The last minute ticked by and it was seven o'clock sharp. King had already left to meet with the alpha of the Red Fang pack, but River didn't know how to feel about that matter. He knew that King was more than capable to handle this meeting alone. However, danger lurked around the Centauri pack like a curse; it was inevitable.

"This will get dangerous," claimed River.

"Probably," added Gabriel who was sitting in the back seat.

"We're just meeting Blade, it's not that big of a deal," Ryder pitched-in. "King can handle himself, besides we've got his back."

"Never assume it won't go down with us involved," River didn't like to admit it but he had to. "We should've rescheduled and thought of a different plan."

"Stop worrying, River," said Gabriel.

"Have you met me?" River's voice was stern and quite reprimanding.

"River-"

"Gabriel-"

"River-"

"Dammit all," growled River.

"You know that King is more than capable. So, why don't you drop the act and tell me what really has you agitated?" asked Gabriel.

River locked his eyes with that amber gaze through the rear-view mirror, at times like this, he wasn't staring into the eyes of his friend but the alpha of the pack. River removed his eyes first because he couldn't find the words to tell Gabriel what was wrong. How could he? When River didn't understand his own emotions right now. His head and heart and body were all on different pages. Except, the one thing simmering inside him was Zoya. Everything about her made his skin crawl and he hated it.

Zoya had asked him to dinner tonight at eight o'clock, but River had no idea what to do. If he went then she would mark him... but if he didn't go... then... she would leave? His gut churned from the thought alone.

River was restless ever since he came back from spending the day with her this morning. He never anticipated that a person could lure him like she had. Her wit, her charm, her beauty was too much for him. He couldn't stay calm near her, he couldn't breathe or find the words to tell her that she was out of his league. He didn't deserve her and she didn't deserve a man like him. A man who couldn't even face his own heart. This was why River kept everyone away from him, but Zoya pushed past his walls and kissed him. The kiss that didn't just touch his lips, it bore deeper into his body, marking him and urging him to keep her with him forever.

Was this love? he wondered. He cared for her, it was obvious after what happened this morning. When they were leaving the company and that random woman showed, River's wolf was ready to drink her blood from the way she exuded her disgusting pheromones towards Zoya. River had only held back because Zoya told him to, but if they were alone then River would've slit that woman's throat and gladly watched her bleed out. Even now, he wished to do that.

When River returned home, the first thing he did was figure out who that woman was and it didn't take him long to find out that that was Ellen Knightley- Zoya's mother. River was well aware that Zoya didn't have a good relationship with her parents. Sabrina told him already that her parents weren't good people. But it was the tone in Zoya's voice when she spoke of her past or her family, her eyes lost their sparkle each time.

River was nuclear. Pissed beyond return to be fair.

"Ryder told me what happened," Gabriel continued, "and I'm sure you already cracked the mystery behind that woman you met today."

River knew he couldn't avoid it anymore. "That woman was Zoya's mother," he told them.

Ryder's eyes widened, but Gabriel held no surprise. "Why wouldn't she introduce us to her mom?" he asked.

"Perhaps, she is hiding something," said Gabriel.

"No, she's not she hiding anything. She was protecting-" River's voice fell. A carnal surge of hatred rose inside him. "She stepped in front of us like she didn't want that woman near you or me."

"And someone only does that when-" Gabriel's voice fell and his eyes darkened with horrid memories of his past. "I've done that. We've all done that..."

Countless times, they had protected each other. However, Gabriel's eyes masked with pain because he remembered how his late-father abused Klaus. Those memories would never disappear no matter how much time passed. Despite Robert's death, no one ever forgot the trauma the man left behind. He asked for forgiveness before his death, but that didn't change the past.

"What will you do, River?" asked Gabriel.

"I don't have an answer for you," he replied grimly.

"How about we go kill Zoya's mom," Ryder growled harshly.

River would love to do that. He would take a lot of pleasure in ending that woman's life for hurting Zoya.

"Do you think the introductions are out of the way now," said Gabriel.

"Why?" asked Ryder.

River already knew why. He was already unbuckling his seatbelt following Gabriel out of the car. Their alpha was a nosy bastard and there was no beating him when it came to sheer stubbornness.

"What the hell?" astonished Hunter.

"Seriously, again?" remarked Lupin.

All of them got out of their cars and tracked behind Gabriel. They covered his back and any other angle to keep him safe as he burst through the doors of the restaurant. River and Ryder stood on each side, Hunter behind him and it was clear that Lupin took cover in the shadows somewhere while Azura prepared another exit for them just in case.

King was seated at the round table in front of Blade. The man who was nothing short from a terrifying alpha leader who took over this Red Fang pack with his sheer willpower. Blade was domineering from the way he sat lounging back in the seat. A power radiated from his grey eyes and bulky figure. He didn't wear a suit, yet he looked dangerous in a leather trench coat and dark turtle-neck sweater. The tattoos were faintly visible on his hands and peeking over the neck of his sweater.

Blade was calculated and cool when Gabriel had walked into the room like he had. The man had only just lifted his gaze and faced Gabriel. River could tell that Blade was different from his family or he was just very good at hiding his true self. Either way, River didn't trust him.

"I had a feeling you wouldn't come alone," Blade's voice was deep yet etched with taunt.

"You didn't come alone either," River pointed out.

There was a man sitting in the far corner booth, hidden in the dark yet River sensed his pheromones the moment he entered. Blade smirked like he was impressed and he motioned for his man to come out of the dark to reveal himself. And after the crazy people River met, he was still caught off by the guard. A massive man took three calculated steps and stood right next to Blade. River understood that behaviour, it resembled his own. This rugged man with a beard and hollow black eyes and dark tousled hair was what River was to Gabriel. The protector, the one to take the bullet and ready to give it back too.

"King came to put your mind at ease that we mean no trouble," Gabriel began, as King stood to his feet and offered the seat to Gabriel.

Blade now sat in front of Gabriel, his grey eyes alert and despite his origins, the man was quite relaxed. River wondered if Blade was interested in what Gabriel had to say.

"We've never met before, Mr. Centauri. So, I wouldn't know what you'd want with me," said Blade.

Gabriel's expression was polite, which was scary. "Just because we've never met doesn't mean we can't get acquainted now," he remarked.

Blade shared a look with the one standing beside him. "And why would you want to do that?" asked Blade.

Gabriel's amber eyes turned feral with authority only he could conjure. "Because you're in my territory now," he said calmly, but his tone was cold, "and everything here is under my control."

"My pack and I have no business with you," said Blade.

Gabriel tilted his head. "Your uncle and brother," he revealed.

Blade's grey eyes hardened with a sheen of hatred or regret. It wasn't just him, the man next to Blade also released a heavy sigh. River was sure that more than anyone else, these two are more than aware of the mess their family caused.

"I don't think I need to tell you about their habits," said Gabriel. "I'm sure you're well aware."

"What did they do to you?" asked Blade, he pinched the bridge of his nose.

Gabriel straightened in the seat. "They didn't do anything to me," he said.

Blade and his man shared another look. "Then, who?" he asked.

The comms in River's ear woke up with Azura's voice; "We've got a problem," she warned. "You've got company."

A loud engine turned off and so did the heavy music. The door burst open and a man walked inside confidently.

"Blade," the younger one called out. "How could you leave us behind like that?" The man was shorter than Blade, his features softer too. But he had those grey eyes and dark hair- the only difference was that his was cut short to his skull and some scars sliced over his skull.

This had to be Zane Morelli, Blade's younger brother and the one that's being hunted by Ivy Croft. However, River wasn't concerned about that nuisance. It was the other man strolling inside while lighting a cigarette. Both his hands were heavily jewelled with gold rings. Although, that rich gold and stones didn't hide the man's murderous grey eyes and slimy smile. He was bitter and so was his scent- like he doused himself in acid before he walked in here. He was tall, built to be a fighter yet he was as if a corpse with no meat on his body. He stood pridefully in a grey suit and a gun strapped on his belt- open for everyone to see.

River didn't like this. He didn't like this at all. He stepped closer to Gabriel and even the man standing next to Blade stepped closer to his alpha. River wondered why Blade would be guarded around his family- it didn't make sense.

"Well, well, another Centauri has come to spite me," Halo Morelli spoke sardonically. "Rose Centauri was a beauty. I still regret that she passed away without meeting me once last time."

Gabriel held his distaste clearly on his face when Halo spoke. "You should be glad that you didn't meet my mom. She would've chopped up your legs and fed them to her wolves," he replied.

Halo blew out the tobacco before he came up beside Blade. "Coming to meet this pack alone was the wrong move, Blade," he laid his hand on Blade's shoulder, the man stiffened at the brief touch. "I'll deal with you at home."

Blade's grey eyes closed and he almost looked apologetic towards Gabriel and the rest of them. He got up from the seat and Halo took that as an invitation to sit down. River didn't take his eyes off Blade who stood back with the other man who looked ready to kill Halo and Zane. That made two of them.

"I really thought that the history between your mom and I would be in the past," said Halo- his vile gaze shined venomously at Gabriel. "However, I'm glad you reached out to the Red Fang pack. It shows how mature you are, unlike your parents."

"When can we kill this bitch?" Lupin asked through the comms only the Centauri pack members heard.

"I'm ready to rip out his throat with my teeth," added Hunter.

River didn't say anything but he agreed with both of them. He wondered what Gabriel was thinking despite all the bullshit Halo was spewing in front of him. When River looked at him, Gabriel held no expression on his face. He was controlled and most likely locking his focus on his next target.

River got it now. Gabriel wasn't here to talk to anyone or convince anyone of anything. He was here to see whose side to be on. He was here to figure out who he needed to kill and who needed to stay alive. Gabriel wasn't here to be a businessman, politician or even a gentleman. He was figuring out the dynamic of this pack. And right now, it wasn't looking good for Red Fang pack. Their days of survival just cut down in half now that Halo pissed Gabriel off by showing his true colours.

However, Gabriel was strangely quiet about Halo's bullshit. River wondered why Gabriel hadn't shot the man in his face already. Knowing Gabriel, he was probably saving Halo's death for the right moment, when the whole world was watching.

"So, what do say, Centauri? Would you like to join hands and be allies?" Halo was smiling as if he had everything thought out. He was so proud that he showed up here and was sitting in front of Gabriel.

"We have another incoming, boys," alerted Azura.

Before anyone else, Blade had already locked his gaze on the door like he sensed another presence at the doors.

The tall woman with a cane sauntered into the building. Ivy Croft was luxurious in her style, her blood-red coat dragging behind her thick-heeled boots that matched her black pin-striped suit. Her sleek black hair was tied away from her face, showing her strict purple eye and the silver one too with her scars for everyone to see. She had her hands gloved, but her jewels were fitted over the rich leather. She was alone, which was just to prove that she wasn't scared of anyone here.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk-" she shook her head- "All these mighty people gathering thinking they can't be killed."

"Who the hell are you?" Halo snapped.

"That's Ivy Croft," answered the alpha of the Red Fang.

Blade knew her, thought River. If he knew her than he should be aware of what Zane did too, right?

Zane laughed coldly. "This is the one hunting me," he jested.

So, they did know, thought River.

Ivy's humour fell and a darkness appeared on her face. She walked over, her limp was visible but nothing about it seemed weak. She stood in front of Zane with her feral fangs sharpened at him. "Your ugly face is in my way, boy," she growled. Zane was reluctant, but he shifted to the side so she could stand in front of Blade not Halo. "I am here to warn you out of courtesy. I will kill Zane, but it's up to you if you want your entire pack to die or just him."

Blade hadn't flinched at the conditions Ivy proposed to him. He intensely stared at her like he understood fully well why she was here and why she had promised such a challenge. Usually, this type of threat would cause a pack war. Yet, Blade looked more than willing to let her do what she wanted from the way he laced his hands in front of him and faced her with integrity.

Ivy's smile appeared- her scars strained. "It's your choice," she said. "One life or everyone."

However, despite being alpha of the pack, this decision didn't seem to be in Blade's hands. Halo was the one pulling the strings, and from the way, he was fuming on the chair. Ivy was going to have to prepare for the worst now.

Ivy shifted back and neared Halo, she bent down to his level. The golden chains around her neck swung slightly when she had done that. The pendants skimmed Halo's shoulder.

"I won't hesitate when I slit your nephew's neck and drink his blood for what he did," she seethed. "That's a promise, Halo Morelli." Ivy moved back to leave, she crossed Gabriel and locked eyes with him.

"And how do you plan to do that?" Halo asked, his voice a nasty tease which made their skin crawl. "You're still new to this business, so let me educate you on something-" Halo got up and joined Zane's side- "you don't have the power I do. Before you even touch my pack, I'll have you buried twelve feet in the ground and I have hundreds who will help me."

Ivy turned around and faced Halo and Zane. Her stern eyes darkened with poisonous intent and she looked ready to unleash her wolf to kill the two right now.

"If that helps you sleep at night then good for you," said Ivy indifferently. "I'm not coming for your power Halo. I don't need it-" Ivy's eyes locked onto Blade and she smirked- "What a pathetic family you three make. This will be easier than I thought."

Halo gritted out a chain of curses. He crossed the bit of space and breathed the tobacco into the air. He took the burning cigarette and was about to throw it away or hurt her with it. River moved to stop him, but Gabriel had already grabbed his wrist.

"Watch yourself," Gabriel growled harshly, his amber eyes blazing like a tremendous fire. "You're in my presence and I don't need this shit. So, control yourself if you have any dignity left."

Halo ripped his arm away. "You all are nothing compared to me," he said. He turned towards his pack members and told them that they were leaving now.

"Don't think you can run from me," Ivy threatened. "I'm coming for you; Zane Morelli and it seems that your pack is going to die for it too."

All of them turned and faced Ivy Croft who was glaring at them with a dangerous power radiating from her. She wasn't giving them empty threats. River could see that she clearly meant what she said and it was up to the Red Fang pack to understand that.

"How dare you threaten my pack in front of me," snarled Halo.

It was fast, when Halo pulled out his gun and pulled the trigger three times. River, Ryder and King had all jumped in front of Gabriel and Ivy. However, Ivy hadn't moved from her spot. She took the bullets facing Halo head-on.

One bounced off the table and flew off somewhere piercing the wall. However, Ivy stood with a bullet imbedded in her shoulder and another had hit somewhere, they just didn't know where.

Commotion broke out. Blade was dragging his uncle and brother out of the building. They were quick to escape and the rest of the Centauri members ran into the building hearing the bullets.

"Are you hurt?" River scanned Gabriel.

"No," he answered sternly.

"King!" Azura's voice alarmed them.

River turned and saw that King was shot in his arm. He was bleeding out fast. Azura was already wrapping his arm up.

"I'm fine," he pushed her off him.