Alec wondered if his sister was alive today would she be as vibrant as Mia? "Your mate is special," he said.

Vadik raked his dark hair and gave him a smug smirk. "She is," he admitted.

"You talk to her yet?" He asked.

"I did and she said we can't be together," Vadik told him.

Alec stopped in his tracks and stared at his brother. "What are you going to do?"

Vadik's eyes brightened with a sinful gleam. "I'm going to change her mind," he planned. "I just need time with her alone without the fucking men is this house interrupting us."

Alec chuckled. "That's going to be impossible," he remarked as he opened the door to Kade's office.

Kade was leaning against the big oak table, his suit's jacket taken off and it was left draping over the chair where Dario stood with his arms crossed. Alec felt the tightness in his chest as his heart skipped a beat. He stared at his mate's green eyes that gleamed darkly; an intimidating focus appeared in them as they landed on Alec. Both of them couldn't look away from one another. Kade clenched his jaw and waited until Alec stood before him.

"Do you know Giovanni Romano?" Kade asked.

Alec and Vadik exchanged a look. "The businessman and Don," Alec replied because he did know that name, since it was notorious in the mafia world.

"He'll be in town soon," Dario said then.

"For vacation?" Vadik added.

"To find the one who killed his men," Dario replied.

Alec nor Vadik understood what was going on now.

"When we hunted Mikhail at the warehouse, he was interrogating a crew that happened to be Romano's men," Kade explained.

"He'll be hunting Mikhail," Alec understood.

"Or you," Kade cautioned.

Alec raked his hair back. "I'm really starting to think the whole world is after us," he said to Vadik who just laughed.

"It's not funny," Kade said gruffly.

"Are you worried for us?" Alec remarked.

Kade gritted his teeth. "I just can't have you dying before I get the chance to do it myself," he retorted.

"I'll deal with Giovanni once he gets here," Alec said. "We know where Mikhail is and it's time to get him." That got Kade and Dario's attention.

"Where?" Kade inquired.

"He's drinking away his demons at Xeon," Vadik said.

"The nightclub," Dario said.

Vadik gave a curt nod.

"We have the bullets," Alec said. "I can fight him and end this tonight." He thought that Kade would be relieved to hear that, but instead there was a grim look on the man's face. His brows were furrowed and his eyes stayed on Alec, like he ached to say something to him but couldn't do it.

"I'll get the team ready," Dario said.

"Leave Nikolai here for Mia's protection," Kade ordered.

"He can't protect her," Vadik intervened.

Kade raised a brow and glared at Vadik like he was ready to cut his head off for speaking about his sister.

"Alec will go with you," Vadik didn't back away though, "I'll stay here."

Alec knew right away what his little brother was plotting in that conniving head of his. He almost wanted to punch him for being so bold, but also pat him on the back for pulling it off.

Kade crossed his bulky arms, his shirt creasing. "And why would you do that?" his tone venomous.

"If Mikhail decides to attack your home then there should be someone who knows how to fight him," Vadik admitted. "It's up to whether you want to risk your sister's safety."

"As much as I trust Niko to protect Mia with his life, if anyone can fight Mikhail, it's them. So, he's not wrong, Kade," Dario said.

"Leave us," Kade said sternly as he was staring dead straight at Alec.

Dario and Vadik took the message loud and clear and promptly exited the room leaving the two of them alone. The moment the door closed, Kade straightened to his powerful height and glowered at Alec. His darkened gaze trailed from Alec's eyes to his mouth.

"What's your game?" Kade gritted out.

"Nothing," Alec admitted.

"Then why would I even think to leave your brother with my sister?" he growled.

"My brother will protect your sister and ensure that anyone that even attempts to touch her will die a very brutal and miserable death," Alec said. "That's just who we are."

"It doesn't matter-"

"If I wanted to kill you, I would've done it by now," Alec interrupted sternly. "I don't hide behind schemes, Kade. You should believe that by now."

Kade turned away showing his broad back to Alec. "Would you trust your brother to be alone with me when you know my intentions?" he proposed.

"Yes, I would," Alec answered.

Kade turned with a surprised look on his face. "Really?"

"I may have only known you for a few days, but I know that you wouldn't kill my brother by stabbing him in the back," Alec told him as he stepped closer, both of them inches apart. "You hide it behind this scary facade, but you've got honour unlike other enemies I've faced."

"What a naive thought to have," he judged.

"You are your parents, Kade," Alec alleged. "They were good people and so are you." Kade stiffened as he stared into Alec's eyes.

Without another word, he left to open the door and told Dario that Vadik would protect Mia tonight while they went on their mission.

Alec stepped out of the room and locked eyes with Dario who was just as surprised as the rest of them with Kade's decision.

Dario crossed his bulky arms and towered with his immense height as he stared the brothers down after Kade left. "I have security cameras all over this house in places you wouldn't even imagine," he said to Vadik. "You try anything stupid, I will kill you myself."

"Promise?" Vadik remarked with a boyish smirk.

Dario raised a brow. "Don't be smart with me," he retorted before striding off in the same direction as Kade.

"You can handle Mikhail, right?" Vadik asked then.

"You need to ask," Alec said as they walked together.

"I just thought with Kade there, you might get distracted," he remarked.

Alec glared at his brother. "I should tell Dario to kill you right now," he said.

"Don't," Vadik sighed, "the man looks like he just might."

Alec leaned on the bannister that overlooked the level below them where Kade stood discussing the details of tonight's attack with Nikolai. He wondered if killing Mikhail would be enough to gain Kade's trust? What if it wasn't? he thought to himself. What was he going to do then? Alec wasn't sure if he was confident enough to ensure that Kade would be on their side after all this.

Suddenly, from the distance, Kade turned looking over his shoulder right at Alec. Both of them locked eyes. His breath hitched and he didn't know whether to look away or keep his eyes on Kade. The dark intensity blazed between them as if it'd catch fire and destroy both of them in its storm. Neither of them looked away and it was clear that it pissed Kade off. Alec could read the way Kade gritted his teeth together and his sharp jaw ticked, his eyes burned with rage and a deep hidden desire.

Alec peeled his gaze away despite everything in his body screaming not to do that. He needed to focus if he wanted to successfully hunt Mikhail tonight. Hunting a Waldorf wasn't easy. Alec knew that better than anyone.

Just before midnight, everyone that was going on the mission gathered in front of the foyer. Alec was the last to join them. Kade stood with Nikolai and Dario who all sported tactile black suits that were tailored to meet the physical demands of their work. Alec's eyes fell on Kade naturally and he wore a black shirt that was left unbuttoned around his throat, showing the dark tattoos inked on one side of his chest.

"Your ear-piece isn't responding," Dario said as he looked up at Alec from his phone. "Did you turn it on?"

"I think so," Alec said as he reached for the small electric piece in his ear.

"Here, let me see it," Dario reached over.

Kade stopped him with the wave of his hand. He stepped in front of Alec, his broad shoulders emphasized in the dark suit as he kept his expression severely stern. The glowing amber cologne that clung to Kade was enough to make anyone's knees weak. Alec wasn't any different. He stood facing Kade as he reached and took out the small device from his ear.

"I'm starting to think you like touching me," Alec smirked.

"Don't flatter yourself," Kade remarked coldly, as he pressed the clear button on the device and a green light flashed before it vanished. He stuck the small thing back in Alec's ear and kept his eyes averted for some annoying reason.

"The car's ready?" Nikolai informed.

The three of them went for the door and Alec was about to follow before he turned and saw his brother leaning against the pillar.

"If you need me, send the alert," Vadik said, his eyes full of promise.

Alec gave a curt nod before he put his cellphone in the pocket of his leather jacket and left the house. "You're going to need these," he told them.

Nikolai, Dario and Kade looked at his hand that held three cartridges full of ammo with the special silver bullets that could only be used on a Waldorf. They each grabbed one from his hand and loaded their glocks before putting them away.

"Mikhail doesn't play games when he's hunting," Alec explained. "If you get a clear shot, take it and don't hesitate because he won't."

Alec joined Kade in the mustang with Nikolai in the back, as Dario left in his own car to follow them. Kade drove down the streets swiftly and kept his eyes on the road. Alec wondered if he should inform Gabriel of this mission.

He met Gabriel at Bobby's restaurant today and remembered what transpired between them. Outside the restaurant, Gabriel asked Alec the truth and he told him openly.

"What's the deal between you two?" Gabriel asked.

"Kade's my mate," Alec answered.

A smile tugged at Gabriel's lips. "Congrats-"

"He hates my guts-" Alec interrupted.

Gabriel shrugged a shoulder. "I see more than that in his eyes for you," he responded.

Alec wasn't too sure of that. "Look, with Mikhail in town just take care of your family," he warned.

Gabriel looked at Alec with those ferocious amber eyes that glowed with sincerity. He placed his hand on Alec's shoulder. "I've got your back," he said. "Whenever, wherever you need me, I'm one call away."

Alec hesitated.

"Why the uncertainty?" Gabriel asked before he realized it himself. "You think you don't deserve help."

"Do I deserve it?" Alec asked with pain etched to his struggling voice. How could he accept their help after everything that happened? His own father tried to ruin the Centauri pack.

"Your father doesn't control who you are," Gabriel said with a stern tone. "You're Alec, my best friend who loves cotton-candy and honours his friendships by fighting for what's important. I do the same thing. Don't doubt yourself."

Alec couldn't help but he managed a smile.

"Claim your mate and let me know when the wedding is," Gabriel said.

"Or funeral," Alec jested.

"I'll show up for that too," Gabriel retorted.

"Of course, you will," Alec sighed.

Now, sitting in this car, he realized that he'd protect his friends and family from anyone that even dared to harm them. Gabriel was the one to reach out and offer Alec friendship before anyone ever had. He always thought that his last name was a curse, a sinful secret that no one should know about. Yet, Gabriel walked in and showed him that it could be different. Alec wasn't just a man part of the scarred Waldorf legacy...

"You're allowed to talk," Kade remarked snapping Alec out of his thoughts and back to reality in the car as they rode to Xeon.

Alec looked to his side. "Am I?" he questioned. "I thought your Highness preferred the silence."

Kade glanced at him. "I do, but you look scary when you're quiet," he explained. "Besides, I don't know what you're plotting."

"Your murder," Alec said and Kade's eyes hardened. "That was a joke," he corrected quickly making Nikolai in the back stifle his laughter.

"Don't make me throw you in the ditch outside," Kade answered.

"You were the one who told me to talk," Alec rebuked.

"I take it back," Kade said irately.

Alec smirked at him. "At least Nikolai is enjoying himself," he said.

"I just never thought someone could talk to Kade like that," Nikolai spoke.

"Someone should," Alec said. "He's got a stick up his ass."

"I can hear you," Kade gritted out.

"You were supposed to," Alec smiled at him which annoyed him further but made Nikolai lose it in the back.

Kade stepped on the gas speeding through the busy night traffic and they reached their destination. Alec got out of the car after they parked on the side of the road.

Xeon was a rowdy nightclub that had bad management, it was the place to find drugs and drinks under legal age because no one cared about the rules here. This was untouched by law and the people that hung out here preferred it that way. They kept their business behind these walls and spent their night away drinking uncontrollably. This club was the exact opposite of the Underworld that was run by Trez Luciano, a powerful businessman who dominated the night life with his famous nightclubs around the city.

The street was busy with many men and women coming in and out of the club to get drunk or were already tipsy on their feet. Alec didn't bother much with the people or the booze, he was here to find his uncle and end his life tonight. However, Alec knew that he couldn't be seen, because then everyone would know about his arrival and that would alert Mikhail to escape.

Everyone already knew the plan and deployed to secure the club. However, it didn't look like Kade was taking any precautions. Crossing the road, shifters and humans moved out of his way as he strode towards the club. Kade was going to draw of Mikhail by hanging himself in front of him like a prize. Alec hidden underneath the shadow followed his mate into the club too. Dario and Nikolai were on the roof ready to help if they needed back-up.

The loud music boomed against the walls as the thick tobacco smoke filled the giant club. Alec navigated around the drunk shifters and humans that were clearly drugged too much for their own enjoyment. The green neon lasers shining all over the place creating a hypnotizing spell for anyone's eyes as soon as they entered. But Alec kept his eyes fixated on Kade who didn't even bother looking around him. People moved out of his way because they knew who he was and what power he carried. No one attacked a mafia leader unless they wanted their own head cut off. The raw dominance that clung to Kade as he stood amongst hundreds of people was unbelievable.

Alec understood how Kade brought himself to the status he owned today. He was ruthless and his piercing green eyes was enough to ward off any enemy. He definitely wasn't afraid of anyone and that alone exuded danger. Alec sensed the pheromones that radiated around Kade, they were heavy enough to choke anyone who stepped into his space.

Alec tracked Kade's movement as he strode around the club showing everyone that he was here. The balcony above was full of people too and they stalked Kade in the club. Word about his arrival should reach every corner of the club by now, so it was only about time that Mikhail appeared.

Alec left his position and went to Kade who strode down the tunnel of the club, that was the only part of the club that had an exit door, which meant that they could guard their backs while waiting for their target.

Now, it was time to wait.

Alec leaned against the wall as Kade stood on the other end of the tunnel with his eyes averted towards the entrance. A few people that were lingering in the hallway grabbed their drinks and left promptly, except a few women that were huddled together giggling about something. Alec wasn't bothered and he was sure they'd leave eventually. Suddenly, Kade closed the space between them and put his hand on the wall behind Alec caging him within his arm. He was surprised and saw when Kade threw a poisonous glare at the women. They quickly ran off leaving them alone.

Kade turned his hardened focus on Alec, it was dark around them except the beaming green lights. "Why the hell are you standing here with your head in the clouds?" Kade said making Alec smile. "Something funny?"

Alec noticed the way Kade's eyes released the hard tension and softened. He felt as if they were the only ones here now, both of them standing all alone, in this chaotic club that faded into the background. Alec found himself leaving the chaos in his soul and surrendering to this man's shattering eyes.

"Perhaps, I can put my guard down when I'm with you," he answered.

Kade went quiet, his gaze intense. "That's a bad idea, Waldorf," he answered.

Alec felt that stern tone melting into his veins. "I'm all about bad ideas," he bantered.

Kade's gaze dropped down to Alec's lips, and then, his jaw hardened like he bit down as hard as he could. Alec almost leaned in and laid his lips on his bronze neck, that was taut and alluring to the animal inside him. The rich amber scent that cascaded over Alec brought his wolf out from within.

Kade put his other hand on the wall and leaned closer. A hot pit dropped in Alec's gut as he realized what they were about to do. Inches apart, their lips hovered right above each other, the loud music drowning out the chaotic voices inside their heads. They forgot who they were and begged each other to give in to what they felt from the moment they met.

Kade forcefully moved back breaking the shackles that pulled them so close to one another. He cursed under his breath and begged for fresh air in this tunnel that felt as if it'd fall on top of them. Alec kept his gaze locked with Kade, knowing that he'd never forget this moment.

A strange man appeared at the end of the tunnel, but Alec knew right away it wasn't Mikhail.

Kade and Alec were alert as the predator within them. They faced the single man that soon turned to three, then four and the numbers kept growing.

"Mikhail's men?" Kade asked as he loaded his glock.

"No," Alec answered as he pulled out his own gun. "Mikhail has no ally."

These unknown men ran towards them and began their attack. But it was pointless. Alec was trained to kill anyone that stepped in front of him. He held his gun out in front of him and shot the heads that got too close. Kade was busy doing the exact same. Alec wasn't aware of any other enemies in the city that would attack them. Nikolai appeared through the exit door and he was by Kade's side guarding him. The alarm in the building went off as soon as the bullets were heard over the music. People's screams were heard as mayhem broke through the club.

Alec was about to reload his gun when a man rushed to tackle him. However, a gun went off behind him and it was Dario that shot it. He cleared the last three remaining men.

But it didn't work.

Men appeared again and it was a lot more than last time. Except, through the army, a man appeared in a suit stopping the men with his signal. He was tall and brawny, clean-shaven and blond hair that was raked back perfectly. His blue eyes were almost indigo in the dark lights.

"Luca," Kade said before anyone.

"Kade," the man greeted curtly.

Alec saw the recognition that appeared in Kade's eyes when he saw that man. They definitely knew each other.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Kade grumbled as he hooked his gun onto the back of his waist.

"Giovanni sent me," Luca answered as his hard gaze fell on his real target. "Alexander Waldorf, you are to come with me or else my men will kill you."

"And why would I do that?" Alec asked.

"You are responsible for one of our gang's death," Luca said.

Alec had no clue what this fucking man was talking about right now.

"That wasn't his fault," Kade said. "Mikhail Waldorf-"

"We are well aware of his uncle," Luca said. "We're hunting him at the moment too."

"Bad idea," Nikolai said remembering what happened to them last time.

Luca crossed the tunnel. "You will come with me," he said to Alec as he reached his hand out.

Kade stepped between them. "Don't fucking touch him," he growled.

"You will risk a war with my boss in order to protect this man," Luca astonished.

"He's mine," Kade towered against Luca. "Find someone else to blame for your gang's death."

"Giovanni will not like this," Luca forewarned.

"Tell him to come face me himself," Kade growled. "Now, get the fuck out of my face." Luca and his men left promptly.

"Kade," Dario's tone wary. "Giovanni will start a war after this betrayal."

Alec saw the tension crease between Kade's brows and his lips were held in a stern frown. Giovanni was clear about what he wanted. Alec just wasn't sure why Kade didn't give him up. If anything, Giovanni would probably torture or do worse to Alec, which should satisfy Kade.

"The club's empty," Nikolai said. "We should get out of here."

They left the club out the exit door to the back of the dark alley when Alec caught the mustang that his uncle drove. He didn't say anything as Kade, Dario and Nikolai were busy discussing how to handle Giovanni.

Alec couldn't see through the tinted windows of the car. He lingered behind the other three and kept his eyes on the mustang as they rounded the alleyway out onto the road. The street was barren, nothing but the old street-lights flickering on the concrete. He stood alone surveying the street and knew that Mikhail could be hidden anywhere here. However, Alec found it strange that his uncle hadn't attacked yet. Mikhail wasn't one to wait nor plot a scheme. He was a killer through and through. He knew he was being hunted, so he wouldn't hide but would come out and fight no matter how many men were brought to end his life.

After the chaos that broke out in the club, Mikhail should be aware of what was happening now. But why didn't he fight them? Alec wasn't sure of his uncle's motives anymore. On top of that, he found it strange that Vadik was able to poison him and he backed off. Most poisons didn't work on a Waldorf; the dosage did slow us down but never enough to scare us.

Mikhail wasn't looking for trouble tonight. He was in the city but desired to be left alone, which was sinister in its own forbidding way.

"What are you doing?" Kade said to him.

Alec looked at the three of them who had walked a bit further from him. He ditched the car and crossed the pavement to join them, when suddenly, a drunk man came singing down the sidewalk, the other three didn't even bother to look at him. The drunkard bumped into Alec and slid something in his hand before he sauntered off singing all alone.

Alec held the slip of parchment in his hand knowing that it was his uncle who had sent a message. The only problem was if he should tell Kade or not? He looked down at the paper and it said in black ink; "Bridge. Today at dawn," signed with an 'MW' at the end.

Alec joined Kade's side and they got in their cars to leave this hellhole.

If you want to read Chapter 12 then head on over to my Patreon that already has the chapter for you!! ----- patreon.com/TheDarkNovelist