They returned home from the hospital after Azura got treatment for her wounds. Gabriel was on the phone with Clark who was still hosting the party. Ryder didn't know how this mess was going to be cleared up, but no one was better than Gabriel to handle this matter. He was sure to convince Clark and settle it without any repercussions. River had already arranged a team to clean up the dead bodies before anyone at the party could see them. The entire war that they had would be erased from existence. Ryder was sure that that would irk Isabel Morelli since the only thing she craved was to push Gabriel into dark waters and harm his reputation. Well, she managed because Ryder rarely saw Gabriel's temper make an appearance, and tonight at Matthew Adler's house, he took all his fury out on the man. Matthew deserved it, but Ryder and the rest of them that were in the car were cautious of Gabriel's ferocity.

All of them got out of the cars and Ryder's eyes fell on Vincent who was quiet the whole ride home. Vincent was distant and lost in thought, his eyes didn't once search for Ryder, even though all Ryder could look at was his mate's tormented expression.

Ryder wasn't confused or angry at Vincent because he understood what terrified his mate. The amount of death and mayhem they just witnessed was enough to scare anyone. However, this was Ryder's duty as a pack enforcer. Kill or be killed. He knew from day one that he was the first line of defence for the pack and especially Vincent. There was no way he'd let anyone of his pack die on his watch. But Vincent wasn't trained that way. He believed in negotiation and rules, but that only worked on willing opponents, not on people who sought destruction.

"Gabriel-" Sabrina called out pulling Ryder out of his own thoughts. She rushed off the porch with tension creased on her face as she ran into her mate's arms. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" She started to cry. Gabriel hugged her in his arms and turned around whispering something for only her ears alone.

The rest of the family rushed out of the house hearing the commotion. Hunter, Hailey, Viola rushed out and Zoya ran to River freaking out and asking what the hell happened. Klaus went straight to King. Azura was on the phone with her team that was sent to monitor the cleanup at the hotel. Bone was with Alister, so he didn't come home with them.

"What's the damage?" Hunter asked him.

Ryder took his eyes off his mate. "Matthew's dead," he told him, "but he told us that Isabel put him up to this and orchestrated the attack."

"That doesn't surprise me at all," Hunter answered. "Are any of you hurt?"

"Azura got shot, but she's patched up. The rest of us are fine, but-" Ryder's eyes fell back on Vincent who stood stiffly by himself even though Viola tried to cheer him up with her banter.

"Give him some time," Hailey said softly. "It's always hard to witness your mate in a fight that may not guarantee their return." She looked up at Hunter with a grief in her blue eyes.

Ryder gave a small smile.

Everyone eventually went inside leaving Hunter, King, River, Ryder and Azura standing with Gabriel.

"I can't believe Isabel used Matthew as a scapegoat," Ryder said.

"How long is this going to go on?" River asked.

"We can't keep letting Isabel play with our lives," Ryder added. "We need to end this."

"Looks like we're all in agreement," Hunter said as he stood with his arms crossed over his chest.

"When should we kill her?" King said. "Tonight, or tomorrow?"

"I say tonight," Azura pitched in.

"No," Gabriel intervened sternly. "We won't do anything."

"Why not?" Ryder said. "We barely survived this attack."

"She won't attack like this anymore," Gabriel alleged.

"What makes you so sure?" Hunter asked.

"Don't ask," River remarked. "He knows these things." They shared a laugh despite how crazy it sounded.

Gabriel's golden eyes flared with a hint of anger but it was masked with a powerful motive. "She reached her limit," he said. "She'll come in person next time. I can guarantee you that."

"And if she tries to kill you," Azura said bitterly.

"She can't kill me," Gabriel said. "She needs me."

"You're playing on thin ice here, Gabriel," warned King. "What's your plan?"

"She attacked my pack," Gabriel's tone was guttural. "I don't want to just end her life-"

"Why not?" King asked.

"Because killing someone means you honoured them in a fight," Gabriel answered. "We don't do that for people like Isabel. I crave to ruin the reputation she cherishes in front of the world to see. I want to leave her with nothing but grief and embarrassment. I don't want her dead, that's too easy. By the time I'm finished making a mess out of her in front of the entire council, she'll be crawling to me for forgiveness. But that's when I'll put a bullet in her brain for fucking with us." All of them that stood out here tonight conceded their alpha's wish.

"We'll make it happen then," Ryder said.

"Anything for you, Gabriel," Azura added.

"Alright then, let's get into some trouble," King cracked the kink in his neck.

Hunter smirked. "No one does it better than us," he said.

Gabriel looked at them. "Thank you," he said.

They all shared a confused look. "What for?" River asked.

"For always having my back," Gabriel answered. "Without you guys, I wouldn't be able to do this."

"You probably could," Ryder remarked.

"He totally could," Azura said. "The man's crazy-"

"I was trying to have a moment-" Gabriel sighed heavily.

"We had way too much bonding for today," King remarked as he turned to walk away. "Are we done here because I need at least a week away from all of you."

"You'd go crazy without us," Hunter said to King as he followed him.

Gabriel breathed in the crisp night air of the territory that he protected with his fighters. He knew that Isabel Morelli wasn't going to end without a fight. But Gabriel wasn't one to use his fists with someone like her. He needed to end her arrogance first and make sure she never forgot the Centauri name. That was the code that he always followed as an alpha. No one challenged the Centauri pack and lived to tell the tale.

"Azura," Gabriel called out.

She turned with her silver eyes full of strength and commitment that was enough to overpower a mountain. "Yes, boss?"

"How many times are you going to sacrifice yourself for me?" Gabriel asked.

Azura grinned like a sly wolf. "You know I'd walk to hell and back for you," she said.

"What did I do to deserve that?" he asked.

"You believed in me," she said. "You gave me a home. So, I will protect yours until the day I die."

Gabriel patted her head and remembered when she showed up at his territory. "Get cleaned up and head to bed," he said.

Azura chuckled and saluted off to him before heading to her cabin.

Gabriel faced River and Ryder who stood with him. The three of them didn't say anything because they already knew what their promises were. They saw that without each other they never would have gotten the power they deemed worthy of the Centauri name. Gabriel may be on the throne but his power came from the fighters who followed him.

"You two," Gabriel sighed.

"Oh no, he's getting sentimental on us, River," Ryder mocked.

"He's old, that's why," River remarked.

"We're the same age," Gabriel said as they started towards the house.

"You age in dog years, buddy," River remarked.

"Do you want to die?" Gabriel said coldly.

River chuckled. "See you tomorrow bright and early," he walked off to his cabin.

Ryder was about to go his cabin too.

"Ryder," Gabriel called out.

He turned and faced him.

"I'm happy that you mated Vincent," he said. "You were meant for each other from the moment you met."

"How could you have known?" Ryder asked.

Gabriel raised a brow. "You need to ask," he remarked and went back into the house.

Ryder left for his cabin and half-expected Vincent not to be there. But when he opened the door and went upstairs, Vincent was already in bed resting curled up on his side. The lights were all off and his golden hair was all Ryder could see from the door.

"Are you asleep?" he asked.

No answer.

"V?" he called out. "I'm taking my clothes off." He was in fact taking off his dirty clothes, but Vincent gave zero reaction. He didn't even sneak a look.

Ryder threw away his clothes that were ruined in the fight and hopped in the shower. He was quicker than a flash and managed to dry off his hair, slip on a pair of boxers before walking back into the dark room.

He crept onto the bed and straddled his mate. "I know you don't fall asleep that fast," he jested as he pulled the blanket off Vincent's face and he was wide awake under it. "You know, you're pouting face is really cute."

"I'm not pouting," Vincent finally spoke.

Ryder grinned as continued to pull down the duvet finding Vincent in his royal-blue silk pyjamas, which were way too classy just to go to sleep, but it was hot.

"Get off me," Vincent said half-heartedly.

"I'd rather stay-" Ryder remarked as he kissed down Vincent's neck- "and finish what we started at the hotel." Vincent turned his body away and flipped over trying to get out from under him. But Ryder was stronger and faster. He pinned Vincent to the bed and leaned over his back that was now exposed. "You know, this works more in my favour," he mocked as his hand found the band of Vincent's pants.

"I'm not in the mood," he protested.

"I can tell," Ryder countered. "Let me ease the tension in you, baby."

Vincent continued to struggle against the restraint. Ryder gave in and loosened his grip letting him got out of the hold and sit in front of him. He stared at Ryder with pain in his greenish-gold eyes, it pained Ryder to see his mate in this condition.

"Talk to me, V," Ryder said.

"I know it's your job to be a pack enforcer," Vincent said as his voice broke with the threat of tears, that pooled in his eyes. "But it terrifies me to know that every day you put yourself in danger."

"I can't change that," Ryder said.

"I know, I know you can't," Vincent wiped the tear that fell from his eye and sniffled his nose. "But I can't lose you. I'll lose my mind. I can't do that-" he dropped his head against Ryder's shoulder.

"You just have to trust me to come back home to you," Ryder whispered softly as he held Vincent's face in front of him, their eyes locked. "I'll always come home to you." Ryder tilted his head back and kissed Vincent.

"Goddamnit, I love you," Vincent cried softly.

"I know," Ryder grinned. "I love it when you cry for me. It's such a turn-on."

A smile graced Vincent's face despite the tears. "You're an idiot," he said.

Ryder pushed him down on the bed and stripped off the layers to continue what they started at the hotel. Ever since the stupid fight interrupted them, he simply killed all those thugs just so he could get back here and taste his mate. He was pissed when they barged in on them. But now, everyone could go to hell. Ryder wasn't stopping for anything or anyone.

Vincent pulled him down for a kiss, that was desperate like he poured out all his fears. He lifted off his back and pushed Ryder down against the mattress, he straddled his waist surprising Ryder. Vincent's eyes mirrored the lust overflowing through him, it was electric. Ryder could hear his heart pounding in his own ears. He couldn't understand how beautiful a person could be. But here he was, losing himself to his mate's beauty. Ryder held Vincent by his waist as the man took his hard shaft into his body. The tightness was overwhelming, it drove them wild.

The need to pound into Vincent's body was terribly strong, it was a wicked desire and if he acted on it, then he could destroy this lovely body on top of him right now. It took every ounce of strength to let Vincent lead them both as he controlled the speed and Ryder's arousal. Vincent finally took all of him inside and he trembled from that sensation. Ryder felt Vincent's body reach its limit, it was so fucking sexy.

"You like it when I'm buried deep inside you, don't you?" Ryder said as Vincent closed his eyes at the lustful thrusts that Ryder rode underneath him. "Answer me, baby."

"Fuck, yes," he moaned.

Ryder grabbed Vincent by his silk shirt and pulled him down for a kiss. They didn't want to let go of each other, even if it was to just breathe.

Ryder turned them over and pushed Vincent down on the bed, their bodies still connected as he took over and plunged hard and fast into him.

"Tell me you love me," Ryder growled as he bit down on Vincent's neck.

"I-" Vincent lost his words as Ryder pulled all the way out before slamming back into him.

"Come on, baby," Ryder smirked, "it's not that difficult." Thrusting good and hard, he didn't let Vincent speak for a while.

"I love you but I also want to kill you now," Vincent managed through gritted teeth.

Ryder chuckled as he leaned up, kneeling better Vincent's open legs. "You just might with this lustful body of yours," he remarked. Vincent's cheeks reddened and he covered his face. Ryder wondered how someone could be so cute and pretty without effort.

He leaned down and kissed Vincent's lips, softly caressing them apart and Vincent took his hands off his face. He held Ryder as they shared a kiss that shattered all defences and called out to both their wolves. Ryder sensed the raw vulnerability that both of them carried as their bodies and wolves became one. This was the first time Vincent's wolf full accepted Ryder's wolf to dominate him despite not trusting anyone before.

Ryder held Vincent's legs apart and as his kiss grew hungry, so did his thrusts. The heavy ecstasy shot through them and both of them came apart making a mess out of themselves. Ryder's entire body was charged with pleasure and satisfaction that he was able to mark his mate and fill him up with himself, it was savage of him to think so, but he didn't repent. He was an animal and he'd do it again until Vincent was dripping with only his essence.

"Marry me," Vincent whispered.

Ryder gaped down at him. "Wh-what?"

"I'm not saying it again," Vincent pushed him off. Well, he tried.

Ryder gripped Vincent's wrists as his shaft hardened inside him. "I swear to god, say it again, Vincent," he said roughly.

"Will you marry me?" Vincent asked. "I think we spent way too much time apart."

Ryder's entire body responded before his voice could. He leaned down and kissed Vincent hard and long. "Yes," he rasped. "Yes."

Vincent chuckled as Ryder kissed every part of his face. "I love you," he said.

Ryder laid his forehead against V's head. "I think I love you more," his voice strained.

"I guess we can spend all life proving who's right," Vincent replied. Ryder's hardened shaft throbbed making Vincent wince out loud. "How did you get so big again?" he astounded.

Ryder smirked. "It's all my love for you," he mocked.

"Goddamnit-" Vincent pulled back, but Ryder didn't let him get too far- "get off me, I'm hungry and sleepy."

Ryder still buried deep inside him was relentless and he wouldn't let him get away. He pulled out slowly releasing some of the tension in his mate's body, but just as he did, he thrusted back in and wasn't going to stop just at that. He played with Vincent until both of them came hard, but Ryder wasn't done. He went again and again, not giving either of them a break.

"Ryder, stop, you're killing me," Vincent finally gave in.

Ryder stopped now that he saw the exhaustion on Vincent's face. "You're going to the gym with me tomorrow," he said. "We need to build your stamina if we're going to get married."

"Oh god, I take it back, I'm not marrying you," Vincent groaned.

"There's no taking it back," Ryder kissed Vincent's neck. "But I'll stop for now. Let's get some food in you before we continue."

"You're a monster," Vincent groaned as he tried to move.

Ryder laughed and set up the bath before he carried Vincent there. Both of them cleaned up and then heading to the kitchen downstairs for something to eat. Vincent opened the fridge and started pulling out ham and cheese to make a sandwich. Ryder grabbed the bread and put two slices into the toaster by the coffee machine.

"You want some milk with that?" Ryder jested.

"Shut the hell up," Vincent said as his mouth was full with cheese.

Ryder chuckled and took out an apple for himself. He sat on the counter with a knife, slicing bits of the red fruit and popped it into his mouth, as Vincent sliced the cheese and placed it on top of the warm bread and ham.

Ryder didn't realize when they both had gotten quiet, but neither of them spoke for a moment. This happened many times before they mated. Ryder and Vincent would hang out at night all the time and cook food in this very kitchen. But tonight, it was different. A visceral part of them had been shed off and it was like they are transparent now. He sat, watchful of how his mate moved around the kitchen in his fancy pyjamas. Vincent's hair golden, a bit messy with the nape of his neck exposed and all the red marks marred his soft skin.

Ryder put the apple down and came up from behind, he wrapped his arms around Vincent, laying his head on his shoulder.

"Do you want a sandwich too?" Vincent asked.

"No," he answered flatly.

Ryder kissed V's long elegant neck that was soft to the touch and smelt of passionate vanilla spiced with their mating bond. Fuck, he could stay like this forever. Pressing closer, he bit down on his nape and Vincent dropped the knife.

"Ryder-"

Ryder growled. "Let me taste you or else I think I might just die." Vincent moaned hopelessly. Ryder's mouth was starving to savour the taste of his mate's luscious skin. He collared V's throat and turned him back so they could kiss. Ryder wasn't gentle or slow, he craved to consume his mate and he deepened the kiss as much as he could. Ryder's hardened shaft pressed into Vincent and yearned to be back inside him.

Suddenly, a sharp elbow slammed into Ryder's gut forcing him to topple back. He gaped at Vincent. "Is that how you want to play?" he challenged.

"I need to eat," Vincent said.

Ryder grinned. "So do I," he said.

"You had an apple," he retorted.

"I meant eat my delicious mate," Ryder towered over Vincent with intimidation in his eyes as he glowered at the beautiful man.

Vincent leaned back on the counter, his eyes hazy as Ryder leaned down laying his lips on Vincent's mouth. The kiss was soft and tortured, urging both of them that this much was never enough. But Ryder didn't pick up his speed nor did he claw through Vincent's clothes and take him down onto the kitchen floor. He resisted as much as he could and backed off leaving Vincent breathless.

Ryder put the two separate sandwich pieces together and pulled out the chair to the table with the plate. "Come, eat," he said.

Vincent narrowed his eyes at him, but willingly sat down and enjoyed the sandwich as Ryder finished off his apple.

"Do you think Isabel will attack us again?" he asked.

"Probably," Ryder answered.

Vincent sighed. "I wonder why Gabriel hasn't done anything about her," he said.

"With the council trial so close, Gabriel can't kill her without looking suspicious," Ryder said.

Vincent took another bite and went into his thoughts while he chewed. "I hate that we have to follow rules and others don't," he said.

"You think Gabriel follows rules," Ryder retorted. "The man bends them to do his bidding. He can handle this."

"I know," Vincent believed. "If anyone can end Isabel it's Gabriel." He leaned his hand over and gestured for Ryder to take a bite of the sandwich. Ryder smiled at him and did take a bite. It was delicious but probably because he was being fed.

After finishing off the sandwich and his own apple, Vincent got up and grabbed the Cornetto ice-cream out of the freezer and enjoyed it while Ryder washed the plate and knife.

"Want a bite?" Vincent asked.

Ryder looked over as the ice-cream hung between them over V's lips. He leaned in on the other side and took a bite. The chocolate mixed with vanilla and caramel was nothing compared to the taste of his mate. Moving the dessert, Ryder kissed the cream off Vincent's lips and both of them moaned their desperation.

"Your lips are so soft," Ryder said as he traced Vincent's mouth with the pad of his thumb, "they feel so good." Throwing the ice-cream into the trash, Ryder kissed his mate and took them upstairs to continue this on a bed.

"Did you ever hear of a thing called taking it easy?" Vincent remarked as he was dropped on the bed. "And why are you manhandling me?" He glared up at Ryder with those long-lashed eyes that were too pretty to be any kind of danger.

Ryder lost himself to the way Vincent's long limbs spread out on the sheets, his pyjamas rose to expose his lean waist and hipbone to the light of the moon from the window. Ryder traced the red marks starting from V's neck down his throat all the way to his chest disappearing under the silk shirt.

"You're ignoring me," Vincent said.

Ryder raked his hair back and leaned down on the bed between his mate's legs pushing them further apart. "Am I?" he retorted.

Vincent reached out and grabbed Ryder by his hair, he pulled it back that it was painful enough to make Ryder wince, but also send a sharp jolt to his cock that hardened instantly.

"I have work tomorrow," he warned. "Put that dick away."

Ryder was already unbuttoning the man's shirt. "Do you really want me to stop?" he baited as he pressed their bodies together.

Vincent rolled his eyes, but his arousal was clear from his flaming scent. "Ryder," his tone cautious.

"I want to reassure you that I'm not going anywhere," Ryder mocked.

"Don't pretend to be a saint," Vincent said.

Ryder smiled sweetly. "I would never pretend." He kissed down his mate's lean muscles towards his shaft.

Vincent bit back his smile. "I can't believe I was basically a virgin before you," he groaned.

Ryder stopped dead in his tracks. "What'd you say?" he affirmed sternly.

Vincent looked confused. "What," he said, "that I was a virgin."

"You slept with people all the time," Ryder said.

"Women, not men," Vincent answered. "You're the only one I'd ever do this with."

A million thoughts ran through Ryder's head in a second.

"That look in your eyes is telling me that I shouldn't have told you that," Vincent said.

Ryder looked down at his mate as he restrained Vincent's arms. "You're not going to work tomorrow," he whispered wickedly.