"So, were you planning on dying?" Vadik asked.

"What?" Alec recognized the rage on Vadik's face that was clouding his judgement.

"Why did you sacrifice yourself?" Vadik asked, his tone rising. "I-" he gritted his teeth and turned away- "I almost lost you. I did lose you. If it wasn't for Zero then you wouldn't be here."

"Vadik," Alec approached him but his brother stepped back.

"I know Lucas was hard on you and you carry the legacy as the first born, but I was always here," Vadik affirmed sternly. "I was always by your side ready to fight the war with you."

"I didn't want to burden you," Alec explained.

"Why would fighting for my brother be a burden?" Vadik retorted.

Alec didn't realize that fact. "I didn't know," he said.

"You never did," Vadik snapped raking his hair irately. "You always sacrifice yourself never knowing that I need you. You are my only family, Alec. How could you think I'd survive without you?"

Alec closed the space between them and hugged his brother. "I'm sorry," he held him tightly. "I'm sorry."

"I could kill you," Vadik growled. "How do you think I felt when I found you in the hospital?" he held his stern stance not wrapping his arms around Alec. "Dario told me and I knew I lost you."

"I know, I'm sorry," Alec said as he held his baby brother close, just like when they were kids. "All I ever wanted was to keep you safe."

"Don't protect me, idiot," Vadik grumbled as he wrapped his arm around Alec. "I've always been a better fighter than you."

Alec laughed. "I won't argue with that," he remarked.

Vadik pulled away hiding his eyes. "You pull this dying bullshit on me again, I'll kill you myself," he chided. "Fuck, I hate everyone. And tell your mate I want a bigger bedroom in this house."

Alec smiled at his brother. "Sure," he said. "Anything else, baby brother."

Vadik's blue and green eyes stared at Alec. "It's my duty to protect you," he said.

Alec met his brother's unwavering gaze. "As it is mine to protect you," he said.

Vadik left the room closing the door behind him.

Alec hadn't realized how hard he has been on Vadik by keeping him in the dark about the sacrifices he made. His brother has always been by his side and fought with him. Dying was easy. Living a life that was honourable and built on the foundations of truth were hard to achieve. Yet, Alec knew that his brother was admirable and always told his truth. Facing death wasn't the problem for Vadik or Alec. They needed to face that they weren't a true family and it was time become one.

"You've got a good brother," Kade spoke.

Alec turned facing his mate who was leaning against the bannister. "I do," he said. "But it seems I haven't been."

Kade's green eyes gleamed. "Yeah, perhaps throwing yourself in front of a car wasn't the best idea," he said as he crossed the space that he commanded.

"I was trying to save you," Alec remarked as he faced the one who was made to be his and finally was now.

Kade smirked. "Next time, try not to die in the process," he said as he wrapped his arms around Alec.

Alec couldn't disagree with him there. He stayed comfortably in his mate's arms and it was a surreal moment. He couldn't believe how much had changed. He remembered when the car was about to crash into Kade and Alec's first instinct was to save him. He didn't care about his own life because he knew that he had to save his mate. He didn't regret it nor would he change his decision. But he was thankful that Zero saved him and he was able to stand here in Kade's embrace.

"I'm not giving Vadik a bigger bedroom," Kade remarked.

Alec stiffened. "He's probably moving into one without your permission," he said. "You'll have to deal with him."

Kade groaned. "I didn't agree to all this," he said.

"We're mated now, so you don't really have a choice," Alec said with a chuckle.

Kade's hands gripped Alec's waist, holding him snugly against his body. Alec could feel the contours of his mate's muscles from the suit. He could stand here forever; time stopped for him and nothing else mattered. His wolf was gratified while being in his mate's arms. The mark on his neck binding him for eternity to Kade. Everything changed so quickly that he didn't know whether it was real or not. However, the soft kiss that Kade planted on Alec's lips brought him back to reality. This bond was real and everything was in the past now. Alec wasn't burdened by his past anymore because he had what he needed right here.

"I don't know what I'm going to do to you if we stay in this room," Kade mumbled as his lips touched Alec's neck, he bit the taut skin and sucked on the sting.

Alec smiled as he stayed in his arms perfectly comfortable. But he forgot that Kade was told by Dr. Stone to not do anything strenuous today due to his injuries. Alec knew his body and he was fine. He wasn't going to let this stupid wound keep him from completing their mating tonight.

"Are you hungry?" Kade lifted his head. "What am I saying? You've been asleep for days. Of course, you're hungry." He grabbed Alec's hand and took him out of the room down to the kitchen where everyone had already gathered.

Alec didn't realize he was hungry until he smelt warm pasta sauce and cheese coming from the kitchen. Nikolai, Dario sat as Mia was serving pasta with Vadik by her side. Kade didn't question much about Vadik's position next to his sister, because he was busy taking Alec to a chair and putting food in front of him.

"Well, this is weird," Nikolai voiced as he stared at Alec and Vadik.

Alec laughed. "It is," he shared.

They were all supposed to kill each other and this feud was supposed to end in bloodshed. Yet, here they all sat, eating pasta with the sun shining through the windows.

"I think it's lovely," Mia shared as she sat with them.

Kade leaned on the counter next to Alec, his eyes on his sister. Both of them knew that this wasn't what they imagined. Yet, they found peace in each other, just like Alec had now.

"You gave the ring," Dario pointed out.

Alec noticed everyone stared this hand where the thick gold ring sat on his finger rather than Kade's own hand where it always had been.

"I did," Kade answered as he ate a few grapes.

Mia smiled lovingly. "We should plan a wedding," she announced.

"I still think this is so weird," Nikolai added and Mia threw a grape at him. He laughed at her and got up. It was only then that Alec noticed that Niko was dressed with weapons gear over his shoulders and his black clothes crisp and clean over his muscular figure. He nodded off to his brother, cracking the kink in his neck before walking around the table.

"Where are you going?" Kade asked stopping Niko in his tracks.

"On patrol, like always," Niko answered wondering why Kade was even questioning him.

"Take the day off," Kade said.

Nikolai's eyes widened as big as saucers. "You want me to take a day off?" he astounded.

Kade stared at him confused. "Yeah," he answered.

Nikolai smiled like a cheeky wolf won a victorious game. He walked right over to Alec and hugged him tightly like a proud, supportive brother. "Never leave him," he told Alec making him laugh.

"Get off him," Kade ripped Niko off his mate flinging him away.

Nikolai didn't care at all though. He was just happy for getting the day off, which seemed like a big deal around here.

They finished eating their meal when Dario's phone rang. Alec immediately sensed the tension that overcame him once he saw who called. Dario left and Kade followed after him alone. They were in the living-room discussing something.

"What's wrong?" Alec asked when he confronted them.

Kade and Dario shared a look. "I had a few men investigate the attack and it's confirmed that Giovanni was behind it," Dario explained.

"He's not going to stop," Kade raked his hair as the frown on his face darkened.

"What are you going to do?" Alec asked.

"Take the fight to him," Kade answered sternly. "He's going to pay for what he did."

Alec wasn't so sure that that was the best plan. Bloodshed was what started this whole mess in the first place. Perhaps, they needed another method.

"We should talk to Giovanni and explain the situation," Alec prompted.

"Fuck that," Vadik said as he joined them.

"I agree," Dario mumbled.

"Well, I agree with Alec," Nikolai said as he leaned on the couch.

Alec looked at Nikolai surprised. "Thanks," he said.

"No problem," Niko smirked.

Everyone looked at Kade. His scowl was enough to say that he was ready to rain hellfire on Giovanni Romano for attacking them. But his smoking green eyes were fixed on Alec. "If that's what you want, then we'll do that," he said.

"Who is this man?" Nikolai astounded. "It's like he switched his soul at the hospital."

Dario was staring at Kade like he had two heads too. "Do you need a doctor to look at you?" he asked.

"Nothing's wrong with him," Mia shouted from the kitchen. "He's just in love."

"Ew, that's disgusting," Nikolai said. "I didn't sign up for this shit."

"You know what, you don't get the day off," Kade towered over him. "Go on patrol."

"Alec, do I really need to go?" Nikolai asked turning his attention to him.

"No, you don't need to," Alec said with a smirk on his own face because he was enjoying pulling his mate's leg.

Nikolai laughed, so did the others when they noticed that Kade couldn't say a word to defy his mate's wishes. "I found Kade's weakness," Niko remarked. "I'm going to have so much fun." Dario was the one who stepped in and saved his little brother before Kade pulled his gun out to kill him.

"Dario, let's track Giovanni," Kade ordered. "I want his location and where his men are hiding out." They walked off together coming up with a plan and Vadik joined them.

"Alec," Mia called.

Alec turned and faced Kade's little sister who was smiling ear to ear. He also noticed that she walked without a limp, it was like it was never there before.

"I wanted to thank you," she said.

Alec frowned. "For what?"

"For bringing my brother back," she said with her soft green eyes. "After what happened with our family, he closed himself off and never let himself feel anything. He carries more anger than anyone could ever bear. He was deceived and hurt. Believe me when I say that he has already crossed hell. But the only time I saw peace in his eyes was when he was looking at you." She put her hand on Alec's arm. "He can finally move forward and it's because you saved him."

Alec shook his head. "He has everyone supporting him," he said.

Mia smiled again. "I'll always support my brother and now you too," she said.

Alec mirrored her smile. "I'll protect you too," he said. "Since you are my brother's mate."

She blushed crimson. "When did he tell you?" she asked.

"It was the first thing Vadik told me after meeting you," Alec answered.

"I'm still worried what my brother will think," she shared.

"He'll probably burn the house down," Alec muttered wondering what wrath awaited them.

Mia winced inwardly. "He probably will," she sighed.

"But he loves you, Mia," Alec reassured. "At the end, if you tell him that you are happy with this bond then Kade will honour it."

Mia's green eyes beamed happily. "Thank you," she said. "I can't wait to plan your wedding!" she squealed in excitement.

"Okay, let's not get a head of ourselves," he said.

"You don't want a wedding," she said.

Alec was thinking that he'd just elope with Kade and tie the knot. He didn't want a lavish wedding or party. He didn't like being centre of attention either. "We'll do one for you and Vadik first," he told her.

The staff of the house called Mia away for some work in the garden and Alec went in search of his mate. Going to the basement level of the estate, he saw Kade standing with Dario and Vadik, his arms crossed and a stern frown between his brows, that showed he was focused on the screen in front of him.

"No, he wouldn't be out in the open like that," Kade stated. "Keep searching." His attention lifted off the screen and landed on Alec as soon as he arrived. The green eyes gleamed with an alert focus that brought that fluttering sensation in Alec's stomach. He couldn't even breathe as he stayed in front of his mate's gaze.

"Did you find Giovanni yet?" Alec asked as Kade pulled his eyes away first like he tried to contain the need to close the space between them and touch.

"No," Vadik answered.

"We knew it wasn't going to be easy," Nikolai said. "Giovanni's smart."

"He's hiding like a coward," Kade gritted out.

Alec leaned on the wall watching the way Kade told Dario to search empty warehouses and other remote locations. He tried hard to focus but there was something darkly alluring about being in the basement where he was once a prisoner and now he was bonded to Kade. He never would have imagined that they'd be able to link their wolves together. He thought he'd fail before they became mates. But it seemed that it wasn't impossible.

Alec's eyes shifted down to Kade's lips that were on him earlier, they were perfect and indulgent yet possessive; those lips were the ones that drove him crazy. He ached for another taste and if this room was empty, he would've crossed the space and claimed him.

Kade stiffened and his gaze locked with Alec, like he could hear Alec's thoughts clearly. The dark scent that linked them both was making it blatantly obvious what was going on in Alec's mind at the moment.

Dario asked Kade something and the man tried hard to focus on what was being discussed. But from the way Kade bit down on his teeth, his jawline hardening to the point that it might break. He repeatedly had to ask Dario to repeat what he asked and tried to come up with an answer. Kade dropped his arms and grabbed the chair in front of him, his knuckles turning stark white as he gripped onto the last morsel of control. Alec bit back his laugh as he watched his mate struggle in front of him.

Kade adjusted his collar, unbuttoning the top allowing for him to breathe as Alec's scent penetrated his mate's body. He could sense the wolf inside Kade causing a rampage just to be together again. Standing across the room, Alec's eyes shifted to the mark on Kade's neck that was proof of their bond. He could taste his mate's skin on his tongue, the memory of marking his body sent a hot chill down Alec's body again. He clearly remembered the way he sank his teeth into his neck and made Kade Guerriero entirely his own.

Kade sighed heavily and raked his hair out of agitation. "Keep looking, Dario," he gritted out before he crossed the space and grabbed Alec's hand taking them out of the room and into the hallway.

Alec matched his hurried pace as he opened a door and brought them inside. He only got a second to see where they were and it was a prison room. But then, Kade pinned him to the wall and locked their lips together in a heated frenzy. Kade moaned into Alec's mouth as both of them were fighting for control.

Neither of them allowed the other to concede or win. They both held the other in their grip, Alec's hands grabbed Kade's waist, pining their hips together as their shafts throbbed against one another. Kade's had his hand collared around Alec's throat as his other one was raked into his hair and he gripped it tightly, forcing Alec to face him as their lips moved together. He pushed his tongue into Kade's mouth and took his breath from him.

Pinned against the wall, Alec didn't want anyone interrupting them. He yearned for Kade's lips and wished for this every time he looked at him. He was demanding and forceful as Kade kissed him with passion. Kade moaned into his mouth and the sound shot straight down to his cock. He bit Kade's lip and grabbed the lapel of his shirt only to pull him closer. The kiss deepened and they both couldn't stop, it was like they were let loose and nothing was in their way.

Kade pressed his leg between Alec's thighs and the sharp pain of arousal hardened his cock. He couldn't breathe and all he could smell was Kade's powerful pheromones blazing around him. Alec begged for more as he caressed his tongue in Kade's mouth.

Alec combed his fingers into Kade's dark hair around his nape and pressed closer, their lips still joined and all he craved was to never let go.

Abruptly, Kade pulled away and it was like someone splashed cold water on Alec.

"Your wound, damn it," Kade spoke gruffly, his breath out of control.

Alec couldn't feel the stitches on his abdomen because the only thing causing him pain was the arousal pumping through his body, that wasn't being sated. "Screw the wound, Kade. I'm fine," he said as he straightened his height. "But if you don't fuck me now. I will kill you and tear my stitches anyway."

Kade's eyes darkened as he tried so hard not to lose control, but there was nothing he could do now. He had to obey his mate's wishes because that's all that mattered. He drew in one long breath and exhaled like he came up with a decision. He grabbed Alec's hand this time and went to the elevator outside the room. He clicked the top floor where his bedroom was located and Alec was relieved.

He stayed beside Kade who held his hand in his affirming grip. The doors pinged open revealing the floor and Kade took them to his room. Even before the door opened, Kade had his mouth on Alec and they kissed as they tumbled inside and someone shut the door, Alec didn't know which one of them did it.

Kade kissed Alec's neck, licking and sucking his way down as he stripped off his clothes. Alec focused on unbuttoning the man's shirt as they both fell down on the bed. He was surprised they even made it this far without exploding into a million pieces.

Kade was the one who ripped his own shirt off and tossed it somewhere on the floor along with Alec's shirt and pants. Fully naked, Alec laid on the bed as Kade kneeled between his spread legs. He bent down and laid his lips on Alec's chest then down to his abdomen where the bandage covered most of it.

"You will tell me if you feel any pain," Kade said as his hands trailed down Alec's body.

Frankly, Alec couldn't hear his mate's words since all his focus was on his hands. "Yeah, sure," he mumbled. He jerked from pain and pleasure when Kade gripped Alec's shaft in his hand and applied that heavenly pressure.

"You're not paying attention," Kade grumbled as he slid his hand up and down the hardened length.

Alec threw his head back as the pleasure grew like a hurricane ready to drown him. He wasn't ready for this but at the same time he wished for it to never stop. "Fuck, Kade," he moaned as his mate's hand knew exactly how to entice him to the point of torment.

Kade's devilish laugh set shards of hot molten pleasure through Alec. He felt his cock throb in his grip and he ached for more. He loomed over Alec and kept his tight fist around his shaft like he was keeping it under his domain.

"Look at me, baby," Kade beckoned garnering Alec's attention. "I said that you need to tell me if you feel any pain. Is that clear?"

"Yes," Alec answered obediently otherwise Kade wasn't going to continue.

Suddenly, he felt another thick cock against his own. His eyes fell down towards their hips that were joined and Kade's thick, hard shaft pressed down on Alec's aching arousal. He lost his breath as he saw Kade take both of them in his hands and held them together.

Alec moaned and Kade kissed him, both of them playing this harsh game of push and pull. They both didn't give up control and neither of them stopped the other. He combed his fingers into Kade's dark hair as he twisted his tongue inside his mouth and felt Kade caress their cocks together. The rush built faster than either of them predicted.

But then, Kade stopped his hands and pulled away. "You don't get to come yet," he growled. It took everything inside Alec to hold the storm inside him, even though he was ready to explode. Kade brought his fingers to Alec's lips. "Open for me," he whispered.

Alec parted his lips and took Kade's thick middle finger and ring finger into his mouth, the slight salty taste filled him and he coated the fingers, as Kade kissed down Alec's neck and bit down teasingly. Kade took his hand back and brought it down between Alec's legs, since they were wet, the slid into his body and he almost came from that alone.

"Fuck, Kade," he grumbled as his fingers curled inside him.

Kade kissed Alec softly but it soon turned into a heated frenzy as he bit down on his lip and begged for more. "You're still too tight for me," he said against his lips.

Alec was already at his limit. "I need you inside me," he begged breathlessly.

Kade's green eyes blazed with uncontrollably. He leaned up and grabbed Alec, sitting him up just so he could face the roaring erection of his mate. "Make me wet," his tone darkly controlled.

Alec faced his mate's gaze that was attentive now. He leaned forward and wrapped his mouth around the head of his cock, he knew he wouldn't be able to take all of him in his mouth, but he pushed as far as he could. He lathered the hard cock with his saliva. Kade's fingers combed into Alec's hair holding him where he wanted, his throat stretched from the thickness of his shaft. He couldn't breathe and Kade knew it.

"Why are you so good at this?" Kade questioned.

Alec didn't know since he was moving purely on instinct. He's never been with anyone sexually before. This was his first time.

Kade pulled his cock out of Alec's mouth and laid him back down. He positioned himself between his spread legs. Alec braced himself as he felt the thick head of his mate's shaft touch his body, he knew the exact moment Kade slowly slid himself inside and he willingly took all of his length without restrictions. Fuck, Alec couldn't breathe. It was like he could feel Kade inside his whole stomach. His body stretched to fit him.

"Fuck, Alec," Kade growled. "You're so hot." He slid his length out and thrusted back in mercilessly. The hypnotizing rhythm was consuming both of them.

Alec couldn't see or think about anything outside of this moment. His body felt as if he was set on fire and ignited from within with the darkest lust.

"Do you like that, baby?" Kade's voice caressed Alec's ear, it sent a hot chill all the way down to his throbbing shaft. Alec bit back his guttural moan. "Come on, you were being so demanding earlier. What happened?" Kade's rough hand collared Alec's throat forcing him to meet his dark green gaze. "Do you like me inside you?" his tone was dangerously low.

"Yes, I do," Alec answered as the grip on his neck tightened, but that only excited him further. He felt Kade's cock twitch inside him like he also enjoyed seeing Alec's vulnerable state.

Kade smirked. "I can feel you tightening around my cock," he said as he kissed his lips gently. "You're so wet and hot, it's taking everything in me not to come right now." He thrusted inside him and kept his pace agonizingly slow.

Alec gripped the sheets trying not to break, but he couldn't feel anything else other than his mate. He was overpowered by Kade's rich and dark scent that made him hazy with arousal. His cock that was stretching his insides had him breathless and aching for more. The wound on his abdomen burned slightly from the tense muscles, but Alec didn't care at all about that right now.

"Do you want to come, Alec?" Kade asked.

"Fuck, yes," Alec answered.

Kade kissed down Alec's throat letting his hand go and he roamed down his waist as he picked the pace up and thrusted into him. He was hard and fast and nothing could come between them. Alec braced himself as he was overtaking by his mate. His thick, hard cock filled his body and he loved every thrust and every moment. He could feel both their wolves emerging to the surface like they needed to be here to complete the bond.

"I'm coming, Kade," Alec moaned desperately.

Kade latched his sharp teeth onto Alec's throat, right over his Adam's apple and bit down. Alec's body exploded and he came hard, so did Kade. He filled Alec's body with his essence and it was as if he was possessing him.

Alec met his mate's gaze that was focused on the bite mark he left on his neck. "You didn't have to mark me so hard," he remarked.

Kade grinned. "I liked doing that," he said as he bent down and licked the mark, his cock hardened inside him. "And I'll spend my entire life making sure you wear my mark." Alec's body responded quickly to his mate's arousal with his own.

"Even if I'm a Waldorf?" he baited.

Kade's eyes softened as he caressed Alec's cheek gently. "You're my Waldorf," he corrected.

Alec's body trembled and his heart jumped. He smiled up at his mate. "I am," he responded. "I was always yours."

Kade kissed him sweetly. He took his time knowing that was nothing that mattered more than this moment. Their tongues slowly caressed each other, pulling them into each other's mouths and aching to be bound together forever. Kade's cock shifted inside Alec and both of them felt the pleasure ignite to new heights.

"Make me come again," Alec said against his lips.

"With pleasure," Kade answered.

Time went on and they were lost to their bond that was finally complete. 

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