Daryn gritted his teeth. Maya must have called all of them to force him to come soon. But he had other plans. He wanted to spend his nights in Dawn's company. Her presence near him calmed his nerves. There were several things he had to resolve with Maya. "I will come in half-an-hour," he replied and cut the call. When he reached the living room, he found that Cole was still talking to his sister.

"I am too hungry. Make instant noodles or something with egg."

​​

"I'll fix a sandwich," replied Dawn and walked to the kitchen tying her wet hair in a bun. The kitchen had black granite countertop and was fitted with every modern appliance. There was an island in the kitchen in the center with four stools around it.

"I am not having the sandwich again. I want to eat lamb steak with crispy potatoes."

Dawn rolled her eyes. "Get out," she answered from the kitchen.

"You get out!" Cole shouted at her and after putting the satchel on his shoulders, went to his room.

A smile appeared on Daryn's lips. It was so endearing to watch the two of them. He went after Dawn in the kitchen. She was putting a fry pan on the stove. He went and sat on a stool behind her at the island of the kitchen. She instantly became aware of him. "It'll take at least an hour to fix dinner," she said slowly.

Daryn tilted his head imagining how it would be to take her in the kitchen. He noted every surface he would make love to her. Squirming at his imaginations, he stared at her long neck that was exposed as she had tied her hair in a messy bun. A wavy strand loosely hung down it and touched the shirt. He got up to stand behind her and tucked the strand on her bun. Dawn stiffened. She stopped doing what she was and her mind stopped functioning. Why was it that every time he touched, there was an electric jolt that passed through her body? He kissed her on the neck. "You are extremely tempting, Ms. Dawn," he whispered.

She stood there frozen in her place. Her self control around him melted a lot. Her breathing accelerated. She bit her lip hard to stop herself. But Daryn had pressed himself against her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his chin on her head and said softly, "I would love to get used to this arrangement."

She would also love to get used to it but— "Mr. Daryn, you really have to sort your personal life first. I would hate to see myself as the other woman," she replied after a moment of silence.

He left her feeling hurt. Why was she so rude? Running a finger through his hair, he replied, "I have to go to The Silver Manor and will be back soon. Keep that dinner ready for me."

"Sure," she said gently.

Daryn turned around and left.

Dawn leaned on the edge of the countertop. She watched him leave the kitchen. This was going to be so difficult. Slowly, she sauntered to the refrigerator to check what was available.

The food consisting of grilled fish steak with lots of cilantro sprinkled on them and garlic bread was prepared within the next one-hour. She called Cole and the siblings had their dinner. Daryn hadn't come. She set aside his dinner and went to her bedroom.

"Cole, could you come here? I need help with my blog," she asked.

"Will be there in ten minutes," he replied and went to his room to change.

She switched on her laptop. There was a lot of stuff she didn't know, a lot which Azura had hid from her. What was his connection with Jason? She browsed through a lot of data and with the help of Cole, she was once again in Jason's software company's portal. It was late in the night and Cole was feeling too sleepy. "I am going," he announced. "Simply log off and you will be out of the website. I suggest that you log off now otherwise we will be at the risk of getting traced back."

"I will do that Cole. I need a little more information," she said staring at the screen.

"Ah okay, but be quick," he replied and left for his room. The day had been pretty eventful. He disliked Azura for conniving with Jason and using Dawn to extract information about the gaming company. He simply abhorred it. He was determined to help Dawn with whatever she was doing.

Ten minutes later, Dawn logged off. She was too tired and so she went off to sleep. Daryn still hadn't come back. Even though she had to send the article for the newspaper, she couldn't bat and eye. As soon as she hit the pillow, sleep overtook her and she was surrounded by mountains and wolves who ran after her, played with her until a white wolf came…

---

Loud laughter of Maya's father boomed in The Silver Manor. When they saw Daryn entering the main hall, Maya stood and rushed to him. "Darryynn!" she exclaimed in a shrill voice and embraced him. She held his arms and said, "Daddy wanted to meet you. Since you didn't come for the family dinner, he came over for you." She pulled him to sit beside her on the sofa. The way she accused him, she made it look like that he was at fault. Pia glared at him for being manner-less.

Daryn looked at his father who had a small smile on his lips. He was sitting with his arms crossed across his chest and trying to read Daryn. At first Daryn thought of lowering his mental shield and communicating with him, but that was too risky. Pia was there. He removed his arm from Maya's grasp and shifted away from her. Maya was embarrassed but expected it. She lowered her face for Pia and Gayle to see how upset she was.

Maya's father, Brad spoke up, "It's been a long time son. Where have you been?" There was a nervous edge in his voice. "Maya has been complaining to me that you are not happy these days. If you need something, let me know." He stopped and then looked at Gayle. "I heard that three neotides were killed." He chuckled. "That was a great game Gayle. Now Azura is going to go berserk finding about who killed his tribe and we can boast to the pure bloods." He lifted his beer mug for cheers.

Gayle picked his glass of whisky from the table and ignored Brad because it was Brad who got them killed.

Daryn took the chance. He took in a deep breath. He had to say it. This was the best time. "Since Maya is unable to voice it out, let me make it clear."

Brad stopped sipping.

Pia glanced at him nervously.

Gayle took another sip as he relaxed further in his seat.

Maya's facial muscles froze.

"I would like to reconsider my wedding with Maya," he said very quietly.

A silence fell upon the room. Except Gayle everyone stared at him. The thing Maya dreaded came out in the open.

Pia let out a shrill laughter. "What are you saying? Are you mad?" She rubbed the back of her neck shifting her gaze to Maya whose tears had rolled out. "Our families have agreed to this marriage for so many years. This is insane." She chided him. Her eyes shifted to Brad, who had almost crushed the beer can.