Aislinn had to admit the place was pretty sleazy but looking around in the dim light she knew it would fit the purposes she needed.

She had needed to get away. The urge to flee, to run was too much. She just couldn't be there anymore. Around them.

.

.

Slowly they had made their way back to the house. A few of the enforcers had been ordered to remain behind to dispose of the bodies. While Clay and his warriors had escorted the remaining members of the Silva pack and their new Alpha, Vance, back across the borders to their lands.

Everyone was quiet as they walked back to the house. Kaiden still had the guards and some of the enforcers running patrols around the borders and would have them working in continuous shifts from now on. Tonight had made everything real. They were going head to head with the packs and this was only the beginning of the fighting and danger.

Richard and her new guardians were still on high alert and were hovering close around her stoically. Kaiden and Richard were equally handing out verbal lashings at anyone they could for letting her get hurt their combined anger and worry not yet dampened. She received her fair share of it.

Kaiden was at her side refusing to let her move from it. Every few seconds his eyes would dart to her and relief would flash across the bond as if he was expecting her to just vanish. It was suffocating.

Making it to the house they were met by a flurry of activity. Michael and Olivia were running around helping Ethan attend to those injured and wounded from the battle. They hadn't experienced any casualties on their side this time, but there were numerous injured and a few them critically so.

More than half of the men that Alpha Stanley had brought had been killed, including him and his beta.

Aislinn knew it wasn't Olivia's fault.

She knew it wasn't any of their faults. She just couldn't handle it. When the she wolf had rushed her with a look of worry and terror over taking her features at the sight of the blood on her, she knew logically that it was natural. Their concern. Their worry. Their attachment to her. It was part of the bonds. Natural reaction of their instincts both wolf and human alike to care for her, focus on her.

She just couldn't handle it.

Looking around at those hurt, injured. Feeling the tension still hanging in the air. The weary faces. The scent of fear and blood surrounding her. The looks of expectation, loyalty, attachment. It was too much.

Sidestepping Olivia's outstretched hands she had fled. Throwing a grimace over her shoulder at her mate's enraged face she didn't let her spike of guilt stop her from jumping in the car. Her foot pressed heavily on the gas as the tires screeched loudly as she dashed out of the garage and down the drive. Spitting gravel and smoke in her wake.

She hadn't stopped. Pushing the brand new Audi R8 to its limits.

The sleek black car streaked down the deserted streets. Jumping onto the more populated ones she expertly weaved in and out of traffic putting much needed distance between her and the Silverbloods.

With each mile she began to feel the pressure in her chest lessen. Slowly the white-knuckled grip she had on the steering wheel began to loosen and she felt herself able to take deep breaths of air again.

Her head started to ache from the pressure of Richard and Kaiden trying to force their way into her mind. It was when her wolf began to hear their calls and pleas for her, that she noticed the bar. Without bothering to slow down she whipped the wheel, jerking the car off of the road in a hairpin high-speed turn. A shower of dirt, dust and gravel clouded around her as she jerked to a rough stop. Letting it settle before she opened the door on a soft sigh of air.

The dark interior and seedy crowd didn't alarm her, in fact the slightly neglected and feral atmosphere fit her current mood perfectly. Taking a deep breath she picked out the scents of a number of werewolves scattered amongst the crowd. She felt their eyes follow her as she moved towards a dirty booth in the corner. She ignored them.

Resting her head back and closing her eyes she tried to push all her bubbling emotion back down.

It was easier said than done.

Hearing a throat clear near her she reluctantly opened one eye and peered up at the hulking figure now standing unnecessarily close to her.

Taking a whiff of the air she wasn't shocked to find he was a wolf.

Smirking down at her, she forced herself not to react as his eyes raked over her body greedily. His eyes growing dark with obvious lust.

"What's a pretty little thing like you doing out here all by your lonesome?"

Aislinn fought the urge to roll her eyes.

"Saw the cute little car you pulled up in, not bad but I could give you a better ride." He whispered seductively as he leaned in closer into her personal space so she could now easily scent the heavy odor of sweat and alcohol that was coming from him. His eyes dropping to her chest and back up to her before he winked crudely at her.

She considered killing him. After a moment's thought she decided against it not really interested in dealing with the fall out of so many witnesses human and not.

Instead she settled for opening her second eye and turning her head so she could level her coldest glare on the man.

Undeterred he offered her another smirk. Aislinn had to chalk it up to the booze for making him this clueless and foolish.

"How bout I get you a drink sweetheart?" He said his voice slurring heavily now.

Letting out a tiny sigh Aislinn felt her patience snap. She knew her eyes flashed silver as she shoved the command into the man's mind but honestly she couldn't care anymore. She watched impartially and unconcerned as his body slumped gracelessly to the floor. She eyed his limp form as she blocked out the few concerned glances being thrown their way and instead considered his previous suggestion. He may have been on to something with the drink offer at the very least.

An older bleach blonde server was placing eight shot glasses on the table before her when the door was unceremoniously slammed open banging loudly against its frame from the force. Aislinn didn't raise her head not interested whatsoever in the newcomer. Instead she kept her gaze focused on the tiny glasses of intriguing liquid being lined up neatly on the scarred and stained table top. Without a word the server turned and stepped over the still unconscious man sprawled out on the ground before returning to the bar.

Picking up the first glass. Aislinn raised it to her lips, grimacing when she inhaled the smell of the honey colored drink. Screwing up her face she slammed the shot back.

Choking down the feel of the burning in her throat and stomach Aislinn quickly followed the first by throwing back a second shot. This one filled with a clear liquid. It went down a bit better but still tasted horrible.

It was then that the loud growl ripped through the air.

She smelled him before she saw him. His scent hitting her just as the third shot made its way past her lips. The dark brown liquid oddly sweet on her tongue. Hmm she thought that one was yummy.

Bringing down her head she couldn't help but catch sight of his long black jean clad legs nor in her peripheral vision a slivered portion of his toned stomach clad only in a tight fitted black t-shirt.

A low grumble had her rolling her eyes as she grabbed the fourth shot glass. Closing her eyes she threw it down her throat after the others. The burn was beginning to become comforting. Warmth spreading out to her limbs. Her breath left in a shudder as she finally felt her muscles relaxing.

"Aislinn..." His voice was soft but she didn't miss the glint of anger burning underneath.

Ignoring him she didn't even open her eyes as she grabbed the fifth glass.

She heard a scoff from him and the sound of his footsteps even over the loud music as he made his way closer to her. Conversations were only beginning to pick up after his dramatic entrance. She felt her eyes rolling under her closed lids. She was sure the wolves in the room were watching them warily.

As the fifth shot worked its way down her throat she heard the distinct sound of a boot connecting to a body.

"What the fuck is this?"

Shrugging her shoulders Aislinn finally let her eyes open and her head turn so she was fully looking at her furious seething mate.

His hands were on his hips. His eyes narrowed as he toed the body on the floor. He shook his head once before glancing up at her.

"I don't even want to know." He finally bit out with another shake of his head as he stepped over the large body.

She watched him carefully as he stopped beside her his eyes moving from her face to the table. She saw his flash black as he took in the shots still waiting for her, a growl rumbled in his chest as he noticed the stack of empty ones beside her.

"Let's go. We're leaving." He growled at her his body stiff.

Not taking her eyes from him she picked up the next shot tipping it down her throat. His eyes were completely black now as his body trembled slightly. His words were pinched and tight and she knew he was fighting to control his emotions, "I'm not joking here mate. Get your things. We. Are. Leaving. NOW."

"I'm having a drink. You are more than welcome to stay and have one with me but I am not leaving."

He was too mad to speak so she picked up the seventh shot. This one had a lemon balanced on the top. He was too late as his hand tried to dart out and grab it from her. She already had it pressed to her lips. The lemon helped. Although she thought she was getting pretty good at this, she didn't even cough or choke that time.

Snarling dangerously Kaiden glared at her. Holding his stare she picked up the final shot.

"Don't you dare." He warned.

She slammed it back her eyes closing as she felt it add to the warm fire in her belly.

Opening her eyes she watched as his flashed with rage. She had never seen him so angry before. The other wolves in the room were shifting uncomfortably sensing the anger and power coming from him in waves.

"Sit Kade." She purred her voice feeling different now.

His eyes widened at her words. Shock and joy flashing as his body stilled.

"That's the first time you've said my name." He muttered finally although she wasn't sure if he was talking to her or himself.

"Sit. I want to drink, and you can't make me leave."

Warily he eyed her, his previous anger replaced with open cautiousness.

"I don't like you being in here." He sighed as he slowly slid into the booth across from her.

Tilting her head to the side she looked around them, her brows scrunching together not seeing what had upset him. I mean sure it was dark, dirty, a little sleazy, perhaps with an air of danger ... but they were wolves for fuckssake. They could handle a thug or two.

He shot her a small smile, his eyes moving to circle around the bar she had just examined. Stopping to glare at a few of the men, wolf and human alike, who were looking their way. Their eyes were curious as they looked her over but he didn't care. One look from him had them turning away. Satisfied he looked back across at Aislinn.

"You don't wear my mark." When it was obvious she still didn't see his point he let out a sigh, "This place is filled with unmated males. Males I do not trust and do not know. I do not like them looking at you. I told you before you are mine." A possessive growl accompanied the last bit as his eyes flashed again as he eyed the unconscious man still lying near their table again. Undoubtedly scenting that he was one of said males.

Aislinn was thankful that the waitress took that opportunity to show up with her second set of shots so she didn't have to try and figure out what she thought of her mate's words. They confused her.

Everything confused her.

She threw back another shot. Not even tasting this one.

Kaiden growled at her as he realized she had gotten more.

"Aislinn what are you doing?"

"I told you. I am drinking." Another shot.

"Stop."

"I told you not to command me. I am not your pet. I don't just follow you around doing whatever you say."

Another shot.

Another growl.

"Enough." His voice was low and angry again, lacing with the power of a command.

She ignored it, reaching for one of the five remaining little glasses.

His fist pounded loudly against the table spilling some of the liquid. The eyes of the room were back on them. A quick glare from Kaiden had them looking away once more.

Aislinn sent him her own glare for her spilt drinks before downing another.

"Fuck! Aislinn stop! What are you doing?"

Four shots left. Ignoring him she reached for another, his hands shot out grabbing two pulling them away from her. She felt her anger spike and she let out a growl, before darting her hands to the remaining two glasses. Tossing one then two into her mouth before gulping down the liquid.

Her mate was not impressed.

She didn't give a flying monkey's butt. She was pissed herself.

"Give me my drinks!"

"No." his voice hard.

"Kade give them to me." She snarled trying to reach for the two. But before she could grab them she watched as he drank them in two quick gulps.

Slumping down in defeat she crossed her arms over her chest as she glared daggers at his smug face.

When she kept glaring at him, he let his smirk drop running his hands over his face and hair.

"Why'd you run Ais?" He asked from behind his hands, making his voice garbled.

Shrugging her shoulders she kept quiet.

"You can't just take off like that. You scared me. Hell you scared Richard and the others too." He said letting his hands fall to the table with a thud.

"You want a drink?" She asked her brain beginning to feel fuzzy. It felt good.

Raising his eyebrows in question she tapped a finger to her temple earning a snort from him before a nod.

"Yeah grab us each a beer." At her glare he scoffed, "You've had enough shots Aislinn. Jesus what are you trying to do?" he asked gesturing to the 16 now empty shots glasses scattered over the table.

Pressing her lips into a line she looked him over. Feeling her eyes on him he looked up from the table, a huge grin spread across his face.

"You keep looking at me like that love, and I'll throw you over my shoulder and take you someplace quieter." At her perplexed look he let out a chuckle, his eyes slowly returning to normal.

Deciding to ignore his comment, she thought of something to say while they waited for their drinks. Her brain felt sluggish. Heavy.

"How'd you find me?" She finally got out.

His head snapped to her from where he had been eyeing their surroundings again. A frown on his face as he looked at her. "Michael was able to track you." He said after a beat.

She tried to raise an eyebrow like she had seen him do before. It was strange to let her feelings show. To not control them.

He let out a chuckle at her attempt. She snarled at him crossing her arms again.

Thankfully the server had returned with two tall pints offering her a distraction from having to look at him. Taking a large mouthful she heard him sigh.

"He hacked your car while me and Richard followed what we could of your scent and used the bonds. Did you really think we'd let you leave?"

Looking up she saw the hurt and disappointment reflecting in his blue eyes. Honestly she hadn't been thinking about it. All she had known was she had to get away.

Not knowing how to explain it she shrugged her shoulders. But then his words clicked in her head. "Richard?"

He chuckled again looking around the bar. "You think he wouldn't follow you? That I'd let you sit here if you weren't safe?"

Pushing through the haze of her mind she reached out. It took a minute but she finally felt them. At least ten wolves surrounded the bar covering the entrances back and front and a few more around the parking lot. She let out a defeated sigh. She wasn't getting out of there. She had even distinctly felt two wolves standing near her car. She'd have to hurt some of them to get to it. She considered the possibility for a moment before pushing the thought away again. She was oddly reluctant to hurt these wolves. Only working to add to her previous frustration.

She settled for picking up her half-finished glass and chugging the rest. A bit dribbled down her chin when she thumped the empty glass on the wood. She felt shocks race across her skin, and something low in her abdomen clench when Kaiden reached over and swiped at the liquid. His thumb brushing over her bottom lip and softly down her chin.

She stared at him her lips slightly parted. She felt hot and she wasn't sure if it was the booze or something else.

Grabbing his barely touched drink as a distraction. She took a large gulp of the slightly bitter liquid while ignoring his narrowed eyes. At least he hadn't tried to stop her again.

"I didn't want this." Now it was his turn to look confused. Not so far gone that she forgot about the extra ears around them she tried to keep her words vague. She felt herself starting to slur. Embarrassment tickled somewhere in her mind but she ignored it. "A pack. You. Richard. God! You know I had this perfect little plan already, it was all set. Five years gone! You just waltz in and boom!" She threw her hands up in frustration before grabbing his beer again. Taking another sip. Kaiden leaned back in the booth staying silent. He crossed his arms over his chest as he watched her patiently now.

"Don't you get it? I didn't want this and yet it just keeps coming... more and more! Why can't any of you see that I shouldn't have this. That you shouldn't be here!?" She felt her anger surfacing, her breathing becoming more labored as she tried to make sense of everything through her growing panic.

"Hey hey! It's okay. Hey look at me." Kaiden said now leaning forward. He waited until she looked up at him. "Just breathe."

She did as he asked dragging lungful's of air into her lungs. Feeling herself calming again.

Just as he was about to open his mouth he was cut off by the ringing of his phone. Letting out a muttered curse he answered it while barking a hello his eyes never leaving her.

She was too muddled up to listen closely to the conversation so she only got parts of his side.

Thankfully it preoccupied him from being able to focus on the third tray of shots being placed on the table. He only had time to glare at her angrily as she picked up the first tiny glass. She threw him a smirk. His eyes flashed black but then he was distracted by the phone call again.

"-Mom! I don't care! How many times do I need to say this!"

He was cut off causing him to growl lowly while running a hand through his black locks in agitation. It made them stand up messily. She got the sudden memory of how it had felt when she had tangled her fingers in them.