Zoya stood in front of the man that was infuriatingly handsome. He was in a tailored Italian suit, which surprised her since he only ever wore that rugged leather jacket. She studied every inch of him, the lines of his rigid shoulders, his lean waist and still couldn't get enough, especially those blue eyes that told her everything she needed to know about what he masked. She wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around him and take him where they could be alone. But she knew that wasn't possible. He was too stubborn for his own good.

"River, you're still holding my arm," she said wondering if he heard her. "If I look too pretty, you could just compliment me."

River's frown deepened at her chirpy tone. Although, right now she was feeling anything but chirpy.

She drew in a deep breath of the cold air. She looked back at Noah apologetically. "I'll meet you inside," she said.

"Is everything okay?" he asked looking warily at River.

She smiled. "Still figuring that out myself," she admitted. Thankfully, Noah went inside.

Who would have thought that a simple dinner with Skyler and his fiancé would turn into this? She was in the middle of the street with River holding her arm.

"We've made progress," she affirmed. "I never thought you would be the one to hold me back."

"It's not like that," River's tone was rigid and cold.

Zoya faced him now and stepped closer too. "Has anyone ever told you that you have really nice eyes?" He stiffened and it was clear that he was tense from the way his jaw clenched over and over again. "Eyes that give everything away-" she took a breath of his penetrating scent that made her feel like a puddle. Her legs slackened and she tried hard not to let the desperation show on her face. "Is there a reason you would grab my arm?" she asked. "Or did you not want me leaving you alone on the street?"

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I already told you," she answered. "I was invited to dinner." When his brows furrowed even further, Zoya burst out laughing at him. "Wow-" she didn't get this man at all- "at one point you're telling me that you're not interested. And now, you want to know about my date."

"Er- well," River stuttered.

She actually managed to render this man speechless. "This is your punishment," she said. "Be curious the entire night about my date."

"Excuse me," River's brows shot up at her smug expression. He pulled in closer towering over her. "You know, it'll only take me one phone call to get a background check on that man and know everything there is to know."

"Then do it," she dared boldly. Zoya watched the dark expression turn almost murderous; it was hilarious. "Have fun. But not too much without me, okay." Zoya left with a wide smile on her face.

The restaurant was packed as usual. Zoya navigated through the seats and found Noah who was waiting at their reserved table. Noah Gillian was dressed attractively in a red suit that made his brunette hair appear almost golden. Under the warm light of the candles and chandeliers, his honey-brown eyes glowed softly. It was true when people said that eyes were the window to one's soul. Nothing was deceitful in Noah's eyes despite being a wolf shifter who are known to be secretive predators. He's dedicated to his job and even more to his mate.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said as she sat across him.

Noah put his phone down. "No problem, but is everything okay? It seemed pretty serious out there," he asked.

Zoya drew in a shaky breath. "If only I had a romantic love story like you have with Skyler," she sighed. Her mate was being way too stubborn with her.

Noah let out a tender laugh. "My love story wasn't the greatest," he said.

Zoya's brows shot up. "What are you talking about?" she astounded. "I have never seen anyone more in love than Skyler is for you."

A brief pain passed over Noah's face, his brown eyes fell to his hand where his engagement ring sat. "I was in love with Skyler from the moment I saw him," he told her. "But Skyler closed himself off to everyone. He never knew about my feelings for years."

Her amusement fell, Zoya put her hand over his. "I'm sorry. I didn't know," she frowned.

Noah smiled a little. "No, it's okay. I didn't tell anyone," he said.

Zoya's aware firsthand how rigid Skyler was with everything he does. "So, what pushed you to tell him your feelings?" she asked.

"I didn't say anything nor was I going to," Noah revealed. "Skyler confessed first."

Zoya gaped and then burst out laughing. "That man only pretends to be a hard-ass," she said making Noah laugh too.

The door of the restaurant opened again and with the cold wind came in Skyler Croft. Zoya witnessed the moment Noah's breath stopped and his eyes melted with an intimate look that only Skyler knew. Skyler stood tall in a navy-blue overcoat that was dusted lightly with snow, which must have begun now. She only hoped it wouldn't turn into a storm before she got home.

The waiter showed Skyler their table and he circled the table to sit down with his mate. They shared a soft kiss and a brief exchange of words.

Zoya was always on the other side of that life. It wasn't something she could have, but she had seen it around her all the time. She was confident about convincing River about their bond, but would he love her? Did River even like her a little bit? Those questions made her stomach churn.

"Stop being cute in front of me, it's annoying," she grumbled.

Skyler glanced at her with an unperturbed look. "Deal with it," he remarked.

Zoya kicked his leg with the point of her heel making him jolt in pain.

"What the hell!" he growled.

Zoya smirked. "That's for being so inconsiderate to Noah all these years," she said.

"You little-"

Noah intervened. "Okay, how about we order dinner," he offered as a truce.

The waiter was quickly called over and they ordered dinner. However, Zoya still couldn't get the last look River gave her before she left him. She probably pissed him off and now it was definite that he didn't want to see her. But she didn't know what else to do other than get under his skin. He had layers of armour on and she couldn't get through to his heart. What did she need to do for him to trust her and open up to her? she pondered this to the point that she couldn't even taste the pasta in front of her.

Zoya came out of the despair spiral in her own head and finally heard her friends' conversation.

"What about your sister?" asked Noah. "We should invite her to the wedding personally."

Skyler shook his head. "I doubt she will come," he admitted.

"You have a sister?" astounded Zoya. "Since when?"

"Since I was born," remarked Skyler.

Noah chuckled at Zoya's baffled expression. "Skyler has an older sister, Ivy Croft," he told her.

"But why wouldn't your sister come to the wedding?" she asked.

Skyler took a sip of his wine. "My sister's not your typical sibling," he told her. "She'll probably send a bunch of gifts."

"Have you met Skyler's sister, Noah?" Zoya asked.

Excitement beamed on Noah's face. "I met her twice and both times I was floored by her," he told her. "She's beyond words."

Zoya wanted to meet this mystery sister more than ever. "I want to meet her," she said to Skyler.

"You don't," he said grimly. "She'll chew you up bones and all."

Zoya chuckled. "Is someone scared of his big sister?" she jested making them laugh except Skyler was glaring at her. "You're cute-" she laughed- "I don't know how you deal with this man, Noah. Skyler seems like a handful."

Noah smiled brightly. "He is," the man admitted proudly.

Skyler gaped at his mate. "Why are you on her side?"

Noah gave an unapologetic smile. "I have been your secretary for ten years now. I think that grants me some leeway to admit how bossy you are," he retorted.

"We should order the crème brûlée," Zoya interjected between the two now, "I heard it's famous here."

"I'm not bossy," remarked Skyler.

"Great idea, Zoya," Noah ignored his mate who was moping. They called over the waiter and put their order for dessert.

Dinner ended with the world's best crème brûlée that Zoya ever tasted and she had many in her life of travels.

"Are you sure you don't want us to drop you home?" Skyler asked as he helped her put the jacket over her shoulders and she grabbed her purse.

"Don't worry, I'll take a taxi," she said.

She wished them goodnight and they went off together to their car that came to pick them up. Skyler had already stopped her a taxi, so she didn't have to wait out in the snow that had started to pick up too.

Zoya got into the car telling the taxi driver her address, he took off into the traffic. She laid her head back on the seat and watched as the city passed by through the window. She didn't feel it before, but exhaustion crept into her and made her eyes heavy. Maybe, it was the multiple glasses of wine that made her more tired than usual.

She arrived home faster than she expected. Paying off the fare of the ride, she opened the door and regretted not wearing warmer clothes. The snow piled all over her driveway and the lawn of her property. She only hoped that she wouldn't slip since ice would be under all the snow. Zoya shut the door and the taxi driver reversed the cab out of the driveway. The light of her porch turned on sensing her presence, when suddenly, she looked closely and saw that another car was parked on her driveway. A tall figure leaned against the passenger door, a figure she recognized too well.

River's face revealed with the warm light defining his rigid jawline and those blue eyes. His dark hair windswept and tousled by his fingers. Snow dusted his leather jacket and he wore dark jeans now rather than the suit he was in earlier.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting long," she remarked. "Did you come here to check if I'd come home rather than be with my date?"

"Noah Gillian. Head secretary at Salvatore Industries and soon-to-be married," he announced.

She couldn't help but smile at him. "You're unbelievable, but I can't help liking that about you too," she said and River's stern expression hadn't faltered. The only thing that changed was how her smile slowly fell and she clutched onto the leather strap of her purse.

River's icy blue eyes lingered on her with that soft warmth, which made her knees weak yet her heart pounded more strongly than ever before.

Her voice came out in a shaky breath. "Why are you really here, River?" she asked for the truth now.

"I have to talk to you," he said in that low tone that made him dangerous and protective.

"Can't it wait for tomorrow?" she said that because she didn't want him telling her that he rejected their bond.

Suddenly, like he had sensed her exhaustion. River put his hand on the curve of her neck, it was warm against her cold skin. It took every urge in her body not to lean into that touch, that spoke a million words to her heart. Zoya moved her eyes from his hoping that she wouldn't fall under their spell for the hundredth time. But when her eyes fell, she saw his lips and she lost all composure in front of him. She was sure that her cheeks were red by now and he could feel her raging pulse under his hand.

Zoya's body stood to alert when his hand shifted from her neck to the clip around her hair. He grabbed the sparkling clip and released her hair behind her. The slight pain behind her head eased and her neck relaxed too.

River ran his hand through the wavy length, it sent a hot chill down her body. "Feel better?" She almost didn't hear him because she was too absorbed in the way his fingers cupped the base of her head.

She drew in a breath. "Mmm," she hummed.

"Your hair looks nice down," River whispered.

Zoya bit back her smile. "Anything else that looks nice on me?" she jested.

"Don't push it," River asserted and pulled his touch back.

Zoya fluttered her lashes. "It was an honest question," she made him smile. Zoya never thought she could manage that. Maybe, just maybe there was hope or was it wishful thinking?

"Are we going to talk on the street all night or are you going to invite me in?" River whispered to her.

"Are you sure you want to come inside?" she asked. "I could lock you up forever and feed you pancakes or-"

River glowered. "I'll take my chances-" he interrupted. He turned to his car and pulled out a Tupperware box from the front seat. "Hailey baked cookies for Sabrina because she was getting cravings. But she packed you some before Sabrina finished them," he said.

Zoya looked at the clear box that had a red lid. "That's very sweet of her," she mumbled. "Thank you." When was the last time someone baked something and thought of her?

Zoya lead him to the front door and couldn't believe that this was happening. Thank god, she cleaned the house yesterday. She never left anything on the floor or couches to begin with, but still she was conscious of everything now. Unlocking the door, she went in first and he followed in behind her.

A few rustling sounds were heard inside the house and Zoya knew what it was. River came running to her at the door.

She bent down. "Hi, baby," she ruffled his small head and snout.

"He seems livelier," River said was he bent down to pet the pup.

"Of course, he'd be," she remarked. "He's with me."

The pup sniffed River's hand and pushed his nose closer to his palm. River grabbed the small ball of fluff in his hand and picked him off the floor.

Zoya showed him inside and River plopped the pup on the couch but he stayed on his feet. "I'm going to change my clothes," she told him.

River looked at her with a cool expression, like it really didn't bother him that he was standing in her space right now. "Okay," was all he said.

Zoya put the container on the table and she moved to leave when she caught River taking off his leather jacket, his linen white shirt was a creased but it didn't lose its structure on his broad shoulders. He laid the jacket on the arm of the couch, and then, when he couldn't make more of a mess out of her, he decided to roll up his sleeves revealing those robust forearms.

Zoya scampered out of there quickly. She ran up the stairs to her bedroom and only hoped that tonight would grace her mercy.

She quickly stripped out of her dress and jewellery and put on a knit sweater and a skirt, which wasn't her usual pyjama set. But she didn't want to show River her comfy bunny slippers and bunny onesie. She came back down as quickly as she could only to find River playing with the small pup. He looked at ease and honestly happy. If only she had her phone, she would've taken a picture.

She laid a hand on her chest. "Heart, stop beating so loud, he'll hear you" She blurted out.

River looked up at her. "What?" he frowned in confusion.

Zoya bit back what she said. But in her heart, she felt guilty for making River do what he wasn't comfortable with. She never wanted to force into anything, but she was in too deep with her feelings for him.

"Would you like a drink?" she asked.

River's blue eyes averted back to the dog. "No," he said. "Just come sit down."

Zoya came around and plopped herself next to him. She grabbed the box off the container and fished out a soft cookie out of the bin. She ate at least three without noticing and on her forth, she realized that she was sulking.

"Stop pouting," River said.

"I'm not," she retorted with her mouth full of chocolate. "Do you want one?" She held the cookie in front of him.

He shook his head. "I had one before coming here," he said.

Zoya grabbed another cookie. "I should light some candles," she said. "This could be our first date."

River raised a brow. "Let me ask you something," he began, "why do you insist on being with me? Especially since I push you away at every turn."

Zoya stared into those eyes. "Why do you find it necessary to push me away?" she asked him and River's gaze filled with a distant pain. "Do you really not like me-"

"That's not it-" he interrupted.

"Then what is it?"

River was sitting close to her yet she didn't feel like she could cross the line he drew between himself and the entire world. She could only pray that he would let someone inside to reach him, and she was being selfish for hoping that it would be her.

"You're not going to like being with me," River revealed.

I already like being with you, she thought. "Why?" she asked instead of blurting out her heart to him.

"Because you'll resent me for what I do," he said.

Zoya frowned and was rather confused. "Do you mean your position in the pack?" she asked and his grim eyes told her that she guessed right. "Why would I resent you for being part of a pack?"

"I'm not just part of the pack," River said. "I am in charge of keeping it safe and more than that keeping Gabriel and Sabrina safe-"

"I'm still not following-"

"I'm saying I would die for them," he said. "And you'll resent me for that."

Silence fell around them and Zoya couldn't say anything because she really didn't understand how River could just assume that she'd do that.

"You're wrong," she said.

River ran a hand through his hair. "You don't understand, Zoya," he said. "Gabriel and Sabrina are my only priority. If my attention diverts that can cause problems and I-" his voice fell and he looked away.