River stood in the middle of the chaos and he was about to lose his mind. More than anything else, he hated being in the centre of everyone's attention. All the eyes on him drove him insane. And on top of that, they were teasing him about Zoya. Yes, he had agreed to mate with her and he was proud of that decision too. But he forgot that his pack was full of a bunch of pups and they were never going to let him forget this.

"Aww, look, we scared our big bad River," jested Vincent.

The pack snickered.

"Don't tease him too much," said Sabrina.

"I can't help it, Sabrina," said Vincent. "River's too easy."

"Don't push your luck," warned Ryder, the man was grinning like a wolf himself. "River won't spare you if you piss him off."

"I'm not scared," Vincent scoffed.

River faced Vincent who was sitting in his dark green coat and his sunglasses on his face. He was smirking up at Ryder, and it was clear he was teasing him.

"Vincent," River's tone alone sent a chill down Vincent. "Are you sure you want to keep challenging me?"

Vincent pushed his glasses up and showed his big, innocent eyes and pouted; "you wouldn't hurt me," he said sweetly. "I'm too pretty."

"I say go for it," Viola added. "Punch him right in that perfect nose, River."

Vincent glared at his sister. "Why don't I punch you instead," he snipped back.

"You wouldn't dare, you little bitc-"

"Viola-" Gabriel's stern voice shut both of them up quickly.

Hailey walked over and stuffed a s'more into Vincent and Viola mouths keeping them quiet and out of trouble.

Through the ruckus, River's phone pinged and he pulled it out knowing that it was Zoya who texted him. He asked if she was at home or work.

I'm at work. She texted him with a red heart emoji.

I'll meet you there. He replied but without an emoji and couldn't help but wonder if he'd ever get used to this fluttering feeling that was inside his chest right now.

River subtly strolled off the field after telling Gabriel where he was headed. He tried not to be noticed by the other pack members, because he wouldn't hear the end of it. He got in his car and drove off the property.

Taking the few moments in city traffic to think, River wasn't sure what he'd say to Zoya when he'd meet her. He just knew that he needed to see her. The night he met her at her company he told her that he wanted her as his mate. He didn't go with much hope, but she surprised him again and agreed to mate with him too. He hadn't left her side that night, he had come home close to dawn. But he didn't sleep at all either. Restlessness didn't even begin to explain how he felt about her. This was all so new to him. Every emotion was driving him wild and all he found himself drawn towards was Zoya Knightley. She was pouring into him and branding his very soul. She had done that from the night she met him and he couldn't do anything about it.

Arriving at her company, he parked and went inside the private entrance she showed him yesterday. He approved of the side entrance, it was safer to escape and enter. Now that she was his mate, he needed to review the safety measures in this building. He wanted Zoya safe more than anything and he would make sure she was. He'd get the list of her security team here too and meet with them. If he wasn't satisfied then he'd dismiss them and set up his own trained wolves here. He should call Azura and Ryder to help him.

River went to the elevator on the side and clicked the button letting the doors close. He waited a blink of a moment as the sleek elevator carried him to the floor where Zoya was right now.

The doors pinged open to the huge lobby floor where he saw Zoya with her team inside her office. She was standing by the table with her hand propped on her hip. She was gorgeous in a white satin dress that molded to her curves like skin. Her heavy hair curled to perfection and was set to spill down her back. He was entranced as she ran her fingers through the curls and pushed it back over her soft shoulder. A great urge to do that himself ran through him.

River opened the door to her office, instantly her eyes locked onto his and held them. He didn't move his eyes either when it was clear that her employees were staring at him.

"Let's take a break everyone," said Zoya with a small smile.

Her workers rushed out the second door and closed it shut behind them too. The entire floor in fact cleared up too, he saw that happen because it was just his habit to scope the area at all times.

"Hi," she said softly.

River closed the space between them. "Hi," he found his voice.

"I'm glad you came," she said.

River wasn't just glad that he came, it was clear to him now that this was where he needed to be. He stepped closer, their legs brushed together and the cold air that he carried from outside thawed near her beautiful warmth. His wolf stepped forth out of the dark and eyed her too, taking in her scent for himself.

"Aren't you cold?" he asked softly as his hands slid down her bare shoulders and arms.

"A little," she whispered back.

His hands caressed down her wrists to her small hands, he laced his fingers through hers and brought them up to his lips. He kissed her knuckles, she watched him as he did that. Her blue gaze lifting from under those dark lashes and drawing out his soul from pitch-black darkness. His heart skipped a beat and plummeted when she bit that glossy bottom lip of hers.

"The pack wants you over for dinner tonight," he said trying to distract himself from the feral urges growing inside him. He kept reminding himself that she deserved better than that.

Zoya looked at him, her eyes softening his strength and feeding his desires. "I would love to join you," she said.

"It would be better if we had dinner alone," River said with an irate tone.

Zoya's brows rose. "So, you don't want me eating with the pack?"

"No, I like that you want to be with them," River said. "But they're going to bother us tonight. I just know it."

Zoya grinned at him. "Do I look like an easy opponent?" she asked. "I'm sure I can handle whatever they throw at me."

River knew his pack, especially Vincent, Ryder and Viola and it was worse when Azura joined in.

"Don't worry, honey-" Zoya reached up on her toes and kissed his cold cheek- "I'll protect you."

River's heart fluttered when she had done that. "Damn... I can't breathe..." he mumbled as he touched his cheek and she chuckled at him.

A knock on the door interrupted them, it was Abigail.

"Sorry to interrupt, but Ms. Leon is here to see you," she told Zoya.

Zoya dismissed Abigail telling her to take Ms. Leon to another room.

"By the way, how's the pup doing?" River asked her.

"River's much better now. Dr. Boone wants to run a few more tests before he can come home," she told him.

"That's good to hear," said River.

"I was relieved too. Look, I would love to chat with you but I have to go," she said.

River didn't like to have to get her go, and it was clear from his glower what he felt. "I'll wait for you until you're done," he told her. "We can head back to the pack together."

"My meeting's going to last all day. I'll just meet up with you at the pack," she said.

"I actually had a job here which should take up most of my time," he told her.

Zoya raised a brow. "Like what?"

"I need to have a word with your security team," he informed and knew fully well that she wouldn't like the idea of him interfering.

"And why would you need to do that?" she asked.

River saw the power of her wolf emerge through her eyes. He liked that a lot. "You're my mate and I need to make sure that you are safe here," he said sternly.

She opened her mouth and then closed it. "I'll let Jonas know that you're visiting," she said before she crossed her arms. "You know, I don't know if I like you being all bossy at me."

River never felt guilty about that and he wasn't going to start now either. The safety of the people around him mattered the most and Zoya was top priority.

"Get used to it because keeping you safe is my job," he asserted.

Zoya's eyes heightened with sweet mischief, her lips tugged into a smile making him want to kiss it off her. "Isn't also your job to keep me happy?" she jested.

"I'll do that while you are properly guarded with a competent team of bodyguards and at least a hundred more cameras scoping the entire area," he retorted.

She chuckled at him. "Should I be getting scared of you?" she asked him.

"It's too late to back out now," River remarked gravelly. "I'm with you whether you like it or not."

Zoya stepped closer, putting her arms around his neck and pressed her soft curves into his heavily muscled body. "I won't back out," she said, "and thank you for wanting to keep me safe. No one's done that for me before."

River caught the flash of anguish in her eyes. He circled his arms around her waist. "What is it?" he asked hoping that she'd tell him what was hurting her.

She smiled softly erasing all the torment in her eyes. "Nothing," she said.

"Zoya, look at me- look at me, baby," River said and waited until she met his gaze. "Whatever it is you can tell me."

"I know," she answered.

River didn't waste any time before he crushed his lips against hers in a fiery and eager kiss that they have been waiting to share all this time. They were both hot and desperate with the need to possess the other. Zoya arched into his touch and he never wished to be somewhere more than in her soft embrace. Their tongues twirled in a heated dance, both intoxicated from their taste that heightened their lust for one another, she gasped when River abruptly pulled away, but just a moment later, his mouth reconnected with hers. He slightly trembled when she raked his hair and intertwined her fingers into his silky black hair.

River's rough hands held her hips and his fingers dug into her dress, he didn't hold back anything from her and that exhilarated her body and soul. He couldn't think clearly, let alone hold back his own desire to let her consume him into the fiery pits of her passion. Zoya squirmed under his hands that were to be let loose so they could explore her body. She arched into him when the soft bite of his teeth on her bottom lip jolted down his body. He could sense her arousal and his wolf growled to mark her to him forever.

Zoya pulled back, breaking their hypnotic kiss. "I need to go, River," she said breathlessly.

"In a minute-" he pushed her back against her table, caging her between his strong legs. Everything around them disappeared. River found himself entranced by Zoya. Nothing could faze him as he got drunk off her sweet, soft lips and mouth. He told himself repeatedly to calm the fuck down and back off, but each time Zoya caressed his tongue with hers, his willpower shattered.

River ran his fingers through her dark hair, fisting the heavy waves so he could cup the base of her neck and bring her closer to him. As he devoured her mouth, he couldn't ignore her tentative touches. She slipped her hands under his leather jacket and gripped his shirt steadying herself. But River would never let her fall, he would never let anything harm her. However, protecting her from himself was obviously a fail. Now that she was in his arms, he fell harder. There wasn't anything that could separate him from her.

Zoya moaned hotly letting him drink the fervour that burned both of them. She laid her hands softly on his chest. "You're making it impossible for me to think about anything else," she said between his kisses.

River found himself pleased and smiling a little.

Zoya shifted and let his lips kiss her cheek instead of her lips. "I need to go, River," she said sternly. "Ms. Leon is an important customer. You're going to get me in trouble."

River lifted and glowered down at his mate. "I hate people," he grumbled which made her laugh sweetly and warmed him from the inside.

"Stop moping," she said as she laced her hand through his and took them out of the office.

"I don't mope," River objected.

Zoya clicked the elevator button and they stepped inside. "It's okay, I love your moping too," she said as she clicked the ground floor level.

River gaped at her when she said that. He didn't expect to hear that.

As they stepped out of the elevator onto the ground level. Zoya took him to the side hallways towards an office. She pushed open the door and River saw a huge security room behind it. Jonas was seated at the computers with a few other security team members.

Jonas got out of his seat the moment he saw them.

"Hi, Jonas," Zoya smiled at him, "River here has some questions for you. Give him anything he needs and I want full cooperation from all of you."

"Yes, ma'am," said Jonas before he eyed River.

He was probably curious as to why Zoya would ask that from him. But Jonas was here the night River visited Zoya, so it should be clear by now of their relationship.

Zoya turned facing River. She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. "Have fun," she said sweetly and then walked off down the hallway.

River looked after her, but she turned the corner to the elevators again disappearing from his gaze. Just like that, any warmth had left and his old habits appeared. River closed the door behind him and faced Jonas and the team. The reason he was feared and Gabriel's best fighter was clear now to the people in the room. He towered inside the room and his presence was thick in the air and that alone told anyone to be careful.

"Are these the only cameras?" River asked as he stepped in front of the multiple screens.

"Yeah," Jonas answered.

River didn't know how much time passed as he studied each screen and the view they presented. He liked the positions of the cameras, but he didn't like the amount of traffic in each lens. Many people were coming and going throughout the day and in each location. There weren't many exits here at the building either.

"There aren't any cameras in nearby streets, are they?" River asked.

"We have a few in the parking lot," Jonas answered.

"But not on the roads or alleyway," River said.

"We aren't allowed to install cameras there," said another security member.

"Hmmm," he didn't say anything to that. River was just going to get Azura on that task tomorrow.

After that, Jonas took River to the main exits of the building and fire safety routes. River wasn't worried about the exits, since nothing would come into the building that would harm his mate. But he would be sure to add extra alarms on the exits.

A couple of hours went by without him realizing when he returned to the security room with Jonas. He was a good man and suitable for this job, which River approved of and didn't find the need to get rid of him.

The security team had left to get coffee and donuts, when River stood in front of the screens again and his gaze caught onto a target. A woman dressed in white got out of a white Mercedes-Benz. Ellen Knightley had arrived. River felt rage fill inside him and his wolf growled for the blood of that woman. He was about to get it too.

The security team filled the room again with their coffee and donuts.

"Wait, is that Ellen Knightley?" Jonas asked as he leaned in and studied the screen then too. "Damn, she doesn't know when to quit."

"She's been here before?" River asked darkly.

"Many times," he told him despairingly. "We send her back, but she doesn't get it."

River turned to leave the room.

"Hold on, where are you going?" Jonas asked after him.

River didn't answer, but it was clear by now that he was going to tell that woman to fuck off.

"You shouldn't talk to her," Jonas warned. "The boss isn't going to like it."

"Zoya doesn't need to know," River said as his steps quickened and he stepped out of the building. He wasn't going to let that wretched woman near his mate.

Right when he walked out the double doors, Ellen Knightley crossed his path. She stopped dead in her tracks as she faced him.

"Excuse me, do you not have any manners? Watch where you're going," Ellen bit out as she eyed him. She clearly recognized him from that day they'd met and Zoya lied about who they were, but she chose to ignore it.

"Turn around and leave," he said, his tone was rigid and cold.

Ellen flinched. "Do you know who I am?" she stated more than asked. "I am Ellen Knightley, the mother of the girl who owns this building."

River towered over her with his sneer and the wolf inside raking through his head to claw this woman's throat out and drink her blood. "I don't give a fuck who you are," his voice dripped with menace. "You're going to turn around and get back in your car before I put more bullets in your brain than you can count."

Ellen's eyes gaped at him. "How- how dare you," she exasperated. "My husband will not spare you for this-"

"Your husband can't do anything to me," River said.

"Of course, he can. My husband is Joe Knightley," Ellen said smugly.

River took another step forward making her back away. "Then when you talk to him tonight about me I want you to tell him my name. Tell him that you met River Drakov," he seethed.

Ellen tilted her chin up stubbornly and walked off in the direction she came. River didn't move from the door until her car left the parking-lot and entered the busy streets again.

River turned and caught Jonas who stood gaping at him. "Don't tell Zoya about today," he said gruffly. There was no need to ruin her mood and upset her.

River was going to get someone assigned to follow Ellen Knightley's every move. He didn't like that woman one bit. She was the cause of Zoya's pain and he wouldn't have any problem killing her because of that.

They went back inside and River saw the time; it was getting late. He left Jonas and the team before he joined Zoya on the thirteenth floor. He knew she was there after following her on the camera live stream. He walked onto the floor and tracked his mate into the meeting room. She sat at the head of the table with paperwork spread out in front of her. She was giving Abigail instructions and the busy secretary was writing it all down on her iPad.

River stepped into the room and Zoya looked in his direction, like she sensed his presence instantly. She dismissed Abigail and the rest of the team in the room.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked her.

"Nope, I still have loads to do," she said grimly, "but I'm starving and tired and I want to leave."

River could sense her fatigue, she held a faint smile and her shoulders were tense. "We can cancel tonight," he suggested, as he held his hand out to her.

Zoya shook her head. "No, I don't want to be rude to your pack," she said as she got to her feet reaching for his hand. "Let me grab my purse and jacket and then we can go."

They walked out of the room when Abigail had sent someone with Zoya's purse and jacket, like the woman already knew that her boss was going home for the night.

They left together. Sitting in his car, River glanced at his side where Zoya nestled herself into the plush leather. She had closed her eyes for the entire ride and sat comfortably; he did too. He didn't fill the silence and neither did she. He liked that about them.

River carefully drove, not to wake her up and kept the heat up for her. She wore heels like usual, so he made sure the heat touched her feet first.

They arrived at the pack a half an hour past seven and it was already pitch-black outside. Most of the cabins had Christmas lights up, so it wasn't hard to find their way around the territory.

The moment River parked the car, he turned to see Zoya still asleep. She was calmly breathing, the small rise of her chest and her dark lashes casting a shadow on her cheeks didn't go unnoticed by him. He studied her pretty skin that glowed under the warm light, a few loose strands of her hair cascaded down her neck. River reached over and played with the soft silky strand between his thumb and forefinger. He didn't have the heart to wake her up. Instead, he wanted to take her to his cabin and put her to bed with him keeping her warm and safe.

Zoya shifted. "Are we here?" she asked softly.

"Yeah, baby, we are," he whispered.

Her regal eyes looked up at him. "Let's get this party started then," she announced tiredly but happily. She opened the door and got out, River was already by her side to make sure she didn't slip on any ice.

By the time she got to the front door, her energy had refuelled and she was brimming with excitement. River could never do that. His mood was barely manageable with completely rest, but when he was tired he knew he was a demon. Zoya, on the other hand, had shined brightly as she stood in front of the door.

The door burst open and Sabrina ran out with open arms. "I'm so happy you're here!" she squealed and jumped in Zoya's embrace.

"Thank you for having me!" Zoya shouted back.

"Let's get you inside," Sabrina said, "it's freezing."

River followed after them and closed the door letting the cold weather stay outside.

The moment they all entered, the usual commotion was present. Klaus, Hailey, Bone were in the kitchen cooking. Vincent, Viola, Ryder, Azura and Lupin were sitting at the round kitchen table munching on gingerbread cookies that Hailey baked. Gabriel, Hunter, King sat in the living-room with Gideon who was playing on the ground with a puzzle.

"Look who it is," Viola jested with a wolfish grin pointed at River.

Zoya walked into the kitchen to meet everyone and they had already wrapped her into conversation.

River looked at Azura who was decorating a cookie with more frosting and candy. Lupin, the red-haired wolf who was tall and lofty was sitting with them too, which worked out great. "I have a job for you both."

Azura's silver coin-like eyes blinked at him. "What do you need?" she asked as she put the cookie down, which only happened when her work needed her, otherwise Azura never laid her dessert down.

"I need you to tail Ellen Knightley," he said quietly.

Azura and Lupin shared a stare before they looked up at Zoya who was tasting the chilli Klaus cooked.

"I'm guessing that this has something to do with your mate?" Lupin said grimly.

"Ellen Knightley is Zoya's mother," River told them.

Azura's posture straightened. "I can do it," she said rigidly.

"You're already busy keeping an eye on the Red Fang pack and the Poison Ivy pack," said Lupin. "I will do it, River."

"Thanks," he said. "But I will need Azura to help me secure Zoya's company."

"You got it," said Azura. "Don't worry, River. My team and I will handle everything."

River knew she would. If there was anyone River could count on, it was his pack, his team. They were ruthless and always ready to handle anything.

"Dinner's almost ready, so if you need to freshen up, go right now," Hailey announced. "And I don't want any weapons at the dinner table."

Most of them were loaded head to toe with gear. River didn't know where to start to take it all off, and he was casually dressed today. Azura stiffened when she heard that and continued to eat the cookie.

Most of the gang had gotten up to go to their rooms and freshen up like Hailey instructed. Bone was setting up the dining room and Ender was helping him. River noticed the change in the little boy today. He appeared a lot calmer and focused, like he wasn't living in his head all the time now, or maybe whatever haunted him had been conquered. His pure emerald eyes hadn't shown torment, but he was still timid and distant with everyone. Ender didn't speak loudly nor did he babble on. He did talk to Bone though, which was nice to see.

The one who was exuberant in the kitchen right now was Zoya. She was leaning on the counter talking to Ryder, Sabrina, Viola and Vincent. All of them chatting away about Zoya's time of when she lived in Greece. She was showing pictures from her phone and River wanted to take a look too, but he stayed in his seat.

"That's a beautiful house, Zoya," complimented Viola. "Greece sounds lovely."

"We should plan a trip," said Sabrina.

Zoya clapped her hands together. "You'll love it there and I'd be a great tour guide," she said.

"Azura, don't think I can't see you hiding your guns," Hailey said as she came to their table.

Azura whose mouth was full muttered; "I'm not hiding anything."

The pack laughed at her.

"The table's set," Bone said.

Everyone left the kitchen and went into the dining room. Plates were set on the table, there were no need for extra chairs because this table always had many seats to host any number of people. The candles had been lit to dance on the white petals on the graceful roses. The Christmas tree was set up in the corner of the room and Viola got busy lighting it up.

But before River joined them, he went to the living room and took off his jacket revealing the leather holster strapped to his waist and shoulders.

He heard a small gasp behind him. River turned and saw Zoya staring at him, or his weapons.

Zoya closed the space and faced him. "Don't stop on my account," she jested.

River rolled his eyes at her cocky tone, as he peeled off the leather from his shoulders.

"You carry so many weapons," she said quietly.

"I have to," he told her.

Zoya put her hand not on the weapon but on his arm. "I want to know how to shoot a gun," she said.

He tried to focus on her words, he really did, but it was difficult when her soft hand was touching his. Her fingers laced through his and she ran her thumb along his wrist. Every nerve in his system went on alert, so did his wolf. Her single touch was enough to wreak havoc inside him, there was a mess between his mind and heart and definitely in his body. She was standing so close to him that he could sense every breathe, every smile and every motion. He lost himself in her.

"Would you teach me one day?" she asked.

River put his hands on the counter behind her, caging her into his arms. "I don't think you'd be a good student," he remarked.

Zoya's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You don't know that," she whispered as she put her hands on his shoulders. "I'm a fabulous student and a fast learner."

River didn't buy it, especially from the way her grin matched the cunning look in her eyes. "I think you'd get distracted easily," he believed.

Zoya put her arms around his neck bringing him closer to her. "Who would blame me, especially with such a hot instructor," she retorted.

"Seriously," he sighed.

She chuckled. "Mm-hmm."

River stood stiffly in her arms. He noticed that she had captured him, not only with her arms but her legs were holding his waist.

"Ahhh!" Viola squealed behind them turning their heads. "We got a lovey-dovey couple in our living-room!"

River groaned and dropped his head on Zoya's shoulder making her laugh. "I'm gonna kill them," he grumbled.

"Stop teasing River everyone!" Zoya yelled back.

River was about to walk out of here.

"You're so cute when you're freaking out," she jested.

"I'm not freaking out," River didn't sound convincing at all.

Zoya stared at her mate's blue eyes tilting her head to the side and a smile on her lips, it was soon after that River sighed in defeat.

"Fine," he gave in. "I'm tense, which is crazy because I'm never tense."

River regretted those words the moment they came out. He sensed the moment Zoya stiffened and her eyes filled with guilt. They both knew his views about this mating from the start, yet he had overcome his differences for her and he would continue for her.

Zoya pulled her hands away. "Maybe, I should not have come tonight-"

"No-" River interrupted and held her legs around him. "It's not you. It's the pack."

Zoya frowned then. It was obvious why she was confused because the pack were happy for them and they even went out of their way to arrange a dinner. But River really wasn't a sociable man, he barely spoke and he rarely participated in all the crazy around here.

"Oh, I understand," Zoya smiled then, "I've got myself a shy six-foot beast." River gaped at her, which made her smile broaden. She put her arms around his neck again. "Would you like to go on a walk after dinner with me?" Zoya asked gently.

River dropped his head again and the strands of his hair falling down too. "Please."

Zoya pushed those stubborn strands back and then kissed his lips. "Let's eat first, I'm starving," she said.

They both joined the rowdy family in the dining room. River didn't say much through dinner, but that wasn't new. The group carried the conversation as usual. Vincent and Ryder bickering and Azura, Lupin and Viola laughing at them. Hailey telling them to stop but Hunter joined in and told them that they're both stupid. Klaus asked how the food was for everyone and Bone worried that there was less salt, but everyone assured them both that the chilli and freshly baked bread was perfect, which it was. This was the usual dinner at the Centauri house. Chaos. But he was glad that Zoya was enjoying herself. She was sitting next to Sabrina talking about her baby shower plans and Christmas. River liked her with them.

Dinner ended and everyone that cooked was seated in the living-room because that was the rule in the Centauri house; anyone that cooked didn't clean. So, Viola, Vincent, Ryder and Hunter were all cleaning in the kitchen. Azura, Lupin and River tidied up the dining table. Hailey didn't let Zoya clean although Zoya insisted that she wouldn't mind helping.

However, it was Bone who was standing in the kitchen watching over Vincent and Ryder who were doing the dishes. "Make sure not to scratch the plates," he said.

"We won't scratch the plates," Ryder reassured.

"And I already cleaned the oven-"

"Bone, go sit down," Hunter rebuked.

Viola walked around the counter and pushed the man out of the kitchen back into the living-room. He huffed and defeatedly took a seat on the coach. Gabriel passed him a glass of wine to calm him down.

River finished wiping his hands off when he locked eyes with Zoya. She smiled shyly and looked around her if anyone noticed, but the pack was too busy talking. River motioned to come to him so they could leave through the back door.

Zoya shook her head. He could read that she was telling him not now and it would be rude.

River raised a brow saying to go right now.

Zoya raised a brow at him.

He pointed to the hallway with his thumb and walked off quietly. He was sure no one noticed him leave and they wouldn't say a word about it either if Zoya left with him. Everyone knew that they are mates and they could give them privacy. Otherwise, he'd bit their head off.

River waited at the door that lead into the garage, it was dimly lit here and he leaned in the shadow. A few minutes passed, when he heard shuffling of feet. Zoya emerged with her shoes and jacket.

"You're going to get us in trouble," she whispered as she ran to him.

River bit back his smile. He was pleased she came. She shuffled her heels on and he helped her with her jacket. He opened the door and let them into the dark garage. River knew his way around, so he hurried over to the system panel and clicked the passcode letting the large door slid open. The cool air seeped through the crevice and he noticed that it had stopped snowing.

They got out of the garage and he closed the large door before leaving. The sky was dark, little twinkling stars were scattered across the massive blanket over them. Walking onto the field, there was a trail where the snow had been shovelled away. So, they took that path into the large forest alone. The air had gotten colder in the forest but River recognized this air and found it refreshing, especially since it carried the warmth of pine and mist. The further away they got from the pack territory, the darker it became and the full moon radiated its light onto the tall trees and on them.

"This is a beautiful forest," Zoya said as she walked with him.

"It's home," he told her.

River matched his pace with hers and stayed right beside her. She didn't talk or ask any questions, which he found strange. He thought that the moment they had time to themselves that she'd ask him about himself. He had prepared himself to tell her anything too. But she had just walked with him, their hands joined and she watched the swaying of the trees above them and the hum of the winter breeze that carried the strong scent of berries and oak.

"You're quiet," he claimed.

"Do you want me to talk?" she asked

"No, I just thought that you'd have questions," he believed.

"Not really, besides you don't need questions right now," she said.

"Can I ask you something then?" River said and she nodded. "Who was that woman Ryder and I met after our date?" he asked her that even though he already knew, but she didn't know that he knew, so he needed to hear it from her. That was the only way he could know more about her relationship with them.

Zoya flinched. "That was Ellen Knightley," she said. "My mother."

"Why did you lie to your mom about who my brother and I were?"

"I was protecting you," said Zoya. "You're the one thing I have that I don't want them to ruin. They're evil and I won't let them hurt you."

River watched her fearful eyes. "Why do you think they can hurt me?"

"Because they've done it before," said Zoya. "They would spread rumours about me to my own friends or hurt anyone I cared about."

River stopped in their track and turned her towards him. "They can't hurt me," he said.

"Just promise me, you won't go near them," she said.

"I can't promise that," said River.

Zoya stiffened. "Please, River," she said faintly.

"If they try to hurt you then I will kill them. That's my promise to you," River's voice sent a chill down her body, he felt her turn to ice. River brought her closer into his arms.

Zoya closed her eyes, a tremor ran through her. "I don't care about them nor do I ever want to associate myself to them, and neither will you," she told him.

River read her pain, she was reliving it right now as she stood beside him, and he hated it. He hated that someone hurt her. And he hated it even more that he was someone that hurt her too. River went cold with guilt and he hugged her, only to never let her go.

Zoya held onto him tightly too. "Ugh, I hate talking about them," she said irately, her tone quite cheery now like she was picking herself up.

"I'm sorry that I asked," he said.

"It's okay. I can tell you anything, I'm an open book for you, honey," she mumbled.

River breathed in her sweet scent, which filled up his entire body and calmed him, even the wide forest came short to her fragrance.

Zoya pulled back and stepped away from him with a wide smile on her face. "You know, I think I do have a question for you," she goaded.

River didn't like the grin on her face, he wasn't prepared for her game. He crossed his arms and took a stand to face whatever she was scheming. "What's your question?" he dared.

"How come I've never met your wolf?" she asked.

River stiffened, his jaw grew rigid like every muscle in his body. "My wolf-"

"Yes, your wolf that's been teasing me this entire time," she said. "I want to meet him."

"Zoya, my wolf is dangerous," he warned. "If I let him out there's a chance that he can hurt you."

Zoya didn't believe him. "I can sense him and I know you can too, his intentions aren't to hurt me," she said.

She was right. River sensed that his wolf was eager to be with Zoya and meet her. The beast that never listened to anyone was quietly waiting his turn to meet his mate. However, River's wolf didn't know how to play nice. He could get violent and bit her or claw her. River couldn't risk that with her.

"Let him out, River," she said as she playfully started to back away from him. "If you do then I will let my wolf out to play too."

River felt his wolf clawing inside him and snarling at him to concede into the shift. Holding on until the last moment, he watched through his hazy eyes when Zoya peeled off her jacket letting it drop onto the ground. She took off her heels too and then morphed into her wolf right in front of him.

Everything came to a stop and he couldn't find his breath. She was a beautiful, slender midnight-blue wolf. She stood tall with grace and an elegant air around her like she was well aware of her beauty. River was mesmerized by her regal blue eyes that resembled Zoya so much, they mirrored one another, which told River that this wolf had a deep bond with Zoya, and that made them stronger.

Zoya's wolf wasn't nervous to see him. She seemed poised and confident, despite being in unknown territory with a wolf like him who could very well kill them.

Let me out already! his wolf snarled at him.

Don't you dare hurt them, River warned his wolf.

I won't, his wolf responded.

River let the chain go and his wolf broke free.

The big, black beast towered Zoya's wolf by his sheer size and height. When he prowled towards her, she didn't back off or run away. She stood her ground and held her head high as she faced the hungry wolf stalking them.

As he approached, she let him touch her soft body by brushing himself alongside her. She pushed when he did though and he growled at her, not accepting that act of defiance. But just as he brought his face close to her neck, she pawed her face away from her and bolted off into the deep forest. Eager and possessive, his wolf ran after her without wasting a single second.

This forest was his territory and he knew every part of this land. There was no escaping him. He tracked her easily through the terrain and found her enjoying the chase. He did too. Letting himself freely run with her brought a flutter of warmth through the wolf and through River.

She had stopped running and his wolf found her near the frozen lake. She stood under the large moon, which shined on her dark coat of fur and illuminated her eyes. His wolf fell in love with her for the hundredth time today. River did too.

The black wolf prowled towards her and she stepped back onto the frozen lake. He wasn't one to be scared, so he ran and chased her onto the lake. She was too playful and testing him wasn't a good idea. He didn't like losing. He chased her to other side of the lake towards his cabin, when he tackled her. She lay underneath him against the ice, but instead of being cold, his blood was scorching hot and he fed off her scent. He revealed his sharp fangs and she was simply amused at his vigour. She nudged his mouth away and licked his cheek then bit his ear surprising him. She then laid willingly beneath him, letting him cage her with his massive form.

Suddenly, the ice cracked beneath them. They both fell into the freezing cold water.

River swam in the lake when it was winter before, so he was used to cold water. But he was worried about his mate. He stayed as a wolf because his wolf was a better swimmer and helped Zoya who shifted back into her human form. He swam them back and got out of the water. He shifted to his human form then too.

"Are you okay?" River asked quickly.

Zoya burst out laughing at their state. She was drenched head to toe, but that didn't bother her. River found himself smiling, but he was more concerned than she was about her health.

"I can't believe we fell into the lake," Zoya couldn't stop laughing.

"That definitely wasn't my best moment," he admitted grimly.

Zoya looked down at her wet dress. "It wasn't mine either," she jested.

River's eyes trailed over her dishevelled state, yet she still was breath-taking. Her thick, black hair was wet and around her shoulders. Water trickled down her arms, sparkling like diamonds on her rosy skin. The dress she wore had turned a bit sheer, letting him see every inch of her curves. A dark desire ran through him as he found himself drinking in the sight of her.

River ran his hand along the length of her neck, her skin frozen to the touch heated up under his fingers. He wiped the water droplets that fell from her hair and down her chest. She saw the change in him too and she had grown attentive to him, her breath had stopped as she watched his eyes on her.

"Not here," he found himself saying.

River gathered her into his arms and went to his cabin to claim his mate.