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 hide in plain sight as regular employees, lawyers, doctors, cops and even drug dealers. In this secret society of werewolves there's also 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. And no one knew that better than the Centauri pack. They were the last original family that has the pure blood from the first werewolf ever created by Maya- the moon goddess. She is the deity all werewolves- evil or good worshipped. If someone ever wondered why a wolf howled towards a lonesome moon? It's because that beautiful beast knows that Maya would always listen to his prayers.

The Centauri family has been a strong threshold for all werewolves to follow as an example. Gabriel Centauri was the eldest son and the most ruthless alpha known today. He, alone raised his siblings to be honourable warriors and righteous protectors. Their territory was the safest and largest; women could walk alone at night and kids could freely play without having to look over their shoulder.

However, Gabriel Centauri wasn't alone on this throne. He had his fighters who enforced his rule greater than anyone ever had in this time. Even though they hid in the shadows, they were beside this great alpha since the very beginning. There were two in particular that the world did know about and they were the Drakov brothers. The Centauri name wouldn't be where they are now without these two fighters, but it wasn't a forced alliance. Many believed that the friendship Gabriel had with the Drakov twins was unlike any other they had seen before. No one had seen two people more willing to die for their alpha than River and Ryder Drakov.

The Drakov twins had no family, no relation to anyone since they were born except with each other. They learned at quite a young age that no one was on their side, they only had themselves to take care of and look out for. Orphans from the beginning, they didn't have any parents nor any pack to lose. They were lone wolves living in orphanages and shelters and they went to a rundown public school, that accepted kids like them.

However, that raised many questions and the world wondered how exactly these two boys met Gabriel; a pure-blood Centauri and win his trust.

Many who saw this bond with a scornful gaze only cursed at it and insulted them. Many would say that it was fear that drove the Drakov twins to follow Gabriel. Others said they were hiding their true intentions to take over once Gabriel turned a blind eye. No one thought that maybe, just maybe, the twins would die for their alpha because they had an unbreakable bond built on love and trust.

They pledged their loyalty to the Centauri pack at a young age and no matter what happened they had Gabriel's back. They would lay down their lives for him without hesitation and without a single ounce of regret. However, how dangerous were River and Ryder Drakov? Everyone conjured many ideas of what they would do to anyone who would try to hurt the people they loved. The ruthless reputation these two had was already built from a young age and it continued as they got older.

The Drakov twins were Gabriel's dangerous shadows who stayed in the dark to protect the light Gabriel used to guide his pack.

-Manhattan-

Manhattan's weather was at its worst. Snow covered every corner and the roads were a slippery mess. There were hazard signs blinking brightly at every turn warning people to slow down and expect delays. The citizens crossing the streets held their hoods over their heads and made sure to wear gloves and boots. Everyone was eager to be in their warm homes away from this horrid nightmare called winter.

Zoya Knightley left the company doors and instantly regretted exchanging the warm building for the icy-cold streets of Manhattan. She snuggled into her white coat that was lined with fur but she could still feel her nose go red from the bitter breeze. Leaving Greece, Santorini was one of the worst ideas she ever had just to come back to this city during this dreadful time.

Although, apart from the horrific weather, the streets were sparkling with golden lights that covered every tall tree. Christmas wasn't even here yet, but every store was ready for the holiday rush. Her stores were all ready for the holiday too because who didn't love getting married during the holidays.

A winter wedding was Zoya's dream too and after designing thousands of gowns and tuxedos for her clients, she was ready to make a special one for herself. However, her dream to get married was still just a dream. No man stayed in her life longer than two weeks, since that's how long her interest in them lasted. Apparently, it was hard for men to accept an independent, self-made billionaire to have an opinion about everything. Well, she didn't need them. A visa without a limit and a new pair of Manolo's were enough to keep a girl happy.

Zoya carefully crossed the road making her way towards the car, that was parked on the other side of the street near the river, which was fairly frozen. She could feel the sharp air drifting off from the river and towards her direction. She hurried over to her car and was reaching into her purse for her keys, which she should've done earlier because her fingers were about to fall off.

The street was quite loud with the classical carols playing through the speakers, but Zoya was a wolf. She was able to hear what humans would miss without a doubt. While she dug through her purse, there was a low whimpering sound coming from the car that was parked ahead of hers. She would've ignored it, but the distressed crying was the result of something being in pain. Zoya swallowed her discomfort of being cold and looked for the source of that crying.

A black mustang was parked ahead of hers and it had darkly tinted windows, which made it impossible to see inside. She went around the car and saw nothing, but the noise continued from the front of the car. She stepped off the ledge and her heeled foot was caught in some snow. Her skin tingled and the snow quickly turned to water slipping under her foot making her colder than she already was.

"Oh, Zoya, what are you getting yourself into?" she whispered to herself as her warm breath fogged in front of her eyes.

Zoya then heard the sound again and bent to the ground when she saw what was making the sound. A puppy with black fur sat in a cardboard box beside the large tire of the car.

"Oh god," she felt her heart squeeze. The puppy was shivering in the small box and had teary blue eyes looking up at her.

Zoya stretched down for the box but she couldn't reach it. She knew she had to get on her bare knees on the rocky pavement.

"What are you doing?" A deep voice startled her.

She hadn't let out a scream, but her knees gave up on her when she tried move back. She felt her tall heel slip on the snow and she was about to hit the hood of the Mustang. However, she hadn't hit the car and cost herself her own face. A pair of strong arms were holding her up and she had hit a hard chest instead. Her hands instinctively held onto the stranger's arms and she felt his muscles flex beneath his thick leather jacket.

She let out a breath of relief that she hadn't broken her nose or any other part of her body. However, she had another problem now. Instead of moving away from this stranger, she drew closer to this raw heat she felt ensnared in. Her body that was cold had melted to a slick flame that made her forget everything around her.

"I won't ask again," that voice again; it brought back the ice to her body. Zoya quickly moved back but the man grabbed her hand. "Be careful," he warned strictly.

Zoya forgot all about the busy street behind her, because now all her eyes saw was a man like she had never seen before. Icy blue eyes- that were intelligent and overwhelmingly dangerous. He stood to a powerful height in a rugged leather jacket, that definitely wouldn't keep anyone warm but this man seemed rather comfortable in it. His dark unruly hair was raked back and wasn't styled like other guys she knew. This man had thick black hair which was undoubtedly combed with his thick fingers. She couldn't help but admire how the leather clung to his shoulders, that weren't made from going to the gym. This man's physique was natural, his heavy bones alleviated him with a frightening figure.

There was a sharpness in his gaze that probably forced many people to drop their eyes from his, but not her. She faced him and drank in the sight of him. Maybe it was the cold air, but she couldn't breathe anymore.

"There was something under your car," she said swiftly trying not to get caught staring.

The man's frown deepened. "My car?" he spoke with a hint of confusion. Zoya pointed to the tire before she bent down and so did he.

The man's attention went to the bottom of the car and she tried so hard not to breathe his scent in. The notes of amber spice and masculine intensity made her heart race, she'd never smelt anything as fragrant as this. How was this man even real? she astounded.

"What the hell?" his voice intensified as he saw what was in the box. He pulled it out in one sweep and got to his feet.

Zoya did too and she saw the puppy shivering to death in the box. She unbuttoned her coat and slipped off the cashmere scarf from her neck and laid it over the animal hoping it'd warm him up. The dog's shivering lessened and she saw his blue eyes close in relief.

"Who would leave a puppy like that?" she didn't realize she said that out loud instead of thinking it because this stranger curtly answered her.

"Assholes," he grumbled.

Zoya couldn't help but agree. She looked down at the puppy and saw no collar or tag on him, so it must've been abandoned and not lost.

Suddenly, a phone went off and it wasn't hers.

The man in front of her answered his phone and his voice grew softer. "I'm waiting for you outside," he said.

That's Zoya's luck for her. The first decent guy she meets and he's already taken. Of course, time to get moving young lady, she thought to herself.

"I'll take the puppy," she alleged grabbing the box from him.

The man looked at the dog then her. "He'll need to be taken to a vet as soon as possible," he said.

"I know, that's where I'll head over to now," she told him as she passed him towards her car.

Zoya opened the door and got in putting the box on the passenger seat beside her. She shut the door and left the cold out there, even that man's enticing and hot scent. She turned on the car and blasted the heat as fast as she could. She was so glad that she got a car that had heated seats, her legs were thawing in the warmth. Her eyes hadn't left the puppy and his condition had gotten better right away. She then noticed the small paws and floppy ears; his tail was curled around him and his belly was pink.

She took out her cellphone and searched the closest vet, but before she could a knock interrupted her. She looked out her window and that man stood out there. She rolled her window down and he leaned down to her level, he leaned with his hands on the door and his eyes locked onto hers.

"There's a vet two blocks from here," he told her. "Take a right on Finch and it's the first building."

"Oh," she couldn't hide her surprise that he guessed she didn't know. "Thanks."

He then took a step back and let her close the window before he returned to his car. But he didn't get inside until she drove out of the lane onto the road with the other cars.

Zoya stopped at the red light before taking the right turn like she was told. She looked over at the sleeping puppy and smiled. "You're cute," she said. That man was more than just cute though, she thought to herself. Stop it, Zoya!

Thankfully, her annoying thoughts didn't bother her as she focused all her attention on driving. She reached the vet and parked right outside where there was no one else. She grabbed the box and got out of the car and headed inside of the quiet building. A young man sat at the desk reading a book and drinking coffee.

"Hi," she said. The man looked up and she saw his navy-blue scrubs and his name-tag which said Dr. Dylan Boone.

"Hello," he said as he got to his feet putting the book down after throwing a pen inside it to mark his page. "How can I help you?"

She brought the box up. "I wanted to get a check-up on-" she didn't know what the gender of the puppy was.

Dr. Boone's eyes widened as he lifted the scarf and saw the dog. "His name?"

"He doesn't have one," she said. "I found him under a car by the river." Dr. Boone shook his head in disappointment.

"Bring him back here," he said. "I'll take a look at him right away."

Zoya let Dr. Boone take the puppy and she took off her coat since it was nice and toasty in here. She sat down on the black chair in the office and another nurse entered the room to help Dr. Boone. She kept her eyes on the puppy laid out under the strong light as they took x-rays and checked his temperature. Dr. Boone and the nurse were going through a checklist and making sure nothing was wrong.

She didn't know how much time passed but she got through a cup of hot chocolate as she waited. Thankfully, she didn't have work tomorrow and it was a weekend, otherwise waking up at dawn would have been a mission.

The nurse walked out with her clipboard to Zoya. "Dr. Boone is done with the check-up," she said. "He would like to talk to you in his office."

"Okay, thank you," she said as she got to her feet and went inside the office where the puppy was asleep on a soft blanket.

"Alright," Dr. Boone was clicking away on his computer. "So, luckily he's not in bad condition. No diseases and there weren't any abnormalities. He's malnourished for a husky and small for his age, but with proper care he'll be back on his feet in no time."

Zoya let out a breath of relief as her eyes watched the puppy sleep calmly. "So, what happens now?" she asked.

"I will keep him here in the shelter until he finds a suitable home," Dr. Boone said.

Someone else would take him, that thought made her a bit sick to her stomach just like it had when she heard that man from earlier talk to his lover.

"No, I would like to take care of him," she said.

"That will be hard, Ms-"

"Knightley," she said.

"Ms. Knightley," Dr. Boone said. "A puppy needs all the support and care they can get. I can't just give him to you."

Zoya frowned at him. "While everyone else ignored his crying, I was the one who rescued him from being killed under a tire," she said. "I think we can figure something out so he can come home with me. If you need a background check, financial papers or anything else, I can have my lawyer contact you and I know a few governors who can attest to my integrity."

"Who are you?" Dr. Boone blurted out.

"Zoya Knightley," she said. "The CEO and Founder of White Knight." A loud gasp was heard from outside the office.

"Er- well," Dr. Boone pushed his spectacles higher up his nose. "I can prepare the paperwork for you to take him home."

Zoya nodded in improvement. "I will wait for him," she said.

Dr. Boone clicked on the screen and got to work. "Thought of a name?" he asked her.

Zoya remembered the place she found this puppy and couldn't think of anything, except how those blue eyes bewitched her. "River," she said as she put her hand over the puppy's belly and smiled at him.

It was well after an hour before Zoya was able to take River home. She was exhausted as she reached the front door of her house. She unlocked the door and took cover from the cold, she quickly throwed off her heels and put down all the bags hooked over her arm. At Dr. Boone's shop, she was able to get food and a bed and other supplies. Although, she would definitely get him better accessories than just a simple black coat and leash.

"You are part of the Knightley household now," she spoke to him. "So, our fashion and integrity are at the upmost quality. You'll need to find a tasteful style and keep a respectable manner."

She walked down the hall past the kitchen straight to the living-room. She put him down near the fireplace. She shrugged off her jacket throwing it on the couch before she ran to get all the bags from the door. She brought the new bed for him that was a round cushion and looked like a massive paw. She placed it on the floor and also arranged the water and food bowls beside it. Zoya approved of the layout and then waited for River to get comfortable, but that didn't happen.

"Come on," she patted the bed encouragingly, "this will be a lot more comfortable for you." His blue eyes viewed her perplexedly and then he put his head down.

Zoya reached into the box and grabbed him putting him onto the hardwood floor. He froze the moment she had and she sensed his immediate panic. A low cry came out of him and he went back to the box, his paw grabbed the edge but he couldn't jump inside. Instead, the box fell with a thud and he crept into it hiding in the dark from her.

Zoya laid down and saw his glowing eyes from inside the box. "I know you're scared, so I'll stay here with you until you can do it," she whispered.

She grabbed the remote from the table behind her and turned on the flames in the hearth. The warm glow of flames comforted both of them and she grabbed the fleece off the couch putting it over her body.

"I'm Zoya by the way," she said to him. "I hope we can get along-" his eyes were turned away from her, but his breathing was calm telling her that he was sound asleep- "goodnight." She hadn't realized that this was after quite a long time she said that someone.

In this empty house or the one she had before, it has always been her and her alone. No one was allowed in her private space- not even friends. She didn't like when her space was invaded, but it was different with this puppy. She didn't want him anywhere else other than beside her.

Zoya closed her eyes and saw that man she met near the river. His eyes... his heat made her respond with her entire body. If only she could get the chance to see him again because her memories weren't giving justice to him. Frankly, he looked like he could kill someone and not even bat an eye.

The low howl inside her heart made her question what she truly felt tonight. Her wolf had awakened and she knew that that only meant one thing. However, Zoya didn't know anything about this man. He could very well be mated already or in love with someone else. She didn't know his name nor his number. How would she find him again? Those questions spun inside her mind. However, her heart had never been so unwavering. There was no reservation in her spirit that if what her wolf felt was real then she would surely see that man again- it was only a matter of time- well, that was what she hoped for.

-River's POV-

There was a code that River Drakov followed and that was to protect his pack. However, he wasn't always like this. He knew the day he had changed and it was because of his best friend who rescued River from himself.

It was on a cold day like this one, a boy was getting beat up behind the walls of a private academy. River never went to that school because he wasn't able to afford it, but he always saw the kids from that school walk around in their uniforms like they were better than everyone else. Maybe, River even believed that they were different and had special blood inside them. But when he saw a kid his age getting beat up, River understood that these people were just thugs in expensive clothes like the rest of the damn world.

With his bag hung over his shoulder, he was going to walk away from the fight and not turn back because it didn't involve him. But when he met those golden eyes he saw a kid just like him. A kid who tried his hardest everyday but still couldn't change anything. River was a shitty fighter back then, but he still dropped his bag in the snow and joined the fight. However, the older kids overpowered him fast.

By the end, both of them were left deserted and in a pathetic state. They laid on the cold ground, bleeding, out-of-breath and it hurt everywhere.

"Why'd you help me?" The boy asked.

What a drag, he thought. River didn't know why he did what he did half the damn time either. "I don't like when someone is getting picked on," he told him.

The boy turned and looked at him. "I'm Gabriel-" his eyes were really pretty for a guy.

"River!" A voice behind them shouted, it was his twin brother Ryder. "What the hell happened?" He ran over to him helping him onto his feet. Ryder supported him with his body.

River looked at Gabriel and held his hand out. The boy smiled and took the hand letting River help him back onto his feet. All three of them hadn't separated from that day on.

However, they weren't those helpless kids anymore. Since their transition into their wolf forms, they had trained to be faster and better than everyone else around them. No one was able to touch them like others had in the past. Especially River, he never let anyone hurt the people under his protection and even if someone dared, he made sure to personally eradicate them off the face of the Earth, and their goddess had no say in that matter either.

"You're going to catch a cold waiting outside in that jacket," said a familiar voice, it was Gabriel.

River turned his head and saw his best friend walking towards him in a dark wool coat over his grey suit. The slight breeze ruffled the man's dark hair, but it still sat perfectly raked back and showed his terrifying gold gaze, that many saw and cowered from in fear.

"You're late," River remarked as he went around the car and opened the door.

"There was a last-minute phone conference," said Gabriel with an apologetic smile.

River shut the door and went to the driver's side getting inside the heated car, that was when he realized how cold it was tonight. His fingers started to thaw and so did his feet, but he always preferred it cold over hot.

River looked over to the rear-view mirror and saw no on-coming traffic before he pulled the car out of the parking spot. He drove slowly ahead because the roads were slippery with all the snow piled up on every street.

"Were you waiting long?" Gabriel asked.

"No."

"I told you I can drive on my own," Gabriel chastised. "I don't know why you're so stuck on driving me everywhere."

"It's doesn't bother me," River told him. "It's my-"

"Job-" Gabriel finished off. "I know. You say that all the time."

River looked over to him and he never saw the infamous alpha. He always saw the kid getting beat up all the time and that needed saving. Unlike the others who glorified Gabriel for his last name, River was one of the only people who ever saw Gabriel's weaknesses and faults. Under that expensive tailored suit and prestigious name was a man who had an alcoholic father, a dead mother, four siblings who were all too young to take care of themselves, and a pack who looked to him to lead. River was never one to care about anything especially responsible shit, but when he saw how a boy his age had to take care of everyone around him.

This wasn't a job to River. He saw how hard Gabriel worked although he was born under shitty circumstances, but he never faltered in reaching his goals. River, on the other hand, hated that he was an orphan. River and his brother were always treated like trash wherever they went because of it. However, after meeting Gabriel who fought against the world to protect his pack and his family, it was a force they hadn't prepared for at all. River just knew that he needed to keep Gabriel safe and that he was the only one that could guard him.

"Are we headed to the pack?" River asked as they curved onto the highway. He picked up speed once he was off the ramp.

"Yeah, let's head home," Gabriel's voice grew soft as he leaned his head back and rested.

River turned the heat up a little more letting his friend have a minute of rest alone. He stayed quiet the rest of the ride too and made sure to drive as leisurely as he could. Never letting a bump or turn bother Gabriel.

As River drove, a face flashed in front of his eyes. He knew who it was because he had just seen her earlier. He never in a million years would think that a random woman would start searching around his car. Was she crazy? That was his first thought and then he saw her bend down the hood of his car.

Enemy or idiot? he sighed dreadfully and grabbed the gun from the glove-department, he strapped it under his jacket.

River got out of the car and stood behind her, that was when he saw her reaching down for something under his car. He studied her white coat that was trimmed with fur touching the snow under her heels. She was in a small dress that definitely didn't keep her warm in this weather. What was she thinking? he wondered as he watched her struggle under the car.

He was about to stop her when he felt a strange surge penetrate through his body and awakening his wolf, which was definitely abnormal because his wolf never gave a fuck about anything and nor was it anymore motivated than River was for anything. But right now, all his wolf wanted was to be close to this woman in white. Both his wolf and him drew away as fast as they could.

He remembered their little exchange; "What are you doing?" she abruptly moved back and he grabbed her hand. That quick touch let him feel the heat from beneath her clothes. "Be careful," he had the need to caution her because she seemed reckless or he just couldn't bear seeing her get hurt.

"There's something under your car," she said.

River found himself staring at her glossy lips that had pink lipstick on them. "My car?" he gritted out and realizing that he probably sounded like an asshole.

He turned away from her lips and bent down to the car seeing a cardboard box with a small dog inside.

"Who would leave a puppy like that?" her voice was soft but pissed.

"Assholes," he admitted with annoyance.

"I'll take the puppy," she said grabbing the box from his hands.

"He'll need to be taken to a vet as soon as possible," he said.

"I know, that's where I'll head to now," she told him as she passed him towards her car, that was right behind his own.

River was caught off guard by her. Maybe it was her brilliant blue eyes that contrasted against her raven-black hair. She was indeed a beauty. But he never cared for that before so what the hell was this pull between them? He tried hard to appear calm, but every muscle in him had toughed and the blood in his veins pumped at tremendous speed. He couldn't turn away and went to her car and knocked on the window.

She rolled the window down and his first thought was she was too trusting. He could very well be the most dangerous man she had ever met and he had a gun on him too. This woman put her window down to a complete stranger and trusted him to not hurt her.

"There's a vet two blocks from here," he told her.

She looked up and her blue eyes stared at his face with a starry gleam, they were clear with no impurity or evil. River's blood turned cold and his heart lurched. He took his hands off her car and stepped away from someone like her.

"Thanks," she said with a cheerful smile.

River was relieved when she had left but a sudden dread lingered too. Her fragrance remained around him like it sank into his skin and latched onto his body. The scent alone from her wolf was obvious that she was sheltered from the evil of this world. She was a woman of pedigree and traditions who lived her entire life with the finest of clothes and servants at her beckon to answer every desire. A woman like that wasn't meant for him and no one could tell him otherwise.

However, deep down there was a hint of temptation in his heart to touch her again. He desired the heat from her body to connect with his and make her lovely ocean eyes see him and him alone.

River killed that desire and focused on the road ahead of him. He didn't want that, even if his body craved it.

They arrived at the large gates of their pack. He pressed his foot on the brakes and rolled his window down looking at the camera at the gate. He knew that his pack members were watching to make sure no intruder crossed this path.

"Please state your name for the record," a voice spoke through the speaker.

"Azura, don't be annoying," said River.

"You will answer me unless you want to be exterminated," she retorted sternly.

"Is she at it again?" Gabriel had woken up and he was amused at his cheeky wolves.

"Remind me why we recruited her?" River asked. "She's getting on my nerves."

"She's a great fighter," he said.

"I knew this woman was trouble," grumbled River.

"I can still hear you!" Azura barked.

"I don't give a damn!" he snapped back.

"Jerk-"

"Idiot-"

Their alpha laughed beside them. "We brought cake, Azura," said Gabriel.

The gates opened like those were the three magic words.

River pressed on the gas and quickly drove inside passing the gates. "We lied!" he yelled back and heard her groan 'not again' which made them laugh.

As annoying as Azura was- Gabriel was right about her certain skillset. She was a versatile fighter who protected this pack with every bone in her body. Although, it's only been a couple of years since she joined them, her loyalty to Gabriel was unquestionable. That much River knew and approved of and honestly, that's all he needed to care about.

Recruiting wolves to join the security team was hard enough because River rarely trusted outsiders. It wasn't his fault, he just didn't like the stench that rogue wolves had when they wanted to hurt his pack. River would never let that happen; he'd never let anyone hurt the people he loved and cared about. That was a fucking promise and he'd die for it.

"What are you thinking about that it's made you quieter than usual?" Gabriel suddenly broke the silence.

River slowed down just before parking outside the large Centauri manor. "Nothing, don't worry about it," he said.

Gabriel didn't believe him for a second. "You need a mate," he blurted out.

River gaped at his side. "Where did that come from?" he astonished.

Gabriel unbuckled his seatbelt with the press of a button. "Someone who can set you straight and make you forget about all the bullshit you hold onto," he continued as he opened the car door and got out.

River turned the ignition off while rolling his eyes. "That's not happening," he told him.

They left the warmth of the car to face the cold weather to reach the house.

Gabriel laughed at him. "Like you have a choice in the matter," he said.

"I do," he glowered.

Gabriel raised a brow. "Maya exists and we have proof now too after she saved Klaus and Zero," he said. "If she chose a mate for you then it's inevitable."

"God, you're annoying the hell out of me," River groaned.

Gabriel smirked. "I'm the only one that can," he gloated before he fumbled with the lock on door to his house.

River remembered those two events quite clearly and he doubted he'd ever forget. First when Klaus had fallen ill after encountering Robert Centauri who was less of a father and more of an abusive and alcoholic asshole. He targeted Klaus for being born and despised him for the death of Rose Centauri. River didn't care for the details because Rose Centauri had a tragic end. But Robert deserved his death and misery all the way to the end for the pain he caused this family.

Klaus collapsed and at the moment there was no hope for his return, when Maya had arrived and brought him back. River didn't believe it at first, despite Gabriel being dead-serious about it. However, another phenomenon occurred and that sealed his faith in their goddess. Zero- the rogue alpha had returned to the living after dying in a painful battle with the psychopath Reaper.

A lot had happened these past few years but a lot had changed too. The shifter world wasn't as chaotic as it was before. With new alphas taking charge to lead with a better influence and Gabriel taking charge to create allied forces with different packs. War and mutiny between alphas had ended for many packs. Zero's return had scared most vile wolves and Underworld thugs to not challenge this woman, because it was clear that the goddess watched over her.

However, it wasn't all that safe out there yet for wolves. Rogue wolves were still targeted and smaller packs have been oppressed for years if they didn't have a strong alpha to protect them. Gabriel has been trying to help other packs recently and with Zero's approval, Gabriel wouldn't stop until he got everyone on their side.

When the doors swung open, River's thoughts all halted and the boisterous voices from inside rattled his brain. Like the usual everyone was in their spots around the main floor. The cooks were in the kitchen preparing for dinner and the rest of the gang was in the living-room making a mess and chatting away.

They took off their boots so they wouldn't tread snow into the house. Sliding on warm slippers, they walked inside and River closed the door behind them.

"You guys are finally home," a voice said and it was Sabrina from the couch.

She got up and came to Gabriel with a cheerful smile and open arms. Sabrina Sinclair was still dressed in pink from her photoshoot, her chocolate-brown hair had been let loose around her and she looked perfect no matter what time of the day it was, since she was the most beloved supermodel of the world. River adored her, and more than that, Sabrina loved Gabriel and that's all that mattered.

Gabriel hugged her close. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"I'm fine," she said meeting his concerned eyes. "Me and the baby are both fine." Gabriel put his hand on her belly that barely showed that she was pregnant, but they all found out a few weeks ago. The news shook the house, quite literally.

River was about to leave when Sabrina came up to him and hugged him too. He patted her back and she squeezed her arms tightly around him and forcefully made him accept the hug. "Yeah, yeah, it's good to see you too," he said.

"Eat dinner before you leave," she told him, like she already knew what he was thinking.

"I was going to go to bed early," he lied.

"River, stay-" Klaus appeared from the kitchen- "Bone and I cooked lasagna for everyone." At times like this, Klaus was a lot like Gabriel. Although his emerald eyes and golden hair didn't match Gabriel, but his kind heart and warm smile was exactly the same as his big brother. It was hard to refuse once you met that gaze.

"Great, that's settled," added Sabrina before she patted his back and went back to the living-room. Gabriel left for his room to freshen up and River joined everyone else.

Viola and Hailey were sprawled on the floor going through photo albums. Both of them were in matching plaid pyjamas, although Hailey's red hair matched her suit and Viola's blonde hair was tied up in a bun, so she could properly investigate the photos. Vincent was in his usual royal-blue silk pyjamas and he wasn't one to follow the spirit of Christmas to dress like an elf. Hunter was in black colours and his demeanour was relaxed but it was rare for him to not be scary even while chilling with them. Their son Gideon wasn't here so it was obvious that pup was taking a nap before dinner. These four really had grown up before his eyes, he remembered when they were all bickering teenagers fighting over everything. Not anymore though, these five siblings had a bond like no other.

River pulled out his phone to check on his own brother, when suddenly, the door opened and two more suspects walked inside. Azura pushed her jacket's hood back revealing her sharp grey eyes and black hair dusted with snow. His brother, Ryder walked in behind her too.

They only had a few minutes of difference between their births, but they couldn't be more different. Ryder was the type to go out on Friday nights and have drinks with his friends. He sought out trouble and made sure to win too, that part River approved of but not the troublemaking part. However, as different as they were. River never moved without his twin beside him. It was like looking in the mirror for River when he met his brother's eyes. They couldn't imagine doing anything without each other, even as something as simple as going to sleep. For the longest time that River could remember he shared a room with Ryder. It was only now, that they had separate cabins- but even those were attached. To others it may sound strange, but to River and to Ryder they were together since birth and there was nothing more intimate than that bond.

"Come on in, guys," Klaus said to them. "Did it start to snow?"

Azura shuddered. "It's a blizzard out there Klaus and I hate it," she groaned.

"It's not so bad," added Ryder.

"Of course, you going to like what I hate," she retorted and sat down with River and so did Ryder. Azura shot River a glare, which was probably earned from earlier. She jabbed him with her elbow in his stomach and he grinned at her.

"Where's this from?" Viola asked Sabrina.

Sabrina looked over and so did everyone else at the large poster of Sabrina posing in a wedding dress.

Sabrina smiled fondly as she picked up the poster. "This was when I was still a new model in the industry," she told them.

"White Knight," muttered Viola before she gasped loudly. "You don't mean the White Knight, do you?"

"The one and only," jested Sabrina. "Zoya Knightley was a good friend of mine."

"What happened?" asked Hailey.

Sabrina shrugged a shoulder. "Zoya travelled a lot and since both of us were focused on our careers we didn't realize that we split up," she said.

"Dinner's made!" announced Klaus.

Everyone shot off the couches and the floor and went to the kitchen to get their dinner.

"I set up the dining room for all of you," Bone told them.

"Thank you!" They all spoke together and moved to take a seat in the other room too.

Klaus and Bone brought the four trays to the centre of the table and cut up the large slabs of cheese, sauce and meat. River didn't realize how hungry he was until they started to eat. Gabriel arrived with Gideon in his arms and they sat at the head of the table.

"Aren't we missing two people?" Vincent said.

River looked at Klaus but then he remembered why King was missing from the table. He looked at his side where Gabriel was seated. He sent King on a mission to gather some intel this morning. River didn't know the details but it was obvious that Gabriel had another scheme playing in his head.

Klaus looked up at the clock and then at Gabriel, but before he could say anything about it, the front door opened and someone came inside. Klaus left to check and when he didn't come back, it was clear that it was his mate who had arrived.

Klaus returned with King by his side. King was built as the dangerous predator that he was known as in the shifter world. His dark black tattoos surrounded his corded neck and hands, that looked rough and strong- frankly like everything else on King. Tall and proud, he was dressed in a black suit. He definitely made his wardrobe choices wisely, with the utmost attention given to the physical demands of their profession. River was even sure that the man carried more weapons under that suit than a person could count.

The air in the room definitely changed when King exchanged a wary look with Gabriel who was calmly enjoying his plate of lasagna. River didn't know what it this was about, but he already didn't like it.

King left to freshen up and Klaus went with him too. The group went back to their conversation of how their day went, River turned to Gabriel with a grim stare that clearly told the man that he wasn't playing along with any games.

"What was that all about?" River inquired.

Gabriel fed a spoonful to Gideon who cooed gleefully on his lap, even though Gideon was old enough to eat on his own he still enjoyed being with his uncle. "I don't know what you are talking about," he answered casually.

"What was King's mission?" River said. "And it better not be something reckless."

Gabriel smirked. "I'm not reckless," he said as he looked down at his nephew. "Am I, Gideon? Is uncle Gabriel reckless?" Gideon's blue eyes stared up at them confused and somewhat indifferent.

River sighed in defeat. "Just tell me before you get someone killed," he warned.

"You worry too much," Gabriel said.

Dinner went on and King returned to the table with Klaus and they had Ender by their side too. Ender had been living with them for a while now, but he was still as distant as the first day when he arrived with Zero.

Ender trudged along behind Klaus and then seated on the corner chair. He had raven black hair that fell into his vivid green eyes, which he always felt the need to hide from others. He was thin for his age and paler than most kids since he never went outside. His clothes drowned him and he never moved his hair from in front of his face, like he found it to be the perfect mask. He ate without making a single sound and he never looked at anyone at the table. His head always down on his plate or his hands which were on his lap.

The boy was polite, maybe a bit too much for his age. Although, River understood why Ender behaved that way, River was the same back then too. The only difference was that River wasn't lenient or quiet about his hatred. If he hated someone that hurt him then he made sure to give back what they gave him. All the pain others caused him, River always targeted them back.

Except, River doubted that Klaus would allow Ender to do that to anyone. River knew that Ender was in good hands now, even though he probably didn't see it. No one was better than Klaus to help that little boy, that's why Klaus took it upon himself to raise him.

Everyone was done with dinner and moved to clean the kitchen as Klaus and Bone rested in the living-room, since that was the house rule; anyone that cooked doesn't clean as well. So, as Ryder and Vincent did the dishes and Hailey cleaned up the dining table with Hunter and Viola. Gabriel took care of Gideon and Sabrina was also off cleaning duty, she protested that she was fine but everyone seated her down in the end. River took out the trash and was about to come back to the house through the garage when he saw Gabriel waiting for him.

"You should've worn a jacket," he reprimanded.

River didn't even realize that he was only in a long-sleeved shirt. "It's fine," he said as he came inside. "What's the plan for tomorrow?"

They walked back to the living-room together. "It's Saturday, so that means day off for the both of us. The fun starts on Monday," Gabriel answered before he left River to join his mate's side.

Years have passed since they became friends and partners, but it's still hard to decipher Gabriel's riddles. River could sense that another storm was coming and Gabriel was the one causing it. If hell was going to break loose, River knew that he had to prepare for it like how he prepared for everything. More than anything River hated surprises and absolutely loathed when he didn't know how to react.

He didn't like being in the dark and after years of drowning in it, he finally crawled out... there was no turning back now. Too much damage was done inside him. Man, or predator, it was hard to decide what he was since he was in a constant fight between both. He couldn't blame anyone for that though, it was his fault for being a perfectionist.