The moment the door to his cabin opened, Zoya knew what was about to happen. He put her down, her body sliding against his. She bloomed under his gaze and she was ready to give herself to him. She stood in her wet dress, that was sheer and hiding nothing of her from him. But she didn't care. She wanted River to take the dress off her and she needed his hands on her.

River stood towering over her, his eyes darkened with desire and hunger. He shut the door and locked it behind him without taking his eyes off her. She felt the heat pooling between her legs and the fluttering sensation in her gut drive her wild. Her body ached from everywhere and she knew it was because her own body deceived her and craved him. She had no restraint against this man. He was just too powerful.

The moment the door locked, River sealed his lips with hers and he didn't slow down from there. She lost all control like him and deepened the kiss, letting his tongue take hers into a heated battle. She gave herself to him, letting herself go and trusting him.

As he kissed her, devoured her, she realized much later that he had backed her up and was guiding her towards something, when suddenly, he put his arms under her butt and hoisted her off her feet, wrapping her legs around his waist. His strong arms held her tightly to his body and she moved to break the kiss, but a low growl reverberated from his throat when she did that, she kissed him again but was still worried about going up the stairs. He was perfectly fine though, he didn't need to look or guess anything. He knew the path up the stairs and to his bedroom. She didn't even get the chance to look around, but she'd definitely do that tomorrow.

River put her down on her feet, only to keep his lips locked against hers and his free hands found the zipper of her dress. He pulled it down and let the silk fall around her feet. She stood naked but wasn't vulnerable. She was never vulnerable with River because she knew he wouldn't judge her. He pulled his lips away and kissed down the column of her neck, his hand cupping the base of her head and fisting her hair holding her still for him, she felt the sharpness of his teeth that ran along her throat and she moaned hotly, unable to hold it in.

"Take my clothes off," his voice was deep and commanding.

Zoya pushed off his jacket and then grabbed the hem of his shirt and peeled it off him. His body was roped with muscle everywhere, there wasn't any part of him that wasn't dangerous. She felt a chill down her body and the heat blossoming inside her. He sensed the arousal from her, just like he knew of his own too. She grabbed the belt around his jeans, when his strong hands stopped her. She looked up into his smoky blue eyes.

"You first," he growled hotly.

River laid her back on the bed, the soft duvet cushioning her. The light from the large window shined over his body. He came around and stood at the foot of the bed, she drank the sight of his broad shoulders and strong torso that had multiple scars brushed across his taut skin. He was sinful from the way he looked at her. He leaned his heavy knee on the bed and she wanted to close her eyes, but she stayed focused on him. His hand caressed up her calf then her thigh, his eyes stayed on hers but his lips kissed her knee then her thigh nearing her core.

"I want to possess every part of you and never let anyone else touch you," his voice made her moan.

River's fingers hooked onto the strap of her thong and ripped it off her body and tossed it on the floor. He moved down her inner thigh with his lips before he exposed his teeth and bit her thigh, the sting jolted up her core and stomach. He licked away at the bite and fed off her pain and pleasure, he did that again as he got closer to her core. She writhed under him and was already a mess and he hadn't even touched her core yet.

River held her legs apart, keeping her open and exposed to him, and it wasn't helping that she was on his bed. The scent around was all him and it melted her body. The fiery fragrance filled the room and mixed into their skin letting them know they were bound together.

Zoya watched the arousal in River's eyes darken the blue to a sapphire. The moon shined its agile light onto her mate and he was entrancing to her. She watched him fan her core with his hot breath, before he kissed her core and ran his tongue along the slit. She arched into his mouth and held her moan back, she bit her lip and tried to stay in control so she wouldn't lose herself in this moment. However, as his tongue skilfully lathered her core and he nipped at her throbbing clit, she couldn't hold back.

Her hand combed into his dark hair that was still damp and she fisted it in her hand. She felt his smile briefly against her core and she tightened her hold, but that just pushed him to tease her harder. His tongue drank her in and she felt the wave grow in her body, and it was going to crash on her fast taking her into the storm of ecstasy.

"River... don't stop..." her moan of desperation told him everything he needed to know.

River ate out of her and quickened his pace because she was close to breaking. She didn't want to come like this, she wanted him inside her but River was adamant to making her come like this. Under his will, in front of him, he needed to see her orgasm with just his mouth. She was more than willing to give that to him.

The rush grew inside her and she was on the brink of losing her mind. She had a split second before she pulled River to her mouth and locked her sharp teeth at his corded neck, the moment she bit down on his neck, her body exploded with a strong orgasm and her wolf marked his. The waved eased and Zoya fell against the bed with no strength in her body.

River positioned himself between her legs, stretching them further and he kissed her softly tasting his blood on her lips. He licked her plump lips and moaned at the taste. She ran her fingers over his back and found herself seeking his body again. The pleasure that only he could give grew inside her and she needed more.

His big hands trailed down her body, they were tough but sweetly gentle as they memorized each curve and spot of her body. He kissed her neck, down to her chest and took the hardened peak of her breast into his hot mouth. A pit grew in her stomach when his tongue played with her nipple and he dipped his hand between her legs again. She arched into his mouth and his fingers spread the lips of her core. She looked down meeting his blazing blue eyes and he was teasing her. She knew it from the way he kept her on the edge but didn't let her feel relief.

River's thick fingers dove into her hot core, her body swallowed his fingers. A sharp jolt of pleasure ran through her and she closed her eyes. She couldn't handle the sensation of him taking control of her body. She had no power and it was driving her crazy.

A soft brush of his lips caressed her mouth, she opened her eyes and met his fierce gaze. "I've never seen you so quiet before," he teased hotly as he nipped her bottom lip then her jaw.

"It's your fault-" she gasped out when suddenly his finger deepened inside her and she almost came from that alone. That amused him further seeing her breathless and dishevelled with need. She was stunned he had done that but loved that he had.

But Zoya wasn't one to back down either.

Slowly, raking her nails across his back, she brought his focus on her eyes and grabbed a hold of his wrist. She took control of her own pleasure from there. His gaze darkened over her as he read what she intended to do with his hand. She rocked her hips and found her rhythm with his fingers still deep inside her wet core, it didn't take her long to find herself at the edge of her orgasm when he was watched her darkly and loving what he was seeing. She came undone because of him even though she controlled her own release.

She orgasmed beneath him. "Don't forget who you're messing with," she growled. "Take off your pants right now." She found her hands on his belt through her high.

Zoya lifted off the bed, and as he stripped off his pants she caught sight of his hardened shaft, her mind went blank with lust and need. Straddling him, she ran her body along his, his hands held her hips, his fingers digging into her soft skin marking her and the pain only fed her dark side. Her body moved on its own when she ran her wet core over his hardened shaft lathering it with her own essence, it drove him wild and it would help her fitting the large size inside her. Frankly, she was surprised that he let her take the lead. She didn't think a man who was as dominant as River would.

"You're not going to stop me," she teased him.

"I'll never stop you from taking what you want, especially from me or my body," he said sternly.

She pushed him back. She was going to take her mate and be one with him. "I'm on birth control," she told him before she took the head of his shaft to her wet core. She didn't want condoms between them. She needed his bare shaft and she needed it now.

"Zoya," he growled with urgency.

Zoya didn't hesitate nor take her time. The moment the thick head of his cock touched the entrance of her core, her body begged and pleaded to take all of him. She slammed down taking all of him inside her and she collapsed from the thick invasion. She laid on his chest breathless, her body on fire and her core throbbing around his shaft.

River brought her up to meet his lips. He kissed her and it wasn't a slow kiss either. He kissed her like she was the only thing that could help him breathe. She felt the same way. His hands gripped her hips and he moved underneath her, rocking his hips into her core and deepened the connection. She joined the rhythm and moved her hips to match his pace. They lost themselves to one another and the entire world outside vanished.

River broke the kiss and pushed her down to the bed, he caged her with his body, thrusting into her core, she lifted her hips to receive him. Her entire mind went numb with the way the pleasure consumed her, she felt the wave climbing and her core knotting and tightening around his shaft.

"River... I'm going to come..." she said breathlessly.

River released her breast from his mouth and kissed her, just as the orgasm was about to take both of them to oblivion, River brought her mouth to his neck; "Bite me again," he growled dangerously.

Zoya bit down and both of them came hard. He filled her core with his seed and she got drunk off the feeling. She was complete. She didn't know what it meant to be whole, until now. The threat of tears stung her eyes, but she didn't let them fall. Instead, she brought River to her lips and kissed him until everything she felt poured out of her heart and he sensed her desperation. He wrapped her legs around his waist, without pulling out of her, he stayed buried deep inside letting her feel how he had hardened again. Her core clenched tightly around his shaft making him moan into her mouth, she loved the deep sound and how it melted her heart.

"Your body fits perfectly with mine," his voice caressed her ear like a slick flame. "So soft... and lovely... and all mine..."

River's unyielding eyes lifted to meet hers, he thrusted his throbbing arousal deep inside her. Her core wrapped his shaft tightly like a fist. They both were enthralled by the deep hunger that was only sated by the other. Zoya's gut coiled and her body was right there with River when they reached their limit again. She let herself go with a sultry moan and her core convulsed around his shaft.

But just before she was about to come, River pulled out and away from her. The separation was painful especially since her skin was on fire and River was the only one that sated her.

"You don't get to come yet," River said as he kissed down her neck.

Zoya wanted to punch and kiss him all at the same time. "That's not nice of you," she retorted.

"I never claimed to be nice," he said just before he bit her earlobe.

Zoya glared up at him. He chuckled hotly before he easily kissed her anger away, she didn't know she was the type of woman to forget everything with just a kiss. But perhaps, it was a kiss from River that made her forget everything else. His tongue hypnotized her, meeting every thrust or pull with his own leisure speed. Zoya's hips rolled as he kept his rough hand right between the juncture of her legs, keeping her hot and wet and just on the brink of release, his other hand stroked her breast while rolling her hard peak.

Letting her lips go, he trailed down her neck over to her hardened peaks before he slowly went down to her wet core again. Her eyes locked with his, her lip was between her teeth as she arched her back for his fingers to touch her burning core, that was just as hungry for his touch like the first time. He kissed down her smooth, scorching-hot core with slow kisses over the insides of her thighs and hips. She moaned as his finger lightly skimmed over the petals of her core. He slipped one finger inside, her sweet honey and his seed coating his finger as he slowly thrusted into her. He pushed another finger in but then slowly pulled them out, she whimpered her protest and clenched onto his fingers hoping the contact would last longer. But it didn't. He controlled her body and didn't indulge her.

"You're driving me crazy, River," she breathed angrily.

River grinned wickedly, it was the first time she had seen that smile on him.

Abruptly, he separated her folds and saw her glistening core. She would die from anticipation alone, but she didn't close her eyes for a second, because his tongue rubbed that throbbing, sensitive nub with hard and eager licks making her moan breathlessly. The intense fire spreading between her legs grew wilder consuming her to oblivion.

"Don't come or I'll punish you," his dark command shackled her body to him.

Zoya threw her head back and her hands gripped the sheets, her knuckles turning white from desperation. She was getting drunk off his scent and every sensation he controlled her body with. He rubbed his tongue on her clit and his three fingers thrusted into her wet core simultaneously. He agonized her body to feel the torture and the pleasure that only he could give. She couldn't breathe as River curled his fingers inside her hitting the sweet spot and a jolt of ecstasy shot through her like lightening.

She was maddeningly close to coming and it took everything from her to hold it back. She whimpered and hadn't realized when she writhed away from his continuous torture, but he had locked his arm over her hips and kept her caged.

"Do you want to come, baby?" River's voice reverberated against her clit.

"Yes... please..." she moaned desperately, her own voice was unrecognizable to her. She felt his smile and it irked her that he was having fun while she was close to death.

Zoya couldn't hold back any longer, she had no strength left. She gasped for breath as her orgasm electrified through her like a hurricane.

River collared her throat, her eyes opened facing his dangerous gaze. "I didn't say you could come," his tone was low and carnal. Lust flashed through his gaze and she was entranced by him.

"What are you going to do then?" she dared to ask.

"Turn over," his growled.

Zoya couldn't feel her limbs, but she still turned over to his command.

"On your knees, baby," he said next.

Zoya lifted back on her knees and her back arched as she was presented to him. She had never taken this position before and it unnerved her, but she trusted her mate knowing he wouldn't hurt her. He'd drive her wild but he'd never hurt her.

River's hands ran along the back of her thighs, it was like he sensed the shift of tension in her. He kissed the small of her back reassuring her.

"You look so pretty," he mumbled hotly.

Zoya was conscious of his every move. From the way his hands caressed her backside, to the way his lips brushed soft kisses up her back. "River," she moaned her desperation.

"Tell me what you want, Zoya," he demanded with that sultry tone.

"You. I want you," she cried out.

"Like this? You, on your knees, and open to me... how tempting," he said smugly.

If only she could see him.

It was like he read her mind when he whispered; "Look up, baby-" she did and her breath caught in her throat when she saw them in the mirror across them- "I want you to watch me take you and make you mine."

Zoya lost her breath when she saw his glorious body, that was hard and muscular and he was covered with a light sheen of sweat. His dark hair tousled by her fell around his mystic blue eyes, which were all beast as he watched her through the mirror too. She wasn't ready when she felt his thick shaft caress her throbbing clit, he teased her and a grin played on his lips, she saw it through the mirror. He pushed his shaft into slowly, opening her core to fit him again. She saw the strain on his face as he controlled his own body to hold on. But she pushed her hips back and caught his gaze with that.

"Don't," he growled.

Zoya spread her legs wider and moved on her own, defying him and his command. "Make me," she challenged, which was a bad idea but she couldn't help it. River was unravelling and she loved it, loved him.

River raked his tousled hair back. "You're in for a long night," he said.

"That makes two of us," she retorted.

River thrusted deep into her and she forgot everything then. She only felt the force of her mate claiming and marking her deep inside her body. His wolf appeared too, branding her to him. She felt the scent of his wolf seeping into her skin as River lost to the pleasure and so did she. Gripping onto her hips, he dove into her core and both of them were coming in seconds.

Zoya collapsed and so did River.

River pulled her on top of him and she laid on him trying to recover from what just happened. She was never going to forget this, that was for sure.

"Your scent is all over me," she mumbled.

"Courtesy of my wolf," he said. "He liked doing that to you."

Zoya didn't say anything, but she was worried. This entire time and he hadn't marked her, but something told that maybe he wanted to take his time before he did. She didn't regret marking him and she would die before taking it back. But had she rushed it for him? she wondered.

She pushed all those thoughts down when River brought her to meet his lips. She shouldn't worry because she trusted River with all her heart. He was her mate after all...

"Stop thinking..." he said against her lips.

She met his kiss with her own fire.

The morning air was colder than usual. Zoya must have turned in her sleep because her body ached as she stretched. She hadn't forgotten that she wasn't in her house, she was asleep with River in his bed. His arm was wrapped around her waist and his leg between hers too, he was dead asleep and it was obvious from the way he hadn't moved a single muscle. She carefully turned around in his arms and snuggled closer to his warmth. She tucked her head under his chin and hugged him tightly, she was hoping this would wake him up but he seemed perfectly content with her cuddling him.

She looked up and tried to find a look to see what the time was, but she couldn't find it. They hadn't slept long, she remembered faintly falling asleep a little past dawn. Reaching for her phone, which she then remembered that she forgot it at the Centauri house. She should grab it later since Abigail's probably messaging her about her absence at work.

Facing her mate, Zoya skimmed her thumb along River's lips. Frankly, she didn't think waking up River would be a problem. He had to be a disciplined man and he seemed the type to wake up on time, at least around eight in the morning. She knew that she was, it was a force of habit. But River wasn't a morning person, she bemused.

Zoya shifted him onto his back, straddling his waist, she smiled down at him. She leaned down and kissed his cheek then his jaw trailing down his neck to his chest. Surprisingly, he still hadn't woken up, so she gave up left him not wanting to force him.

Getting off the bed, she went to the bathroom and freshened up herself. After a good warm shower, she walked out in the towel and her hair damp. She didn't have any fresh clothes here and she didn't want to put on her dress from yesterday. She should probably get the dress dry-cleaned after being in the lake with it.

She entered the room and it looked completely different in broad daylight. It was huge now that she could see the whole thing, but it was simple and tidy. The dark floors contrasted against the white walls, but the furniture was all dark notes. The tables, curtains and cabinets were a dark smoky grey which matched the bed's headboard. She liked that the bathroom was huge too, but still cozy enough to have fun in. There was enough room for the marble tub and shower space too, the sharp structure was masculine and modern.

It was colder in the bedroom when she walked into the room again. She saw the alarm clock on the side table and it was close to ten thirty in the morning. They really exhausted themselves, she never slept in this late.

Zoya needed clothes and she only saw River's closet to help her. Opening the drawer, she grabbed the first thing she saw and it was black. She slipped it over her head and pulled her towel off from underneath. It was a sweater when a hood flopped on her head and covered her eyes. She put the towel back in the bathroom and saw herself in the mirror being swallowed by his hoodie. She left her hair as it was though.

The next task was to wake up the sleeping wolf who hadn't made a single sound. She walked up the bed and loomed over River.

"River, it's getting late," she told him. She found herself smiling at him. Zoya got onto the bed, trapping him under the duvet and with her legs. She kissed him on the lips again and again trying to bother him, but other worked. The man was a statue.

"Honey, you have to wake up otherwise I'll starve to death," she whispered.

Zoya didn't understand how he could still sleep with her on top of him, she was heavy and holding him against his will. He should be freaking out, but he was comfortable with her on top of him. In defeat, she laid her head on his chest and found herself nodding off again.

River suddenly turned in his sleep taking her with him. She was mushed underneath him and when she gasped from pain with her body being so sore, but his eyes opened then. The bright icy blue surprised her.

"Hi," she couldn't help the smile on her face from widening.

"Hi," his voice was groggy.

"You're really heavy," she said.

His hands skimmed down the length of her body. "You're dressed. Why?" he asked.

Zoya chuckled. "I had a shower and got dressed," she told him.

River slumped back down and hugged her tightly, laying his head on her chest. "Why?"

"Because it's late and we should be out of bed," she tried to reason with him.

River groaned making her laugh again, she wrapped her arms around him. His eyes opened again and he focused on her. He leaned up looking at the clock before he pushed the duvet away from both of them.

"I hope you don't mind that I borrowed a sweater. My dress was a complete mess," she told him.

River's eyes trailed down the dark sweater that covered her and he seemed pleased. He skimmed his hand up her bare thighs and he was well aware that she had nothing on underneath. Zoya was about to get up when he pushed her back down and kept her there. The glow in his eyes told her not to move an inch and she didn't. He kissed up her leg and she tried not to open her legs for him, but his cool gaze was hard to defy. He assessed her closed legs and then gave her a haughty look telling her that it wouldn't work.

He kissed her knee and his hand played up her hip to her stomach, she was aware of his every move and she forgot her motive only to be bewitched by River. He pushed a hand through his hair, before he forced her legs apart and help them apart with his thighs. She didn't expect it before he bent down and licked her core. He wasn't sweet or slow about it either. Using violent and strong strokes, his tongue ate out of her. She felt her eyes roll back from that alone. His free hand went up the sweater and cupped her aching breast, he kneaded it in his hand and rolled the hardened peak, sending a shot of pleasure straight to the throbbing clit that was against his tongue.

Aching and panting, she writhed under him as he took control of her body. Playing with her but at the same time, he tortured her. Her hips buckled when her release was near. She was reaching the wave of pleasure fast and she closed her eyes shut. In seconds, River made her come and exhausted her.

She lay breathless as River was satisfied. "Was this because I borrowed a sweater?" she jested.

He kissed her cheek and got up from the bed.

"I'm keeping this sweater forever!" she shouted behind him.

Zoya turned over to her side and tried to recover from what just happened.

River was quick in the shower. He walked out fresh and wrapped in a towel around his waist. He took out a pair of slacks and slid them on. He came up to her and kissed her lips.

"Let's get you some breakfast," he said to her.

She happily followed him downstairs to the living-room which was attached to a kitchen. There was a lot of light coming through the massive windows in front of the cabin, which had a full view of the lake surrounded by thick pine trees and snow. She wondered what the forest looked like in Spring or Summer, it must be wonderful to sit here and watch. She especially enjoyed the walk they took last night and she would've stayed longer if they hadn't fallen in the lake.

"Can you call Sabrina?" Zoya asked River. He looked up at her confused. "I need to ask for clothes. I can't hang around in this all day."

"Are you going to work today?" he asked her.

"I don't want to," she shared. "You?"

"I was thinking of skipping too," he told her.

She bit back her smile. "Am I keeping Mr. Drakov away from his honourable pack duties?" she jested.

River smirked at her. "They can survive a couple of days without me," he said, as he pulled out his cellphone and passed it to her.

Zoya jumped up and sat on the counter as River comfortably moved around the kitchen. He was making them coffee, she had completely forgot about her hunger, until the smell of caffeine hit her nose. She looked down at the phone going to the contacts, she quickly called Sabrina, but she hadn't answered.

"She didn't answer," she told River.

River looked at her. "What's the time?" he asked.

"It's almost eleven o'clock," she told him.

"They must have already gone for their obstetrics appointment today," he remembered. "Just call Viola or Hailey."

Zoya called Viola and she answered. "Hello?"

"Oh, look whose calling me," Viola's voice was oozing mischief. "Guys! River's mate is calling me!"

Zoya chuckled and River rolled his eyes. "Viola, I need your help," she said.

"Anything for the woman who dared to go against the scariest man here," said Viola.

"Can you send me some clothes?" she asked. "My dress got ruined."

Viola laughed making Zoya blush uncontrollably. "I wonder how that happened," she jested.

"I fell in the lake and it got wet," Zoya told her truthfully.

"Oh, you dirty, dirty girl," Viola teased.

"I'm going to kill her," River grumbled as he poured coffee into the cups.

"Can you stop bothering her," Hailey's voice streamed through the phone. "Give me that- Hello- Zoya-" Hailey had the phone now it seemed.

"Hi, Hailey," Zoya said.

"Hey, are you okay?" Hailey asked.

"I'm fine, I just needed some jeans or leggings," she said.

"Sure, I'll send something over," Hailey said. "Can you tell River something for me?"

"He's right here listening," Zoya told her.

"Hi, River! Ryder wanted you to know that he's with Gabriel and Sabrina for their appointment today," Hailey said. "He didn't want to bother you two, so he left without telling you."

Zoya looked at River who nodded saying that he heard her loud and clear. "He heard you, Hailey," she said.

"Perfect, thank you," Hailey said. "I'll send some leggings and some breakfast too. We have left over waffles."

"That'd be great, thanks," Zoya smiled softly at how cute this woman was.

"No problem. Have fun," she cut the phone after a giggle and so did Zoya.

"You have a beautiful pack," she found herself saying.

River passed her cup of coffee and stood in front of her. "Yeah, I got really lucky," he said.

Zoya didn't think luck had anything to do with it. Every person that was in this pack had a good heart and despite their hardships in life still stayed kind. Everyone worked hard here and worked together too. They all trusted one another and built a bond that could never be broken. Bonds that Zoya never had in her life. She had only grown up seeing the worst in people, even now she had habits that her parents instilled into her. She tried her hardest to put it in the past because it was. Her past didn't control her future, but at times like this seeing everyone live a beautiful life made her wonder if she had been a part of this pack then no one could have hurt her.

Was she a part of this pack? she wondered. She wasn't because River hadn't marked her. She wasn't anyone yet to this pack... and the thought of that made her stomach churn and her heart ache with pain and longing.

"What's wrong?" River asked.

"Nothing," she didn't sound convincing at all.

"Zoya," his tone was assertive.

She didn't want to say it but her heart already spilled what it wanted to him. "I marked you but you didn't-" her voice fell and she couldn't say anymore. She felt shame fill her for doubting anything, but she couldn't stop herself.

River put his hands on the counter caging her, his blue eyes reading her concern so easily. "I didn't mark you last night because I wanted to do it now," he told her. She looked up at him surprised.

"But why?" she found herself asking.

"Because I need you to know that I still want to mark you as mine without sex involved," he said. "I wanted a quiet moment, just you and me, especially when I'm not mean and scary like last night. And I couldn't mark you without asking if you wanted to be a part of the pack or not."

"I thought you had doubts," she admitted.

"Never," he said firmly. "I love you Zoya and my life is yours." Zoya's heart fluttered and she felt her eyes sting with the threat of tears. "I'm fully in control right now and you need to know that I want this... I want you... all of you..." he ran his fingers down her smooth neck.

Tears welled in her eyes and she let them fall down her cheeks. River was there, wiping them away.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry," he said.

"I love you too," she cried out.

His lips cracked a smile. "Would you like to be part of this crazy pack? I can guarantee that there will never be a boring moment and they already consider you part of the pack too," he said.

More tears fell from her eyes. "Mark me, River," her soft voice reached deep into his heart.

River marked her. The strong bond took charge and poured through her body and soul. She felt the warmth filling her up as if the sun was inside her. She closed her eyes and hugged her mate, never forgetting the way he filled her soul and she found herself in him.

A knock on the door interrupted them. River went to see and it was Hailey at the door. "I brought food, clothes and a pair of boots since it snowed a lot. I also brought Zoya's purse," she said.

"Thanks, Hailey," Zoya quickly went to the door after wiping her tears. She didn't account for the cold air, but it bit her bare legs and she hid behind River who was unaffected.

"You're welcome," she beamed. "Will we see you two later for dinner?"

"Definitely," Zoya confirmed.

"So, does this mean that you are part of the pack?" Hailey asked them excitedly.

"Yes, Hailey, you can tell the everyone that Zoya's part of the pack," River said.

Hailey squealed hugging Zoya and she smacked River's shoulder before running off the porch and announcing it to the group, that came with her but was hiding behind the porch. Zoya laughed at them and would definitely meet up with the girls later.

They sat together in the kitchen on the long stools and ate the freshly baked waffles. They heated them up and took them with lots of maple syrup. She drank coffee and was grateful for the food because she was starving. Hailey had brought her leggings and her purse, but she didn't check her phone just yet.

After they ate, River was washing the dishes when Zoya grabbed her phone from her purse and saw a missed call from Abigail.

She called her secretary. "Hello," Abigail answered.

"Hello, boss," from Abigail's voice alone it was clear that she was amused.

"You called," she said. "Is everything okay?"

"I just wanted to let you know that I cleared your schedule and you don't need to come to work," said Abigail.

Zoya smiled. "Thanks," she said.

"Let me know if I need to extend it," she said.

"I will," she said. "Have a good day, Abigail."

"You too," she chuckled before cutting the phone.

Zoya shook her head. She went over to the couch where the leggings were left and boots. She reached for the leggings and slipped them on, finally feeling her legs warm up in this horrid cold. Which reminded her that there weren't any Christmas decorations up.

"Aren't you going to decorate for Christmas?" she asked River.

"Do you want to?" he responded as he rounded the kitchen towards her.

"We can decorate together," she said happily. "Some lights and a tree near the window will look beautiful-"

River's arms caged around her pulling her to him, his lips found hers and his hands found the band of her tights. "Why do I find you in more clothes?" he grumbled.

"It's cold here," she said.

"I can help you with that," he remarked.

Zoya smiled at him. "Can you warm me up, please?" she jested hotly.

River grinned. "Gladly," he muttered against her lips.

He didn't waste a second before carrying her up the stairs to the bedroom. They arrived and River laid her down gently. He stripped off the hoodie and the leggings and his eyes feasted on her naked body against his bed.

"Spread your legs, Zoya," he said darkly.

She met his dangerous gaze. Something told her not to defy him right now and her body betrayed her too. Her legs opened willingly for him to see that she was ready for him and it would always be like that. She was his and he was hers.

River sank between her legs and he kissed up her thigh, his blue eyes stayed locked with hers. She got drunk off the sight of him between her legs. He revealed his teeth and he bit down on her soft skin, the pleasure mixed in with the pain. He marked her again as he inched closer to her core. He did the same on her other thigh. She couldn't control herself as he took his time leaving his marks. He kissed up to her hips, his hands following the curves of her body and she released a shaky breath. This man and the things he did to her body were unholy.

River kissed up her stomach and she saw the hunger in his gaze. She ran her fingers through his dark, silky hair. He closed his eyes and froze like her touch was too hard to bear. But he didn't stop, he kissed her breast and left a mark on the soft curve, not forgetting the other side either. She watched as he did this task with devotion. He was careful and sweet about it, like he would take hours to complete this task. She'd stay with him here forever and let him.

River reached her neck, looking down at the other side of her unmarked skin. "I'm going to mark that side too," he told her, "but only if you do something for me."

"What?" she asked warily.

River's eyes gleamed like a predator who caught his prey in his trap. "You're going to make yourself come and just before you do I'll be waiting to mark you," he said before he kissed her cheek, her lips and then her neck.

Zoya glared up at him and she met his challenge easily. She wasn't a wolf or a woman that would back down. She knew how to play his game.

"You sure you'll be able to resist?" she teased.

"I'll be here if you need help," he replied.

She wanted to kiss the grin off his mouth, but instead, she brought her hand down to her core. She knew that his eyes were on her, he watched carefully as she spread the folds on her core and dove her fingers into her welcoming channel. He stayed above her, covering her with his body, he was so close but she couldn't touch him and he wasn't touching her. However, she felt his gaze and it was as if he was controlling her body. The way his eyes darkened over her, she could feel that all the way down to her core. She grew hotter and her core pooled with her essence, she was helpless in his hypnotic trance and she didn't know how fast this all happened. She couldn't believe that he had all this power over her. Even now, as she played with her own body that she knew better than anyone, it wasn't the same. She needed his touch and her body craved it.

As the slow pressure built inside her, she moaned and River kissed down her neck. But she desired more than this.

"You only need to ask and I'll help," he whispered hotly.

The stubborn side in her didn't say a word. She bit her bottom lip hard, so her body wouldn't betray her. She continued to work on her clit, rubbing it as she knew turned her on. But instead of her fingers, it was when River laid a soft kiss on her lips that sent a jolt of pleasure through her. She felt the way he moved closer and used his strong thighs to separate her legs further. His hands trailed down her body, caressing her softly and memorizing her. She was losing her mind because of him.

"Come on, baby," he teased hotly, "don't you want me to mark you?"

She opened her eyes and flashed her wolf at him. "I don't like you," she said.

"Don't lie to me," he nipped her ear making her gasp.

"I don't want this," she whimpered.

"What do you want, baby?" he asked knowing fully well what she needed.

Zoya removed her hand and reached for his, bringing his hand to her core, he grinned at her. He took control. Pushing his two fingers into her core was electrifying. He was thicker and went a lot deeper than she ever reached. She moaned as soon as he touched her. She didn't quit though. She brought her hand back down and rubbed her throbbing clit that was aching with need. She matched River's pace and as he pushed deeper into her core, she knew when to stroke her clit.

"You're so beautiful," River's voice was hot against her ear, "and I fell in love with you the moment I saw you."

She arched into his fingers with desperation to let the strain in her body uncoil with pleasure. The wave climbed up fast as River knew exactly how to lead her. Before she even knew she was about to come, River had already sensed it. He licked up the skin between her neck and shoulder.

"Come for me, Zoya," he growled.

She did and River marked viciously on her neck again.

Zoya collapsed against the bed. Her mind blanked and her body was numb with pleasure. He hovered over her with a smug smile and wicked eyes, as he watched her recover from that mind-blowing release. She loved the look in his eyes with nothing but desire and thirst.

Zoya wanted more. She got up and pushed River down on his back. He didn't stop her. She climbed on top, straddling his legs. She pushed down the band of his pants and his roaring erection exposed to her. She stroked the thick, heavy length with her hand and went down to kiss the head of the shaft.

"Zoya," River's voice was guttural with arousal.

But that just urged her on. She licked the base and trailed to the top of the length. She didn't hesitate tasting him, she took his hot length into her mouth and moved relentlessly. Lathering him and tasting him. She saw when he gritted down on his molars and the tension growing in his muscular body. She enjoyed that and it was clear to him that she was.

River grabbed a fistful of her hair before she suddenly deep throated him. His hips surged forward and she took all of him. He gaped down at her, surprised she had done that. She rolled her tongue on his shaft.

"Watching you take my cock in your mouth is killing me," he growled.

She was glad that her plan was working. The cunning mischief in her eyes challenged him. His hand that was fisted in her hair took control, he pushed her down his shaft and swallow his length. Her arousal was clear from her dripping core and the way her scent filled the room. River sensed it and it was clear to him that she liked it when he was rough with her.

River thrusted his shaft and penetrated her hot mouth. Zoya used her hot and slippery tongue on him and he lost all control over his release. A sharp curse escaped his lips, he didn't let himself come and pulled out of her mouth.

"Get on top of me," he growled.

Zoya straddled his waist, he gripped her hips and brought her core to his throbbing erection. He thrusted his shaft into her core, the invasion was sweet and hot. She felt her body spreading to fit him fully. She moved her hips and rode him until both of them were on the brink of release.

River brought her to meet his lips. She kissed him, but just as she knew they were both about to come, she locked her teeth onto his neck and marked him. He released and so did she.

She fell on top of him breathless.

He held her close and tenderly. Running his hands along her back, he soothed her. He kept her on top of him as he whispered he loved her over and over again. She closed her eyes and memorized this moment forever. She breathed him in and told him she loved him too each time.

Suddenly, a phone rang and Zoya remembered that it was still broad daylight outside and a world out there.

"Your phone," she said.

He groaned. She chuckled and kissed his cheek before she moved off him. He grumbled a curse but still reached on the ground where his pants were. He put the phone against his ear and answered the call.

Zoya instantly saw the change in her mate. He had stiffened and all warmth left his eyes. His demeanour flipped and she remembered that he was the dangerous wolf and fighter for the Centauri family.

"I'll be there in ten minutes," was all he said before he cut the phone.

Zoya moved back. "What's wrong?" she asked him.

"Gabriel and Sabrina. They got into a car accident," he told her.

Zoya's heart plummeted. Oh god, Sabrina, her baby. She felt the blood drain from her face. "Please tell me they're okay," she said.

"Ryder said they're fine," River told her and he put his hand on her cheek. "But I need to be there."

"I'm coming with you," she said. Zoya hurried off the bed and went to the bathroom, when River came up behind her.

"Come here," he said softly.

Taking her to the side, he lifted her and put her on the large counter. He grabbed the towel off the ledge and ran it under some warm water. She quietly watched as be brought the towel to her legs and ran the warm cloth between her legs, cleaning her off. He was gentle and careful with her. He leaned down and kissed the mark on her neck that he gave. His lips lingering over the mark and she breathed in his dark scent, which was seeped into her now too. The quiet moment was short but for her it was eternal.

After River cleaned himself too. They put on their clothes quickly and rushed downstairs. Zoya slipped on the boots Hailey gave her and she grabbed her purse as River took the key to his car off the side table. She could tell that he was worried without even looking, it was as if he wasn't breathing or looking at anything ahead of him. He grabbed the leather jacket off the rack and then the other jacket too. He turned and put it around her shoulders, zipping it up for her. He took her hand and went outside together.

The bright light of the sun reflecting off the snow was hard to adapt to. The snow was deep and covered the fields. She hoped the roads were clean.

They reached the black mustang, when Zoya stopped River.

"Let me. You shouldn't be driving and I'm faster," she said.

River tossed the keys without hesitation. They got into the car and Zoya turned the engine on, it roared silently sending a chill down her body. But she wasn't nervous. She was ready to drive her man where he needed to be.

River was on the phone when he got inside too. "Get it done," he snapped at someone before he cut the phone.

Zoya drove out of the gates and stepped on the gas until they were top speed in this mustang. Heading off the streets, which oddly had only green-lights ahead. She had a feeling it was River's doing that all the street lights were not turning red. She cut through the traffic and arrived at the hospital in record time.

She parked the car, turned the ignition off and pocketed the key. She rushed out of the car with River and they both went into the hospital. River knew where he was going and navigated through the building easily but with urgency. They saw a tall doctor standing in a room with Sabrina on a bed, she was speaking to Sabrina and Gabriel was right beside his mate. Zoya caught the sight of blood on his forehead. They rushed into the room.

"What the hell happened?" River asked.

"I told you not to call him," Gabriel schooled Ryder.

"That's never happening, buddy," River said for Ryder and he stepped in front of his twin with a stern glare. "I'll talk to you later."

"River," cautioned Gabriel. "Nothing happened. We're safe."

"You're in the damn hospital, you're not safe," snapped River. "What happened?"

"A car hit us. Ryder dodged it but our car skid on ice," explained Gabriel.

"Was this an accident or on purpose?" asked River.

No one answered and Ryder left the room.

"You're too hard on him," Gabriel said with a sigh.

"Ryder knows better," said River. "He should've called me the second it happened."

"I told him not to," said Gabriel.

River's eyes glared and his grip on her hand tightened. "Then you should've known better," he said. "I don't work efficiently if I don't know everything, Gabriel."

"I know, I'm sorry," said Gabriel regretfully.

Zoya was surprised. She had never seen an alpha wolf who lead such a large pack apologize to anyone before. But Gabriel wasn't an alpha in front of River, he was his childhood friend.

"Are you okay?" River asked Sabrina. "Did you get hurt? How's the baby?"

"I'm fine," Sabrina said. "And Dr. Stone said the baby's fine too."

"The baby is all good," Dr. Stone confirmed again for River, Gabriel and Sabrina.

They all breathed out in relief, especially Gabriel who was nothing short from losing his mind. Zoya could understand why. His mate was on a hospital bed with their pup. Anyone would be scared senseless.

"Go get treated for that," River pointed to his head. "I'm here."

It was only then that Gabriel moved to separate from Sabrina. She was laid down on the table without a scratch. But the doctor was examining her and her baby, which was why Gabriel hadn't left the room. But with River here now, Gabriel was reassured and left to the other room to get his wound cleaned and bandaged.

"The baby's fine," Dr. Stone confirmed for them. She laid a supportive hand on Sabrina and smiled in relief.

"I already told you that," said Sabrina. "I'm fine, guys. Dr. Stone stop scaring everyone."

River stood beside her. "You are not leaving the pack territory," he said. "Every appointment will happen at the house."

Sabrina chuckled. "Not you too. Gabriel said the same thing," she said. "You two are driving me insane. Zoya, help me."

Zoya was still trying to breathe through this. "I'm with them on this," she said.

"But Gabriel protected me and so did Ryder," Sabrina glared up at River. "You don't need to be so mean to him. Go apologize."

"No, he knows better," said River.

Sabrina pouted like she was about to cry. "You won't make up with him," she pouted.

"For god's sake don't start crying," he rebuked. "Fine, I'll talk to Ryder. Happy?"

"Very," Sabrina smiled again.

Dr. Stone cleaned her off and let her sit up slowly.

"I'm glad you came," she said as she sat up in front of him, "that was really scary."

"I know. But you're safe now, we got you," River reassured her and he hugged her close. Zoya's heart warmed as she saw her mate comfort Sabrina. He was so sweet and tender when he needed to be. Sabrina started to cry and he held her, being her strength. She was strong for Gabriel so he wouldn't worry, but that wasn't the case for River, she didn't need to hold any pretences.

"Zoya," Sabrina sniffled her tears. "I'm sorry I bothered you two."

"It's fine, besides if I'm a part of the pack now then I should get used to this," Zoya smiled at River.

Sabrina's face beamed despite the tears. "You two mated!" She reached over and Zoya hugged her friend back.

Gabriel by then returned to the room with a bandage on his forehead. "I hate this thing," he grumbled as he pointed to his head.

"Gabriel! Zoya joined the pack!" Sabrina announced cheerily.

"I know," Gabriel said with a smile then, "Hailey announced it in the group chat."

Sabrina freaked and pulled out her phone. "That's unbelievable, all of them found out before me," she exclaimed.

Gabriel stepped in front of Zoya. The air around him changed as his gaze drifted from River over to her. "Welcome to the pack," he said. "I hope you're not a troublemaker."

"Only for River," she remarked with a grin directed towards River.

Gabriel smirked then. "I'm going to enjoy watching you drive him crazy," he shared.

"What are you two talking about?" River came up beside them and crossed his arms.

"Nothing," said Zoya and she walked off out of the room to find another troublemaker.

She rounded the hallway when she saw Ryder leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, he was frowning and seemed lost in thought.

"You look a lot like your brother when you're frowning," she said. He looked over at her approaching. "You know, I can only deal with one grumpy Drakov." That made Ryder smile finally. She wanted to ask if he was okay, but the answer was clear. "Sabrina is fine and so is her baby-" his eyes saddened- "Gabriel's injury isn't that severe either. You don't need to worry."

He drew in a shaky breath. "Thanks," he said. "River, is he still angry?"

"He just worries for all of you," she told him.

"I know," Ryder sighed.

Zoya bit back her smile. "He's so moody, isn't he?" she remarked.

Ryder groaned. "He's a pain to deal with," he added.

"Who is?" River appeared glowering at both of them.

"You," Zoya admitted and Ryder gaped at her for admitting it. "You need to handle this stress, honey. I want to live a long life with you."

River grumbled. "That's very hard when everyone around me is so fucking reckless," he said making her laugh. He turned and looked at his twin. "Did you get hurt anywhere?" he asked sternly.

"No," Ryder answered.

"Don't lie to me," River said.

"I just have a few bruises," Ryder admitted.

"Go get them checked," River instructed.

"There's no need," disputed Ryder.

River just glared at him and went to Dr. Stone to get his injuries examined.

"Are you okay?" she asked him softly.

River raked his hair and met her gaze. He sighed and stepped closer to her, he didn't say anything but just laid his head on her shoulder resting for a quiet moment. She put her arms around him, holding him and hoping she provided the comfort he needed.

"Everyone's safe," she whispered.

He took a deep breath, like all the tension left him and he believed that too. "Everyone's safe," he whispered to himself like prayer.

Zoya caught glimpse of what River carried in the name of his duty as a pack member. He was determined to protecting everyone in his pack and if anyone got hurt, then it troubled him the most. She could tell that he took it as a sign of failure and blamed himself. She wished that it was different for him, but she knew that River would fight until the very end for this pack. Zoya understood his duty and wouldn't have it any other way. Her mate was honourable and she supported him fully.

She heard commotion outside the hallway, when her eyes caught the source.

"Look everyone is here to comfort you," Zoya told him.

River lifted his head and looked behind him seeing the entire pack running inside the hospital. He groaned and dropped his head again.

The entire Centauri pack had rushed to the hospital to check on their alpha and alpha-female. Hunter, Hailey- their son Gideon in her arms, Viola, Vincent, King, Klaus, Ender, Bone, Azura and Lupin. They were loud as they barged through the doors.

"Zoya! River!" They shouted. "Where are they?"

"Sabrina's with Gabriel in the room," River said. "They're all fine and the baby's fine too."

They sighed in relief.

"How'd this happen?" Hunter asked.

"The car skid on ice crashing on the side of the road," River told them and they muttered words of concern.

"Where's Ryder?" Vincent asked.

"In the room right there," River pointed across the hall. Vincent left.

"I'm going to go check on Sabrina," said Hailey, the rest of the group followed after her.

Azura stood with a stern posture. She had a pissed look creased her face and her eyes were that of a pissed wolf. "I hate taking chances with their safety," said Azura. "I knew I should have gone as back-up. I fucking knew it."

"We just need to be more careful moving forward," said River.

"Sabrina's appointments need to be held at a safer location," Azura said.

"I already said we will continue them at home," River added and Azura nodded in approval.

"That woman's giving birth at home whether she likes it or not too," Azura grumbled and stomped over to the hospital room to tell Sabrina exactly that.

Zoya smiled at them. This pack loved each other so much, to the point that they didn't see anything past each other. Protecting one another, hiding their pain so they could do their best. Honestly, this wasn't just a pack. This was a family. They cherished each other more than their own lives. Zoya could see how each and every one of them found a home at the Centauri pack. A home. The family that she was looking for was standing with her now. She had finally gotten her dream... her family.

It was after a while when they all left the hospital. To cheer everyone up, Gabriel suggested that they all go out to eat. They went to Bobby's restaurant for lunch. Since they were so many of them, they had to combine more than two tables to fit them. Bobby was more than willing to do so. He went back to the kitchen to cook them fresh burgers and fries. All of them ate boisterously, their chatter filling up the restaurant.

Zoya was just glad that everyone was eating despite what happened. Gabriel definitely knew what cheered up his wolves. He kept an eye on each and every one of them. He sat with Azura who was simmering with rage and Gabriel had to force feed her. It was only until Gabriel ordered a large slab of chocolate mousse cake that she eased up her temper. Ryder was the same, but Vincent had that figured out in no time. He cheered Ryder up and even bothered River about hurting his feelings. The two bickered back and forth until Ryder cracked a smile. River relaxed a lot too after that. Food was the easiest way to calm them all down.

Zoya just finished her burger when her phone rang. She knew that Abigail wouldn't call her today, unless it was an emergency. She pulled out her phone and didn't recognize the number, it was a private caller ID. She puzzled whether to answer it or now. She couldn't make a choice until the call went to voicemail. She was about to put the phone away when it rang again and then shut off seconds later.

Zoya ignored it. But the entire time at the restaurant, she had a sick sensation creeping in her stomach. She tried her best to pay attention to the pack around her. Eventually, after they all ate, they left to grab a cup of coffee, Sabrina was bummed she couldn't get any and instead got hot chocolate and Zoya did too.

They all got back in their cars and headed home.

"Are you going to drop me home?" Zoya asked River who was driving now.

River glanced her way. "If you want me to, but I thought you'd stay with me," he said.

Her lips lifted into a smile. "I need to pack some stuff then if you want me to sleepover," she told him.

River took a right turn and turned the car towards her house. When they arrived, she ran into her house alone, and she was quick to pack a bag full of her essentials. She grabbed her work bag as well that had her notebook and laptop. Just when Zoya was about to turn the lights off and leave, she spotted the white bag with the new lingerie she bought. She wasn't going to grab it, but the devil in her whispered that it'd be fun. She grabbed it and put it in her carrier bag.

Rushing back to the car, she put the bag in the trunk and got in the warmth of the car. Securing her seatbelt, River had already reversed the car and was ready to take them home. That was when Zoya's phone went off again. She tried to ignore it and put it on silent too, but River took notice.

They arrived back in his cabin. She had just put the bag down on the couch when River grabbed her arm and turned her towards him.

"Who keeps calling you?" he asked her sternly.

"It's a private caller," she said. "It's probably nothing."

River's rigid gaze didn't budge for a second nor did he believe her. "Answer it," he said.

Zoya took out her phone that was still ringing and looked at it. She pressed the green button. "Hello," she said.

"Zoya," her mother's voice streamed through, "I've been trying to get through to you all day."

Zoya closed her eyes from exhaustion. She didn't even want to know how this woman got her cellphone number. Zoya was going to have to change it now, which sucked because she had very important relations through this number. Many celebrities had her contact number and this could harm her social circle, which would lead to harming her business.

"What do you want?" Zoya couldn't hide the irate tone of her voice.

Ellen sighed. "I want to have lunch with you," she said. "Please, let's meet up."

Zoya was getting exhausted hearing the same thing over and over again. She needed to know what her mother was up to and why this was so important. "Hold on," she said to Ellen. Muting the phone on her cell, she looked up at River.

"I'm going to kill her," he bit out.

She couldn't help but laugh in disbelief. "I'm going to meet her for lunch," she told him.

He raised a brow. "No, Zoya," he said.

"I need to know what she's planning," said Zoya. "This is the only way to figure it out."

"I don't like you meeting this woman," said River, the concern in his eyes made her heart melt.

"I don't like it either, but I have to do this," said Zoya.

She unmuted the phone then.

"Are you free on Monday?" Zoya asked her.

"Monday is great," Ellen responded.

"Monday at one o'clock," Zoya said. "We'll grab some lunch at the Golden Pier."

"Perfect," said Ellen. "I'll make the reservations."

Zoya didn't waste her time saying anything else. She cut the phone on her mom and took a deep breath. She really didn't like dealing with her family. They were like shackles on her legs and someone had thrown her into the ocean. No matter what her family always drowned her in darkness. Spending this entire day with the Centauri pack showed her how a true family was meant to be.

"I'm going to come with you," said River.

"No," Zoya objected. "I don't want you near her. I mean it, River."

River sighed heavily but he gave in.

Zoya didn't know how this was going to turn out. But she did know, that her mother wasn't going to back off without a fight. And if that was what Ellen Knightley wanted, then Zoya would give it to her.