Mavros stood in the hospital wing with the rest of the Centauri pack, but his eyes were only interested in his mate. Viola stood amongst her brothers while she concealed her paled expression with great effort. The others may not have noticed, but he definitely did.

Nothing escaped his gaze because he knew when she stood with her shoulders held proudly and her eyes exuding confidence that she fooled the others. But it was a mask, he could read the apprehension that clashed in her eyes like the gold within the emerald. He felt it all the way across the room inside his bones. And then he remembered when Viola told that her mother died during labour, so he understood that this must be hard for her.

River's mate was in the hospital room giving birth to their pups and her screams weren't entirely reassuring to anyone standing here. They were all waiting the hours out hoping that Zoya and the pups were safe. King arrived a few minutes ago with River by his side who rushed straight into the hospital room to be by his mate. Gabriel and his pack enforcer, Azura arrived as well. Everyone saw when Azura went straight to the girl with dark-red hair. He desired to go to Viola too but she was surrounded by her brothers and he couldn't pull her away, especially now that Gabriel was with her.

Mavros thought this whole time that Viola just hated him for hurting Gabriel. However, there were many more wounds that Viola carried then just one. She had to live with a toxic father and see how her siblings suffered by his hands. He understood why she was revolted by the thought of being with a mate.

What was he going to do? he wondered as he observed her. How would he convince her that he was on her side?

"If you sigh one more time, I'm going to hurl something at your head," King remarked.

Mavros rolled his eyes. "What do you know about Robert Centauri?" he asked his friend.

King stiffened immediately and his pheromones darkened that even his mate from across the room noticed. "He's a fucking vile man and deserved to die slowly by a disease," he spoke crassly.

"Does your mate know that you think this way?" Mavros asked.

King looked up at him from the chair. "Of course, he does," he grumbled as he stood up. "I almost killed the fucker once."

"It's a pity he died already," Mavros grumbled. "I would've liked to put a few bullets in him myself."

"I can dig out his corpse," King jested.

"Nothing beats real flesh and bones," Mavros remarked.

King crossed his arms. "Why are you asking about this all of a sudden?" he inquired.

"Viola told me everything," Mavros confessed. "Her father became abusive after his mate died and he lashed out on his kids."

King grumbled a curse. "He was never a father," he told him.

"How did you mate with Klaus?" Mavros asked. "Viola told me that he got the worst of it."

King's eyes drowned with pure venom. "Klaus endured the best he could but he had his scars when I met him," he revealed. "He thought he didn't deserve a mate because he considered himself the reason his mother died."

Mavros cursed under his breath. Who would have thought that these siblings carried all this guilt this whole time?

"Robert made him believe that he should die alone and he wasn't worthy of having a mate," King told him. "But obviously, I wasn't going to let anyone keep me from Klaus, not even himself."

Mavros chuckled. "Of course," he said.

"And you shouldn't either," King declared. "Don't let Viola keep you away from her because she's scared."

"I won't," Mavros asserted. "But I need her brothers to move so I can get a moment alone with her."

King grinned. "You should've told me sooner," he said before he walked away and bombarded himself between Hunter, Klaus, Vincent and Gabriel. He took their attention away from their sister and Viola stepped away into the other hallway.

Mavros counted to three before he hurried after her. He crossed the brothers as he met King's eyes for that brief second and slipped past everyone secretly. Turning the corner by himself, he saw Viola staring out the large window at the end of the hall. He came up behind her and she felt so small. The bright, cheerful girl that was having so much fun at the carnival was gone. There was an iron shield around her holding her safely as she tried not to crumble apart.

Mavros came up behind her and he met her eyes through the window. She turned her head towards him and he heard her heavy breath that exhaled. Unable to take it anymore, Mavros opened the door to the nearest room and saw that it was empty before he grabbed her arm and pulled her inside. Shutting the door behind him, he brought her over to the empty bed and sat her down onto it.

"What are you doing?" she asked as she tried to move.

Mavros held her steady by her waist and she met his concerned eyes. "Stop fighting," he said. "It's pointless against me." He brought his hands around her face and held her before he raked his fingers through her blonde hair. "Drop the act, Viola. Show me what's hurting you."

Viola's emerald eyes softened and the mask dropped revealing those broken memories she once shared to him. His heart broke inside his chest and he cursed before he held her in his embrace. Her hands clutched onto his shirt and she trembled like a leaf despite trying so hard to show that she was strong.

"I know this is hard for you," Mavros said. "But I'm here."

Viola laid her head on his shoulder. "It might take a while," she voiced.

"Then it's a good thing we're in this room alone," he responded. "I'm not leaving until you're okay."

"Thank you," she whispered.

Mavros held her in his arms and he felt as if the whole world vanished. There was nothing even remotely as divine as this feeling in his heart right now as he supported his beautiful mate. She was everything and he couldn't deny it any longer. He loved her and he ached to make her his own. This woman had his wolf bound to her and he couldn't see the pain in her eyes anymore. But he would stand by her side and make sure that she never fought against her pain alone ever again.

Viola drew in a shaky breath before she pulled her arms back. "My brothers are probably looking for me," she mumbled.

"Don't worry about it," Mavros assured. "I had King distract them."

She gaped up at him. "Oh," she said before a small smile appeared on her lips. "I was wondering why King was suddenly interested to get their attention."

Mavros smirked at her. "He's on my side," he revealed.

"For what?" Viola asked.

Mavros glanced down at her lips. "I thought that was obvious," he remarked.

Her eyes faltered as she sucked in a breath. "You told him?" she asked.

"Of course, he's my friend," he said.

"Who else knows?" Viola asked.

"Bone," Mavros told her. "And just us." Viola hid her eyes by staring down at her hands. He wondered if he upset her.

But then, she laughed surprising Mavros. "Those traitors," she astounded.

"Don't sound so surprised," he said. "I'll have your brothers on my side soon enough as well."

Viola tilted her head. "How are you so confident?" she astonished.

"It's a gift," Mavros winked at her.

She shook her head as her smile brightened the darkness inside him. "Rare gift indeed," she claimed.

Mavros reached out and grazed his fingers across her soft cheek. She looked up at him and her long lashes framed her big eyes. He found himself in awe of their splendour as if he saw the entire universe reflecting within them.

"Viola," he spoke her name gently. "You don't know how hard it is for me to have you so close yet so far away."

Viola stared at him puzzled. "I'm right here," she said.

"No, you're not," he shook his head as he fisted his hands that ached to touch every part of her soul. "I can touch you but I can't have you and that hurts more."

Viola's lips parted and he almost claimed them. "I don't mean to put you through this," she said.

Mavros ran his thumb along her bottom lip. "I know," he whispered.

"There's just a lot that I'm working through right now," she said.

"And you don't have to do it alone," he retorted. "I'm here and I'm not leaving no matter what you do."

"Even if I shoot you three times?" she jested.

He grinned. "Even if you ripped out my heart, princess. I'd still come crawling back to you," he confessed.

Viola's eyes shined as she smiled at him. "What if I don't want to give birth kids?" she asked.

"There's always adoption," he told her.

"What if I don't want to leave my pack?" she asked.

"Who said I'd separate you from your family," he answered.

Viola nodded like she appreciated his answer. "How can you be this way?" she said. "You don't even know me that well."

Mavros smiled. "I know everything about you, Viola Centauri," he leaned towards her. "You're a brave woman who endured pain for her siblings. You hide behind a mask so no one can see that you also hold onto a lot of grief. But you've stayed kind and sweet to everyone around you. There's more love in you than I've seen my whole life-"

"Stop-" Viola intervened as her eyes saddened and she got off the bed.

Mavros grabbed her arm and turned her back to face him. "I know that your parents hurt you," he said. "But how long are you going to let them control your life?" Her eyes widened and he closed the space between them pinning her to the wall. "All I see is you, Viola. All I feel is your heart beating like it's my own." He tilted her head back so her eyes weren't hidden from him. "And I promise, that you will come to me." Viola shuddered under his gaze and he felt her body yearning to be closer just like his own. "Don't fight this anymore-" he whispered as he laid his lips on her cheek- "Don't resist me." Viola pushed him back and ran out of the room.

Mavros drew in a deep breath as he planted his hands against the wall and steadied himself. The only thing he couldn't harness back into his control was his heart that hammered in his chest. He knew that he couldn't push Viola too much otherwise she'd resist that much harder. But he couldn't find the strength to pull away when she was near him.

He dropped his head and drew in a breath trying to remember her sweetened fragrance that lingered in the room.

Eventually, he returned to the others and took a seat on the chair next to Bone. A few hours passed before they learned that the babies were delivered and Zoya was safe too. Everyone was relieved to hear it. None of them were allowed to see the new-born pups yet. So, they patiently waited while the doctors worked. Ryder and Vincent left a while ago to bring enough balloons and flowers that could fill an entire room.

Finally, Hailey was the one that opened the door and walked out with a beaming smile on her face. They all rushed up to her asking what happened.

"Everyone is safe and healthy," she assured. "You have to meet the girls. They are adorable."

"Girls!" They all shouted.

The doctors left the room and everyone flooded inside where Zoya rested on the bed and River was next to her. Mavros didn't enter the room since he wasn't family and gave everyone their space. He lingered at the door as he watched Gabriel hug River and congratulated him. Everyone celebrated and gave love to Zoya asking if she was alright. Zoya assured everyone that she was fine; just tired. Ryder returned with balloons and flowers as he walked up to the crib and saw two baby girls sleeping next to each other.

"There's two of them," Ryder's eyes brightened as he smiled from ear-to-ear.

River came over to his brother and lifted one of the girls and placed them in his arms. "This is Charlotte," he said and then he lifted the second one in his own arms. "And this is Cassandra."

"Welcome to the Drakov family," Ryder beamed down at them. "They're beautiful."

"Oh, let me hold them, please," Viola said as River handed her Cassandra. The small bundle was wrapped up in a pink blanket and she was asleep. "She's so precious."

Mavros leaned against the doorframe as he watched Viola's smile light up the room. She was beautiful as she stood there with the pup in her arms. He felt his heart leave his body and be captured by her. In this moment, he couldn't believe that anyone could be more in love than him. He didn't realize but Viola must have sensed him when she looked up and faced him across the room. Everything disappeared and it was as if the two of them stood together alone.

As the family rejoiced in the celebrations, Mavros simply watched his mate be the happiest for the couple. She was the one that declared she'd be the favourite aunt and spoil the girls rotten. He understood that the Centauri siblings came from abuse and their father hurt them. However, they transformed into kind people and decided to love one another despite their hardships. This family was truly one of a kind. Anyone could tell that the bond the siblings shared was strong as gold itself; unbreakable and pure. He saw the way Viola stood with Gabriel, his arm over her shoulders and it was like she was a little girl again. She was calm, happy and alive. Gabriel was everything to her. Mavros could see why she would never leave her brother's side.

"Alright, alright," Gabriel calmed the crowd down as he held the pair of twins in his arms now. "None of you are letting Zoya and the babies rest. So, I want all of you to return to the pack." The group protested. "I don't want to hear it," Gabriel intervened. "Ryder and I are enough to stay here. All of you head home."

Vincent decided to stay with Ryder. Mavros had his eyes on Viola who joined Hunter and Hailey's side. He followed along with Bone. And King, Klaus, Azura, Cherry came along as well.

"Are you okay?" Bone whispered.

Mavros sighed. "Would you be okay if your mate kept running from you?" he remarked before he realized his harsh tone. "I'm sorry-"

"No, it's okay," Bone smiled warmly. "I know how you feel since I ran away from my mate."

Mavros frowned. "I didn't know this," he said.

Bone's eyes softened as they made it out of the hospital. "My mate is Alister Black," he informed.

"The Black Crescent alpha," he astounded.

Bone nodded. "I had the same reaction," he chuckled. "The man is a force of nature."

Alister Black is known to have a distinguished reputation around the world. He was an honourable alpha and a business tycoon. Power was a small word to describe the influence he had on the pack he controlled and the companies he ran. Everyone knew of him and even Mavros desired to do dealings with the man one day.

"So, is that the reason you're leaving the library position?" Mavros asked.

"Yeah," he said. "I'm visiting his pack this summer."

"How did you go from running away from him to becoming his mate?" Mavros asked.

"I finally trusted myself," Bone said. "You have to wait until Viola can trust that she deserves a mate."

Mavros smiled. "Thanks, Bone," he said.

They all went into King's car together and drove back to the pack territory. But Mavros was left wondering if Viola would be able to trust their mating bond.

-Viola's POV-

Once they reached home, everyone scattered into the Centauri house. Viola listening to her family excitedly planning a party for River, Zoya and the twin pups. Everyone gathered in the living-room with Sabrina, Lupin and Ender. They shared the story and chaotic mess at the hospital but the birth went smoothly and Zoya was healthy and so were the pups. Hailey said that she'd never seen River cry before but he did when he held the twins for the first time.

Sabrina was ready to throw a party and everyone needed to prepare gifts as well. Ryder and Vincent were coming home to pick up a few things for Zoya. But it was getting late now, so Hailey suggested dinner first and then party planning could commence later.

Viola sat with Sabrina who held Rose and a notebook to jot down ideas for the party. She looked around the room but Mavros wasn't here. She wondered where he went. Bone and Klaus were in the kitchen with Hailey. Hunter was gone to help Ryder and Vincent. Cherry and Azura weren't here either. However, King sat on the chair by the fire with a drink in his hand.

Viola couldn't help but wonder what convinced King to mate with Klaus. King was known around the world as a criminal who couldn't be caged down. Yet, he mated and it was Klaus of all people. The one with the pure heart who could never hurt a soul. And then there was Sabrina who mated Gabriel without hesitation despite all the responsibilities he bore with the pack and his business.

"Can I ask you something?" Viola said to Sabrina.

Sabrina's aqua-blue eyes looked up from the book. "Sure," she said.

"Why did you mate?" she asked. "What appealed you to be locked to a person forever?"

Sabrina's smiled. "Gabriel was the only reason I needed," she said. "However, I think it's different for everyone, Viola. Before I met Gabriel, I wanted a home, a family and needed someone who could be by my side through anything. My love for Gabriel was instant and he gave me everything I desired. However, you already have a family, a pack, a home. So, I think you need to ask yourself why you need a mate."

Viola sighed before she glanced at King. "Should I even ask you," she remarked knowing how King was obsessed with his mate.

King's wicked blue eyes flashed with playfulness that matched his grin. "You've yet to experience what it's like being alone in a room with your mate, especially at night-"

"King!" Sabrina astounded. "Don't tell her that."

King shrugged a shoulder. "But it's true," he said.

Viola looked between the two and wondered what the hell they were talking about. She got up from her seat and walking into the kitchen for a drink. Hailey was cooking up pasta as Klaus grated cheese and Bone chose the wine. She didn't bother any of them as she got herself a glass of juice. However, each and every person in this house had a mate already despite all the hardships they faced.

Was she being too hard on herself? Viola pondered. Perhaps, she held onto the reigns of her past too hard and now it dug into her hands. Should she let it go? Should she move forward like everyone else did? Why was she the only one stuck in the loop of time with the old memories in her head.

Unable to think about it anymore, she walked out of the house and stood on the porch alone. The cool, crisp air was refreshing as she stared up at the dark sky. At the end, she was all alone with nothing but resentment for her parents in her heart. Everyone moved on, everyone found their peace with themselves, but her.

Seeing the birth of those two baby girls who would grow up in a safe house with loving parents helped Viola see that she wasn't in the past anymore. Her parents were gone but they left heavy scars on her. How long would she rub salt on them and remind herself that the pain they left was still fresh inside?

Viola didn't want to do that anymore. She desired to break free too. But how?

The door behind her opened and she glanced over her shoulder to see Klaus join her on the porch. He brought her a sweater and put it over her shoulders. Frankly, she always forgot that she was older than him and she was the one that should have protected him. She failed her brothers many times yet they always loved her. Viola's eyes stung with tears but she hid it away by staring up at the sky.

"It's a beautiful night," Klaus said as he leaned on the railing.

"I hate them," Viola alleged.

"Who?" Klaus asked.

"Mom and dad," Viola told him. "I hate them so much."

"Viola-"

"They were selfish and stupid-" she gritted out. "They are the reason behind your pain, your nightmares and everything else. Don't even get me started on what they did to Gabriel-" Klaus laid his hand on hers calming her like a cool wave over a burning flame.

"They were human too," Klaus said compassionately.

Viola closed her eyes and felt the rage simmering inside her chest.

"Rose and Robert did the best they could," Klaus told her.

"How can you stand here and defend them!" she snapped at him as she faced her brother's emerald eyes. "I've seen you suffer more than anyone because of those two and you're giving me the sympathy rant. If I had a gun, I think I would kill them again," she said bitterly. "I should've."

"You won't do anything like that," said Klaus.

"Those two don't mean anything to me. So, yes. I would shoot them if I had the chance," she said. "It's you that I would die for."

Klaus smiled at her. "Viola," his tone was soft as the wind, "I don't get nightmares anymore."

Viola's eyes widened as she realized the weight of his words. "You- you don't?" she asked.

He shook his head. "Not one," he said.

That was the moment when the tears fell from Viola's eyes down her cheek.

Klaus's strong eyes that never lost their light filled her with comfort. "You can let go of the past, Viola," he assured. "You're allowed to do that."

Viola's tears dripped of her cheek onto her shirt and as much as she tried to stop them, it didn't work. No one ever told her that she was allowed to let go of the past. That notion never came up, yet it was such a simple solution.

"Now, let's talk about Mavros," Klaus prompted.

Viola dropped her head as she groaned making him laugh. He brought her over to the chairs and sat her down with him.

"There's nothing to talk about," she lied.

"Really?" Klaus chuckled. "Because I've seen the way you two look at each other."

Viola held her breath. "He's-" someone who she couldn't get out of her mind or heart.

"Your mate," Klaus said.

Viola met her brother's eyes and he already knew the answer. "Yes," she admitted for the first time.

"Then why aren't you with him?" Klaus said.

Viola laced her hands together wondering if she was allowed to be with him after everything. "It's complicated," she told her brother.

"Because of mom and dad?" he asked.

Viola stiffened. "I don't know anymore," she sighed.

"That's because there's no reason to fight this bond any longer," Klaus told her. "You are free to do what your heart says."

"I'm still terrified," she got up and stood against the railing of the porch.

"And that's understandable," Klaus joined her. "But don't let this stop you from having the greatest bond a wolf can have." She faced him. "Gabriel, Hunter, Vincent and I have all cherished our mates. We didn't let our past stop us and neither should you. Or do you think that those three would be better off without their mates?"

Viola let out a laugh. "No, definitely not," she said.

Klaus smiled at her. "See," he said before he laid his hand on her cheek. "I know you're scared, but that's never stopped you before, Viola. And as much as you claim that bonds are a weakness, but out of everyone here, you love the greatest." Klaus wiped the tear down her cheek. "Be the fearless, fun and sweet woman I know you are to be."

Viola leaned into his touch. "I love you, brother," she said.

Klaus's eyes brightened like emerald jewels. "I love you too," he said.

"Don't let King hear you," Viola jested. "He might get jealous." Klaus laughed with her. "How did you agree to mate someone like him?"

Klaus's cheeks turned bright red. "He has his moments," he said. "Now, come on, let's have dinner." He ushered her inside and told her to freshen up before he served up food for everyone.

Viola went up the stairs feeling the weight off her shoulders crumbling away. Her brother's words echoed in her heart and she wondered if it was truly alright for her to give this bond a chance. Should she free herself from these chains? She didn't need to answer that, because the chains broke already.

Reaching her bedroom door, she opened it and stepped inside the dark room, when suddenly, the door behind her opened as well. She turned and saw Mavros who looked like he freshened up and changed his clothes. However, she met his piercing black eyes and she let her heart decide what to do next. She didn't doubt nor did she intervene with her actions.

Keeping her eyes on him, he sensed the change in her right away too. He clenched his jaw as his powerful gaze was intensely focused on her. Viola left the door open and stepped back in her bedroom letting him figure out what to do next. Her breath faltered and her heart hammered in her chest, but she couldn't find the strength to resist any longer.

"Viola," her name off his lips was as sweet as honey.

Viola took another step back and then Mavros cut through the hallway and burst into her room. He grabbed her face and locked their lips together in a long-awaited kiss that left her stomach in knots. She felt his hunger through her as if she was being set on fire put his tongue in her mouth and his hands in her hair.

Viola whimpered and Mavros growled her name again and again like he wasn't sure if this was real or not. She wasn't entirely sure either. However, she would never have done this if she wasn't confident in her decision.

Mavros slammed the door shut behind them and locked them into the room alone. Taking a few steps forward, she moved back voluntarily and was being maneuvered onto the bed. She fell against the mattress and Mavros lifted her higher onto it. Viola was surprised by his strength as he lifted her under him and spread her legs apart before he sank perfectly between them. His lips still locked with her own, she felt his tongue in her mouth, slowly caressing her as if he was ripping away the layers of her armour.

Viola raked her fingers into his dark hair and held onto him with all her heart. The wolf inside her body howled at the acceptance of the bond and she felt as if she could breathe again. Mavros lifted her legs and put them around his waist, she still had her shoes on but she didn't care. Right now, she only needed to feel her mate on top of her.

This sensation of his body against her own and the way the heat from his wolf seeped into her skin was unlike anything she's ever felt before. Her body wasn't in her control and it responded to him alone. Viola wasn't a submissive wolf, yet she found herself yielding all control like it was never a problem in the first place.

Unable to breathe, she broke the kiss first so she could feel the oxygen in her lungs. Mavros stared down at her with his penetrating eyes that spoke the power he held in their mating bond.

"Tell me this is real," his voice guttural. "Tell me that you're really here and it's not a dream."

Viola grazed his cheek. "How many times did you dream of me?" she asked.

"I saw you in every dream from the moment I laid eyes on you at the hospital," he revealed softly.

"All those years ago," she astounded quietly.

Mavros leaned into her touch. "You plagued every waking moment as well," he confessed. "All I could do was pray that there would be a time when I could touch you like this."

Viola leaned in and kissed his lips. "My mate is allowed to touch me."

Mavros's eyes darkened over her lips. "Say it again," he growled.

Viola bit back her smile. "You're allowed to touch me," she jested.

His eyes darkened over her for not following his request. "Viola," his tone grim.

"My mate," she whispered for him.

Viola realized then that this was what King spoke of earlier. This carnal need that was exhilarating and dangerous consumed her very being. She couldn't see anything past Mavros and she was worried that this would only get stronger.

Mavros kissed her lips stealing her words and thoughts as he held her in his arms. He turned over, taking her on top of him and she was surprised that he gave her such control. Straddling his waist, her blonde hair fell around them like a curtain and hid her as she kissed him with dark seduction.

Meanwhile in the kitchen downstairs...

Klaus noticed that everyone had dinner except Viola and Mavros. He wondered if those two worked out their differences now. Gabriel also returned home from the hospital and told everyone that the Zoya would be discharged tomorrow.

As everyone cleaned the kitchen, Klaus noticed his mate standing in the living-room alone with his phone in his hand. He walked past the foyer and put his arms around King and laid his head on his broad back. King was the one who managed to heal the scars inside Klaus after everything he had to go through with the loss of his parents. The pain that Klaus held was heavy but all of that was gone when he met his dangerous mate.

"If you're trying to seduce me, it's working," King remarked.

Klaus smiled as he rested his head on his back. "I love you," he confessed.

King turned in his arms and faced Klaus. "I love you too," he whispered before they shared a soft kiss. "Do you want to take this upstairs?"

Klaus nodded surprising King who didn't waste another chance and took them to their bedroom. Shutting the door and the rest of the world behind them, Klaus spent the night devoted to his mate who saved him in his darkest time.

Everyone deserved a soulmate, Klaus believed. Life was too short to be lost in heartache and loss. This life was supposed to be cherished and undeniably filled with love. Nothing was worth closing one's heart and turning it into stone, especially when life could be so sweet together in the arms of a mate. 

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