[lvan's POV]

I watched as tears flowed from Arissa's beautiful eyes. I wasn't quite sure what to do to calm her, but found myself beginning to kiss each and every tear that stained her cheeks.

"What are you doing?" She asked, leaning back enough to stop me.

"Tasting your sadness?" I tried, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Could you not.” She huffed.

Letting out a sigh, I realized the moment was over and felt disappointment surge through me. "Not a romantic, huh?"

"I'm an abomination.” She reminded me. "There has never been a point in my life where I've thought of anything like that.”

I felt both amusement and pity for her in that moment. Though I had grown up in a divided home where everyone was constantly out to take out one another, it was nothing compared to the things I had witnessed with Arissa.

"Come on," I said, beginning to stand. "We should try to get some sleep. Big day tomorrow." "Sure, but first could we..." She trailed off, but her eyes met mine suggestively.

"Whatever you want.” I smirked. After all, who was I to deny what my mate wanted?

The sun shone brightly the next morning as we stepped out of the estate. I had to withstand laughing as Arissa limped in front of me. It seemed I was too rough with her and now she was holding a grudge.

"Sir, is she hurt from her abduction?" Hans asked loud enough for her to hear.

Not stopping, she shot me a glare, instantly sending me into hysterics. I was sure she would exact her revenge and I found myself excited for it.

"She's fine." I chuckled as Hans gave me a look of confusion. "Have you informed Isaac's men of our visit as instructed?”

"Yes, sir."

Nodding, I climbed into the carriage where Arissa was already sitting. As I took a seat beside her, she let a low growl escape her before puffing out her cheeks and fixing her gaze on the window. Sighing, I made myself comfortable, throwing my arm across the seat behind her and letting my fingers lightly brush her shoulder. From the way she seemed to relax due to my tough, I knew she wouldn't be mad much longer.

I let an amused smile play across my lips as Hans and Igor entered the carriage and got situated. "Let's be off." I announced as their eyes looked from me to Arissa and then back to me. "The sooner we get this done the better.”

Nodding, Hans lifted a hand and knocked on the carriages wall, indicating that the driver could begin.

The ride was a quiet one and with each passing minute, I could feel Arissa becoming more and more tense. It seemed that despite her acting like she was excited for this visit, she was truly worried about it.

"It'll be fine.” I murmured, causing her to jump ever so slightly before looking my way.

"I know." She responded ruefully.

Nodding, I squeezed her shoulder in assurance as the carriage began to come to a stop.

Hans and Igor were the first to exit once we were there, leaving just Arissa and me in the carriage. Deciding to take advantage, I stopped her as she made to get out.

"What?" She asked, eyeing my hand that was wrapped around her wrist. "What do you want?" "Are you really okay with this visit?" I asked.

I knew she had no good memories of this place and that being here would probably stir the worst ones.

"I'm fine.” She sighed. "You don't have to be concerned.”

Not concerned, a pang of pain shot through me at those words. Despite my attempt to bring us closer, she was making it clear she wasn't fully ready to open up to me yet.

"Sure."

There was no point in pushing right now. Especially because she was already on edge. We still had plenty of time for fully revealing all and if I was anything, it was a patient man.

Arissa watched me for a moment longer as I continued to hold onto her.

"You going to release me before those two get suspicious?" She asked, referring to Igor and Hans. "Maybe I want to get under my brother's skin by holding you the entire time." I laughed.

"That would be amusing.” She murmured, seeming to truly be considering the idea. "But could we switch the way? This way reminds me of being cuffed.”

Sucking in a breath, I immediately released her and stood. I waited as she got out before getting out myself.

Once I was beside Arissa again, I wrapped my arm around her waist, so low that my finger tips could brush her amazing ass.

"Is this better?" I asked with a smirk.

"I guess.” She huffed.

"Then let's go. I do believe we've made my dearest brother wait long enough.”

[Arissa's POV]

I stared up at the large castle in front of us as many emotions surged through me. This place was the source of all my suffering, and I still couldn't believe that I had come back willingly.

So lost in my own head, I didn't notice Ivan's approach until his arm was snaking around my waist and his fingers were brushing against my ass.

"Is this better?" He asked in amusement.

"I guess.” I huffed, rolling my eyes.

"Then let's go. I do believe we've made my dearest brother wait long enough.”

Feeling a surge of anxiety begin to rush through me as I was led to the entrance of my personal hell. Isaac and my mother were already outside waiting as we approached. Trying to remain indifferent, I ignored the look of longing that flashed across my mother's eyes.

Who was she to give me that look when she was never really a mother?

"Welcome!" Isaac boomed, moving forward and pulling Ivan into a hug, completely ignoring me in the process. "I'm so glad you've returned. I've been worried about you since the incident the other night.”

"As you can see I'm fine." Ivan hissed, pulling himself free. "I didn't come here for a brotherly reunion.” He continued. "I came because I've recently come across some alarming information and it involves your pack.”

I watched as Isaac's eyes immediately darkened as they flicked to me.

"Was it this bitch?" He growled, pointing an accusatory finger at me. "What lies has she told you?" "Isaac." My mother gasped, pretending to protect me from him. "Why would Arissa lie about you?" "A few reasons.” I laughed. "However, I haven't said a damn thing about you that wasn't true.”

It looked like the fun had begun and I was going to show this bastard that he couldn't walk all over me ever again.

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