Dark Torment

People walked the streets of New York completely unaware that the supernatural existed. Over hundreds of centuries, werewolves have wandered these lands without being discovered. They hide in plain sight as regular employees, lawyers, doctors, cops and even drug dealers. In this secret society of werewolves there’s also a hierarchy, and no matter where one went on this planet, a hierarchy always called for trouble. The shifter world is ruled by the strongest alphas, and their packs have been following them since beginning of their creation.

However, for this system to run smoothly, all the alphas must follow a code which was created by their ancestors. And no one knew that better than the Centauri pack. They were the last original family that has the pure blood from the first werewolf ever created by Maya- the moon goddess. She is the deity all werewolves- evil or good worshipped. If someone ever wondered why a wolf howled towards a lonesome moon? It’s because that beautiful beast knows that Maya would always listen to his prayers.

The Centauri family has been a strong threshold for all werewolves to follow as an example. Gabriel Centauri was the eldest son and the most ruthless alpha known today. He, alone raised his siblings to be honourable warriors and righteous protectors. Their territory was the safest and largest; women could walk alone at night and kids could freely play without having to look over their shoulder.

However, Gabriel Centauri wasn’t alone on this throne. He had his fighters who enforced his rule greater than anyone ever had in this time. Even though they hid in the shadows, they were beside this great alpha since the very beginning. There were two in particular that the world did know about and they were the Drakov brothers. The Centauri name wouldn’t be where they are now without these two fighters, but it wasn’t a forced alliance. Many believed that the friendship Gabriel had with the Drakov twins was unlike any other they had seen before. No one had seen two people more willing to die for their alpha than River and Ryder Drakov.

The Drakov twins had no family, no relation to anyone since they were born with only each other. They learned at a young age that no one was on their side, that they only had themselves to take care of and look out for. Orphans from the beginning, they didn’t have any parents nor any pack to lose. They were lone wolves living in orphanages and shelters and they went to a rundown public school, that accepted kids like them.

However, that raised many questions and the world wondered how exactly these two boys met Gabriel; a pure-blooded Centauri and win his trust.

Many who saw this bond with a scornful gaze only cursed at it and insulted them. Many would say that it was fear that drove the Drakov twins to follow Gabriel. Others said they were hiding their true intentions to take over once Gabriel turned a blind eye. No one thought that maybe, just maybe, the twins would die for their alpha because they had an unbreakable bond built on love and trust.

They pledged their loyalty to the Centauri pack at a young age and no matter what happened they had Gabriel’s back. They would lay down their lives for him without hesitation and without a single ounce of regret. However, how dangerous were River and Ryder Drakov? Everyone conjured many ideas of what they would do to anyone who would try to hurt the people they loved. The ruthless reputation these two had was already built from a young age and it continued as they got older.

The Drakov twins were dangerous men who stayed in the dark in order to protect the light Gabriel used to guide his pack.

-Manhattan-

Whether it was day or night, New York was a city that never slept. After the entire day was spent in rain and thunder, the storm had finally ended for a solitary night. The golden streetlights flickered on and paved the way for all the dark roads ahead as cars drove by returning home or seeking adventure in this vast city.

However, Ryder Drakov never seeked solace from the chaos, it only fed the emptiness he harboured after spending years living in this hollowed part of the world. A city where humans walked without any clue to what predators lived amongst them. Ryder never enjoyed the fact that he had to hide such a big part of himself and keep his wolf a secret. Although, no one knew better than him on how to keep themselves a secret. He hid many parts of him in the darkness just so he wouldn’t break in this damned world.

Ryder crossed the busy road towards Centauri Enterprise, it was a huge skyscraper in the middle of Manhattan and everyone knew who this building belonged to. No one questioned it but whenever someone did they were put in their place.

Ryder still remembered the first time he walked into this building, it wasn’t a grand gesture or special occurrence… it was a domination. That day was the result of Ryder’s allegiance to protect Gabriel Centauri and ensure that he conquered his throne as the greatest alpha this world has come to know. Anyone that challenged Gabriel would face the wrath of his pack enforcers. Ryder and River were the first to kill whoever fucked with their alpha and best friend.

Over the years, Ryder witnessed empires crumble apart because they went against Gabriel. everyone knew that this city belonged to the Centauri pack alpha and if Ryder had to kill a few assholes to guarantee that then so be it.

But time passed and things were a bit different now. Gabriel was mated to supermodel Sabrina Sinclair and their child was on the way too. His priorities were on his family now, but Gabriel had his brothers and pack to support him for anything he needed. Ryder and his twin brother would do anything for him, no matter what people said about their bond. Ryder knew that no one understood true loyalty, because now that word could be bought with any amount of money. However, Gabriel didn’t buy River and Ryder’s trust, he earned it with respect. But those were old tales, it was the past. Ryder didn’t dwell on them because he knew his role when he joined his alpha’s side. He was a protector, the blood on his hands was proof enough.

Striding across the massive white lobby, Ryder passed the security team he trained himself and strode into the empty elevator. It was well past ten thirty at night and no one but the security team was in the building, but Ryder was here for the one person he was sworn to protect by Gabriel.

The elevator doors pinged open on the legal department of the building, he walked out onto the dark floor that only had light in the main hall. Crossing the secretarial desk at the front, he passed down the lengthy room to the largest office in the back. The entire space was full with many cubicles for all the employees that worked here, the massive windows showed the entire city right beneath their feet.

Ryder didn’t bother knocking and opened the door to the large office, sitting behind an oak desk was Vincent Centauri. The third brother to Gabriel and the one who was known to be the brightest lawyer of his time. In the public eye, he was a stylishly confident man who was just as beautiful as smart. He never lost any case and closed the biggest deals for this company. However, Ryder knew the truth. Vincent never did this for the popularity nor did he care about the money. He became the best for Gabriel. He worked harder than anyone to make sure that his brother and pack got the best and that meant he had to be ruthless and the smartest man in the room.

Vincent sat in front of a pile of books and files, reading them under the lamp beside his laptop. His suit’s jacket had been discarded on the black sofa beside the glass windows, his tie loosened and the button on his collar opened too. Ryder knew that Vincent never ruined his appearance, it was perfection when he was at work. However, alone at the office, he allowed himself this time to loosen up to get work done faster.

“It’s late, V,” Ryder said in the terribly quiet room. “Are you planning on working until sunrise?”

Vincent didn’t stop writing with his ball-pen. “Almost done,” his tone stern, it was like this when he was focused.

Ryder came in closer and sat on the arm of the chair in front of Vincent. His dark golden hair was tousled and pushed back away from his handsome face. The light fed off the hues of gold, caramel and blond, it looked softer than silk. The urge to push back the stubborn strands that fell over his eyes crept into Ryder like a disease, but he knew that he couldn’t cure this urge, it was forbidden.

“V,” Ryder called out again, “Veeeeeee-”

Vincent finally took his attention off the papers and glared at Ryder with those piercing hazel eyes, that were a gold and green storm. “You’re not helping,” he accused.

Ryder smirked boyishly. “I want to go home,” he said, “and I can’t do that until your ass is in my car.”

Vincent ran a hand through his hair before rubbing the ache in his neck. “What time is it?” he asked as he rested his head back and closed his eyes.

“Ten thirty,” he answered.

Vincent rubbed the exhaustion from his eyes and got up, so did Ryder. He buttoned his collar and straightened the tie before putting on his suit’s jacket over his white shirt. The charcoal Armani suit was one of Vincent’s favourites from his collection and it never looked better on anyone other than him, but Ryder never told him that. He cleaned the files off his desk and put them in the hidden locker under his table before he stepped out of the office with Ryder.

“Let’s get a drink before we go home,” Vincent said.

Ryder knew he should’ve objected because he absolute hated going to the bar with Vincent, it implied that if he found a person to hook up with then he would and leave Ryder to his misery alone.

Finally, as they stepped out of the elevator onto the main lobby, he conjured the grit to speak. “Do we have to?” Ryder asked.

Vincent looked puzzled. “Why not?”

“I just don’t feel like it,” Ryder evaded as they walked out of the building.

“You can go home then,” Vincent said. “I’ll manage-”

“You know I can’t do that-” Ryder interrupted sternly as he opened the car’s door for him.

Vincent looked at him with his hazel eyes knowing fully well that his protection was Ryder’s duty, which he handled with great accountability. He would never compromise Vincent’s safety for his own comfort.

Vincent sighed. “Come on, a few drinks won’t hurt,” he said as he got in and closed the door.

Ryder got in on the driver’s side and took them to the infamous Underworld nightclub, which was the spot for all shifters to enjoy their night.

Arriving outside the massive nightclub, the cue outside circled around the whole building as everyone was eager to lay their eyes on the majestic club. The neon lights beamed outside on the dark pavement as the entrance door opened and closed by the security team. Ryder parked the car and both of them headed towards the club. The two guards recognized Vincent and Ryder and let them in without waiting in line.

Passing through the massive black enclave that was shining like the galaxy with all the neon lights. Thick smoke filled the entire space and the walls shook around them with the techno beats booming through the halls. They passed the long chamber into the club that opened up with thousands of people at the bar and on the dance floor. All the bartenders were hard at work earning their keep as people partied their nightmares away hoping to find heaven here even if it was just for a little bit.

Even though this territory belonged to the Luciano brothers, Ryder wasn’t at ease. Don’t get him wrong, this club was off limits to anyone who came looking for trouble, unless they were stupid enough to think they could face Trez and his terrifying brother Axe. Some tried and now they’re buried six feet deep… some of them were even alive. He admired that the brothers protected their territory ruthlessly. However, that wasn’t what troubled Ryder. This place was a playing field for hookups, and right now many if not all were looking directly at Vincent.

They approached the massive bar and sat on the empty stools together. Ryder ordered a drink but never came around to drinking it. Vincent, on the other hand, had a few old fashioned by the time he started talking to the girl next to him. She was laughing at everything he said and touched his thigh with her manicured nails whenever she had the chance.

Irritated, he chugged his drink and turned on the stool facing the dance floor rather than those two. Girls approached Ryder too, but his poisonous expression was enough to ward them off before they could utter a single word to him.

The girl flirting with Vincent laughed at his joke again. Ryder leaned in purposely nudging Vincent with his arm. “You know, you’re not that funny,” he mocked.

“Can you shut up,” he bit back.

The woman’s bright blue eyes looked at Ryder. “Is he your friend?” she asked.

“He is,” answered Vincent.

“I have a girlfriend that would love to meet you,” she said. “How about I introduce you-”

“Not interested-” Ryder interrupted curtly.

She pointed behind her. “She’s right over there-”

Ryder’s wolf flashed in front of his eyes. “No,” his tone was a low growl that was enough to scare her.

Vincent frowned at him. “Can you relax?” he chided.

Ryder leaned his head facing Vincent’s hazel gaze, through the thick smoke of the club and the alcohol emanated the spiced fragrance of his friend. The sultry scent was warm as vanilla but invoked sensual masculinity, it drove his wolf crazy. He didn’t move back but didn’t push closer either, since there was no need, this scent that clung to Vincent was embedded in Ryder’s memories. He’d never forget it.

“I am relaxed,” Ryder said softly. “You’ll know when I’m not.” Vincent’s eyes flickered like a wavered flame.

“So, are you two like together?” The girl asked who was still sitting here.

“No-” Ryder and Vincent affirmed together.

“Then come with me,” she insisted sweetly to Vincent.

Ryder broke his gaze off first. He wasn’t going to watch as Vincent was lead into the back by the woman to do exactly what everyone expected. Anger rose inside him like a demon breaking out of purgatory.

“Hey, are you alone?” Someone asked.

Ryder was alone and he’d always be alone. He looked to his side where a man dressed in a casual black attire stood leaning on the bar. He wore a watch on his thick wrist and had stylish brown hair that was cut short. He was handsome, but not what Ryder needed right now.

“Something like that,” he said.

The man’s warm brown eyes showed interest. “How about I get you another drink?” he asked after seeing the empty glass.

“No-” he froze, if Vincent was going to be fucking around then he might as well try too. There was no need to deprive himself of sex, maybe that’d take the edge off. But why did the thought revolt him, like a knife twisted inside his gut.

“Thanks for the offer,” he said to the stranger, “but I’m not interested.” The stranger walked off without looking back.

Ryder got up from the stool and went to the back where Vincent went. He didn’t need to search for long because the woman’s glittery sequence dress could be spotted a mile away. She was pressed against the wall as Vincent kissed her neck, her hands in his suit probably trying to take it off.

“Vincent,” Ryder called out brusquely. “We need to go.” He rolled his eyes and was convinced he’d stop these two even if it killed him. “Vincent, we need to leave now.”

Vincent groaned and lifted his head, staring at Ryder with those hazy eyes full on lust and need; a look that haunted Ryder.“You’re getting on my nerves,” he said.

“Right back at you, buddy,” he smiled unsympathetically. “Let’s go. Now.”

Vincent raked his hair back. “Bye, beautiful,” he smirked cockily at her even though she was clearly upset about him leaving.

Ryder was more than glad to be out of there. Out on the cool street, they walked back to the car and drove to their pack territory.

“What’s bothering you?” Vincent broke the silence in the car first.

“Nothing,” Ryder lied.

Vincent faced him. Ryder could sense it and he hated that those eyes were reading him when he couldn’t get away from it. “You’re clearly in a bad mood,” he stated.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened. “I’m just tired,” he didn’t lie this time.

He was tired of constantly lying and pretending that he wasn’t in love with Vincent and that they weren’t mates. But he knew, that they could never mate so he’d live each day in this constant pain of being so close to him but not be able to touch him and make him his own. Mark him, his wolf constantly howled, but that was an impossible wish.

They arrived at the Centauri pack that was guarded by a massive gate, which surrounded the entire territory. The gate opened as he drove the car to the front and continued inside, he kept his eyes on the gate to see if they closed securely before he drove away. Pressing on the gas, he drove down a long path and arrived at the huge space where everyone resided.

Ryder parked the car outside the Centauri manor and both of them got out together. It was late, so they all must have already eaten dinner and headed off to bed.

He started off down the field. “You’re not coming inside?” Vincent asked behind him.

Ryder didn’t turn around and stop. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said before leaving far enough.

His cabin was right beside the lake attached to his brother’s cabin, he walked around to the front door and climbed the wooden stairs to the porch. He just opened the door and turned on the lamp beside the window.

“Ryder,” a voice spoke behind him. It was his twin brother’s mate.

Zoya Knightley was tall and beautiful, her black hair fell in thick waves and she had stunning blue eyes that matched ocean waves. She was everything and more for his brother, she helped River find happiness and gave him the light to be in love and free.

“You’re not asleep?” he asked as he took off his leather jacket and tossed it on the sofa.

“I was working downstairs when I saw your light turn on,” she said as she leaned on the door frame.

“Where’s River?” he asked.

“He’s asleep,” she answered. “Are you okay? You seem a bit tense.”

Ryder ran a hand through his hair. “I’m good,” he said.

“You can talk to me. You know that, right?” she said.

Ryder faced his sister-in-law. “It wouldn’t make a difference even if I talked about it,” he told her.

She smiled. “You’ll be surprised,” she replied.

Another figure shifted behind Zoya, Ryder almost reached for her when he recognized the scent and then the shape, it was his brother. River towered over Zoya who wasn’t surprised by his sudden intrusion, she probably sensed him too. Ryder felt as if he stared into a mirror, his brother who was older by a few minutes stood in a pair of sweats and disheveled black hair.

“You’re back,” his thick voice was stern and strict as usual.

“Yeah,” he answered.

“And Vincent?” River asked.

“At home,” Ryder responded.

Despite them being a few minutes apart in age, River always felt older and Ryder depended on him. And as enforcers of the pack, Ryder answered to River and made sure that anything his brother needed was done.

“Tomorrow, you’re with Gabriel and I,” River said. “I’ll have Azura with Vincent.”

Ryder frowned. “Is everything okay?” he asked.

“Gabriel has a few meetings,” River explained. “I just want you with me as backup.”

“Okay, you got it,” Ryder said.

“Can you at least ask your brother if he’s had dinner,” Zoya said.

River looked down at his mate and then at his twin. “Are you hungry?” he asked.

“No,” he chuckled. “I’ll see you two tomorrow.” He ushered them out of the way as he proceeded to close the door. He could still see them through the window when River lifted Zoya off her feet and took her to their cabin.

Ryder went straight to his bedroom. Stripping out of his clothes, he walked into the bathroom and took a cold shower. After he was done, he slid on a pair of boxers and got in bed. The huge window beside him exposed the entire property in front of his eyes. He never closed the blinds because his wolf enjoyed the sight of the moon that glowed outside in the dark sky, it shined its light all over his body easing him into a slumber, but just as his tired eyes closed, he prayed that Maya wouldn’t show him his buried desires again.

But she didn’t listen this night either…