River just watched as Zoya went back in her secretary's arms. It was clear that she was faking it, but why did he play along? Even more pissed than before, he turned and faced his pack. River had no expression on his face, so they couldn't see anything. But it was his twin brother who was watching more than just his facial expression. Ryder knew whatever River tried to hide.

"That was so much fun," said Ashley. "We need to do this again."

The ladies turned away and were distracted about the dresses they chose today. It didn't seem like what just happened with Zoya was the topic of conversation. Or the girls deliberately changed the topic because they didn't want to put River in a tough spot.

Sabrina stood facing River though. "Ryder, can you drop Ashley, Rosalie and Evangeline home," she said. "Azura, can take the rest of the girls."

"Yes, ma'am," said Azura as she stifled her laughter before turning away.

"You and I are going to take a walk," said Sabrina.

River stiffened. "Is that really necessary?" Sabrina raised a brow and River didn't say anything after that. He just followed her and everyone else left.

"There's a really good ice-cream parlour here. Let's get some," she said excitedly.

"This wasn't your real plan, was it?" he remarked. "Get everyone to leave so you can have all the ice-cream in the world."

Sabrina gaped at him melodramatically. "I would never," she said placing a hand over her heart. "Besides, no one has any say to my mint chocolate chip cravings."

River smiled at her. He took her inside the small store and they placed an order for their ice-creams. A pink bowl with large globes of cream was handed to them with pink spoons too. Both of them sat down at the table and Sabrina ate with gusto, unlike River who had sensed the tension from Sabrina although she masked it well.

"Is she your mate?" Sabrina jumped the gun surprising River. "Judging from the look in your eyes, I'm going to say that's a definite 'yes'."

"No," his mouth spoke faster than he intended.

Sabrina looked confused. "No," she repeated.

"I don't need another handful," he retorted.

Sabrina was baffled. "She's the CEO of White Knight and manages hundreds of stores," she said. "Zoya knows how to take care of herself. She has been since her parents-" Sabrina stiffened and looked down.

River remembered the hurt on Zoya's face when he asked her what she masked behind her smile. That vulnerable crack of sadness, resentment unveiled in front of his eyes and he had a carnal urge to murder whoever hurt her.

"What about her parents?" asked River.

"Zoya doesn't like talking about it," said Sabrina. "Unfortunately, I had the honour to meet them and they weren't as kind as they appear. Zoya told me everything after that because I was enraged and you know what happens when I get pissed off."

River clearly remembered when Sabrina punched Gabriel's father Robert Centauri. "I sure do," he replied. "But what does that have to do with Zoya trying to seduce me?"

Sabrina giggled. "You make it seem like that's a bad thing," she said and River's stern stare answered her. "Zoya's trying hard for you because she sees that you're special-"

"I'm not-" chided River.

"Don't you dare, River," Sabrina's tone firmed. "You're an amazing man and you deserve the best." River met her eyes that were always tender and kind. "And if I didn't think Zoya was the one for you then I would've never encouraged her."

River's ears perked. "What did you say to her?" he demanded.

"That you like flowers over cologne and you're a tough cookie with a soft, gooey interior," Sabrina listed with a grin.

River took a deep breath out. "You should not have done that," he said.

Sabrina took a bite of ice-cream. "I do whatever I want," she remarked and he already knew that. "Look, Zoya's a fun, loving, loyal woman. I think you should give her a chance and get to know her before you make any decision."

River looked down at his melted ice-cream as Sabrina's words settled into his head. "If you know then Gabriel definitely knows," he muttered.

Sabrina licked off the last bite of cream off the spoon with a knowing smile on her lips. "I wouldn't doubt it," she said. "He's always a step ahead of everyone."

River knew that but he still wasn't used to it. He still had to face Ryder who was most likely bursting with questions. What a wonderful experience that will be for him.

"Great. Now I'm craving chocolate-chip cookies," mumbled Sabrina before both of them went home soon after.

When they arrived another turn of events had occurred at the Centauri house.

River opened the front door for Sabrina when they found everyone sitting around the kitchen table. Vincent, Hunter were with Gabriel who was reading through some papers. Hailey was at the sink helping her son wash his hands. He looked as if he rolled around in blue and red paint which stained his entire outfit purple- Bone was helping her as well. Viola and Azura weren't here but Ryder was leaning on the chair beside Gabriel. Leo and Dante were here too but Ender must be in class since he wasn't.

Sabrina went to her mate when River noticed the concern on King's face as he stood stiffly near the kitchen-counter. Klaus was standing over the expresso machine as it beeped alive and poured coffee into the tumbler. Everyone silently watched as the tension in the room grew tremendously. River wondered what the hell happened between King and Klaus.

Suddenly, Klaus grabbed the lid of the tumbler and made a move to leave the kitchen. But King stepped in front of him.

"Honey," King called out. "Are we seriously going to do this?"

Klaus didn't make eye contact with him. He let out a breath and walked around the man over to the door where River was standing.

"Klaus," King's stern voice stopped him in his tracks.

Everyone witnessed the shock on King's face as Klaus turned his back on him. However, no one except River saw Klaus's expression when King called out for him. A pang of guilt swept across his face but Klaus subdued it quickly and anger appeared.

Klaus turned but only looked towards Leo and Dante. "Let's go," he said and they quickly followed after giving King an apologetic face.

"Wow, Klaus took the kids too," mumbled Vincent.

King stood staring after Klaus even after he had left.

"Why is Klaus upset?" asked Sabrina.

King swept a hard hand through his dark hair, letting those electric blue eyes reveal themselves. "Klaus isn't upset. He's angry, which is a lot worse," he grumbled.

"How is that worse?" asked Ryder. "I would think getting upset would be harder on you."

"I can comfort Klaus when he's upset, I just have to take him to bed," King revealed. "But when Klaus is angry, I can't even get him to look at me."

They all shared a bewildered look.

"What'd you do that was so bad?" asked Vincent.

"Getting Klaus angry is impossible," Hailey pointed out.

"And we've all done some stupid shit," added Hunter.

"I may have taken things a little too far," said King.

"So, you admit it's your fault," said River.

"Of course, it is," said King. "I just-" he sighed.

Gabriel looked up at King. "You fucked up, so fix it," his voice was stern with no sense of amusement which straightened King out. "I don't want see Klaus upset." He got up from his seat to leave and that's when River locked eyes with him. "You and I need to talk."

River frowned wondering what this was about. He followed Gabriel to his office.

River closed the door behind them when Gabriel put the papers on the table. River caught the glimpse of a newspaper headline; 'Woman was brutally assaulted and left on the street. Police have found nothing on the perpetrator and investigations will continue'. River doubted the police will find anything since their investigations are half-assed and swept under the rug all the time.

Gabriel went to his desk and River wondered what he wanted to talk about. Then it clicked, he must want to talk about Zoya. But Sabrina couldn't have said anything already, he was there the whole time with them. River doubted if Gabriel knew about the bond yet, neither him or Zoya gave any indication either. Unless, Azura or Viola said something about it before River came back.

"Tonight, we're going-"

"I wasn't going to keep it a secret-"

Both of them spoke at the same time.

Gabriel froze. "What?"

River opened and then closed his mouth. Maybe he thought wrong. "What were you going to say?" He let Gabriel go first.

"Tonight, we're going to meet with someone," he said.

River let out a breath. "Oh," he was too relieved and shouldn't give it away. "Er- I mean, who?"

Gabriel crossed his arms and leaned back on the table. "Ivy Croft," he said. "The alpha female of the Poison Ivy pack."

River straightened to his full height. A darkness seeped into Gabriel's eyes like he visited a dark place in his memories. River knew his friend and he didn't go to those memories often. What was it about this alpha-female that concerned Gabriel? he wondered.

"Tell me about her?" asked River.

Gabriel motioned towards the papers he had earlier. River sat down in front of the papers and started to flip through them. He only caught words that stuck out to him.

"She reminds me of-" his voice fell and he let it go. "Ivy Croft is on a mission and that mission can lead to a slaughter."

River's gut churned like Gabriel had taken a knife and shoved it through his belly. "What is she after?" he asked.

"Revenge," Gabriel uttered that word and silence fell between them.

River's eyes caught the newspapers full of the same news of a woman being found on the street after being assaulted. "The Poison Ivy pack harbours women only," he said. "Does this assault case have something to do with Ivy Croft?"

Gabriel nodded. "King brought the real story. A wolf from the Red Fang pack assaulted one of Ivy Croft's wolves," he explained.

"So, I don't see a problem," said River. "Let her kill the bastard."

"Trust me, I would happily let her do that too," Gabriel said. "However, the wolf that Ivy is targeting isn't from an ordinary bloodline. The one she seeks is Zane Morelli. He's practically royalty and his pack is as old as ours."

River rolled his eyes. This is why River fucking hated all the old packs who had their heads way too far up their own asses. "So, Ivy can't kill that trash because he's got a daddy protecting him," River's tone was icy cold.

"His father is dead," said Gabriel. "Zane has an older brother who is the alpha now to the pack and will inherit the fortune and he has an uncle. Halo Morelli is the one who Ivy should be afraid of."

River stiffened when he heard that name. Halo Morelli was a man built on bloodshed and torture. It was said that Halo's wolf drank the blood of his victims and he even devoured the bodies. He would lock up his prey; human or wolf it didn't matter to him and he'd hunted them for entertainment. River wouldn't have believed the gossip if he hadn't seen it himself.

It was a long time ago, when Gabriel had only just ascended as alpha. They went to a gathering and Halo brought a chain of dead bodies to the meeting; it was his grand way of showing his loyalties to the wolf laws. River still remembered the bodies of the women, men and children gathered and pooling their fresh blood on the floor. Halo was unshaken and amused by everyone's revulsion. River had never felt such horrific pheromones before, the man had every vile intention one could have. If Ivy Croft was going to war with Halo Morelli then there was no way she would survive and Halo would make sure to destroy her pack along with her.

"How do you plan on stopping this?" River asked Gabriel.

"We will talk to her tonight," he answered. "I know where she will be."

"Do you think she will listen?"

Gabriel thought for a while before he spoke. "I don't know," he admitted. "But we've seen enough wars between packs. I don't want the innocent lives from both packs to suffer because of these alphas. We can call the council to prosecute Zane Morelli. Halo can't argue with the law once they decide the punishment."

"The bastard will be locked up in jail and then let out," said River. "If I don't like this plan how do you think Ivy will like it."

Gabriel's pheromones turned to a dangerous blaze heating up the entire room. "Zane will get sentenced to death for what he has done," he seethed. "I only need Halo to be chained by the law, so the rest of Ivy's pack isn't targeted. I don't want innocent blood shed on my streets."

River nodded. "Then we go to her tonight," he said.

Gabriel nodded back.

"Oh right, what were you going to say earlier?" he asked suddenly. "I didn't mean to interrupt you."

"Nothing," said River. "It's not important." Gabriel showed no reaction, so he must have believed him.

Gabriel didn't question further. "How was the trip today?" he inquired then.

Zoya's face appeared in front of his eyes. "It was fine," he said. "The girls had fun in their natural territory around couture."

Gabriel revealed a smile. "That's good to hear. I know Sabrina is nervous about the pregnancy, so it's necessary she enjoys herself," he told him. "I guess I have Zoya to thank for that."

Zoya planned a whole day and took care of every little detail for them. River remembered the way her eyes brightened when she described the fabric of a gown or how much work went into any tailored piece. She admired the efforts of her workers and told all sorts of stories to them about her job. She was there at every step when the girls needed to make a decision of what gown to get. Zoya was charming, confident and most of all, she was kind to the people she loved.

River stiffened and he wondered if he should open his mouth. Maybe, he should wait for a better time when they weren't busy taking down bad guys, ending wars or meeting angry alphas.

"I'll get the gang ready," River said.

"No, don't bring anyone. Only you are needed," said Gabriel.

River took a stern stance. "That's out of the question," he said. "You will have full security. I don't want any risks tonight."

Gabriel held back his arguments and listened to River. "Three is the limit then," he negotiated.

River glowered and walked out of the room to meet the one who would set up the security for tonight's meeting... Azura.

He just stepped out the door when his twin stood there with a smug grin. "I'm busy," River blurted out and tried to move.

He moved ahead of him. "Not so fast, brother," Ryder interjected. "You're going to tell me what I want to know about you and a certain lady-" River grabbed his brother by the arm and took him all the way outside the house.

Ryder was laughing at that point and it was quite obvious that he had already figured things out. "Damn, I've never seen you so freaked out before," he remarked.

"I'm not freaked out," he retorted.

Ryder raised a brow. "You're going to lie to me of all people." It was true, River was never able to blindside his twin.

"I..." his voice fell. River ran a hand irately through his hair. He started off down the porch into the snow-covered field hoping that the icy air would cool him down. Instead, he just kept thinking back to Zoya. The way her body felt against his. Her sweet fragrance bewitching him to take a step closer until nothing was between them.

Was this how the bond between wolves is supposed to feel? Everything was being consumed like someone set him on fire, and instead of pain, he felt the electric rush to hold Zoya like she was the solution to his salvation. She warned him that he'd think about her, he may have smugly answered her that he wouldn't. But who was he kidding? All he could see right now was her. Instead of thinking about the mission Gabriel gave him, he was more concerned about her.

"Damn it all," he cursed.

"River," his brother's voice was concerned and it bothered River. He never wanted to trouble anyone with this. "Zoya seems like a nice person and she's a good friend to Sabrina, which practically makes her a part of the pack. What's the problem?"

River was afraid. He didn't want to hurt anyone. "We have a mission tonight," he said. "Get ready."

"You can run from me, River," Ryder said, "but how long do you think Zoya will wait for you to make up your mind?"

River froze in his tracks.

Ryder walked off leaving River with a sick feeling in his gut.

It wasn't snowing tonight. The roads were clean and the weather was bearable too. As River crossed the road, he surveyed the area. There wasn't a single spot that was dark, since every tree on the street was decorated with bright Christmas lights. The Golden Pier restaurant that they were visiting was famous around the city. There's always a queue unless one made reservations weeks prior to get a table here. However, the Centauri's didn't need reservations since Gabriel was friends with the owner and was informed of their visit tonight.

"Are we planning on having a civil conversation or the usual?" River asked Gabriel who was dressed in a white suit tonight, that matched his long wool coat.

"What do you mean?" Gabriel raised a brow. "I'm always civil."

River couldn't help but scoff. "You really don't know how much you piss people off with that smug attitude, do you?" he asked.

Gabriel's golden eyes winked with mischief. "Let's hope I stay civil," he said. "Otherwise, the other side of me can be quite scary."

River knew that too well. For the world, Gabriel was a generous leader who took care of everyone that followed him. He was an ideal businessman and a great alpha, but when anyone got on his bad side, it never ended well.

The security spotted Gabriel and River walking up to them. They didn't ask any questions and only opened the door for them to enter. And the moment they did, a heavy silence fell around the restaurant. Eyes locked onto them and the air flamed like a thick fire.

The restaurant was packed with many people sitting at the round tables, that were covered with white table clothes and had long candles illuminating each space intimately. Light music hummed in the background, nothing to loud like a nightclub. Voices were muffled and the sounds from the kitchen were far away too, so it wouldn't disturb the guests. Waiters and waitresses dressed in black were busy on their feet taking orders and bringing out the food or drinks. There were tall windows surrounding them, but it was hard to see outside since the glass was fairly black and the crystal chandeliers were dimmed too.

From the corner of his eye, River saw King and Azura being shown to a table on the side. They blended in since both of them were dressed primly in a suit. River knew that many fell for their proper attire; but it was clear that both of them had more weapons on them then one should to be considered a saint.

Gabriel and River found the one they looked for tonight. She was sitting with her back to them eating her dinner alone, which was strange. River expected at least a pack member to be with her.

Gabriel took a seat in front of her with River beside him.

Ivy Croft's eyes stayed focused on her food and she ate meticulously. River watched this alpha as she lifted the fork to her mouth, she grabbed the napkin wiped her lips but then continued to eat not minding them any care in the world.

"I've been meaning to talk to you for a while now," Gabriel began.

She continued to eat. "Mmm, I wonder why that is," she said. "Would you and your pack like to join me for dinner?"

"Pack?" questioned Gabriel.

"Well, there's you, him and the other two," she said. "Is that King Vitiello?"

Gabriel was bemused and a smiled revealed. "You're exactly the way I thought you'd be," he told her. "It's unfortunate that I'm meeting you under these circumstances."

River's blood went cold, when suddenly, her eyes lifted from her food to Gabriel. A scar crossed through her one eye that made it a pale silver, which was probably as beautiful as her other eye that was dark purple almost black. It was as if her wolf was sitting in front of them with the ferocious need to kill. She looked like she was burning with a hidden desire only she knew and maybe Gabriel knew too because he was still smiling, clearly unfazed by her. Her sharp black nail began to tap on the table and what was unnerving was that she hadn't let any sign of her pheromones out of her wolf. So, right now, it was clear that this dominance was all hers alone.

"Mr. Centauri," she began, "I won't kill you but if you keep this facade up in front of me, it'll be a priority." She lifted her fork with the piece of steak attached to it to her lips, and her eyes went back to the food.

"You won't do that, not when it's just getting to the good part," said Gabriel.

This alpha was something else, and that took a lot for River to admit. Not many could sit against Gabriel and not get nervous of why he was here.

Suddenly, the waiter arrived. "Ma'am, would you like to order anything for your guests?" He was a young spirited guy with a smile on his face.

She looked up at the waiter. "Mr. Centauri was just leaving," she said.

The young waiter's face fell in shock when he heard the name and ran off.

"I know who you're hunting," said Gabriel.

She hadn't even flinched. "Why are you intervening in my personal business?"

"Anything that happens in this city is my business," affirmed Gabriel.

She chuckled, but it was a scornful one that would send a chill down a person's body.

River grew tense. This wasn't looking good and this alpha wasn't budging at all. He knew when an alpha wasn't interested when he saw one. And this alpha couldn't give two shits who was in front of her.

"The man you're hunting can cause you problems that your pack can't handle," Gabriel warned.

Her jaw tightened. "Is that so," she said. "And please, enlighten me of what I'm facing?"

"Do you really expect Halo Morelli to hand Zane over to you," remarked Gabriel.

Her eyes looked at him; one silver and scarred the other was a dark purple almost black. It gave a glimpse of what this alpha was like, she had two sides. "Halo Morelli will hand over his precious nephew once I am done with them," she said- well more like promised.

"And who will deal with the consequences of your actions?" asked Gabriel. "If a pack war happens in this city more than just you two are involved and will get hurt. This will be a slaughter-"

Ivy burst out laughing. "Oof," she sighed out loud.

Suddenly, she pushed back her chair and brought both her legs up onto the table crossing them over the other revealing her long leather boots and sharp heels. She reached into her pocket and took out a black cigarette that had a golden emblem of her initials. She lit the flame on the bud of her cigarette. As laughter bubbled on her lips, she pulled in a long breath of tobacco that smelt of cherry and blew the puff of smoke into the air.

"You're right. There will be a slaughter," she forewarned. "I will chop off Zane Morelli's head and if I have to kill his entire pack to do that, then I will-"

"You're being reckless-"

Ivy's eyes twisted with hatred. "Scarlet Bell," she uttered a name. "A young woman found in the middle of the street, beaten and raped with injuries that are still healing despite being a wolf. She won't speak nor does she leave her room unless she is brought the blood of the man who dared to touch her. As an alpha of a pack and a father-to-be, I thought out of all people you'd understand my position... But I suppose someone will always stop a woman from seeking justice-" Gabriel flinched like her words sank into his gut and made him sick- "Vengeance is what I seek, Mr. Centauri," she said. "If you are too afraid then I suggest you move out of the way before my blade gets blood on your pretty white suit."

"You're not listening to what I'm saying-"

"No, you're not listening to me-" Ivy grinned; it was a venomous smile that was supposed to mock them- "Just like how a hurricane destroys everything in its path, Zane and his pack are about to feel my wrath, which I assure you, is greater than any storm they've faced."

This time both alphas dropped all pretences and showed their true self. The dangerous wolves inside them flashed in their eyes.

She laid three hundred-dollar bills on the table. When she stood to her feet the room grew quiet and a dozen other women stood to their feet too. They followed Ivy Croft out the door and that was when River along with everyone else realized that they were her guards.

It was rare, but River was impressed.

"Well, that went great," King remarked sarcastically before he took a seat with them and Azura too.

"More like disastrous," added River.

The door to the restaurant opened and Hunter, Lupin and his twin Ryder walked into the restaurant then.

Gabriel side-glanced at River. "I thought I said only three."

"Only three with you," River retorted. "You said nothing about how many should be outside." Gabriel shook his head.

They grabbed chairs and sat at the table with them.

"How'd it go?" Hunter asked his brother.

"Let me guess, it was horrible," remarked Lupin with a chuckle and Ryder laughed too.

"It'll be fine," said Gabriel.

"Will it?" Azura's tone was stern and grim. She met Gabriel's eyes with a sense of distaste. "Why are you stopping her instead of helping get what she needs?"

Gabriel frowned. "The only one that took action against Halo was mom," he said and they grew quiet. "He was going from one rampage to another massacre. Mom stepped in and brought this to the council's attention at the time. Halo wasn't able to do anything because mom's a Centauri and dad protected her. However, after her death, who knows what Halo has been doing in the dark. And at that point, dad didn't give shit about him or anything else as we all know."

Azura's eyes flared with annoyance. "So, let's end the bastard," she said. "Halo or his nephews don't have the nerve to go against us."

"Something tells me Ivy Croft will not like that," said King. "I've said this before and I will say it again, we should stay out of her way."

River knew alphas like Ivy Croft. He had one just like her beside him. "When you're ready to talk to her without a charming smile that'll only piss her off, then she'll listen," he told Gabriel.

"Halo has armies on his side. Alliances from all over the world," said King.

"Then we give what Ivy needs," said River. "An army of her own."

"My rebels are getting fired up again," Gabriel jested. "Then, shall we join this game."

"You mean, turn the tides," remarked Hunter.

Gabriel smirked. "But first, we need to pay Halo and his nephews a visit."

"Time to piss people off again," said Azura. "I'm so in for this."

River shook his head. "Let's try to stay in line," he warned. "I don't want guns blazing the moment we all shake hands."

"I was about to stab the motherfucker not shake hands," remarked Ryder making them laugh.

River glared at his brother. "Don't rile them up more," he said.

Gabriel smirked. "Relax, stabbing people is behind us," his voice was full with charm. "We will handle this with chivalry, like the Centauri's always have."

"Should we order dinner here or head home?" Hunter asked.

"Let's go home," said Gabriel. "I need to make a few calls."

They got up from their seats and headed out the door, when suddenly, River recognized a voice in front of them. That bright laughter confirmed his suspicions, his eyes tracked the voice and his heart dropped the moment his eyes landed on Zoya. She looked breathtaking in a long silver gown, her dark hair was coiled on her head that showed the wreath of pink diamonds surrounding her neck. She was in tall strappy heels again and he almost walked over to her to remind her how she hurt herself this morning. Now, she was walking on icy pavement with heels.

More than that, it irked him that she was being escorted by another man. Her arm was hooked around his and she was laughing at whatever he told her.

"Oh, look it's Zoya," said Azura.

River crossed his arms when Zoya spotted them too. She locked eyes with him first and her smile widened.

"Hi," she said while looking directly at him.

"Hi, Zoya," Ryder greeted her. "Funny meeting you here tonight."

Zoya pointed behind her where the man stood waiting for her. "I was invited for dinner," she told them. "Are you all leaving?"

"Yes, we were," said Gabriel. "We hope you enjoy your dinner."

"Thank you," she smiled charmingly, like her usual self.

The others started to walk off towards their cars. River would've followed, but his feet didn't move from her. He stayed back and the voice in his head forced him to move and leave- it didn't work.

"I hope you have a great night," Zoya's voice was soft and only for him to hear just before she turned to join the other man.

River's mood darkened when he remembered his brother's words from this morning. Before River could stop himself, his hand moved without command and he grabbed Zoya by her arm stopping her from going to someone else.