A few days had passed with Zoya living with River. She insisted that she could go home, but River didn't budge. He didn't want his mate alone somewhere else in another house when it was perfectly efficient being together here. Despite, always being alone in his cabin, River was comfortable with Zoya and she wasn't messy either. Yet these past few days, he found it alluring when he saw her stuff in different places around his space. From the way her sweater was draped on the couch or her perfume on his dresser, he even found her lip-gloss near his car keys today.

Making his way across the field, he made his way back to his cabin after being at work with Gabriel. It was a long day and he hurried home to see her, and it was only six o'clock but it was dark as hell outside. His cabin now had golden lights glittering in the dark, which was Zoya's idea. She even hung a wreath on the door and put a Christmas tree up in the house near the window. He didn't have the heart to stop her once she got excited to decorate the cabin.

He opened the door and searched for her instinctively. She sat on the couch near the tree, with her laptop and a few papers scattered in front of her, but she was on her phone right now. The black ball of fur was crawled up on her feet, keeping them warm. The pup River was home after he got his last flu shot and Zoya brought him here with them.

When she heard the door open (courtesy of the bells hung from the wreath) she looked up and beamed at him.

"Hey, you're home," she said.

"I'm home," he found himself admitting when he strode close to her on his own. Nothing held him back, his feet just took him to her.

"Bone baked croissants and sent some over," she told him. "I put whipped cream on it, which was delicious, but some chocolate on top would taste good too. Oh no, I'm craving it now that I'm thinking about. You should freshen up and eat-"

River took the phone out of her hand and put it on the table. "I want you," he said and picked her off the couch. He kissed her mouth that still tasted of whipped cream and sugar and he took her to his bed. Fuck, this felt like home... she felt like home.

When he reached his room, he set her down and ran his hands along the silk of the black nightgown that she adorned. The silk was intense, it melted on her soft skin and he couldn't believe that he had this beautiful woman all to himself. He didn't deserve her, but he'd murder anyone else that ever comes near her.

He learned something about her these past few days, she really dressed lavishly no matter what time of day, unlike him who stuck to either a suit or his leather jacket and jeans. And more than ever, he was dreading his suit and needed it off right this second. His skin was of fire from her fragrance and he couldn't bear not being able to touch her or see her. He finally understood what Gabriel, Hunter and King went through every day. The three men always found it dreadful to leave their mates, and now River had joined that gang. Who was he kidding when he said that he'd be able to resist this bond? Zoya was all he could see or breathe. She was his. And he fucking loved that.

He leaned and laid his lips softly against the mark on her neck that he happily left this morning before reluctantly leaving for work. He ran his tongue on the mark tasting her honey sweet skin which spread through him like wildfire. That was when he reached behind her head and unclipped her heavy hair, it dropped around her in loose waves caressing her shoulders and aching for him to run his fingers through it. He would, but first he'd worship her body and steal a few kisses.

River kissed down her neck to her shoulder, his fingers hooking onto the straps of her nightgown. The sinful black cloth dropped pooling around her feet. He noticed then the garter belts holding the black lacy stockings covering her legs. He stared into her blue eyes, that were sparkling up at him like she had a secret. River lifted his head and saw his mate standing beautifully in lace stockings that covered her sexy legs, the garter belts hooked onto the edge of the lace and then to the belt around her hips, her beautiful breasts exposed under the cold air of the room. He swore that all the oxygen left his lungs when he saw her standing like that in front of him. She wasn't real. He couldn't believe that someone like her existed and all for him.

"Do you like it?" she asked with laughter on her lips.

River heard the tease in her voice. Zoya was playful, she had fun teasing him and she always did these past few days. He liked it and let her have her fun. But when she was grinning up at him like a coy wolf, his wolf and him were ready to play with her just as hard.

Zoya stepped back and sat on the edge of the bed, crossing her legs at the knee, she leaned her hands back and smiled innocently at him, like she had no idea what she was purposely doing right now, especially dressed like an unholy angel.

Blood boiled inside him, his body aroused and all control that he had was very close to breaking. He lost himself to the sight of her. The way she lured him and seduced him to walk into her fire and be consumed with her.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Zoya asked him. "If this is all it takes to make you speechless then you're going to be shocked with what else I have."

There was more, he thought and so did his wolf. Damn, Zoya had his attention with that. "You can forget about going to work all week," his voice a dark command.

She giggled at him and shifted back further on his side of the bed. She laid down on her stomach, her legs bent at the knee and held in the air swinging lightly. She rested her chin on her hand. "What should I do?" she jested with a cute pout. "I feel so bad for teasing you."

River raised a brow. "Do you want me fast or slow?" he dared.

Zoya's legs stopped swinging and her beautiful blue eyes darkened with a glaze of lust. Just like he wanted her to be. "Can both be an option?" she remarked.

He loosened his tie and let the black cloth fall to the floor with her nightgown.

Zoya got to her knees and came to him. She moved his hands and proceeded to unbutton his shirt for him. Her nimbly fingers worked on each button letting it fall loose. He watched her complete the task so dutifully before she pushed it off his shoulders and let the linen fall onto the ground. She leaned in and brushed her lips on his chest, her fingers trailing down his hard abdomen towards the belt around his trousers. His hard shaft hurting through his pants and ready to blow any second because of her. And she hadn't done anything to him yet, but the way her lips gently kissed down his chest over a few old scars, that alone undid him.

"I want you fast but I need to feel you slowly," she whispered near his ear, "can you give me that?"

River heated under her gaze. "Anything for you," he growled hotly.

Zoya smiled, a pretty smile that tugged on his heart.

River brought her off the bed back to her feet and turned her back to him. He collected the long length of her hair in his hands. Sectioning it off, he braided it and fastened the end with the hair band off the table next to him. Even her hair tie had a bow on it and teased him. He slightly tugged the braid, tipping her head back, and she glared up at his grin.

"Where'd you learn to braid hair?" she asked him.

The memory was as if it happened yesterday. He knew how to braid hair for Viola who was rowdy as a pup and she never stayed in one spot for long. She loved playing, especially with her brothers and her hair was kept long, so she needed help taming it. River didn't know how to do it at first, but after an elder from their pack showed him, he had figured it out. He had braided her hair many times since then. He remembered how Gabriel used to hold her down because she hated having her hair combed.

"Gabriel and I used to help Viola do her hair when she was a kid," he told her.

Zoya chuckled softly at the memory, like she was trying to picture it. "You all must have been such cute kids," she mumbled.

"We weren't kids for long," he said heavily.

She leaned back into him, melting into his touch, her soft curves against his hard edges. She was giving him comfort and maybe seeking it. River closed his eyes, breathing in her rich fragrance and letting it take control over him. He couldn't wrap his head around her and how she consumed him. He was losing all control with her and that never happened before. He was a man of control and his entire life was like that. Yet, here he was standing in front of Zoya, unable to breathe.

"On the bed," he whispered as his lips trailed across her exposed neck, "legs wide open, so I can see your beautiful body."

"Yes, sir," her tone slick with arousal and tease.

River bit back his grin when she crawled back onto the bed, she was a nymph with her dark braid over her shoulder and tempting him with her blue eyes and those sinful lips. She laid on her back, her eyes not leaving his. She then slowly spread her stocking covered legs, and since he stood at the foot of the bed, he saw everything. The hunger grew carnal inside him and his wolf surfaced close to the edge for seeing his mate.

Getting on the bed, he crawled on top of her, leaving a trail of soft kisses on her leg, then her knee, to her inner thigh and up her stomach. His lips felt as if he caressed silk and fire. As he inched up her stomach to her exposed breasts, he nibbled on the softness of them, taking his time with each one. She had her teeth clamped down on her bottom lip as she closed her eyes. He gave one last kiss on each breast before he ran his tongue on the hammering pulse on her neck, where her scent was the strongest and so was her reaction. He used his tongue and his teeth rhythmically, it made her squirm beneath him; he loved that, but he held her down not letting her seek relief when she rubbed her legs together. He fastened her legs wide apart with the strength of his thighs.

She writhed in protest, but he didn't budge.

"River," she breathed hotly.

River ran his hands along her body, which he had engraved into his soul. "Open your eyes, baby," he whispered as he laid a kiss on her lips.

Zoya's regal eyes gleamed a bright blue as she looked up at him. He saw light in those eyes, a purity that cleansed his blood and soul. He ran his finger along her jaw, a tremble running through her and it provoked him. He laid his lips against hers, his tongue tasting her sweet lips and then he waited until she opened her own mouth and let him inside her. He devoured her mouth, taking her brutally fast and letting her know that he was in control, but she could trust him with her heart and body. His hands gripped her luscious thighs hard and leaving his marks on her soft flesh.

She combed her fingers through his hair and held him, like she couldn't get enough of him either. Both of them lost themselves in each other, it was exhilarating that neither of them knew when to stop. But River never wanted this moment to stop. He always craved to be nestled close to her body.

Zoya's arousal fed his own and he was drunk off her. His last thread of control broke and he let her lips go, she was gasping for air. He trailed down her body, his mouth and hands all moving in the same direction with one goal. He was hungry to taste her, feel her and mark her. He ran his fingers on the band of her panties, the thin lace was black and sinfully covering her core from him. He ran his tongue across the lace over her hot core, she was watching him as he teased the hell out of her, but he couldn't help and love the feel of the silky lace on her most intimate place- that was all his. He possessed her.

River shifted the lace and ran his finger up her slippery core feeling the heat of her arousal. He looked up into her eyes and told her wordlessly that she was wet only for him.

"River," she moaned desperately.

River hooked his fingers onto the thin strap of her panties and peeled them off slowly, he tucked the lace into his pocket and then gave what his mate seeked desperately. His mouth latched onto her hot and throbbing core, she gasped from the contact. That didn't stop him, it only fed his darkness and he gave it to her harder. He pushed a finger into her dripping core, she was tight around him, but as his tongue worked on her clit he pushed in two more fingers opening her up for him. He knew when to go slow and went to speed up, but he didn't let her come just yet, because he adored the moment she would beg him to let her. He knew that for a woman like Zoya that it was hard to submit, but she did it with him.

He wanted her hot and desperate. Her body was aching and he knew that she was craving relief from the way her body responded to him. She didn't need to tell him when she was about to come because he could feel it. From the way her core tightened around his fingers or cock; or the way her back arched; even when her eyes closed tightly and she bit her bottom lip, it all told him that she was ready.

River ate out of her savagely loving her softness against his hard tongue. He continued his assault, she squirmed under him, he grabbed her wrists and pinned her arms down at her side as he deepened his tongue over her core. He held her down to his mercy and she dropped her gaze to his, the fire in her eyes fed his arousal. His shaft throbbed against his pants, it physically killed him. She tried to free her wrists, but he didn't let her, it was letting her know that she was all his to play with.

Her lustful moan fed his arousal. As his grip on her wrists tightened, he was relentless with his tongue on her clit. He knew she would come right now. And she did. The soft arch of her back, her body straining against his and he loved watching her come down from that high.

This was just the start though...

Letting her wrists go, that had gotten slightly red, he caressed them and soothed the skin. Her eyes fluttered open and she gently guided his head down to hers, she sweetly laid her lips to his and gave a slow but extremely sexy kiss to him. Her hands wandered over his flexed shoulders, his head spun from this slow sultry kiss and her torturous hands that began to explore the expansion of his strong back. She crossed her legs around his waist and ran her fingernails up his entire back sending electrifying pleasure to his hard shaft pulsing to be released.

River bit down on her bottom lip and licked it soothing the pain. "That was slow," his voice was thick and deep, "now I'm taking you fast. Get on your knees."

Zoya's eyes flashed as if a wolf dared to meet his challenge with just as much fire and vigour. As he sat back watching her, she turned onto her knees and lifted her butt into the air for him.

"Good girl," he said as he kissed the small of her back, running his hands over her butt down the back of her thighs.

He used his teeth possessively and marked each part of her soft skin. It was sudden, when she pushed her core right against the front of his shaft, urging him and teasing him. He saw the flicker of a smirk on her face, he gave her a smack on her ass and she threw him a surprised look.

"You don't want to test me, baby," he growled.

She did it again despite his warning.

That did it. River unzipped his pants and pulled out his throbbing shaft, not even wasting a second, he rammed into her core. He was hard and fast, making her use the headboard for support. He gripped her hips and held her up to receive him.

"Fuck, Zoya," his voice guttural.

She was scorching hot around his thick shaft, it was blinding him with heat. He ached for her and she did for him too. She was going to be sore tomorrow, but she'd remember him with every step she took and he fucking needed that. He wanted her to crave him and dream about what he would do to her body next.

As he rode her core, his release neared like a dangerous hurricane ready to destroy him and her.

"River," she moaned, her voice so sexy to his ears, that alone could make him come.

He didn't stop nor slow down. Her core tightened around him and the urge to mark her right before both of them released blanked his mind. He wrapped her braid around his hand and gently pulled her back, he wrapped his arm around her waist and held her right against him, as he pounded into her hard, his teeth latched onto the crook of her neck and he bit down hard. Both of them came powerfully.

River didn't let Zoya go, even though she was exhausted. She dropped her head back against his chest and tried to get her breath under control. He was still buried deep inside her, and he could feel the walls of her core convulsing and sensitive to his slightest movement.

River ran his hand up her stomach, feeling the delicate structure of her curves and caressing the creamy arch of her breast, letting the weight rest in his hand. She moaned when he rolled her hardened peak, he was careful because she was sensitive right now. He used his other hand and collared her throat holding her head near his mouth.

"You're dripping all over my cock," he whispered into her ear and bit down on her earlobe teasingly too.

She responded by tightening her core around his shaft and sending a jolt of arousal through his body, his cock hardening inside her again.

"I was going to let you rest," he said softly, his hand that collared her throat tightened. "But I guess you want to go again."

Zoya tilted her head to the side. "Kiss me and take what you want," she dared boldly.

Fuck, he loved this woman. River tilted her head to meet his eager lips and he buried deep inside her, riding the hell out of her. He let her throat go and grabbed her head, his fingers fisting into the top of her braid, and he deepened his kiss, taking her tongue into his mouth and sucking while his shaft was pulling in and out of her in a heated rhythm.

Zoya arched her hips into him, letting him deeper, she was meeting his each thrust with her own needs. She met his strength with her own. They rode out this release together, both of them raw by the end of it.

River pulled out of her and eased her body down on the bed. Her skin was lush and marked by him, either by his teeth or his hands. He ran his hand over her stocking that was a sheer black, his finger playing with the lace on her thigh, she was laid back resting but her eyes watched him. He grabbed the small clasp that held the stocking up with a belt. He loosened it and let the stocking fall free, he bent down and grabbed the lace between his teeth and pulled it down her knee and he pulled it off letting it fall to the floor. He did the same with the other side. He moved up and grabbed the garter belt and stripped it off her body, the tight lingerie left marks on her thighs and hips making him want to replace them with his marks and he did. He licked and soothed the skin before he left his own bites all over.

Zoya bit back her moans trying not to get aroused again, but her sensitive skin was set aflame and he fed the fire as he toyed with her body.

Stripping everything off her, he loomed over her. "Are you okay?" he asked gently.

She caressed his cheek as she was dozing off. "Mmm," she mumbled and nodded.

Only then, River got off the bed and went to the bathroom, cleaning himself off and zipping up his pants. He returned to help her. Using a warm towel, he cleaned off her core. Returning to her side after, River held her, his hands roaming her body, easing her soreness with his warm hands. She purred into his touch as he rubbed her tense muscles. She was warm and safe in his arms, and that filled him with content and a sense of pride.

River laid down beside her, drawing her back into his body. He put her head on his arm and held her until both of their breaths matched. This quiet moment reminded him that he almost lost her because he was too stubborn for his own good. His entire body filled with bone-chilling fear from just imaging what would have happened if Zoya really had left for Greece forever. River pulled her closer in his arms and reminded himself that she was here with him. She was protected and he hadn't lost the love of his life.

Like she had sensed his fear, she had snuggled closer and grabbed his other arm putting it over her waist to hold her. His huge body covered her, he put his leg over hers and his head on her neck.

"I love you," he whispered, the truth of that shaking his entire world.

"I love you too," she muttered back without hesitation.

River kissed her neck, when suddenly, there was a knock on his door. The sound echoed through the house. He carefully rolled off the bed and went to see who it was. He hadn't even reached the bottom of the stairs when he heard familiar voices belonging to Ryder, Vincent and Lupin. He spotted Zoya's pup sleeping soundly under the Christmas tree, he was undisturbed even though the men outside were joking around loudly. River opened the door facing them with his usual doom and gloom disposition.

"What do you want?" he asked them as he leaned on the doorframe.

"We're starting the grill outside," Vincent told him. "Klaus said to come eat dinner."

"Aren't you cold?" Lupin jested.

"Of course, he's not," added Ryder. "He's got his own personal heater now."

They snickered.

"I will shoot you," River gritted out.

"Zoya wouldn't let you," Vincent said self-assuredly.

"She won't miss you three since you're all a bunch of idiots," River said.

Ryder put his hand on his heart like River's words stabbed him. "Zoya loves us," he said with a pout.

"She loves River more though," added Lupin.

River shook his head. "You have three seconds to get off my porch-" the three of them didn't need another warning, they ran for it, but their laughter was heard for a while after they left.

River closed the door and saw that it was seven o'clock. He returned upstairs and saw Zoya laying on her side like he had left her. He thought she was asleep, but she shifted and looked at him with her blue eyes.

"Who was it?" she asked softly.

"It was Vince, Ryder and Lupin. They said that Klaus started the grill outside and he's cooking dinner," he told her. "Are you hungry?"

Zoya pushed her drowsiness away at the mention of food. He couldn't look away when she shifted back and stretched her limbs sensually. He saw the mark that he left close to her core and it called out to him deviously. He pushed his urges down and thought of her body. He'd let her enjoy dinner and then after he'd do her more.

"I can feel you staring," she chuckled as she got off the bed and went around it towards him.

"I'm just thinking," he said sternly.

"About what?" she asked as she untied the braid he did on her. He was mesmerized as she ran her fingers through the long curls.

She reached him, her eyes facing him and she was standing naked. He could push her down and take her once more. His wolf urged him on too, which wasn't helping his restrained demeanour to be a gentleman for her.

"Don't ask me," he whispered rigidly, "or I might just show you."

Her eyes widened and she flashed him a soft smile. "You're too cute," she jested and moved to leave.

When his control snapped and he wrapped his arm around her. He pulled her back and forced their bodies tightly together, her butt snug against his shaft. "You won't think I'm cute when I make you cry from coming," he said.

"I can't do it anymore, River," she said.

River cupped her core, pushing his fingers into her core, that was dripping wet again. She knew that too. "Are you sure about that?" he asked. "Your body is telling me a different story." She moaned breathlessly and her hips rolled over his hand. "Should I make you come once more or leave you like this?" he asked darkly.

"You're driving me crazy," she said.

River took her down on the bed with him. He unzipped his pants and took his heavy erection out again. "Look at me as I enter you, baby," he commanded. Her majestic blue eyes looked at his throbbing shaft, he was greedily slow as he pushed his thick shaft into her core. Dark and hot; he was inside her. She watched when he completely pulled out of her too, just before he rammed back inside. She took him without resistance. She had forgotten all about her sore body and fell into the spell of their arousal. She lifted her hips to meet his thrusts and that set him crazy. He lost himself inside her and was about to come as soon as she matched his thrusts. He lifted her legs, putting them onto his shoulders, so he could bury himself deeper. And that unravelled both of them. He was breathless and moaned in pleasure.

River leaned over her, taking her legs with him, so nothing was between his shaft and her core. All he saw was her and all he felt was her body turning him into a beast. He held her legs at the crook of her knees and pounded into her core.

"River- I'm going to- fuck-" she was cut off when he rammed into her.

River knew that she was about to come because he was too. He thrusted wildly into her hot channel and let them feel the high and the fall. She cried his name, tears streaming down from the corner of her eyes. Both of them came hard and blinded by the ache for each other.

River saw her tears and was about to pull out.

"Don't," she held him and tried to control her shaky breath, "if you move, I might just die."

River did as he was told. He bent down though and kissed her tears away. "Am I still cute?" he whispered.

She laughed. "I want to kill you," she punched his shoulder.

River kissed her lips softly, lazily taking her lips between his teeth, either biting or sucking, then licking her mouth open to meet his tongue. He didn't know how long he did that, but it was enough to relax her body and he slipped free of her without hurting her.

"Let's shower then we can get some food," he told her.

He helped her off the bed and took her to the bathroom where he spent his time cleaning her in the shower. Both of them stood under the warm water, but he didn't push her anymore. He let her enjoy the bath. He ran his hands over her breasts with soap then down her stomach to her core. River was guilty of stealing a few long, hot kisses though.

After the shower, they both stepped out and towelled off. He grabbed a pair of jeans and slid them on with a dark sweater. He pulled the sleeves up and was done. He picked up their clothes from around the room and placed it in the bin, when he grabbed his pants and saw the slip of lace and silk poking out. He grabbed it and slipped it into his jeans pocket now, carrying it with him secretly. He then went to Zoya and she was still picking what to wear.

"Navy or green?" she asked him as she showed him a navy-blue turtleneck versus a dark green one.

"Navy," he said casually.

She pulled it out and slipped it on, then paired it with matching jeans. They were going to leave the room, when Zoya stood with her hair-tie held in front of him.

"Pretty please," she said sweetly.

River couldn't hide his smile. "Turn around," he said.

She did and he braided her hair again for her. "What if I ask you every day to braid my hair?" she asked. "Would you do it?"

"Not for free," he said as he reached half-way down her hair.

She smiled cheerily. "And what would you like as payment, good sir?" she jested.

River reached the bottom of the braid, he secured it with the hair-tie. He caressed the silky knotted hair under his fingers, bringing it up to his lips for a moment longer after he was done. "Just stay with me... forever..." he confessed hopefully.

Zoya turned towards him, her eyes that had tenderly stripped away all his walls and defences he had built over the years gazed up at him. "River," she breathed his name, it pulled at his heart. "Of course, I will."

He laid his head against hers. "I don't deserve you," he whispered.

She put her hand on his cheek. "I don't want anyone else," she told him. "My heart only wants you, even if that means you'll make me cry from coming too hard." They both laughed. "Now, let's go. I'm starving."

River put his arm over her shoulders and they left the cabin to join the large pack outside on the field, their pup joined them too. The pup was happy to be outside as he ran over the snow and Zoya chased him. However, a bunch of other kids saw the pup running towards them and got distracted from their food to play too. The entire pack was sitting at the benches as food was being served. Klaus and Bone busy at the grill, the kids serving to everyone who were enjoying burgers and fries.

River spotted Gabriel and the rest of the gang at their own bench. Their table full with food and everyone was passing it along the table. Drinks were being served too and Hailey was bringing more food to the table.

"They're here!" announced Azura.

Everyone looked up at River and Zoya and snickered at them. But Zoya looked unaffected by the teasing instead she was bemused at him for being picked on. She sat down at the bench with Sabrina who was already preparing her a plate full of warm food.

"We didn't think you two would come," said Viola with a wolfish chuckle.

"He looks like he doesn't want to be here," remarked Vincent.

"He definitely doesn't want to be here," added Hunter with a knowing snicker.

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

River sighed and sat down beside Gabriel. "Was coming here a mistake?" he grumbled.

"Yes," said Ryder making everyone laugh.

River rolled his eyes, when he met Zoya's gaze from across the table, she was sitting with Sabrina and chatting away about something. She tried to focus on Sabrina, but River held her gaze to him. It was possessive of him to do so, but his wolf howled in agreement.

"It's good to see you like this," Gabriel said breaking River's focus.

River glanced at his side. "Like what?" he asked.

Gabriel gave a smile. "Like you're madly in love," he said.

River stiffened. "Is it obvious?"

"Only to the ones who truly know you," he responded.

So, everyone here at this table could read River's expression right now.

As the pack filled the field with their chatter, there wasn't a quiet moment for a while. River never had a single chance to go to Zoya alone. She was taken around the pack by Sabrina and Hailey to meet everyone now that she was part of the pack.

An arm went around River's shoulders, it was his twin. "So, when do I give my blessing for you to get married?" he was grinning cheekily.

River ignored his brother's grin. "It's up to Zoya when she wants to get married," he told him.

"That's true since you probably care less about planning a wedding," said Ryder, "and considering Zoya's style, she might want a big wedding, which will take a lot of planning and time."

River stiffened. "How much time?" he asked him.

"You might have to wait a while before she is fully yours, brother," Ryder was clearly teasing him, but it was working.

River was mated to Zoya but the ceremony under the full moon to get Maya's blessing still needed to be done. He was contemplating eloping with her alone and leaving everyone else just to speed up the process. But he had to convince Zoya. He could just kidnap her, it was brutish, but always an option.

"What are you planning in that head of yours?" Ryder asked.

"Nothing," mumbled River.

"No, you're thinking of something," said Ryder suspiciously.

"He's thinking of ditching us and eloping," Gabriel said as he walked up to them from behind, he put his arm on River's shoulder too, leaning on him. "I had the same idea when marrying Sabrina. Hunter was very close to doing it too, but Hailey stopped him."

"How come I don't know about this," said Ryder and River together.

"I thought it was best to let you find your mate and come up with the idea yourself," said Gabriel. "And look, you did."

Viola came up to them. "We need help setting up the projector screen."

"Are we watching a movie?" asked Ryder.

"Yeah, everyone thought it'd be fun," she said.

Just before his twin left, River stopped him. "Ryder, you can take the day off tomorrow," River told him.

"Day off," Ryder gaped, "but it's Monday and you always make me join you to do pack security checks."

"Lupin agreed to do it for us," he said.

"But why all of a sudden?" asked Ryder.

"I'm with Zoya tomorrow," said River.

Viola and Gabriel laughed at Ryder's gaping eyes and mouth. He hadn't said a word and walked off in Zoya's direction giving her a huge hug and lifting her off her feet.

"For my brother's health, please never leave him," he announced making her laugh.

As everyone arranged the chairs on the field for the movie, River went to his mate. She was pinching Ryder's cheek.

"Don't get used to it," said River sternly to his brother. "Otherwise, you won't get another day off for the rest of the year."

Ryder hid behind Zoya and put his arm over her shoulders. "Zoya, he's being mean," he complained.

"Don't be mean to him, River," Zoya reprimanded.

Suddenly, River found himself being ganged up on. He opened his mouth to say something, but he couldn't in front of her. She was smiling up at him with those big blue eyes and rosy cheeks and those lips. His mind flooded with what they had done before joining everyone for dinner. He found himself going quiet.

Ryder laughed. "She shut the great River Drakov up!" he exclaimed as he hugged Zoya. "I was waiting all my life for this moment."

Zoya patted his back in support. "I'm on your side, Ryder," she said happily.

River raised a brow. "You two are really testing me," he said.

Both of them exchanged a look and grinned together. "It's about damn time," Ryder remarked.

River grabbed Zoya and pulled her to his side. "Fuck off before I put you face down in the snow," he threatened.

Ryder ran off without hesitation.

Zoya gaped. "He abandoned me," she astonished as she crossed her arms. "How could he?"

"He fears me more," River whispered near her ear.

"You need to stop scaring everyone," she said as she leaned back on him, he put his arms around her holding her close.

"I can't help it," he sighed indifferently.

She laughed softly at that. "It's okay, I love you however you are," she mumbled and rested against him, closing her eyes, completely unaware that his heart had skipped a beat.

"Zoya," Ender approached her.

"What's up?" She smiled at him.

Ender was holding the pup in his arms. "Can I keep River with me today?" he asked.

"If you want to," she said. She looked down at the pup and held his small head in her hands. "Do you want to stay with Ender, baby?" The pup looked up at her with cheery blue eyes, which was convincing that he didn't mind being with the kind boy. "Looks like he's forgetting about me," she jested making Ender smile. "Have fun with him." Ender walked off with the pup and was joined by Jaxx who held popcorn bags.

River stood with her quietly, listening to her calm breath and letting it soothe him. Everything around him vanished and all he could see and feel was her.

"The movie's starting," she said to him. "Let's find a seat."

River stopped her when she moved ahead to take a front seat. He took her to the back near the darker area on the field and made her sit with him.

"Why are we sitting all the way in the back?" she complained.

He sat behind her, placing her between him spread legs. "Because it's more fun in the dark with me," he said.

Zoya turned looking at surprised. "Did you always have this side to you?" she asked.

He kissed her cold nose. "I don't think so. It's your fault that I'm like this," he said.

"Maybe, you're right. I still remember the kiss you gave me when we placed that bet at the race track," she told him.

"I don't remember that," he lied.

"Really?" She bit back her laughter. "I clearly remember beating your ass."

"And I clearly remember making you cry an hour ago," he remarked.

She kissed his nose back surprising him and smiled prettily. "Happy tears," she winked at him and settled between his legs.

The movie started and it was How the Grinch Stole Christmas. River didn't focus much on the film, unlike Zoya who was immersed and had a cup of hot chocolate with candy canes crushed on the marshmallows in her hands. She shared it with him and they finished off the single cup pretty fast.

Ignoring the movie, his mind wandered. River harmlessly laid his hands on her legs, that were bent at the knee and close to her. She didn't pay heed to him as he slowly caressed up and down the back of her thighs.

"I have something for you in my pocket," he whispered to her.

"What?" she asked curiously.

"Take a look," he dared.

She reached back and put her hand on his pockets, she felt the opening of his left pocket and she reached in. She froze the moment her fingers skimmed the lacy fabric. She pulled her hand back and he was sure she figured it out.

"I'm going to tie you up with it when we get home," he whispered before he bit down on her earlobe. He could sense her breath changing; she was panting and it so sexy.

River slid his hand between her legs, taking it in his grasp, he placed her legs over his and held her apart with his thighs. She was sitting under the blanket, legs wide open and defenceless to him.

"River, don't," she whispered as she looked around worriedly.

River knew no one was paying attention to them, that's why he chose the seat behind everyone, and it wasn't weird that they were so close together since it was cold outside. Even through the strong pine scent, he sensed his mate's arousal. Her fragrance overpowered him and it filled him with greed.

"If I slid my hand in your pants right now, how wet would I find you?" he asked her softly.

"I'm not wet," she breathed out unevenly.

River spread her legs further with his knees. "Don't lie to me," he growled calmly, "it makes me want to prove you wrong." He slid his hand between her legs, down her inner thigh to her core. "I marked you here-" he placed his finger close to her core and she quivered in his arms and it wasn't from the cold, but from his voice near her ear- "I loved doing that."

"River," she moaned desperately.

"All I have to do is unbutton you and pull the zipper down," he whispered daringly. "Do you want me to?"

"No," she muttered.

He nibbled on her neck slowly. "You don't sound very convincing, baby," he teased.

"You won't do it," she said assuredly.

River laughed, it was low and only for her ears. He moved so fast. The button on top of her jeans popped open and the zipper fell down too. He was inside her panties in seconds. She covered her mouth to bite back the sounds escaping from her. River found her wet and hot, his fingers coated with her essence.

"Don't make a sound," he warned.

She squirmed but she couldn't escape because he held her to him. His free arm held her by the waist and pressed her into his body.

"Fuck, you're so wet, it makes me want to eat you," he told her as his lips caressed her cheek then the temple of her forehead.

Zoya held her mouth shut and her other hand was placed on his hard thigh, her nails biting down on him to show that she was edging to insanity and impatience. River curled two fingers into her core when no one was looking. She muffled her hot moan and dropped her head on his shoulder. He was amused at her state and wanted to ruin her more. But he held back, he'd save that for later. Right now, he was playing with her clit, running small circles over it; quick and then slow just the way she liked it. Her hips rolled against his hand and urged him to go faster. He didn't. He took his time because he loved her desperation.

"Do you want me to make you come?" he asked her.

Zoya gritted a curse. "You don't make this easy," she said. "Yes, dammit."

"Say please," he affirmed.

She looked up at him with her pretty blue eyes. "In your dreams," she bit back.

River raised a brow at her tone. "You're gonna regret that," he said as he stared down at her lips.

She grinned at him. "It's fun messing with you," she said.

River's amusement dropped. He covered her mouth with his own hand and fucked her deep with his fingers. She came within seconds after that and limped back against him, she was breathless and shaken to the core. River pulled his hand free, bringing the fingers that was in his mate's precious body, he licked them clean in front of her eyes. He buttoned and zipped up her pants.

"We're going home," he said.

He got them both on their feet and instead of crossing the field in front of everyone. He took her around the Centauri house and towards the backside of the forest trail. It was the longer way around, but he had no choice. He was taking her where he could hear her voice and she didn't have to hold back.

Reaching his cabin, he pushed open the door and took them inside. He closed the door and locked it. He shoved through her layers, stripping off her coat, sweater and jeans and she kicked off her shoes. She stood in no underwear and no bra, her breasts falling free and exposed for him to taste and explore.

Pushing her against the wall, River took out the panties from his pocket and brought them towards her hands. He wrapped it around her wrists and pinned them above her head. He was carnal and worked on instinct as he took control over her body. He was more animal than man right now. He unzipped his jeans and freed his painful erection which begged him to be inside her right this fucking moment. And when he lined himself to her opened legs, he almost orgasmed the moment he slid inside her again.

She threw her head back and moaned his name. River's grip on her tied wrists tightened and he wrapped her leg over his hip, so he could get deeper. He couldn't think about anything, just her body against his and he was complete.

"I'm fully inside you," he gritted out. He laid his hand on her stomach where he knew his shaft had reached. "This is all for you, Zoya." Her blue eyes flashed with pride, like his did.

"I'm still not saying please," she told him breathlessly.

A smirk crept up his lips. "We'll get there," he said.

He shoved his shaft deeper inside her and rode her against the wall. Her voice echoing inside his cabin, which he'd never experienced before with anyone. Zoya was his first for everything and he wouldn't want it any other way.

Zoya strained against his hold on her wrists, but he didn't let go. He held her firmly and kept his lips just hovering above hers. Both of them staring at the other, breathing together and trying to keep up to the rushing storm building inside them.

Zoya leaned in and kissed him first, not being able to resist any longer. She caressed his lips with her tongue, tempting him, luring him. He was baited without hesitation. He kissed her, devoured her like she was a fucking feast and he was starving. She moaned into his mouth and he took it all. He wanted everything from his mate because she was his everything.

"Come for me," he growled under his hot breath.

She had. Both of them came together and rode out the strong wave until the end.

She slumped against the wall and River didn't let her fall, he held her securely in his arms. He took off his boots before he carried her upstairs to the bedroom.

He stripped off the rest of his clothes and crawled on the bed with her, his mouth on hers, not letting their kiss break for even a second. He took her slowly in his arms and held her with great care. His hand enclosed around her leg, he lifted it and placed it over his hip so his shaft was snug against her core, but he didn't enter her. He needed to feel her.

Not knowing how much time passed while he simply lost himself to her and her soft kisses. At one point, she had turned them around with her straddling his hips. She sat comfortably on top of him and he let her kiss him, tease him and even play with him. She'd kiss him only to pull back leaving him wanting more. She'd chuckle at him and then kiss him again. River found himself being wrapped into her, loving what she did to him. He never thought that he was the type to indulge himself and be with a woman like this. Since in the past, he never paid attention to sexual needs, this was the first time he was simply himself and gave his heart to someone. Except, Zoya embraced every part of him without hesitation. He didn't know how long he'd feel guilt for hurting her, but he'd work on making up for it.

"What's wrong?" she whispered the moment she seemed to sense his nerves. She was running her fingers through his hair, it was a soft gesture that made him close his eyes and unwind.

"Nothing," he said. There was no point in ruining her mood with bringing up the pain he caused her.

She kissed his cheek. "You're such a mysterious man," she said. "How many women did you trouble with this attitude?" He knew that she was teasing him from the cheery tone of hers.

"I've never been with other women," he told truthfully.

Zoya stiffened on top of him. "Are you being serious?"

River opened his eyes and saw her widened eyes. "Yeah," he said. "Before you, I never even paid attention to that."

"What about sex?" she asked.

"No sex," said River.

"You never had sex with anyone before me?" she clarified.

River didn't see the big deal. He wasn't an affectionate man and he never preferred being with people intimately. That's just who he was.

"I didn't have sex before you," he said.

She opened and then closed her mouth. "What about preference or technique. How'd you figure it out?" she asked him.

"Is it supposed to be hard?" he asked.

"Well, it takes practice to learn about the body," she said.

"I only need to know your body and I think I learned pretty fast," he remarked.

She was gaping at him. "I am literally in love with you," she blurted out making them both laugh.

River didn't have any sexual history because he didn't have the patience nor the time. But every day he spent with Zoya taught him a lot about himself. Although, he didn't stress about it, he was natural with his mate, her pleasure came first and he needed to make sure that she felt safe with him. As long as that was the case, River knew that he was on the right track.

They talked in bed for a little while longer. She asked him everything about his childhood to teen years and then to adulthood as a pack enforcer. He was transparent with her and told her the truth to whatever question she asked. His past wasn't that interesting anyway, most of it went by learning how to kill and then killing whoever the fuck came in his way or Gabriel's. She understood his position though, she always did and he was glad that he didn't need to hide it from her.

"Protecting people that you love isn't wrong, River," she mumbled with a yawn. "I support you and this pack with all my heart." She cuddled close to him, tucking her head under his chin and she fell asleep as soon as her eyes closed.

River pulled the duvet higher on them, he circled his arms around her and held her close, protecting her. He never cared about anyone else like he did Zoya. She filled his heart with her charming smile and beautiful heart. She was his and he fell asleep vowing to be hers until the end.