People walked around the streets of New York completely unaware that the supernatural existed. Over hundreds of centuries, werewolves have wandered these lands without being discovered. They hid in plain sight as regular business employees, students, lawyers, doctors, cops and even drug dealers. And in this secret society of werewolves there's a hierarchy, and no matter where one went on this planet, a hierarchy always called for trouble. The shifter world is ruled by the strongest alphas, and their packs have been following them since beginning of their creation.

However, for this system to run smoothly, all the alphas must follow a code which was created by their ancestors. Although, the one that ruled them all, protected them all and created them, was their goddess, Maya. She was the deity that all werewolves' evil or good worshipped. If someone ever wondered why a wolf howled towards a lonesome moon? It was because that beautiful creature knew that Maya would always listen to his prayers.

All except one who never uttered a prayer in his life...

-The Night of the Massacre-

Night had arrived and everyone in the mansion knew better than to walk around the great halls at night. One only called for trouble if they ventured after hours in this house because the people that lived here never rested. The evil inside the leaders of this pack was like a radar, it was blinking and awake seeking their next victim. Hearing screams or tortured cries wasn't unusual here. Someone at any time was dying or being taught a lesson. That was the way of the Petrov pack.

Lazarus paced in his bedroom. He was the second-born son of Ivan Petrov who was the alpha of the Petrov pack and the tormentor of everyone trapped in this purgatory.

Another night would pass without Lazarus getting any sleep. This wasn't a place that one could simply close their eyes and rest. He couldn't risk it, not when the halls crawled with blood thirsty monsters. However, Lazarus wasn't like the others in this pack. He never gave the chance to feed the hunger his father seeked to torment him with. Trained to kill and hunt, Lazarus knew that he could kill his senile father any time he wished, but he never could convince himself to do it because he didn't know where he'd go. This was his home...

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he stared down at his scarred hands that were given a knife at the age of five to kill anything that he faced. The monsters that roamed the hallways couldn't compare to the beast he had become. They just didn't know it.

Suddenly, the putrid smell of rotten flesh hit Lazarus, a wave of excruciating nausea grew in his stomach but he grew to ignore it. The smell of blood and rotting flesh wasn't new here. However, something wasn't right about tonight. Death wasn't a discreet act here. So, when there weren't any screams or the pleading prayers begging for mercy that got him curious. He knew that prayers never worked here, everyone knew that yet they always tried their luck.

Still dressed in his gear, that he never took off. He got to his feet and walked out of the room in search of what intrigued him. The massive house was quiet, too quiet. The oak walls closed in on him in the dark as he soundless crept down the stairs.

Lazarus took his hand off the railing when he felt the wet cast on his fingers drip off onto his boot. He looked down and without speculation he knew that it was blood. He landed on the final step turning towards the hall. The arched window had moonlight dancing through the glinting glass, it showered over the stone halls of the main foyer, illuminating his surroundings a great silver light.

There were dead bodies lying wildly on the cold floor, the same dark liquid flowed out of the limp bodies of his uncles and aunts, it was splattered viciously onto the floor coating everything red. Quite ironic, his father always said this house was built from the blood of their ancestors, and now, the blood of his relatives bathed the floors crimson.

Lazarus trailed down the long-paved hall, his boots leaving scarlet tracks which glimmered under the moonlight. He entered the grand living-room when he saw his big brother, Isaiah Petrov. The one who was chosen to be alpha of this pack after their father. However, that was fate worse than death for him.

"What have you done?" Lazarus asked.

Isaiah's grey eyes gleamed with a sinister chill. "Exactly what was taught to me," his voice was unrecognizable. "Kill without remorse even if it's family."

Lazarus didn't dare take a step closer to his brother. Not because he was afraid that he'd kill him, but right now, Isaiah wasn't himself. He was on the edge of rampage. Except, something was different. His brother stood tall with control like he had done this with a resolved mind.

"Do you think father will forgive you for killing his brothers and sisters?" Lazarus stated more than asked.

Isaiah wiped his long dagger on the chair their father always sat. "I don't want his forgiveness," he said. "I want his screams tonight."

Lazarus frowned, running a hand through his short hair, he stared at his brother. "You're going to need help with that," he said.

Isaiah's lips twisted into a vicious grin. "I already set Adrik free and he's not wasting his time," he said. "The rest is up to you. Are you with me?"

"Do you even need to ask," he remarked as he pulled out his guns from his holster. "Let's hunt every sonofabitch here before the sun rises."

Isaiah flipped the long dagger in his hand and slashed the sharp blade through the massive portrait of their father hanging on the wall.

"The end of the Petrov is here," Isaiah declared.

"Fucking finally," Lazarus grumbled.

Many knew the tale of the wretched pack that was assassinated by the alpha of the Iron Blood pack. And that horrid night, which was stained with blood and screams another had helped Isaiah Iron annihilate that horrible bloodline, it was his brother Lazarus Iron. He was bigger and the man that the Petrov pack raised but also feared. Lazarus was a beast and he knew it.

Lazarus had pledged his allegiance to his brother and no one stood between that, not even their father or uncles. Everyone in the Petrov pack had paid the price for their cruelty. The pack had come to an end even after the Petrov's tried ruthlessly to leave a legacy, but they failed. However, the price the Iron brothers had to pay was the cost of their own souls. They trained in that bloody-thirsty pack day and night like animals to be worse than monsters, but they endured it long enough to become the only ones the Petrov's came to fear... their destroyers.

A long time has passed since then. Times were different now. Lazarus and his brothers created a new identity, a new life for themselves and had many strong alliances with other packs. They were a fortified pack built on strong foundations and honourable principles...

Yet, the beast never died in Lazarus.

Every waking moment he spent containing his wolf and the thirst to kill, which was the curse of the Petrov bloodline. He did everything in his power to keep himself dignified and controlled because he'd never succumb to the curse of his past. He had trained all his life and built himself piece by piece just to resemble a man of honour. He had a code he lived by and that was to protect his pack and if anyone tried to hurt them then he would never hesitate to eliminate the threat.

He was and always would be the wolf trained to hunt and kill. There were times when he wondered how he'd ever thought he could live his life without that. This skill was in his blood and it couldn't be erased, like the tattoos he bared on his body for every kill he had conquered in the Petrov annihilation. He had gotten the ink not to cover his scars but to remember that he had killed the monsters that haunted him and his brothers. He had won the battle and that was without any help from prayers or pleads.

He didn't need the divine to pull himself out of the darkness. He knew that their goddess wouldn't come to him. He had to make his own way, so he did. Through the blood and the rotting bodies of his family that didn't even get a grave, he had saved his brothers and made sure that he was strong enough to protect them himself.

Lazarus knew that those times had ended a long time ago. He wasn't living in the past anymore. He was comfortable with his pack in their house. But there were times that he could never forget. The torture that his father caused him harboured deeply into Lazarus that he found himself bound by it. He didn't know what it'd take for him to erase the memories because he couldn't run from it, there wasn't a place far enough. It was easy for many to tell him and his brothers to move on and look forward. But, how could they? Their past was a bloody and sinister demon that stayed chained to each of them. There was no escaping the Petrov name, it was the scar they all bore. That scar which made Lazarus's heart crumble and disappear.

His two brothers mated and were happy, but Lazarus couldn't see that for himself. He didn't want to put the pain of his past on anyone. He'd stay away from all women and focus on his duty as the beta of the Iron Blood pack...

That may be what his plan was for the rest of his life. However, the goddess that watched like the silver beams of the moon had curated another plan. She chose a mate for the beta and this was the one thing that wasn't in his iron-clad control.

-Manhattan-

This particular morning was grey and wet. Many walked with their umbrellas taking cover from the rain. However, one man did not. He walked in the rain letting it soak him, it didn't bother him because as soft as rain felt on his coat and his skin, he knew what real pain felt like. Rain didn't compare to the torture he knew all his life as a Petrov.

Lazarus Iron walked the streets of Manhattan clad in his thick leather jacket. The rain dripped off his broad shoulders down his rugged arms and soaked the silver rings on his fingers. The dark ink on his hands and neck stood out to everyone's gaze, that was always where everyone looked first when they saw his big, bulky figure taking confident strides ahead.

People moved, they always did when they faced him. Towering over the crowd, his eyes tracked the route ahead of him. Despite his sunglasses getting wet, he was never blinded for a second. He never missed a detail nor anything surrounding him. He counted the streets, the routes and knew each exit and which road lead to which alleyway. That was his habit and he did it without thinking.

Lazarus rounded the final street before walking into the coffee house he visited locally when he dropped his nieces off to school. The morning rush had just begun and the line was sizeable. He got in and counted the twenty-five heads in the entire building. He watched silently through the black shades of his glasses as people came and left, each and every one of them whispered something about him. They stared, humans always did, and the wolves in the room were sure not to because they knew exactly who he was the moment they saw his tattoos.

His turn arrived and he ordered his latte, the barista recognized him and quickly made his cup of coffee before Lazarus had even finished paying. He grabbed his cup and walked out of the shop before he got back in his car and drove home.

Two weeks had passed since Ashley and Rosalie had gone on vacation to Santorini with the girls from the Centauri pack and they were finally coming home today. Everyone had planned to make it special, which meant that Lazarus would cook breakfast. He didn't mind of course, since cooking was the one thing that calmed him. Despite that, he would do anything for Ashley and Rosalie since they saved his brother and cousin with their love.

Lazarus remembered how he had to convince Isaiah to mate with Ashley because she was everything he needed. Now, they had their own daughter and were happily married. Rosalie was a complete surprise for Adrik- his cousin. He was the last one out of everyone on this planet to believe he deserved a mate. But they met Rosalie when they enrolled Evelyn into ballet school and she had been a part of the pack since, even her niece Vivian who was more like a sister to Evelyn had brightened the family. All of them found happiness and Lazarus couldn't be more thrilled for them. And if that meant cooking huge meals all the time, then so be it.

Lazarus stepped on the gas and raced home. He enjoyed his coffee in the little time of peace he had before the chaos began.

Arriving home, he had only opened the door to their manor, when his big brother's voice boomed through the house. Lazarus moved past the chaos into the haven of his kitchen, he took off his coat, glasses and set them on the chair.

Ashley and Rosalie had left only two weeks ago and the Iron Blood pack was a mess. Isaiah's temper was back and it was off the charts. It was to the point that even Lazarus couldn't talk reason into him like he would before he mated.

"Has he been like that all morning?" Lazarus asked Ronin who sat at the table in the kitchen drinking coffee.

Ronin lifted his head revealing his bright hazel eyes. "All morning," he answered.

The man had amusement written all over his handsome face. He had short auburn hair, which was always kept neat and tidy even during his detective days. They had met him when he was still a private detective. He joined the pack and Isaiah's side after they had fought together in a mission, Lazarus never expected it but he didn't mind because Ronin was damn reliable in a fight. Ronin always had a towering, intimidating built and he was definitely a skilled fighter, but more than that, he had honour and valued friendship more than anything. That was hard to come by, especially when Isaiah was thinking of building his own pack.

Isaiah Iron was the alpha all the men in this house pledged their allegiance to. The bond they had with their alpha was much deeper and thicker than any blood. Isaiah Iron was ruthless and dangerously violent when it came to protecting his pack. Apart from the matching tattoos and their build, Lazarus had nothing in common with his brother. Isaiah had dark raven black hair and steel grey eyes that were ferocious and deadly.

"Where's Zeiden?" Isaiah asked as soon as he came into the kitchen.

"Probably asleep," answered Ronin.

"That boy is never on time," Isaiah grumbled.

"Relax, it's Monday-"

"The Monday that Ashley is coming home," Isaiah reminded.

"We know," said Lazarus from the stove. "That's why I'm cooking her and Rosalie's favourite breakfast waffles."

"Well, I need to pick them up and Zeiden is coming with me," Isaiah said. He went back to the foyer and shouted; "Zeiden! Get down here!"

A few moments went by and as Isaiah prepared to yell again, his younger brother stumbled out of his room disheveled.

"What happened?" he asked groggily. "Who got shot?"

"You will be if you're not dressed in thirty seconds," Isaiah threatened.

"You're so annoying," Zeiden remarked.

From the fleet of stairs, Isaiah and Zeiden started to bickering back and forth about how they should proceed. Lazarus shook his head and couldn't find the words to stop his two brothers as he stood between them. He couldn't believe he was related to these two hot-heads.

At that moment, the one that had the utmost control over himself appeared. Their cousin, Adrik Vasiliev walked up from the basement stairs that lead to the gym. A man who stood over six-foot but he moved with precision and every muscle calculated to move on his command. He was built as a weapon; his muscles roped onto his sturdy physique and he had a glower that could scare anything in its path.

Even after years passed, the feral pheromones of his wolf were unlike anyone Lazarus ever knew. Adrik's wolf was like it was pissed merely for being awake. He was also covered with tattoos, they were all over his rough big hands, his corded neck and down the unzipped area that exposed his chest.

However, a lot changed about the man too. After he mated the famous ballerina Rosalie Lenoir, his scar had gotten a lot less scary. Lazarus never thought he'd see the day that Adrik would find relief after the torture he suffered from his father, Samuel Petrov. Adrik had reached a point that any psychical touch was impossible, that was until Rosalie came along.

"I don't want to be late," said Isaiah.

"I don't either," rebuked Zeiden.

"Then hurry the fuck up," Isaiah bit out.

Zeiden stuck his tongue out at him and that did it.

"You little shit-"

The chaos grew to the point that no one heard the door open. Suddenly, Isaiah was embraced from behind him knocking him forward on his feet. He looked down and saw those lovely blue eyes and blonde hair. His heart leaped and all was forgotten in front of his mate.

Ashley sparkled a mesmerizing smile. "Did you miss me?" she jested.

Isaiah wrapped his arms around her, drawing her tightly to him.

"Please, for our sake, never leave again," Ronin remarked.

Ashley stood dressed in a beautiful blue dress, that reached her ankles with a flared skirt that highlighted her curvy hips and small waist. Her perfect golden hair was curled and clipped back with a glittery bow, exposing her delicate face that had a lovely charm. Lazarus always thought that her eyes looked that of a bobcat rather than a wolf. Sharp, almond like eyes with long golden lashes and the brightest blue. She really was a striking young woman who had a chic style no matter what time of the day it was, even just off a flight.

Ashley and Rosalie were back.

"It's so good to be home," said Rosalie as she ran straight to Adrik with her arms open. Adrik gathered her close, turned his back to them and privately kissed her.

Rosalie had the body and the elegant grace of a ballerina. She had a renowned career as one but due to her sister's death, she had to quit her career so she could raise her niece. She opened up a school for ballet which was where Adrik met her. Lazarus still couldn't believe how all this happened, but Adrik deserved the family Rosalie made for him. She was perfect for Adrik, everyone knew that.

Yet, why did Lazarus feel a sting in his chest. He hated it and wish he could rip that sensation out of him.

"You two should freshen up," Lazarus announced. "We're having breakfast."

Ronin went to the car to grab their luggage. Adrik and Rosalie went to their room together, both of them whispering to each other. Isaiah helped Ronin and Lazarus went back to the kitchen.

Ashley joined him by the stove. "Did you miss me too?" she was grinning up at him.

Lazarus didn't say anything. He didn't have to because it was obvious to everyone. Ashley was the one to open all their hearts. She had made them a family with a strong bond.

"Are you okay?" Ashley asked.

"Don't worry about me," he told her as he kissed the top of her head. "Go freshen up and calm Isaiah down. That brother is gone off the rails."

Ashley hugged him and then ran off to Isaiah.

Ronin returned to the kitchen with another by his side

"Something smells good," Zeiden appeared in his dishevelled state.

The youngest of the three brothers, Zeiden resembled Isaiah the most. He had dark hair and light blue eyes, except he was leaner than Isaiah and Lazarus. Although, they matched in height. Zeiden had always been the calmer of the three, yet the troublemaker in the pack too. Lazarus always admired that about him, he was free-spirited despite the heavy chains of their past.

"Lazarus is making waffles," said Ronin.

Zeiden joined his brother's side. "Can I try one?" he asked.

Lazarus stopped his knife from cutting the strawberries. "Not if you want your hand cut off," he remarked. "Do you?"

Zeiden gaped at him. "I'm going to take a seat," he mumbled.

"That's a good boy," mocked Lazarus making Ronin laugh at them.

Zeiden ran off and joined Ronin at the table. "Where are the kids?" he asked.

"School," said Ronin.

"They didn't take the day off?" he astounded.

"They're not like you to skip school at any chance," remarked Lazarus.

Zeiden snickered. "School's lame," he announced.

"Aww, did someone not like going to school?" Ronin baited him.

Zeiden kicked Ronin from the under the table but missed. "You suck," he remarked and got up again to make himself a cup of coffee.

"Where's Marcello?" Ronin asked. "He's not a late riser unlike his mate." Zeiden glared back at him.

Marcello Tricomi was another hot head that Lazarus had to deal with. He was an infamous lord of the underworld who had many gangs under his control in the past. He was powerful and dangerous, but that was all before he mated Zeiden.

"He told me that he's gone to see Zero," said Zeiden.

"Why?" Ronin asked.

"No clue," Zeiden replied.

Lazarus believed that Marcello was part of the pack but he did his own thing all the time.

Justin walked into the kitchen then. He looked like he hadn't slept at all and it wasn't a surprise since he was at the hospital for night shift. The man was tall, broad shouldered, handsome and looked Korean from his pale skin, dark matted hair and narrow black eyes.

"Rough night?" Ronin asked

Justin slumped into the chair. "Do I look that horrible?" he asked.

"Worse," said Zeiden.

He groaned. "I had surgery back to back," he said.

Lazarus put a plate with fresh waffles in front of him. "Eat, you'll feel better," he said.

Justin smiled. "Thanks," he grabbed a fork and dug in. "Are Ashley and Rosalie back?"

"They just arrived before you," said Ronin.

Lazarus brought a plate full of waffles and they started to eat too. Zeiden, Ronin grabbed plates and served themselves, preparing the waffles to their taste. While Zeiden took fruit and whipped cream, Ronin stuck to maple syrup, bacon and egg.

After a while passed, the others joined them.

"Ooooh that looks delicious," Ashley announced as she entered the kitchen to the table, Isaiah following behind her. Both of them freshly showered.

"Eat up," said Lazarus.

Ashley sat beside him and he grabbed her a plate, Isaiah stuck to a cup of coffee only. She didn't shy away from eating a full plate with fruits and whipped cream and then enjoyed some scrambled egg with bacon as well.

"I missed your cooking, Lazarus," Ashley said nudging his shoulder with hers.

"How was Greece?" Zeiden asked her.

"It was so much fun," she beamed with excitement. "Zoya's house was breathtaking and she took us everywhere. We all need to go together next time."

As everyone ate and chatted away, Lazarus was less focused on that and more on what had to be done today. Making a mental note, he knew that perimeter control, updating security systems and replacing a few cameras around the area was just the top of his list. He also needed to pick up his nieces from school and then he'd hit the gym and cook dinner.

Just before he got up to start, his phone pinged with an alert that someone had arrived through the gates. He didn't panic because he knew who had arrived.

Momentarily, the door opened to the house and Marcello Tricomi walked into the kitchen. He was a handsome man dressed in a tailored grey suit. His blond hair a bit dishevelled from the wind outside, he had raked it back revealing his golden eyes. It was fair to say that they were on bad terms before Marcello mated Zeiden. The man's temper was in check now and despite Lazarus's doubts Marcello even pledged himself to follow Isaiah.

Lazarus greeted him with a curt nod and Marcello threw him a smirk before he went over to his mate. "Ashley, it's good to have you back. Isaiah was becoming unbearable," he greeted.

"Good to be back," she smiled at him as Isaiah glared fiercely.

Marcello sat with Zeiden. Both of them exchanged a few private words and a secret smile only they understood. A bond that was between two souls was rare and Lazarus envied all the couples here.

"How did it go with Zero?" Isaiah asked him.

"I want to give good news but we've got a problem," Marcello revealed.

Everyone stiffened with that introduction. Lazarus exchanged a wary look with Isaiah, both of them were used to trouble and they could handle anything that came their way. However, they couldn't take the same risks like they would in the past. They had people that they had to protect now.

"We'll discuss it later," said Isaiah.

Marcello nodded. "Alright. I'm going to freshen up," he said as he got up, kissed Zeiden's cheek and then walked off to the stairs and disappeared into his room.

"That was cryptic," Ronin remarked. "What do you think that's about?"

"Can't be anything good," Lazarus retorted.

Justin started to laugh. "We're not being hunted by someone's brother again, are we?" he asked.

The group did not laugh except exchange a cautious look.

Justin stiffened. "We're not, right?" he asked firmly.

Isaiah pushed back from his seat and went in search for Marcello. Lazarus did too.

"Here we go again," Ronin said as he followed and so did Zeiden.

They opened the door to Marcello's room and they found him standing without his suit's jacket, unbuttoning his shirt.

"You guys need to start knocking," grumbled Marcello.

"What'd you find out?" Isaiah asked tensely.

The tension in the room was tangible. Marcello grabbed a folder off his table and opened it, tossing the content inside on the glass counter in front of them. Photos spilled out and all of them froze in their tracks.

"Is that who I think it is?" Zeiden remarked.

"Sonofabitch," Lazarus growled.

"Alaric Petrov," Isaiah said grimly.

The door opened wider and Adrik stood there filling out the frame. His eyes gleamed with a feral danger that spoke volumes about Alaric Petrov who was the son of Samuel Petrov. Lazarus always believed that his own father was a lot less dangerous and cruel than Samuel. Considering how his three sons turned out, Lazarus wasn't wrong. Adrik scarred both mentally and physically from the abuse of his father attested to staying far away from anything related to Samuel and that included his sons. Last year, they dealt with Aziel Petrov who hunted Adrik for killing their father. Zeiden got a knife to the chest and Rosalie was held hostage. They can only imagine what the eldest son of the monster Samuel wanted from all of them.

"Your brother's in town," Marcello remarked.

"He's not my brother," Adrik gritted out. "He never was."

"Well, that doesn't change the fact that he's looking for us," Marcello said.

"How can we be sure he's looking for us?" Ronin asked. "Maybe, he's enjoying a walk through the city."

Lazarus didn't believe that for a second and neither did Adrik. He walked closer into the group, looking down at the photos taken of his brother, his sapphire eyes full with disgust and pure hatred.

"Who is taking these photos?" asked Adrik sternly.

"Percy," answered Marcello.

"Tell him to stop," Adrik said.

"Why?" Marcello puzzled. "This could be our only lead-"

"This man is a shadow and the only time he emerges if when he's ready to kill," Adrik claimed. "He won't be merciful to the one keeping an eye on him."

"Do as he says," Zeiden spoke this time.

Marcello kept his mouth shut then. "Fine," he took out his phone and texted Percy like he was told.

"How did Zero come across this?" Isaiah asked.

"Zero spotted him arriving to town a few months back," said Marcello.

"A few months!" Lazarus astounded. "Why didn't she say anything to us about it?"

"She said she wanted to be sure, so she followed his moves and shadowed him for a while," said Marcello.

"That could've been dangerous, even for her," muttered Adrik.

Zero, the saviour of the shifters was a great fighter, Lazarus admitted and so did the entire world. However, Alaric was a whole other level of evil and cruel. She hadn't gone against a man like him. Alaric made Reaper feel like child's play.

"Alaric won't kill her," said Ronin. "This is Zero we're talking about."

"That's not his style," said Adrik. "He'll first go for everyone she ever cared about and then for her."

"He can't be that crazy," scoffed Ronin.

"My father put Alaric in a psychiatric hospital," Adrik said, "and just a week later he murdered everyone in the hospital and returned home with their corpses and gifted them to my mother when she gave birth to Aziel."

They all stood in a grim silence wondering how that man was their cousin. Lazarus heard of that story before, but he always dismissed it as a tale.

"Why do all the psychopaths find us?" astonished Zeiden.

"It doesn't matter if he finds us," Isaiah announced darkly, "because if he shows up at my door, I'm going to fucking kill the bastard like I did his family."

Lazarus didn't approve of murder at his front doorstep, but there was no stopping Isaiah once he set his mind to something.

"If you're done talking about murder, then can you join Ashley and I?" Rosalie's voice interrupted the group.

The men dropped the matter for now and joined the girls in Isaiah's bedroom where Ashley had all her suitcases propped open on the floor. She was frantically rummaging through the bags and digging out things that were wrapped.

"We brought gifts," Rosalie cleared up for them after looking at their confused faces.

"What'd you bring us?" Zeiden asked.

"We went shopping for you since all of are in desperate need of colour this season," said Ashley.

"Fuck me," Lazarus mumbled and inched back.

"Oh no you don't, Lazarus!" Ashley stopped him. "You're up first." She threw a package at him that had a big pink bow tied on the flamingo gift wrap.

"I've never said this in my entire life but I'm kind of scared," Lazarus admitted making them laugh at him.

Ashley got up from the floor and pushed him into the bathroom. "Just put it on!" she yelled closing him in.

Lazarus grunted and fumbled with the wrapping and repeatedly told himself that this was for Ashley and he wouldn't hurt her feelings. Just as he turned the package over, a slip of silk fell out. He let out a long stream of curses as he eyed the flimsy pink short-sleeved shirt that had scattered flowers all over it. The shirt was not his style at all, in fact it was the exact opposite.

"Ashley!" he grumbled.

The group outside definitely found his reaction funny and stifled their laughter.

"Yes, dear," Ashley came up to the door. "Is there a problem with the gift?"

"There are many," he growled.

"Oh no," she said sounding devastated. "Can you put it on and show me at least?"

Lazarus grated his teeth together and almost shot someone in the face. Of course, he couldn't hurt a hair on Ashley's head, but Zeiden could take the beating for laughing. He stripped off his sweatshirt and put on the piece of catastrophe. He admitted that the quality was exquisite, the silk was shiny and weightless but the print was making him nauseous. He didn't dare button it all the way up, leaving most of his tattoo-clad chest exposed. He rolled the sleeves that were tight on his biceps and then walked out to be ridiculed.

Ashley clapped her hands together. "It looks amazing," she exclaimed.

"You know, it's not as bad as I thought it'd be," Rosalie added.

"Pink is so his colour with his tattoos and blond hair," she said.

Lazarus felt like a clown in a parade. "I'm taking it off," he said.

"Brother, look over here," Zeiden said.

Lazarus only turned when he saw his little brother taking photos as quickly as possible. "Delete them!" he growled at him.

The others that had stifled their laughter couldn't hold it any longer.

"Oh god," Ronin wiped his eyes from laughing so hard, "Lazarus in pink. I thought that would be impossible."

"I think I'm scarred," Isaiah said.

"I'm never going to let you forget this," Marcello remarked.

Adrik didn't say anything but gave Lazarus a sympathetic look.

"You are so screwed," Zeiden implored. "I'm going to use this against you for your entire life."

"Zeiden," Lazarus loomed over his brother, "don't test me."

Zeiden's eyes widened, but he burst out laughing at the sight of the pink floral shirt. "Oh my god! Someone save me, I can't take it," he astonished as he held his stomach.

"I'm going to kill you," he growled.

Marcello pulled Zeiden behind him before that happened. Lazarus went back into the bathroom to take this abomination off and return to his shade of forever black.

Returning to the room, everyone had been given their gifts. Ronin got a small image of Santorini that he could put on his car's dashboard and it would reflect a rainbow in the sun. Marcello received a bundle of books that he requested before they had left and was most satisfied. Zeiden and Justin got a coffee mug that had the sunset of Greece on it. Adrik and Isaiah got keychains with an evil-eye bead and a series of aqua crystals. Then they got a bunch of dresses and toys for the kids.

"Why was I the only one that got a pink shirt?" Lazarus astounded.

"It's okay, Evelyn got one too," Justin jested.

The men patted him sympathetically on the back and left him wondering why he cared about this pack.

Lazarus stomped out of the room went on to finish his duties around the pack. Now that Alaric was on the loose, he had to make sure security was tight around here for everyone's sake.

Making his way into the large garage where everyone's cars were parked, he was joined by Ronin who spent most of his off days here fixing up the cars.

"What are you doing?" Ronin asked him as they both separated in the large space.

"Going around our territory to check the security system," Lazarus told him as he grabbed the tool box.

"I'll join you," he said. "You're going to need the help."

Lazarus didn't mind and it was true. Both of them left the garage and tracked through the large field together.

Most of the cameras around the perimeter were working well and didn't need repairs. Lazarus installed a few more in the trees and around the garage entrance. If Alaric decided to visit their property, then they needed every camera they could get to help them find out. Ronin fixed the sensory system that always faltered during blizzards in winter or rainstorms.

"Do you think Alaric will show up here?" Ronin asked breaking the silence they had while working.

"I don't know, but we shouldn't doubt it," Lazarus said vaguely which wasn't helpful.

Ronin looked up from the tablet in his hand. "What's he like?" he asked. "I mean apart from the general sociopath traits."

Lazarus never admitted it out loud but he admired Alaric Petrov. There was a commanding air about him that felt as if no one could touch him- not even his own father. Alaric built himself to be feared and respected in this world that only gave spite to the Petrov name.

"He's an alpha," said Lazarus, "an alpha that's feared no matter where he goes."

"He's coming for us because we killed Aziel," Ronin stated.

Lazarus wished he could deny and reassure Ronin. "Who knows," he admitted. "We'll find out when he gets here."

A couple of hours passed after they finished the security checks together.

They returned to the house. Lazarus didn't bother freshening up since he had to leave to pick up his nieces from school.

"Ronin, give Isaiah the report that all the security's been checked," Lazarus said.

"Sure," he said. "Where are you going?"

Lazarus pointed to the clock and Ronin remembered that the kids had to be back. "I'll be back," he told Ronin.

"Hey, bring cupcakes before you come home," Ronin announced.

"No," Lazarus shouted back.

"I want the Oreo flavoured one!" he yelled.

Lazarus stuck the middle finger at him as he left the house again.

The streets were bustling with traffic at two thirty in the afternoon. He drove as cars slowly inched down the road and turning to the places they all needed to be. It was almost two o'clock when he reached East Side Private School. The dark grey clouds rolled in over as well threatening every one of the storm brewing again.

Taking a right off the road and into the circling route in front of the private school, his car stopped in front of two massive white doors. The area was bustling with kids of all different ages going home and towards the cars.

Moments later, a girl pushed open the large door with her two small hands. Lazarus got out of the car and rounded the hood to open the car's door for his little wolf.

"Uncle Zar!" Evelyn exclaimed brightly. She came rushing to him.

Evelyn Hartling-Iron was almost six years old now in grade one. Everyone always said that she looked like her father with her silver-blue eyes and midnight black hair. Lazarus thought differently. Evelyn was a lot like her mother with her rosy cheeks and bright smile that filled his heart with light. She was intelligent and strong for her age. She was a fiery twist of her parents and their bond was in her.

As she ran into his arms, he picked her up off the ground and she giggled from the flight. He always loved the way her scent was both of her parents. Lazarus sensed his brother's dark amber scent mixed with Ashley's soft roses perfume in Evelyn. The scents that were separate had now gelled into one through their daughter.

"Did you have a good day?" he asked her as he set her down.

"I did," she said positively. "I learned about the importance of rain and why we need it more than just to play in it."

Lazarus chuckled. "Playing in rain is the best," he said and he wasn't lying. No one ever experienced rain until they shifted into their wolf form and ran through a forest.

"And mud!" Evelyn added enthusiastically. "We can't forget mud, uncle Zar."

"Of course," he said. "Where's Vivian?"

"She was talking to her teacher," answered Evelyn.

"Is everything okay?" Lazarus asked.

"Apparently, her teacher is leaving because she's having a baby," Evelyn told him as she stood next him. "I think she's getting a new teacher tomorrow."

Vivian Lenoir-Vasiliev strode out of the doors in a hurry. She had grown tall just at the age of eight and being in the third grade. She had pure blonde hair that was set in loose waves down to her waist. One glimpse at her and anyone could tell that she wasn't feisty or clumsy. She had the same gentle air that Rosalie carried herself with, both being ballet dancers, it matured Vivian.

"Sorry, I'm late, uncle Zar," she said breathlessly like she had been running.

"Don't worry about it," he said. "Evelyn was just telling me about your teacher."

Vivian's green eyes looked up at him. She had soft features like Rosalie, who was her aunt. However, due to circumstances, Vivian was adopted by Rosalie and Adrik who treated her nothing less than their own daughter.

"Oh, um, it was my teacher's last day," she explained.

"Do you know who your new teacher will be?" Evelyn asked.

"No," answered Vivian.

Lazarus ushered them into the back seat of the car as they talked about tomorrow.

"Is mom and aunt Rosa home yet, uncle Zar?" Evelyn asked from the backseat.

"They are, Evelyn," he answered her.

Evelyn beamed and clapped her hands together. She continued to talk through the ride about wanting to go to Greece too.

They arrived near the bakery by the school when Lazarus remembered Ronin's request. "Do you two want cupcakes?" he asked the girls.

"Yes!" Evelyn answered immediately.

Lazarus parked the car pretty far from the bakery due to all the traffic and took both of them inside. They had their raincoats, so he wasn't worried if they got wet by the light rain. He held their hands and stood in front of the huge glass display. Evelyn took no time picking the flavours that had pink frosting on top for her mother. Vivian picked the butterscotch for Rosalie and dark-chocolate for Adrik and herself. Lazarus stepped in and picked the coffee flavour for himself, the strawberry swirl for his brothers and got the Oreo for Ronin, Justin and Marcello and a few extra.

The employee behind the counter packed the selection into the big pink box and tied the large white ribbon on it. He went over to the counter to pay, when suddenly, the bells on the door chimed and someone walked into the door.

Lazarus froze in his tracks. The very breath in his lungs replaced with that rich feminine scent filled with honeyed jasmine and moonlight, the aroma itself was sensual and romantic but also fruitful in its playfulness. He didn't turn around, but the figure approached his side and revealed herself on her own.

A young woman in a pretty white dress walked up to the display greeting the employee with her radiant smile, that was painted pink with a shiny gloss. She had coat over dress that was to protect her from the rain. Lazarus had an overpowering urge to strip it off her and see her lush curves that were clear from her dress alone. She pulled the hood back from her coat and revealed her shiny chocolatey-brown hair that was tied up in a heavy ponytail, the few bits curled to frame her face, but it also blocked his gaze to see her eyes.

"Sir-" a voice interrupted him. "Sir?"

"Uncle Zar," Vivian nudged him.

Lazarus peeled his gaze away and focused on what was in front of him. What was he thinking for god's sake? He had his nieces with him. He needed to control himself. He paid the bill quickly and grabbed the box.

"Uncle Zar!" Evelyn exclaimed. "Dinosaur!" The pup was leaned against the glass with her eyes glued to the cupcake with a dinosaur on top of it.

Everyone turned at that booming voice and Lazarus locked eyes with the woman. An electrifying pulse surged through his body the moment she looked at him. Her eyes... pure like the colour of the morning sky in spring... how could someone have that colour? he wondered in awe.

"Evelyn, uncle Zar already paid," Vivian reasoned.

"But I want it," she pouted.

"No, you can't," Vivian grabbed her hand.

He would've gotten the cupcake, but Vivian already had Evelyn by the door. Lazarus always marvelled at that kid's maturity. She never faltered and always helped Evelyn along the way as well. Evelyn pouted but she held Vivian's hand and they went to the door with Lazarus.

"Excuse me," a voice called out.

Lazarus and the two kids stopped and turned, the woman was behind them. He panicked and tried to find his words. She held out a box to Evelyn with two dinosaur cupcakes inside. Evelyn's eyes widened and she beamed like the sun itself.

"It's for both of you," she smiled at the girls.

Vivian looked up inquiringly at Lazarus wondering if they were allowed to accept.

"Thank you!" Evelyn burst out with joy. "You're awesome, lady!"

The woman laughed, the type of laugh that pulled Lazarus into her mesmerizing spell. She straightened and came up to Lazarus, her clear blue eyes garnering all his attention and his wolf's.

"I hope you didn't mind," she said.

"What?" He frowned.

"The cupcakes," she clarified. "Don't worry, I'm a teacher and not a creep. I just can't see kids sad."

He tightened his jaw to a hard lock so he didn't say anything stupid. "No, it's fine. Thanks," he gritted out.

She smiled at the kids again. "You guys should probably take this too," she held out her umbrella to them. "The rain has gotten worse and you don't want to get the cupcakes wet."

"No, we're fine-" a sudden clap of thunder boomed outside interrupting Lazarus.

She laughed at him, it made his stomach melt like molten lava. She swung the door open and pushed the umbrella apart too and handed it to his free hand.

"My mom always taught me to keep an extra umbrella," she revealed.

"Er- thank you," he didn't know how he sounded to himself.

"You're welcome," she said. She pulled another umbrella from her tote bag and walked off in the opposite direction as them.

Lazarus took the kids back to the car, getting them in the back seat. The umbrella really did save them the box of cupcakes, otherwise it would've soaked through the cardboard. He got in the car himself and tried to focus on the road as he drove home. The girls in the back were talking the whole way home and asked him a few questions, but he barely remembered what he told them.

Lazarus didn't understand what just happened. His body wasn't his own around that woman. The electrifying surge that ripped apart his soul still lingered inside him. His wolf that never faltered with the likes of emotions had emerged from one look of that woman. They both had fallen for a gaze so pure that it made them feel as if an angel had set eyes on the devil. Her scent imprinted on him, he could still sense its aroma that masked the rain and overwhelmed him.

Lazarus felt an ache grow in his chest. A desire bloomed without his consent. His wolf awakened without command.

Lazarus drove the rest of the way home in simmering silence.

The rain had stopped. He parked the car in front of the garage and the girls helped themselves out of the car. They were quicker than him for sure. He unlocked the front door as the girls held the cupcakes. He pushed open the door and grabbed the boxes from them letting them inside first. He took a glance around the territory making sure that the front gates had locked and secured. He strode inside the house and locked the door behind him. He put the umbrella that woman gave them in the basket by the door.

Ashley appeared at the top of the stairs. "Evelyn!" she yelled excitedly.

"Mom!" Evelyn beamed waving her hands in the air.

The girls ran to each other. Lazarus took the cupcakes to the kitchen as Ashley hugged her baby girl and smothered her face with kisses. Ashley bent at her knees on the floor and gathered Vivian in her arms too.

"I missed you both," Ashley said.

"We did too," Vivian smiled sweetly.

Rosalie appeared from the basement floor, she was dressed in bodysuit with a long tulle skirt. She must have been using the ballet room that they built here during winter.

"Vivian," she said and ran to the girl with her arms open. "How are you? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Vivian reassured. "How was your trip?"

"We had loads of fun, but I missed you," Rosalie said.

"And we brought you two all the gifts we could find," said Ashley ushering to take them upstairs.

"Before you go, we brought cupcakes," Lazarus announced as he opened the box in the kitchen. He was about to send a text message through the group chat to call everyone.

However, the little pup was faster than him. She grabbed a toy pink megaphone. "We're home and we brought cupcakes!" she announced making him laugh at her; it worked though.

Everyone gathered in the kitchen to enjoy the treat. Ronin was most satisfied since it was his request and he got the cupcake he craved. Evelyn told everyone about the lady who gave them the dinosaur cupcakes and umbrella.

"That was nice of her," said Ashley.

"Did you thank her properly?" Rosalie asked the kids.

"We did," said Evelyn. "Uncle Zar did too."

All eyes went to him but he stayed indifferent and continued to eat.

Ashley and Rosalie took the kids to the room to show them the gifts they got. Lazarus knew he had to cook dinner later, but he hit the gym first and forget his distractions for a while.

He went to his bedroom and changed out of his clothes into appropriate workout gear and made his way to the basement. Lazarus didn't need to go all the way down there to know that the guys were in the gym too. Music was booming and voices were muffled with equipment being utilized.

The basement was a huge interior that had a swimming pool connected to a gym, and just recently, they added a ballet studio next to them for Rosalie and the kids. Everything was separated by doors and soundproof walls, so no one was disturbed by Zeiden's music choice.

Lazarus heard splashes of water and he didn't have to look to know that Adrik had occupied the swimming pool next door. Adrik was either in the pool or with Rosalie; his two favourite spots in the house.

"Oh, finally decided to join us, big guy," remarked Ronin.

He ignored their snicker. Lazarus took a seat on the bench press to lift weights. He laid back and under the steel rod over him. Lifting the weight, he completed his first set swiftly and put the weights back on the stand, his palms hardening and heated up with the burn. The ache wrapped through his arms and down to his chest and abdomen.

Zeiden came and stood around over his face, that cheeky grin irritating Lazarus. "You know, you shouldn't be lifting so much weight at your age. You might hurt yourself," he remarked.

"If you don't move your face then I'll definitely hurt you," Lazarus bit back, as he lifting the heavy weight and begun another rep.

His brother shook his head. "Where do you get this temper from?" Zeiden jested.

Zeiden moved away and chuckled past Ronin who was arranging the seated-shoulder press for himself. The boys kept light conversation, but Lazarus was focused on his training. He needed to burn this angst out of him and focus on the blood pumping through him. Nothing else. He couldn't risk to lose focus... even if... the sensual moonlight scent unarmed him still. The haunting feminine allure made him forget he was in the gym and in front of her. This stranger he met once. Who was she and what did she mean to him?

A few hours flew by without him noticing.

Running full speed on the treadmill, he kept his balance as his wolf emerged in front of him with an answer in his eyes.

Mate.

She was human, he told him.

Doesn't matter, she's ours, his wolf claimed.

How do you know? he asked his wolf.

Didn't you feel it? his wolf retorted. Her body called to us to claim her. She's in our veins... in our blood now.

Lazarus swiftly took his feet off the treadmill, resting them on the sides as the conveyor belt dashed speedily.

If she's human than that's not possible, reasoned Lazarus.

I don't give a shit, his wolf growled. Make her ours.

Mating humans isn't done and it isn't smart, he told him. And with our reputation, no human woman in her right mind will be able to understand us.

You'll need her... you'll see... his wolf professed as he stepped back into the shadows of Lazarus's consciousness.

"Lazarus?" A voice called out.

Lazarus snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Ronin.

"You okay, man?" asked Ronin.

Lazarus grunted a low 'hmmm' and got off the treadmill, he walked past the two and went into the locker room to shower.

As his head hung low under the hard rain of cool water, he contemplated his wolf's words with consideration. The bond with his wolf was a loyal one that was built on trust and respect. Both of them had reached an understanding a long time ago. They would watch each other's back and never betray each other. So, Lazarus heeded his wolf's words because they were nothing but the truth. His wolf was perceptive and he wouldn't mistake something like a mating bond. If his wolf sensed a bond with this human woman then he needed to confirm it.

He shut the shower off.

After a while, dinner was prepared. He knew that everyone craved spaghetti with loads of cheese and was swift to cook just that.

Ashley decided to set the table outside so everyone could enjoy the cool weather and starry night after the rain. Rosalie and Zeiden helped served the spaghetti as the discussion around the table kept them well occupied. Evelyn was busy playing with the noodles rather than eating them. She thought it'd be funny holding two long noodles over her upper lip and pretend it was a long moustache. She managed to make Vivian laugh, which was worth cleaning off Evelyn's face repeatedly.

"Stop playing with your food," Lazarus said to her as she slumped in the seat next to him.

Evelyn looked up at him with a fiery expression, it reminded him so much of Isaiah. "Uncle Zar, did you always have long hair?" she asked him.

"No, not always," he told her.

"Why do you keep it long then?" she asked next.

"Because he loves it when you braid it for him, Evelyn," Isaiah jested.

Lazarus rolled his eyes and remembered all the times he was subjected to letting Evelyn torture his hair for hours.

"I do love playing with your hair, uncle Zar," said Evelyn. "I want to colour it blue and put yellow ribbons in it." Zeiden chocked on his food and muffled his laughter.

"A flower crown too," Vivian added shyly with a smile.

Evelyn's eyes widened with excitement. She had grown quite serious as if she had started to plan this ordeal.

"Don't even think about it, you little gremlin," Lazarus warned her.

She pouted and grew glum. "I'll do it one day," she mumbled and stopped playing with her food and ate.

Dinner ended with them sharing the remaining cupcakes that he had brought earlier. Evelyn had all her focus on the dinosaur that came with the dessert though. The rest of the gang washed and cleaned as Lazarus departed to his room for the night.

His bedroom was the largest in the house since it had its own lounge, which was attached to the bedroom. Through sliding doors, a crimson bed sat in pitch-black darkness. The spacious seating area outside was furbished with upholstered seats made from ebony velvet and matte-black framework. He walked straight to the balcony doors and opened them wide to let the fresh breeze inside, it played with the flimsy curtains.

He was about to strip off his clothes and head to bed, when a knock on the door garnered his attention.

"Come in," he said.

The door opened and Ashley pocked her blonde head inside. "Hey," she smiled, her eyes lighting up brightly. "You forgot this-" she walked inside and held the pink shirt in front of him. She laughed at his glum expression. She put the shirt on the table and joined him outside. "The shirt was just a joke," Ashley admitted. "I got you this as your real gift," she said as she presented a small blue box in front of him.

"What is it?" he asked her.

Ashley opened the box and put it on the marble ledge of the balcony. She took out a golden chain where a small coin-like pendant hung, it that had the crescent moon facing half of the sun.

"What's this for?" he inquired.

She looked up at him with tenderness that ached through him. "I just thought of you when I saw it," she said as she looked down at the pendant. "You're as warm as the sun itself."

Lazarus felt a tug amusement on his lips. "And who's the moon?" he asked her.

Ashley's eyes sparkled under the moon that was outside right now. "The one you have to find," she bemused. "The one who will bring you happiness."

Lazarus stiffened and she felt it too. "Ashley-"

"Don't say it-"

"I have duties and responsibilities. I can't just-" he hesitated and couldn't find the words to describe that this life as an Iron pack member was dangerous. What if his mate got hurt being with him? What if all the sins of his past catch up and take away his chances of love.

Ashley closed her eyes painfully. "I want nothing but happiness for you," she said. "But why is it that you always make yourself an afterthought?"

"I don't," he said sternly, as he straightened to his domineering height. "I just know that being a beta comes with sacrifice."

Ashley unclasped the chain and held it towards him, she leaned on her toes and he bent down to help her, as she secured the chain around his neck. The pendant rested low on his chest and was cool on his skin. Ashley fixed the collar of his shirt and let the chain rest on his chest.

Ashley's eyes gleamed up at him, no one ever saw him that way. "You can act all tough in front of the world, but not to me," she said. "I see you for that soft-hearted man who loves deeply."

Lazarus chuckled in disbelief. "No one believes that, but you," he stated before he leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight," she wished.

"Goodnight," he said softly.

A while passed after Ashley had left him alone.

He stood on the balcony, the chain hung on his neck as his eyes searched the mighty moon for what all wolves sought from it. Yet, to this day, the moon didn't give him comfort. The moon was a reminder of the night when they slaughtered the Petrov bloodline from existence.

Lazarus and his wolf never looked at the moon to heal them from the tainted scars of his past. Neither did they pray for relief, he knew he wouldn't get any after what he had done.

However, as he stripped off his clothes and got into bed, his mind drifted into a mesmerizing dream. A woman walking in the forest under the full moon calling to him with her smile.