The dark alley may have helped her hide from the pursuer, but her laboured breath was hard to control and she feared it could give away her spot.

Breathless and tired, she prayed silently that this alley was too far away for the boys that worked with her at the restaurant. They had chosen a target again, and tonight it was her for speaking out against their inappropriate behaviour. Better her than the other kids though.

Feeling her heartbeat slow down, she turned to survey the area only to face the boys in front of her. The streetlight illuminated lanky thin bodies and she caught sight of familiar sinister smiles. She cursed underneath her breath for being caged in like a prey.

"Finally, we caught you," said Tucker, as he held onto his knees for support. He was the precious son of Mr. Bernard; the restaurant owner where she had to work, just to keep food on her table.

"She's mine, boys," barked Tucker as he stood up. "I've waited a long time to teach this street trash who's in charge."

Tucker laughed and looked at his buddies who also laughed with him. But not her, he was just a filthy bully, and now, she needed to end his bullying once and for all. But how? she contemplated, as she stood against Tucker.

"What's wrong the cat's got your tongue?" Tucker teased.

"Just don't want to waste my words on a pig and his swarm of flies." She waved her hand at them.

"How dare you talk to me like," he seethed. Tucker lunged forward to grab her arm with his meaty palms.

However, she was faster. She launched her rough hand and smacked Tucker straight across his face with a fuck ton of force. Tucker lost his balance and landed in the puddle from yesterday's thunderstorm. The clothes he always gloated about were muddy and wet now, which angered him further.

"Grab her!" Tucker yelled to the other boys and they hurled themselves at her. She didn't run, so they easily held her down.

She was out of options; she had to finish this quickly or else her life was done right here. She looked at Tucker and even in the darkness she could see that he was pink in the face. She found herself amused at the thought.

"What shall we do with her, Tucker?" said a boy who helped him get up.

"Time to teach the street trash a lesson," sneered Tucker, as he took out the small switch blade from his pocket and walked towards her...

Zero jolted out of the memory when her name was called out. She looked to her side blankly, a maid stood beside her with a tray.

"Would you like more coffee, ma'am?" asked the maid.

"No, but thank you, Nancy," replied Zero. She put her cup down and seemed to have lost her appetite.

Nancy walked away to offer the others more coffee or tea, which people gladly took. Zero watched the way everyone sat at the clean white tables, each which had their own vases full with bloomed flowers. The massive yard laid out beside them and there were acres green fields. The trees swayed in the light breeze and the leaves were already crisp and golden. The Salvatore manor was surrounded by beautiful antique decor and the design was impeccable to fit that of royalty, but that was to be expected from Wayne Salvatore. The man had style; no one could argue that about him.

Unlike the others here today, Zero felt like a fraud sitting here amongst them. Her past would be enough to give Wayne and his guests nightmares for days. Zero's life wasn't lived off of a golden spoon. Quite the opposite happened, she ate to survive; even if it fell on the floor or had gotten wet in the rain because she didn't have a home with a solid roof. None of that mattered when her stomach was empty for countless nights and she had to eat to live another day.

Wayne and his guests had no clue what she had to do in order to ensure her survival. People praised her strength, her power too, but they never once thought what she had to do to get it.

Now, sitting next to Wayne at his table was a chance only some were blessed with. Everyone around her stared with envy, that they weren't Wayne's honoured guest chosen to be by his side.

Not that Zero gloated about these things. When she had met Wayne for the first time, she thought he was just an ordinary man with shitty luck. Zero never expected that the man she pulled out of a car would be the billionaire philanthropist Wayne Salvatore. It was a first that she made a friend while she hunted an enemy.

Zero smiled a little when she realized once again the games that fate always played with her.

"Zero, you're not eating much," said Wayne.

Zero lifted her head and now all those indigo eyes were on her. "Just not that hungry, Wayne," she told him.

"We can't have that," said Wayne. "I know how much you like to eat. So, I made my staff make it to fit your taste."

Zero smiled at him and he approved as she picked up her fork again. Wayne turned to his sons and made sure they were eating too. The three of them started bickering over the food and Wayne scolded them like a father would. Zero stayed quiet in the middle of them and just enjoyed their voices.

Wayne and his sons had a bond that she admired. They seemed like the family to enjoy dinner at night and always share how their day went. Maybe, they would have Christmas and a big dinner hosting a party too. Birthday parties for everyone and they'd even take pictures. She remembered seeing a lot of portraits hanging around the house from all different ages and times. Wayne once even showed her photo albums of his family, others probably didn't like looking at those, but Zero did. It was nice to see how others lived their lives without painful experiences.

Zero would love to do a photo album herself, but she never really got the chance to start. There weren't even any pictures of her as a kid. Sadly, the only one that knew what she looked like as a child was herself. That was the curse of being born on the streets, with that excuse she mended her heart.

Zero didn't stop eating, but her stomach still felt empty. She looked down at her hands, they were ice-cold as she held onto the fork. Taking a deep breath, she put the fork down and reached for a round loaf of bread, that sat on a plate in the centre of the table. Spreading a bit of warm butter on it, she took a bite and chewed slowly.

Zero lifted her eyes and met Severin's gaze first who was busy talking to his brother. He was amused again, like he had been all day with her. There was a depth to him that he hid from everyone, she wondered what it was. What was Severin hiding behind that charming smile that never faltered? she pondered.

Zero sat on the opposite end, but she felt every part of his presence. He held himself with an elegance that called her to him. A strong pull was what he had within those indigo eyes that appeared purple under the brilliant sunlight. His blond hair, wind-swept but perfect still for that chiseled face. His strong brows framed those deep eyes and were heavily surrounded by brown lashes. He had a straight nose, like his father and a pair of smooth lips.

Severin had a linen shirt on that was tucked into a pair of white trousers. She hadn't noticed before, but the buttons of his shirt were open and his skin gleamed under the white. Zero noticed that he was clean; too clean with no scars or a single injury. Unlike her, every part of her body had a past.

However, Severin wasn't like her. He had a perfect childhood with parents, a loving brother and a roof over his head all his life. He probably never had to fight for food or a place to sleep or even for his own safety.

Severin sat in the chair next to his father, leaned back and his legs crossed at the knee. He was smiling at his brother who talked about Thunder. As Zero watched him, she realized that he always listened to the person talking. He was careful with his words and kind to everyone around him. He was a lot like his father in that sense.

From the opposite end of the table, Zero kept her eyes locked to the way his smile made his eyes shine. They had a mesmerizing glow that had her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't know why a possessive hunger grew inside her body. It clearly told her to hide his smile for no one but for her to see. She swallowed that urge and looked away from him.

Zero brushed her hand over the brooch pinned on top of her heart. When she was mugged earlier this morning, she was less worried about the thugs and more about the pin. Severin gifted it to her and she had already ruined it. She knew it was childish to think like that. Frankly, she never cared about things like this before. But a gift was special, it always was to her. And Severin gifted her something precious to remember this day. However, fate played that joke again like it always did. Fate told her to remember no matter what she got, it was bound to be sullied in filth. Darkness surrounded Zero and she didn't feel the need to drag Severin into it, he didn't deserve that. No one did.

Zero's wolf emerged through the dark void in her head.

You don't have a choice anymore, said her wolf.

Zero sipped the remainder of her coffee as her wolf menaced with a deep growl. Severin can't be with us, Zero retorted back.

Her wolf glared at her. My mate will be with me, she gritted out. Only we can protect him.

Zero's whole body grew rigid and cold as ice. A storm brewed inside her as she felt her wolf bonding herself to Severin without his permission.

You can't do that, Zero snapped at her wolf. He is better off without us. Zero's wolf ignored her and continued to guard Severin.

He's what I've been searching for all this time, whispered her wolf. He's the light to our darkness.

Zero reeled back the urge to mark Severin to the point that she had to chew on the inside of her cheek. She knew the moment she looked into those indigo eyes that she wouldn't be able to stay back. Zero was possessive and her wolf was even worse. This was bad, she thought to herself. Wayne was sending his son to New York to keep him safe. Not to be marked by her. For god's sake, what trouble was she getting into?

"I was just talking to Zero yesterday about your trip to New York, Severin," said Wayne suddenly.

Zero refocused on Wayne and not her agonizing desires.

"Zero has gladly agreed to keep you company in New York for your trip," continued Wayne.

Severin looked surprised.

Zero met his gaze, that mischievous gaze melted her icy core. "For your trip, you'll be staying at my house," she told him sternly. "I will escort you to work and make sure your stay is comfortable."

"I don't want to be a bother for such a busy person like yourself," said Severin.

She made the mistake to look at those eyes again. "It's no bother," she replied. "Wayne has the address to my house. You can come within your scheduled time-"

"No, I'll go with you when you return-" interrupted Severin. "We shouldn't waste any more time."

Wayne looked stunned. "You agreed to that pretty fast," he said to Severin. "Usually, you give me such a hard time."

Severin put his hand on his father's shoulder. "Do you want me to give you hard time again?" he goaded.

"No, I rather not deal with that," Wayne swatted his son's hand away. "Anyways, you're not under my supervision anymore. You have her to worry about -" Wayne gestured towards Zero- "and she won't deal with your attitude like I do."

Severin gaped at his father. "You're going to sell your son out like that," he remarked, acting as hurt as he could. "You wound me, father."

"Dad, don't hurt Severin," jested Tom. "He's too fragile, he might break."

Severin glared at his brother. "Don't think dad likes you better because you're a lawyer," he retorted.

"No, he likes me better because I'm his favourite child... and I'm a lawyer," spat back Tom.

"Okay, you two, stop it," Wayne interjected because he recognized when his sons were about to fight it out.

"Dad, tell him that you like me better," demanded Severin.

"I can't tell you that," retorted Wayne.

"Ha! see," Tom intervened with a chuckle. "He does hate your guts."

Severin gasped at his father, his hand over his heart like it was broken. "Dad, is this true?" he asked desperately. Zero knew he was kidding, but Wayne was starting to panic for sure.

"No, no it's not," panicked Wayne. "Tom stop teasing your brother." Tom snickered and continued to enjoy his cappuccino.

Zero couldn't hold it back any longer and she laughed. She forgot everything and just laughed, surprising them for sure. But even for a second, Zero forgot her past and just enjoyed this time with her friends. The three of them laughed with her and she felt like she was a part of something pure for once.

"Wayne," a voice interrupted them.

Wayne looked up to meet the person who approached their table. "Steve, what can I do for you?" he greeted him with a friendly smile, but Steve didn't look as if he was in a good mood.

"Can I have a word?" he requested sternly.

Wayne frowned and sensed the air around the man. Zero did too. "Sure," he said. Wayne pushed his chair back and got to his feet to join his guest.

Steve was a stiff man; tall and lean with light-brown hair and overly sharp grey eyes. His face clouded with wrinkles and he appeared rather stringent in his demeanour. He wore a suit even this early in the morning, his tie matched his eyes and his ensemble was black.

Zero sat at the table with Tom and Severin who talked about this man Steve Sanders and his unbearably dull nature. However, Zero watched the way Steve held himself and walked with that arrogant air, that made him grow even taller than he already was.

Steve had pulled Wayne away to a secluded area near the large vases full of hydrangea. Steve held a deep frown and his lips were moving fast as he spoke with Wayne. And from the way Wayne's indigo eyes darkened, Zero sensed that something was wrong.

"Zero, are you okay?" Tom asked.

"What business does Steve Sanders own?" she asked them.

Severin's eyes lost that sparkle of amusement and turned rigid. "He's in real estate, like us," he told her.

Steve occasionally stole glimpses at her and since his frown deepened every time, it was clear that he talked about her to Wayne. Zero tapped her fingers on the counter as she watched Steve talking nervously to Wayne.

"What else?" she asked.

"Overseas trading and just some annual fundraisers," Severin continued.

Zero knew what all that meant. "So, he buys land to use and sell unknown products to unknown places and then loiters money disguising it as fundraisers," she said sternly, as she leaned back and crossed her legs.

Tom and Severin gaped at her blunt accusation. "How do you know that?" Tom asked her.

"I know a criminal when I see one," she told them.

Zero watched Wayne and Steve a little longer. This time Wayne was doing the talking, and she was sure he was convincing Steve, that she wasn't going to hurt anyone.

"Is Steve part of an elite club or a private membership?" she asked next.

"Yeah, he is," replied Severin. "He's part of the same club as our dad. The Gold Committee-" Severin looked at her and she nodded for him to explain further- "The club just consists of our company's board members and a few other prominent figures."

"And are all the members here at this party?" asked Zero.

"Yes, they are," said Severin. "What's this about, Zero?"

"Your guest Steve Sanders is making a request to throw me out of this party," she revealed and that alarmed Tom and Severin.

Zero and the others went quiet when Wayne made his way back to the table with an agitated expression. He huffed and sat down at the chair, his brows furrowed and he looked ready to break the table.

"Dad," Severin called out. "What did Steve say to you?"

"Nothing important," said Wayne crossly.

Tom and Severin shared a worried look. "Dad?" prompted Tom.

However, Wayne looked up at Zero first, which told them all they needed to know.

Zero's tapping stopped. "It's your decision, Wayne," she said. "You want me here or not?"

"Of course, I want you here," said Wayne. "Those posers can leave if they want. I don't owe them anything."

"That's bizarre, even for Steve," added Tom.

Zero sat at the table, her eyes lifted and she looked directly at Steve who was sitting with a few other men. Steve froze like a deer in headlights when her eyes locked onto him. His frightened stare and sweaty palms just told Zero, that he was afraid of her and of what she could find out about him. But little did he know, that she didn't need to find out anything about him when it was all so clear. A guilty conscious showed through his eyes; through that slight trembling and that anxious scent which Steve and the other men had.

Zero didn't understand why Steve went to Wayne when it was clear that Wayne had no authority over her actions either. He was her friend- a great friend, but that was all. Zero never budged simply because someone was getting nervous around her.

"Excuse me," she said as she stood.

"What's wrong?" asked Severin, his frown clear between his brows. "Zero?"

Zero rounded the table and went straight to the men huddled together that used Wayne to target her. As she neared, the more they stood to guard and fixed their suits. She could tell that they thought they were superior simply because they wore expensive attire.

Zero only saw filth. She saw the trash that they truly were- she always did. Whether it was in a lavish mansion or in the slums of the streets, she could always spot the revolting character many concealed.

"Steve Sanders," she called out his name, standing in front of him.

Steve's eyes widened. "Er- good morning, Zero," he said.

She didn't buy it; his politeness was a joke. "I'm at a friend's home to enjoy a celebration," she said. "But my deliberate calm attitude shouldn't be mistaken for inattentiveness-" Zero unzipped her leather jacket, she lifted the side and hooked onto the belt of her trousers she showed Steve what she'd use if he kept yapping his mouth, like a little bitch- "What I think is right, I do... even if everyone is against me," she told them. "Killing you won't be hard for me. So, don't make it my top priority."

"You can't threaten us like that," Steve gritted out.

Zero stepped closer. "Is there anyone here that can stop me?" Steve swallowed and saw that no one could stop her. No one dared to question her word. "Don't make me erase you from the map, Steve." Zero put her hands on her waist and smiled at them; it was a fake one. "Now, let's enjoy the rest of the day without a funeral."

Zero turned on her heels and she waved off to Wayne before she went inside the mansion alone. But that was when she heard scuffling of feet behind her and that unbearable rich fragrance.

"What is it?" she said, as she dared not to turn back and look into those indigo eyes.

"Are you alright?" Severin asked warily. "Steve didn't say anything bad to you, right?"

Zero's lips slightly lifted at the gentle tone of his voice whenever he spoke to her. But a simmering rage built inside her, when she remembered that men like Steve were what she hunted on her downtime.

Zero put her hand onto her waist, her palm fisted around the handle of the gun. She pulled it out and held it down to sit at her side, deliberately exposing the weapon to Severin who stood behind her.

"Men like Steve don't have the nerve to speak against me," she told him. "I am a dangerous wolf, Severin. Never forget it." She walked off towards the guest bedroom and closed the door tightly.

Zero took off the jacket, that Severin gifted her. She held the leather in her hands and felt her body melt in the warmth it provided. Her ice-cold skin glowed in the heat of that man. Her hands gripped onto the leather hoping that she'd calm down, but it didn't help.

Mate with him, said her wolf.

No! she snarled at her wolf. We can't mate with him. He'll be in danger.

Her wolf held her stance, the stubborn nature seeping out of both of them. He'll lessen your pain, Zero.

My pain is nothing, she told her wolf. Severin is Wayne's son. He can't be in danger. I won't allow it.

You don't have the power to decide that, believed her wolf. Maya decides who we mate with. And if Severin is our mated-pair then you can't stop what's about to come.

Zero stiffened and the jacket fell onto the bed. Maya, her goddess chose Severin for her. Why would Maya choose someone so pure? pondered Zero. Severin had no evil, knew no evil, saw no evil. What would he think when he finds out that his mate is none other than a killer, that was born in the slums of New York?

Zero's knees slackened and she fell onto the bed. She put her head into her palms and massaged the temples with her hard thumbs. Keeping her eyes closed, she breathed and swallowed all urges to mate. She didn't know how much time had passed with her head held down and her breathing filling her ears.

A soft knock interrupted her.

"Leave," she said sternly, hoping deep down that it wasn't Severin who followed her.

"It's Wayne, Zero," said the voice. "I'm coming in." The door opened a second later and Wayne towered in the door-frame.

Zero stared at her friend. The friend who invited her and now she had the urge to mark his son to her forever. What would he think about that? she thought to herself. No, she couldn't mate with Severin. She was never going to mark him and ruin his life, that was a promise and Zero never broke a promise.

"Are you alright?" Wayne asked, but he stiffened when his eyes landed on the weapon on the bed. "I sent everyone home," he told her.

Zero's eyes widened. She got to her feet. "What?" she astounded. "What about the party?"

Wayne shrugged a shoulder. "I only wanted to celebrate with my sons and you," he said. "Now, will you join me outside. We're all going on a walk."

"You sent everyone back," she muttered.

"Well, we actually lied to you," revealed Wayne.

Zero frowned. "What do you mean?"

"My sons only arranged the party to be for the night and for breakfast," Wayne told her. "I lied to you that it was longer so you could stay with us."

Zero could only stare at him blankly. "I really fell for that," she astounded to herself.

Wayne grinned at her, he closed the space and put his hand on her cheek. "Now, come on. Bring that jacket, it's cold outside," he told her.

Zero grabbed the leather jacket and gun before she joined him. "Your son got it for me," she told him.

"It's a great piece, suits you very well," said Wayne. "I'm glad you two are getting along."

"Are you?" asked Zero. "Is it... okay, I mean?"

Wayne gaped at her. "Who else is more perfect than you?" he said with a chuckle and then walked out to the garden again. "Boys, let's go," he said as he walked up to Tom and Severin.

The air had gotten colder and the leaves swayed in the breeze. Clouds formed a grey shadow in the sky and the green grass was covered in a blanket of crisp leaves. She came down a few stairs and followed the Salvatore family. It really was only the four of them here, everyone was gone and the busy garden had grown quiet. Zero tracked the four security guards around the garden and then there were three more right ahead of them.

"Aren't you coming?" Severin asked from the bottom of the trail.

Zero put on the jacket and started to move towards him. Tom and his father had walked on ahead, talking as they went.

"Did you have the gun on you when we went out riding?" Severin suddenly asked.

"Yeah," she told him. Zero tried not to meet his eyes, but that was hard when he wanted to talk to her. Couldn't he just walk ahead and ignore her, she thought to herself.

"Where'd you hide the thing?" he proceeded to inquire.

Zero swept a hand through her tousled hair. "Don't worry about that," she replied making Severin laugh.

"Hey, dad!" Severin shouted from the back.

"Yes, my son," Wayne replied without turning around.

"Zero has a gu-"

Zero jolted and grabbed his mouth to keep him quiet. "Are you going to tell the whole world that I have one?" she said gaping at him.

Severin looked at her bemused with her hand was over his mouth. Zero glared at him to keep quiet and he seemed to understand when she felt him smile under her palm. Slowly, she removed her hand.

"You finally looked my way," he whispered. "I thought you were angry at me."

Zero frowned. "I'm not mad at you," she mumbled and continued to walk ahead.

Severin chuckled. "So, then why do you look like I kicked your puppy?" he asked.

She put her hands in her pockets. "That's just my face," she responded.

"It's pretty cold, you should've worn a thicker jacket," he said out of the blue.

Zero shook her head. "This is fine," she said, as she snuggled into the smooth leather.

"Is it because I got it for you?" he jested with a grin.

Zero sighed and realized that he wasn't gonna stop teasing her. "Maybe," she told him. Severin gaped at her and froze in his tracks. Zero stopped a few steps ahead. "What's wrong?" she asked him.

"I never thought you'd admit that," he admonished with his indigo eyes sparkling with marvel. Severin stood powerfully in his white attire, that never suited anyone better. She didn't understand how that colour made him appear as if he weren't real.

Zero looked away hiding her dazed expression. "Hurry up, or we'll lose those two," she urged him to move and he did.

"You want to wear my jacket?" he asked.

"Don't push it," she retorted making him laugh.

"Come on, you slowpokes!" Tom shouted from ahead.

Zero ignored Severin and went to Wayne and Tom. Eventually, they exited the private property through the side gates and ended up on the trail through the flat lands. There was a thin footpath, that could fit only two people, so they walked in a row. Severin had joined his brother's side and Wayne stood beside Zero. All of them talked to each other, Zero occasionally gave her opinion but mostly stayed focused on the view around them, since this was her first time on this path in particular.

"We should head over to Beyer's house," suggested Wayne. "I know that man is brewing something good at this time."

"His house is around that corner, right?" Tom pointed over to the far right.

"Yeah," answered Wayne. "Just keep to this path, boys."

They all ended up in a large pumpkin patch where large orange globes grew with thick brownish-green stems. The grass was a pale brown and it surrounded the pumpkins, so they wouldn't break from the weight. Zero spotted a large barn far away and she could see that it was bustling with many workers.

"Beyer's is our local farmer," Wayne told her.

They all arrived on the farm property and Wayne went up the hill first. Beyer was standing on a white porch, that had rocking chairs, blankets and tons of pumpkins everywhere on the stairs. The house was massive with many windows and the front door was left open. The man was tall, muscular but his built wasn't the type that one got from training in the gym and consuming protein shakes. Beyer's thick arms and legs were a result from working tirelessly in the fields all day. He stood with a pair of jeans, a leather belt that held his flannel in place which was tucked into his pants and working boots. His dusty brown hair was cut short to stay out of his way no doubt. But the light silver hairs and the maturity around him told Zero, that he was about Wayne's age.

"Beyer," Wayne called out as he waved.

Beyer heard his name and looked out, spotting the four of them. His light green eyes beamed and he walked off the porch. "Wayne," he said. "It's great to see you." The two of them hugged.

"We thought to stop by for your famous apple cider," said Wayne.

Beyer's smile broadened. "You always come just on time, it's honestly scary," he said making them laugh. "I just put some on the stove."

Wayne turned. "You know my crazy kids already," he waved the boys off and presented Zero with a beaming smile. "This is my friend, Zero-" he was grinning like a proud wolf- "I told you I knew her," he whispered to Beyer who stood stunned.

"You can't keep a secret, can you?" Zero sighed at Wayne, before she went up to Beyer. "It's nice to meet you."

Beyer shook her extended hand. "Oh god," he stared at Wayne. "She's for real." Wayne laughed wholeheartedly at his friend's stunned face. "Let's get you all seated," he ushered them towards the house.

"I brought Zero here to taste your famous recipe," said Wayne; his voice trailed off as he spoke some more with Beyer.

They all helped set up chairs on the grass, since the porch didn't fit them all. Beyer came back from the barn with a few wood pieces in a tin bucket. He set it in the centre of the circle and went into the house for some matches.

"This place is beautiful," Zero said as she looked around once more before taking a seat.

Wayne unzipped his jacket. "It is," he added. "The fresh air and open fields make for the perfect morning."

"Except that it's freezing my toes off," shivered Tom whose teeth chattered together.

They laughed at him, as he sat huddled in his own thick black jacket and scarf. Tom would occasionally blow warm air into his hands and his legs started to bounce up and down. Severin looked fine, rather relaxed actually. She guessed it was because his coat was padded with wool and he had gloves on too. Out of all of them, he looked the warmest. Maybe, that's why he took his gloves off and tossed them to Tom who gladly accepted them. He put them on right away and his legs stopped bouncing.

"Watch out!" Beyer announced from the house.

Zero only looked back for a second when she saw four massive dogs running towards them. The beasts were fast, their paws could be heard scrambling down and their tongues hanging out to the side. Their bright eyes told them all that they were eager to sniff the new people here at their house.

Severin got up from the chair, his face beamed at the two huskies, one Bernese mountain and one golden retriever, which ran to Severin first in an eager jump. Wayne was ambushed by the huskies and Zero was fast to get in the middle too. She never could resist big puppies who wanted to play and sleep all day. At one point, the Bernese mountain attacked Tom who wasn't giving much heed to them. And that didn't sit well with the dogs, they needed everyone's love to be equal. So, they all slobbered over Tom until he admitted he loved them. Only then they walked off towards Severin who never hid his love.

"These monsters keep getting bigger and bigger," astounded Wayne.

"Don't remind me," Beyer groaned. "They all end up on my bed and strangle me in the morning."

"What are their names?" asked Zero.

"Oh, the one licking Tom's face is Bear," said Beyer. "The one in love with Severin is Abel. And the twin huskies are Cooper and Charlie."

They all settled down on the wooden chairs as Beyer lit the wood in the tin bucket on fire. He used his bare hands to move around the pieces and letting the slow breeze rile up the flames. In seconds, the fire grew and they all felt the warmth. Tom was the first to move closer to the fire, his hands over the flames despite the gloves on. Bear settled over Tom's feet and laid comfortably. Tom definitely welcomed the warmth and told Bear multiple time that he was his saviour. Abel- the joyful golden dog was sitting with Severin, between his legs, the dog's head on his lap. The black twin huskies with sky-blue eyes sat with Zero. She ditched the chair and settled on the ground with them, so they'd be more comfortable.

"You need another dog, Beyer," said Wayne who sat alone.

Beyer sat on the chair and gave his friend a stern look. "Why don't you just get one this time?" he said. "I alone raise four. You at least have your sons to help you."

"We should adopt one," said Wayne looking at his kids.

"Let me have Abel, Beyer," said Severin. The dog started to wag his tail at the sound of his voice.

"No way, Abel is my sweetest boy," said Beyer. "You can have Bear or Cooper. They're the wild ones."

Zero and Tom both exchanged a look because they were the ones who harboured the wild ones out of the group. Zero looked at Cooper who sat with his body against her thigh, his head on her knee. She patted him and couldn't believe that this sweet baby was wild. Charlie on the other hand was looking at the fire with interest.

"Bear, are you a wild child?" Tom mumbled.

Beyer laughed at them. "They're acting sweet to win you over," he said to them. "They did that as puppies and I adopted them. Now, they don't let me sleep."

"Where are your brothers, Beyer?" Wayne asked.

"They're visiting dad today," he told him.

"He lives in the Cotswold District, right?" asked Wayne and Beyer nodded. "That area is beautiful too."

Beyer continued to talk about that area and moving there. Wayne was thinking of buying a cottage there too. Severin told his dad to leave it because he would be too lonely there. Wayne had to agree to that.

Beyer got up from his chair to go inside the house to check on the hot cider. Charlie who sat looking at the flame saw that and got up right away. The dog followed his owner all the way into the house, while the others stayed outside keeping them company.

Zero shifted and now Cooper sat on her, his massive body draped over her legs and he seemed to comfortable, that she didn't dare move an inch. She was being crushed under the weight but she didn't care at all, so long as this sweetheart was at ease, all was good.

"You looked smothered by fur," pointed out Severin who was undoubtedly laughing at her.

Zero put her head on Cooper. "He can smother me to death," she muttered. "I wouldn't mind." They laughed at her happy smile.

A moment later, Beyer walked out with a tray in his hand and five large glass mugs. "It's ready, folks," he said as Charlie followed behind him.

All the dogs raised their head in attention when they saw the food. Their tails wagged and they looked ready to pounce Beyer, but they didn't because Beyer had warned them already. Everyone grabbed a mug and now Zero took a seat on the chair with the glass in her hand.

Zero didn't know what to expect, she never tired apple cider before. All she knew was it smelt like spicy cinnamon and ripened apples. The hot cider steamed over the cup and carried through the air. The cup was heavy in her hand and she welcomed the warmth. Zero had put the glass to her mouth, the comforting scent bloomed inside her and she finally got a taste.

"Holy shit," she astounded.

The four of them gaped at her.

Zero sat their stunned, not even embarrassed about her reaction because it was needed. She looked at Beyer. "I never tasted anything like this before," she said making him laugh.

"Glad you like it," he said.

"That reaction never gets old," said Wayne. "Severin and Tom freaked the first time too."

Zero looked at the brothers and they nodded. "We did," said Severin and Tom said the same.

Now, she understood why the glass was massive, it was because finishing this would be no problem at all.

"So, Zero, how long are you visiting?" Beyer asked her.

"Just for the weekend," she told him. "I'll be leaving tomorrow."

"You should stay longer," said Beyer looking at Wayne now. "Take her on a tour around town."

"I would love to keep her here, but she doesn't listen to anyone," sulked Wayne.

Zero laughed at him. "Beyer if I can get this apple cider everyday then I might just stay," she jested.

Wayne looked at his friend. "You better get started," he said and Beyer accepted the challenge.

"You live in New York, right?" Beyer's then asked. "How's the big city?"

"Not as precious as this place," she told him.

"That's for sure," laughed Beyer.

Wayne then continued to talk about other stuff, Zero meant to pay attention, but her mind drifted. It wasn't unusually for her to forget her surroundings and just grow quiet. That's how she's always been. Quiet... nothing to say.

Sitting on the chair, the fire flickering in the tin bucket had crackled and snapped the wood from the heat. The huge trees surrounded the entire area, the golden leaves danced in the breeze and it sounded as if she stood in the middle of the ocean.

Zero's whole body numbed to the sensation, that's how it always was with everything. The good, the bad, all felt the same to her when she was in the darkness of those vile places. However, being here in the wilderness surrounded by the beauty of nature, was she really numb towards this world? she asked herself.

They may not be any fear in her heart, but that just made Zero forget the pleasures life gave. Although, it always felt like life never gave her those sweet indulgences. Life never watched out for her or cared that each night a pain set inside her chest, to the point, that it felt as sharp and real as a dagger.

Except, who was she supposed to tell this to? Who was she supposed to confide herself to when life didn't give her anyone and all it did was take from her. But that didn't bother Zero as much as the thought of her purpose did. Years and years have passed on this singular path yet she didn't understand why. Who was she to save this world when even her birth was in the slums; the lowest of places anyone could be. That was the place she had been born, but no one knew that. No one saw that she crawled herself out of the filth, and when she had, the scars that covered her body still haunted her today.

Zero looked down at her hands. They weren't fragile or dainty with soft skin. Her fingers were rough, her knuckles were busted from old fights and the slashes of scars marred every inch.

Wayne, his sons, Archie and now Beyer, all said that it was an honour to meet her. But the real honour was for her because she saw people who built a home for themselves. These people all worked hard to have families and enjoy campfires. Except Zero never did that. She may have gotten rich and showed the world that being born in the slums didn't dictate her future. But all that seemed worthless when she realized that she did that out of spite. The money she had, the life that she led, what was the purpose of it all? People still suffered, kids are still born in the slums like she was. Many innocent people are still kidnapped out of their homes to be used as slaves. Zero didn't have enough power to stop it all. She couldn't save everyone and she knew that she wasn't enough.

But was she going to give up? No, she could never do that. Zero couldn't save everyone, but she'd save as many as she could, even if she had to sacrifice her own life, she'd do it without question because nothing else made her feel alive.

A strong gust of wind blew through the field, carrying leaves and the scent of cinnamon and pine through the air. Pulling Zero with it, her heart leaped and she closed her eyes as her skin shivered in thrilling sensation... Maya, don't let me wander, prayed Zero. Be my guide even though I may not be worthy of it.

Suddenly, a warmth engulfed Zero and she instantly thought that Maya had touched her, showed her grace to Zero. But when she opened her eyes, all she saw was a blanket over her shoulders and Severin sitting back down.

"What?" she fumbled as the blanket draped her.

"You looked cold," he relied softly. "Can't have our saviour getting sick, now can we."

Zero lost herself to the kindness of those ethereal eyes. Severin went back to talking to the rest of them, as if he hadn't known what showed on her face. What was he doing to her? she wondered. Why was this man ripping her from the inside out and even being the thing that healed her? Do mates have that much influence on each other? Or was it the greedy nature Zero had that made her dangerous near Severin. Whatever it was, it seemed that she didn't have a choice anymore when it came to the influence he had on her.

It was a while later when they all enjoyed lunch with Beyer, and then decided to visit town to walk off the heavy meal.

Zero had come to a realization while she was with this family; the Salvatore's really loved shopping.

Every store they went into, all of them walked out with something new. But more than shopping for themselves, they had loaded her up with new stuff. Wayne, Tom and Severin didn't take 'no' for an answer and bought her whatever looked good on her.

Zero stood on the street like she went through a tornado and was spat back out. No one ever pampered on her before, so it was all very new.

It was around four in the evening when they stopped at a cafe to enjoy tea. Zero appreciated her crispy croissant to the fullest and didn't mind the Earl gray tea along with it. Eventually, they returned to the estate with their hands full of new bags.

Wayne dropped on the couch with a sigh. "That was fun," he added with a lively smile.

Tom joined his father. "You mean exhausting," he corrected. "My feet are killing me."

Zero was fine physically, maybe because she had more endurance towards painful things. Zero pulled out her cellphone after ignoring it all day and she saw that there were a few missed calls; all from the same number and she knew who the number belonged to as well.

"Is something wrong?" Wayne asked her.

"Hope not," she muttered, as she stared at the missed calls. She looked up at they were staring at her with a stiff expression. "I need to take this call," she told them.

"All of us should freshen up," said Wayne.

Tom got up and went to his room without hesitation. Severin waited with his father, probably to talk about something. Zero didn't stick back long enough to know what it was about.

Zero speed dialled the number that called her. It only rang once before it was answered. "Hello," she said.

"What took you so long?" asked Marcello Tricomi who was now an Iron Blood pack wolf and married to an Iron brother too.

"I'm out of town," she told him. "Why? What's wrong?"

"You need to come back to New York," he said. "We have a problem."

Zero didn't even know why she asked. When was there ever not a problem. "I will call you when I get back," she said. Both of them cut the line at the same time.

Zero went back to the large living room where Wayne and Severin were still seated. She really didn't want to ruin the moment, but she didn't have a choice. Her line of work didn't let her rest longer than twenty-four hours and that was on a good day.

Zero looked at Severin. "How long will it take you to pack?" she asked.

Severin saw the rigid edge around her and perhaps knew what happened without asking. "I can be done within the hour," he told her.

Zero put her phone away. "Then I need you ready in the hour," she said. "It's time for me to go back to New York." Severin stood and marched past her, his eyes on her the entire time.

"I would ask if everything's alright, but I fear the answer might not let me sleep," said Wayne warily.

"That would be for the best," she retorted.

"Will you be alright?" Wayne asked her with concern in his eyes.

Zero didn't know how to answer that without lying. So, she stayed quiet. Wayne understood. He got up and came to her. His arms opened and he took her into his tight embrace.

"I will pray for your safety," he whispered.

Zero didn't let herself falter. She hugged him back and stayed composed. "You take care now," she said.

Wayne laughed and pulled back looking at her face with those deep purplish-blue eyes. "I don't need to, when the world has got you watching over us," he teased with that charming smile that Severin had too.

Zero straightened to her powerful height. "I will keep Severin safe," she promised.

"I know," he said. "But you stay safe too."

Zero didn't promise that because she knew she'd break it.