Zade had pretty much become a known name in the office. Abir was of great help to him to adjust to everything, Brent was still being extra friendly and touchy and Zade didn't sense Inara anymore.

But that was the day, his life would turn upside down.

"So, the winter party is finally here!" Ivory sits in the cafeteria with Zade and Abir. Her excitement was all over the place.

"Winter party?" Zade doesn't laugh at the name. Usually, it is given to those silly high school dances. A publishing house having such a party would only rise curiosity.

"It is a dumb dance thingy that our company organizes. It is like a yearly event; we call the other publishing houses too. It is basically to see what they are doing and how much are they hiding," Abir says nonchalantly. He doesn't like parties like these but only participates because of Ivory.

"It is also a great place to get scouted," Ivory adds, sipping her coffee. She looks up to see a pair of eyes staring right into her soul, "I mean I am not looking for another job! It is just a good place for scouting!" She sips her coffee until the stares wear down.

"And guess what?" Ivory starts again, "Inara will be coming too."

"What?" Abir asks, shocked. Zade just sits there listening. He always listens as they bicker about Inara. Maybe, he isn't comfortable enough to speak about someone who he doesn't know yet.

"What about the hospital?" Abir questions with his look that Ivory was sure to understand.

"The thing is," She leans in to say the next part as if a secret, "The director himself invited her this time."

"That jerk!" Abir rolls his fist. Zade is confused as to why the director deserved that title. "I hope he has no other plans up his sleeve."

Ivory pats his hand to calm him down, "Don't worry. We are there to protect her."

Zade doesn't know why Inara needs to be protected. He is awakened from his thoughts by Ivory.

"So, Zade. You in?" Ivory asks.

"Of course, he is!" Abir chokes him playfully, "Freshers have to go through an 'initiation ceremony', remember?" He winks at Ivory who joins in the joke.

"Yes! You have to attend it!" Ivory seems to be pumped.

"Actually," Zade continues but stops after remembering his fight with Evelyn last night. He doesn't want to go home.

"You know what? I am in!" Zade stands up to show his support but only earns some giggles from across the tables.

"Yay! That's the spirit!" Ivory claps.

"You can bring Evelyn too. We'll get to meet your Omega," Abir expresses.

"She is actually out of town right now. But I'll give her your regards," Zade lies. He wanted to go to this party to avoid Evelyn.

"Oh, that's a bummer!" Abir makes a sad face but cheers up quickly, "Don't worry. We will make sure you don't miss her."

"Here are the passes," Ivory hands him the card, "Be there on time, okay?"

There are two things that Zade hates. Loud music and flashy lights. And this winter party was full of it. The moment he stepped in; he knew he fucked up. People were already drunk but still stocking up on drinks as if it is their last.

Those drunk people were then creating havoc on the dance floor but no one seems to care about it. If only, if only he didn't want to go home tonight, he has to stay here and bear this.

"Bear with us, okay?" Abir taps him on the shoulder from behind, "These people here have never had such expensive drinks before. That's why they behave like this."

Zade nods as he follows Abir to the bar. A man almost puked on him but got interrupted by a waiter and instead puked on him.

"It feels fresh to be out sometimes," Zade sarcastically points at the puke on the floor.

"You came just on time," It was Ivory who hands him a drink, "The party has not even started."

"Can it get worse than this?" Zade chuckles as he chugs his first drink of the night. But definitely, not the last one.

"The main person isn't here yet. You'll see how worse it gets," Abir looks around as if he is searching for someone, "You saw the bodyguards out, right?"

"Yeah. I wonder why so many..." Zade ponders.

"The director is rumoured to come..." Abir implies.

Zade remembers seeing an article about their director, "Isn't he on his resting period?"

Wolves normally take some years off after a lot of wars. All to rejuvenate themselves and be prepared for the next war.

"I'll let you on a secret..." Ivory suggests, "People say that he was one of the only surviving wolves who fought both the wars even though I think it is untrue. But the real reason for his absence is..." she becomes silent when they hear a commotion near the door.

"And here he comes to ruin our night!" Abir raises his glass.

All the people, even the drunk ones surround the director, bowing to him with respect. Wolves who have fought in wars and have come out victorious are highly respected.

"The real reason for his absence is," Ivory continues and leans into Zade's ear to whisper, "His face!" She points at the director's face.

Zade's gaze follows her finger and he looks at the big and deep scar right across his face.

"He wants to hide it. Hence we aren't allowed to bring in phones here," Ivory concludes.

Zade remembers how he had to submit his phone at the entrance.

"The director only makes rare appearances. I wonder why he chose to come today..." Abir seems to imply something which only Ivory understood.

Maybe it was for Inara?

"I smell something fishy," Abir suggests.

"I hope it's not from me?" A voice from behind startles Zade. Of course, Abir and Ivory didn't flinch because they knew who it was.

"Inara!" Ivory hugs her.

But Zade seems to be frozen at his place. His heart seems to stop beating for a second.

Her eyes were the warmest chestnut color when the sun finally comes out after days of rain. Her small face shone even though the lights in the party were dim.

Maybe it is the moonlight?

Her cheeks had a rose color tint. Almost as if she was blushing. Her face held an amused expression that intimidated Zade. Her lips were as delicate as that of a petal with the same rose color trace of eyeshadow.

Her hair wasn't what you would call black of the night but a color of black which was unknown to Zade. Her dress hugged her figure and at all the right places, the red fabric creating a vivid contrast to her honey color skin.

Great color red is. It shows strength and courage.

And there stood Inara. She stood like a powerful queen yet looked delicate.

Zade could hear whimpers from within sounding like "Om...." But he couldn't focus.

It was that damm scent again!

And this time it was strong. Inara was standing right in front of him.

The scent was exotic yet familiar.