Zoya woke up alert and ready to go because today was the day she had her date with River. Abigail had prepared her gown last night, which took them hours to pick. At the end, Zoya went with the gown that she designed for this year's winter collection. It was her favourite dress and she needed perfection tonight. She already booked the table at Golden Pier for eight o'clock. Everything was prepared. All that was left was River. She wasn't sure if he'd show up tonight or not.

Zoya turned on her side and lying beside her was the fluffy ball of sunshine. River laid asleep on the empty side of the bed. Unlike other dogs, this pup wasn't a morning fellow, it was adorable.

Zoya rolled closer to him and woke him up when she put her head close to his own. She kissed his head and then his ear that flopped around.

"Good morning," she said between kisses. He stretched under her and tried to move back. But she was relentless. "You can't run away from my kisses. You know the routine, River. I need a hundred kisses before I'm done." She did as she promised every morning. She gave this pup all the love she could conjure and made sure he knew that she loved him.

After River went back to sleep under the sun, Zoya got to her feet and took a long pampering shower. She shaved and exfoliated, then lounged in the jacuzzi with wisteria oil in the water. Zoya wasn't going to work early today, so she could get her nails done and her hair too. She was wondering if she should get her makeup done as well, but she didn't like people touching her face, so she decided to do it herself.

When the water in the tub cooled, she got out and put on a simple dress so she could get all the chores completed. She first grabbed River who needed his bath too. She filled up the jacuzzi with water again and scrubbed the pup down until he smelt of lemons and fresh morning breeze. She expected him to be furious with her, but surprisingly, throughout the bath he calmly sat in her arms and let her clean his paws and ears. He didn't flinch at the blow-dryer either. Instead, Zoya needed a break here and there because she was exhausted from the task.

Zoya was fast to take them downstairs for breakfast. She prepared a bowl of cereal for herself and fed River as well. Both of them were stuffed within the hour.

As Zoya drank a cup of coffee and scrolled through her emails, she watched the small pup curl up near the window and watch the birds fly by. She quickly turned off her phone and opened the back door to go outside. The sky was a clear blue, snow was piled around the garden but it was fairly warm today. Zoya wore a thick wool cardigan and it kept her snuggled up from the cool air. River followed her outside, and as she took a seat on the chair with her legs nuzzled up in front of her, he roamed around sniffing the grass.

"I have a date tonight, buddy," she told him, although it was clear that he was more interested about the large tree branch. "This isn't like the other dates I've been on. This one is special and it's with River." The man who was chosen to be her mate. This was a big deal for her and she didn't want to waste another moment away from him. She hoped he felt the same way and was excited to come tonight too.

"Do you think River will come?" she asked River who was sniffing the bushes now. "I think he will come today."

Zoya leaned her head on her knees and lost herself in her imagination, which created a thousand different scenarios of what could happen tonight. All of them made her stomach flutter and her heart hammer rapidly. However, the one that overwhelmed her was the possibility that River wouldn't come to her tonight.

"Let's not think negatively, Zoya," she mumbled to herself. "River will come tonight. He has too..." her heart slowed and everything around her did too.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Zoya got up right away because she knew it was Abby. She quickly opened the door and Abby came inside with the long dress wrapped up under a protectant shield.

"You got it steamed, right?" Zoya asked as she grabbed the gown.

"Steamed and altered like you asked," Abigail replied. "Did you want me to escort you to Reyna?" Reyna was Zoya's hairdresser who was booked to help her today.

Zoya looked at the clock. "I have my nail appointment first," she told her. "We can start there."

"I'll wait in the car," said Abby and she left closing the door behind her.

Zoya ran up the stairs with her dress and draped it over the large counter in her dressing room. She didn't want any creases on the gown after she had it altered and steamed. Since she was planning all night, she was quick to take out the golden necklace and matching earrings. She grabbed the glittery gold heels and put them on the counter with her clutch on the side.

"Perfect," she stated as she assessed her work.

Zoya was quick to put on a comfortable jacket and scarf with boots before she grabbed her bag and headed out. She was putting on her socks when she saw River lying beside the fireplace with his head tucked away. He was usually beside her and ready to go, but this time he didn't move from his spot.

"River, come on," she said. "I'm heading out. Aren't you coming?" The pup made no response to her call. Zoya went over to him and sat on the ground. "Don't you want to come with me?" she asked. His blue eyes looked at her and he licked her palm before he laid back down. "Okay. You stay home. I'll be back soon." She kissed his head over and over before he rolled over on his side, which was his way of telling her to leave already.

Zoya grabbed her key off the counter and locked the door before leaving the house. She quickly got in the car with Abigail. Zoya pulled on the belt and clicked it into place.

The drive took a while as traffic grew in the city.

"Stop with the knee, it's distracting," reprimanded Abby.

Zoya hadn't noticed that she was bouncing her knee up and down, she couldn't help it. A lot of nerves were firing through her body right now. She was on edge. She held her knee down forcefully.

"You remember that Sabrina and her family are visiting tomorrow to get their dresses, right?" Abigail asked her.

"Of course," said Zoya. "All of the dresses are prepared for them tomorrow?"

"Yes, ma'am," answered Abigail.

"I also had Ryder's suit put in for tailoring, I want you to make sure that is complete for tomorrow as well," Zoya said.

"I will," said Abby. They stopped at a red-light. "Are you that nervous for tonight?" she asked tentatively.

"Nervous, excited, scared out of my wits, you name it," Zoya chuckled.

Abby pressed on the race then and took a left turn onto the next street. "Why?" she sounded surprised. "It's not like you haven't been on a date before."

"It's because it's with River," Zoya told her. "He makes me-" her voice fell because she couldn't put it into words how he made her feel. Like a storm consumed everything in its path, River did that to her. She was enthralled by him. The way he protected the people he loved and even the glowering frown he always had; it all charmed her.

He was unlike anyone she had ever met. And that alone, scared her because she was undeserving of him. He was special, a person who had a precious family and bonds that she never experienced before. What if she hurt him or them? She didn't want them seeing that ugly side of her that her parents scarred into her. That thought alone terrified her. She had to try her best to make sure she could be a part of the Centauri pack.

They arrived at the salon and Zoya got out of the car to get her nails done. Abby had suggested the light pink colour and Zoya agreed too because she couldn't make any decision right now. As her nails were being prepped, Abby had her phone out showing Zoya all the different hairstyles she could do. The took a bunch of photos as reference to take later to Reyna.

Zoya didn't say anything to Abby about it, but as the clock ticked away, she couldn't help the sickening pain twisting inside her gut. Something wasn't right and Zoya was petrified...

A while later, her nails were done and Zoya went with Abby to eat some lunch around one o'clock before her appointment at three o'clock. They stopped by a local sandwich pub and grabbed a bite to eat. Sitting at the round table, they had lunch and discussed whether or not Zoya needed new lingerie.

"You need new lingerie," Abby claimed with her mouth full on a turkey sandwich.

"I don't know what type of date you think this is," remarked Zoya as she hid her blush behind her drink.

Abby wiped her mouth. "What do you mean?" she frowned. "Aren't you going to fuck him until he drops after this?"

Zoya choked on her drink. "Abby!" she coughed and her eyes watered.

Abby shrugged. "What?"

Zoya covered her face. "This isn't that type of dinner," she told her.

"I still think you should get hot lingerie," she suggested. "What if this does lead to you taking your clothes off?"

Zoya laughed in disbelief. "I doubt River's the type," she admitted.

"True," she agreed. "I think you'll be the one ripping his clothes-" Zoya covered her friend's mouth making her laugh.

Zoya threw out the garbage and walked out. Abby laughed as she followed her out too.

Both of them ended up in the small boutique to buy Zoya new lingerie, even though she claimed many times that this wasn't this type of date. She was just getting new (very sexy) lingerie for fun and no other reason at all.

With her shopping bags in hand, Zoya walked into the hair salon. Reyna was ready for her already and another hour passed here alone. She wanted to let her hair be open for the night, but she remembered how River opened her hair that night in her driveway when he came over. Maybe, it was wishful thinking, but she hoped he would do that again tonight. Reyna did a beautiful job creating a gorgeous chignon on Zoya's head. All the black curls weaved into a large flower and she put small diamond flowers into the heavy mass.

Zoya paid Reyna and walked out of the salon. She quickly took out her phone and pulled up the camera feed of her house. She checked-up with River and the pup was playing with his favourite chew-toy.

Abby appeared frantically. "We have a problem," she said.

Zoya frowned. "What's wrong?" She was afraid to ask.

"It's your mom," said Abby, "she's at the company demanding to see you."

Zoya's blood turned hot and it started to boil. "Tell security to escort her to the sub-level office," she gritted out. "I don't want that woman causing a ruckus at my company."

Abigail put her phone back to her ear. "Yes, ma'am."

Zoya got in the car with Abigail and she drove them to the company. Despite having the day off, Zoya was always prepared for emergencies. She just didn't like this emergence in particular. She never would have thought that her mother would dare to step inside White Knight. A company that Zoya built from the ground up and all by herself. How dare that woman step foot on Zoya's territory.

Zoya's wolf stepped forth and a vile hatred clouded her heart. She was about to transform right here and now, but she swallowed the urgency to spill blood, since her manicure, pedicure and hair would get ruined.

Abby was fast to drive them to the company, and when Zoya arrived, she noticed all the apprehensive expressions of her employees. It was obvious that they witnessed the dramatic skit Ellen Knightley must have performed here.

Jonas- the company's security guard approached Zoya. "We have taken the woman to the office," he informed. "She was unwilling at first-"

"Did you use force on her?" Abby asked and Jonas frowned.

Zoya straightened as she crossed the massive foyer to the elevator. "It's fine if you used force," she actually approved of it. "That woman wouldn't have listened to any other method."

They all got in the elevator and reached the last level of the company building. There was nothing on the sub-level except a bunker with one office. She hadn't remodelled this floor yet, but who would have thought that this would have turned into an interrogation room.

They approached the single door in the dull, grey hallway, when Zoya put her hand up stopping Jonas and Abby to enter with her. She'd do this alone because anyone else wouldn't understand the facade Ellen easily mesmerized people under.

Zoya closed the door behind her and faced the same strict woman in white. She was sitting cross-legged with her shoulders held back proudly. She tapped her long-manicured fingernail on the table and released a heavy breath. She was staring down at her wristwatch and mumbled something under her breath.

Zoya stepped inside closer and her mother looked up surprised. "Oh, you're here," she sounded her usual cold self. "You need to have a word with your staff. They treated me with such disrespect-" she scoffed, like nothing in this world was above her- "your father would've fired that man on the spot for what they did to me. People really don't understand their place in society. That lowlife-" she continued to bit out curses and fumed on the chair. "Zoya, that man dared to-"

Zoya slammed her palm on the counter startling Ellen. "Do not come down to my company and patronize me," she growled.

Ellen lifted her chin. "I'm your mother," she retorted.

"You are not my mother. You are just a woman who got horny and utilized the basic function of her vagina. That's all," Zoya seethed out each word with poison dripping off her tongue.

Ellen's soulless black eyes glared at Zoya. "How dare you," her tone was the exact same as the one Zoya heard countless times before she was locked away in the dark for days.

However, Zoya wasn't afraid of that voice anymore. She was her own woman and Ellen couldn't harm her.

"Who do you think you are?" Zoya seethed. "And drop the act of being my mother. You never were. Tell those lies to people who don't know the truth about what you are capable of."

Ellen looked away and rubbed the temple of her forehead. She took a deep breath and released it while later. "Alright, I'm sorry," she said. "Can we please start over?"

Zoya crossed her arms and towered over her mother from across the table. "You have two minutes to explain why you thought you had the right to walk through my company doors?" she gritted out.

"I wanted to see you," admitted Ellen with a smile. "I made reservations for lunch and thought we could catch up."

Zoya's blood turned cold and like ice had replaced the warmth inside her heart. Her wolf bared her fangs at Ellen. "Unlike you, I have responsibilities to manage," she told her. "I won't join you-"

"I can always come another time," she offered.

"Why are you doing this?" Zoya asked. "After all these years, what's your motive?"

Ellen sighed like she was the one exhausted from the years of abuse. "You're clearly not ready to hear me out," she said as she got to her heeled feet.

"You will use the back-entrance door," Zoya said.

Ellen's eyes widened as she clenched her teeth together. "You are resembling your father more and more," she said bitterly.

Zoya glared back at her mother. "I wonder why?" her voice oozed with sarcasm. She turned and opened the door. "Jonas, escort her out the back. Make sure she leaves."

"Yes, boss," said Jonas before he took Ellen outside through the hidden gate of this floor towards the underground parking level.

Zoya got in the elevator separating from that putrid fragrance her mother used always. Her throat tightened and a weight fell on her chest like she was being suffocated alive. She slumped back against the wall and didn't realize how heavy her breath had gotten.

"Zoya! Zoya!" Abby called out desperately, but Zoya couldn't hear clearly; it was all fuzzy.

Zoya's eyes blurred and she fell in the darkness of her past. Alone and trapped in that massive mansion, the walls caved in on her and whispered the words of her mother all night long. In a house where there was no warmth or love, only hatred and evil it consumed all the warmth inside Zoya leaving her blind and empty. She died in that house. Her childhood lost and her smile was taken by the hands of her parents. That was a house where two people used every chance they had to make her feel as if her existence was a bane. She was worse than a plague to them despite having no control over anything. Zoya had never bloomed into anything there. She was all alone with no one to help her or fight for her. She was all alone, even now. No one knew about her past and no one held her hand either. She was her own strength... she was her own protector.

"Zoya!" Abby shook her shoulders and Zoya came back.

The elevator had reached the top floor to her office by the time Zoya realized what had happened.

"Sorry," she muttered. "I didn't mean to scare you."

Abby held onto Zoya as she took her to her office. She placed her on the couch and quickly prepared a glass of water.

She grabbed the cool glass and drank only half of the water unable to drink more. Zoya was being pathetic, but she didn't know how to stop all her emotions from drowning her.

"Are you okay?" Abby asked.

Zoya wasn't okay, she never was when it came to her parents. "I'm fine," she lied so Abby wouldn't carry this sickness with her too. No one needed to burn in this agony, it wouldn't be fair.

"That woman," Abby began, "what does she want with you?"

Zoya took a shaky deep breath in. "She wants to rekindle and move on," she told Abby.

Abby scoffed. "What a load of crap," she blurted out and Zoya let out a cold laugh.

A knock on the door interrupted them and Abby went to see to the matter so Zoya could take a minute for herself.

Zoya knew she couldn't erase her past or her bloodline. She was part of the Knightley name whether she liked it or not. However, she desired that she could separate from her mother and father. That was the reason she had left for Greece years ago. They couldn't show up at her door or walk into her company unannounced. If her mother showed up one more time, Zoya would move away again; somewhere far. A place no one could touch her or hurt her. A place she would be all alone where her past couldn't hurt her.

Zoya got to her feet, unable to bear the walls around her, when she caught sight of her appearance. She saw her extravagant hair and remembered River and her date. How could she leave when she had just met the one person she could see spending her entire life with? Her mate came to her and she needed him.

Zoya's felt her limbs ease away all the rigid tension and a surge of warmth filled her. She was meeting River tonight for a date, so she should be thinking of that. She should think about her future, now that she finally got the chance.

Zoya left her office and went to the brides that arrived for their dress-fitting today. She visited everyone and made sure they had everything they needed to make today perfect. That's how she operated at White Knight. This was a place safe for everyone to share their dreams, so Zoya could make them come true. Nothing was more important than that for Zoya...

Every hour, Zoya looked up at the clock wishing it would move faster. However, as each minute passed, the nerves in her body responded. She had millions of butterflies flying inside her stomach and she was jittery. If she was sitting then her foot or knee wouldn't quit bouncing and if she stood then she was twirling her thumbs.

It was around six o'clock when Skyler and Noah came for their last fitting. Zoya was standing in the gallery when she spotted the two men walking through the large glass doors.

"Skyler! Noah!" she called out and went to them.

"Zoya, how are you doing?" Noah asked as he went in for a hug, which she gladly accepted.

"Good now that you guys are here," she said excitedly. "I hope you both are ready to see your suits?"

Skyler and Noah exchanged a soft smile. "We are," Skyler said.

Abigail arrived right on time too. "Abby, can you escort Noah to see his suit," Zoya asked. "Skyler, you can follow me."

The two pairs separated since Skyler and Noah didn't want to see each other's suits before their ceremony, which was understandable. Zoya took Skyler to the fitting room to try his suit on before the finishing touches were made.

"You look nice," Skyler pointed out as he studied her appearance.

Zoya opened the door for them. "Thank you," she smiled cheekily. "I have a date tonight."

Skyler's eyes widened. "Is it with that man from the Centauri pack?" he asked.

Zoya nodded. "River Drakov," she whispered.

Skyler gave no indication that he was impressed. "Just be careful," he said.

Zoya took him to the fitting room and he was taken by the styling crew. They helped him into the tuxedo she designed for him. After he had gotten the shirt and trousers on, she went into the room. She liked to arrange the suit herself since she got the feel of the craftsmanship.

"I got it from here guys," she said and her employees promptly left.

Skyler stood on the dark podium in front of the massive mirror. She designed a classic black tuxedo for Skyler, which fit perfectly to his sturdy physique. The suit itself was made from luxurious cashmere and silk, this impeccably tailored tuxedo was structured for a clean and sleek silhouette. She added the satin trim so it provided the stylish contrast, which subtly highlighted the buttons, lapels, and pockets.

Zoya grabbed the silver cufflinks and looped them through the sleeves linking them into place. "Why did you tell me to be careful?" she asked him.

Skyler looked down at her with his stern blue eyes. "I just don't want you getting hurt," he said.

Zoya bit back her laugh. She looped the dark silk around his neck and began tying the fabric into a bow. "River won't hurt me, he's my mate," she said, as she remembered her own parents who hurt her more than anyone ever could.

Skyler frowned and he put his hand over hers. "Are you okay?" he asked.

Zoya didn't look him in the eyes, she would reveal the pain. "I'm perfect-" she grabbed the suit jacket off the mannequin and Skyler slid his arms into the sleeves- "and now, you're looking perfect too."

Zoya stepped off the podium and let Skyler take a few minutes to enjoy being in his suit. She stood speechless as she took in the excitement in her heart seeing someone in their wedding suit. The bride or groom always had a dreamy look, like they were picturing their wedding day and the love of their life.

Zoya always dreamed to have that day for herself too. She wondered about walking down aisle, and now that River was with her, she would run down that aisle to him. However, she couldn't get the sick feeling out of her gut. What if it didn't go the way she hoped tonight? What if River doesn't show up tonight? What was Zoya going to do? She never really gave it any thought, but it wasn't necessary because River wouldn't do that. This mating bond was just as important to him as it was her.

The day continued and Skyler finalized the finishing touches for his suit, so did Noah. After that, they enjoyed a cup of coffee. Although, Skyler was quick to sense the tension from her. He didn't probe her with questions about tonight, which she appreciated. She couldn't stomach any food though; the coffee barely went down and she ordered her favourite latte.

It was at six o'clock that Skyler and Noah went home and Zoya ran to her car. She told Abby not to call her no matter what happens because she didn't want to be disturbed during the date and Abby was kind to offer to babysit her pup while she was out for dinner, which Zoya gladly took up on the offer.

Zoya then drove home fast.

She burst through the front door already having a plan set in her head. "River! I'm home, baby!" she announced when she noticed the fluffy pup lifted his head, he was sitting in the hall by the stairs. She bent down and gathered him in her arms. "Were you waiting from me?" she asked as she kissed his head and took him to her dressing room.

She set him on the round couch under a blanket and quickly took a bath. She made sure not to ruin her hair, so wrapped it in a silk cloth and clipped it. She dried off her body and then went straight to the room to put her dress on. But before that, she eyed the bags of new lingerie she bought with Abigail today. Ignoring that devilish voice in her head, she opened the bag and put on the lacy underwear and bra. Then she slid on her dress, the rich silk sculpted to her curves falling down in luscious waves of flimsy fabric, which flowed around her legs and danced at any step she took.

Zoya sat in front of her dresser mirror and tried not to let her trembling hands ruin her eyeliner or lipstick. Every time she tried to focus, her eyes drifted to the clock and then the pup behind her who was merely watching her struggle.

"Don't taunt me," she told him. "I'm just nervous."

He blinked those blue eyes up at her from under the blanket. She finished putting her lipstick on when she smiled at him through the mirror.

Zoya got to her feet and stood in front of the royal blue velvet case. "This is just a dinner," she told the pup casually, "but a diamond necklace shouldn't hurt."

She opened the case to a lavish necklace piece that she bought when she was living in Greece. The diamonds were cold when they touched her skin and heavy too. She secured the link from the back and then put on the earrings too.

She posed in front of River then. "How do I look?" she asked. "Wait, I'm not done-" she quickly ran to the pair of glittery gold heels and slipped her feet in them. She then grabbed the small gold clutch that could only fit her phone and some gloss- "okay, all done."

Zoya stood in front of the stoic pup waiting for a reaction, but the pup hadn't moved muscle just like the one who shared his name. These two Rivers' were going to drive her crazy.

"So?" She kept posing; once with her arms in the air or the next was putting her hands on her waist. "Do you think he'll even notice?" she asked then dropping her arms.

The pup in front of her suddenly got off the couch and jumped off, but he didn't land on his legs. He fell with a thud startling her.

"River!" She picked him up off the ground. "Are you okay?" She rubbed the side of his back and stomach that hit the floor. She had to remember not to put him too high up from the ground since he wasn't strong enough to climb down yet.

Zoya carried him down the stairs with her and set him at his favourite spot near the fireplace. Her doorbell went off then and she knew Abigail had arrived now that it was close to seven thirty.

Zoya opened the door.

"Wow, you look beautiful," Abby beamed at her.

Zoya blushed and had to contain her massive smile. "Thank you," she let her inside.

"River, are you ready to spend the night with me?" Abby asked the nonchalant pup. "While you and I are going to watch Finding Nemo, your mom over here is going to enjoy another type of movie with another River-" Abigail shot a sly grin at Zoya.

"Don't teach him things like that," Zoya rebuked. "And we're not going to do anything. This is a sophisticated dinner."

Abigail scoffed. "Sure, sure," she said sarcastically. "Get going already. You don't want to be late."

"Right, okay, bye. I'll be home soon-" she kissed River. Zoya's heart jumped and she listened to her secretary. She grabbed the key off the table and left the house with a thick shawl around her bare shoulders.

The shawl she chose to wear tonight was made from heavy fur, but it didn't protect her from the cold. She quickly got in her car and blasted the heat to warm her hands and feet. Once the heat melted the ice off her body, she drove out of the driveway and made her way quickly to the restaurant where she made reservations. The closer she got to the location, the more her heart pounded in her chest and the heavy pit in her stomach sank further.

Zoya arrived and she parked on the road. She was careful not to slip on the ice outside her car because she didn't want to ruin this night with a busted hip or face.

Zoya went into the restaurant despite it not being eight o'clock yet. The waiter took her to the table she reserved and she hung her shawl on the chair behind her. She eyed the empty seat in front of her, it was only seven forty-seven, so River had time before he arrived.

"Would you like anything to drink, ma'am?" The waitress asked her.

Zoya looked up into the young girl's eyes. "Can I get a glass of Dom Perignon," she said and the waitress left.

Zoya ignored the clock in front of her and focused on the view next to her. She was glad she reserved the window seat since it didn't feel as if she was trapped. Who would have thought that sitting and waiting for someone would suck the life out of her? She had never been filled with angst before, not even when she had to interview investors for her company. From the distant chatter in the restaurant, she heard the clock ticking away one second at a time. The entire room slowed down, even the pedestrians crossing the road in front of her.

The waitress returned. "Ma'am, your champagne," she smiled and set the glass in front of Zoya. "What will you start with for the appetizer?" The waitress asked her.

Zoya straightened. "I'm still waiting for my guest," she told her. The waitress nodded and then left.

Another minute passed... then ten more minutes were left...

Zoya circled her fingers around the thin stem of the glass. She took a few sips but couldn't taste anything. She didn't know when River would come. She told him eight o'clock and as more time passed she wondered if he was running late. Yet he wasn't the type to neglect promptness.

The clock finally hit eight o'clock and the door to the restaurant swung open.

Zoya breathed out in relief and pushed back her chair to greet River who had arrived just on time, like she predicted. However, her smile dropped and she froze when she saw another man walk in through the door. It wasn't River.

Zoya couldn't hide her disappointment. She stayed seated and continued to wait for River.

A half an hour passed as if an entire year does. She sat looking out the window and tracking every person hoping one of them would be River.

Soon enough, she realized that maybe this dinner wasn't going to go as she hoped.

Zoya sat alone at the table where the long golden candles were lit and a few red rose petals were scattered across the white linen tablecloth. She ordered a small slice of strawberry cake to go with her champagne because she couldn't stomach anything else.

As more time passed, the excitement left her body and she was left with desolation. Zoya felt sick to her stomach and she felt her body go numb as if she wasn't a living-being but an empty shell. The last time she was vulnerable like this, she ran away from her old home to Greece.

Zoya finished the slice of cake when the time had arrived to nine o'clock.

Zoya forced a smile on her face otherwise the threat of tears was powerful. The very breath from her lungs had vanished and she even lost the slow rhythm of her heartbeat. It was as if it all stopped because the one person she needed didn't need her.

Who was she kidding this entire time? Zoya never had anyone to call them her own and it wouldn't be any different now either. River never showed any interest in her. She was the one who forced herself on him. She showed off her money and her status because that's all she knew how to use to impress anyone. However, it seemed that despite working hard her entire life, it wasn't enough to convince her love to mate with her.

Perhaps, she had created the illusion in her own head. She knew that for a woman like her who was raised only to see violence and hatred, she wasn't chosen to have a mate. Was this the way the universe told her to stay single? she wondered as time passed and she lost more hope.

Except, was it so wrong of her to dream of her life with someone she could share every moment with? Did she not deserve her mate?

A dreadful longing passed through Zoya's heart like a sharpened blade. She didn't deserve a man like River. He was a man who spent his life protecting and caring for others. He deserved a woman who wasn't riddled with trauma or violent parents. She wasn't deserving of a family of her own. She was born alone and would forever stay by herself.

So, it really was over.

River made his decision.

Zoya made hers.

She'd give up here like she promised him. She wouldn't talk to him, call him or look at him even though everything in her body told her to run to River.

Zoya looked out the window and saw her reflection first. She held no expression yet her eyes spoke what she couldn't. She knew that she was in pain and this wouldn't easily go away. River didn't choose her. In the end, he didn't choose them or this bond. He rejected her and her wolf.

Something inside her broke. A part of her that she kept strong shattered and she got up from the table and left the restaurant.

The cold air hit her directly, but her entire body couldn't figure out if the winter air was what hurt her or the fact that the air carried River's intoxicating pheromones. That scent alone made the tears she was hiding fall quickly down her cheeks. However, she gave up the delusions and rushed to her car.

As soon as she got in, she drove as fast as she could. She didn't care about the cold or her tears. She needed to be home.

It was almost ten o'clock when she arrived at her front door and that was when she remembered that Abigail was at her house. Zoya couldn't face her right now. She wouldn't be able to tell her that she failed at the only thing a wolf was supposed to succeed at.

Zoya grabbed a Kleenex and wiped her tears and the bit of mascara that creased under her eyes. She then took out the gloss from her purse and re-applied that too before getting out of the car.

Zoya gathered her things and went to her house. She opened the front door and saw Abigail on the couch and another movie playing on the television.

"You're back already?" Abigail astounded as she got to her feet and ran to her by the door. "I thought you would be with him all night."

Zoya faked a brilliant smile, the same one she used in the past when her parents invited guests. "I told you it's just a date," she said. "We had great food and went our separate ways."

Abigail frowned. "Are you okay?" she asked as her eyes studied Zoya.

"Is that your way of saying I look exhausted?" Zoya retorted.

Abigail was distracted when she laughed. "You do look tired," she said.

"How's Riv-" Zoya's lips froze when she had to say his name.

"He has been fed, medicated and put to sleep," she told her dutifully. "And I am proud to add that River likes me."

Zoya faked a yawn. "I'm really tired Abby. So, if you want to sleep over since it's late then you can. I have a guest bedroom," she told her.

"No, I'm going to go home," Abigail said. "I need to get ready for work tomorrow and none of my stuff is here-" Abigail went to the living-room to get her purse and all her DVD movies. She came back- "You get some sleep and I'll see you tomorrow."

Zoya didn't turn around as Abigail left the house and shut the door behind her.

All of Zoya's charade dropped and the strength in her legs failed. She collapsed onto the floor, her tears raging as they fell from her eyes like droplets onto the floor. She put her hand over her mouth, holding everything inside her so not even the night could hear her pain.

Suddenly, a soft touch brushed her hand. Zoya opened her eyes and saw the little pup standing ahead of her. She wiped her tears and smiled weakly. Except, when River licked her cheek, she broke. A torrent of tears fell and the small pup came into her arms as she embraced him.

"He didn't come to me," she told him. "Why didn't he come?"

She didn't know how much time passed...

She was sat against the wall with River in her arms. The cold air from the crevices of the front door brought her back to where she was seated.

Zoya opened her eyes and saw River asleep on her lap. She gathered him in her arms when she noticed how cold he was, he was shivering. She almost slipped from how fast she got up on her feet, that were sore from being on the floor.

She quickly turned the fire on in the hearth and placed him in front of the warm flames in hopes that he would warm up. She grabbed the blanket too and sat with him.

"What's wrong, baby?" she asked softly. "Why are you shaking?"

Even though she had turned on the fireplace, River wasn't warming up. He continued to squirm into her arms and his breath was uneven. She knew immediately that something wasn't right with him.

Zoya jumped into gear. She put River down on the couch wrapped in blankets and ran upstairs. She pulled out her other purse and grabbed the card Dr. Dylan Boone had given her. She called the veterinarian's office because this vet was open all night.

The phone was answered by the same nurse from last time. "Dr. Boone's office, how can we assist you?"

"It's Zoya Knightley," she introduced herself. "I need to bring my dog in to see Dr. Boone, it's an emergency."

"Of course," the nurse answered. "I will let Dr. Boone know."

"Thank you-" Zoya ran back down the stairs- "I'll be there soon." She cut the phone and ran out the door with River wrapped in blanket in her arms.

As soon drove down the dark freeway, she looked at the puppy asleep on the seat beside her, his brows furrowed from the pain she didn't know about.

"Don't do this to me," she told the pup, "you can't leave me."

Zoya pressed her foot down on the race and sped down the street. She took the last turn onto Finch road and parked in front of the vet. She grabbed River and ran inside the building. Since the nurse was expecting her, she was ready by the door and took Zoya to the back room with River. Dr. Boone rushed out of his office and started talking to his nurse.

That was when all went black in front of Zoya and she only saw River laid out on that cold metal table. He was barely breathing and his shaking had increased the further back she went.

"When did he start to show these symptoms?" Dr. Boone asked or was it the nurse, Zoya couldn't tell.

"Ms. Knightley," a hand shook her shoulder and she saw the Dr. Boone in front of her. "Can you please tell me when he started shaking like that?"

Zoya couldn't breathe, she couldn't find her voice either. "Just a few moments ago," she mumbled. "He was perfect this morning. He was fine-" she slumped back against the wall- "is he going to be okay? Please tell me he's fine."

"I can't promise anything," Dr. Boone told her. "But I'll do my best." He then told the nurse to take Zoya out of the room.

She was suddenly taken out of the room, but her eyes stayed on River as the door closed. Even after, she stood outside the door thinking the worst because the worst always happened to her when it came to the ones she loved.

"You're looking really pale," the nurse said, as she brought a blanket and put it over Zoya, it was then she realized that she ran out the door in her dress and no jacket.

The nurse left her to join Dr. Boone. Zoya collapsed on the chair near her because her knees trembled and the floor beneath her vanished.

This was it. Zoya surrendered. She knew that if she lost River today, there was no coming back. There would be no healing for her because she would cut this out of her. This heart that beat for love would end and that was it for her. She wouldn't open up to anyone because she realized that she couldn't handle this loss. First her own mate rejected her and now the one family member she chose decided to give up on her too.

Zoya bit back the storm of tears and lifted her head back thinking that would stop her tears from falling.

Not that much time passed before the door opened and Dr. Boone stepped out. Zoya shot to her feet and went to him.

"What's wrong?" she asked quickly. "Is River okay?"

Dr. Boone's brows were furrowed. "He's got a fever," he told her. "It's good you brought him in."

Zoya took a shaky breath in. "So, what do I need to do?" she asked.

Dr. Boone shook his head. "You need to leave him here until I can get his fever stabilized," he told her. "I also noted that River's body doesn't provide enough white blood cells to fight infections. And, since he's a very small dog and weak to begin with, his recovery will be long."

"It doesn't matter how long it takes," she said sternly. "Just help him."

Dr. Boone nodded, but then his saddened eyes looked at her. "I want to warn you that if his infection gets worse, then there is a chance that-" he couldn't finish the sentence because Zoya's eyes were already full with tears- "I'm sorry, Ms. Knightley. I will do my best to help him."

Zoya closed her eyes. "Can I see him?"

"I'm afraid I can't let you," he told her. "He's been put in a sterilized cage. He needs his rest. You can meet him tomorrow."

Zoya nodded. "Please call me if anything changes- good or bad," she told him.

"I will," he assured.

Zoya left and she got in her car. She sat in the dark parking-lot. Her heavy eyes looked up at the clock and saw it was almost midnight.

Zoya drove home.

As soon as she arrived, she went inside and stripped out of her clothes and threw it all on the floor without sparing a glance towards it. She threw off the jewelry in the pile and opened her hair letting the diamond clips fall as well. She went to the bathroom and showered under extremely hot water hoping it would burn this night off her. She let her entire body soak under the hard spray of water until she found herself dozing off. She grabbed the robe off the hook and wrapped herself. That was all she could manage before she collapsed on her bed. She ignored the blanket or even the light and laid down on her side.

She faced the large windows showing the dark sky with no sight of clouds or the moon, it was empty there too. She remembered that Sabrina was visiting tomorrow, Zoya would have to face the Centauri pack and they knew about the bond, so they would know that River rejected the bond.

Dread sank into her at the thought of facing them tomorrow. She should call it off, but she didn't know how to handle that either because it would raise so many questions and Zoya had no answers.

Zoya closed her eyes because she was afraid to face the truth of what happened today. However, this wasn't new to her. If there was anything Zoya had experience in, it was this. She would hide her pain away and put a smile on her face, so no one knew that she was breaking.

Zoya saw River's face in front of her closed eyes and her heart ached. She wanted to forget him, this bond and everything else that happened. There was only so much she could handle. This world overestimated her because she wasn't strong as many assumed.

Zoya didn't realize until she felt the wet pillow near her cheek. She was crying again. Zoya turned her face away from the window and tightly shut her eyes hoping she could fall asleep and forget that the world crumbled around her.