At night, like a wolf prowled under the moon to hunt its prey, there was a woman who strode down the street. No one knew who she was but they knew that it would be wise to stay out of her way.

She was tall, so it wasn't hard for her to see over the crowds as she navigated towards her destination. The cane in her jewelled hand reverberated every time she set it down to take her next step. It was dark, but it wasn't hard to notice the golden cobra wrapped around the black stick of that ruthless cane. The cobra had two ruby eyes, that matched the ones on her fingers. However, what no one noticed despite watching her was the limp in her right leg and the scars running across her right cheek and eye crawling down her neck. The scars vanished under the crisp white collar of her shirt. Her dark black lips that contrasted against her pale skin were held in a stern frown. She wore a dark grey pin-striped suit, that was tailored to her voluptuous figure. The black overcoat that hung onto her shoulders was lined with silk that was the colour of blood. Although, the cold night air slipped into everyone's coats and froze them to the core, it didn't affect this woman. She hadn't flinched to the harsh breeze and it was like she had control over every single hair on her head.

All the curious eyes that followed her realized that she was making her way towards the notorious nightclub; The Underworld that was owned by Trez Luciano. Many that walked in and out of that club took heed of her authority and wondered why someone like her would come here of all nights.

A man walked out from the alley stopping her in her tracks, which was a big mistake. "Where you headed, sweetie?" his phony tone chastised her.

She met the flunky's eyes with her own. "Move-" was all she said.

"Come on, don't be like that," added another.

She stood with nothing but a strict look in her venomous eyes.

"How about you give us those rings on your hand and we let you go without making a mess," said another.

"That sounds like a fair trade," they laughed together at their own foolishness.

These were humans from the way they had no pheromones or any other importance. Pests that walked amongst her, she liked to say. They thought that they were strong for targeting her, when the truth was a lot scarier and she was someone that the world was just starting to fear.

"Move," she said again with a sigh.

They didn't and instead made the stupid mistake of getting closer.

All she did was flip her cane around and the sharp cobra's head slammed into them. She left them bleeding and grumbling on the cold ground. And once again, it was proven how much she fucking hated men.

It was a busy morning here at White Knight headquarters. Everyone was preparing for Ms. Knightley's guests. The best tailors had been called in and the largest showroom was cleaned for them to use however they long needed. The famous patisserie from across town was given a large order to have all sorts of cakes, cookies and sandwiches prepared and delivered. The employees arranged a large round table with silverware, Ms. Knightley specifically ordered sparkling champagne without alcohol since her guest was pregnant.

Once the golden chandeliers were cleaned off and the bright white carpet was vacuumed, the cleaners all left satisfied. The golden lights reflected off the pastel pink walls and all the gowns were glimmering on their displays. All the top designs from this season were brought out and arranged by colour through the whole gallery. It started off with the white and went down the line with every shade anyone could possibly think of and it ended with midnight black.

Everything was set just at the nick of time.

Zoya strode into the massive room that was looking perfect. "Good work everyone," she said to her employees. "There are pastries, sandwiches and coffee for all of you in the break room. Go get some rest until I call for you again."

The employees beamed with joy and thanked Ms. Knightley for the treat. As they departed, Zoya examined the room one last time and approved of all the arrangement. She especially adored the fresh hydrangea bouquets that were prepared on the glass tables. Her favourite candles from Jo Malone were lit and it smelled divine in here. The bitter winter air didn't penetrate these walls and that horrid weather was left outside.

Zoya left the showroom when she spotted her secretary rushing towards her. Abigail ran towards her in tall heels that matched her white suit. Her tablet was under one arm and her phone in her hand. She looked concerned as the lines between her dark brows were drawn and that always made her brown eyes look almost black. However, it wasn't a first that Abigail was storming with worries over to Zoya. Abigail was a perfectionist and it bothered the living hell out of her when something went wrong.

"What happened now, Abby?" asked Zoya.

"I cancelled your entire schedule today in advance but Mr. Croft still decided to show," she said. "He's coming up the elevator as we speak."

"Skyler's a friend, Abby," said Zoya. "Besides, he's finally getting married to Noah and he doesn't want any delays. You know how people get around deadlines and Skyler Croft is the worst kind."

Abagail's frown deepened because she was not approving any of this at all. She never liked when Zoya's day was interrupted or diverted from its course of action; it leads to unpredictable issues which she hated more than anything.

"Stop frowning," rebuked Zoya. "We're the dream-makers here at White Knight."

"This is ridiculous," she stifled her words. Abby straightened her stiff posture just before the elevators pinged open and Skyler Croft strode out of the elevators. He was a handsome man with a tall build and prestigious status that was feared and well-known around the city and the world. Ruthless for his cut-throat reputation in any business and he was unbeatable in a negotiation.

Skyler was dressed in a grey suit that covered his tattoos, but the tailored piece didn't hide his muscular physique. He had grown out his dark beard from the last time she had seen him and his hair had been raked back away from his bright blue eyes. The man rarely smiled and that just made him scarier. However, the robust alpha-male was beaten by love. He had found his mate years ago but he finally had the courage to accept it now. Noah Gillian was Skyler's famous secretary who was loyal and remarkable at his job, even Abigail admired him.

"Good morning, ladies," Skyler greeted them.

"Good morning," Zoya smiled at her friend. "Are you here to see the progress of your suit?" she asked but already knew the answer.

Skyler's eyes beamed wondrously; she loved that look in her customer's eyes. "Noah doesn't want me seeing his suit, so I need to make sure mine is perfect," he told her.

"You know it's bad luck," Zoya said.

And Skyler's usual strict expression returned. "I don't believe in that," he said. "No force in the universe will separate me from my mate just because I see a suit."

Zoya giggled. "Still as cynical," she remarked.

"Will you be joining me?" Skyler asked.

"I would love to, but I'm meeting a few friends today," she told him.

"Is that why you cancelled your whole day?" he inquired.

She nodded. "They are some important people," she told him and right away she remembered River who was also coming today. She made sure that Sabrina brought him.

"You have that look in your eyes," Skyler remarked.

Zoya hid her excitement quickly. "I'm just in a good mood," she smiled at him.

Skyler raised a brow. "What's the deal, Zoya?" he asked.

"Nothing," she lied and he didn't believe her for a second. "Abigail will escort you to Linda who is working on your suit right now."

Skyler wanted to know more. But of course, it was at that moment, the elevator doors pinged open and a rowdy group of ladies emerged. All of them were dressed fashionable and practically glowed together. The hall filled with a warm air with everyone here. Zoya recognized Sabrina, Hailey, Viola and Azura. However, there were three others that Zoya didn't know.

There was a woman who resembled a barbie-doll with her long blonde hair and big blue eyes. She was in a pretty pink coat and dress with matching heels. She was walking with her arm linked with another woman who had chestnut brown hair and honey gold eyes with an elegant figure. Then there was the woman with copper hair and green eyes who appeared a lot more mature than the other girls.

"Centauri pack," muttered Skyler. "That's who your guest is?"

"The one and only," she muttered.

Zoya looked over the girls when her eyes tracked the one who walked out the elevator last. River stepped out looking to be in a dangerous mood just like how she left him. He didn't look pleased to be here today, but that just made her want to unsettle his strict appearance. She was going to gift these girls anything they laid their hands on today just for bringing River to her territory.

"Interesting," whispered Skyler.

Zoya played it cool, otherwise he would figure it all out. "I don't know what you are talking about," she said stiffly.

Skyler grinned. "Sure, you don't," he added. "I feel bad for him. Which one is it?"

"The hot one," she answered.

"They're both hot," added Abagail.

Zoya bit her grin back. "I'll talk to you later, Skyler," she said. "Abigail, make sure Mr. Croft gets everything he needs."

"Yes, ma'am," answered Abigail.

Skyler leaned in putting his arm around her waist surprising her because Skyler wasn't the type to touch others. She knew her friend and he had never done this since they met. He leaned down and kissed her cheek, Zoya's eyes snapped over to River to see if anything changed in him. But the man's blue eyes were as icy as before, he hadn't even flinched or reacted unlike the women coming towards them.

"You're the devil," she whispered to Skyler.

He laughed softly. "Noah says the same thing," he admitted. Zoya rolled her eyes at him and he sauntered away following Abigail.

Sabrina and the others met up with Zoya. She came up with open arms and hugged her. "White Knight looks beautiful, Zoya," she said. "It's completely different from what I remember."

"I had it remodelled when I returned," Zoya said, as her eyes met the others. She tried her hardest not to look at the stern man at the back and his twin brother who was grinning.

"Let me introduce you," said Sabrina. "This is Ashley, Rosalie and Evangeline."

Ashley- the one dressed in pink beamed with enthusiasm. "You're an inspiration to me," she said. "Anyone that has an eye for couture is my best friend."

Zoya loved her already. "I have the cutest gowns to put you all in," she said. "Should we head inside?" she pushed the double doors open to the large showroom and the girls squealed as if they entered Santa's toy factory. They grouped around the long racks that showcased the gowns for them.

Zoya lingered at the back and waited until River was the only one beside her. "Good morning," she greeted him.

River looked down at her with an uninteresting expression. "No, it's not and I'm not in the mood," he said.

Zoya tapped her heel. She breathed in his deep cologne that simmered off his rugged leather jacket. "Is that a warning?" she inquired.

"Yes," he replied curtly.

It may have scared others, but not her. She was a tough woman and her wolf was a lot scarier. She had to be this way or else she never would've made her empire.

"You know, that just makes me want try harder," she alleged.

"Seeing how you behaved with Skyler Croft then I can believe that," he remarked.

Zoya's grinned. "Did that bother you?" she asked but he didn't answer. "I assure you that Skyler is just a friend."

"I don't need your assurance," he said.

"Of course, you do," she added. "I told you that I like you, so you should know that I only have eyes for you." Zoya almost burst out laughing at his stunned expression, he was staring at her like she had purple skin and pink horns growing out of her head.

"I'm going to tell you one more time-"

Zoya walked away without letting him finish. She could feel his glare piercing her back the whole time she was circling the room helping the girls find their dresses. She spotted Ryder approach his brother and ask something, but River didn't answer and she knew he wouldn't say anything.

"Isn't he the cutest?" she muttered to her friend.

Sabrina burst out laughing. "Cute!" she astounded. "I don't think anyone has ever used that word with that man."

Zoya shrugged a shoulder. "He is," she said.

"Don't tease him too much," Sabrina whispered.

"I can't help it. His reactions are priceless," answered Zoya.

Sabrina put her arm around hers. "Help me pick out something," she said.

Zoya ignored her cute but unbearably stiff mate and helped her friends pick gowns to try on in the change rooms. Eventually, when each woman picked enough dresses, they each chose a change room and started a show to Zoya and the rest of them who were sitting on the couches eating cakes or drinking tea. Surprisingly, Ryder and River were involved and the girls asked for their opinion and they were open to give it. Azura was the only one who didn't pick a dress, she was interested in the suits more. Zoya ordered her employees to bring in more suits of various styles and colours for Azura, which made her beyond excited.

Zoya and her employees were rendered speechless when Azura pulled off her coat and the leather holster holding four guns were revealed on her body. They didn't know what to say except take a step back. Zoya ordered her employees to step out and she personally helped her friends with their dresses. It had been a while since she had done this and honestly, she missed it. Helping people find the gown they love with her own hands was something she never forgot.

Two or maybe even three hours passed before the girls collapsed on the couches. Two whole racks were packed with dresses of their choice. Zoya insisted they pick more after they had lunch, but the ladies refused and rather asked for a tour of the building. Zoya was a bit surprised by the request, she didn't think they would be interested in something like that. But Hailey suggested that she wanted to see the company and the others agreed wholeheartedly. Zoya couldn't help but feel an ache in her chest. These people who were strangers to her days ago had shown more interest in her work than her own family did.

Zoya pushed those thoughts away. She didn't like thinking about her parents when she was eating.

"How's the sushi?" Zoya asked them.

"It's delicious," they added and it was genuine because when wolves didn't like their food they didn't eat, it was that simple. And right now, everyone had full plates and their hands hadn't stopped and neither their mouths. Everyone was indeed eating the best sushi on the block. Zoya always ate at this restaurant.

Zoya's eyes moved around the table to all the girls chatting away about their dress choices. She tried her best to pay attention, but her gaze always found its way back to the one sitting just a chair over. Ryder was sitting beside Zoya and he was enjoying his food, but also sampling from Azura's plate because she had ordered the honey-garlic chicken dish. River had finished eating and was leaned back on the chair, his eyes on Azura who was talking about the chicken. He was listening to what she was saying and he was telling his brother to stop stealing her food, but Ryder didn't quit.

It was rare for her to feel any interest for anyone. She dated in the past but it was nothing serious because everyone bored her. There was this electric force that pulled her to River and she couldn't get away. When it's clear that he's not interested in stuff like this, he still joined the girls today out of responsibility to keep them safe. But why? wondered Zoya. Who was River and why did he protect the people he loved with everything he had?

Because he's a man of honour, her wolf answered.

Zoya heard her wolf loud and clear. We haven't met many people who are honourable, she said.

Yet, here we sit in this room with many of them, replied her wolf.

Do you like this pack? asked Zoya.

I do, answered her wolf.

Enough to join them? said Zoya.

Her wolf crept out of the shadow and locked her gaze onto River. I want to join with him, she declared.

Zoya smirked. I'm glad we're on the same page, she muttered.

But I sense resistance from him though, her wolf said. His wolf avoids me-

His human avoids me too, added Zoya.

That angers me, her wolf growled. Let me out so I teach him a lesson.

Soon enough, Zoya promised. Let me tame the man before we go after his beast. Her wolf wasn't satisfied but she trusted Zoya and stepped back to let her do what she set out to do first.