus again. He couldn't think like this anymore.

"Finally," said Ronin. "What took you guys so long?"

"Nothing, it was just a long walk here," said Zeiden.

"So, what's the news?" Isaiah asked after he shut the call off.

"It's not good," replied Zeiden.

Isaiah looked at Marcello. "No leads then," he assumed.

"None," said Marcello. "But that's not our only problem."

The men looked at each other, but none of them showed any sign distress. Marcello knew that these men were highly trained to all threats. None of them were merciful or lenient when it came to practicing their set of special skills, which weren't commendable but definitely reliable.

"And here I thought I'd get to sleep in tomorrow," remarked Ronin.

"What's the problem now?" asked Adrik.

"There's a man in town," said Marcello. "He's killing off anyone who doesn't help him search for his target."

"How scary," sighed Lazarus.

"Do we have a name?" asked Isaiah.

"No," said Zeiden this time. "What should we do now?"

"We can't do anything until we know who this man is," said Isaiah. "Attacking blindly will only cause us problems."

"I'm not going to bother myself with this stranger," said Marcello. "My only target is Reaper."

"So, leave the stranger alone, don't engage," Lazarus said to Isaiah.

"There's no need to stir up trouble where there isn't any," said Adrik to them. "If this stranger Marcello speaks of doesn't bother us, then we don't need to bother him."

"I agree with Adrik," added Isaiah.

"Well, this was a bust," said Ronin. He looked down at his watch, which was sure to show him that it was around midnight now. "We should head home."

"You guys head back, I'm going to go with Marcello," said Zeiden, more than surprising his pack, he startled Marcello.

"I don't need a chauffeur," remarked Marcello.

"I left my bike at your place," he said. "I need to get it back."

"Okay," answered Isaiah for Marcello. "Marcello shouldn't drive back alone regardless. Both of you head back and call me when you arrive."

"We will," answered Zeiden.

Marcello wasn't going to call anyone. He left without saying goodbye and went to his car. Zeiden lingered with his brothers for a few more moments before he ran over to Marcello's side.

"Let me drive," Zeiden said.

"No," Marcello unlocked the car.

Zeiden held the door and stared at Marcello. "You seem distracted," he said calmly. "Give me the keys, Marcello."

Marcello sighed in defeat. "Whatever, just drive properly," he said and then went to the passenger side.

Zeiden smiled and got in too. He started the engine of the Audi and buckled in his seat-belt. He reversed out of the parking and drove ahead with a good pace. He picked up the speed once they had drove onto the highway though.

Marcello turned his head towards the window, otherwise, he would've watched Zeiden's every action. The way his slender hand gripped the steering wheel and dark tattoos bent around his knuckles. Zeiden's piercing blue eyes stared ahead with alertness and a calm authority, that told Marcello that he drove with patience and care. He rested his free hand on the gear-shift and his elbow on the center console of the car. He occasionally used that hand to rake his hair back when the breeze through the open window grew a bit too strong.

Marcello wished that Zeiden would close the damn window, it was sending surges of Zeiden's aroma over to him. He couldn't help but each time stiffen in his seat, close him eyes and brace for it to consume him. Marcello's patience was running low, this wasn't good.

However, why was he getting so revved up? he questioned. What did Zeiden have that drove him so wild?

Marcello leaned on the seat, he rested his head back and he stared openly at Zeiden now. He didn't care of the consequences or questions.

"What is it about you?" he asked before he could stop himself.

Zeiden stole a side glance as he took a curved turn. "What do you mean?" he asked with a frown.

Shit, thought Marcello, the man was even hotter when he was serious. "You smile like it's nothing and then you flirt with me too," he said. "Why are you bothering yourself with me?"

"You don't know?" retorted Zeiden who had a gleam of enchantment in those blue eyes.

Marcello lost a moment to those beautiful eyes. It was so clear in that quiet moment what he had missed. He knew now. Fuck, he cursed, Marcello figured it out right now.

This can't be happening, his wolf growled.

Marcello ignored his wolf because he couldn't believe it himself, so he had no answers to his wolf either.

"Aren't you scared?" asked Marcello, he didn't care if he sounded weak right now. It was weird how he never cared how he looked to Zeiden. Marcello never held himself behind the mask.

Zeiden stopped the car in front of the skyscraper. He shut the engine off and faced Marcello. "I am scared," he confessed. "But seeing you takes that fear away for some reason."

Marcello stiffened. "No, I can't do this," he sighed and got out of the car.

Zeiden followed. "You won't know unless you try, Marcello," he reasoned in the middle of the street. "We're mates and you know it just like I do. You can run but you can't deny it."

Marcello froze in his tracks. "Go home, Zeiden," he said without even looking back. He knew he was an asshole for doing that, but he needed to be alone right now.

Zeiden went quiet, too quiet. But Marcello knew that he hadn't left yet. Suddenly, the chill down Marcello's back grew. That fiery sandalwood scent caressed him and sent a rush of need through his body. Now, he understood what this ache was inside his chest. It was the hunger to mate Zeiden and claim him for life.

"I know you feel what I feel," Zeiden whispered softly.

Marcello closed his eyes and didn't face him. All he heard was the sound of Zeiden's footsteps get further and further away. Marcello stood on the street long enough for Zeiden to get on his bike and drive off back to where he belonged. The place that was too far for Marcello to ever hope for, to reach for in this lifetime.

"Boss?" Percy walked out of the building. "Are you alright, boss?"

Marcello's mask appeared again. "I'm heading to bed," he said as he strode towards the building. "All of you can take the night off too. And I don't want any disturbances either."

Percy opened the door for Marcello. "Yes, sir," he replied. "Goodnight."

Marcello left the security standing and guarding the door. Everything was hazy until then, he didn't know how he got into the elevator and reached his penthouse. He didn't even know how he managed to open the door. His mind was blank and he had nothing to help him through this. Marcello was ignorant to these bonds and feelings. All of this was foreign to a man like Marcello, he was lost and he was sinking further into this black abyss.

Marcello managed to get inside of the house. He passed the hall and slumped down on the couch. He closed his eyes thinking it would heal the pounding behind his eyes. But it didn't, it only got worse.

Marcello had another person to face tonight. He pulled out his cellphone and called that one number, the one he found himself relying on more and more.

The call was answered, but he was greeted with silence.

"Zero," he called out, but no answer. "If you're looking for me to stop hunting Reaper, then you are wasting your time. I'm not quitting, so don't make me."

There was still no answer to him.

"You're the one that told me to help others," said Marcello. "And now that I'm helping you, you have a problem."

Still no response, just calm breathing muffled the speaker.

"I'm not going to listen to you-" Marcello's voice fell. "The grumpy silent one was my role, remember?" he said to Zero. "Come on, talk to me-' nothing but silence greeted him back again. "Zero..." his voice saddened, "I think I found my mate."

"What?" astounded Zero, her stern voice calmed Marcello down right away.

"I found him," he said. "What do I do? Tell me what to do?"

She fell silent again. A brief moment went by where both of them just sat with the other. "Don't do what you're thinking of right now," she said stiffly.

Marcello laughed in disbelief of how this woman could read him so quickly. "I don't think I can mate with anyone," he told her. "I don't have the heart for it anymore to give myself away."

"If you've already decided, then why are you asking me?" she retorted.

Marcello didn't answer because he couldn't find the voice to say it.

"Let me tell you," Zero acclaimed. "You asked me because you want me to talk you out of it. But I won't do that. I want you to mate and be happy. Not chasing bad guys and wasting your life away. And I know you want the same."

Marcello felt defeated for some reason. "I'll talk to you when you get back to New York," he said.

"Oh, we will talk," she said firmly and cut the phone on him first.

Silence fell in the empty, cold house again.

"This was why I told him to leave me alone," Marcello whispered to the empty house, which where only the thing that listened to his voice. "It hurts when I let someone in," Marcello touched his chest. "Fuck, what am I going to do with you, Zeiden Iron?"

Marcello poured himself whiskey until he didn't feel that ache in chest. He fell asleep on the cold couch because he didn't want to go to the room where he spent a single night with Zeiden. A night he cherished but would never get again.