The next day the group set off just after 7 in the morning. Only grabbing a quick bite to eat before they were back on the road following the robotic GPS once again. The only difference from the hours spent driving the day before down the paved interstate was the presence of one an additional traveler amongst the dark interiors of the black SUVs.

It didn't take the guys long to realize that Olivia expected to travel with them. They were all hesitant Austin and Clay putting up the biggest fight as she was technically a rogue wolf now and still unknown to them. But even they were only able to put up minimal resistance against her before even they had to relent, begrudgingly admitting she really had nowhere else to go. The tears that had accompanied Olivia's pleas to not abandon her, weakening their arguments and making even the grizzled and hardened Richard grimace in uncomfortable pain. All of the men could only hold out a few seconds at the sight before they were all caving to give her whatever she wanted so long as she stopped sobbing.

That settled they had all bundled themselves up and made their way through the chilly October morning air to the vehicles. Austin had been regulated back to the second SUV when Olivia flat-out refused to be separated from Kaiden's mate, not wanting a repeat of the earlier episode he had only let out a few half-hearted grumbles at the command.

Olivia was still extremely nervous around the male wolves, their intimidating frames and thick muscles making her flinch away reminders of her weakness, their ability to dominate and hurt her. It was only Aislinn's presence that could keep her calm amongst their company. Physically she was healing if not healed. Her cuts and scrapes now just light soft pink lines. The deep bruises that littered her body fading steadily from blue and black, to greenish-yellows. Emotionally and mentally though she was still very much broken. Her trust in the world, her belief in the good of it was destroyed, her heart and mind broken with betrayal and pain. She latched onto the only thing that she could, the only thing that she could look at without distrust and disgust. Her buoy in the dark, the little she-wolf who had saved her from her very own pit of hell.

It was early afternoon now and they had been driving for hours. The only sounds the light snores of Richard from the backseat the occasional sniffle from where Olivia was curled up. It was then that they got the first glimpse into where they were headed.

"Shit man. Kaid, is she taking us to New York City?" Austin's stunned voiced filtered into Kaiden's head through the mind-link.

"Why would she take us here?" Blair joined in his voice a mix of curiosity and excitement.

"I have no idea. Aus man whose territory is out here?" Kaiden thought back at them.

"That would be Pack Spesso, they hold New York state and a bit of Jersey maybe even up the East coast a bit more, if I remember the border lines correctly. I don't think they care about the city though. You want me to call them?"

"Spesso, right. Alpha Elizabeth then. Yeah give her a call, let her know we are here but just passing through. It shouldn't be a problem, they're on good terms with my father."

With that the mind-link fell silent as they all fell into their own thoughts watching as they moved closer to the slowly growing sky-line.

They continued driving until they were right in the heart of the Big Apple. It was slow going with the traffic and crowded streets but to all of their collective relief they eventually made it to their destination by late afternoon.

No one could hide their surprise as they pulled in front of the lavish and extravagant building. But surprise easily gave way to excitement as they pulled up in front of the posh entrance. Jumping out of the car Austin let out a human roar as he threw his hands over his heads stretching loudly his bones and joints snapping from the effort. Blair was quick to jump out of the car too, running to the back to grab their few bags before handing them off to the bell boys and valets that met them. Olivia and Richard took their time extracting themselves from the back as they let their eyes wonder around them. Their increased senses slowly adjusting to the increased noise, scents and feel of the large city.

"Well I gotta say man your girl has good taste. Now this I approve of, especially after that dump last night." Aus joked, a large hand squeezing Kaiden's shoulder as he passed by him.

Strutting towards the doors Aus flung them wide open with enough force that they smacked loudly. Letting out a sound of childish glee which swung all eyes inside to him, he made his way swaggering with a stupid grin plastered on his face into the stunning interior of the Ritz-Carlton New York. Ignoring the stares he looked over his shoulder shouting back at them "Mini-Bar here I come!" Letting out a giddy laugh at the looks he was getting before winking at an older lady with greying hair causing her to gasp.

Kaiden ignored his Beta's antics as he continued around the car towards his mate's door. Opening it he stood aside as she gracefully slid down from the high seat, her feet gently landing on the ground with barely a sound. Taking a moment to get her balance before rising her head she looked up at his towering frame with her steely eyes. They were standing only a foot or so apart and Kaiden felt his breath catch as he looked down at her, the top of her head only just reaching his shoulder, his arms ached to pull her small frame into his. He took a deep breath inhaling as much of her scent as he could before stepping back and leaving her path unobstructed.

The others followed along behind her as she walked up through the doors, Austin had disappeared through only minutes before. Kaiden could only imagine he was finding some poor unsuspecting human to fluster with his 'charms'. Blair and Clay walked just behind him easily falling into happy chatter now that they were out of the confines of the cars and could stretch their cramped muscles. Though Kaiden knew that even with their relaxed façade they were still on high alert for dangers and threats. It was one, although definitely not the only reason Austin had made sure to enter before them. After the incident at the motel they would not allow their defenses to slip again.

Olivia and Richard had even begun to join into the banter in the group. Neither one able to resist long against Blair's easy-going nature. Although Kaiden could feel the tension in the air between Clayton and the two others. Frowning he felt himself pondering it as they continued forward, he wasn't sure what was wrong with his head warrior. Unclear as to why he was so standoffish all of a sudden. It was a problem he would need to address and deal with at some point preferably soon, He didn't need anything else to worry about.

Trailing behind Aislinn they followed her as she confidently made her way across the grand foyer and up to the reception desk and up to the women who was now beckoning their party forward. Frowning in confusion Kaiden stepped forward so he was standing up beside her leaning slightly against the counter, he caught the tail end of the women's words.

"... nice and might I say welcome back. I have your rooms ready for you, unfortunately because of the late change I couldn't get you into your usual room however I do have two conjoined as requested and prepared for you. If I can just have your card I can get you and your guests checked in and your bags sent up."

Kaiden was left gapping. He looked at his mate quizzically. She didn't turn to him not that he had really expected it. Still he couldn't help the little shot of pain that went through him. Instantly hating himself for it he pushed it away instead threw a look over his shoulder searching those behind him.

"Richard" Kaiden called lowly. Waiting until he had moved closer before speaking, pitching his voice low so as not to be overheard, both now watching as his mate signed a few papers before she handed over an impeccable black and intimidating credit card. "They know her here. She even has a usual room and a f*cking credit card. What in the literal f*ck is going on here?! You said she doesn't speak. How is this at all possible!?" He demanded hoping his voice was low enough for her not to be able to pick up his words.

"I d-don't know. I'm as stunned as you Alpha. I had no idea about this. I don't know what this means." Richard said the confusion and honesty easy to hear in his voice. He was just as perplexed as Kaiden at this turn of events. "I think there might be more going on here then I thought." The older warrior continued although Kaiden felt this last part wasn't meant for him to hear.

Richard's face had hardened in thought as he looked at the girl he had watched over for five years. His mind raced trying to make it all make sense. Looking at her now, seeing her in this new setting, he suddenly had this nagging feeling that he was missing something. Something big. Something very very big. But try as he might he couldn't see it. Letting out a breath of frustration he let himself follow after the others as they made their way over to the elevator bank the key cards gripped in Kaiden's hand.

The rooms were as extravagant as one would expect. Olivia was in awe her mouth open as she looked around the space that was plush, opulent and the very epitome of upper-class. For the first time in days she forgot about the horrendous motel room her mind focused on everything around her, her nose filling with the welcomed scent of cleaners and fresh flowers erasing the last traces from those days. A small smile playing on her lips as she ran her fingers around the room before moving to stare out at the breathtaking view.

Kaiden and his men were more accustomed to the splendor only taking a moment to take it in before focusing on the internal mind-link argument they were holding. Clay was worried about security concerns, Austin was unsure about how things had felt with the Alpha of this territory and Blair wanted to go swimming. Honestly sometimes Kaiden wanted to throttle his friends, it was like they all took turns being a child rotating it amongst themselves so he was always exasperated with one of them. He would almost swear it was a game between them.

Richard for his part just seemed weary his body staying tense as his eyes never left Aislinn watching her every move. His expression guarded and alert as if he somehow sensed that this was only one of many surprises headed their way.

Aislinn blankly looked around the room not seeming to take in any particular aspect of it and yet at the same time somehow taking in every minute detail. Ignoring everyone, pushing their very existence from her mind, she walked calmly to the attached ensuite bathroom through the bedroom. Washing her hands she quickly splashed some cool water on her face before running her fingers through her hair without looking in the mirror. Satisfied she stepped back into the living room. Not stopping to see how the others reacted or what they were doing she walked over the door opening it quietly before walking out. The only sound was the small click as the door shut behind her.

"The f*ck!?" Austin asked in disbelief.

"Aw shit!? Come on this again! We just got here! I wanted to swim." Blair added in, his voice exasperated pouting at the closed door.

For Kaiden he was simply stunned. She just left. Again.

Shaking his head he looked over at Richard who simply shrugged back at the clear question. Then quickly walking to the door, following behind her into the hallway they had just left.

"Kaid man. Your girl is gonna be the death of us." Clayton muttered behind him as they rest of them hurried to catch up now.

"But what a death" Throwing his head back Kaiden let out a loud bellowing laugh. He didn't know why he found it so hilarious but it took him a couple breaths to get himself under control as he shot a look back at his friends annoyed expression with a huge grin on his face.

"Stupid mates." Came the reply on a huff. Causing Kaiden to crack up again his chuckles loud and gruff as they all piled into the high-speed elevator.

.

.

"Alright folks, listen up! Someone needs to explain to me what in the literal f*ck just happened!!? Don't give me that look Kaid, you saw that. You all saw that right!?" Austin demanded to those now gathered back inside their connected suites at the Ritz.

They had arrived back at their rooms in complete silence nearly ten minutes ago and it was like these first words finally burst through their shock. Shattering the silence that had gripped them the entire way back and up to the room.

"Yeah man we saw." Blair answered although his voice was unsure, as though he didn't quite believe it himself.

"I'm with Aus, man. We need some f*cking answers." Clayton said, looking at Kaiden, who stayed silent during the exchange. Olivia had collapsed onto the soft cream sofa as soon as they had entered and now sat with a stunned Richard beside her. Blair and Austin were just inside the door, as if didn't know what to do with themselves.

Kaiden didn't know either. He didn't know what had just happened. He didn't even know what to think, of what just happened.

They had left the hotel room. Following Aislinn into the elevator and taking the car down to the ground floor. Trailing behind her as she headed out the front entrance and into the busy street. They had had to nearly jog to keep up with the sight of her silvery hair as she weaved expertly through the crowds of people along the sidewalks.

The entire time they had been throwing questions around. At each other, at Richard, at her back.

'Where was she going?'

'Why was she going somewhere?'

'How did she know where she was going?'

'Had she been there before?'

'What the hell was going on?' Austin's repeated question which he asked, no demanded, of all of them nearly every 12 seconds.

No one had known what they had been expecting, but it definitely had not been for her to stop in front of the New York headquarters for the notorious UBS bank and then to confidently stroll through the main doors and into the impeccable and intimidating lobby seemingly without a thought.

If that was shocking, the friendly and instant welcome she received as soon as she stepped inside, had been completely flabbergasting.

As soon as she had stepped inside the door a women, dressed as if she had just come from the pages of a magazine, was rushing forward to greet her. The human's face beaming with an eager smile, her voice shaking slightly as she spoke politely and with the utmost respect. "Welcome back Miss Nox. A pleasure to see you again at UBS." Kaiden's mate didn't respond and the women turned unoffended at the silence, to look at where they had all stopped and gathered just behind her. Taking them all in she flashed another welcoming smile, her voice high and chipper as she spoke to them.

"Welcome to UBS where we offer an extensive experience managing the wealth of high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals. Any friends of Miss Nox's are friends of ours. If you please will follow me. Miss Nox you know the protocol to access your accounts just a moment and I will call up for you and alert them of your arrival."

What had followed that confusing exchange, had been just plain bewildering.

Aislinn Nox, as they had all finally learned her name to be, the insight having come from one of her many personal account management executives. The polished mid-thirties human had had met them personally on one of the upper secure levels of the bank, in a suit that looked like it cost more than most people's cars. From him, they had then learned not only that her name was Aislinn, but that she had 12 different and separate accounts and holdings within the management and investment firm. The accounts were spread throughout the bank and spanned across the 50 different countries they operated within.

Each of the dozen accounts was handled individually by a different and separate set of financial and investment advisor and set of professionals. Accountants, analysists, partners, lawyers and advisors were paraded in front of her as they all sat in a gorgeous and professional board room. The heavy oak table in front of them was laden with refreshments and food, while a nervous looking receptionist with an unending supply of coffee fluttered around them. All of which only Blair and Austin made use of.

The sheer net worth though that was implied in those reports was completely astounding. The numbers and figures that they had spoken of, the dealings, companies, and portfolios were simply mind-boggling. Even to Kaiden, who considered himself financially savvy and secure in his own right, was left slack-jawed at what they spoke of. Even his vast personal wealth, hell even his entire family's wealth and holdings, paled beside just one of her single accounts.

And then there was the safety deposit boxes. Locked deep within their securest vaults, they needed a 12 pin code, a finger-print id, retinal scan, and security clearance to even access. Making it through it all they had watched in wonder as Aislinn had expertly sorted through the contents; ID's, passports, credit and bank cards, currency, bank notes, bonds and checks. All for identities and countries too numerous to even count.

What the FUCK did it all mean!?

It was the exact question that Austin asked aloud effectively pulling Kaiden back into the present.

"If she had that kind of money why was she in an orphanage?" Blair asked.

"And where did she get it all from, she's only 18?" Clay asked. His voice moving from curious to distrustful and defensive, his arms crossing over his chest.

They were looking at Richard who simply stared at where Aislinn's stood frozen. She had moved so she was standing near the bank of windows on the far side of the room, turning slightly so she was looking out at the night and the city below.

All eyes in the room followed his line of sight, until they were all staring at her.

"Who are you?" Austin asked incredulously.

Richard stood up from where he had collapsed on the sofa turning so he could look at her figure outlined against the backlight of the city lights more fully. "Darling, how do you have those accounts? How did they know who you were?" Richard asked much more gently then the others.

"You have to speak I mean how else did you set all that up? Right? I mean she has to be able to communicate somehow or else how did she do all this?" Olivia demanded with no hint of malice but only curiosity in her voice. Twisting on the couch, she turned until she was kneeling on the cushions her elbows on the back as she looked at Aislinn, her face open and kind.

"Well she had to get the money from somewhere." Blair stated, beginning to pace back and forth.

"Family maybe?" Austin added.