Zoya was sitting in the kitchen at the Centauri house, it was apparently a custom to always meet here for breakfast. The past few days that she had spent here mostly consisted of her hanging out here in the kitchen or River's cabin. Time here passed by as if she was in a dream. This pack territory was separated from the outside world and nothing evil touched the light here. She could see now why River worked so hard with Gabriel and the others to keep this place safe. This pack was worth protecting with every ounce of strength.

Sitting here, at this table, everyone was comfortable and calm which reminded her why she ran away from her parents. That house was a prison and nothing good happened there. Zoya found freedom here among these pack members who accepted everyone with open hearts. However, today was the day that Zoya was having lunch with her mother. She didn't know how that was going to go, but she held no expectations either. There was no point in lifting her hopes for no reason. She knew Ellen Knightley and that woman never planned anything for the greater good. Except, being around the Centauri pack made one hopeful.

The front door opened and Ryder entered with Gabriel and Hunter, they filled up the house with their voices. The only one that wasn't here at this table was her mate, River. She wondered what held him back as she finished off her cup of coffee, which was exceptional, but it wasn't surprising since there was nothing Bone couldn't do. Even now, he was making breakfast for everyone. He was a busy bee at the stove making scrambled eggs and toast and Klaus was helping him too.

"Good morning!" Ryder greeted everyone.

"You're in a chirpy mood," observed Hailey.

Ryder beamed with a smile. "That's because I have a day off and I get to do whatever the hell I want," he said and they laughed at him.

"Don't you have someone to thank for that," remarked Sabrina.

"Of course, I will never forget the one who saved me from my evil twin," retorted Ryder as he came around and sat right next to Zoya putting his arm over her shoulders.

"Your twin isn't evil," she nudged him playfully.

"Oh, he's the devil," said Ryder. "Isn't he, Gabriel?"

Gabriel looked back as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "He's a licensed psychopath," he said. "I would be careful not to get on this bad side."

"I don't know if he's joking or not," Zoya said to the group.

"Gabriel's not joking," remarked Ryder.

"He's not," chimed in Viola and Vincent.

"Stop scaring her," rebuked Sabrina. "River's great-"

"To you-" interrupted Ryder. "He's been a menace to me since birth." They all laughed at him.

Zoya's phone buzzed and it was a message from River saying that he was making his way to them now.

"We should prank him," said Ryder. "You know, get back at him for all the torture."

"Don't even think about it," said Sabrina.

Zoya was kind of intrigued and she looked at Ryder's crafty blue eyes.

"He'll kill you," King pitched in.

"No, he won't," said Zoya with disbelief.

The group exchanged a wary glance. "He probably will," muttered Gabriel.

"Let's do it," said Ryder.

Commotion was heard at the front door; it was Azura and River's voices mixed in. Ryder jumped into action and grabbed a hold of Zoya. She laughed when she saw his eagerness to get back at River, those two definitely weren't twins from their opposite personalities.

"We need to hide you," he said hurriedly pushing her into the hallway and down the path. He looked around and shoved open a door into a dark room. "Stay in here," he said and closed the door on her, leaving her alone in the dark closet.

It all happened so quickly, Zoya didn't realize that she had left her cellphone on the table, so it was likely that River would recognize it and not believe their joke. She stood in the closet and leaned against the door when she heard Ryder's muffled voice.

"She left," he had said.

"What do you mean?" River's voice was clear as day to her ears.

The rest was a bit fuzzy. She couldn't hear the exchange between the pack members who were in the kitchen. Zoya was about to open the door and walk out, when the door wouldn't budge. She tried a couple of times and wondered what the problem was; it was jammed on something but she didn't know on what. She looked around, but since it was dark, she couldn't see anything around her. Only the sliver of light peeking from under the door allowed her to see her heels. She didn't know what came over her, but she couldn't breathe.

The darkness enveloped her into the nightmare of her wretched past, to the place she had spent most of her childhood; the basement of the Knightley house. She had escaped that tainted prison and she repeatedly reminded herself of that right now. She wasn't trapped in that basement. Yet, her heart was as if someone had put their tight fist around it and squeezed the blood out.

Zoya, you're fine, her wolf said steadily.

Yeah, you're right, she said to keep her wolf calm but Zoya was not calm.

Out of habit, she hadn't made a single sound. She hadn't attempted to get out or bang on the door to get free because that only meant that she had to stay in the basement longer. She stood silently, holding her breath and closed her eyes. The blood in her body turned to ice and she felt all strength leave her legs. She would've fell over if it wasn't for the strength of her wolf keeping her firm. She had forgotten that she was at the Centauri pack. She was that child again who was beaten or cursed by the ones that were supposed to protect her.

"River..." she couldn't hear her own voice, she wasn't even sure if she said his name, but it was the only thing that kept her from losing the grip on herself.

Suddenly, the door opened and light beamed through her closed eyes. The cool air on her face brought her back to where she truly was. Safe and at the Centauri house.

"Zoya," River's voice snapped her eyes open.

She didn't move nor make a sound, yet he heard her screams and felt the terror haunting her. His eyes searched hers, he straightened and clenched his jaw as if he was about to punch someone. He turned and looked at whoever was standing on the other side of the door.

"I'm going to deal with you later," he gritted out. "Go. Now." Whoever stood there didn't need another warning and scampered off.

Zoya felt like an idiot for ruining something that was supposed to be fun. She just didn't think after so many years that being closed into a room would trigger those memories.

River entered the closet, it was a lot smaller with him inside with her. She slowly realized that he hadn't forced her to come out nor bombard her with questions when it was clear from her paled expression that something was wrong. Instead, he stood close to her, matching her breath to his and surrounding her with his rich scent. She eased her shaky breath and inhaled his heat into her body, which calmed her in seconds.

He put his hands on the shelves behind her and surrounded her with his arms rather than the walls. "I'm going to touch you," his gentle voice caressed her ears.

She nodded and only then had he put his hands on her arms. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, her cheek then to the mark he left on her neck. She eased into his touches and found herself thinking only about him.

"Before I ask you what just happened, I'm going to go kill Ryder," he said against her ear.

She immediately grabbed a hold of his leather jacket, her hands fisting the unzipped sides. "No. Please, don't leave me," she said unevenly.

As much as he wanted to go kill Ryder, he stayed with her. "What's going on, Zoya?" he asked her.

"Nothing," she tried to sound reassuring, "it was just scary being closed in a room."

River watched her carefully and it was clear that he didn't believe a word she was saying. "It wasn't fear that I saw on your face when I opened this door," he said, "it was trauma."

Zoya's hands tightened on his jacket. "I thought I was past this," her voice held no strength.

"This is about your parents?" he said more than asked.

Zoya took an uneven breath in. "My parents used to lock me in the basement as a sign of discipline," she said, "and they used to-" she couldn't say more about how her parents abused her, but she didn't have to because River's darkened gaze read the agony written on her face.

River put his arms around her, holding tightly to his body, and letting her feel his warmth and strength. "And being in here brought those memories back," he said.

"This has never happened before," she said.

"And it would have never happened if my brother didn't act so stupidly," gritted out River.

Zoya felt exhaustion fill each and every limb of hers despite it being early in the day. "It wasn't his fault, he didn't know and neither did you until now," she said as she dropped her head on his chest. "Please, can you take me outside."

River took off his leather jacket and draped it over her shoulders. He didn't take her through the front door, but the back door which she was glad that he had. She went and took a seat on the bench's table and waited for River to return from inside the house. She was sure the entire family was curious over what happened. River would explain it to the best of his ability. Zoya didn't know.

Ryder was the one she saw first. His charming eyes had turned desolate and she hated that that happened. He hurried over to her. "I'm so sorry, Zoya," he said. "I didn't know, otherwise I never would've-"

"I know and there's nothing to apologize for-" she said assuredly. "We were just having fun, and honestly, even I didn't know that was going to happen."

Ryder's frown reminded her so much of River. "I'm really sorry," he said.

She had a feeling, he wasn't going to give in unless she said; "I forgive you, Ryder." She brought him into her arms and hugged him. Looking over his shoulder, she saw River watching them as he approached. "We can prank River another time," she whispered.

Ryder let out a soft laugh- finally.

River joined them and he had her jacket and phone in his hands. She gave him his leather jacket and he handed her the white fur-trimmed coat.

Ryder looked at River, but the brothers didn't exchange any words and only a look that they understood. Ryder soon after left and returned to the Centauri house.

River looked at her sitting on the bench. "Are you okay?" he asked gently.

Zoya nodded. "I'm feeling better," she admitted truthfully.

"Are you sure you want to meet that woman today?" he then asked.

Zoya totally forgot about the meeting with her mother. "Oh god," she groaned and dropped her head against his chest.

"Just cancel it," he suggested.

"I would love to but I can't avoid this forever," she sighed.

His deep frown was clear that he didn't approve and she was sure he'd talk her out of it. "Okay," he gave in surprisingly. "But you have some time before you meet her. Let me take you out."

Zoya was taken aback and she gaped at her mate. "As in a date?" she astonished.

He stared back at her. "I said I'd be with you this whole day," he replied. "So, I'll do whatever you want."

She smiled with all her teeth. "Even if I said let's go shopping," she couldn't help but sound giddy.

"Yes," he answered.

She jumped off the bench and both of them went to the car parked on the driveway.

Zoya couldn't put it in words, but her heart was hammering inside her chest. These past few days were as if she lived a dream. Being here at the pack with River was something she never thought she'd have for herself not matter how much she hoped for it. Life had finally given her what she truly wanted and what could go wrong now. She was complete and she may have a bit of trauma but being with River took away the fear.

He drove as she sat in the seat beside him. She couldn't help but steal a few glances his way. Over these past few days, she had learned a few things about him that made her fall even harder for him. She already knew that he was a man of few words, yet he knew exactly what to say to make her heart skip a beat. She didn't know how he managed to make her knees weak just by looking at her, but he had that way with himself. He was confident to the point that he knew he was always right about anything. She didn't mind that about him, since she realized that he was easy to reason with. And it didn't hurt when she stripped off her clothes and convinced him to listen to her way with her body and he'd have no choice but to give in.

She still remembered the night she wore the new lingerie she bought. She didn't have many expectations and frankly thought that River wouldn't care. But he did and he showed her. She swore to bring all the lingerie she had just to use on him and see what he'd do. Zoya adored his wicked side and her wolf did too. Yet, there was a gentleness in him that she relied on and entrusted herself to. He was rough with her but he whispered his love to her at every chance. She still remembered all the times he told her that he loved her. She wished she could've recorded it and have it on repeat for herself. He consumed her entire being and she couldn't help but lose herself to this bond. She was afraid of how much she'd given herself to him in such a short amount of time. He was her soul and she was a dull fire when he wasn't with her. He made her feel alive with his touch and his voice brought her out of the darkness that she hid herself away in. She'd let River take her anywhere and that wasn't her being naive. She chose her mate and her life was his.

Turning her head, she looked out the window and she hadn't even realized that they had arrived in the busy city. She was glad that it wasn't that cold today and the sun was peeking out from behind a few clouds. This was the street close to her company, which she knew very well because she shopped on this busy street more than she could count.

"Let's stop here," she said.

River parked on the side of the road.

She got out of the car, her eyes scanning all the stores on the street and she already knew the first three that she wanted to go to. However, she wouldn't stress River out too much. This was his first-time shopping with her and she couldn't scare him away just yet.

River circled around the hood of his car, he was standing tall in all black and leather. She didn't understand how sexy a plain leather jacket could look on a man. He filled out the leather with his powerful build that worked under his control. He extended his hand towards her for her to take hold of and she gladly did. She hid her blushing smile and tried to compose herself. She was Zoya Knightley for god's sake! She walked down the street with River and they matched their pace together. He took long confident strides ahead just like she did.

"I'll go easy on you today," she said.

He looked at her confused. "What do you mean?" he frowned.

"I mean that I won't scare you with my shopping skills," she said.

He raised a brow. "That's not necessary," he told her. "I'm a trained shopping companion."

"And who trained you?" Her voice hinted laughter.

"Vincent and Viola," he listed.

Zoya couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. "That's too cute," she believed.

"It wasn't cute when Vincent would try on fifty different suits and ask me to pick a favourite," he remarked making her laugh a little harder.

"What about Viola?" she asked.

"Viola's a little demon," he said gruffly before he stiffened. "Don't tell her I said that. She'll have my head."

Zoya let go of his hand and linked their arms together instead, she craved his heat and this was the only way to get it. "I won't let anyone touch you," she promised. "Okay, where should we go first?" She saw a candle store next to a large Christmas pop-up shop. There was a Cartier store beside Dior and Chanel. She desired the small boutiques around the street, especially all the holiday stores.

"Let's go to that one," she pointed to the store across the road.

They crossed the road before the light changed to green.

Zoya took River into the candle shop and as soon as they entered there was a warmth surrounding the entire store. The soft glow of the chandeliers bounced off the dark oak floors and all the displays. She instantly filled with excitement, it was clear from her beaming smile that went from ear-to-ear. They both went around the shop smelling all the various types of candles and she was quick to buy a few too. One could never have enough candles and she was taking them for River's cabin, the house needed the holiday spices.

They quickly put the bags in the car and went off to the next shop on the street. She walked into a clothing store next and was keen on getting a few pieces for River. She already had in mind what she was looking for. A dark wool coat, a new watch that would match hers and they needed identical pyjamas, which was on top of the list.

They stood in front of the plaid pyjama sets and Zoya presented the two options. "It's either the red or the green, honey," she told him.

River stared at the pyjamas. "I'd rather we wore nothing to bed," he said.

She gaped at his cool expression when he said that. She cleared her throat before she spoke; "We don't need to wear them to bed if you don't want to. But if we are eating breakfast or watching a movie, it'll be fun to wear."

"Fine, the red then," he said.

She grabbed the red pair off the rack and they walked off into the direction of coats. He told her that he didn't need a coat, but she was persistent to get him something warmer than his leather jacket.

"I can't have you getting sick," she voiced her concern.

"I don't get sick," he said.

Zoya shook her head. Why did she expect him to say that? She ignored his protests and browsed through the different styles. She was about to give up when her eyes landed on the long black cashmere coat that gave a sheen of midnight-blue in the light. She took it off the hanger and worked quick to get River into the coat.

"This is the one," she declared.

"I haven't even put it on yet," he said.

"I'm Zoya Knightley, I know these things," she said smugly making him chuckle.

He slipped both his arms into the coat and shrugged it onto his shoulders standing in front of her. "How is it?" he asked.

Perfection, she thought. "Take a look yourself," she said turning him around towards the large mirror.

River stared at his appearance or more the coat. "It's nice," he admitted.

She found herself smiling at him. He looked smart and dangerously sexy in the coat, since he was taller than most, the coat fell just below his knees and molded to the hard lines of his physique. She fixed the collar and adored the rigid lapels that wouldn't flop around. She even approved of the dark buttons that camouflaged with the coat. The coat was made for River.

"We're getting it," she said when she saw the next rack full of the same coat but different colours. She called over the sales-associate and made her grab one of each colour to put on hold. Zoya was getting River all of them.

"You don't need to buy me things," River said as he closed the trunk with all the bags inside of his new coats.

"I like buying you things," she said. "You have a rich mate, River. Let me take care of you."

"That's my job," he retorted.

"We'll take turns then," she suggested.

"It doesn't work like that," he said.

"How about something in exchange," she offered. "That's only fair."

"What do you want?" He asked he looked around the street at the other shops.

"I'll let you know later," she said.

Leading him into Cartier, she knew what watch she wanted to get him. As her watch sat on her wrist, she took him towards the men's side and scavenged the one that resembled hers.

"You want a watch?" he asked her.

"I don't," she said as her eyes spotted the one she seeked. "Can I see that one, please?" she asked the sales-associate.

"Of course, madam," he said happily before he pulled out the silver Cartier watch.

Turning to River, she held her hand out. "Wrist," she asked.

River lifted his arm and she secured the watch on his sturdy wrist. The silver band secured perfectly and shined under the chandelier lights, which illustrated the silver dial and blued-steel sword-shaped hands. This timeless piece was not only a classic but made for River.

"We'll get this," she said.

"Great choice, madam," said the sales-associate, "and anything for yourself today?"

"I'll take a look too," she said as she followed the man and picked out a few new jewelry pieces for daytime and night.

River didn't take the watched wrapped up in the box and instead put it on without wasting another second. She liked that he had.

Before they stepped out, River held her hand and they walked down the road together. He took her to the coffee shop. She hadn't realized that she could use a cup of coffee and perhaps a muffin as well.

Entering a local café, they ordered and Zoya stuck to her cinnamon latte and River got a caramel cream cold brew, which was delicious she might add after trying it. As River ate a sandwich, she enjoyed her scrumptious blueberry muffin. They took a seat on the long stool near the window and she faced him instead of the busy street.

She wouldn't say that she completely forgot what happened this morning, it was hard to forget and move on from those memories, especially since that's all she knew for a very long time. Most of her memories were full of days and nights with only pain and darkness. However, she didn't like that she bothered River with this. She really thought that the trauma was past her and she had grown up... yet she was proved wrong and it hurt more than she'd like to admit.

Zoya looked down at her watch and it was a half an hour before she had to meet with her mother. She closed her eyes and finished off her muffin, despite not being able to taste the rest of it now.

"What's wrong?" River caught her expression.

Zoya graced a smile. "I was just thinking how handsome you look in that coat," she praised.

River raised a brow. Damn, he was so hot when he did that, she thought to herself as she held every sinful desire inside her.

River reached towards her, his hands gripping the bottom of her seat, he effortlessly pulled her closer to his side. She looked surprised that he had done that, but soon nestled herself into his side and breathed in the strength he always gave her.

They spent the rest of their time just walking down the streets. They even went off to the park so they could enjoy the rest of their coffee.

After a while, Zoya and River returned to the car and felt the ease leave her limbs and being replaced with concrete.

"Can I drive?" she asked.

River studied her blank expression, he opened his mouth to protest but instead gave in. "Here," he said as he gave her the keys.

Zoya got in the car with River by her side. She turned the ignition on and the engine silently roared alive. She loved the sensation of the leather under her hands, it took her back to the time when she raced for the first time. The thrill that made her feel alive was craved by her now too. She was glad that it wasn't snowing because it meant that she could speed.

Zoya knew the car could be changed into manual mode, so she'd have to manage the gears herself. She liked doing it and preferred it that way when she raced, it let her focus on the gears rather than her thoughts.

"Put your seatbelt on," she told River as she strapped herself in already.

She kept her eyes on the road, her foot easing down on the race, she let the brake release the moment she heard River's seatbelt click into place. She was fast and precise as she drove down the winding streets of the city. She was in control of everything around her and it brought her into focus. The view rushed past her windows, but all she saw was the straight road as she circled down the ramp and entered the highway. She pressed on the gas shifting gears continuously as the car picked up speed. The exhilarating rush of the car and her controlling every move was supposed to bring her back and ground her, but it didn't work. She could sense her wolf's grim mood getting worse and her own.

She took the next exit off the highway and the Golden Pier restaurant appeared on the next street down. She was about to park on the side of the road.

"Take a right into there." River pointed to the road on the right side of them. It was a narrow route, but she listened and turned the car into the side.

Just as she braked and put the car in park, she turned to apologize for her behaviour, when River reached for her face and crushed his lips onto hers. Hungry and hot. He kissed her hard with a raw need to devour her and feel her. She gave the same need back. The sensation of his lips against hers was heavenly to the point that her heart leaped out of her chest. She raked her hands into his thick, dark hair and was hypnotized. Kissing River was not only soft and sweet but hot and desperate. All she craved was his taste as she twisted her tongue to his own. She pulled him as close as she could get him in the tight space of the car. He groaned and grunted before finding the perfect position to hold himself right in front of her. She didn't care if she got crushed by him, she just wanted to feel him.

River didn't break the kiss and neither did she. She didn't know how long this kiss went on, but the heated kiss turned into a slow caress of lips and occasional biting. Zoya was breathless by the end of it.

"If only we weren't in this car," he grumbled against her mouth.

Zoya couldn't breathe. She closed her eyes and tried her hardest to compose herself. That was when she realized that all the angst burning inside her body had been replaced by her mate. All she could feel and sense was him and his wolf.

"Did I scare you earlier?" she asked warily.

River watched her with that invading gaze. "No, but you worried me," he confessed.

"I'm sorry," she breathed out and looked away.

River tilted her head back by her chin making her look at him. "You never need to be sorry about the way you feel," he said. "I'm here and I'll do anything for you."

Zoya grabbed the lapels of his coat and brought him down for another make-out session, which lasted for a few minutes.

"I'm getting late because of you," she whispered against his mouth.

"How's that my fault?" he retorted but he reluctantly let her go and sat back in his seat. She watched as he wiped his lips of her gloss.

"I just can't control myself in front of you," she jested with a grin.

River matched her grin and glanced her way with those wicked blue eyes. "I want to take you home," his tone was smooth and low for her.

Zoya wanted nothing more than to go home with him and be in bed all day; bodies tangled between each other and tousled bedsheets. "Kiss me one more time before I go," she said softly.

River laid his lips softly on hers, but the gentleness shattered her entire being. She was trembling in his embrace and he felt it but he held her. He knew what she was going through, but he didn't raise questions and instead gave her strength to face it. She loved him with all her heart, there wasn't anything truer than that.

Zoya got out of the car and River did too. He was adamant to drop her off in front of the restaurant even though she didn't want him seeing her mother. There was no point in arguing with the man though, he followed his own word all the time.

Just before they got close to the windows of the restaurant, she turned and stopped him. "You need to go," she said. The last thing she wanted was River being seen again by her mother.

River didn't budge. "When are you going to learn that your mother doesn't scare me?" he said softly.

"Please, for me, go wait in the car," she insisted.

River sighed heavily. "I'm right outside," he said before he bent down and kissed her cheek.

The soft sensation lingered on her cheek and she held onto that piece of him. She watched him walk back to the car alone. Just as soon as he got in the car, Zoya went into the restaurant that was busy as always.

She didn't need to look around for Ellen Knightley. The thick perfume stench was felt all the way to the front door. She spotted her mother seated at the table in a satin white dress and a blazer that rested on her shoulders. The heavy emeralds around her throat shined under the light and it matched the earrings, bracelet and ring set she wore. Zoya didn't fall for the disguise that was meant to trick the world into believing that Ellen Knightley was a prestigious woman.

Zoya straightened her shoulders and closed every part of her heart because that wasn't needed here. She needed to use her head and she needed to be ready for what this woman was plotting against her.

Zoya just approached the table. "Ellen-"

"You're late-" she interrupted sternly.

Zoya took a seat and her eyes showed nothing but indifference. "You should be glad I showed up at all," she retorted.

Ellen's inky black eyes stared her distantly, but it was quickly masked with a smile. "You're right. Thank you for coming," she said as she laced her hands together.

The waiter came to their table asking if they were ready to order.

"We'll both get the olive salad and sparkling water is fine," her mom said before Zoya could even utter a word.

Zoya stayed quiet though. She simply sat back in the chair and let her mother unravel the truth on her own. This may be easier than Zoya thought.

"I wasn't going to tell you but I feel like you should know," Ellen began using a cynic tone. "I was coming to visit you when a very disrespectful man stopped me. Can you believe that?" She let out a cold laugh. "I told him that you were my daughter but he threatened me."

Zoya's stomach plummeted. "What are you talking about?" she asked with as calm of a tone she could conjure.

"He said his name was River Drakov," she revealed.

Zoya was glad that the salads arrived because the waiter hid Zoya's expression from her mother. River never told her that he met her mother and more importantly that he talked to her.

"I told Joe about it..." Ellen revealed.

That was when all the warmth left Zoya and her blood turned to ice. Her father was the last person who should find out about River and his connection with Zoya. Joe Knightley was not a forgiving man and neither was he compassionate. He was the monster that Zoya ran away from. Oh god! No, not River. These two people couldn't go near River, Zoya wouldn't allow it.

"Except, Joe refused to take action," her mother said bitterly. "He said that the Drakov's weren't people to make an enemy out of and that I was lucky to walk away with my head attached to my neck. I've never seen Joe like that before."

"Did you really want to talk about another man with me, Ellen?" Zoya interrupted and hopefully diverted the woman's attention.

Ellen's gaze locked with Zoya. "No, of course not," she said. "How's work?"

Zoya felt disgust fill her as her mother ate and pretended to care. "Work is fine," she answered.

"Frankly, I can't believe you did something as trivial as fashion designing," said her mom as she ate her salad. "You should have done a respectful job like your father. You always were peculiar in your choices. Not only did we send you to the best schools, we clothed you, fed you and you had a house all to yourself."

Zoya mixed the salad but didn't eat, she was sure that her gaze alone poisoned the leaves.

"I don't know what happened to you," her mom sighed dejectedly. "You had so much potential and then you had to become a tailor. What a joke fate played on me. I guess you really can't put your dreams on others, they will only disappoint."

Zoya clenched her jaw to the point that it hurt. She was about to tell her mother to shut her mouth or else she was going to rip the woman's tongue out. But they were interrupted by a stranger. A man walked up to their table and Ellen got up excitedly, greeted the young man who had to be about Zoya's age. He was tall, clean and polished in a grey suit. His blond hair combed carefully back revealing his clean-shaved face and doll-like blue eyes. He was nearly perfect, but the sight of him made Zoya sick to her stomach.

"Zoya, meet Andrew Reed," Ellen said brightly. "Come sit with us, honey."

Andrew took a seat next to her mother. Zoya read the way he was comfortable with Ellen, like they were old friends.

"You remember Jane and Ethan Reed right, Zoya?" Ellen asked.

"How could I forget," Zoya remarked coldly.

Jane and Ethan Reed were the perfect pair that got along with Ellen and Joe Knightley. They all held annual dinners faking their flawless relationship, Zoya was a part of it a lot. But Andrew was sent to boarding school, so this was the first time she met him.

"Andrew here is helping your father," Ellen said proudly.

"You flatter me," Andrew said as he laid a hand over Ellen's. "Joe is such an inspiration and I'm learning more from him than he is from me. He's a mentor for me."

"Is that so?" Zoya bit back her laughter. Joe Knightley didn't help anyone with nothing in return. Andrew must have a deal of some kind.

"Don't be modest, Andrew," Ellen said sweetly. "You're like a son to me."

Andrew's brows drew together in a frown. "After my parent passed away, you and Joe have been so supportive," he said. He looked at Zoya. "You're so lucky to have such parents."

"Oh, trust me, I thank god every day," she lied coldly with a fake smile on her face.

"This was why I invited you, Zoya," said Ellen. "I wanted you to meet Andrew since he will be your fiancé soon."

The world stopped dead in its tracks.

"What did you say?" Zoya snapped back.

Ellen and Andrew shared a smile together. "Joe and I have discussed the matter and we want Andrew as our son-in-law. Joe has even decided to make Andrew his successor after you marry him," she said.

Zoya crossed her legs at the knee and glared at Andrew. "Unlike either of you, I built myself a career without the great Joe Knightley's help," she said coldly. "Not only do I have a reputation that surpasses both of you, but I'm rich as fuck. So, instead of wasting my time eating lunch with you disgusting people. I will take my leave."

"How can you talk to your mother like that?" Andrew astounded.

Zoya got out of her seat. "She's not my mother," she gritted out. "If you want her then be my guest and have her."

"Zoya," her mother's poisonous tone maddened Zoya further.

"Don't say my name," she seethed at Ellen.

"How dare you!" the man said as he grabbed her arm.

She glared at him. "You have one second to let me go," she warned.

"What are you going to do?" he retorted harshly.

Taking a step closer, she slapped him right across his pale cheek. "Don't ever put your filthy hands on me again," she threatened. She looked at her mother's horrified expression. "You will never contact me again, otherwise the slap I just gave him will be for you next."

Zoya rushed out of the restaurant to not even take notice of all the people watching. Everyone saw everything and she hated it. She felt disgusting and her own skin crawled trying to hide away from what just happened in there. She was going to be sick and she was hollowing out from inside. Her heart hammered and she felt the ache pounding in her head, it got worse as she walked away trying to clutch onto the last ounce of life in her.

She stumbled on something, maybe it was her own heeled foot, but she didn't fall. A strong pair of arms caught her.

"Zoya," it was River's voice that saved her from the sickening void growing inside her.

She was breathing harshly, in and out that she couldn't hear anything other than that. "Take me away from here?" she asked him; pleaded from deep down to save her.

River pulled her away from the street and back to the car. He opened the car door and she didn't even know how she got into the car, when the door closed and she realized much later that he had seated her in the back seat of the car. River got in on the other side and he pulled her onto his lap. She gave into him. She accepted his embrace, her head hidden in the crook of his neck, her arms around him holding like he was her lifeline, that was just about to expire.

She closed her eyes and felt a wave of exhaustion fill her. This was what happened when she met people like her parents. They sucked the very life out of people. Zoya couldn't even lift herself. But she wasn't surprised, when it came to her parents, this type of behaviour was normal. However, each time, her heart broke and that pain purged her entire soul yet again.

She bit back her tears, not letting them fall. She had spent too many nights crying about her past. She wouldn't do it today.

"I wish I could forget them," she spoke softly unsure if he even heard her. "I'm tired, River. I'm so tired."

"You never need to see them again, Zoya," River said.

"I don't want to see them," she believed. "Each and every time, they shove a knife through my heart. A parent is supposed to protect their child, but mine only killed me over and over again-" River's arms tightened around her and she tried her hardest to feel only him- "Is what I do ugly?" she whispered. "Is it not respectful?" She clutched onto his shirt. "I help thousands of people prepare for their special day. I have over hundreds of stores and I'm on the damn Forbes magazine. I hate them, I hate how they make me feel like I'm worth nothing. I hate that their words mean anything to me when I'm an adult and I don't need them to survive. Why is this happening now when all I ever did was try my best?"

"Shhh-" River soothed her. "You don't need them. You have me, Ryder and all of the Centauri pack who are all ready to fight for you."

She blinked away the tears that filled her eyes and they fell on his shoulder. "Can you take me home?" she used the last strength she had to ask that.

Zoya remained in the back seat, unable to move a muscle, as River drove back to the Centauri pack. She was unsure whether or not she should tell River about what happened and how her mother was about to marry her off, it wasn't relevant and she'd never do it, so it'd be better to forget about it.

She sank into the seat and closed her eyes hoping it'd ease the ache inside her head. What was she thinking or even hoping for? Ellen Knightley was a vile woman and today just proved what Zoya already knew. This past of hers was a disgusting scar. There was no running from it and trying to heal this was too late. She just had to live with it forever. however, she couldn't stop the fear inside her from growing. What would her parents do after the stunt she pulled today? she wondered. Slapping Andrew Reed wasn't a good idea and she was sure her parents were furious with this show of disrespect. What was Zoya going to do now? she asked herself.

Zoya looked up at the front seat at River. "Why didn't you tell me that you met my mother?" she asked.

River met her gaze through the mirror. "There was no need to ruin your mood," he said.

Zoya shook her head in disbelief. "She talked about you and-"

"Did she now-" he sounded unimpressed.

Zoya didn't know how to explain it to this man that her parents were complete lunatics. She couldn't explain how much fear she felt the moment her mother spoke River's name. All the power she had vanished when she was reminded that she had something to lose, it was River. And if she lost him then she'd break. Zoya was losing her mind, she didn't know what to do anymore.

They finally arrived at the Centauri territory, it was quiet outside on the fields, most likely because everyone was at school or work. The door on her side opened and River stood there waiting for her. He put his hand inside reaching down for her. She slid her hand into his, unable to resist his touch, it was craved by her entire body. The heat from his palm and fingers caressed her into his spell. She trembled from the way he consumed the very breath out of her lungs and controlled how her heart beat inside her.

She got out of the car and wasn't even sure how her legs held her up, but as she was crossing the trail on the field, she realized that River's arm was locked securely around her waist. He wouldn't let her fall; he'd hold her however long she needed. No one comforted her before because she was used to being manipulated and fed with violence most of her life. There was no running from the way her past poisoned her today.

River opened the door to the cabin and she entered first. She took off her heels and let the warm floor ease the aches in her feet. She looked near the Christmas tree for the small pup, but he wasn't there. He must still be by Ender's side and playing with Gideon- Hailey's son, which was reassuring despite everything right now.

The door closed behind them and she hadn't said a word. She didn't know what words she had left to explain that she was a child who grew up in a sick household. How was she supposed to tell River that her mother beat her and her father used her any chance he had to get what he wanted from others. Zoya was a slave and she had been broken many times.

"Zoya," his gentle tone that whispered her name made her heart ache like it was bleeding inside her.

She swallowed the thorn in throat. "Do I scare you now?" she jested with a fake chuckle, but she hoped he couldn't tell since she was looking away from him. "I'm a traumatized girl who has psychotic parents. Wow, I could use a drink or maybe two."

River's hand touched hers and she froze to the bone. "Look at me," he said.

Zoya couldn't deny him anything, so she turned around but wasn't ready to face him. "I'm sorry," she blurted out. "I don't like being this way."

River's blue eyes softened as he stared at her tenderly. "You can be any way you like. I got you, remember," he said.

"The blood that's in me is theirs and it makes me sick," said Zoya harshly. "They are a part of me that I can't erase or rip out and I hate it. I hate that I am piece of them."

River pulled her into his arms. "You're not," he whispered. "You're mine, only mine."

"River," she moved back.

"Every part of you," he ran his hands along her arms, his body moving with hers, "your heart, your smile, your body and your gaze are all mine... even your tears." He bent down and kissed the tear away from her cheek that she didn't when started to fall. "All of you is a part of me and no one takes that away from us. Don't think about your parents because they can't touch you."

"I'm not scared for me," she said. "I can't lose you."

"I dare them to touch me," he seethed hotly as his lips skimmed over her ear. "They know what will happen if they do."

Zoya shuddered and closed her eyes praying that it never came to that or else she'd die if anything happened to him. River tilted her head up and locked his lips to hers- she didn't stop him. Both of them tangled in one another, they kissed like they were the very breath in their lungs. She pushed off his jacket and he did the same for her. Both of them stripping off everything that stopped them from touching skin. She gripped the hem of his shirt and tore it off letting it follow all the other garments on the ground. River had unzipped her dress, pushed the straps down and it pooled at her bare feet. He put his arm around her waist and pressed her to his body, the buckle of his belt was cold against her stomach. She was lifted off the ground and he gathered her legs to wrap around his waist before he carried her to the bedroom.

River laid her down and hadn't stopped kissing her, but only changed his spot. His lips trailed down her neck, her chest to her stomach down to her core. She trembled in his arms and couldn't control the desire of her needs growing in her. She was soaking wet, she could feel it. And seeing River moving down on her was enough to break her.

She combed her fingers through his dark hair when he kissed the top of her core and then went to separate the folds exposing her clit. She writhed away but he held her down with his arm. She couldn't handle the wave of pleasure consuming her, it was too much to endure. His tongue took control of the surge that pushed her higher and higher.

Yet as she laid on the soft mattress unable to breathe, she sensed the way River handled her with such care. His gentle touches, his warmth, his control made her feel safe. The entire world around them vanished and all she knew was him. Her heart ached for him and him alone. Staring into his blazing blue eyes, she fell deeper under their enchantment.

He revealed to her great pleasure, but he also showed her heart how tender love was. She trusted him with her body, soul and her wolf. River was all she knew. Nothing else compared to him.

"Focus on me, baby," he said against her core. His tough voice sending a tremor of pleasure through her. "Feel my tongue on you-" she moaned in response- "I'm all you need. Trust me and only me."

"Yes," she promised breathlessly.

River watched her as she reached her limit and was the one to bring her there. She felt so exposed in front of him. Her heart was ripped open for him and everything she had was his. He controlled her body and her heart. She ached for him and always would.

"River," she moaned out his name that was engraved in her, "I want to feel you inside me."

River's blue eyes flared alive like sweltering flames. He lifted his mouth off her and hovered over her with his muscular figure, that was intimidating. He could hurt her or kill her, but she wasn't scared of him because River always fought to protect others. He wasn't selfish or evil, he had honour in every fibre of his body.

He gave what she asked and plunged deep inside her. His hardened shaft spread her hot channel, it convulsed around him. She forgot how to breath or think. For a moment, neither of them moved, like it was too much for them and they'd shatter right here and now.

Zoya held onto him, as he attempted to pull out of her, the separation pained her. But she endured it and waited until he slid back inside her. Slowly, he rode her core and they both felt their arousals reach new heights. She ran her nails across his strong back and raked his silky hair, he moaned for her touch and she brought him down to her lips.

They kissed slowly and softly. Each of them caressing the other, feeling each other trying not to go crazy. She bit his bottom lip and let her eyes get lost in his. River held her gaze but then thrusted into her body hard and fast making her gasp with pleasure and agony. He knew what drove her wild and what made her whimper with lust. And right now, as his hard shaft throbbed inside her, she knew that both of them were about to come any second.

Zoya put her hand on his cheek, laying her lips softly against his, breathing him in. "I love you," she whispered.

He kissed her back and both of them came.

Zoya's eyes grew heavy and she couldn't help but doze off. River moved around the room, she didn't know to do what. But she felt a warm cloth touch her legs before his voice whispered near her ear telling her to sleep and he'd wake her up later. He put the duvet over her and climbed in with her after closing the curtains. She fell asleep in his arms and wishing to be nowhere else but here with him.