RYDER

I burst through the large glass doors, my nostrils flaring, teeth gritting and I felt my hand balling into fists. The rage and the sorrow, the shock, everything took its toll on my body. I was furious, my pheromones made everyone back away in the room filled with people. I took a glimpse at the closest mirror to me, noticing the bloody red color in my eyes.

"Where is Jenkins?!" I roared out, my voice was raspier, the ground rumbled beneath my feet. Everyone remained silent. That wasn't good. 

I was about to fuck someone up right now. The rage took the best out of me. 

"I am not gonna repeat myself again!" I yelled loudly, kicking a few chairs and a few boxes fell as well, I didn't care what was going on, all I needed to know was. . . how. 

How the fuck the killer managed to sneak in there and kill her. The person I had history with. The person I will never see again. I felt the burning sensation within my chest increase. 

"What's going on here?" I heard an unfamiliar voice shout behind me. I straightened my composure, fixing my jacket and trying to calm down, but it was no use. The rage kept coursing through my veins. 

I span around and I saw a tall woman with black long hair approach me slowly. She looked older than me, her piercing grey eyes sent daggers at me but I did not back away. I narrowed my eyes as she crossed her arms against her chest. 

"Ryder Devon, I do not appreciate you coming here and causing chaos. This is a police station." she spoke as if she had the right to look down on me. I balled my hands into fists. 

"Who the fuck are you?" I asked in a shaky voice, slowly approaching her. She made no effort to back away and that caught me off guard. Her scent was also strange. Too strange from my taste. 

"I am Antonia Valleska. The new Lieutenant. " she lifted her chin high. "Jenkins is fired, almost everyone who were in great use of you are fired. We do not condone nor will obey your orders. This is place of justice. We will do our best to catch the killer, however, you will no longer take parts in any of that. "

This bitch. 

"Who the fuck do you think you are to talk to me like that??!" I growled at her, everyone gasped in pure horror. Now I knew why she was so cocky, she was an alpha as well, her scent was powerful too. Fucking hell. She had no fear in her eyes, only utter anger and determination of something. 

" Get him out of here. If he steps foot in here, he will be arrested and thrown in jail. I'll do my best to put you where you belong, Devon. " Before I could react, it took five men to drag me out from the station. 

"You stupid fuckers!!! All of you will pay!" I screamed until my throat felt sore. I was pushed outside like a dirty dog. The doors behind me closed and I kept shaking in pure anger and fury. My jaw tightly locked as I turned around and glared at the woman who watched me through the big glass windows with a smug smirk on her face. 

"I will burn you to the ground. " I whispered under my breath, before heading to my car. The only person who knew Clarissa better than I did were her parents. Since I was thrown out from the police station by the new Lieutenant, I had to take matters on my own hands. How suspicious to have a new Lieutenant right now --- right at this moment after Clarissa was dead. 

LEO

I had no idea where he went, before I was able to stop him he had sped up with his car. That idiot almost ran me over. He was /that/ furious. As I watched his black jeep disappear into the distance, I had no idea what to do. Usually when my brother was pissed, nothing ended well. For the people around him that is. 

I placed my hands on my hips, nibbling on my lower lip. I had to do something. 

Why did my brother have to be so damn idiotic? And short - tempered? I was supposed to be the wild one in the family. 

Then it came to me. . . 

Ryder must have figured out that Clarissa's parents may have the answer to her death. But the situation here was: Her parents hated him in his guts. Fuck. Fuck. 

Clarissa's dad was a doctor and he must have insisted to be the one who does the autopsy. It must be that way. He was a very wealthy and powerful figure in the world of medicine.  Before I knew it, I already had a cab parked in front of me, the time was passing quite fast oddly enough. 


RYDER

I kept knocking until my knuckles hurt. The door didn't open. I knew they hated me, I knew they despised me for what I did, but I had to ask them. I was desperate for answers more than anything. It was cold outside, breathing air out, I could see it coming out from my lips. I wasn't cold despite of that since my body temperature was so high. 

Another helpless sigh escaped me, I knew they were inside. 

"Please open the damn door..."I muttered helplessly, pressing my forehead against the wooden surface. Warm tears rolled down my cheeks as I tried to hold my helpless sobs in. I never allowed myself to cry, but it felt as if a piece of my heart was missing right now. I was so angry, I was going to push harder and look for justice myself.

I kept knocking, eyes closed, lips parted and short-breaths escaped my lips. I was starting to lose hope. For the first time in my life. . . I felt helpless. I didn't know what to do, it all felt as if my hands were tied. 

I kept begging, slumping onto the ground on my knees.

"I know you hate me. . . but please, despite of everything, Clarissa was part of me, of my life. . .you can't just leave me like this.. " I could sense my voice growing weaker and raspier.

Then suddenly the door opened and I looked up, my bloody red eyes landed on a pair of familiar ones. 

"You have no right to come here and be on your knees. " the woman spoke. Clarissa's mother was a very strict woman by nature, surely, she was a beta, however, she kept her grounds. That woman used to smile at me all the time, and a ping of regret filled me. I blinked a few times, not knowing what to say now that I was face to face with her. 

"Erica, please. . . " I begged, " I need to know what happened. "

"It's all your fault. " she spoke flatly, arms crossed against her chest. Erica kept glaring at me, shooting daggers straight in my heart. 

I swallowed thickly, not knowing what to say at her accusation. Perhaps she was right? Perhaps it was all my fault from the beginning. The killer wanted me. They wanted me to suffer and they succeeded. I was sure they were somewhere around too, looking at my misery, enjoying to see me on my knees. 

"I know." I answered in defeat. "But at least, let me be on her funeral. Please. " I begged helplessly. 

The woman narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth to say something but a much taller man behind her peeked his head, his eyes were the same. Filled with fury toward me and bitterness. 

"Let him in. " the man spoke. I glanced at him and swallowed thickly. Clarissa's father. I could see that there was a certain shadow crossing over his features. Both were pale, their eyes were also red. I could feel the pain oozing from them. The blame they said with their gestures. It broke me further from inside. 

"Ron-" the woman tried to argue, but with one look from Ron, she sighed and glared back at me, slowly moving to the side. I realized I was still on my knees before those people. Slowly I rose up on my shaky legs and stepped inside. 

This house used to be my home. 

I told myself that I'd never visit this place again, but yet, here I am. Once in the living room, I sat own, my shaking hands remained in my lap. 

"I am so sorry..." I asked after a few minutes of silence. Ron sat in front of me, still glaring at me. 

"Your pathetic apologies are not wanted. " Ron cut me off, "why are you here?"

I felt another ping in my chest. 

"I know that. . . you are going to be the one who does the autopsy-"

"How are you so sure, huh?" Erica asked, "you always act on impulse."

I glanced at her and then back at him. 

"I just- I want to find who is doing this, but without your help . . I won't be able. And I am sure that- that you want to know who did this to your daughter as well. I will not find peace until I find whoever is doing this. Let me contribute-"

Ron growled under his breath and clenched his jaw. 

"You have no right to put your nose where it doesn't belong, do you understand!? The police and I will figure this out. You stay away from this all because wherever you go, death is after you. "

"I am begging you... "

"Clarissa begged you too. She begged you not to leave her. But you did it anyways, we do not care nor want to associate with you. Yet you show up like this at our doorstep. How dare you!" Erica shouted at me and I kept silent. 

"Please." I stuttered out helplessly. 

Ron sighed and shook his head. 

"Do not get involved, do you understand, Devon. Get out of my house now. If you are here to want to participate, for Clarissa's sake, don't. "

Every word they said broke me more. I glanced back at Erica who was just as bitter.  I shook my head and rose up back on my feet. Those people didn't want me here. More helplessness overtook me. 

"I didn't leave her by choice! I had to!" I finally shouted, more tears ran down my cheeks. 

"You could've gotten against your parents if you loved her that much! Her and her baby!" Eric shouted hysterically, pushing me back. 

I stumbled and my eyes grew wide. My heart stopped. 

"W-what?" I stuttered in pure horror and shock. 

Erica and Ron look at each other, it was as if they realized what Erica just said. 

"Nothing. Get out."

"No!" I shouted, "I deserve to fucking know!"

I never thought the silence would make me want to go insane but it did. Erica began crying silently, hiding her face with her hands. Ron rose up on his feet and walked up to his wife, wrapping his arms around her. 

After a few more minutes of Erica sobbing, Ron finally spoke. 

"She was pregnant with your child when you left her."

"Why didn't she tell me!?"

"You think she didn't try? She was calling you. Over and over again in weeks!"

Oh god. 

My vision went blurry, I didn't know if it was because of the tears or from the shock. 

"I didn't know...did...did she gave birth to the child?!"

"Get out of my house right fucking now!" Erica shouted in broken voice again, "or I will call the police."

I knew I had to get out. I had to leave. I stumbled out without thinking and as I walked out from the house I saw Leo standing in front of me with a sorrowful look on his face. 



LEO

I heard the painful shouts from the inside of the house, but I didn't dare to take a step closer. It was as if I was froze. I heard a female voice and then I saw my brother stumbling out. He looked like as if everything had collapsed before his eyes.

He was pale, every pale. Except his eyes, they were red. He had been crying.

Fuck.

I stared at him, not knowing what to do. Ryder walked toward me, passing me without looking my way even. 

"Wait- where are you going!"

He was silent, that was, until he reached the car.

"We are going back at the hotel." his voice was low, yet he said nothing else. I decided to follow suit and as soon as I climbed by his side, I saw him shake and press his head into the steering wheel. His shoulders began shaking. 

This was the first time in my life I had no idea what to say or do. 

"I found out that. . . twenty years ago Clarissa was pregnant. " he finally spoke out, "with my child. "

What-

I was speechless for a second. 

"Did she give birth to the child?" Ryder reached over, wiping his tears away. 

"They refused to tell me."

Fucking hell. 

I heard the car roar as the engine was brought to life as Ryder drove off without saying another word after that. 

JASON

Four days went by. The hear I had experienced slowly faded away. I was feeling much better. An old man with a strange hat and beard came to check up on me frequently during my heat. I heard him speak on the phone after the very last check up. I had found out from the maids in the house that both Ryder and Leo had been living in a hotel room away from the mansion during my heat. 

I felt guilty for having them being away from their home, however, they were still alphas and I was still an omega. 

I was already roaming around the place, visiting the kitchen occasionally to chat with the cooks and the maids there, I made friends with them. They were understanding people, thankfully, and I somehow didn't want to be all alone in my room. I took my prescribed pills so my heat scent could fade away.

While sitting on one of the couches in the living room, reading a book, I heard the two large doors slam open and my eyes landed on the two men who had just walked in. I immediately rose up from my seat and walked to greet them, however, Ryder passed me without saying a word and headed right to the second floor. 

I was left speechless.

A whiff of sadness suddenly hit me. 

Leo slowly approached me, eyeing me up curiously. 

"Are you feeling better?" he asked in a low tone. I nodded. 

"I am sorry you had to be away from here because of me."

He hummed, shaking his head. 

"It's not your fault, it had to be done. For your safety. " he added, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. 

I scratched the back of my head, looking back at where Ryder had gone. 

"What is wrong with him?" I asked quietly. 

Leo remained silent. "It's a long story, I'd advise you to stay away from him for a while. He needs some time now. "

I frowned. My heart immediately sank. 

"Why?"

Leo licked his lips and cleared his throat. "Is there anything to eat? I am starving." I immediately grabbed his wrist, stopping him from walking away from me.

"Please tell me..."

Leo glanced at where my fingers had wrapped around his wrist then at my face. I felt a blush creeping on my cheeks. 

"His ex-wife was murdered a few days ago. He has been drinking and smoking non-stop ever since. Leave him be for a while, he needs time to cope up with everything, yeah?"

I slowly let go of Leo's wrist and nodded my head. I couldn't deny the pain and pity I felt for Ryder at this moment. 

Leo gave me a sad smile and soon disappeared into the kitchen. I crossed my arms against my chest and decided to retrieve to my room. However, upon passing by Ryder's room, I could hear glass crashing and I jumped immediately as if I had been stung by a bee.

Something told me to check up on him. My entire being hurt. I felt lightheaded all of a sudden.  There was no time to think twice, before I knew it, I was knocking on his door. 

"Ryder? Is e-everything alright?" I asked. 

Silence.

I knew that silence well. It lead to nothing good.

"Ryder-" I slowly grasped the handle, pushing it open. My head peeked through and I saw Ryder standing not too far away, holding a broken glass of a bottle within his hand. I saw the droplets of blood and my eyes went wide. 

"Fuck, Ryder.." I whispered, rushing to him and immediately cupped his face, turning his head around. The pain, the fury in his eyes, they made me swallow thickly. He was lost, completely and utterly broken. I had never seen a man like him, so composed, to become such a wreck in span of days.

"Get out." he muttered in a low commanding voice.

I shuddered , my omega told me to get the fuck out before he does something to hurt me, but my other side kept begging me to stay here, with him. 

"Let go of that bottle, you are hurting yourself. " 

He blinked a few times, shaking his head and tried to look away, however, I forced him to look back at me. The difference in our height wasn't that much but at this moment, in his presence, I felt small. 

"You still smell of your heat. Get out or I won't be responsible for what I'll do." he warned in a gruff voice, staring at my soul. 

"I am not afraid."

He took a step closer, still gazing at me with dark eyes. 

"You should be."

I didn't want to ask, yet I did.

"W-why?" I stuttered.

"Because no matter where I go death is after me. People die because of me. . . and you could be next . . . " he let go of the bottle as the rest of it clashed into the ground. I flinched a little, but I remained close to him, still holding onto his jaw with my smaller hands. 

I could see his gaze trailing to my lips. Another blush crept on my cheeks as I tried to keep my composure. 

"Talk to me."

"I'd rather not to." he spoke out and before I knew it, something happened. Something unexpected.

Ryder's lips pressed against mine. They were cold, he tasted like cheap vodka and smelled like cigarettes, but why did I found this so comforting and heavenly? I was shocked at first, completely frozen, but after that, after I felt his arms sneak around my waist to pull our bodies flush as his tongue immediately parted my lips and invaded my warmth I melted completely, pressing against him.

Low whimper escaped my lips, my eyes closed and soon I had to wrap my arms around his neck for a better support. 

He devoured me completely, pouring his pain in that one kiss. I could taste the salty tears of his as we kissed. 

He refused to let me go.