Lazarus didn't know how Isaiah got in contact with Han, but it seemed that the meeting was sealed. They drove down Chinatown to meet up with the man who ran the largest gang syndicate in Hong Kong.

As Lazarus parked outside a dumpling shop, he wondered why Han wanted to meet here. This place didn't fit the image of the gang leader. The shop was bustling was people buying dumplings to eat, it smelled of oil and spices here.

Lazarus turned the ignition off and got out of the car with Isaiah, the others came out of their cars and joined them. That was when Lazarus sensed the shift of the people on the street. The shop owner spotted them approach and he let out a sharp whistle to someone behind him. Immediately, a few men in suits with the red dragon tattooed on their neck walked out. The customers near the shop recognized what was happening. Everyone moved out of the way and the shop owner closed the shutters after everyone left.

Lazarus became aware of everything around him, especially the two glocks hidden under his jacket and the blades on the back of his belt. He didn't care about the people on the streets or anything else, all that mattered was Isaiah's safety. He'd guard his brother, so he stayed focused on that and nothing else.

"Ronin, Zeiden," Lazarus called out and had their attention. "You two stay guard out here. Anything moves, I want to know about it."

"You got it," Ronin and Zeiden said.

Lazarus moved his gaze off them and let them slip under the shadows to get a better vantage point on this place. Lazarus didn't like the idea of being blind here.

"Mr. Han is waiting for you in the back," a young man said who bore the tattoo.

He led them inside the shop towards the back doors. They walked through the lean restaurant and into the kitchen that had stopped work as well. All of them saw a closed door at the end of the kitchen.

"You'll meet him down here," the man said.

Lazarus exchanged a look with Isaiah before he pushed open the door and a dark staircase was presented. Isaiah went down and they all followed down the steep steps. Darkness engulfed them when the man shut the door behind them. However, almost immediately, a light flicked alive and a large room presented itself at the bottom of the stairs. Concrete walls surrounded them, until they reached the pit of the room where there were black seats and a table. A deck of cards was laid out like someone was playing and there were fresh cigarette buds laying in the glass ashtray.

Lazarus spotted the armed men around the room. There were at least twenty of them, all of them trained and prepared to fight against any threat. Strange, Lazarus thought. He never thought he'd find something like allegiance between this gang considering its past. Han must exercise loyalty unlike his predecessors.

A few voices were muffled, but Lazarus heard them.

One man stepped out of the other room across them. He was tall, built and undeniably precarious. Dressed in all black, since he had no tie on, his tattoos were out in the open for everyone to see. The infamous red dragon scored around his thick neck and glared at anyone that laid their eyes on it. However, the monstrous dragon didn't compare to the man who wore that symbol with pride. His dark hair was slicked back leaving them to face his vengeful black eyes that were sharper than knives. Knives, it was as if someone took a knife and cut up this man's face. A scar slashed across his lips, then one down his eyebrow, over his nose and cheek... it was endless.

"Mr. Iron," he spoke perfect English, "I heard you were looking for me."

"Han," Isaiah spoke, "you're a hard man to find."

A grin crossed Han's face, it twisted the scar on his lip. "Take a seat," he offered gesturing towards the black sofa.

Isaiah was the only one that took a seat. Lazarus stood right beside him, Adrik and Marcello did as well. Han's men didn't bother crowding their boss, it seemed like it was their orders not to intervene in today's matters. Unless, they just believed in Han's capabilities that he could protect himself. From where Lazarus stood, he couldn't deny the danger in this man's eyes, like he had nothing to lose and could take any risk he desired.

"I'm sure you know why I'm here," Isaiah said.

"I do," Han answered.

"Then you know what I'm about to ask of you," Isaiah continued and something flashed across Han's gaze. "Call off your men."

"Why should I?" Han asked.

"Because we've never had any reason for war," said Isaiah. "Your gang and my pack were always on good terms."

Han's amusement fell then. "And what about all the men your pack killed?" He asked glaring behind Isaiah at the others, Lazarus glanced at Adrik sharing the same challenged expression. "My men have the right to avenge their brothers."

"We weren't the reason behind your gang's massacre," Isaiah revealed.

"They're lying!" A man shouted from behind Han.

Han's hand went up that man reframed from speaking. "What are you talking about?" he asked Isaiah. "As far as I'm aware, you killed my men."

"They were already dead when we got there," Isaiah explained, "and then when your men blamed us and started attacking, I wasn't going to just lay down and take it."

Han ran a hand through his dark hair that shined ebony like it was almost blue. "Why were you there then?"

"We were following a lead when we found your men and they had attacked my target first," Isaiah said.

Han's scar that was through his eyebrow contorted when he frowned. The muscle in his sharp jaw ticked and he looked ready to put a knife through someone's face.

"Who?" Han asked.

"Alaric Petrov," Isaiah said. "He's-"

"I know who he is," Han gritted out as his eyes flashed that of a feral wolf. "The whole world knows who he is."

"Then you know that attacking him was a mistake," said Isaiah. "You need to call off your men, otherwise he'll come for you again."

Han raised that scarred brow. "I'm not scared of him," he said.

Isaiah leaned on the seat. "You should be," he replied, "because if he decides to kill you then nothing will stop him this time"

"Why are you warning me?" asked Han. "Isn't Alaric your family?"

"He may be of my blood, but I have a pack that I need to protect. You and your men have already done enough. I don't want them near my family, otherwise Alaric won't be the only one you need to worry about," Isaiah's voice was chillingly cold.

Han straightened in his seat. "Alright," he said. "My men won't touch your pack. However, my matter with Alaric is my business."

"I know about your feud with him," Isaiah said, "but I suggest that you return to your country."

"Is that a threat?" Han growled.

"A warning," Isaiah calmed. "Alaric only listened to one person and that person is dead. You won't survive if he hunts you. End your feud and back off."

Han tilted his head and drew in a breath. "Is that all?" He said after a while.

Isaiah gave a curt nod.

Han got up fixing his suit's jacket and buttoning it. "You have a nice day, Mr. Iron," he said before he signalled to the men on the side and left the room.

Soon after, they were escorted by a man outside of the shop. The owner was giving orders that he was allowed to reopen his shop again as well. They didn't bother going anywhere else for lunch and sat at the round table outside the shop to enjoy some dumplings.

As a few plates of dumplings were placed in front of them, they chowed down with their wooden chopsticks.

"That was probably the easiest discussion we've had," said Ronin.

"Don't jinx it," astonished Zeiden.

"Do you think he'll stick to his word?" Marcello asked Isaiah.

"If he's smart," Isaiah answered curtly. "We shouldn't lower our guards. He may not attack us, but if Alaric is still out there then the fights not over."

Adrik hadn't said a word since they came here. He seemed occupied by his brother and Lazarus didn't blame him. Alaric was a burden that Adrik had to bear.

"What did you mean by Alaric only listened to one person?" Ronin asked as he put his chopsticks onto a squishy dumpling. "It's hard to believe that he obeyed anyone." He put the dumpling in his mouth after.

"My thoughts exactly," added Marcello.

"It was probably our uncle, right?" Zeiden answered.

"No," Adrik spoke then.

Lazarus, Ronin, Zeiden and Marcello all looked at Adrik to explain. Who controlled someone like Alaric and lived? Lazarus wasn't aware of this either, as far as he knew Alaric only listened to himself.

"Annika Petrov, my mother," Adrik said solemnly. They all fell quiet and had nothing to say to that since they never expected Adrik to say that about Alaric. "My mom was the only one Alaric listened to," Adrik continued, "after she killed herself, my father wasn't able to stop Alaric from doing anything. That's why my brother never stayed at the Petrov estate."

"Sorry," Ronin said, "I didn't mean to bring that up."

Adrik seemed to snap out of a trance at his friend's voice. He took a deep breath. "It was a long time ago."

They were just done eating when Isaiah's phone rang. He answered almost immediately when he saw who the call was from. He got up and stepped aside to talk. Lazarus wondered who it was but he had his suspicions right away as well. There were only a few in this city that had Isaiah's attention when needed.

Isaiah returned to the table. "We need to go," he said.

"What's wrong?" Lazarus asked him.

"Gabriel just called," Isaiah told him.

Gabriel Centauri. Another alpha to be feared.

They drove through the city and arrived at the only place Gabriel Centauri could be found if not at his territory or company. A restaurant on Queen's street that was popular for wolves to visit and be safe, since that entire street and the restaurant was under Gabriel's protection. Anyone that caused trouble there meant that they challenged the alpha of the Centauri pack himself and that was a terrible mistake to make.

Arriving outside of Bobby's restaurant, they all parked on the road and walked into the fairly busy building. Lazarus entered with Isaiah, both of them spotted the one that called them here.

Gabriel was a fearsome alpha who ruled his pack with unmatched power. No one could challenge his throne because his pack followed him with undying loyalty. Gabriel had a strong aura that dominated over everyone he met. No one could question his authority over his empire or himself. The power that radiated off every fibre of his body spoke for him. Gabriel never needed to explain why he was in charge, because people felt it from the way he held himself and spoke. The man had a cool temper from what Lazarus saw, except there was a streak in those golden eyes, that explained why people feared him in the world.

Dressed in all black, he was seated at his table which was always reserved for him and his pack. His striking gold eyes locked onto them as they all entered and a stroke of realization swept through him. Isaiah went to the table and took a seat in front of Gabriel who wasn't alone either. He had Azura; a fearsome fighter who was settled on a chair turned backwards, her long legs straddled the seat and the leather of her clothes melted on each curve and muscle of her body. Each weapon of hers on display, two glocks strapped to her belt and two daggers on her back. Her silver eyes flashed like a feral wolf ready to cause rampage if needed. Her long black hair had been pulled into a tight braid. She looked over and saw all of them.

The stern demeanour flipped when she smiled at them. "Hey guys," she waved.

"Azura," Zeiden greeted, "how're you doing?"

"I should be asking you that," Azura said, her voice was husky. "How many times are you going to get shot? Stop scaring everyone, buddy,"

Zeiden pulled a chair beside her. "Don't be scared," he teased. "You know I'm indestructible." She shook her head as he laughed at her.

Gabriel faced Isaiah. "You want to explain what's going on to me or should I say what I know," he remarked.

"Go ahead," Isaiah answered back.

"Let's see, another relative of yours is in town and you pissed off a Chinese gang lord and then caused a mess at Trez's club. How am I doing?" his tone flashing with amusement.

Isaiah raked his hair. "Alaric, my cousin has returned," he told Gabriel, "and it wasn't us that pissed off Han. Alaric did, and we just settled that matter before coming here."

Gabriel's eyes hardened. "Settled how?"

"We spoke with Han to call his men off and he agreed," Isaiah told him.

Lazarus watched as they discussed this matter, Gabriel seemed concerned that Han was even in town. He wasn't to be trusted at all and even Azura agreed to that.

"Gabriel, how long do we have to stay?" A voice asked as it approached the table.

Lazarus looked behind them and saw Viola Centauri returning from the kitchen with a slice of cake and a tray of French fries in her hands. Viola was tall and beautiful with golden hair and bright green eyes that lit up a room. She was Gabriel's baby sister and that was enough to keep people from messing with her in any way.

"We stay until your temper is in check," Gabriel retorted at his sister.

"My temper is just as in check as yours is-" her eyes shifted off her brother over to them now. "Oh, hey guys!" she exclaimed as Azura grabbed the slice of cake for herself. She came and sat beside her brother with them. "French fries, anyone?" She put the tray in the middle of the table so they could all take some.

"What'd you do?" Ronin asked Viola.

"She got in a fight with Vincent," Azura told them.

Vincent was Gabriel's third brother who handled the family's finances and legal matters. He was sufficient as his job and a well-known for helping his brother achieve any business venture.

Viola ate the fries with a glower. "He was irritating me," she justified.

"That doesn't mean you throw him in the lake," Gabriel said.

"He asked for it," Viola mumbled.

Gabriel raised a brow. "You ruined his new suit," he reminded. Viola shrugged and continued to eat her fries in silence.

"Seems like siblings feuds are unavoidable," remarked Ronin. "I'm glad I don't have any."

Lazarus probably would've thought the same years ago since he had no bond with anyone else. But it was different today, he had bonds... bonds that couldn't be severed.

"Perhaps," Gabriel began, "but in this world, no one can rely on anyone like siblings can with each other."

"Some siblings aren't worth the hassle especially when they got a big-mouth," Viola remarked.

Gabriel smirked at her. "Those are the fun ones," he said when his eyes shifted onto Adrik. "Have you talked to your brother?" he asked.

Adrik realized later that Gabriel was speaking to him. "We tried," he said.

"You went with guns and in the dark," Gabriel understood. "That's not talking, that's a threat."

"What do you suggest we do?" Isaiah solicited.

"Call him and talk this out," Gabriel advised.

"He's not the type to talk over coffee," remarked Zeiden.

"I think you'll be surprised," Gabriel amused.

"How can you be so sure?" asked Marcello.

"Don't ask," Azura remarked, "he knows these things." She shared a roguish grin with her alpha.

"And it's super annoying," Viola added.

Gabriel looked over at his sister. "Do you want me to throw you in the lake?" he proposed with a intimidating grin.

"Who lost his temper now?" Viola astounded. "I can't believe this."

Gabriel rolled his eyes and tried to explain to her that he was above that and wouldn't really throw her in the lake that part of their property. However, as the chatter around the table grew, Lazarus's focus shifted to the TV above them that was bolted to the wall. A news anchor stood at the docks of Brooklyn reporting the aftermath of what looked like a gang fight.

"Isaiah," Lazarus called.

His brother followed his eyes and looked at the TV. Both of them knew what that was all about.

"More bodies of the Dragon Triad are being discovered as the police continues the investigation," said the anchor. "Someone has targeted this ruthless gang, so that leaves the question if this is the beginning of a war?"

"Ronin jinxed it," Zeiden alleged.

Ronin shook his head. "Fuck," he grumbled.

Gabriel looked at Isaiah. "Do you need help with this?" he offered.

"No, I don't want Alaric or Han targeting you or your pack-"

Azura scoffed. "Obviously, these men haven't met us," she smirked at Gabriel.

"We could take them," Viola added nonchalantly. "Azura could do it in her sleep."

Azura put her hand out to Viola and they shook hands. "Screw Vincent, you're better," she said.

Gabriel looked between the two women and then grinned at Isaiah. "Apparently, we're ready if you need us," he remarked.

"Thanks," Isaiah got up from his seat and so did everyone.

All of them departed the restaurant together. Gabriel left with Azura and his sister parting ways with the rest of them.

"Why didn't Han stick to his word?" Ronin asked them as they walked towards their cars.

"Why would he," Marcello answered. "As far as Alaric is concerned, Han can do whatever he wants because he never promised anything." Marcello got in his own car with Ronin and Zeiden.

Lazarus and Isaiah looked at Adrik's distant look that seemed tormented, as if he could see his own brother appear in front of him like a ghost.

"What's on your mind?" asked Isaiah.

Adrik faced them, the scar across his eyes vivid and brutal resembled the storm that was in his heart. "I should have protected them," he said painfully. "Aziel was my little brother and he was tortured everyday just like I was and I didn't care. He became exactly like my father. And now, Alaric... he's on a path that I don't know how to get him to leave."

"This isn't on you," Isaiah said.

"Yes, it is," Adrik believed. "You saved your brothers every time from the pack. I saw you and-" Adrik looked away from them clinging on to his words hoping he could manage to speak- "I did nothing to help my family. My mother and brothers..."

"Sometimes what happens to people is fate, Adrik," Lazarus added. "You can't fix that."

"Rosalie said that we make our own fate every day by our choices," Adrik told them.

"And your mother and brothers made their choices," Isaiah said.

"Yeah, and I made mine," Adrik alleged despairingly, "which let my mother die and now I can't even save my own brother." He slammed his hand on the car's door before he got in and drove off alone without another word nor did he listen to reason from Isaiah.

Lazarus and Isaiah drove back to the pack territory like everyone else. They had tracked Adrik's car and made sure that he was headed straight home too.

"Do you think we should talk to Han again?" Lazarus asked Isaiah.

Isaiah's eyes hadn't left the road ahead of them. "Rosalie was right," he said. "Our choices dictate our fate. Han and Alaric want war. They can bear the consequences, because this time I'm not going to be the cause of another massacre. I have enough blood on my hands."

"What about Adrik?" Lazarus inquired.

"Adrik has a mate and now a pup on the way," Isaiah said, "his priorities should be them."

"Are you going to talk to him?" Lazarus looked at his brother.

"I don't need to," Isaiah countered. "Adrik already knows what's important. If he wants a new life, he has to leave his past."

Lazarus's hand fisted on the steering-wheel. "Have you?" he asked grimly. He felt as if he had a weight on his chest that wouldn't let him breath.

"I killed every bastard in that house," Isaiah growled, his eyes resembled hollowed pits of hellfire, "only for their ghosts to haunt us today."

Ghosts... that words lingered on Lazarus's mind all the way home.

They finally arrived and Adrik had also pulled his car up next to them. He didn't talk and went straight inside with them.

"I'm going to freshen up," Zeiden waved off to them.

Marcello put his arm over his mate's shoulders. "Let me join you," he teased.

Ronin pushed through between them and called them disgusting before walking off to the garage to work on his cars.

Lazarus wondered where Sophia was since the house was strangely quiet. "Where is everyone?" he asked aloud.

"They're downstairs," Isaiah said. Lazarus looked at his brother who was on his phone. "Ashley sent a text."

Before Lazarus went to freshen up, he went downstairs to see them. Well, see Sophia. He climbed down the stairs and arrived in the gym when his eyes searched the pool but no one was there. He went down the hallway connected to the gym and saw the ballet room. A soft piano piece was playing through the walls when he saw all the girls in the room. Rosalie was at the front teaching the kids ballet and it seemed Sophia and Ashley had joined in as well. They were busy having fun rather than listening to Rosalie's instructions.

Lazarus couldn't move from the door when he saw them, it was like all the ugly in the world hadn't touched them. Ashley, Rosalie, the pups and now Sophia had brought the light to the pack. They all fought so hard to protect them. Ghosts may haunt Lazarus and his brothers, but he'd fight those ghosts so his family could keep those smiles on their faces.

The door accidentally opened when his arm caught on the handle. Sophia and the others all turned and saw him.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb," he said gruffly, he glanced towards Sophia who was smiling at him.

"Uncle Zar!" Evelyn ran towards him in her ballet shoes and tights. "I learned a new dance trick. Do you want to see?"

"Maybe, later," he pinched her cheek, "let me freshen up first."

"Come back here young lady," Rosalie said, "you still need to practice." Evelyn was back by Vivian's side who was diligently practicing her skills.

Ashley came to him. "How'd it go?" she asked.

"The targets off our back but it's still on Alaric," Lazarus told her.

Ashley's eyes softened, she put her hand on Lazarus's arm before she walked past him to go to Isaiah.

"Is everything okay?" Sophia was in front of him with concern in her eyes.

Lazarus drew in a shaky breath, not because of the problems they were facing, but right now, Sophia stood in front of him in a flimsy pink dress and her hair tied away from her face luring him to open it and let it hang loose around her shoulders. The sweet fragrance of her body filled him with a great need to pull her to some dark corner and have his way with her.

"Everything's fine," he said and tried to leave before he did something forceful and every bit wicked.

"Lazarus," she called out. "What's wrong?" She followed him down the hall towards the stairs. "Oh wow, you guys have a pool!" she astonished.

Lazarus stopped in his tracks. "You didn't know?" he asked her. He thought Ashley or at least the kids must have shown her.

"No," she shook her head.

Lazarus went over and opened the door to the pool letting them inside. She clapped her hands together and smiled at him.

"This is so cool," she beamed, "oh, I wish I brought a swimsuit."

"I can take you home whenever you want to grab one," Lazarus told her.

"Thanks-" she leaned in, putting her hand on his arm and kissed his cheek- "you're so sweet."

He frowned at her because he recognized the hint of mischief in her eyes, it was as clear as the blue in them.

"You're up to something," he claimed.

Sophia couldn't hold it in when she revealed a big smile to him, and then, she shoved him back with both hands. Lazarus's foot tipped back on the edge losing balance, he landed straight into the massive pool and emerged to the top soaking wet. He pushed his long hair out of his face and looked at Sophia laughing at him.

"Have you cooled down?" she bemused. "I knew about the pool."

Lazarus pulled off his wet shirt and flung it at her but she dodged it and it landed on the tiles with a loud flop. "I've never been pushed into a pool before," he said to her from the water.

"Really, it's the best way to loosen someone up," she told him as she crouched down and gave him her hand. "Here, I'll help you out." Lazarus grabbed her hand but didn't get out. Her eyes widened at the grin he held. "Don't you dare," she said trying to pull away.

"Who needs to loosen up now?" he said and then yanked her into the pool with him.

Sophia pulled herself up from the bottom and emerged. Lazarus couldn't take his eyes off her, she was wet and right in front of him, the dress she wore clung to her body, her lips inches away and no one was around. He found his chance and wouldn't waste it. His arms circled around her, pulling her body closer, his lips locked onto hers and it burned him. The scorching heat of her soft lips on his own was enough to make him push for more. He bit her bottom lip and when she let out a small gasp, he deepened the kiss. Water sloshed as he pinned her back against the edge and cupped her nape up to stay with him.

Lazarus couldn't get enough of her wild taste, it sparked alive whenever he caressed any part of her. She met his desire with her own heat and it was fucking electric. He knew that he was being forceful with her; he touched where he wanted and kissed her like only he gave her the permission to breathe or not. Sophia moaned into his mouth with her desperation to have more and he was ready to give it.

"I want to play in the pool too!" Someone shouted.

Sophia shoved Lazarus back breaking the kiss and the wolf inside him, when suddenly, something splashed into the pool and soaked them in water again.

Evelyn's small body floated back to the top. "Vivian!" she yelled. "Come play with me!" she faced Sophia and Lazarus with her beady eyes full of playfulness.

"Evelyn!" Ashley appeared. "You're not supposed to run, it's dangerous-" she froze when she spotted Lazarus and Sophia in the pool and dishevelled appearance. "Er- should I ask?" she jested.

"Don't," Lazarus growled. Grabbing the edge, he hoisted himself out of the pool and then turned to help Sophia out as well.

Ashley quickly brought them a towel to dry off so they wouldn't drip everywhere on the floor. "You two should go change," she advised.

Hiding her reddened face from embarrassment, Sophia ran off to the room to do that.

"You shouldn't push girls into pools," Ashley chided him when they were alone.

"She did it first," Lazarus retorted.

Ashley laughed at him. "Never mind then," she said.

Lazarus picked up his wet shirt and left as well to clean off. But he freshened up in the locker room here in the gym, he had spare clothes down here too. Just after he was done, he joined everyone upstairs who were sitting around the living-room. Sophia was sitting beside Vivian and helping her read through a book.

This was the night, he decided. He would tell Sophia the whole truth of what he was. This bond between her and him couldn't be severed now, and he couldn't tolerate not seeing it grow either. He craved to mark her and make her his forever.