Mia was bursting with joy for her brother who finally put away the past and was moving forward. She watched how the light returned to his eyes while he was with Alec and the pain had completely vanished. Her brother was free and he wasn't a prisoner any longer to his tormented vows. He could live his life his own way and not under some pretence that he had to save this family.

With everyone busy working to find Giovanni Romano who was the reason behind Alec's injuries, she left the house and wandered outside into the garden in her own little world, that reminded her of their hometown in Italy. The sun shined over the garden and she found its warmth seeping into her body through her dress.

Kade had Alec now. They were bonded together. So, now she could finally tell her brother about her own bond with Vadik. She was sure Kade would accept them without any hesitation. She'd tell him tomorrow and she couldn't wait. Unless, she was being too optimistic and her brother would explode with anger. Why did that seem more likely to happen? she thought dreadfully.

Mia made it to the small stream that ran between a valley of trees. She stared at the clear water that had many round rocks at the bottom and moss all over the edges. The cool water called to her, but she knew that she couldn't go in, since she could slip on the rocks with her limp. Although... she didn't need to worry about that now, her limp was practically healed and she could use both her legs to balance herself. She took off her flats and put her feet into the crisp, cool stream that only reached above her ankles. The water engulfed her feet and she smiled down at her reflection in the water.

She could walk on her own, stand in this stream and do what she thought was impossible. However, a disconcerting thought appeared in her head. She wondered if she would be able to shift into her wolf form after years without being able to do so. Mia walked along the lake through the arching trees around her pondering if she should try to summon her wolf now or not. She didn't want to risk an injury or give in to this pipe dream that could only hurt her heart. Years have gone by since she has shifted. She didn't want to be hopeful only to be disappointed.

Nonetheless, the ache in her heart pulsed, she could feel her wolf trying to break free and run in the garden. Would she be able to do it? Mia hesitated as she stood in the stream with a heavy heart.

Suddenly, something shifted behind her through the branches. She looked over her shoulder and saw a massive black wolf appear through the trees, she instinctively moved back. Mia didn't recognize this wolf as anyone in her family, so it had to be a rogue, but the guards around the house knew not to enter this garden in their wolf form. Who could this be? she alarmed.

A familiar scent carried through the air, it cut through the heavy scent of flowers and grass. Mia focused on the wolf's eyes when she recognized the blue and green gaze. This wolf was Vadik and the scent was his own too.

Mia carefully turned on her feet that were still submerged in water. The wolf circled around, his mismatched eyes focused on her as she stood defencelessly in front of him. She couldn't run back to the house even if she tried. He'd catch her. A dark side in her didn't want to run though. She stayed right where she was, in the water, alone for him.

The wolf approached the edge of the lake, his thick black coat of fur shined under the sun, it mesmerized her. He emitted power and authority as his towering build made her feel so small. The raw power that clung to him was pure muscle and strength, he was a trained wolf in any combat. She could see that this wolf had fought many times from the scars dusting his face. His eyes stayed focused on her like he drank in the sight of her in the water. She wasn't entirely sure if it was safe approaching him, but she trusted Vadik and was sure he'd hold his wolf under his control. And it didn't help that she wanted to touch him and run her fingers through his fur.

Mia met the wolf's eyes again. She had seen them before through Vadik's mind, this wolf approached her many times, whenever she was near Vadik. His looks were daunting but he had already greeted her before. So, she shouldn't feel nervous.

She took the first step and laid her bare foot on the grass, the wolf firmly in place and stood watchful of her. Mia reached for him, when suddenly, her foot slipped over a jaded rock in the water. She lost her balance and already knew she was about to fall. Just as her body was about to hit the ground, she slammed into a soft cushion that shielded her from the rocks and grass. Mia looked down at the black fur underneath her.

She sat on her knees with no cuts or bruises because he caught her on time. "Thank you," she smiled at him.

The wolf's stern expression didn't change but he turned away from her, like he was embarrassed. She couldn't help but laugh. He really was adorable, she thought to herself. She put her hands on his back garnering his attention again. His different coloured eyes glared at her fiercely, she pulled away her touch wondering if she upset him. But he growled in response. Mia tested her luck and put her hands back on him, he eased from growling to a grim glower.

Mia ran her hand down his back, ruffling his fur. "You're a beautiful wolf," she admitted softly enough that he didn't hear her, or maybe he had. He stayed calmly beside her as she touched his back inching towards his neck. She was sure he'd stop her since dominant wolves absolutely detested anyone going near their neck. This was the spot wolves protected and never allowed anyone to touch. She guessed that this wolf would be the same, he'd likely growl at her to stop.

But he didn't.

Mia ran her hand over his thick neck, he leaned into her touch and let her take her time with the most vulnerable part of him. He didn't fight her or growl. He sat on his stomach, his big paws out in front of him and his tail slightly waving side to side.

"Do you like my touch?" she asked as she grabbed his pointy ear, which was also soft.

He looked over to her, his eyes darkened like he understood her perfectly. She knew that his wolf was intelligent and protective from the way he sat around her. He measured each of her words carefully and held them to his heart, like he could sit here with her forever. Mia wondered if he wanted to meet her wolf too, that was probably why he was here. But she couldn't run with him. She was scared to shift.

He suddenly pushed his snout into her hands gathering her focus back to him. She smiled as he moved his snout from her hands to her neck. His tongue was hot against her skin as he licked up her throat, it was soft but ticklish too... although, a heat bloomed in her as his tongue reached the pulsing nerve at her neck. She felt herself succumb to his hypnotizing scent that reminded her of when Vadik was in bed with her.

The wolf pushed her onto the ground, he loomed over her with his ferocious gaze and sharp teeth that pulled back in a sneer. His heavy paw pressed down on her stomach holding her down. Her heart started to pound inside her chest and she felt his gaze all the into her soul, like he was calling out her wolf with his own ability through the mating bond.

"I can't shift into my wolf," she told him.

He stayed over her, pressing his snout into her neck, his scent swam around her, seeping into her skin. Her wolf emerged from her dormant state. She was hesitant inside Mia but both of them knew that Vadik's wolf supported both of them through the shift.

Come out, she told her wolf. Be free.

Through the darkness, her wolf jumped into the light and Mia's body morphed into her wolf after so many years. Mia was gone and her wolf was finally freed.

Mia's wolf faced their mate with confidence, he stood in front of them with a proud expression on his face.

Run with him, Mia told her wolf excitedly.

Her wolf took off into the garden with her mate beside her. Both of them enjoyed the chase through the trees and the maze of hedges. He let her play as he watched over her and protected her from any danger. Her wolf was too excited to even notice anything else other than the open field to run and play.

After a while, she was exhausted and ran back to the stream to drink some water. Her mate sat beside her watchful. She couldn't believe that her greatest fear had been proven wrong. She sat here accomplished that she was able to shift into her wolf. She thought she lost the ability ever since she got attacked. But Vadik and his wolf showed them that their fears were nothing compared to the powerful bond they shared.

Mia and her wolf were both realizing that they were meant for him. The word 'mate' didn't describe how she felt about him. He had this power over her that made her want to succumb to his voice, to his touch, to his heart. He came to her with clear intentions and sincerity, it won her over right then and there. She was ready to be all his. She ached for him to mark her.

Her wolf got out of the stream and went to him this time. She ran her lithe body along his strong build. He stiffened like he was holding himself back from hurting her. But she knew that he could never do that. He was hers now. Forever and always.

Suddenly, Mia was ripped out of the darkness and she didn't realize how she shifted back but she did. Pushed to the ground, Vadik loomed above her shirtless. He pinned her to the ground with a dangerously dark expression in his eyes. He must have felt that she accepted the bond between them and wanted him to mark her. She remained under him as his gaze fell from her eyes to her lips then her neck. She noticed the tattoos all over his chest, shoulders and torso; there was one leading down his hip and under his pants.

"Do you know what scent you just showed my wolf?" his tone was low and guttural.

Mia shivered from his voice and the way his eyes held her under this spell. "I do," she admitted the truth.

Vadik pushed his bulky thigh between her legs, spreading them apart for him, he settled between them and she never felt so exposed. "Are you aroused, angel?" He leaned closer to her. She couldn't find her voice or her breath. He laid his lips on her neck, she trembled under him.

She whimpered as his teeth softly ran along her throat. "Vadik," she called out his name like a plea.

"Do you want me, Mia?" he asked as he spread her legs further, he pressed into her intimate space like no one had done before.

"Yes," she answered him.

Vadik growled against her skin; that sound ignited her body and wetness pooled between her legs. "I want to mark every part of your body," he told her. His strong hand ran along her thigh and hip then towards her waist.

She laid desperate for anything he gave her, her body burned for his touch and she needed him more than ever. His lips caressed down her neck over to the top of her chest. She watched his smoky eyes stay on her. She ached for his lips to be with hers, but he wouldn't kiss her. He stayed inches away like he was testing her to take the first step.

Mia ran her fingers through his dark hair that was tousled in short waves, it was just as soft under her hands like the wolf's fur earlier. She held his gaze with hers and she met his challenge with her own courage. She guided him to her lips and both of them melted as soon as their mouths touched. He pushed his tongue in her mouth and she took him without hesitation. The heat from his mouth warmed her from the inside. He caressed her tongue demandingly, like a ravenous wolf that was used to getting what he hunted. She deepened the kiss and allowed him to possess the kiss with his skilful control.

His tongue wrapped around hers and he was playful to pull away when she pushed closer. His hands roamed her body down to her parted thighs, she felt him push her dress up her legs so he could touch the soft skin between her legs.

She throbbed under his attention, it was like he was all over her, touching her from every single spot making it sensitive just for himself. "Vadik, wait," she said nervously when his hands neared her core.

He understood right away and eased his speed. He slowed down the kiss, allowing her a respite as he held her preciously. She felt the way his hips pressed between her legs and his warmth spread through her.

"I won't do anything you don't want," he told her softly.

Mia nodded letting him know that she heard him, even though her heart was beating so loudly, that that's all she could hear in her ears. "I'm sorry," she said as guilt filled her for being nervous.

Vadik tilted her head back making her look at his eyes. "Never apologize," he said. "The only way this is going to work is if you're honest with me." He kissed her cheek and stayed with her in this quiet moment. She found comfort from his scent and he knew how to calm her in seconds.

He lifted her off the ground and got them both up. She wasn't really sure how she made it back to the house when her legs were barely holding her up. The heat may have cooled down, but she could feel it crawling under her skin urging her to take Vadik to her room.

They entered the house and appeared in front of the elevator. He clicked the button and the doors pinged open, but only she stepped inside. He stayed on the other side, facing her with those mesmerizing eyes.

"Aren't you coming in?" she asked.

"I don't know what I'll do to you if we get trapped in this thing together," he admitted.

Her stomach fluttered as she felt his eyes all over her body.

"Vadik," Dario's voice interrupted them.

Vadik looked to his left and Dario stood there alone. "What's wrong?" he asked with that stern tone that he only used when he worked.

"I think I have a location," Dario revealed.

Vadik straightened to his powerful height. Mia stood inside the elevator alone as his eyes lingered on her for as long as the doors stayed open.

She arrived on her floor and hurried into her bedroom closing the door behind her. She slumped against it as her entire body felt as if someone lit it on fire. She was burning with this hypnotizing ecstasy and it was killing her. She didn't know how to sate this need that consumed her. Her body wasn't her own anymore. She needed her mate and that made her nervous for what it entailed.

She needed to distract herself. For a good long hour, Mia soaked in the bath wondering why the lily soaps and warm water wasn't easing her nerves. Her mind kept wandering back to the garden when Vadik was between her legs and his touch was on her skin. The sensation of his lips on hers lingered like a claim on her mouth. She ran her fingers on her lips as her core throbbed with this ravenous need to be caressed. She could feel Vadik's hands still on her, claiming her and holding her with possessive authority.

Through her closed eyes, she could see him as they were outside in the garden all alone. She found herself surrendering to him so easily, it scared her. She had no control over herself when she was with him. Was it possible to lose oneself in another?

Lost and definitely defeated, she got out of the tub and cleaned up. She pulled on a dress and went to the kitchen. Food was the best remedy for a grim mood. She opened the fridge and grabbed the tub of tiramisu. A maid handed her a fork and Mia went in search of Nikolai for answers that she needed desperately.

With the taste of coffee and cream coating her mouth, she arrived downstairs in the gym where guards were training together.

"Have you seen Nikolai?" she asked one of them.

They all pointed to the other gym. She crossed the hallway and saw Nikolai alone in the weight room. He was laid out on his back under some heavy machine, lifting a heavy barbell up and down repeatedly.

She hurried to his side. "Niko, I need your help," she said.

Nikolai didn't stop his training. "What's wrong now?" his voice strained from holding the weights.

Mia sat on the bench between his legs as she nervously took another bite of tiramisu. "What was it like to have sex for the first time?" she inquired.

Nikolai jerked in surprise and almost dropped the heavy weights on his face, but he quickly pushed the barbell onto the handle saving himself. He lifted off his back and gaped at her with his silver eyes. "Mia, you don't ask stuff like that when I'm handling weights," he astonished.

"So, what was it like?" she insisted. "Were you nervous?"

"Not really," Nikolai answered.

Of course, he wasn't. Nikolai was a natural flirt and had been since he was young. Someone who looked and talked like him probably didn't get normal anxious feelings like the rest of them.

"What's this about?" he asked.

"I'm just nervous," Mia said.

"About sex?" he said.

"Yeah," she said.

"Why?"

"I've never done it before," she told him. "What if I mess up and Vadik doesn't like it. I could ruin the whole thing and-"

"Okay, calm down-" Nikolai said. "Vadik's not that type of guy."

"How do you know?" she asked.

"Have you seen the way he looks at you," Niko remarked. "The man is head over heels in love."

Mia blushed. "That makes me even more nervous," she said.

Nikolai sighed as he raked his tousled hair. "You're allowed to be nervous, since it's your first time," he said. "Just trust your partner and let them lead. Your body will naturally follow. Don't overthink things, it takes the fun away."

Mia stuffed her mouth with tiramisu. "I already told him to stop once because I got overwhelmed," she admitted.

"It's good to be honest," he said. "A real man will understand." He put his hand on her shoulder. "You're supposed to enjoy sex. If Vadik knows what he's doing then you'll have a good time." Suddenly, he shook his head in disbelief pinching the bridge of his nose. "I can't believe we're having this conversation." He took the fork from her and ate a mouthful of the tiramisu too.

Mia wasn't nervous about Vadik's capabilities, she was sure he knew what he was doing. But she was still a bit naive. However, she knew that she wanted nothing more than to mark him as hers. This nervousness would linger as long as she didn't make up her mind. She knew what to expect and it shouldn't scare her. She trusted Vadik with her life. He was the only one who managed to heal her limping leg and break her wolf free. He deserved her trust and earned it.

"Thanks, Nikolai," Mia said as she got to her feet.

"Mia," Nikolai called out. "You're a Guerriero, there's no need for you to be nervous about anything."

She smiled at him.

"Nikolai," a voice interrupted them.

Both of them turned, it was Vadik who appeared. Mia forgot how to breathe and she stared at her mate's eyes that were on her too.

"Dario needs you," Vadik said sternly.

Nikolai cracked his neck. "Why is my brother bothering me on my day off?" he complained as he got to his feet leaving Mia alone with Vadik.

"What are you doing down here?" Vadik asked as he stepped towards her.

Mia wondered if he heard their conversation. "Er- I was just sharing the tiramisu," she lied. "Do you want some too?"

Vadik's fierce gaze pinned her in her spot as he came up to her. "Really?" his tone sardonic. She didn't know what to do but stay under his influence as he towered over her. He grabbed the fork and took a bite of the tiramisu. "Not nearly as sweet as your lips." Her mouth parted in a small gasp and he caught it like he always saw everything. He could see right through her even now.

"We should go upstairs," she said as she crossed him in a hurry and fled.

They went upstairs but Vadik returned alone to work with Dario and Nikolai. Mia noticed that Kade and Alec weren't see for the whole day now too. She was sure that Alec was resting and Kade was with him.

Mia groaned and busied herself by making dinner. But since everyone was busy, she ate alone. She stayed in the living-room watching a movie to distract herself but it wasn't working. Dario, Vadik and Niko finished work returning upstairs. The nerves in her stomach knotted and made her jumpy. Her wolf emerged and urged her to go to Vadik because they both needed him.

She gave in and went to his bedroom. She knocked on the door but there wasn't an answer. She pulled out her cellphone and texted him.

Where are you? she hit sent.

Seconds later, a message came back. The spot where we met.

Mia looked down at the foyer where she met him the first time but he wasn't there. But then she remembered where they really met for the first time. She rushed back to her bedroom and opened the door.

Vadik stood on the balcony, leaning back against the railing. The dark night sky behind him as the moon illuminated his broad shoulders and tall figure. She felt his heat from all the way here by the door, it closed behind her locking them in alone. His assured eyes focused onto her and saw herself falling for him all over again.

The air in the room was thick with his scent like he claimed her own space as his territory.

"Come here," Vadik's voice trembled through her.

Mia crossed the space, but she could feel his intense gaze and her body wouldn't move any further. He sensed her hesitation and a smile lifted the corner of his lips. He pushed off the railing and came to her instead. She looked up at him as he stood inches away from her. He laid his hand on the small of her back and gathered her close, their thighs brushed against one another and her breasts pressed into his chest. Fire ignited within her body and her wolf emerged from within needing to be with him too.

Vadik leaned down and laid his lips on her neck. "You're still nervous, angel," he commented as his lips left soft caresses. She whimpered in response and held onto his arms as he sucked on the supple skin. "I want to claim you," he spoke against her skin, "but I can't until you allow me."

Mia's heart hammered in her chest but she was certain on her discussion. "Make me yours, Vadik." He slammed his lips against hers and took control of their searing hot kiss.

Lifting her off the floor, he took her to the bed and laid her down as he pushed the duvet out of the way. Mia held him in her arms as his lips were demanding and controlling, it made her stomach flutter with nerves and her heart jump from her chest. She raked her fingers into his dark hair and let him consume her in the darkest depths of pleasure. His hands were roaming all over her and she couldn't calm herself.

"I lived my whole life without a purpose, but now I know that you're my purpose. I survived only to be with you." He spread her legs apart and settled between them, his strong thighs holding her apart as his tongue danced with hers. "Every part of you was made for me," he bit her lip and dragged his teeth down her neck. "I vow to protect you and keep you safe. I will never hurt you and will kill anyone that even tries."

"Please don't kill for me," she voiced.

Vadik met her eyes and smiled at her. "I'll see about that," he said as his hand drifted up her dress between her thighs. "Is there anything else you don't want me to do?"

Mia couldn't think straight enough to answer him and something told her that he wanted it that way. His hands held her thighs apart and she ached for his touch. Vadik knew from her scent alone what she needed most. He kissed down her neck and leaned back onto his knees. She watched as he tore his shirt off and tossed it on the floor somewhere, exposing his muscular torso. Every part of him was pure muscle, it was as if it was roped onto his body and he was carved from steel. Nothing about him was weak or frail. He was a powerful male and it was daunting with him kneeling between her legs.

This time she didn't want to stop him.

He leaned down kissing her knee that had the long scar, it tingled under his lips. He touched her thighs and then kissed down it, letting her know his intentions quite clearly. Her core throbbed as he neared it like it was begging for his attention. This was her first time but she wasn't going to let that stop them.

"I want to put my mouth on you," Vadik's eyes searched her for an answer and he wasn't going to continue without it. Her cheeks flared with heat.

Vadik grabbed the edge of her underwear before he pulled it off her legs and onto the floor. The cool air hit her blazing hot core and she felt the pulses sizzle through her body. He leaned over her, covering her with his body. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she couldn't think about anything right now except that Vadik was the one on top of her. He was exuded this powerful masculine control that swept her away.

Suddenly, Vadik lifted Mia off the bed and he laid back onto the bed. He positioned her onto his waist, so she straddled him.

"What-" she looked at him confused.

Vadik's eyes brightened in the dark. "You're on top of me," he said. "There's nothing to be nervous about now."

Mia looked down at his blazing different coloured eyes, they were intensely alert. Her body cascaded over his rugged muscles, she knew that there was something powerful about being on top of him. The nerves in her stomach did settle as she met his lips in a searing kiss. His hands caressed up her legs and he grabbed her hips, pressing her into his hardened erection. She gasped into his mouth and never felt such heat from a man before. His hard shaft rubbed against her core and she felt this unknown fire flare into her body.

"Vadik," she moaned.

He knew what made her desperate and acted quickly. His hand brushed within her thigh and he cupped her core with his rough hand. She was dripping wet as he swiped his fingers across her intimate spot. She buckled against his hand as he rubbed the bundle of nerves, he was ruthlessly soft and gentle, which drove her wild. She didn't understand how her body could succumb to the hands of her mate so easily when she spent years without satisfying any bodily desires.

"Fuck, you're so wet," Vadik spoke against her lips. Mia moved her hips into his hand and he knew that he was driving her crazy. "Move your hips," he guided her, so the palm of his hand rubbed her clit directly. "Just like that, angel."

The agonizing rush built inside her ready to break. She couldn't breathe nor stop just to take a moment, it was like she needed to let the arousal in her body break free in order to feel sated. Vadik held her close, his hand working on her core as if he knew her body better than her; he probably did since she wasn't hiding anything. He understood the small signals of her breathless moans and her playful hips that worked with him.

"Vadik, I'm going to-" her voice fell as the hot waves of arousal came crashing down on her. She felt her body come undone as he rode out this release with her.

Breathlessly, she fell on top of him as his hands caressed her thighs and her hips. She felt as if her skin was on fire all over again. The bit of satisfaction was replaced with hunger again when she smelt the arousal in his dark smoky scent. She met his eyes that were watching her closely. Leaning down, she laid a soft kiss on his lips, thanking him for being patient with her.

"I can't breathe," she confessed as she tugged on the ribbon on her bodice.

He replaced her hands with his own. He untied the bow on her back and grabbed the zipper, pulling it down and letting the dress fall loose. The straps fell over her shoulders and he kissed her neck as he pushed down the gown over her chest. She was pressed against him, still on top, allowing her to overcome the storm of butterflies rampaging in her stomach. She didn't know how he accomplished it, but she didn't notice when he had the dress off her body and on the floor now.

Naked and vulnerable, yet she never felt so strong. Vadik underneath her, laid back completely at ease with his confidence despite her being on top.

"You're holding back, aren't you?" she asked.

"Nothing matters more than you," Vadik said as he ran his hands over her soft back. "I'll wait until you are ready."

Mia felt the cold iron buckle of his belt against her stomach, but she wasn't concentrating on that, because her focus was on his thick shaft. Her wolf emerged urging for him to complete the bond. Mia agreed with her too. Both of them were more than ready. She just wasn't sure if words were enough to let Vadik know. The only thing that ached through her now was to claim him and make him hers forever.

She kissed his lips then the curve of his cheek before trailing down his neck, she felt him go rigid and his muscle tense as steel. His hands gripped her bare waist, his touch bruising her but it made her hot. She licked the corded column of his taut throat.

"Mia," he growled her name knowing her intentions.

She felt her core pulse for his touch again and she knew that her wolf was more than ready too. She latched her teeth onto Vadik's neck and bit down as hard as she could mark him. He willingly took her bite and didn't care that she did it first. Instead, he seemed gratified.

Mia lifted off him, staring into his gaze assured and ready. "Mark me, Vadik," she whispered.

Vadik moved so fast and pinned her onto the mattress, he kissed her hard and fast, taking his blood off her mouth. She moaned desperately as his hand found her core and he violently showed his possession over her. He trailed down her neck then her breasts, taking the hardened nipple into his mouth and he bit down onto it. The sharp pleasure shot down to her core and she ached for more. He spent his time memorizing the curves of her body before he kissed down her stomach and his ravenous eyes latched onto her pulsing wet core.

He didn't waste any time. His mouth dove into her core and he ate out of her. She never felt anything like this before. She was conscious of everything he did. His hot tongue licking up and down her core, he rubbed against her clit and made sure that she didn't get down from this impossible height of pleasure.

She raked her fingers into his hair and he growled into her core. "Vadik, don't stop," she pleaded helplessly as her body reminded under his control.

He spread her legs further apart as his mouth stayed right on her, unforgiving and ravenous. She felt his thick fingers push into her core, it was a strange feeling that made this hot pool of nerves gathering in her womb.

"Relax," his voice eased her down allowing him more room as he pushed deeper, but it wasn't enough for her. She craved more of him.

Vadik's mouth and fingers worked together as she couldn't hold herself together. All she was able to focus on was his fingers inside her body and his tongue that played with her clit. It was too much for her to handle and she was about to break apart.

"Come for me, angel," his voice reverberated against her core.

He held her hips down with his arm as she came apart under him. He kept his mouth on her core as she orgasmed hard. She lay there, breathless and dazed, as he licked over her core and took her arousal for himself. His fingers brushed over her sensitive clit, she flinched since her body hadn't calmed down yet.

Mia gathered him in her arms and kissed his lips that tasted of her, but she didn't care. She needed his mouth on her. She needed to allow herself to fall under his hypnotizing spell. His wolf entered her conscious and stood there to protect her as her body surrendered to Vadik.

He pressed his hips between her spread legs and he throbbed against her core. "I want you inside me," she said softly.

Vadik bit her lip as he pushed into her core making her feel his thick, hard shaft through his pants. "Are you sure?" he asked. "I'm on my last bit of control, Mia."

She ran her hands over his muscled back. "Lose control with me," she insisted innocently.

Vadik leaned back away from her touch and between her legs. His eyes changed, there was a dangerously carnal animal in them now. She stared at his powerful figure that radiated his desire, his scent engulfed her in his authority and there was nothing she could do now.

Suddenly, there was an abrupt knock on the door.

Mia stiffened at the intrusion but Vadik clearly didn't hear it. He was focused on her and her alone.

"Mia," Kade's voice startled her.

She gaped at the door. "Vadik," she called out.

"I'm killing your brother," Vadik growled as he moved to do it.

Mia laughed while grabbing his arm. "Stop," she whispered. "Let me talk to him."

Vadik was breathing harshly while glaring at the door. "You have ten seconds to get rid of him," his tone rigidly quiet.

Mia quickly got off the bed and grabbed the robe from the closet to cover herself. Vadik joined her by the door, concealed behind it, as she opened it revealing Kade. She kept her body leaned behind the door too as she faced her brother.

"Brother," she smiled as she was relieved it was dark, so Kade couldn't see inside her room.

"What were you doing?" he asked with a frown on his face.

"I was just reading," she said as she fixed her hair.

Kade's eyes went into her room behind her. "Make sure you close those balcony doors before going to bed," he warned.

Mia wasn't sure that would help anymore, since the one who was dangerous was already in her bedroom. "I will," she said. "Did- uh- did you need something?" Suddenly, she felt Vadik's hand on her bare thigh. She stiffened and tried to move away but it wasn't working.

"I just wanted to thank you," Kade said.

Mia focused on her brother then. "For what?"

"For forcing me to go to Alec," Kade said as his green eyes softened and so did his frown. "You were right."

Mia smiled at him. "I'm happy that you've finally started living for yourself, Kade," she said. "You deserve all the happiness in the world."

Kade stared at her lovingly. "How did you grow up so smart, bambina?"

She laughed but then remembered what she was doing in the room before her brother came. And it wasn't helping that Vadik's hand trailed under her robe. "Alright, brother, I'm quite tired," she lied. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Kade nodded. "Goodnight," he said as he turned away.

Mia glared at Vadik. "Stop," she begged.

"Mia," Kade called out turning towards her again.

She held the door tightly as Vadik's hand cupped her core. "Y-yes?"

"How did you know that the mating bond would save Alec?" he asked.

She knew because it saved her, but she'd tell him that tomorrow. Right now, she couldn't think straight with her mate's hand holding her captive. "A woman's hunch is a powerful thing," she quoted her mother to him.

Kade smirked remembering his mom's words that she'd repeatedly told their father. "Right," he said before he left.

Mia sighed in relief.

Vadik shut the door and took her into a hot kiss as he tore her robe off and had her laid out on the bed again. "I don't care what happens, we're telling Kade about our bond tomorrow," he said sternly.

"I was planning on it," she answered as his hands caressed down her naked curves.

Vadik loomed over her body, his eyes hungry as he stared down at her. She knew then that nothing was going to stop him now. He was lost to his need to possess her and make her his mate. Mia met his eyes with the same desire pulsing through her aroused body, that was made only for him.

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