Vincent was already late for the fundraiser party tonight. He just got back from work and made this way alone upstairs to his bedroom to get dressed. Each part of him ached, his back and legs all hurt terribly and the entire blame went to his psychotic mate who wouldn't take 'no' for an answer, and then work was hectic too. Vincent rubbed the kink in his neck as he pushed the door open to his room and entered the empty space.

For the past few days, he's only stayed over at Ryder's cabin so it felt a bit strange to be back here where there wasn't any sign of his mate's presence. This room was left desolate as Vincent already got used to living with Ryder. He turned the light on and walked into the bathroom to shower. He'd quickly freshen up and meet up with Ryder who was also on his way back from work around the pack territory.

After showering, Vincent got out and pulled on his robe that hung on the rack behind the door. He dried his hair off with the towel when the door to his bedroom opened.

"Gabriel, I'll meet you downstairs," he said as he walked out of the bathroom but it wasn't his big brother, it was his mate.

"Hi, baby," Ryder's smile was playful.

Vincent felt his entire body charge with an electrical surge, it was like he was brought back to life. "Hey," he smiled back contently.

Ryder closed the gap and wrapped his arm around his waist before locking their mouths into a heated kiss. God, this felt as if heaven came down on Vincent and took him to the great beyond of this realm. The soft caress of Ryder's lips sent a hot slick sensation down Vincent's body that made him yearn to be closer and deeper. He pressed his own body into Ryder's, the scent of the forest clung to his body and enhanced that spiced fragrance of their mating bond. Vincent pushed his hand into Ryder's dark lush hair and let their mouths stay connected a bit longer.

Ryder's arm braced Vincent's weight against him and it just reminded Vincent how powerful this man really was.

Vincent didn't realize until his legs hit the bed behind him what they intended to do. He fell onto the mattress as Ryder hovered over him stripping off his own shirt. All thoughts of his aching body and exhaustion were lost because all Vincent craved was to be connected to his mate.

Ryder bent over him and untied the sash to the robe letting it fall loose as his mouth trailed down Vincent's jaw and throat, he licked and sucked all the way to his chest. Vincent wasn't thinking clear as he was being controlled at every turn and whim. He bit his bottom lip as he tried to not moan his pleasure out loud, especially in the house with everyone home. Damn it, he should have moved everything in the cabin so he wouldn't have to deal with this.

Abruptly, there was a sharp knock on the door.

Vincent gaped but Ryder got himself busy with the hard erection between them. "Stop," he whispered harshly at his mate.

"V!" It was Hunter. "Gabriel and the others are waiting for you."

Vincent was about to answer but Ryder put his mouth around his hard shaft and took him deep until the base down his throat. "Fuck," he growled at Ryder whose eyes were brimming with satisfaction.

"What?" Hunter asked from behind the door.

Vincent fisted Ryder's head trying to control the beast. "I- I mean-" he swallowed a curse- "Tell Gabriel I'm getting dressed. I'll be down in fifteen minutes."

"Okay." Hunter's boots were heard leaving from the door.

Ryder lifted his head off Vincent's shaft and held it hard within his fist. "I've never seen you panic before," he remarked. "It's a good look on you." Ryder considered while looking at the clock. "You think we can make it downstairs in fifteen minutes?"

"Get off me," Vincent said. "I can't be late."

Ryder unbuckled his jeans. "You're going to have to do better than that," he chuckled.

"Shut up, asshole," Vincent grumbled.

Ryder bent over him, both of their erections throbbed against one another. Vincent laid underneath him willing, but he hated that there wasn't a shred of spirit inside him to fight Ryder off at times like this. His big, rough hands pushed Vincent's legs apart and he didn't waste a single second before pushing himself inside Vincent's body. His breath stopped and he couldn't tell up from down or right to left. Everything was a haze and he was lost in this sensual ecstasy that was only controlled by his mate.

Ryder kissed down the length of his neck and bit down between his neck and shoulder. "Two minutes passed already, baby," he said as he thrusted harder and deeper. "I thought you wanted to be on time."

Vincent gripped onto the sheets so he wouldn't plummet Ryder to death. "I hate you," he grated out.

Ryder bit his throat and then hovered over Vincent's lips. "I love you too, baby," he smirked.

Vincent gripped Ryder's head. "Stop messing with me," he said, which was as close to a plead that he was going to get.

All pretences dropped and Ryder understood what his mate sought from him. The rhythmic thrusts of his hips were all that Vincent needed to reach his pinnacle. Both of them were hungry to feel the raw satisfaction that only their bodies provided for one another. Vincent was spread out on the bed, the robe barely covering him, but as Ryder drove them both wild, he knew that nothing outside this room mattered anymore. He could ditch the party and be here all night with his mate and not have a shred of guilt cloud his heart.

Vincent gathered Ryder in his arms and locked their lips together, as both of them came apart in seconds. Ryder dropped his weight on Vincent and he gladly took it all of it on him. Both of them came down from the high and Vincent laughed after. He couldn't help it. If someone a year ago told him that this would be his life, he would have laughed at them too. But now, all of his belonged to Ryder. His body and wolf were only Ryder's and there was nothing on this planet that would change that.

Ryder lifted his head and stared at him like he was mesmerized. "I missed you," he said softly.

Vincent's heart melted. "Me too," he whispered back. Who knows how long passed before Vincent realized that his brother was waiting for him.

"Shit!" He pushed at Ryder's shoulders and got up from bed rushing to get dressed.

Pulling out his tuxedo from the closet, he laid it out on the bed to put it on as Ryder went to freshen up in the shower. Vincent had just finished putting on his suit when Ryder walked out in a towel around his lean waist. His dark hair ruffled and wet in front of his blue eyes as the water dripped down the bulky contours of his body. Vincent's eyes trailed over Ryder's corded neck to his broad shoulders and then his abdomen that was carved from marble. Vincent quickly looked away and tried to focus on his bow-tie as Ryder took out his own suit from the closet.

"When did you leave a suit here?" he asked.

"Yesterday," he answered.

Vincent frowned. "You're coming," he said. "You usually hate things like this." Ryder came over and kissed Vincent's cheek before dressing into his own black suit.

Both of them were dressed and were too many minutes late. Vincent was sure Gabriel would be angry but he was mated now, they had to cut him some slack, right? They made it outside where everyone had gathered. Gabriel stood with River as both of them discussed the details of tonight's events. King and Bone were also joining tonight. The rest of the pack were hanging back.

"Are you sure you won't need me with Isabel out there?" Azura said were her arms crossed standing with Gabriel.

"We'll be fine, Azura," Ryder answered for them.

Everyone turned their heads.

"We should head out," River looked down at his watch.

"Take care of the pack while I'm gone," Gabriel said. She gave a curt nod and opened the car door for Gabriel.

Everyone followed in their own cars and set out to the fundraiser. Vincent sat with Ryder as they drove to the Blue Hotel where the party was held on the rooftop. Many influential individuals were attending tonight to show their support to the city's growth over the years. Gabriel, being the head of that change, was obviously invited, and since this party was being held by one of their own company's shareholders Clark Johnson, Vincent thought it was important to show their support especially after what happened with Matthew Adler.

"I wonder who else will be at the party tonight," he mumbled.

"I'm sure River has the guest list," Ryder said.

Oh right, Vincent knew that River probably took extra measures to ensure their safety tonight. With Isabel still at large, who knows what will happen tonight. But Vincent was sure that she wouldn't attack this party because every influential person was here. She wouldn't want to harm her reputation in front of this group of people, it was a dumb move even for her.

Suddenly, something skimmed Vincent's thigh. He didn't need to look to know that it was Ryder's hand.

"You better be tense because we're in a car together and not for some other reason," Ryder said.

Vincent looked at his side; Ryder's gaze was focused on the road but his hand had an entirely different motive. "Why would I be tense if we're in a car together?" he asked.

Ryder's hand tightened over his thigh as he glanced at Vincent. "Because were all alone, Centauri," he emphasized.

Vincent couldn't help but laugh. "Why don't you just focus on the road, Drakov."

They finally arrived at the Blue Hotel and parked underground. All of them got out and headed towards the elevators. This entire building had been reserved for tonight's fundraiser, so apart from the rooftop, the building was empty from strangers and anyone else. There was security around the front entrance and back, but other than that, there wasn't much else. Humans usually never took precaution, it was only the shifters that took guards when travelling no matter where they went.

They stepped onto the elevator and it climbed higher and higher.

"I hate this stupid party," King said as he loosened his bow-tie and let out a few buttons. The black piece of silk hung around his neck and he let his tattoos show through his open shirt now.

"You hate every party," River remarked.

Vincent chuckled and so did the others.

"Parties like this irk my soul more," King retorted.

"Any particular reason?" Ryder asked.

"The rich hold themselves on this fucking pedestal when in reality they're all a bunch of sore losers too afraid to take a bullet," King remarked.

"You do know you're in that 'rich' category, right?" Vincent said.

King rolled his eyes. "I can handle myself in a fight unlike-" the elevator doors opened and the entire rooftop was exposed- "unlike these idiots."

The six of them stepped off the elevator and immediately cameras went off flashing the bright lights into their eyes. Vincent was next to Gabriel as a charming smile adorned both of their faces. Play the part, Vincent said to himself. This wasn't the time to think about what King said no matter how truthful he was. Vincent only knew that he was here to represent the Centauri name and he'd honour that arrangement no matter what he felt right now.

The first person to approach them was the host of this party, Clark Johnson. He inherited his father's company and was a young millionaire ready to earn his name in society. Other than the company, he also inherited his father's shareholder seat at Centauri Enterprise. Clark wasn't a problem as far as Vincent knew. He had a young spirit, but more importantly, he respected Gabriel and never caused any problems. That was all that was needed at the end.

"Welcome, Gabriel," Clark beamed with his perfect white teeth. He was handsome and tall considering that his father was short and chubby. Vincent was sure that Clark got his blonde hair, blue eyes and princely good looks from his mother who happened to be a model before marriage.

Vincent stood with Gabriel as they greeted all of Clark's friends and his family. Most of them wanted pictures with the press, which was great because that meant Vincent wouldn't have to talk. Eventually, Vincent separated from the group and got a drink from the bar and joined Ryder and the others at their table. They all stood gathered around the glass table and watched as Gabriel maneuvered around hundreds of eyes and all of their curious questions. River was by his side through all of it. He made sure no one laid a hand on Gabriel, it was hard to do that with River glaring at everyone.

"I don't know how he does it," King shared.

"He sure is admirable," Bone said.

"Who?" Ryder followed their eyes to Gabriel. "Oh, yeah, he's badass."

Vincent watched his big brother who stood with that regal air that was unmatched by everyone in this room. The power behind Gabriel was enough to make everyone look his direction or listen to his opinion. He had great power, but Vincent knew how hard he worked to get here. He not only maintained their pack's safety but Gabriel ensured that he was the greatest businessman and leader of his time. Vincent was proud to be his brother.

"Hold on, did you just give Gabriel a compliment?" Ryder astounded as he stared at King.

"No, I didn't," King said as he drank his whiskey.

Ryder laughed and so did the others. By then, Gabriel and River joined them too.

"King complimented you," Vincent shared.

"Did he," Gabriel raised a brow. "What'd he say?"

"He's in awe of your work ethic," Bone responded and King glared at him.

"That's sweet of you," Gabriel looked at King with amusement. "Are you falling for me because we're going to have a problem here?"

"I literally hate all of you," King growled.

"Good evening," a voice said behind them.

All of them turned when they faced Alister Black who also attended, which Vincent was unaware of. He stood powerfully in a black tuxedo, his dark hair raked back showing those deep blue eyes and chiselled beard that was trimmed perfectly to fit his rugged jaw. He stared at King but then his eyes traced right behind Vincent to Bone. Vincent found that strange, but then, the charming smile on Alister's face soon fell when he faced Gabriel.

"Alister," Gabriel greeted. "What are you doing here?"

"Clark's a friend," Alister answered.

Vincent didn't know what was going on but the tension shot through reaching the damn sky. King, Gabriel and Alister all seemed to know something unlike the others.

"Something tells me it's going to be a long night," River remarked grimly.

Ryder grabbed glasses of champagne for everyone at the table. Vincent shifted to the side letting Alister stand with King and Bone. They went into conversation and Vincent was unsure what Alister's motives were. Recently, he donated to the library and now he was practically part of the group with the amount of times they met.

An arm laced around Vincent's waist, it was Ryder. "Are you cold?" his voice whispered near Vincent's ear.

Vincent nudged his shoulder into Ryder's chest and the man actually had the nerve to act hurt. "No, get off me," he warned. But instead, his strong arm tightened around his waist and pressed them closer together.

Vincent was surrounded by the spiced cologne that Ryder wore, it clung to his suit and it felt as if he was being trapped into its sensual allure. He needed to get a hang on himself and not do anything that would shock the paparazzi- even though he was tempted to turn around and kiss Ryder right here and now.

"You know I can sense your arousal, right?" Ryder whispered darkly.

Vincent bit his lip hard and leaned back into his mate's arms. "I wasn't hiding it," he remarked.

Ryder's arm flexed and he made a deep satisfied sound from his throat. "You really want to play this game now," he challenged.

Vincent laughed inwardly. "Don't push it," he said and Ryder dropped his arm but grabbed Vincent's hand, lacing their fingers together. "I wonder what's up with Alister." He shared his thoughts aloud. "He's just visiting our city but what could his motive be?"

"You don't know," Ryder said.

Vincent looked at his mate puzzled. "Don't know what?"

"Alister is Bone's mate," Ryder revealed.

Vincent gaped. "He's-" he looked back at the group as saw Alister smiling at Bone.

"I had doubts at first, but the donation to the library proved it," Ryder said before he saw Vincent's blank expression. "Don't tell me, you really didn't know."

"I didn't," Vincent admitted truthfully.

"For a successful lawyer, you can be really gullible," Ryder said.

Vincent crossed his arms. "Shut up," he said making Ryder laugh.

The fundraiser began with Clark giving a speech and thanking everyone for their contribution. He explained that everything they donate today will be to help with the charities around the city. Vincent blocked out the rest of the speech when he saw someone he never expected to see arrive. A tall, broad shouldered man dressed in a tailored tuxedo stepped out of the dark. He faced the crowd with villainous green eyes that were carved with a precise determination that outmatched an army. However, there was a hardness to his gaze that spoke the depth of his dangerous demeanour, Vincent and everyone else sensed it right away. This wasn't some random businessman or rich socialite. This was Kade Guerriero. He was a man who ran a billion-dollar enterprise in Italy, but beneath that successful career, he didn't just operate the Italian mafia, he owned it.

The only facts that Vincent researched about him was that Kade's family was killed. He inherited his father's company and flipped it into a billion-dollar franchise, which didn't take him long to accomplish as an ambitious man. But now, he made quite the name for himself in the Underworld as an alpha wolf and businessman that knew no bounds or mercy. He was ruthless in his approach and there wasn't anything that could scare this man.

This was troubling, Vincent thought. Kade's arrival to New York wasn't just for a fundraiser. Something wasn't right about all this and everyone in the room sensed that when he took a seat at the table with Clark, Gabriel and Alister.

"What's Kade doing here?" Bone was the one to ask first.

"How do you know Kade Guerriero?" Vincent asked him.

"He tried to kill us when King and I were in Italy. He proved to be quite difficult when we tried to reason with him," Bone answered. They all looked over at King's unbothered expression looking for an explanation.

"Kade's a stubborn and bad-tempered jackass," King sighed.

Ryder laughed. "That's what we all thought about you," he said.

"Why did he attack you?" Vincent asked.

King's eyes gleamed with mischief. "He couldn't buy me, so he sent his army to get me killed. And as payback, I sent their dead bodies to his house. That probably pissed the fuck out of him," he answered.

"It truly was a mess to clean," Bone sighed. "There was blood on everything. Why do you think we moved back here again."

Vincent winced from imagining the scene alone.

"Thank god, we had Klaus," Ryder admitted.

Gabriel and River returned to them and they didn't say anything about meeting Kade. But Vincent and Ryder had loads to ask why he was in town. River briefly told them that Kade was here to settle an important business affair.

"That doesn't sound suspicious at all," Ryder stated sarcastically.

"Aren't you worried?" Vincent asked Gabriel.

Gabriel looked over his drink. "About what?" he asked.

"Guerriero," he pointed out.

"Not really," Gabriel said.

"He tried to kill me," King added.

"And you tried to kill me, remember?" Gabriel remarked. "Look how that turned out."

King chuckled before he finished the glass of whiskey. "Oh, the good old days," he jested.

"Kade won't be an issue for us," Gabriel assured. "However-" he trailed into his thoughts.

Vincent didn't know what his brother was planning but considering the arrival of not only Alister but Kade as well wasn't looking beneficial for them, especially if both these men turned out to be on Isabel Morelli's side. If anything, Vincent was sure that if Kade and Alister were smart then they should join hands with Gabriel rather than someone as deceitful as a Morelli.

"Are you checking out another man?" Ryder whispered arrogantly.

Ryder must have caught him staring at Kade. "Is that a problem," Vincent retorted knowing fully well that he wasn't, but teasing Ryder was fun. "Don't tell me you're jealous?"

Ryder raised a brow. "I'm not jealous," he said sternly.

Vincent laughed at his mate's furious expression. "Doesn't look like it," he remarked.

Dinner was about to be served soon and Vincent wondered if they needed to stick around for that. He was exhausted and would rather be home in bed. Clark came up to them and escorted Gabriel and the rest of them to a private chamber where they'd be served dinner.

Vincent was just about to enter when his hand was seized and he was pulled away from the group. "Ryder, what are you doing?" he asked as he followed behind him.

Ryder pushed open the door to a random dark room and he pulled Vincent inside. The door slammed behind them.

"Ryder-" Vincent was silenced aggressively when Ryder pushed him up against the door and kissed him. His strong hand collared Vincent's throat in a forceful grip and his thigh pushed between Vincent's spread legs, holding him right where he wanted.

Vincent strained against the hold but the forceful mouth that moved over his consumed him to the point he forgot how to breathe. Ryder's tongue was deep inside his mouth and he didn't let Vincent out of his control. The kiss was hungry like it was begging for everything from Vincent, he felt his own resolve weaken and his body surrendering. He was pressed against the strong lines of Ryder's build and it fanned the fire of arousal in both of them. The heat that grew into a storm shot straight to the hard length in his pants, but Vincent wasn't alone. Ryder was hard and it strained against them, he pushed it into him reminding him exactly what they meant to each other. Vincent collapsed against the door but Ryder held him with his arms.

Vincent moaned against his mate's mouth. "Fuck-" Ryder lifted his mouth but he licked down Vincent's throat. He untied the bow around his neck and unbuttoned his shirt all so he could lock his mouth and sink his sharp teeth into his skin leaving his mark.

Something crashed onto the floor beside them and Vincent didn't get a good look since it was pitch black around them. The only source of light was from the windows and the blinds kept most of it outside. Ryder moved them so Vincent leaned onto a side-table and Ryder pressed his body closer between his legs. He pushed through the layers and tossed Vincent's jacket somewhere on the floor, V did the same.

"I'm going crazy," Ryder growled as he unbuckled Vincent's pants. "All I want to do is break your pretty little body by fucking you so hard. I even want to make you cry a little for the stunt you pulled earlier."

Vincent's heart skipped a beat- or maybe a thousand beats. But his cock throbbed in his pants and he was ready to allow Ryder to fuck the life out of him. "Not here," he grumbled through gritted teeth as he resisted as much as he could.

Ryder growled a curse before he wrapped his mouth around Vincent's shaft. He licked up the length expertly wrapping his mouth over the head and swallowing him whole.

Vincent ruined Ryder's perfectly groomed hair when he raked his fingers through it and held his head. He slumped against the wall and closed his eyes because watching Ryder was sinful and he couldn't control himself.

But Ryder didn't let him orgasm. He took his mouth off and pulled Vincent off the table only to turn him around and press him into the marble before taking him from behind like the animals that they were. Vincent lost his breath when the hard length of Ryder's shaft thrusted deeply into him. His blood coursed through his veins and his heart pumped faster than ever. All he could feel was Ryder claiming him and both of them coming undone within seconds.

Vincent came hard and so did Ryder. Both of them dropped to the ground as their legs didn't support them. Vincent stared up at Ryder who kneeled between his open legs trying to control his ragged breath. The lust in his icy-blue eyes remained, his hair tousled and his lips bruised from their kiss. Vincent adored the flushed look on Ryder, it was adorable and sexy all at the same damn time.

"If we don't stop, I'm going to destroy this room and you," Ryder said, his voice thick with promise.

Vincent laughed as he pushed his hands through his own messy hair. "Let's continue this at home," he said.

Ryder got them to their feet and they went to the bathroom to clean up which was also in the room. But by the time they reached the bathroom, Ryder pushed Vincent inside and spread him down on the table to take him slowly and ride out their orgasm as long as possible. Only after that, did either of them get cleaned up and back to looking a bit presentable.

They stepped out of the bathroom together, when suddenly, Ryder stiffened and his expression fell.

"What's wrong?" Vincent asked.

"We're under attack," Ryder growled.

A loud siren went off in the building and Ryder took his gun out when the door in front of them burst open letting in a swarm of armed men dressed in black.