$ f o r t y e i g h t $

The twelve were gathered in Korea now for the wedding, along with the other twelve which belonged to the younger packs. Its was a big reunion at the casino where they were all staying. Yifan had pulled Tao aside to his office to talk. "I need you to be very alert at the wedding." He warned the youngest member of his gang. There was immediate confusion flashing on Tao's face, since he had no idea what his leader was talking about.

"What do you mean, duizhang?" He asked with curiosity.

"Fu Jian is going to be there." Yifan informed without beating around the bush. 

Tao couldn't help but feel a mixture of feelings. A deep hatred towards the mention of the man who had mistreated Iva for so long, and sent her off to be killed. Then he felt outrage and a hint of hurt that his leader would ever think of inviting him to the wedding as though they were old friends. Tao hoped he wouldn't run into him at the reception because he knew he wouldn't be able to contain himself. He was sure he would take a swing at Fu Jian for everything that he did to Iva. 

Seeing the expression on his face, Yifan proceeded to explain, "He's a business partner of ours. I couldn't not invite him, he would find it suspicious. I'm just letting you know so you'll keep him and Blue from running into each other. Didn't Ciel and Mariel give her a make-over anyway?" He asked, remembering that Ciel had been very excited when Yifan asked her to help give Iva a new identity. She and Mariel went overboard buying clothes, accessories and the like. Iva looked like an entirely different person now, except her face was exactly the same. But she now had curly blonde hair instead of straight brown, she had green eyes now instead of blue, and did her make up in a completely different style. 

She had been given a new name and a gang name which the members of the Coven referred to her as. They no longer called her Iva, but instead called her Blue. Tao had taken to fondly calling her his Baby Blue. 

"I don't even think he'll come anyway." Yifan explained with a calm. But he still thought to warn him, in case he were to attend. Iva had quickly adapted to her new life with the Coven and got along well with everyone. Just like Hyuna and Mei were best friends and very close with each other, Iva had gotten very close with Mariel and Ciel. It wasn't that she didn't get along with the other two, she just felt more comfortable with them. And of course, as their leader, Ciel got along well with all of them. Yifan just wanted to make sure nothing would happen to Iva since she was now his sister, a part of their family, and family was there to protect one another. "He's always busy, and I heard he has a new girlfriend now."

So soon, Tao thought bitterly. 

He didn't even wait a month after Iva's supposed death when he was already seeing someone else. But Tao didn't care about that. All he cared about was that Iva was doing better now and she had forgiven him. And she was willing to give him a chance. Lately, they had gone on little dates together and she found herself having a nice time with him. He treated her better than Fu Jian ever did, and he truly cared about her.

Tao promised he would be on the look out, and he was dismissed by his leader to get back to his duties.

-

The day of the wedding soon came around and all of the members of the Coven and the Pack were there to celebrate. Miran was doing better and was allowed out of bed rest, although she hadn't exactly done much resting since she had been back. She and Baekhyun could be heard all through the twelfth floor, which was where all the members were staying in the casino. Mariel and Jongdae were no different, but they were more quiet. The other couples could barely even be heard at all over Baekhyun's screaming at night or whenever he and Miran had the time.

Mariel had been chosen to be Ciel's maid of honor, as her closest friend, and the other ten girls to be the bridesmaids. Yifan had chosen Junmyeon as his best man, with the other ten members as the grooms men. Each of them had been assigned things to carry into the ceremony.

Tao had been on edge all through the ceremony because he didn't want Fu Jian to see Iva, and know that she was still alive. But the business man didn't show up to the ceremony and Tao found some relief, at least for a little while. He was more concerned at the wedding reception at the casino. There were so many people to keep track of and he had a feeling Fu Jian would arrive some time that night. But he had warned Iva too, and she was alert and knowing that she had to avoid him at all costs.

At one point of the reception, he and Iva had been sent to patrol the casino. Even when they were celebrating, they had to be on the look out for any attacks.

They had been walking together down the hallway when they saw none other than Fu Jian approaching with his new girlfriend, and escorted by two security guards. The business man had been deep in conversation with his new lover, both of them talking and laughing without a care in the world, but when his eyes locked with Iva's he seemed to find a familiarity in them. Though he didn't seem to know where he knew her from. She didn't look like the young woman he had seduced into marrying him for the money. She looked like a completely different person now and in her eyes was no recognition of him. Only a flash which she tried to conceal with indifference, so as not to look like she knew him.

Before Jian could stare at her any longer and question her, Tao thought quickly and pushed her up against the wall, connecting his lips with hers in a passionate kiss. She had been taken off guard at first, but she reacted quickly and tangled her hands though his hair, knowing what his plan was. He was much taller than her and his frame hid her from sight as they made out in the hallway. Jian turned away from them awkwardly and continued down the hallway with his group.

When they pulled away, he saw the way Iva watched him go with hurt in her eyes.

Tao felt a prick in his chest because he figured what that meant. 

"You still love him?" He guessed.

She gave a sure shake of her head. "Its not that. I'm just...hurt because I know that woman. She pretended to be my friend. But this whole time she was probably with my husband behind my back."

He sighed and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her reassurances. "Well, they won't hurt you anymore. I promise."

Iva placed her hand over his and gave a small smile.

-

another update tonight because im on a roll. starting chapters forty nine and fifty its going to get really intense, so stay tuned for that. there's going to be a lot of drama involving yifan and ciel, and a certain someone named fu jian. im not giving anything away, so you have to stay tuned to find out.

thank you loads for reading and supporting this story. it means the world to me. have a wonderful night!

tomorrow imma try to sneak a pic of my asian mango at the gym so y'all can meet him. lol

-clary