The last minute ticked by and it was seven o'clock sharp. King had already left to meet with the alpha of the Red Fang pack, but River didn't know how to feel about that matter. He knew that King was more than capable to handle this meeting alone. However, danger lurked around the Centauri pack like a curse; it was inevitable.

"This will get dangerous," claimed River.

"Probably," added Gabriel who was sitting in the back seat.

"We're just meeting Blade, it's not that big of a deal," Ryder pitched-in. "King can handle himself, besides we've got his back."

"Never assume it won't go down with us involved," River didn't like to admit it but he had to. "We should've rescheduled and thought of a different plan."

"Stop worrying, River," said Gabriel.

"Have you met me?" River's voice was stern and quite reprimanding.

"River-"

"Gabriel-"

"River-"

"Dammit all," growled River.

"You know that King is more than capable. So, why don't you drop the act and tell me what really has you agitated?" asked Gabriel.

River locked his eyes with that amber gaze through the rear-view mirror, at times like this, he wasn't staring into the eyes of his friend but the alpha of the pack. River removed his eyes first because he couldn't find the words to tell Gabriel what was wrong. How could he? When River didn't understand his own emotions right now. His head and heart and body were all on different pages. Except, the one thing simmering inside him was Zoya. Everything about her made his skin crawl and he hated it.

Zoya had asked him to dinner tonight at eight o'clock, but River had no idea what to do. If he went then she would mark him... but if he didn't go... then... she would leave? His gut churned from the thought alone.

River was restless ever since he came back from spending the day with her this morning. He never anticipated that a person could lure him like she had. Her wit, her charm, her beauty was too much for him. He couldn't stay calm near her, he couldn't breathe or find the words to tell her that she was out of his league. He didn't deserve her and she didn't deserve a man like him. A man who couldn't even face his own heart. This was why River kept everyone away from him, but Zoya pushed past his walls and kissed him. The kiss that didn't just touch his lips, it bore deeper into his body, marking him and urging him to keep her with him forever.

Was this love? he wondered. He cared for her, it was obvious after what happened this morning. When they were leaving the company and that random woman showed, River's wolf was ready to drink her blood from the way she exuded her disgusting pheromones towards Zoya. River had only held back because Zoya told him to, but if they were alone then River would've slit that woman's throat and gladly watched her bleed out. Even now, he wished to do that.

When River returned home, the first thing he did was figure out who that woman was and it didn't take him long to find out that that was Ellen Knightley- Zoya's mother. River was well aware that Zoya didn't have a good relationship with her parents. Sabrina told him already that her parents weren't good people. But it was the tone in Zoya's voice when she spoke of her past or her family, her eyes lost their sparkle each time.

River was nuclear. Pissed beyond return to be fair.

"Ryder told me what happened," Gabriel continued, "and I'm sure you already cracked the mystery behind that woman you met today."

River knew he couldn't avoid it anymore. "That woman was Zoya's mother," he told them.

Ryder's eyes widened, but Gabriel held no surprise. "Why wouldn't she introduce us to her mom?" he asked.

"Perhaps, she is hiding something," said Gabriel.

"No, she's not she hiding anything. She was protecting-" River's voice fell. A carnal surge of hatred rose inside him. "She stepped in front of us like she didn't want that woman near you or me."

"And someone only does that when-" Gabriel's voice fell and his eyes darkened with horrid memories of his past. "I've done that. We've all done that..."

Countless times, they had protected each other. However, Gabriel's eyes masked with pain because he remembered how his late-father abused Klaus. Those memories would never disappear no matter how much time passed. Despite Robert's death, no one ever forgot the trauma the man left behind. He asked for forgiveness before his death, but that didn't change the past.

"What will you do, River?" asked Gabriel.

"I don't have an answer for you," he replied grimly.

"How about we go kill Zoya's mom," Ryder growled harshly.

River would love to do that. He would take a lot of pleasure in ending that woman's life for hurting Zoya.

"Do you think the introductions are out of the way now," said Gabriel.

"Why?" asked Ryder.

River already knew why. He was already unbuckling his seatbelt following Gabriel out of the car. Their alpha was a nosy bastard and there was no beating him when it came to sheer stubbornness.

"What the hell?" astonished Hunter.

"Seriously, again?" remarked Lupin.

All of them got out of their cars and tracked behind Gabriel. They covered his back and any other angle to keep him safe as he burst through the doors of the restaurant. River and Ryder stood on each side, Hunter behind him and it was clear that Lupin took cover in the shadows somewhere while Azura prepared another exit for them just in case.

King was seated at the round table in front of Blade. The man who was nothing short from a terrifying alpha leader who took over this Red Fang pack with his sheer willpower. Blade was domineering from the way he sat lounging back in the seat. A power radiated from his grey eyes and bulky figure. He didn't wear a suit, yet he looked dangerous in a leather trench coat and dark turtle-neck sweater. The tattoos were faintly visible on his hands and peeking over the neck of his sweater.

Blade was calculated and cool when Gabriel had walked into the room like he had. The man had only just lifted his gaze and faced Gabriel. River could tell that Blade was different from his family or he was just very good at hiding his true self. Either way, River didn't trust him.

"I had a feeling you wouldn't come alone," Blade's voice was deep yet etched with taunt.

"You didn't come alone either," River pointed out.

There was a man sitting in the far corner booth, hidden in the dark yet River sensed his pheromones the moment he entered. Blade smirked like he was impressed and he motioned for his man to come out of the dark to reveal himself. And after the crazy people River met, he was still caught off by the guard. A massive man took three calculated steps and stood right next to Blade. River understood that behaviour, it resembled his own. This rugged man with a beard and hollow black eyes and dark tousled hair was what River was to Gabriel. The protector, the one to take the bullet and ready to give it back too.

"King came to put your mind at ease that we mean no trouble," Gabriel began, as King stood to his feet and offered the seat to Gabriel.

Blade now sat in front of Gabriel, his grey eyes alert and despite his origins, the man was quite relaxed. River wondered if Blade was interested in what Gabriel had to say.

"We've never met before, Mr. Centauri. So, I wouldn't know what you'd want with me," said Blade.

Gabriel's expression was polite, which was scary. "Just because we've never met doesn't mean we can't get acquainted now," he remarked.

Blade shared a look with the one standing beside him. "And why would you want to do that?" asked Blade.

Gabriel's amber eyes turned feral with authority only he could conjure. "Because you're in my territory now," he said calmly, but his tone was cold, "and everything here is under my control."

"My pack and I have no business with you," said Blade.

Gabriel tilted his head. "Your uncle and brother," he revealed.

Blade's grey eyes hardened with a sheen of hatred or regret. It wasn't just him, the man next to Blade also released a heavy sigh. River was sure that more than anyone else, these two are more than aware of the mess their family caused.

"I don't think I need to tell you about their habits," said Gabriel. "I'm sure you're well aware."

"What did they do to you?" asked Blade, he pinched the bridge of his nose.

Gabriel straightened in the seat. "They didn't do anything to me," he said.

Blade and his man shared another look. "Then, who?" he asked.

The comms in River's ear woke up with Azura's voice; "We've got a problem," she warned. "You've got company."

A loud engine turned off and so did the heavy music. The door burst open and a man walked inside confidently.

"Blade," the younger one called out. "How could you leave us behind like that?" The man was shorter than Blade, his features softer too. But he had those grey eyes and dark hair- the only difference was that his was cut short to his skull and some scars sliced over his skull.

This had to be Zane Morelli, Blade's younger brother and the one that's being hunted by Ivy Croft. However, River wasn't concerned about that nuisance. It was the other man strolling inside while lighting a cigarette. Both his hands were heavily jewelled with gold rings. Although, that rich gold and stones didn't hide the man's murderous grey eyes and slimy smile. He was bitter and so was his scent- like he doused himself in acid before he walked in here. He was tall, built to be a fighter yet he was as if a corpse with no meat on his body. He stood pridefully in a grey suit and a gun strapped on his belt- open for everyone to see.

River didn't like this. He didn't like this at all. He stepped closer to Gabriel and even the man standing next to Blade stepped closer to his alpha. River wondered why Blade would be guarded around his family- it didn't make sense.

"Well, well, another Centauri has come to spite me," Halo Morelli spoke sardonically. "Rose Centauri was a beauty. I still regret that she passed away without meeting me one last time."

Gabriel held his distaste clearly on his face when Halo spoke. "You should be glad that you didn't meet my mom. She would've chopped up your legs and fed them to her wolves," he replied.

Halo blew out the tobacco before he came up beside Blade. "Coming to meet this pack alone was the wrong move, Blade," he laid his hand on Blade's shoulder, the man stiffened at the brief touch. "I'll deal with you at home."

Blade's grey eyes closed and he almost looked apologetic towards Gabriel and the rest of them. He got up from the seat and Halo took that as an invitation to sit down. River didn't take his eyes off Blade who stood back with the other man who looked ready to kill Halo and Zane. That made two of them.

"I really thought that the history between your mom and I would be in the past," said Halo- his vile gaze shined venomously at Gabriel. "However, I'm glad you reached out to the Red Fang pack. It shows how mature you are, unlike your parents."

"When can we kill this bitch?" Lupin asked through the comms only the Centauri pack members heard.

"I'm ready to rip out his throat with my teeth," added Hunter.

River didn't say anything but he agreed with both of them. He wondered what Gabriel was thinking despite all the bullshit Halo was spewing in front of him. When River looked at him, Gabriel held no expression on his face. He was controlled and most likely locking his focus on his next target.

River got it now. Gabriel wasn't here to talk to anyone or convince anyone of anything. He was here to see whose side to be on. He was here to figure out who he needed to kill and who needed to stay alive. Gabriel wasn't here to be a businessman, politician or even a gentleman. He was figuring out the dynamic of this pack. And right now, it wasn't looking good for Red Fang pack. Their days of survival just cut down in half now that Halo pissed Gabriel off by showing his true colours.

However, Gabriel was strangely quiet about Halo's bullshit. River wondered why Gabriel hadn't shot the man in his face already. Knowing Gabriel, he was probably saving Halo's death for the right moment, when the whole world was watching.

"So, what do say, Centauri? Would you like to join hands and be allies?" Halo was smiling as if he had everything thought out. He was so proud that he showed up here and was sitting in front of Gabriel.

"We have another incoming, boys," alerted Azura.

Before anyone else, Blade had already locked his gaze on the door like he sensed another presence at the doors.

The tall woman with a cane sauntered into the building. Ivy Croft was luxurious in her style, her blood-red coat dragging behind her thick-heeled boots that matched her black pin-striped suit. Her sleek black hair was tied away from her face, showing her strict purple eye and the silver one too with her scars for everyone to see. She had her hands gloved, but her jewels were fitted over the rich leather. She was alone, which was just to prove that she wasn't scared of anyone here.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk-" she shook her head- "All these mighty people gathering thinking they can't be killed."

"Who the hell are you?" Halo snapped.

"That's Ivy Croft," answered the alpha of the Red Fang.

Blade knew her, thought River. If he knew her than he should be aware of what Zane did too, right?

Zane laughed coldly. "This is the one hunting me," he jested.

So, they did know, thought River.

Ivy's humour fell and a darkness appeared on her face. She walked over, her limp was visible but nothing about it seemed weak. She stood in front of Zane with her feral fangs sharpened at him. "Your ugly face is in my way, boy," she growled. Zane was reluctant, but he shifted to the side so she could stand in front of Blade not Halo. "I am here to warn you out of courtesy. I will kill Zane, but it's up to you if you want your entire pack to die or just him."

Blade hadn't flinched at the conditions Ivy proposed to him. He intensely stared at her like he understood fully well why she was here and why she had promised such a challenge. Usually, this type of threat would cause a pack war. Yet, Blade looked more than willing to let her do what she wanted from the way he laced his hands in front of him and faced her with integrity.

Ivy's smile appeared- her scars strained. "It's your choice," she said. "One life or everyone."

However, despite being alpha of the pack, this decision didn't seem to be in Blade's hands. Halo was the one pulling the strings, and from the way, he was fuming on the chair. Ivy was going to have to prepare for the worst now.

Ivy shifted back and neared Halo, she bent down to his level. The golden chains around her neck swung slightly when she had done that. The pendants skimmed Halo's shoulder.

"I won't hesitate when I slit your nephew's neck and drink his blood for what he did," she seethed. "That's a promise, Halo Morelli." Ivy moved back to leave, she crossed Gabriel and locked eyes with him.

"And how do you plan to do that?" Halo asked, his voice a nasty tease which made their skin crawl. "You're still new to this business, so let me educate you on something-" Halo got up and joined Zane's side- "you don't have the power I do. Before you even touch my pack, I'll have you buried twelve feet in the ground and I have hundreds who will help me."

Ivy turned around and faced Halo and Zane. Her stern eyes darkened with poisonous intent and she looked ready to unleash her wolf to kill the two right now.

"If that helps you sleep at night then good for you," said Ivy indifferently. "I'm not coming for your power Halo. I don't need it-" Ivy's eyes locked onto Blade and she smirked- "What a pathetic family you three make. This will be easier than I thought."

Halo gritted out a chain of curses. He crossed the bit of space and breathed the tobacco into the air. He took the burning cigarette and was about to throw it away or hurt her with it. River moved to stop him, but Gabriel had already grabbed his wrist.

"Watch yourself," Gabriel growled harshly, his amber eyes blazing like a tremendous fire. "You're in my presence and I don't need this shit. So, control yourself if you have any dignity left."

Halo ripped his arm away. "You all are nothing compared to me," he said. He turned towards his pack members and told them that they were leaving now.

"Don't think you can run from me," Ivy threatened. "I'm coming for you; Zane Morelli and it seems that your pack is going to die for it too."

All of them turned and faced Ivy Croft who was glaring at them with a dangerous power radiating from her. She wasn't giving them empty threats. River could see that she clearly meant what she said and it was up to the Red Fang pack to understand that.

"How dare you threaten my pack in front of me," snarled Halo.

It was fast, when Halo pulled out his gun and pulled the trigger three times. River, Ryder and King had all jumped in front of Gabriel and Ivy. However, Ivy hadn't moved from her spot. She took the bullets facing Halo head-on.

One bounced off the table and flew off somewhere piercing the wall. However, Ivy stood with a bullet imbedded in her shoulder and another had hit somewhere, they just didn't know where.

Commotion broke out. Blade was dragging his uncle and brother out of the building. They were quick to escape and the rest of the Centauri members ran into the building hearing the bullets.

"Are you hurt?" River scanned Gabriel.

"No," he answered sternly.

"King!" Azura's voice alarmed them.

River turned and saw that King was shot in his arm. He was bleeding out fast. Azura was already wrapping his arm up.

"I'm fine," he pushed her off him.

"You're shot too," Gabriel said to Ivy who was still standing facing in the direction which Halo and the others left from.

"We need to get you to the hospital," River said hastily and Ryder was already calling Dr. Stone who worked for them in situations like this. Matters that needed to be handled with discreet measures.

Ivy moved to leave when River grabbed her arm. "I don't need your help," she said.

"I didn't ask," he retorted and dragged her and King to his car. He took both of them to the hospital.

Dr. Stone rushed out of the doors finding River, but her sapphire blue eyes found the two who were bleeding out. She took both of the them to the large VIP hospital room and had her team helping both of them.

"Separate rooms," said Ivy.

Dr. Stone looked up at Gabriel and the others. Gabriel gave the go-ahead. Dr. Stone was commanding as she lead two of her teams to take care of Ivy and King. She personally handled Ivy Croft's injury and was able to take out the bullet without any issues.

River stood in the room with everyone else as a nurse cleaned up King's bloody arm. Suddenly, the door opened and another pair of blue scrubs appeared; it was Dr. Kim. The man was tall for a surgeon, but despite being a busy doctor, he was always polished. His dark hair combed back away from his handsome face and those dark eyes. His tattoos were peeking out from under his scrubs and lab coat. He was also a pack member of the Iron Blood pack. River wholeheartedly approved of Isaiah's decision to have a doctor as a pack member, it was smart.

"I heard you guys were here," Justin said with his usual charming self. "Who's shot?"

"The most annoying one to deal with," remarked Ryder.

King shot him a glare. Justin came over and asked the nurse to leave since he'd handle it from here. River was kind of glad because that meant now they could talk about what the fuck just happened in that restaurant.

Although, River tried not to think about the time since it was getting closer and closer to eight o'clock.

"Do you think Blade told his uncle that he was meeting with us?" Azura asked first.

"From where I was standing, it didn't look like Blade liked his uncle and brother," added Ryder.

"Would you?" remarked Lupin. "Those two are total losers."

"That's an understatement," retorted Hunter who was glowering over King and making sure he stayed put for the treatment.

"And Ivy walking in on them like that blew my fucking mind," Azura sounded impressed or exhausted; maybe both.

"If she had killed Halo right then and there, I probably would have filmed it and cheered," said Ryder.

"I would've joined too," Lupin snickered with Ryder.

"Wow, you are brutal," Justin added. "But I'm sure my pack would've gladly helped too."

"Oh, don't get me started on the Iron Blood pack," remarked Ryder.

Justin grinned as he dropped the metal bullet in a basin. "They're not so bad," he said.

"Are you kidding?" remarked Lupin.

"Lazarus, Zeiden and Ronin would've shot Halo and Zane in the face," said Ryder.

"And Adrik would eat their guts for dinner," added Azura with a snicker.

"Marcello would probably burn the place to the ground after all that was done," Hunter joined in.

"Isaiah would have a fun time watching," Justin told them. "Okay, I get it. They are pretty crazy."

"What do you mean they?" remarked Azura. "You're part of that pack now which makes you just as crazy."

As the others chatted away, River looked at his side. Gabriel who was lost in thought hadn't uttered one word this entire time. River didn't know what he was thinking. But he was sure that Gabriel was concerned about this entire thing. It was never easy when packs were unwilling to cooperate and reach an understanding. Halo and Ivy didn't look ready to keep this civil and Gabriel knew that more than anyone. River was afraid to admit it, but he just hoped there wasn't too much damage after this feud.

Gabriel shifted and left the room. River shadowed him and he knew that they were going to Ivy's room. Gabriel knocked and Dr. Stone let him in- River stubbornly followed too.

Ivy was sitting on the bed, it seemed that her treatment was complete. Her shirt was torn but she wore it despite the blood. She was a bit pale, but since her lips were painted a dark red, River couldn't tell how she was from her complexion. He was sure that she was in pain, but she handled it like an alpha of a pack would; with immovable grit.

"What are you planning?" Gabriel jumped the gun and didn't waste time.

Ivy drew her coat over her shoulders. "Something possibly very dangerous, so stay out of the way," she said.

"And if you die, what happens to your pack?" Gabriel questioned and that caught her attention. "You may be a powerful wolf, but you have a lot to learn about being an alpha."

"Everything I do is because I am an alpha," she said. She didn't grab the cane to her left and she stood to her feet. "I'm sorry about King. I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt."

River didn't expect for her to apologize, many wouldn't since it just wasn't the right way to show power. Yet, Ivy wasn't that type. She didn't seem to find it important to exert her dominance to Gabriel...it was as if she trusted him.

"You trust us," River stated.

Ivy's gaze was calm and strong. "I do," she said. "It's no mystery of how Gabriel treats his pack and any alpha would be stupid not to respect you-"

River heard a 'but' coming somewhere now.

"But you're being reckless intervening in my business," she said. "I don't want to harm your pack, so let me handle this alone. I am asking you one alpha to another."

Gabriel straightened and it seemed he didn't have anything to say to that because he knew what Ivy was asking and the weight of it. She was asking him to trust her as she was leaving her trust to him. River knew that this was an alliance being made. One pack trusting another.

Gabriel didn't hesitate. "Then I leave this to you," he said.

Ivy turned to Dr. Stone. "Thank you," she said. Dr. Stone grabbed the cane and handed it to Ivy letting her leave.

However, Gabriel stopped her. "You don't know much about me or my pack," he said. "The Centauri wolves never back down from a fight. If you trust me then trust us to have your back in this."

Ivy stayed silent for a while, like she processed his words and the depth of his promise. "That's all I need," she said then. "Take care until next time." She left after that.

River didn't know what that woman was planning, but she could handle herself. She took an attack of bullets without flinching a muscle, she was more than capable.

"Are you two injured?" Dr. Stone asked.

"Nope," said Gabriel.

Dr. Stone gave a disapproving look, which was probably because she didn't like how often these hospital visits were getting. She left the room too and that gave a moment for River to talk to Gabriel.

"What's our next move?" he asked.

Gabriel's amber eyes flashed with that cunning gleam that always meant trouble. "I'm going to let Ivy Croft kill those assholes, so then, I can get a good night's rest," he answered.

"You won't intervene?" River couldn't help but sound surprised.

"Nope."

River wasn't buying it. "And why not?" He crossed his arms.

"It's not my place to interfere," Gabriel said.

River scoffed. "You interfere in everyone's business, that's just who you are," he affirmed. "What are you really plotting?"

"Nothing," asserted Gabriel. "Don't you trust me?"

River raised a brow. "Oh, I trust you. But I also know you. And after the shit Halo pulled in front of you, I'm confused why you didn't hang the man with a fish hook in his heart," he said.

Gabriel's posture straightened and he looked lethal from his feral gaze. The pheromones that radiated off him could murder any wolf that challenged him. This was the Centauri everyone was afraid of but respected.

"I want nothing more than to slice Halo's gut with my claws and then feed his stomach to his ugly nephew," Gabriel's voice was low and cold. "But like I said, this isn't my place. Ivy Croft has a lot to prove as an alpha and to the other alphas here. She has to make this kill if she really wants to have any voice in this world."

"Just like you told Isaiah to kill Vito," River recalled. When Isaiah Iron had come to Gabriel for help to defeat Vito Donovan- a weapon's dealer, Gabriel had told him the same thing too.

"I can't take all the glory, now can I?" Gabriel teased. "It's time for the new kids."

River shook his head. "I'll let Azura know that you want her to keep an eye on Ivy and Halo," he said.

Gabriel put a hand on River's shoulder. "You know me so well, it kind of scares me," he admitted.

"I'm glad someone scares you, otherwise you'd be a psychopath," River mumbled making Gabriel grin like a sly wolf.

Lupin appeared behind them. "The pack's here," he announced.

It was obvious that the pack was here because the entire hallway filled with voices and disorder. Gabriel left to see them and River's eyes went to the clock again, it was eight o'clock and something in his gut sank.

Zoya must be at the restaurant already, but she was waiting in vain because River had no intention of going to the date tonight. There was nothing that would change his mind; not the ache in his heart more the urge in his body to go and see her. But River wouldn't make the mistake of falling into his desires and getting people hurt; especially her. She was safe without him, that's all that mattered. Soon enough, she'll realize that too and will be glad that she didn't mate with him.

He should be relieved, his heart should calm down now, but that wasn't what happened. As the clock ticked away, something inside him died more and more. His wolf's voice had vanished too, he was quiet like he had to numb all the pain away in the darkness.

A hand touched River's shoulder. River snapped back to his surroundings and he noticed the room full of their pack members.

"Are you okay?" Ryder asked him. "You're distracted."

River couldn't answer, his voice wouldn't comply with his attempt to lie to his twin. Ryder could sense everything; his own pain was also Ryder's pain. River shifted back thinking that maybe keeping his distance would hide his thoughts from his brother and everyone else.

Ryder's jaw tightened and he dropped his hand. "Fine, be stubborn," he growled and turned away.

River closed his eyes and tried his hardest to distract himself. He paid attention to everyone in the room. However, all he saw was how concerned Hailey, Sabrina, Klaus were for their mates. For god's sake, River wanted to leave the room. Hailey held her son in her arms and was hugging Hunter who tried to calm her down. Sabrina was standing with Gabriel while Klaus was looming over King who was injured. This was exactly what River avoided, this responsibility would cloud River's judgement because it was up to him to ensure these people's safety. He had to make sure everyone got home safe to their mates. There was no way he could have this life when he was on the edge all the time.

"This much won't kill me," said King through the ruckus. "Trust me, someone is really going to have to raise hell in order to separate me from you."

"Don't even say that," rebuked Klaus.

"What are you guys going to do now?" Sabrina asked them. "This is getting too dangerous."

Ryder told her that they were done with this mess and glad to be going home tonight. Azura was pissed though and holding onto her gun with a tight fist. She was seated in the corner fuming like a volcano ready to burst. River understood her more than anyone, since both of them were in charge to keep them safe and they failed. King was shot and Gabriel was almost shot too.

River didn't go to Azura and comfort her though because that would just piss her off even more. The only one capable enough to calm her was Gabriel. And he already noticed that one of his wolves was sitting alone in the corner and angry.

While everyone was getting ready to go home, Gabriel stepped in front of Azura. She didn't look at her alpha who was staring down at her.

The room cleared and River stood by the door wondering what Gabriel would say to her.

"It's not your fault," Gabriel said softly. At times like this, Gabriel was tender with his wolves. He never disregarded their anger or their sadness.

Azura's silver eyes flashed with guilt and darkened with rage. "That doesn't matter," she gritted out. "King shouldn't have gotten shot."

"And you think that you getting shot is a better option?" When Azura didn't answer, Gabriel shook his head. "You and River have a very twisted way of thinking," he accused.

River grew alert when he heard his name come up too.

"What makes you think I want any of you hurt?" Gabriel grumbled. "You all matter to me too much."

Azura's eyes shifted away from Gabriel, her jaw clenched so tight that it could break. "It doesn't matter because it's my duty to die for you," she said firmly and River believed the same.

"No, Azura," Gabriel said. "I need you to live your life for me, that's why I saved you."

Azura looked up at him, her eyes widened. She didn't say anything further but she put her gun in the leather holster strapped to her back. She got off the couch and left the room. Gabriel turned to follow when he saw River standing there.

"You two are cut from the same cloth," he remarked as he crossed the room.

River couldn't disagree because it was true. Azura knew her duty better than anyone and so did River. They had a job and they were dedicated to it until the end.

"Let's go home," Gabriel said as they both stepped out of the room and out of the hospital.

Everyone got in their cars, River was about to as well when King came up to him. "What's up?" River asked.

"I'm taking Klaus," informed King.

"Where?" River asked.

King's eyes gleamed. "My old house. We'll be back tomorrow," he said.

"Ew, stop being nasty in front of me," grumbled River.

King smirked. "You asked," he retorted.

"Call if anything happens. I'm done with surprises," River instructed sternly.

"I'll see," King jested and ran for it.

"You punk," River bit back his curses and got in his car.

They drove home, and every time River saw the time on the dashboard, he avoided looking at it. The time was a reminder that Zoya was waiting at the restaurant for him.

River tensed as his hand fisted the steering wheel and he picked up speed to ignore everything clouding his head...

They arrived back at the pack territory.

Everyone was tired, so they wasted no time getting back to the house to get some sleep. Azura ignored everyone and transformed into her wolf running away into the woods. Viola was getting ready to run after her, but Gabriel stopped his sister because he knew that Azura needed to walk it off- maybe, River should do that too. He should run until all was exhausted out of him. Ryder was with Vincent and River knew that Vincent would take care of Ryder, so he wasn't concerned for his twin. Everyone else had their mates and now it was enough for River to go back to his cabin alone.

However, after everyone left. River couldn't go back to his cabin; his feet just wouldn't move. Zoya kept flashing in front of him. Her fragrance, her eyes, her smile, her laugh; it all paralyzed him. He never thought that this would happen to him. He barely knew Zoya, yet her existence haunted his every breath now. What was happening to him? Why was he losing his mind?

A rushing urge grew inside him and River got back in his car and drove out of the gates again. He drove as fast as he could even though it was nine thirty now. He didn't know why he was going to the Golden Pier, Zoya was probably gone by now. She couldn't have waited for him that long.

River ran multiple red lights since most of the streets were empty at this time. He arrived at the restaurant and parked a bit far from the doors. He was on the other side of the street, when he faced the huge glass windows and his eyes searched through the few guests inside who were getting ready to leave. The restaurant was closing in ten minutes.

Suddenly, his gaze locked on the one they seeked. River's heart sank. Zoya was sitting by the corner window. Her beautiful black hair was tied up showing her stunning blue eyes that were searching around her. River's breath caught in his throat and he burned alive with shame. She was sitting all alone in vain waiting for him. He wanted to run to her but his mind ignored his heart and he stayed right outside in the dark. He remembered how they were attacked earlier, there was still some blood on his shirt too. He couldn't go to her, not when he knew that he wasn't deserving of her.

"Why aren't you going to her?"

River froze when he heard Gabriel's voice beside him. "How'd you-"

"I know you better than anyone, River," he professed. "So, when you kept looking at the clock, I figured it all out. But forget that. She's waiting for you, go to her."

"No," asserted River.

"River-"

"I don't want to fight over this," said River, he was already exhausted from battling himself at every turn.

"I know how you feel but you'll regret this, brother," Gabriel warned.

River turned himself off. His desire, his needs, his heart just like he did years ago. "I'll regret tying her down and getting her hurt more," he replied. "She deserves more than me and what my life offers." She deserved the world and he didn't have anything to give her.

Suddenly, the restaurant doors opened and Zoya strode out of the building. She was the last one out. Standing tall in a dress that was silk and it glistened like melted gold. A fur coat over her bare shoulders but she must be freezing in that. River stayed long enough to see the tears in her eyes fall down her cheeks. Seeing her in pain because of him ripped him up on the inside. She got in her car and drove off.

It was over.

River couldn't breathe despite thinking that after all this he would be relieved. He felt the bitter air slither down his body and turn his blood cold.

"You're making a mistake," Gabriel said.

"I made a bigger mistake thinking that I could love someone," River confessed.

Gabriel's eyes saddened. "You deserve someone to love and for her to love you, River," he affirmed.

A bottomless silence fell between them.

"Go home, Gabriel," said River sternly.

Gabriel stepped in front of River, his amber eyes fuming but he didn't say anything. He stalked off back to his car and drove back home leaving River on the street alone.

River didn't know how much time passed before he got in his own car and drove around the city. He wasn't aware where the night went, but when he returned to the pack, the sun was rising past the horizon.

He tracked over the field when he saw a sleek black wolf emerge from the woods, it was Azura. They both locked eyes and neither of them looked in any better shape than the other. Her run must have failed to lighten her mood and the drive he took failed too. Azura trudged past him without any exchange and he almost stopped her, but he was in no condition to comfort her.

River went back to his cabin, he dropped his key in on the table and took his shoes off at the door. The cabin was large enough for him to feel comfortable, there was a soft glow of blue light and the air was cool too. However, this place didn't comfort him today. He was undone and couldn't breathe, a weight sat on his chest pressing down more and more. A sharp pain grew behind his eyes and it got worse the longer he used his eyes.

River went up the stairs to the only bedroom and stripped off his clothes, dropping all of it on the chair. He went to the bathroom and showered under the hard, cold spray of water. He tipped his head under that icy water hoping the pain would subside yet it didn't. But when was he ever granted peace? It didn't matter what he did, he couldn't stop the pain anymore.

River slammed the water shut and got out.

After he towelled off, he closed the drapes in his room and he laid down in bed. He didn't dare close his eyes though because he knew that he would see Zoya. He waited until the dreadful silence took him and he fell asleep.