Ronan’s POV

I moved stealthily, slowing my breathing. The guards doubled before I could get to where Sienna was. 

I watched their routines and focused on their weaknesses. I knew when to push forward, when to pull back. The timing had to be right. 

A guard stepped inches from where I stood by the stone column, his boots crunching gravel. My fist tightening around the dagger on my belt eased. One mistake, one sound, and I'd have to kill him.

Not yet.

He passed by, oblivious.

I crept forward, my form slipping between the spaces in their line, unseen with slow steps. 

My muscles tensed in purpose as I inched to the edge of the building, hugging the icy stone. I was familiar with the formation; three in front, two at the stairs. They would have no clue what was coming their way.

The first man never saw me. A sharp flick of my wrist, and my knife cut across his throat, catching him before he could have hit the ground. I dropped him, silent.

The second came too fast. I whacked him on the head with the hilt of my dagger to his temple before he ever had an opportunity to perceive the danger.

The third never had a chance to reach for his gun when my arm wrapped around his neck, strangling him. His body jerked. Then his body went limp.

I laid him down on the ground.

Three were eliminated. And two more were still inside.

I walked in, crouching low on the marble. The hallway was silent as I moved.

One of the guards was squatting at the half-dozen feet, yawning and reclining his weight idly. He was a slothy one.

His mistake.

I followed him back, knife flashing in the darkness. One strike and he was silent, stealthy. He was dead before he even had time to realize he had been hit. 

I dragged him around the corner statue.

The last one was tougher, standing at Sienna's door. I needed a diversion.

I looked around, finally spotting a loose rock by the base of the wall. I kicked at it with my toe, and it rolled away.

The guard turned, and I hit him.

My knife slid into his side, deep before he was able to scream. His breathing stopped, and then betrayed him as he leaned against me.

I shoved him up against me and walked him to the ground quietly.

The path was open.

I breathed slowly, trying to calm myself. Nearly one step further.

Then I sensed it.

A shift in the air.

My heart was racing. It was kieran.

His scent met me before his footsteps.  

I hid in the dark, pulling the dead guard with me and the door opened.

He must have noticed the missing bodyguards. 

I stilled my breath.

He inhaled, frowning.

His head turned slightly. A heartbeat away from looking in my direction.

He stayed for a moment, with a stern look on his face and turned his gaze at Sienna's door. 

I stood still, waiting until he turned and walked away. His footsteps were fading with every second. 

I breathed. That was close. 

I moved silently to the door, pushing it open by an inch before I slipped in. 

I noticed her. She turned to the other side of the bed, backing me and slid under the blanket. 

She looked. peaceful.

I suppressed the thought.

I drew out my silver dagger, its cold heft a comforting familiar weight in my hand.

This time I would be quick. 

I slipped in, breathing calmly. 

Her scent enveloped me, flooding my mind. I ignored it and drew out the blade.

All I needed to do was make one fast cut. 

And then her eyes snapped open.

“Ronan,” she gasped. 

My body tightened.

How did she know who I was? Did she know all along? 

I hesitated for a moment then brought the dager down with force. 

The door burst open, and Kieran stepped in. 

Shit!

A snarl ripped across the air as he strode towards me, too quick to get out of the way.

I felt pain as his fist crashed into my ribs and sent me crashing off my feet, and into the wall. 

I blinked quickly, my eyes glaring with anger as I hit the floor with the shock running through me.

I barely had time to wriggle out of his path before he was on top of me again.

His claws descended, shaving my neck by a hair as I rolled clear just in time.

I rolled over, striking with my knife, but he grasped my wrist on impulse, twisting hard that my bones cracked. 

I fell to my knees, groaning and doubled up. 

He didn't stop, throwing punches after the other and I fell to the ground with blood in my mouth.

I was boiling with rage. He kept ruining my plans. I aimed, slicing his shoulder with my knife. 

He barely flinched, and caught my neck around his arm and tossed me to the ground. 

His eyes turned a darker shade of red and his fangs grew longer. “I should rip you to pieces for trying to hurt her,” his voice thundered.

I held his hand tightly, struggling to get free. My body was weakening and I had no other choice. 

I groaned, letting my wolf take control to give me a better chance. 

This time, I broke away from his grip, attacking with my claws and teeth as he easily dodged. 

He attacked, a little faster than I had expected and held me down. His other hand raised to deliver a deadly blow. 

“Kieran, stop!” Sienna yelled. 

His hand froze, and he slowly turned his gaze to her. 

I was panting, my wolf weak from all the fight. 

She moved forward, holding his bicep. “Please,” she begged. “Don't kill him.”

I was going to kill her, and she pleaded for me. 

Kieran slowly released his grip and I hit the floor, panting, gasping as the pain washed through my entire body. 

I ran my fingers over my ribs and bit down on a moan.

Sienna's gaze shifted to mine, and she crouched down to my side. 

Kieran breathed out, and glared at me with coldblooded eyes. “You are lucky she stopped me.”

Chapter 6: Can't Stay, Need To Escape

Sienna’s POV

“Get him away from me!” Kieran ordered. 

The bodyguards dragged Ronan across the floor. He coughed out blood, and looked at me. 

I was scared anything would happen to him. 

“He'll live,” Kieran said, as if reading my mind. 

Kieran's men dragged him to the door, and his boots scraped the ground. Just as they were about to leave the door, something bright slipped out of his hand. 

Kieran hadn't noticed, he had his back turned, and I ran to pick the dagger. 

Kieran turned just as quickly and I hid the dagger in my palm behind me. 

The door closed, and it was just Kieran and I left in the room. 

“Are you that stupid?” He asked. 

“Huh?” I asked, startled. 

“He got in, and you didn't notice,” Kieran blurted. 

I was aware, but I didn't have time to argue with him. I wanted him out of my room as quickly as possible so I could loosen the ventilation shaft above and get the hell out of his house. 

He stepped forward, and I retreated with every step he took. 

He smirked, having me cornered to the wall and leaned closer. 

“Are you okay?” He asked. “You seem nervous, Sienna.”

His voice showed he was amused. 

What in the world was he thinking?

“And why would I be?” I asked, finally finding my voice. 

His face was awfully close, and I gulped. “You tell me, Sienna,” he said. His hot breath touched my skin.

I need a diversion. 

Quick, Sienna. Think of something fast. 

I battled with my mind, unable to think of something important. His fearful look turned into something softer. His gaze lowered to my lips. 

I turned my head slightly before his lips could touch mine and I smiled. 

If he was interested in me, then maybe I could use it to my advantage. 

I turned my gaze back to him, and licked my lips. 

He seemed shocked, but smiled as I brought my hand to his chest moving slowly, warming his muscles. 

“You want this, right?” I asked, playing my fingers on his chest. 

“I don…” he started, but I interrupted. 

“Let me help you relax,” I whispered. 

His jaw tightened, and he raised an eyebrow 

I shrugged, allowing my hand to go upwards to his throat. “I'm just curious.”

He didn't stop me. I kept moving, distracting him with my hand and when I realised his guard was then, I acted, releasing the dagger. 

I attacked, bringing the dagger close to his face. He moved quickly avoiding my hit and held my wrist again when I tried once more. 

He had me pinned to the mattress and the dagger dropped to the ground. He was strong, pulling me under him. I was trapped, I couldn't move.

“Get off,” I said, wrestling to get myself out of the situation I had caused. 

His face hovered a mere inch away from mine. 

For the first time ever, actual panic ran through my veins.

I struggled, but he wouldn’t budge. His grip tightened instead.

Then, without warning, he leaned down

And he kissed me. 

It wasn't gentle. It was hungry, demanding. His warm lips moved against mine, holding me in place.  

I gasped, moaning into his mouth before I could stop myself. It was so intense, I couldn't think straight. 

I wanted more, I needed more, but his lips moved away from mine. 

“I'll advise you not to play games with me,Sienna,” he muttered softly. “You'll lose “

That was a threat and he meant business. I blinked, remembering the kiss again. 

Something inside me snapped

Before I could think straight, I shot out a knee and kicked his groin. 

“Ugh,” Kieran groaned and jerked as the pain hit him. 

I didn’t lose a moment and lunged at him, grabbing the nearest big thing close to me as he rolled off me. 

The heavy crystal case crashed on his head shattering into different little pieces and Kieran cursed falling to the floor. 

Then, I ran. Speeding through the door and down the corridor. 

The bodyguards were talking downstairs and I acted differently, suddenly keeping a regular pace to avoid suspicion from them. 

I easily moved through the open passage and was so close to the door, my heart jumping in victory when one of the guards' voices rang out. 

“Where are you going?” He asked coldly. 

I turned round slowly, forcing a big smile. “Um…I was just going to get some fresh air.”

The bodyguards adjusted his suit, pulling his jacket close and buttoning it. “I'll follow you.”

I shook my head, freaking out on the inside. “No, no need. I'm good. I just need some air.”

Another guard entered and he made things more difficult. “Master Kieran said not let you out of our sight for a second.”

Damn that stupid man. 

“I'll be back, I promise,” I bargained. 

“Of course you will. Let's go,” the guard answered. 

I knew they would find me suspicious if I refused. My heart raced as I thought of my plan getting ruined and I swallowed. 

They couldn't be blocking my path. Not today. 

I couldn't let them follow me and I bolted, pulling the door open. They followed me, shouting behind. 

I raced through the mansion, twisting down unfamiliar hallways, dodging furniture, shoving past anything in my way.

I got lucky, and the.back door opened a few feet ahead of me. 

I didn't hesitate and burst out of the door. 

“Wait, stop!” They yelled as I ran into the woods. 

I didn't look back, ignoring the thick branches lashing at my arms. 

The chase became hotter, and then before I could avoid it. I was on the cliff, unable to stop myself from falling when I tried to avert the lane. 

I fell into the river, screaming and splashing hard. I tried to rise to the surface, only to be pulled back by the water's current. 

I couldn't swim. 

“Help me,” I yelled, but the water waves blocked the sound of my voice pulling me down in the waters. 

The bodyguards ran past me and I tried to swim up, and yell for their help. 

“Hel…” I yelled and got dragged into the water again. 

I was sinking. I kicked, and struggled, but the current was too strong. 

I was foolish. I shouldn't have ran. The water pulled me up once more, and I saw a figure walking to the riverbank. 

“Help me,” I breathed, before the water dragged me under again and I closed my eyes. 

Sienna's POV

It was over. I started to feel cold. I couldn't struggle anymore. I tried to reach for the surface to get air one more time, but I couldn't. The water's current was too strong. 

My hands stayed up, as the water dragged me down. I felt sorry for all the things I hadn't done. 

My vision became blurry, and I closed my eyes. This was the end. But something pulled me up. 

I couldn't see it. It gripped my arm, pulling me upward until I felt the water below my head. 

I was too weak to see what it was. Then, I gasped desperately as the air touched my nose. 

The air was freezing, and the water splashed as it pulled to the sand. I had never felt more grateful to be on land. 

Somehow, I prayed it wasn't any of kieran's men, or I would be in bigger trouble. I had attacked him after all and escaped his packhouse. 

Slowly, I opened my eyes, blinking as my chest heaved while I panted. I was never going near the waters again. 

It was dark, and a blurry face looked at mine smiling. My eyes closed again, and I felt I was carried and a heavy dash of wind blew past my face. 

Was he running with me?

Soon, he stopped and I felt warmth around me. The flame and then his warm hands touching my cold face. 

I forced my eyes open, trying my best to breathe and realized I was in a room. The bed was large and comfortable and the sheets rested perfectly in my hands. 

I had to stop this. It was becoming a habit of waking up in a new bed everyday. 

I knew it couldn't have been kieran's because the room had a much darker tone to it. 

My head was spinning and I groaned, touching my forehead. 

Where was I?

I would thank whoever had helped me and leave. I slowly moved the sheets off my body and got ready to leave when I noticed the vintage bookshelf decorated with gold.

Everything smelled rich and dangerous. I swallowed hard, my pulse hammering.

I swung my leg off the bed, and my bare feet touched the cold floor.

I ached all over, but I ignored it. I got off, and fell to the floor. My body was still weak. 

I should have healed that fast? I guessed my wolf was weak to help me this time. 

The door opened and I raised my gaze to see a tall, commanding figure walk in. 

He looked magnificent, with his red eyes staring at mine. 

I immediately knew he had been the one to save me. 

His black shirt hugged his body, matching with the thick black trousers. 

He gently pushed the door closed and walked closer to me. His eyes never leaving mine for a second. 

I remained in that spot, studying his features. His eyes were cold, and his skin was pale. A weird color I had never seen on a human. I was equally pale skinned. 

Maybe, he's never walked out in the sun.

"You're finally awake," he spoke gently. His voice was smooth and there was a hint of amusement. 

My throat felt dry as I tried to speak, but I found my voice. "Who are you?" Did you save me?"

He stopped right in front of me and crouched down to my level. "Yes, I did. You looked like you needed help."

His face pulled closer and he breathed. "I'm Caius Blackthorne. Lord of this sanctuary."

He sounded so old. His name felt odd and surprisingly familiar. 

He smiled, making me think deeper as he spoke. "I see you aren't familiar with the name."

I remained quiet, racking my brain for an answer and repeated his name in my head. 

I blinked, looking into his eyes as the silence grew. 

"Are you hungry?" He asked, breaking the silence. 

"I…uh," I stuttered, trying to be careful. 

"I won't kill you. I know werewolves are supposed to be our enemies," he continued. 

What? Enemies? How did he know? Oh, never mind. He's probably a werewolf too. But he just said werewolves were supposed to be his enemies. Does that mean….?

"What are you?" I asked, my eyes tracing his pale skin and back to his red eyes. 

He smiled even bigger, and answered. "That's not really important."

He started to rise, and I grabbed his hand. It felt terribly cold. A lot different from the warmth I felt last night. 

"You're so cold," I said. 

"I have always been cold," he responded and carried me in his arms from the floor. 

I wanted to complain, but couldn't as I looked so small compared to him. 

"I'll have the maid prepare some meat for you," he said, and I realized what he was. 

"You're a vampire aren't you?" I blurted. 

His eyes flickered, but he remained silent. 

Then he spoke calmly. "Yes."

"I should head back," I said. 

"To where?" He asked. "The midnight syndicate wants you dead. And you escaped from the Shadowfang as I heard and got yourself knocked out."

"News spreads very quickly," I replied. 

"Yes, Ruby wolf," he said, startling me. 

How did he…?

"I have known you for a long time, Sienna Valerie Storm," he answered as if he read my mind. 

The way he said my name sent shivers through my body. 

"I can't read your mind, if that's what you're thinking, but I can tell from your expression," he added. 

He laid me back on the bed. "Your ancestors and I used to be good allies."

My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. "What?"

"The Ruby wolves. It's a pity you're hunted now," he continued.

"I bet you can't tell what you are. Your fill powers," he added, and pulled a sandal from under the bed, wearing them on my feet. 

"Can you tell me?" I begged. 

"Of course," Caius answered, leaning closer. "You don't know how much power you carry in your blood."

"I…" I stammered. 

"Fine. I'll tell you everything you need to know, but you have to do something for me, first," he said calmly. 

"What would you want?" I bargained. 

"I want a bond with you," he said, his gaze darkening.

"How?" My voice rang before I could think of anything. 

"Yes," he said softly. "A blood bond, Sienna."

My heart beat dropped and I stared at him with fearful eyes. 

"I'll help you get what you want, and you become mine," he breathed. 

I swallowed, weighing my options. I had escaped Kieran to be met with something worse. "And if I refuse?"

His smile turned darker, and he answered. "Then you have to fight the midnight syndicate from taking you away."

Bastard! Had he informed them?

"So, what's it going to be Sienna?" He asked. His voice was cold as the water that had almost drowned me.