Zoya stood in front of the man that was infuriatingly handsome. He was in a tailored Italian suit, which surprised her since he only ever wore that rugged leather jacket. She studied every inch of him, the lines of his rigid shoulders, his lean waist and still couldn't get enough, especially those blue eyes that told her everything she needed to know about what he masked. She wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around him and take him where they could be alone. But she knew that wasn't possible. He was too stubborn for his own good.

"River, you're still holding my arm," she said wondering if he heard her. "If I look too pretty, you could just compliment me."

River's frown deepened at her chirpy tone. Although, right now she was feeling anything but chirpy.

She drew in a deep breath of the cold air. She looked back at Noah apologetically. "I'll meet you inside," she said.

"Is everything okay?" he asked looking warily at River.

She smiled. "Still figuring that out myself," she admitted. Thankfully, Noah went inside.

Who would have thought that a simple dinner with Skyler and his fiancé would turn into this? She was in the middle of the street with River holding her arm.

"We've made progress," she affirmed. "I never thought you would be the one to hold me back."

"It's not like that," River's tone was rigid and cold.

Zoya faced him now and stepped closer too. "Has anyone ever told you that you have really nice eyes?" He stiffened and it was clear that he was tense from the way his jaw clenched over and over again. "Eyes that give everything away-" she took a breath of his penetrating scent that made her feel like a puddle. Her legs slackened and she tried hard not to let the desperation show on her face. "Is there a reason you would grab my arm?" she asked. "Or did you not want me leaving you alone on the street?"

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I already told you," she answered. "I was invited to dinner." When his brows furrowed even further, Zoya burst out laughing at him. "Wow-" she didn't get this man at all- "at one point you're telling me that you're not interested. And now, you want to know about my date."

"Er- well," River stuttered.

She actually managed to render this man speechless. "This is your punishment," she said. "Be curious the entire night about my date."

"Excuse me," River's brows shot up at her smug expression. He pulled in closer towering over her. "You know, it'll only take me one phone call to get a background check on that man and know everything there is to know."

"Then do it," she dared boldly. Zoya watched the dark expression turn almost murderous; it was hilarious. "Have fun. But not too much without me, okay." Zoya left with a wide smile on her face.

The restaurant was packed as usual. Zoya navigated through the seats and found Noah who was waiting at their reserved table. Noah Gillian was dressed attractively in a red suit that made his brunette hair appear almost golden. Under the warm light of the candles and chandeliers, his honey-brown eyes glowed softly. It was true when people said that eyes were the window to one's soul. Nothing was deceitful in Noah's eyes despite being a wolf shifter who are known to be secretive predators. He's dedicated to his job and even more to his mate.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said as she sat across him.

Noah put his phone down. "No problem, but is everything okay? It seemed pretty serious out there," he asked.

Zoya drew in a shaky breath. "If only I had a romantic love story like you have with Skyler," she sighed. Her mate was being way too stubborn with her.

Noah let out a tender laugh. "My love story wasn't the greatest," he said.

Zoya's brows shot up. "What are you talking about?" she astounded. "I have never seen anyone more in love than Skyler is for you."

A brief pain passed over Noah's face, his brown eyes fell to his hand where his engagement ring sat. "I was in love with Skyler from the moment I saw him," he told her. "But Skyler closed himself off to everyone. He never knew about my feelings for years."

Her amusement fell, Zoya put her hand over his. "I'm sorry. I didn't know," she frowned.

Noah smiled a little. "No, it's okay. I didn't tell anyone," he said.

Zoya's aware firsthand how rigid Skyler was with everything he does. "So, what pushed you to tell him your feelings?" she asked.

"I didn't say anything nor was I going to," Noah revealed. "Skyler confessed first."

Zoya gaped and then burst out laughing. "That man only pretends to be a hard-ass," she said making Noah laugh too.

The door of the restaurant opened again and with the cold wind came in Skyler Croft. Zoya witnessed the moment Noah's breath stopped and his eyes melted with an intimate look that only Skyler knew. Skyler stood tall in a navy-blue overcoat that was dusted lightly with snow, which must have begun now. She only hoped it wouldn't turn into a storm before she got home.

The waiter showed Skyler their table and he circled the table to sit down with his mate. They shared a soft kiss and a brief exchange of words.

Zoya was always on the other side of that life. It wasn't something she could have, but she had seen it around her all the time. She was confident about convincing River about their bond, but would he love her? Did River even like her a little bit? Those questions made her stomach churn.

"Stop being cute in front of me, it's annoying," she grumbled.

Skyler glanced at her with an unperturbed look. "Deal with it," he remarked.

Zoya kicked his leg with the point of her heel making him jolt in pain.

"What the hell!" he growled.

Zoya smirked. "That's for being so inconsiderate to Noah all these years," she said.

"You little-"

Noah intervened. "Okay, how about we order dinner," he offered as a truce.

The waiter was quickly called over and they ordered dinner. However, Zoya still couldn't get the last look River gave her before she left him. She probably pissed him off and now it was definite that he didn't want to see her. But she didn't know what else to do other than get under his skin. He had layers of armour on and she couldn't get through to his heart. What did she need to do for him to trust her and open up to her? she pondered this to the point that she couldn't even taste the pasta in front of her.

Zoya came out of the despair spiral in her own head and finally heard her friends' conversation.

"What about your sister?" asked Noah. "We should invite her to the wedding personally."

Skyler shook his head. "I doubt she will come," he admitted.

"You have a sister?" astounded Zoya. "Since when?"

"Since I was born," remarked Skyler.

Noah chuckled at Zoya's baffled expression. "Skyler has an older sister, Ivy Croft," he told her.

"But why wouldn't your sister come to the wedding?" she asked.

Skyler took a sip of his wine. "My sister's not your typical sibling," he told her. "She'll probably send a bunch of gifts."

"Have you met Skyler's sister, Noah?" Zoya asked.

Excitement beamed on Noah's face. "I met her twice and both times I was floored by her," he told her. "She's beyond words."

Zoya wanted to meet this mystery sister more than ever. "I want to meet her," she said to Skyler.

"You don't," he said grimly. "She'll chew you up bones and all."

Zoya chuckled. "Is someone scared of his big sister?" she jested making them laugh except Skyler was glaring at her. "You're cute-" she laughed- "I don't know how you deal with this man, Noah. Skyler seems like a handful."

Noah smiled brightly. "He is," the man admitted proudly.

Skyler gaped at his mate. "Why are you on her side?"

Noah gave an unapologetic smile. "I have been your secretary for ten years now. I think that grants me some leeway to admit how bossy you are," he retorted.

"We should order the crème brûlée," Zoya interjected between the two now, "I heard it's famous here."

"I'm not bossy," remarked Skyler.

"Great idea, Zoya," Noah ignored his mate who was moping. They called over the waiter and put their order for dessert.

Dinner ended with the world's best crème brûlée that Zoya ever tasted and she had many in her life of travels.

"Are you sure you don't want us to drop you home?" Skyler asked as he helped her put the jacket over her shoulders and she grabbed her purse.

"Don't worry, I'll take a taxi," she said.

She wished them goodnight and they went off together to their car that came to pick them up. Skyler had already stopped her a taxi, so she didn't have to wait out in the snow that had started to pick up too.

Zoya got into the car telling the taxi driver her address, he took off into the traffic. She laid her head back on the seat and watched as the city passed by through the window. She didn't feel it before, but exhaustion crept into her and made her eyes heavy. Maybe, it was the multiple glasses of wine that made her more tired than usual.

She arrived home faster than she expected. Paying off the fare of the ride, she opened the door and regretted not wearing warmer clothes. The snow piled all over her driveway and the lawn of her property. She only hoped that she wouldn't slip since ice would be under all the snow. Zoya shut the door and the taxi driver reversed the cab out of the driveway. The light of her porch turned on sensing her presence, when suddenly, she looked closely and saw that another car was parked on her driveway. A tall figure leaned against the passenger door, a figure she recognized too well.

River's face revealed with the warm light defining his rigid jawline and those blue eyes. His dark hair windswept and tousled by his fingers. Snow dusted his leather jacket and he wore dark jeans now rather than the suit he was in earlier.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting long," she remarked. "Did you come here to check if I'd come home rather than be with my date?"

"Noah Gillian. Head secretary at Salvatore Industries and soon-to-be married," he announced.

She couldn't help but smile at him. "You're unbelievable, but I can't help liking that about you too," she said and River's stern expression hadn't faltered. The only thing that changed was how her smile slowly fell and she clutched onto the leather strap of her purse.

River's icy blue eyes lingered on her with that soft warmth, which made her knees weak yet her heart pounded more strongly than ever before.

Her voice came out in a shaky breath. "Why are you really here, River?" she asked for the truth now.

"I have to talk to you," he said in that low tone that made him dangerous and protective.

"Can't it wait for tomorrow?" she said that because she didn't want him telling her that he rejected their bond.

Suddenly, like he had sensed her exhaustion. River put his hand on the curve of her neck, it was warm against her cold skin. It took every urge in her body not to lean into that touch, that spoke a million words to her heart. Zoya moved her eyes from his hoping that she wouldn't fall under their spell for the hundredth time. But when her eyes fell, she saw his lips and she lost all composure in front of him. She was sure that her cheeks were red by now and he could feel her raging pulse under his hand.

Zoya's body stood to alert when his hand shifted from her neck to the clip around her hair. He grabbed the sparkling clip and released her hair behind her. The slight pain behind her head eased and her neck relaxed too.

River ran his hand through the wavy length, it sent a hot chill down her body. "Feel better?" She almost didn't hear him because she was too absorbed in the way his fingers cupped the base of her head.

She drew in a breath. "Mmm," she hummed.

"Your hair looks nice down," River whispered.

Zoya bit back her smile. "Anything else that looks nice on me?" she jested.

"Don't push it," River asserted and pulled his touch back.

Zoya fluttered her lashes. "It was an honest question," she made him smile. Zoya never thought she could manage that. Maybe, just maybe there was hope or was it wishful thinking?

"Are we going to talk on the street all night or are you going to invite me in?" River whispered to her.

"Are you sure you want to come inside?" she asked. "I could lock you up forever and feed you pancakes or-"

River glowered. "I'll take my chances-" he interrupted. He turned to his car and pulled out a Tupperware box from the front seat. "Hailey baked cookies for Sabrina because she was getting cravings. But she packed you some before Sabrina finished them," he said.

Zoya looked at the clear box that had a red lid. "That's very sweet of her," she mumbled. "Thank you." When was the last time someone baked something and thought of her?

Zoya lead him to the front door and couldn't believe that this was happening. Thank god, she cleaned the house yesterday. She never left anything on the floor or couches to begin with, but still she was conscious of everything now. Unlocking the door, she went in first and he followed in behind her.

A few rustling sounds were heard inside the house and Zoya knew what it was. River came running to her at the door.

She bent down. "Hi, baby," she ruffled his small head and snout.

"He seems livelier," River said was he bent down to pet the pup.

"Of course, he'd be," she remarked. "He's with me."

The pup sniffed River's hand and pushed his nose closer to his palm. River grabbed the small ball of fluff in his hand and picked him off the floor.

Zoya showed him inside and River plopped the pup on the couch but he stayed on his feet. "I'm going to change my clothes," she told him.

River looked at her with a cool expression, like it really didn't bother him that he was standing in her space right now. "Okay," was all he said.

Zoya put the container on the table and she moved to leave when she caught River taking off his leather jacket, his linen white shirt was a creased but it didn't lose its structure on his broad shoulders. He laid the jacket on the arm of the couch, and then, when he couldn't make more of a mess out of her, he decided to roll up his sleeves revealing those robust forearms.

Zoya scampered out of there quickly. She ran up the stairs to her bedroom and only hoped that tonight would grace her mercy.

She quickly stripped out of her dress and jewellery and put on a knit sweater and a skirt, which wasn't her usual pyjama set. But she didn't want to show River her comfy bunny slippers and bunny onesie. She came back down as quickly as she could only to find River playing with the small pup. He looked at ease and honestly happy. If only she had her phone, she would've taken a picture.

She laid a hand on her chest. "Heart, stop beating so loud," she blurted out. 
 

River looked up at her. "What?" he frowned in confusion.

Zoya bit back what she said. But in her heart, she felt guilty for making River do what he wasn't comfortable with. She never wanted to force into anything, but she was in too deep with her feelings for him.

"Would you like a drink?" she asked.

River's blue eyes averted back to the dog. "No," he said. "Just come sit down."

Zoya came around and plopped herself next to him. She grabbed the box off the container and fished out a soft cookie out of the bin. She ate at least three without noticing and on her forth, she realized that she was sulking.

"Stop pouting," River said.

"I'm not," she retorted with her mouth full of chocolate. "Do you want one?" She held the cookie in front of him.

He shook his head. "I had one before coming here," he said.

Zoya grabbed another cookie. "I should light some candles," she said. "This could be our first date."

River raised a brow. "Let me ask you something," he began, "why do you insist on being with me? Especially since I push you away at every turn."

Zoya stared into those eyes. "Why do you find it necessary to push me away?" she asked him and River's gaze filled with a distant pain. "Do you really not like me-"

"That's not it-" he interrupted.

"Then what is it?"

River was sitting close to her yet she didn't feel like she could cross the line he drew between himself and the entire world. She could only pray that he would let someone inside to reach him, and she was being selfish for hoping that it would be her.

"You're not going to like being with me," River revealed.

I already like being with you, she thought. "Why?" she asked instead of blurting out her heart to him.

"Because you'll resent me for what I do," he said.

Zoya frowned and was rather confused. "Do you mean your position in the pack?" she asked and his grim eyes told her that she guessed right. "Why would I resent you for being part of a pack?"

"I'm not just part of the pack," River said. "I am in charge of keeping it safe and more than that keeping Gabriel and Sabrina safe-"

"I'm still not following-"

"I'm saying I would die for them," he said. "And you'll resent me for that."

Silence fell around them and Zoya couldn't say anything because she really didn't understand how River could just assume that she'd do that.

"You're wrong," she said.

River ran a hand through his hair. "You don't understand, Zoya," he said. "Gabriel and Sabrina are my only priority. If my attention diverts that can cause problems and I-" his voice fell and he looked away.

"Do you know what I hear right now," she said firmly. "You would die protecting and fighting for the people you love most in this world-" River's blue eyes softened- "I may not understand that because I've never had that for anyone in my life. I've never wanted to die or even live for anyone, River."

Her entire life passed by without the bond that the Centauri pack have for one another. She never knew what it was like to fight for each other or come home to a house full of people who trusted and loved one another. She lived in an empty house with people who made her feel unsafe and insecure about everything she had ever done.

"But then I met you-" her eyes stayed on him- "At first, I thought it was because how hot you are, but then I saw how you take care of everyone around you. You protect them and you put others first before your needs."

"That's my duty-"

She shook her head. "No, that's just who you are," she professed softly. "And I think I've fallen in love with you." Shock swept across River's face and he didn't know what to tell her. Her heart squeezed painfully when he stayed quiet. "I didn't tell you how I feel to get an answer either. My feelings are my fault, so you don't need to say anything-" her voice fell because she didn't know what she was saying anymore.

"Zoya-"

"If you're going to tell me to change my mind then-"

"I've never fallen in love with anyone before," River interrupted.

Zoya froze. "Wh-what?"

River took a deep breath. "No one has ever confessed their feelings to me and I never did either," he confessed. "This is all very new to me, so I'm sorry if I'm a bit awkward."

Zoya bit back her smile. "You are pretty awkward," she teased.

River glowered. "It's because you catch me off guard, which is strange considering the shit I've seen all my life," he said.

Zoya thought she should probably warn him, that she was going to continue doing things that would surprise him, but she held her warning back.

"I have a surprise for you tomorrow," she told him.

River looked at her confused. "What is it?"

"It won't be a surprise then if I tell you," she retorted.

"I don't like surprises," he said then.

"Too bad," she didn't budge.

It was painfully obvious that he was annoyed when his jaw clenched hard. "You really know how to test my nerve," his tone was scary quiet.

Zoya smiled happily. "I know, it's like we're made for each other," she teased. "You make me smile and I-"

"Infuriate the hell out of me-" he interrupted.

"Is that all? There's nothing else you like about me?" She searched his eyes when the humour in them left and he fell stern. "I guess this is another punishment I'll leave with you tonight. I expect an answer tomorrow."

River looked down at his watch and got to his feet then. "It's late," he said. "I should go."

She sighed. "You're no fun." Zoya got to her feet taking him to the front door. He unlocked it himself when he froze in front of the door. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"You only have one lock," he stated.

Zoya looked around him at the knob of her front door where the lock was. "Yes, doors usually only have one lock," she said.

"Get a sliding bolt lock," he told her.

"The one with a chain?" she asked.

River nodded. "You live alone so you should have another lock," he rambled on more about the security in her house.

Zoya held back her laughter as long as she could before she burst. This man was making it harder and harder for her to not like him. "Relax, if anything happens to me, you'll be the one I call first," she jested.

"Please, call the cops and then me," he corrected making her smile to the point that it hurt.

River stepped out the door into the cold and she lingered at the entrance, both of them unable to move away. "You should close the door, it's cold," he said, his warm breath fogged in front of his mouth.

Zoya was a few inches taller than him since she was standing on the ledge and he was a step below. "I will once I see you get to your car," she said.

"Zoya, don't be-"

Zoya leaned down and kissed his cheek instantly shutting him up. Maybe, she should do that from now on. "You worry too much-" she wiped the bit of lipstick off his cheek- "goodnight, River."

River's eyes heightened to a warm blue, shifting like his heart had. He stalked off quickly getting into his car and he drove off her driveway. She closed the door and locked it.

An empty silence filled around her and it wasn't the silence that festered an ache in her chest. The mesmerizing fragrance that was hot as fire and sinful to even be real, it surrounded her house. Zoya hadn't moved from the door for a while. She figured she should open some windows but she had a feeling she had to dunk her head in ice to calm down.

Zoya jolt in surprise when the phone rang. She picked up her cellphone when her heart dropped from the caller ID. Her finger hovered over the green and red button, she wondered if she should answer this call. She really couldn't imagine what her mother would want with her after everything that happened between them.

"Should I answer the phone?" she asked River who was resting beside the fireplace. His blue eyes looked up at her, he blinked and then looked away.

Zoya didn't answer the call and it went to voicemail. But her mother never left voicemails, so there was no need to think about this at all. It would be a waste of her time. Except, a voicemail was left behind and that's what surprised Zoya.

She clicked on the voicemail and let it play; "Zoya, it's your mother. I need to talk to you. Call me back on this number right away-" it ended and cut there.

As Zoya predicted, the voicemails sounded just as sharp and brittle as her mother. Nothing changed and the last thing Zoya would do was call this woman back.

Zoya's mind grew with worry like a thunderstorm and she was dead centre in the hurricane. Nothing pleasant bloomed inside her now, it was vile and sick memories haunting her back into that cold, lonely home that stole everything good she ever imagined. Trauma, abuse and hatred were all in her past. She didn't want to open the wounds she had to stitch up herself, so she somewhat resemble a healthy woman.

Zoya tossed her phone on the couch after deleting the voicemail. She went upstairs to her bedroom, stripping off her clothes until she reached the bathroom. She turned the tap to start herself a bath. Filling the large marble tub with hot water, she then slipped into the scorching hot water letting the pain subside in her heart with the burn of the water.

Zoya shut her eyes and dunked her whole body and head under the water trying not to live in the past. She muted out all the voices in her head and sank deeper into the water.

River didn't sleep the rest of the night after he returned from Zoya's home. Her home was just like her too; it was extravagant but warm and cozy with loads of pink and white. Thinking about her all night made his body ache and his mind.

Abruptly, his phone rang and he grabbed it from the table. "What?" he snapped.

"Good morning!" a cheery voice rolled in.

"What the-" River looked at his phone screen not being able to believe it- "How'd you get my number?" he asked.

"Is that really important?" Zoya retorted.

River gritted his teeth. "Sabrina," he grumbled.

"Did you have a good night's sleep?" she asked.

River got up and sat on his bed. "No," he remarked.

"Oh, you poor thing," she didn't sound sympathetic at all, "but I have just the thing to cheer you up."

River ran a hand through his hair. "You've got some nerve calling me-"

"I could cheer you up. If only I was with you-" she interrupted him.

"Let me finish-" he said and it was clear that she was too immersed in her own conversation.

"But since I'm not there, something else will have to do that job," she continued.

"What are you talking about, Zoya?" he demanded.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the front door.

Why were people bothering him this early in the morning? Honestly, he was about to grab a gun and use it on himself.

"Hello," Zoya called out. "River?"

"Hold on," he said as he got to his feet. "Someone's at my door-"

"Go open it," she urged. "It's from me."

River sighed. "Should I be worried?" he asked her.

Zoya gasped. "Do you not trust me, honey?" she asked.

Honey! No one in a million years called him that. What the hell was happening to his life? River closed his eyes and just followed what she said. He reached his front door and opened it. Instead of seeing anyone. All that was shoved in his face was a massive collection of bright red roses wrapped in glittery pink tulle with a large bow. River stood baffled and had no idea what to do.

Azura revealed her face from behind the roses with a sly grin on her face. She chuckled like a cunning little wolf. "For you, lover boy," her voice dripping with humour.

"Did you get them?" Zoya's voice spoke up from the phone.

"He did, Zoya!" Azura answered back.

She shoved the flowers into River's hands, and then, she left closing the door for him. Her laughter was heard all the way back to where she came from. That girl was going to tell everyone or everyone already knew and she came here after joking with them.

"Roses," River sighed, "seriously."

"Aren't they beautiful?" asked Zoya. "Make sure to put them in water. Have a great day and see you soon-"

"Wait-"

"Bye, darling," Zoya said and she cut the phone on him before he could ask her anything else.

River stared down at the bloomed roses that were a sparkling red. Their fragrance filled the entire room in seconds. They were beautiful and it reminded River of the white roses Bone took care of in the house or planted around the Centauri manor in Spring. However, there was an allure to the beauty of these red roses. An enchanting pull that was seductive without any effort... which resembled the woman who sent them.

River couldn't help it. He smiled and almost laughed because even though he lived with his fair share of stubborn people. He never thought that someone would arrive to face him and his rough edges, which he knew were sharp and unyielding. For women, he was scary and too cold to even approach. River preferred it that way and he didn't find it important to change their views. However, Zoya seemed to flourish with him and it was like his edges didn't cut her- they healed near her.

Last night, when he went to her house to talk her out of this bond, he miserably failed and it wasn't because Zoya didn't listen. She did hear everything he told her about the dangers of his job, but she wasn't afraid of it. River didn't know why he thought Zoya would be scared off. She wasn't that type of woman, she was resilient like these roses.

River went to the kitchen and grabbed the only jar he had big enough for the roses. He filled it mid-way, just like when Bone would and put the roses into the jar. He put the flowers on the counter and stared at them but his thoughts were consumed with Zoya Knightley. She was radiant and he was being lured to her charm, that she had control of with every smile she gave him. He never understood how one could lose themselves to another person like that, but now he did. Zoya took his senses away and he wasn't ready for it, but damn did he want to continue to feel this way. This wasn't like him, he was never a possessive man, but this time, a dangerous desire to consume every inch of Zoya made him lose sleep.

River dropped his head down in defeat. There was no running away from this or her. What should he do? he wondered. He couldn't be selfish by ruining her life and asking her to stay with him. He lived a dangerous life and enemies always targeted him.

River shoved those thoughts away. He left his cabin and went towards the Centauri manor, which should be rowdy with everyone already eating breakfast this morning. He didn't need to knock because the front door was open and Hunter was drinking coffee with Vincent and Ryder.

"You don't want to go in there," Hunter said.

River frowned. "What's going on?" he asked.

"It's King and Klaus," said Vincent with a sigh.

River forgot that those two were fighting. Gabriel stepped out of the house then too. "Hey," Gabriel said as he held two mugs in his hands. "I brought you coffee."

River grabbed the cup. "Thanks," he said. Caffeine was greatly appreciated when he got zero sleep.

"How long are they going to fight?" Ryder asked as he ate a sandwich, which Bone was probably making inside.

"Hopefully, not long," added Vincent.

"Considering how King is then it should end by today," said Hunter.

"Hailey and you never fight," Vincent praised his brother. "Thank god, she handles you so well."

"I know when to keep my mouth shut," Hunter sighed. "You'll know once you mate."

River looked away and drank his coffee, but Vincent started to argue Hunter's point. River wasn't paying attention to them because he couldn't help but think about what he'd do if he fought with Zoya. Would it be his fault or hers? Who would apologize first? God damn it, stop River!

Suddenly, Klaus walked out of the house with Ender who was heading off to school.

"Klaus, how long do you plan on fighting with King?" Vincent's big-mouth blurted out. All of the men gaped at him for touching a nerve.

Klaus's bright emerald eyes blinked. "Oh, we're not fighting," he said.

They shared a confused look.

"So, why are you giving King the cold-shoulder?" Ryder asked then.

Klaus revealed a sweet smile. "He made a mistake and I need to make sure he never does it again, that's all," he said before he followed behind Ender going to school too.

"At time like this, he really resembles you," River told Gabriel who was grinning over his coffee cup.

The rest of them went into the house and saw King in a dangerous mood with Dante and Leo.

"Should we tell him?" Ryder whispered.

"No, you don't want to get involved," said Gabriel. The rest of them sat at the table with the girls too. Gabriel stopped River. "Let's talk," he motioned to the door.

River followed Gabriel back outside.

Gabriel leaned on the railing of the porch looking out to the cast property where all the cabins were of his pack. Being an alpha was a lot of responsibility, but Gabriel was born for this and he ruled like no other alpha ever did. River didn't know that becoming friends with him would lead to running the most prestigious pack. For someone who was born without any special bloodline, River thought he'd live and die with nothing extraordinary. However, life proved once again that there was a divine power taking care of them.

"Is everything okay?" he asked.

"You know, no matter how many times I asked you to be the beta of this pack, you always denied the offer," Gabriel began.

Where'd this come from? wondered River. "Hunter's better suited for the job," River said like he always did when Gabriel brought this topic up.

Gabriel raised a brow. "No one knows this pack better than you, River. You know, to this day, I don't know why you didn't take the position."

"For you," he confessed. Gabriel's brow furrowed and his firm amber eyes brightened under the winter sun. "If I was the beta then I wouldn't be able to guard you," said River. "My focus would be divided. Hunter has to pick the pack before you and the safety of the pack. Me, on the other hand, my focus is only on you. To keep your ass safe. I don't need to split my loyalties."

Gabriel's eyes softened. "Thank you," he said softly.

River raised a brow. "For what?"

"For choosing me, being my friend," said Gabriel.

River hid his smile behind rim of his cup. "No problem," he shrugged.

"But by choosing me, I don't want you losing another," alleged Gabriel. River stiffened. "If you love her, then choose her," he said. "Do something for yourself this time. Pick your happiness over everyone else. You deserve that."

"You- you know," River was astounded. He had a feeling Gabriel knew about Zoya but he didn't really think that it was true.

Gabriel gave a nonchalant look. "Of course, I knew," he said.

"Why didn't you say anything?" River asked.

"I wasn't going to until you did," Gabriel chuckled, "but then Azura showed up with the rose bouquet. So, I knew it was serious."

River grumbled a curse. "I knew Azura would do that," he gritted his teeth.

Gabriel's smile grew. "Nothing stays a secret in this pack, it's both a curse and blessing," he said.

River sighed in defeat. "What do I do?" he asked him.

"There's nothing you can do," he said. "Zoya's ready to win you. Isn't that right?" River was confused, when suddenly, the air carried another scent. Her scent; the scent that was made for him to lose all his senses over.

"You're definitely right about that," Zoya stood behind them brimming with beauty and life. She was in a light pink dress, that fitted perfectly to the sculpted curves of her figure. She had the same colour jacket on and her hands were in white gloves, that matched her tall leather boots.

"What are you doing here?" River asked.

Zoya stepped closer. "Don't be nervous," she said. "I'm not here for you today." She turned to Gabriel. "Where's Ryder?"

"Inside," smiled Gabriel.

River glared at him.

Zoya went inside and River followed after her.

"Zoya-" Sabrina was on her way downstairs- "you're here."

"You knew she was coming?" River asked first.

"Of course, I knew," said Sabrina as she hugged her friend. Zoya walked in with Sabrina completely ignoring River.

Everyone greeted her at the table and River stood by himself unable to do anything when it came to this woman.

Zoya didn't sit down though. "I actually came here for a different reason," she said. "Ryder, how would you like to go out with me today?"

Ryder looked up surprised. "Me?" he gestured to himself and then looked up at River. "What about him?"

Zoya looked at River bemused. "He can come if he wants," she said.

The group snickered at River's dejected expression that screamed doom and gloom.

"Where are we going?" Ryder asked.

"It's a surprise," she smiled.

"Oh, you can't leave River out like that," jested Sabrina.

"I don't want to," said Zoya. "But what do I do when he's too stubborn to play with me."

"He'll go with you," reassured Gabriel. "Won't you, buddy?"

"I'm going to kill you," gritted out River.

Gabriel sat down beside Sabrina who were both happily delighted that River was going insane. Ryder got up to join Zoya as they went to the front door together. Zoya walked up beside River, her smile bothering him infuriatingly, and it wasn't because she was cheerful- it was because he couldn't look away.

River held his breath as he was standing an inch away from her. He couldn't take a step closer, but every nerve in his body desired nothing more. From the warm fragrance of her perfume and her own scent mixed around him, she stole his senses right out of him. Zoya stood confidently beside him, and this was the first time he realized how she almost matched his height with her heels on. Not that he stared at her body for more than five seconds, but that much was enough to notice her curves in her tight dress. River sank into her blue diamond eyes and he found the world vanishing from around them.

"You can join us," she offered softly. "I promise to show you a good time."

River's arms that were crossed went taut. "Is that what you plan on doing with my brother?" he retorted.

"Don't make it sound like it's a bad thing," she said. "I just thought it would be nice to get to know you."

"And how do you plan on doing that?" he asked grimly. "My brother can't be bought."

"Hey, Ryder!" she called out. Ryder turned back after putting on his jacket. "Would you like a yacht or new car?"

"You would do that for me?" he astounded.

"But you need to tell me something about your brother," she revealed.

Ryder and the others behind them laughed. "I'll tell you whatever you want even for free," he told her. "But if you're offering, I would love a new car-"

"Ryder!" River astonished.

Ryder ran for it leaving Zoya delighted after proving her point. "It seems your brother has found different loyalties," she said.

River grumbled a curse. "Well, you two can have a wonderful day without me," he ridiculed.

Zoya linked her arm through his stopping him from leaving. "I'm so glad you decided to join us," she declared and started dragging him out the door.

"Make sure to come home on time," teased Gabriel.

"Of course, I would never keep the boys past their bedtime," remarked Zoya.

River glared at the man who was supposed to be his best friend not enemy. "Can you two cut it out," he grumbled between them.

And that's how the date with the Drakov twins commenced.