Severin woke up earlier than he thought he would considering how late they slept last night. He didn't mean to go to sleep at four in the morning, but he just couldn't help it. He finally got Zero all to himself and he didn't want to miss the chance. Who knew when he was going to be able to sit with her alone for so long without interruptions.

Severin looked around the bright room, that had an abundance of light shining through the windows, since he forgot to shut the curtains. He rolled out of bed, his bare feet planted on the warm hardwood before he walked into the washroom. Severin knew the usual drill of his morning, that never changed no matter where he went. He brushed his teeth, shaved and showered all under thirty minutes.

He walked out in a towel to his temporary closet. He already decided what he wanted to wear last night. So, he pulled out the pin-striped grey suit and draped it over the bed. Severin didn't waste any time before he put his suit on, buttoning up the white shirt. He tied the silver cufflinks that Tom bought him for Christmas last year. Putting the dark silk around his neck, he tied it perfectly and then tucked it behind the grey vest. Severin raked his fingers through his hair and arranged it away from his face; he liked it that way whenever he went to work.

Severin grabbed his wallet and cellphone before he walked out of the bedroom. He paused in the middle of the hall, staring at the single door ahead of him. He wondered if Zero had woken up yet or if she was in the room.

He was about to knock, when the door suddenly opened startling the wits out of him. He faced Zero who was surprised to see him as well.

"Good morning," he greeted her.

Zero stepped out of the room dressed in a flimsy shirt with shorts. "Er- yeah, good morning," she responded. "When do you need to head out?"

"You have about fifteen minutes," he told her.

"Okay, I'll be down in five," she said.

Zero carefully closed the door to her room and strode past him. But she hadn't realized that Severin already caught a glimpse of what she tried so hard to keep private.

Frankly, he was staggered by the dark hole that he saw behind her. There wasn't even a glimpse of light or life in that bedroom. The slight draft that came from inside the room was cold as ice and he felt like something hostile dwelled in there. He saw no beautiful bed nor chandelier, like the one he had hanging in his room. He saw darkness; plain and simple. Why was a woman like her sleeping in a cave? he wondered as Zero disappeared behind another pair of doors.

"Strange," he muttered to himself. This woman kept getting more and more mysterious. Every time he learned a little about her, a hundred more questions arose.

Severin walked away, going down the stairs to the kitchen for some breakfast. He wasn't really hungry, so when he opened the fridge, he reached for the orange juice that he saw last night. Severin poured himself a glass and waited for Zero. He pondered if he should prepare her something to eat, but before he could, he heard her agile steps hurrying down the stairs.

Zero appeared putting on a long trench coat, that dragged behind those thick-heeled and extremely tall boots. She wore leather trousers and a black turtle-neck along with it. The leather fit her like a glove, and he could see every curve of her body. She had a healthy built, with wide hips and strong legs. The dark knit sweater clung to the flat plain of her abdomen and hugged her ample chest. She saw him standing in the kitchen and made her way to him. But instead of looking away, he watched the way her freshly showered and blow-dried hair framed her face. The hard-set of her jaw, crimson lips and those eyes made Severin lose his focus.

"Ready to go?" she asked him.

Severin swallowed as he studied her gaze, that was calm as the sea. "Come here, and have some juice before we head out," he told her.

Zero opened her mouth to speak but gave up. She walked over to him and grabbed the glass he held out to her. She took a few sips and looked around, anywhere but him.

"You know, I find you avoiding me a lot," he prodded. "Do I make you uncomfortable?"

Zero's lips froze over the rim of the cup. "That's not it," she muttered.

Severin leaned against the counter, his arms crossed as he viewed her. "Oh, I know what it is," he prompted. "You don't like me."

"That's not it-"

He gasped- "You hate me then!"

"No!" she astonished. "I like you."

Severin's smile returned. "You do?" he said and Zero just went back to drinking the juice.

Severin closed the last inch of space, surprisingly he had an inch over her, so he could see just above her head. The waft of her sandalwood shampoo and body wash filled him, he noticed the mystical note of roses and passion from her. Zero moved to put the glass away, but Severin didn't let her.

"How long are you going to hide?" he spoke softly.

Zero lifted her head and her burning blue eyes bore into him. Severin grinned when he saw the way her eyes soared like ocean waves and brightened from a dark blue to almost aquamarine. He admitted that at that moment he lost his breath and it lodged in his throat with his heart too.

"I'd rather you wouldn't hide these beautiful eyes from me," he said, as he caressed her soft cheek.

"I do what I want," she told him.

Severin couldn't help but laugh. "Good, then we're on the same page," he said. Zero looked down at his hand that was still on her cheek.

"You wouldn't believe how many people got their hand cut off for touching me without permission," she remarked.

Severin's smile grew enough to show his teeth. "You wouldn't hurt me," he assured.

Zero's brow raised. "Cocky, aren't you?" she retorted.

Severin dropped his hand with his smile, but he hadn't moved away. He simply pressed closer to her, his arm without any command moved on its own. He circled his arm around her waist and gathered her close to him. The feel of her curves fitting against him was divine, he melted into her and sensed how she flared alive too.

"I haven't even started being cocky yet," he whispered to her.

Zero's blue eyes lowered, her lashes fluttering and her lips right in front of his. He wasn't going to do anything from the start, but right now, he was thinking of nothing else except kissing her. Zero's scent heightened like she sensed his need to consume too. Both of them didn't think that the mating-bond would be so violent and savage.

"Severin, if you don't let go, I'm going to put a gun to your head," her tone was severely strict.

Severin gaped and burst out laughing. "You're so cute," he said, as he kissed her on the cheek, surprising the hell out of her. Zero put her hand on her cheek where he kissed her.

Zero turned away and marched out quickly. He laughed as he followed her to the side door. She opened it and they climbed down a series of stairs before a large room reveals itself. The lights had turned on as soon as Zero's foot touched the final step. One by one the large florescent lights flicked on and each time a new section of the garage was revealed.

"I keep the keys right here," Zero said as she showed him a board with the various keys hanging on the hooks. "If you want to go out, then just take one of the cars."

"You'd let me touch your cars?" he bemused.

"You can touch the cars, just keep your hands off my bikes," she retorted.

He chuckled at the stern tone. "I will," he promised.

Severin looked past the line of lavish cars to the collection of motorcycles. They're were all diverse colours and types. Some were the same brand but different models, which was definitely remarkable to see them all in one room.

"So, you have a hobby too," he said, as he admired the bikes.

Zero smiled too. "Obsession more like it," she countered. She grabbed the keys to the Mercedes-AMG-GT and went to the dark grey car parked first.

Severin stopped her from getting in. "Let me drive," he said more than asked.

She was reluctant to hand the keys but gave in regardless. She jumped into the car with him and buckled her seatbelt. Severin didn't say it but he was excited to drive the car, which was a classic to have in any car collection. And the rich colour with the dark leather seats and red trim was indeed a dream.

Zero fumbled with the keys and the garage doors opened. She took sunglasses out of the glove-compartment, concealing her blue eyes. Severin subdued his laughter, but she saw his amusement.

She looked at him confused. "What's funny?" she asked.

"You really do look like a bodyguard now," he jested.

"I'm not your bodyguard," she said with a serious expression. "Now, put your seatbelt on and get going or you'll be late."

Severin did as he was told. Strapping the belt, he then started the engine of the car, which made a beautiful sound. And once Severin had hit the road, the car hadn't made a single sound, which was like he sat on a cloud.

He drove off the many busy streets and picked up speed on the highway. Severin cut through traffic and drifted through the lanes swiftly.

Zero seemed undisturbed and rather relaxed by his side. The only thing was that her eyes checked the mirrors every now and then, like she was suspicious of someone tailing them. Maybe it was a habit that she couldn't let up on.

Severin took the turn off the highway, exiting on the ramp returning to the city streets again.

"Have you been to the company stationed here before?" she asked him when they stopped at a red-light.

"A few times," he told her.

Zero nodded and went back to looking out the window. Her phone rang a couple of times, she answered and spoke in the car even though he was beside her. She didn't seem to mind that he heard or didn't hear what she discussed. He heard a few names; Marcello, Gabriel and another name that he heard was King.

Severin pressed on the gas when the light changed green. All the cars drove ahead and Severin changed lanes into the left to turn into the route towards his father's company.

Severin had been here a few times with his dad and sometimes Tom joined for fun too. Although, Tom never cared for the company affairs. All Tom talked and thought about was law and justice. For such a grim wolf that never had any interests all throughout school suddenly became an ambitious lawyer. Tom still surprised Severin today with that transformation.

However, Severin had tons of memories going to work with his dad. Severin always found it fascinating how his father conducted such a large corporation. With that interest in mind, Severin joined his father as soon as he turned eighteen. He didn't waste any time building his own relationship with the workers, that would be under his care once his father retired. And now, arriving at Salvatore Industries, seeing that tremendous sterling-silver skyscraper, Severin knew that none of his efforts were in vain.

They had arrived and Severin parked the car where his dad always would. The spot was vacant and reserved for the Salvatore family. Zero got out before him and she was already waiting by his side, she was quick on her feet, that much was for sure.

Severin looked down at his watch. "We should be on time," he muttered.

Both of them crossed the massive parking-lot into the circling doors of the company. Severin entered the enormous glass foyer where thousands of employees were bustling around. Although they all knew he'd be here today, Severin didn't want to shock everyone by his arrival, but more than that he didn't want to overwhelm Zero. So, he was quick to escape with Zero off to the side entrance where the executive elevators were. However, his plan kind of failed.

Many employees near the elevators spotted him and instantly greeted him. They said their part and he was always glad to meet them, but he worried for Zero who would definitely get bombarded if anyone recognized her. Thank god she still had the shades on her eyes, so no one suspected anything.

"I would love to chat with you all," Severin told the large group. "But your boss is almost late for a meeting. So, I'll see you all later." They smiled and let him get in the open elevator.

The elevator doors closed on them. Severin sighed in relief, he turned to look at Zero who was unperturbed while staring at the glowing numbers, which climbed up speedily.

"We'll be going to the board of directors meeting this morning," he told her. "Although, we're a bit late."

"What time did you have to be there by?" she asked.

"Eight thirty," he told her.

She took off her glasses and gaped at him. "It's nine o'clock, Severin," she astounded.

Severin gave an amused grin. "I like to make an entrance," he told her.

"You'll make one now," she muttered back.

The elevator stopped on the forty-fifth floor when Severin's phone rang. He recognized the caller-ID and answered.

"Where are you?" The familiar voice of his friend came through.

"Right outside the door, Skyler," answered back Severin.

In the massive hallway, the large glass doors waited to be opened. Severin wasn't worried much or nervous because knew all the faces that would be on the other side of this door.

Behind the glass, a man appeared and Severin cut the phone because it was his friend and colleague, Skyler Croft. He was the director and Severin's first choice to run the company when he or his father weren't here.

Skyler Croft was a robust man and a ruthless wolf that ran the company with an ironclad grip. Many feared him, but the workers here all respected Skyler for protecting this company and its legacy.

Severin had hired Skyler a few years ago and now it seemed that the company was incomplete without the man. Skyler was tall and sharply dressed in a black three-piece Valentino suit. He always styled his dark hair, that had gotten longer and so did his beard, which was usually trimmed close to his sharp jaw but now it was kept a bit longer. However, no one should be fooled by the man's sophisticated attire. He was dangerous at work and even on the streets, since he trained as a fighter most his life.

Skyler stepped outside the room, his pale-blue eyes stared at Severin first and then fell to Zero who stood beside him. Skyler froze in his steps and Severin knew that Skyler recognized Zero. He just didn't say anything yet.

"The meeting started thirty minutes ago," chided Skyler because he was a stickler of being punctual.

"It's nice to see you too, Skyler," jested Severin. He loved messing with Skyler's uptight attitude, it was one of life's greatest pleasures.

Skyler stiffened. "Er- yeah, it's been a while," he said awkwardly. "How's Mr. Salvatore and Thomas?"

"Dad and Tom are doing good," said Severin, but Skyler ended up stealing a glance at Zero and then it was back on him.

"Should I introduce you?" Severin asked and Skyler frowned at his bemused tone. "This is Zero."

Skyler's entire body braced, as his eyes examined Zero like he didn't believe what he saw. But Skyler had a great poker-face. Since Severin knew the man for years, he could tell the slight changes and moods, but a stranger wouldn't be able to tell if Skyler was surprised or not. Maybe, Zero could, thought Severin.

Zero stuck her hand out. "It's nice to meet you," she said.

Skyler lifted his tattooed hand, that had a few squared signet rings on them. "Skyler Croft," he told her.

"Croft?" asked Zero as she heard his name. "Are you perhaps related to the alpha-female Ivy Croft?"

"Yeah, she's my sister," he told her.

Zero smiled a little. "Your sister does great work with her pack," she praised. "I've been meaning to meet up with her."

Skyler relaxed a little too. "My sister would be honoured to meet you," he told her after Skyler's frown appeared again and he stared at Severin. "But what are you two doing together?"

Severin didn't know where to begin. "It's complicated," he told him. "Now, let's head inside before we get even more late."

Skyler opened the door and let Severin and Zero inside. The entire room quieted the moment Severin appeared and they knew that it was the time to only listen.

"Good morning," he greeted them. "Sorry I'm late. Traffic in New York is still hell." They laughed and agreed that New York traffic was the worst around this time.

Severin sauntered around the huge conference room, that had a circular table filling majority of the space. Each seat was taken with the board of directors and shareholders too, they had all come today to greet their returning president. Severin went to the vacant seat at the front of the room, Skyler came around and took the seat right next to him. However, when Severin touched the leather chair, he couldn't take a seat in it since it was his father's spot. So, he simply stood at the front and faced his father's partners, that were now his too.

Zero stood positioned behind him without uttering a sound. She remained in the back of the room but he felt her presence the most. She watched him and something told him that she knew what was going through his head.

Severin skipped the formalities and got to the point. "My father sent me to continue his work and I will make sure to live up to his legacy here. With that being said, I expect to have your loyalty and cooperation, like you've given it to my father over these many years-" Severin put his hand on the chair but stared at their faces- "My father respected all of you, so I will too. But my dad is a lot more lenient than me," Severin smiled at them. "I don't expect mistakes from experienced workers like yourself nor do I encourage disobedience against me. If you feel the need to rebel, then you'll find yourself out the door without questions asked. Is that clear?"

All of them stared up at him baffled more than anything. They didn't really have the voice to reply either.

"Good," Severin approved happily. "Now, you have a great day."

The meeting ended just like that. No one could ask anything or try to poke at Severin for his leadership qualifications.