The moment she came back home...well not home.

The penthouse.

The second she stepped foot in there she already regretted accepting to go out with her coworkers.

She just wanted to soack in the tub then wear one of Henri's shirts that smelled just like him, then hop on his freakishly huge bed and bury her nose in his pillows.

Just like she has been doing all week.

She missed him.

Painfully so.

It's beyond understanding how one could fall so fast so deeply in love with someone in such a short period of times.

She was the happiest she's ever been with him. Even when they were just sitting in silence just reading in each other's presence.

There's a powerful stillness in him that she found herself needing. It grounded her and forced her to truly be in her present.

Because, all she has been doing her whole life was drifting away, going through the motions, numb to the world. But Henri pulled her out of her dark hole and saved her, and the idea of never seeing him again...

His smile

Those dimples

Those abs

His strong thighs and arms

His comforting scent

His eyes........ Oh his piercing green emerald eyes with specs of gold.

She missed him and the way she felt couldn't be normal.

How could she possibly feel this way towards someone after hanging out for less than a month?

But there was no denying it. Without him around, she felt cold.

She let out a dry laugh. She felt like she was trapped in one of her many werewolves fantasy books where the main characters started feeling the unexplainable feeling of a mate bond.

Perhaps in real life, this bond does exist to some degree. How else was she supposed to explain this ache she was feeling in the pit of her stomach.

She shook her head in disbelief.

Going out might not be a bad thing after all. Experiencing the club in its entirety, talk and dance, and it's not like she could cancel anyways.

She ate a quick delicious dinner Henri's chef left for her in the oven, and began to reluctantly get ready.

A small part of her was excited, but the bigger introverted part wanted to just stay home and read a book.

Home.

The fact that she started calling Henri's penthouse home, was not lost on her. But she brushed it off and went in the showers.

30 minutes later she was in the walk-in fussing over what to wear. She wanted to look reserved enough not to attract too much unwanted attention, but cute enough as to not embarrassed her co-workers by not looking good enough... I mean that's got to be a thing right?

She settled on a solid black long sleeves crop top with a plunge neck twist front and coupled it with a skinny high waisted black jeans, which cinched in her waist and accentuate her lush curves.

She didn't want to bother with makeup, but for a splash of color she decided on a matte dark red lipstick, and for her eyes just a simple eyeliner. That's when she stopped and really paid attention to her eyes in the mirror.

Looks like Arielle was right... They do have the same eyes.

She shook her head in a desperate attempt to dislodge any thoughts of her biological mother out of her mind.

Let's go and try and have some fun... With... People.

Yay

She quickly let her hair down on a cascade of afro curls draping around her shoulders. Put on some gold hoop earrings, a gold necklace, her favorite lace mesh black chunky heeled bootie et voilà ! Finish. Invisible but still cute.

She'll pop in for an hour or two then come back home.

Satisfied with her solid plan and how she looked, she nodded to herself in the mirror and made her way out, grabbing her coat, purse and keys on the way.

It was already pretty dark out. Usually she had no problems with that. But for some reasons, tonight, she felt uneasy.

'All right stop trying to find excuses not to go. Just get in the car and drive woman.'

She scoffs and got in the Rolls Royce.

Still ten minutes before reaching the club, she noticed on her rear view mirror, a pickup truck that seemed to have been following her. Before panicking, because maybe they were just going in the same direction...for the last 20 minutes though?

Noticing the gas station coming up, she slowed down her car and slowly entered the station, but to her relief the car sped away passing by her without missing a beat.

She let out a huge breath she was holding in. She was feeling way too on edge. For her sanity, she waited a few more minutes before getting back on the road.

Then the biggest smile adorned her face and all her worries just melted away.

He was FINALLY CALLING!!!

****************

Henri was sitting in the back of his car with Luc on his way home.

And no, not home in their private island off of the coast of Tanzania, home where his kitten was. He wanted to surprise her.

He has been dying to speak to her all week, but too much was happening that needed his attention. Distraction could possibly meant death for those around him.

He couldn't wait to see her, taste her, taking in her scent. It didn't help that he had a lion in his head driving him nuts whining every day for not being near his mate.

But then he received a text from Tony letting him know that she was driving towards his club and was almost there.

He was devastated and started growling without even knowing.

The only reason she's ever gone to his club was to find herself different guys, but she can't do that anymore. She was HIS AND HIS ALONE. And he really didn't want to commit murder on his first night back. Because he'd kill any man going near her.

Luc: "Stop growling already! You have smoke coming out of your ears. How about you call her before you jump into any ridiculous conclusions."

His idiot brother was right.

But what he didn't and will never understand was the the actual pain he felt throughout the week being away from her, not hearing her voice, feel her, nor taste her. When the war had ended and they've tracked down all of Mathieu's accomplices, he took a few minutes to speak to the eldest woman in the village in the hope she had some insight about what was happening to him.

Although she's never experienced it herself, but she did hear stories.

Sigh...

He needs to tell her who he is as soon as possible and finish the mating ritual.

He needs to mark her as soon as possible. It's getting harder and harder to control Adil. The only thing that is stopping him from taking over, is the fear of losing his mate altogether.

So the idea of her in the club, having other males touch her, dance with her, knowing exactly what they want from her...

Luc: "You are GROWLING again Henri."

Adil: "THAT'S ENOUGH! Leave him be! We are trying to remain calm and you are of no help brother."

L:"Whoa!!... Are YOU...??? "

A: "Yes, I am Henri's lion. He has recluded not to kill you... You are, as he likes to think, getting on his nerves."

L: "I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M TALKING TO ONE OF YOU!" Screamed Luc, completely ignoring what Adil just said. It was all just to fascinating hearing his brother's voice getting distorted and deeper, his eyes glowing gold talking to him in this manner. "Heyyy! why won't my cat speak to me?? I've been badgering him every day and I only feel him annoyed, angry then he disappears in the back of my mind."

Adil sighs and rubs his temples, but relax a bit more nonetheless. "He is not allowed brother of mine, and you are playing with fire...But he is very fond of you and wishes not to be taken away so stop badgering him."

"Taken away? Is that something that can happen? What will happen to me? What would happen to him? WAIT! YOU CAN SPEAK TO MY LION!!!?"

Adil cursed under his breath for letting that little info slip out.

'Henri are you OK now? You need to come out. I am very close to also murdering our brother. And I'm still worried about our mate.'

L:" soooooo answer me.... Oh it's you again. Can I speak to your lion again?"

"For Goddess sakes Luc, it isn't a parlor trick."

"May as well get used to it. You left the island early before explaining to everyone how you were able to change how you did, which was freaking cool by the way. Standing on your hind legs. You looked like a real hybrid between man and animal. And they still don't know that you can communicate with your animal spirit. So for awhile you are going to be the main attraction. "

" True, but not tonight. We will speak, but tonight I just need to see my kitten. "

" Lia is better" Luc snorted but lifted his hands in surrender when Henri's eyes flashed gold again and growled. "We are almost at the club lover boy, call her already and stop bothering me." He loves teasing his brother. He was too uptight and always so serious. But he respected him immensely and there was no denying that he was the perfect man for the job. Even if right now he was unraveling. Makes one start to think perhaps not having a mate chosen by the moon goddess might not be such a bad thing after all... On the other hand, he's never seen his brother happier in their entire lives, so maybe it's not so bad?

Henri sighs exasperated. His mood changed immediately once the phone on the other line started ringing.

***************

Natalia looks down at her screen, and a grin broke out of her face.

Finally.

She turned on her Bluetooth and breathe a sigh of relief.

"Tell me you are home."

"Hello kitten" oh god that velvety deep voice had a magical way of zapping straight to her core making her almost moan. "Yes I have landed. Where are you?"

Suddenly not so sure how he was going to react, she paused to think whether to tell him or not.

"I-I am parked in the parking lot of your club, about to go in... B-bbut it's not for what you think. I was really lonely and finally accepted to go out with my coworkers... I'm actually really nervous." she chuckled soflty.

"You missed me?"

"More than you know."

"Mmm... I'll be there soon, I'll let my people know to take care of you and your new friends... But as soon as I make it there, I'm taking you away.

Im famished kitten."

"Yes sir." she said squeezing her thighs together already imagining, but then she laughed when she heard Luc in the background yelling ewww get a room.

"See you in a few beautiful."

"OK"

She was positively beaming.

He was home! She wasn't even mad at him anymore for not calling. He did warn her that he might not be able to.

She happily stepped out of the car, as she was closing her door the eery feeling that someone was looking at her creeped up at her again.

She quickly swerved around to look around but saw no-one. But she did notice the same pickup truck in the parking lot.

She stood there looking at it. There was no reason for her to be creeped out by it. If whomever was driving the truck was also heading here, it means they weren't following her. But she couldn't shake that feeling and it almost made her get back in the car to wait for Henri until she heard her name which made her startle.

"I'm sorry Ms. Natalia, we didn't mean to startle you."

Clutching her heart, she looked at the two men standing in front of her. One of them looked familiar.

"Do I know you guys?"

"My name is Tony and this is Max, the boss asked us to make sure you are ok and take care of you and your friends. We have the vip section ready for you." he answered with a genuine smile. He's been dying to speak to her all week but knew better to. He's felt sorry on how lonely she looked most of the times, so it was a welcomed surprise to hear that she was going out with friends tonight.

"Oh that was fast, I've only just hang up with him." She answered with a smile. "Well nice to meet you both Tony and Max and thank you so much, I really appreciate it and I'm sure my coworkers will to."

She glanced one last weary look at the truck and walked ahead of the two men.

Tony picked up on her slight fear towards the truck in question, and threw a knowing look at Max who automatically knew what to do and nodded in understanding.

Tony walked her to the club, while Max stayed behind to investigate and find out who the truck belonged to.

A few minutes later he receives a text.

"

Five minutes later Tony was standing in front of club watching Max jogging towards him.

"What you got for me?"

"Where is the Queen?"

"She is up there with her friends."

"We might have a problem."

"Go on talk to me."

"John Kudrow was on the force for over 20 years until he was arrested. He was recently let out for good behavior and is currently on parole."

"Why was he arrested Max?" He loved working with Max, the man could hack into anything ang get whatever info they need or erase any footage they need to.

"He was arrested for child abuse. Although given his influence, he would have gotten away with it all if not for a social worker who came forward and testified. Apparently the child complained to her, but she ignored it all. She felt guilty but was still fired."

Hair stood on Tony's neck knowing where that was going, but he needed to be sure.

" Who was the child Max? "

" It was Ms. Natalia Tony...and he is here. "

" Fuck! "

Henri:" What's the problem? "

Tony:" Oh sir, you've made it" he exclaimed with a slight bow. "We have a problem."

*****************

Natalia receives a text from Henri letting her know they were close.

She was just starting to relax with the guys from work who took it upon themselves to tease her after she's revealed that she was seeing the club owner.

They've never seen her so coy and blushing before. She was always the aloof, sure of herself and her work Natalia and now suddenly she was stuttering and couldn't look at them while talking about this beau of hers.

They've demanded to meet who was able to turn her this way and that's why she wasn't currently waiting for him in front of the club instead.

"I'll be right back guys, going to the restrooms real quick."

She needed to make sure she looked OK. She cursed at herself for not wearing something sexier.

Didn't matter anyway though, can't imagine Henri letting her keep anything on for long tonight.

She giggled at that fact.

She entered the bathroom and let out a loud whistle. She knows a lot of tenants in Brooklyn paying an arm and a leg for their tiny apartments who wouldn't mind living in this bathroom instead.

She felt an arm encircling her from behind and although she wished it to be, she knew immediately it wasn't her Henri.

"Finally alone." the voice whispered in her ear, his breath reeked of alcohol fanning her nape.

Her heart leaped out of her chest and felt nauseated immediately.

It couldn't be.

"You are a hard woman to approach baby girl with your bodyguards."

Yup that was him. The defective detective.

Bodyguards? What is he talking about?

He tightened his hold around her waist, pressing himself on her.

'I guess they reattached his dick on.'

" I told you I'd find you, now you are going to be a good girl and come with me... Or else."

She's been dreading this day for years, training and learning how to fight to protect herself, but no-one told her what to do if the fear made her froze.

She could remember everything he's ever done to her.

She never forgot.

She could never forget. He was in her nightmares almost every night. Except when she was with Henri.

Henri... He was on his way.

She was finally starting to like living because of him. There's no way she was going anywhere with this monster.

With her new resolves, she unfreeze. Jabs the sole of her heels on his foot, headbutt him with the back of her head. When his grip loosened, she twirled around without a second thought and kick the back of his knee. While he was soothing his nose that she may have broken, his leg buckled and before he went down she quickly punch his throat and made beeline for the door hearing him gagging trying to breathe.

But he was a big man, not as big as Henri but nonetheless formidable. Let's not forget an ex cop so he recovered quickly...too quickly.

Just as she was about to reach for the doorknob, something flew next to her head and hit the door right next to her making a hole.

Shit. She froze again.

"Tsk Tsk Tsk... My my my, gotta admit baby girl you've got some moves."

Her back still turned to him, she was contemplating how she could still leave.

"Don't even think about it Natalia." his voice got lower and darker laced with venoms. "Turn around NOW!"

She breathed in and out, clenching and unclenching her fists. Trying her best not to show the effects he had on her.

She slowly turned around to face him, instinctively raised her palms up seeing he was still branding the gun on her, and it had a silencer.

"What do you want John?"

"It's daddy for you baby girl.

And isn't it obvious? I want you of course."

She swallowed thickly, her brain running amok trying to find a way out of there.

He steps closer and she stepped back until she was against the door.

He came dangerously close, the gun still between them.

" Remember that night baby? I promised you that I was going to find you baby girl." caging her with one arm, he lifts the gun to her temple. Her pulse quickened but she held her gaze to his, refusing to cower.

He traced the gun from her temple to her mouth, slowly jamming the barrel between her lips leaving it there.

" You ruined my life baby girl. My wife and kids deserted me. Lost my career.. Lost everything. The only thing that kept me going in jail was you, and now there you are in my arms again, no way am I leaving you."

She wanted to scream, but the gun was still in her mouth. Her new found strength was starting to waiver and a lone tear fell out of her eye.

He smiled at the sight. He took the gun out of her mouth and licked the tear away.

" I-i'm not g-going anywhere with you John."

He took a few seconds and looked at her face, searching for something in her eyes. Then shook his head disappointed.

"It's too bad baby girl.

If you are not going with me, you are not going anywhere with anyone else."

***************************

As soon as Tony let Henri know of what they've just found out, he lost no time in fanning the security guards around the premises with John's picture on their phones to find him or stop him from leaving.

He hurried up with Luc up the stairs to the vip section, remembering the first time she talked to him. It was her birthday and he got to make her cum right there in this booth.

They reached her friends, but she was nowhere to be found.