People walked around the streets of New York completely unaware that the supernatural existed. Over hundreds of centuries, werewolves have wandered these lands without being discovered. They hid in plain sight as regular business employees, lawyers, doctors, cops and even drug dealers. In this secret society of werewolves there's also a hierarchy, and no matter where one went on this planet, a hierarchy always called for trouble. The shifter world is ruled by the strongest alphas, and their packs have been following them since beginning of their creation.

However, for this system to run smoothly, all the alphas must follow a code which was created by their ancestors. And no one knew that better than the Centauri pack. They were the last original family that has the pure blood from the first werewolf ever created by Maya- the moon goddess. She is the deity all werewolves- evil or good worshipped. If someone ever wondered why a wolf howled towards a lonesome moon? It's because that beautiful beast knows that Maya would always listen to his prayers.

The Centauri family has been a strong pack for all werewolves to follow as an example. Gabriel Centauri was the eldest son and the most ruthless alpha known today. He, alone raised his siblings to not only be honourable warriors and righteous protectors, but also great leaders themselves. Their territory was the safest and largest; women could walk alone at night and kids could freely play without having to look over their shoulder. The five siblings stood united and that's because they always trusted each other, and more importantly, they loved each other... even more then their own father had.

Still, behind that prestigious name hid many secrets and bloodshed.

The outside world admired the Centauri's for staying strong and supporting each other no matter what came their way. Everyone praised Lord Robert Centauri for raising remarkable children who were not only the strongest pack leaders, but also billionaire businessmen, philanthropists and practically golden children of this age. However, what many didn't know was that this family wasn't as pristine as it appeared from the outside. The five children hated their father after he became abusive and a drunkard when he lost his mate. But Robert died a long time ago yet his abuse lingered in all their minds, especially for the only daughter in the family.

Viola Centauri, the fourth child to Rose and Robert Centauri lost all hope for herself when it came to finding a mate. She saw herself as tainted by her past. She was truly scarred by the horrors that she witnessed with her own two eyes for years. Rose Centauri died during child-birth and her violent screams from that night haunted Viola even now. The child that was born was handed to Viola's eldest brother since their father was too broken from seeing his mate die in his arms.

Viola spent all those years remembering her parents and their failure for not being able to protect the children that they created together. Hate was a feeble word for what Viola held in her heart for them. She loathed their memories and even the thought of their blood running in her veins made her sick to the stomach. If she had a choice, she would have burned the Centauri name to the ground and found another legacy to hold. Except, she couldn't do that because her allegiance wasn't in the Centauri name, but in the four siblings that stood by her side through every storm.

Viola wasn't loyal to her parents, but she was loyal to her brothers. She protected the pack for the siblings that picked her up every time she fell. There was never a doubt in her head that made her believe that she missed her parents, because she didn't. She never held their memories in her heart and buried their names far into the dark parts of her soul, that cried out in misery for her attention.

Only now times had changed for her family and it was for the better. All her brothers found their mates and they were happy. Viola wished for nothing more than for her brothers to be loved. But she didn't wish that for herself. Being the only girl in the family, she remembered the screams of her mother during labour. There was no way in hell that Viola was putting herself through that agony nor was she going to birth a child. She wasn't going to help some man continue his legacy with her own body because as much as men promise that they'll love their children, eventually they lose their minds and that love twists into hate. She saw it with her own two eyes when she watched her abhorring father. Besides, she didn't trust outsiders and she certainly didn't trust her body with one either.

Viola Centauri wasn't going to mate and even their goddess couldn't change that resolution.

-Manhattan-

Tonight, marked the grand celebration at the Bacardi estate with a famous and lustrous masquerade ball. All matter of celebrities and influencers were there and the golden lights from the ball-room could be seen from miles away. Hundreds of cars drove slowly down the path to the colossal estate that hosted the fundraiser under the full moon. Lady Veronica Bacardi held the ball of the season that was the talk amongst the rich every year. No one could compete with the lavish decorations and especially the exclusive invitation list.

However, there was one particular car that everyone waited the arrival for this night. The white Rolls-Royce drove through the crowded paparazzi and parked in front of the red carpet. Cameras flashed and the lights brightened the dark road. As the door opened and a sharp heel presented itself, everyone moved back at the entrance of Viola Centauri. The extravagant white gown hugged her curves while the white lace gloves hid her hands and arms like a gifted mystery to be unravelled. Her lustrous blonde hair curled to sit on her slender shoulder shined under the lights and cameras. She graced a bright smile at everyone while her hand waved at the crowd. The fourth heir to the prestigious Centauri name was worth all the praise. The immense glory she held as she climbed up the carpet in those tall heels with the power in her eyes was enviable.

The strength that many praised wasn't because she was her parent's daughter, but it was because she was her brother's sister. Viola ensured that nothing tainted Gabriel's name because he was her only priority and all else could burn in hell.

"Ready?" The one beside Viola asked.

Viola glanced at her side at her bodyguard and friend, Azura. Only the two of them were able to come tonight due to all the obligations that everyone had back home. Gabriel just had a new born pup, so he spent every waking moment with his mate and daughter. Her other brothers couldn't come either due to other excuses that revolved around their mating life. So, Viola took it upon herself to fulfill her big brother's wish and ensure that at least one Centauri attended the party.

"You and I were born ready, weren't we?" Viola remarked with a smirk as she lifted the white and gold mask and tied it to her face.

Azura smirked with her crimson-red lips as she secured the red mask to the right side of her face, like it had been cracked through the middle and glued to her sharp features. She stood in platform heel that were red too, while her black suit made of velvet fit to her tall stature. Azura didn't wear dresses often, so under her suit blazer, she wore a leather corset that hugged her waist in and felt terribly uncomfortable but Azura didn't even flinch. She claimed that the corset with the suit hid her weapons the best. And Viola didn't need to guess how many weapons were on the woman right now. She traveled with a trunk load all over her body. Not that Azura needed them, she trained hard to be a killer and nothing less for the Centauri pack.

The two of them walked down the long golden hallway as the massive arched doors presented the Bacardi ball room where the masquerade fundraiser was held. The crowd moved out of the way as Viola saw their hosts for the night.

Veronica Bacardi crossed the room in her beautiful golden gown and mask. She was a great friend of the family and Gabriel respected her since she knew their mother. Viola upheld the respect and knew that Veronica was a much better woman than her own mother ever could've been.

"Viola!" Veronica hugged her tightly. "I'm so happy you could make it."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," she smiled at her.

"How's the pack and your brothers of course?" she asked with a sweet smile.

"They are all busy with their mates," Viola answered. "I'm the only one not shackled by kids."

Veronica laughed. "Kids can definitely do that to you," she said.

Viola looked around the massive room that had hundreds of chandeliers and people in masks walked around. "It's a beautiful party," she praised as she saw the tables and people grabbed their seats.

"Thank you, dear," Veronica patted her hand. "Azura, you look deadly as always."

Azura grinned under her mask as she pushed her black straight hair over her shoulder. "I try," she said.

"Welcome, you two," Czar Bacardi appeared in a stark black suit and matching mask. "I'm happy you could make it."

"Happy to be here," Viola and Azura spoke together.

"Also, Azura, I got a special strawberry shortcake waiting for you," Veronica informed.

Azura's silver eyes lit up like the moon outside tonight. "You are amazing," she praised. "Thank you."

"If you'll excuse me," Czar said before he kissed his wife's cheek to go talk to another man that arrived at the party behind them.

"Come, let me show you to your table," Veronica led them through the crowd and she showed them to their seats. There was candles and flowers waiting for them as Viola sat down with Azura.

A huge slice of cake arrived for Azura who had an urge to fulfil her sweet-tooth on a regular basis, which always surprised Viola since Azura wasn't one to indulge herself on things other than her duties to the pack. She wasn't native to the Centauri pack though; her story was the most unique of all and even Viola felt as if something orchestrated it all.

Azura showed up at the gates of the pack many years ago covered in blood and unable to recall her life. She knew nothing but her name and carried only the clothes on her back. Gabriel didn't turn her away and gave her a home at the pack. So, since that night, Azura has dedicated every waking moment to serving Gabriel and the pack. She has now achieved the role of running the security at the pack too, since she was one of the best fighters they had. Behind Azura's silver eyes laid a past that no one knew about though. But Viola knew that those eyes never lied and they were loyal to Gabriel, which was all that mattered at the end.

Azura put the massive chunk of cake in her mouth but don't be fooled by her nonchalant attitude, because she was the one who showed up at the fight ready to kill whoever threatened the pack. She was the equivalent to an army and that's why Gabriel assigned her with Viola tonight.

"I wonder if the other packs will come tonight?" Azura said as she drank champagne too.

Viola was well aware that this part hosted the most influential people around the world. However, many of the packs that were allies with the Centauri's had obligations to their families. She even wondered if they'd show up here when they had kids and mates. Viola surveyed the room and saw many people she recognized. She scanned the faces and recalled the names that she studied a while ago. They were all taking their seats after greeting the hosts.

Viola didn't care much for anyone here and just like that, the fundraiser began with a speech from Czar Bacardi, the alpha of the White Wolf pack. He thanked everyone for attending tonight's festivities and wished them a good night. As soon as he got off stage, the auction began for art pieces and other antiques. Viola bid on a few things just to help out with the fundraiser. Until, she noticed that a man bid mostly on everything and ensured that he won it all. Everyone in the ballroom started to whisper about him and Viola glanced across the space at the one hidden behind the crowd. He was dressed in a tuxedo and had a sleek black mask over his eyes. She couldn't see his features or figure out who he was, but she wasn't interested in another person trying to make his mark here.

"I'm going to the powder room," Viola rose from her seat.

"I'll come with you," Azura said as she put her fork down.

Viola put her hand on the woman's shoulder, the velvet soft under her touch. "Stay, enjoy the cake," she said. "I'll only be a minute."

"Are you sure?" Azura asked.

"I just need some fresh air alone," she told her.

Azura nodded and Viola left to the private section of the house that was only reserved for friends and family. Veronica allowed the Centauri's back here since she trusted them. Viola escaped the loud orchestra into the dark hallway that was made of glass panels and a golden marble floor. The clink of her heels was all she heard as she took this moment to herself and allowed the quiet night air to fill her lungs. She felt the power of the moon seep into her skin and connect with her wolf. She glanced up at the full moon, that was beaming its glorious light all over this hallway through the windows.

Viola didn't need the bathroom but she needed this quiet area to calm herself down. Most of the time, parties like this didn't bother her and she enjoyed them too. But tonight, there was something off about her mood. She didn't enjoy the eyes on her through the masks that they all wore, it was like they were waiting for her to say something or make a mistake to put shame her on.

Or perhaps, it was because the funeral of Rose Centauri was in a matter of weeks and she couldn't bear the memories that were attached to it. She went to the spare circular room that had a terrace and nothing else but a massive floor and high ceilings. Viola walked all the way out into the terrace and faced the garden outside. She adored the forest and wished she could strip this dress off and run in her wolf form. But she held that desire inside and simply stared up at the moon.

The moon was the only one that saw the tainted blood inside Viola. She faced its glowing form and wondered why it chose to make her a wolf or a Centauri? There was no regret in her heart for bearing the responsibility of being a Centauri. Viola knew her duties and that she took every step with dignity and honour because she needed to ensure that her brothers didn't have to pick up after her. She kept herself in check and made sure that everything she did was perfect for Gabriel. She didn't care about her parents nor did she do anything for them. They lived their life and died with regrets. Not Viola. She knew her path and forged it with pride.

But sometimes, it was all a little too much and she needed to remember that at the end she was a wolf who only enjoyed being free under the moon and run through the forest at night.

Suddenly, a chill crept through her skin and she knew it wasn't because of the cool midnight air. There was something in the room with her. Viola didn't react or turn around. She stayed calm as she sensed the thick, frosty pheromones that wrapped around her body like chains. There was a flaming desire in the scent like it was telling her a story and the hungering need behind it. This dominating scent of fire and smoke mixed with a sultry richness made the depth of the ocean appear meek. Viola's body ached before her heart hammered in her chest and she felt lost to this scent. This never happened before and she didn't know what to make of it.

"You shouldn't be here alone," a man's voice caught her attention, it was hushed like a predator amused to catch its prey all alone. "Don't you know how many dangerous people are here tonight."

Viola sensed the air around the man like it was sucking her into it too. She knew from the instinct spiralling inside her that the only dangerous person here was this man that walked in the shadows. Viola turned around slowly and faced the circular room, she didn't see him right away. But the tall, broad figure of his shadow shuddered through her body and quickened the blood in her veins.

"Whose there?" she asked him to present himself to her.

He ignored her question though. "The famous Centauri," his voice was sultry.

"If you know who I am then you're aware of the foolish mistake you're making by coming near me," she said sternly.

The moon behind Viola shined just on his shoes, they were clean and black. He purposely stayed out of the light like he didn't want her to see him. So, she made the first move and stepped towards him. That was when she saw his black suit that was tailored to his broad shoulders and immense height, it even passed hers and she was almost six-foot. He wore a sleek black mask over his face but she caught the line of his rigid jaw and lips, he had a dangerous allure to his rugged complexion, it was unnerving. There were tattoos on his throat that didn't hide the precarious streak behind his demeanour; she felt it all the way to her bones. His scent suited him now that she could see the smirk on his lips like he was proud to have caught her here in this moment of weakness.

However, Viola didn't falter for a single second. Not even when she gazed straight into his bottomless black eyes that were penetrating and strong. She felt his gaze strike through her and restrain her wolf in her spot. But she wasn't going to stay here much longer. She moved to leave yet her body didn't listen. Everything seemed to be frozen in front of this man.

His smirk widened. "Why are you here alone, princess?" he asked then like he was concerned about her.

"It's none of your business," she said as she tried to move again.

"You are my business," he said then. He stepped closer to her, invading her space like a tyrant. That was when she remembered that this was the man who was buying everything at the auction. Who was he? she wondered. She's never seen him or even heard of him. She doesn't even know his name yet he knew her.

She frowned wondering what he meant. "Do you like to gamble with your life?" she said then wondering if this man had any idea how many people would come to kill him if he did anything to her.

He smirked, as if he knew that he gambled dangerously but he was confident that he'd win. "I needed to talk to you, so it's worth the risk," he said.

Viola stared at his determined eyes that lowered to her lips. "Why would you want to talk to me?" She couldn't help the curiosity in her.

Suddenly, he closed the space between then and wrapped his strong arm around her, his hand remained on the small of her back and he pulled her up against his body. She struggled to get free and was about to punch his face.

"Don't worry," he said, "I won't hurt you."

"Then what the hell do you want?" Viola glared at him.

"You," he declared softly. "I want you, princess."

Viola stiffened in his arms as she felt her heart clench together like someone had their ruthless fist around it. She couldn't manage the breath in her lungs either as she stared at his piercing black eyes, that burrowed into her soul, it was as powerful as the rays of the full moon.

The door behind her burst open and Azura ran towards Viola, but the man had already disappeared. Viola wasn't even sure when he had left, but she stayed in the same spot drowning in his words of declaration.

"What the hell, Viola?" Azura astonished.

Viola jerked when she felt Azura's hand on her shoulder. "I- uh-"

"Are you hurt?" Azura surveyed her body trying to find wounds or blood.

"I'm not hurt," she answered as her eyes searched the darkness for that man again.

"What are you doing here?" Azura asked.

"I just needed some air," Viola told her.

"Then why do you look like you've seen a ghost?" Azura said.

Viola laid her hand on her chest wondering if she had encountered a phantom, that haunted these halls. There was no sign of him anywhere and even his pheromones were taken away, like he left nothing of himself behind so no one could sense him.

The lights to the room turned on and Veronica appeared in a hurry.

"Are you ladies alright?" she came to them with worry in her eyes.

"We're fine," Azura answered.

Veronica ushered them back to the party and they took their seats again. Azura wasn't budging from Viola's side anymore since she didn't like what happened. With her mask on her face, she viewed the party and searched through the guests hoping to find that man again. But he was nowhere to be seen, it was like he just vanished into thin air.

"You okay over there?" Azura asked.

"Hmm," Viola answered vaguely.

"Your eyes are telling me something different," she remarked.

Viola met her friend's eyes that were bribing with curiosity. "I met someone," she told her.

"I knew it," Azura grumbled as she drank some champagne. "Who was it?" she looked around the ballroom. "I'll have them at your feet right now."

Viola chuckled because she knew that Azura would do it regardless of this being a party. She'd grab anyone by the collar for mistreating a Centauri and the whole party knew it. "The problem is that he's not here anymore," she told her.

"Coward ran away," Azura crossed her arms and legs.

The massive orchestra began a slow melody that allowed the couples around the room to go to the middle of the room and dance a simple waltz, that was synchronized with the music and the golden lights shining all around them romantically. She didn't see the man even then.

Viola had a feeling that he wasn't giving himself away so quickly. "I didn't recognize him either, which was strange," she said since she knew most of the influential people in the world and everyone in this party was part of the list.

"He's probably new in town," Azura said as she tapped her fingers along her arm.

"Perhaps," Viola voiced. "But how did he know about me then?"

"The whole world knows you," Azura told her.

Viola looked down at the diamond bracelet on her wrist that Gabriel gifted her on her sixteenth birthday. She wasn't sure what this strange man's intentions were and what his declaration meant, but if he threatened her family then he was going to die by her hands.

"Do you dance, princess?" That voice again.

Viola's eyes shot off the bracelet to the man in the black mask. "You," she astonished.

He smirked again, like he loved that she remembered him. "Well, do you?" he asked.

"Is he the one I gotta maim?" Azura asked.

Viola faced that man's black eyes. "I'm getting a feeling that he won't stop even then," she said.

The man glanced between the two of them before he extended his tattooed hand to her. "It's okay if you're too scared," he remarked.

"Boy, I will-"

"It's alright, Azura-" Viola intervened as she rose to her feet and took his offered hand. "Not every man is brave enough to ask me for a dance." His eyes brightened under the mask as he smiled at her words. She glanced back at Azura who was fuming in her seat and glaring at the stranger.

He led Viola down to the centre of the room as he guided them into position with the music. She felt his strong hand trail over her waist and reach behind her back, he definitely wasn't timid in his intentions, she observed. He even dared to pull her closer to him as if he didn't like the distance between them. The white of her satin gown contrasted against the black of his pristine suit.

Viola held his hand in hers and placed the other on his shoulder while his arm supported her. The music began with a slow tune that allowed her to take the first step towards him, but he retreated and took her through this unspoken battle. She could feel his desire coursing through her like he could make her yield into submission.

However, a part of her had to admit that there was a sense of authority that clung to his dark demeanour out here under the chandeliers. With the help of the light, she measured the broadness of his shoulders and the immense height he had over her. The stark black of his suit was exquisite and she felt as if the colour thrived off him and fed off his control. All the black ink etched into his bronze skin peeked from under his collar and sleeves. She wondered what a man like him was doing on the dance-floor with her.

"You are even more beautiful in the light," he praised softly.

She didn't understand the flutter of nerves in her heart. "Who are you?" she asked then.

He chuckled. "Straight to the point, I see," he remarked as he twirled her around and gathered her back in his embrace.

Viola sensed his dominion as he left an inch of space between their faces. "I asked you your name," she turned her head away, "unless you're too ashamed of it."

His laugh set a hot pit in her stomach. "I have a feeling that you're going to run away if I tell you my name," he said before he spun her around and back again.

Viola stared at him through the mask as his eyes softened. "Fine, don't tell me," she didn't want to know anyway. This man was simply testing each of her nerves and it was infuriating.

After the dance ended, the music came to a halt and Viola stood where they began. He dropped his arms off her without any warning but his strong hand lingered in hers. She wondered what he was doing until he brought her hand towards his face. His lips brushed the glove over her knuckles and she felt his warmth through her skin as he looked up at her through the mask.

Everyone's eyes were on them since they were the only ones still on the empty floor. But this man didn't care about anything around him, like he was the one that hosted the party and paid for all of it. She recognized this air of pride in him since her family held the same authority. His black eyes that didn't have any hue or glint of colour to them, even in the light. They were as deep and arcane as the depths of a cave that never saw the sun.

"I will never forget this night," he said while he straightened and stepped towards her.

Viola didn't budge as she faced his vigour with her own. He grinned at her for showing him that she wasn't scared or timid. But still, she had to hand it to him. No one in this world ever faced her the way he did.

"Mavros," he told her suddenly, "I'm Mavros Sokolov."

Viola's heart dropped and she pulled her hand away from him and stepped back. "You've got to be kidding," she mumbled.

He smirked at her surprised expression. "I told you that you'd run away if I told you who I was," he said.

Viola knew that name better than her own because this man tried to kill Gabriel a long time ago. Mavros Sokolov was the enemy and if she had a gun on her then she would've shot him right here and now. But she didn't do that, not here where she'd disgrace her family or friends. She turned away and left the ballroom all by herself. She didn't hear Azura calling her name out but she joined her by the door.

"My car," Viola instructed the valet who ran off to retrieve it for her.

"What's going on?" Azura inquired as she took off her mask.

Viola ripped off her own. "Mavros Sokolov is back," she told her. "We need to tell Gabriel."

The car came and Azura ran to the driver's side as Viola got in as well. Azura drove them out of the long path when Viola glanced out the mirror and she saw Mavros standing at the stairs watching them leave. What the hell was he doing back in this city? she questioned. He's lost his damn mind if he thought he could come back here and Gabriel would let him wander freely. Viola couldn't rest for a single moment the whole way home.

Once they arrived at the gates of the pack, they were surrounded by a massive forest that was dense with pine trees. The metal gates parted through the middle as the cameras around them recognized the car.

Azura drove through the entryway down the long path where the entire territory presented itself. Amongst the rolling field, there was a castle on the right that was the Institute where Viola worked. The entire pack lived in their separate cabins around the field and some were hidden far in the woods for privacy. In the morning, the lake was visible from the driveway in front of the Centauri manor. Azura parked and Viola climbed out in front of their house.

This house was plagued with horrible memories, but she only cherished the times she was with her siblings and that they persevered against the ones that were always trying to destroy them. Viola peeled of the gloves from her arms and hands as she climbed onto the porch with Azura. They went to the front door and walked inside.

All the lights were off except for a few lamps, since it was late and everyone was probably asleep. Viola glanced around the kitchen on the right that was empty and then the living-room where they all hung out together, but it was quiet here too. Right ahead of here were the stairs, she was just about to get up them when someone appeared at the top.

"You're home," that controlled tone belonged to none other than the alpha of this pack.

Viola lifted her eyes and she met the golden eyes of her big brother, Gabriel Centauri. The man who dedicated his entire life to protecting this pack and his family. She had watched him break every bone in his body to become the strongest wolf that one could imagine to be. Ruthless but honourable weren't his only traits, he was unbelievably kind and trustworthy to those who pledged their allegiance to him. She was one of them and she knew that he did everything in his power to ensure that no one hurt this pack.

He stood powerfully tall at the top of the stairs in white slacks and a tailored shirt. His black hair raked back by his fingers that revealed the hard lines of his strict jaw and those powerful eyes. Gabriel held an air of authority to himself that no one else could dare to conjure. He was the epitome of power and the whole world knew that fact.

"We have a problem," she told him.

He raised a brow. "Hmm," his nodded like he didn't expect anything different.

"At the party, I saw-" suddenly a baby's voice cried through the air.

Gabriel glanced to his side into the room. "Hold on," he told her before he left into his bedroom.

Viola went to the living-room and paced in front of the fireside. She couldn't understand what her brother was going to do now that another enemy was in town. Mavros would undoubtedly try to harm Gabriel and this pack.

Azura stood by the doorway and she was quiet, probably lost in her own thoughts about what happened tonight.

"Alright, tell me what spooked you both," Gabriel said as he walked into the room with his pup. His daughter, Rose was born just a month ago and she was tiny in her father's arms. He held her gently against his chest as her little head rested on his sturdy shoulder.

Viola immediately remembered that Gabriel used to hold Klaus like that when he was born. "I saw Mavros Sokolov at the party," she told her brother without wasting time and she took a seat on the chair.

Gabriel didn't seem faltered by the news. "Interesting," he commented.

"That's it?" Viola remarked. "That man tried to kill you Gabriel."

Gabriel smirked. "I remember," he said calmly.

"You got shot three times because of him," Viola said.

"Yeah, that wasn't my best moment," Gabriel added.

Viola sighed. "Why do I get the feeling that you're not taking this seriously, brother?"

"That's because he's not," Azura added on the side.

Gabriel glanced at Azura. "You don't need to worry about him, Viola," he said then.

"Then why would he approach Viola at the party if it wasn't to taunt you?" Azura told him.

Viola was trying to keep that part of the story out but it seemed that she should've told Azura to stay quiet about it too.

Gabriel's golden eyes flashed with danger like a wolf would during a hunt. "Did he?" His tone hardened, that even his daughter sensed it and stirred in his arms. He settled in a chair and kissed his pup's head letting her fall asleep again.

"He did," Viola confirmed.

"What did he do?" Gabriel asked.

Viola's stomach fluttered with nerves when she recalled that they met in that room alone and he confused her with his words. "We shared a dance, that's all," she told her brother.

Gabriel's golden eyes assessed her like he always had. Ever since she was a kid, he was able to read her thoughts and understand that she kept something hidden in her heart. She wasn't really sure how he did it, but she could never fight off his intrusion. She felt his bond through her limbs and it held her like a warm blanket would during a storm.

"If Mavros is here to kill me then I'll handle it," Gabriel assured Viola. "You don't need to worry about it."

Viola got to her feet. "I will always worry about you, brother," she turned her face away and showed him her back because she couldn't show the pain in her eyes, that had shrouded her heart for years.

Suddenly, his hand touched her arm and he was standing beside her now. Viola didn't see Rose with him and saw that the pup was in Azura's arms. Gabriel put his arm over her shoulders and held her to his side.

"Sweetheart, I'm the big brother here, remember?" he reminded in that teasing tone.

"I'm aware," she sulked.

Gabriel kissed her forehead. "Then let me handle it," he said. "Now, freshen up and get some sleep. You have work tomorrow."

"So, do you," Viola added. "Then why are you awake?"

"Because you weren't home," he said before he stared into her eyes.

Viola faced the brother that took all the responsibility and carried it without regret. He took so much hatred and abuse from their own father, but nothing shrouded his heart. She just hated that she couldn't do anything for him.

"What's really bothering you?" he asked softly as he touched her cheek.

Viola shook her head. "I'm just tired," she closed her eyes.

Gabriel smiled at her. "You and your brothers always worry too much," he said.

"Can you blame us?" Viola faced him. "We just want you safe."

Gabriel straightened to his powerful height as his eyes sank into her and met her wolf. "Keeping you safe is my job," he said as he hugged her. "Don't worry about me." Rose whined in Azura's arms and Gabriel went to his daughter who needed him. "Come here, baby," he lifted her in his arms again as her small hands clung to him. "I know, aunt Viola is being a little bit crazy right now."

"Excuse me," Viola scoffed.

"She's been like this since she was a child," Gabriel told his daughter.

"I swear to God, you're the crazy one around here," Viola cursed under her breath so the baby didn't hear, but her brother definitely did.

Gabriel chuckled. "Both of you go to bed," he told them. "I'll see you in the morning." He went to the stairs. "Oh, Azura, tomorrow, I have an interview with a candidate that wants to join the pack. Let the guards at the gate know to let them pass without issues."

Azura nodded. "You got it, boss," she left the house to follow through that order and shut the door behind her.

Viola followed her brother up the stairs and she went to her own bedroom as Gabriel returned to his that he shared with his mate. The hallway was dark since none of the lights were on but she didn't need them. She knew this house like the back of her hand and it helped since she'd walked these halls in the dark multiple times as a kid, so she could hide from their father back then.

She closed the door behind her and she sauntered into her massive room, that had a canopy bed, a balcony and a lounge area too. She turned on the lights and the massive chandelier above her shined golden all over the white walls and couches. Viola stripped out of her dress as she walked into her massive closet, she draped the dress on the seat in front of the mirror and took off her jewelry next.

In desperate need of a hot shower, she sauntered over to the huge bathroom and got under the spray of scorching hot water. She lathered her body with soap to wash off the night and memories, but it was impossible. The voice of that man rang in her ears and she wanted to take the soap and pour it into her brain. Scrubbing herself, she burned her skin raw in hopes that she'd forget the dance she shared with Mavros Sokolov.

Once she was satisfied, she stepped out and wrapped a robe on herself- kimono style. The floor to the room was cold, so she put on warm and fluffy slippers. Viola needed to do her skincare since that was the only thing she had control over right now. Everything else was in disarray and it was a horrible feeling. Finishing off with the serums and eye-patches, she got into bed with a book and sat beside the lamp that let her see the words on the pages. Just as she got comfortable, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," she said.

The door creaked open quietly and she smiled when she saw her brother, Klaus. He stood in a dark sweater and a pair of slacks with a mug in his hand. He was the only one that had those emerald green eyes, which were as gentle as their mom had. Viola understood that perhaps those eyes were what angered their father since they reminded him of his mate all the time.

"How was the party?" Klaus asked as he closed the door and came to her.

"Fine," she sighed as she put the book down.

"That bad, huh?" Klaus guessed from her expression and sat near her feet. "That's why I made you some tea to forget the night."

Viola grabbed the cup and smelt the sweet fragrance of jasmine. "Thank you," she said as the warm light illuminated her brother's kind smile and perfect golden hair. "Why aren't you asleep yet?" she asked then.

"I was waiting for you to return," he said. "I'm sorry I couldn't go with you."

Viola shook her head. "I know you don't like those parties," she said since Klaus was never allowed to go to any party with them as kids, since Robert forbid it. Now, it was just a habit.

However, the trauma that Robert gave them all was the worse on Klaus, because he got all the blame and scrutiny of their mother's death. Yet, here he sat, mated to a man that loved him to death and they had a son together too that they adopted. Viola couldn't be happier for her brother after everything that he endured.

"Can I ask you something?" Viola blurted out.

Klaus nodded. "Sure," he said.

Viola hesitated to ask what convinced Klaus to let go of his past and move forward. Wasn't he afraid of losing his mate and becoming like their father?

"Never mind," she backed out. "Thanks for the tea."

Klaus smiled before he left and shut the door behind him.

Viola put the book down, removing the eye mask and shut the lamp off before she laid down on her pillow and faced the balcony doors. There was a time in this house that she dreaded being here and falling asleep was cursed because it meant that she'd wake up to another day in this hellhole. However, it wasn't like that anymore. The only thing was that she had to remind herself over and over again as if she was the last one stuck in the past and everyone else had already moved forward without her. 

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