"What happened with Liam?" Daniel held a punching bag, while I viciously threw punches at it.

"He's clean. We didn't find anything." His mouth was set in a hard line, annoyance showing on his face.

"What does Maximillian think?" I stopped to take a short pause. Grabbing a bottle of water, I took a few long sips.

"He supports you suspicion. Traxx interrogated the Skinwalkers who breached in and they gave us a loose description of the guy who helped them inside. It sounded a lot like Liam." He smiled wickedly.

"Can't we just imprison him?" I punched hard, sending Daniel a few inches backward.

"No, we don't have a tangible reason to accuse him of a crime, but we are watching him closely."

"You have to be careful, if he gets the feeling he is cornered, he could take extreme measures to save himself." I looked at him with concern.

"We are discreet." He smiled.

"Is he going to the dance tonight?" I spun and kicked my leg out.

"He is taking Sam." He grimaced. Feelings of discontentment and hathered were evident on his face.

"Oh, God. What is she thinking?" I shuddered with repulsion at the thought of his slimy hands around my body.

"I have no idea, but I am going to watch that bastard like a hawk."

"Well, I am going with Kellan and since he is his friend... I can take an eye on her if you'd like." I offered.

"Please. That would be really helpful, since am going to be busy and all." He grinned wildly.

"With what?" I said confusedly, but then recognition dawned on me. Of course, his hands will be full. "What poor victim it would be this time?

"Not just one. Two." He wiggled his eyebrows, rubbing his hands in excitement.

"Is that even allowed?" I said with my mouth gaping.

"I am the second in command." He shrugged casually "I make the rules."

"Wow, you put all the men to shame, playboy." I laughed.

"It's not my fault women want me." He winked at me.

"You are a pig. You will drive all the nice girls away." I shook my head in disbelief.

"Nice girls are not for me." He smirked "When they see me coming, they should run the other way."

"Don't be so dramatic." I punched his shoulder instead of the bag, laughing.

But my smile faded as I felt a familiar pain in my chest expanding, threatening to burn me inside out. My face twisted as I hugged myself, suddenly breathing a lot heavier.

"So you do feel him." Daniel said grimly.

"Just leave it, Daniel." I sighed, punching the bag even harder.

I turned to sneak a quick peek at Yannik. He was fastening his weight belts on, getting ready to hit the track. He was going to run by us every damn lap. "Just awesome." I murmured.

"Just relax and concentrate on your moves." He advised me.

"Right." Easier said than done. I put my head down, concentrating on the bag.

"Can I try something?" He said suddenly, his eyes suspiciously glowing.

"Sure." I said hesitantly, watching him closely.

In a flash he was beside me, holding me in his arms.

"Daniel." I warned him, baring my teeth.

"No, wait! It's not what you think. Just wait a second." He laughed quietly. "I want to try something."

"I don't like this. Let go of me please."

"If he had daggers instead of eyes, I would be dead right now." He smirked.

"What are you talking about?" I pushed him away, not comfortable with the intimate touch.

"Jealousy must be a painful thing." He whispered into my ear, his smile malicious and wide.

I understood him then, casting a glance at Yannik. He stopped running, standing not far away from us. He scowled at us, his hands tightened into fists. But the most distressful thing was his expression, it confused me. His face looked pained like I've hurt him.

My body involuntary started to move towards him, but Daniel stopped me, putting his hand on my shoulder "Don't."

Yannik slowly turned away from us. He tore his weight belts away, storming out of the gym.

"Liar." Daniel said, smiling.

"I don't understand!" I told him with anger boiling inside of me "If he would've liked me, he wouldn't have chosen her instead."

"I don't know what his deal is." Daniel shook his head in disgust. "Come on, Ria will kill me if you're going to be late."

"Right, the dance." I wasn't particularly looking forward to that.

*

Ria pulled me into her apartment the second my comm touched the new fancy DNA scanner on the wall.

"Finally! We are running late!" She glared at me.

"But there are still two hours until the dance. How can we be late?" I said laughing at her.

I stopped short when I saw Samantha. She sheepishly stared at me, biting her lower lip.

"Hello." I smiled at her and Sanna. I still wasn't convinced she wouldn't behead me the first chance she would get.

Sanna and Ria were in a great mood, laughing loudly and dancing around the room to an upbeat music, playing in the background.

I joined Sam on the sofa "So you and Liam?" I had to try to break the ice between us, so I spat the first thing that came to my mind.

"Thankfully just for tonight." She laughed quietly, watching Ria throwing her hands in the air, making a duck face.

"Why did you agree to go with him?"

"He was the only one that asked me. It was stupid, I know." She shrugged.

Stupid and dangerous.

I sighed, more than ready to clear the air between us "Look Samantha." I started "It was never my intention to steal Daniel away from you. There is nothing going on between us." I just hoped this wasn't a mistake.

"I know." She turned to me "I acted really rude towards you. I owe you an apology Korina."

"I understand why you disliked me. I just wanted to clear the air between us." I smiled at her.

"No. It was rude. Not everything is about Daniel." She clenched her jaw, looking away. "I am really sorry."

"You are brave, to endure that kind of pain. I don't understand how you do it."

"I don't have much of a choice do I?" Her bitter smile tore at my heart.

"I am so sorry." I looked at her saddened expression.

"Don't be. It's not your fault." She shrugged. "Enough with the heavy stuff, let's see if those dresses will even fit." She giggled.

We took out time, putting on our dresses and makeup.

Samantha had a thigh-length white dress that hugged her body in a seductive way. She straightened her long blond hair and French braided them. She wore beautiful heeled sandals with white pearls on the straps.

Ria was on the other hand in a fitting midnight black, ankle-length dress, with a slit on the side. She had a black choker around her neck and a killer black pumps which showed every time she crossed her legs.

Sanna was a total opposite of them, wearing a short bright pink dress, with a floral pattern on it. It perfectly complimented her pink hair as she styled them in a messy updo. Instead of pumps, she put on white ballet flats.

I wore a thigh-length navy blue dress with straps around my shoulders. The dress had a lower cut, so my upper back was exposed. Ria landed me her black ankle buckle stilettos, and I prayed I could walk straight in them. I curled my dark hair, wearing them over my shoulders, in a similar fashion like Ria's.

"So? What do you think guys?" Ria spun around, showing off her dress.

"I think Traxx will be delighted." I wiggled my eyebrows, grinning.

"I know, he is a pervert." She waved me off, rolling her eyes.

Ria's door buzzed, announcing our partners came to pick us up. Samantha looked more nervous by the minute, probably seriously regretting her decision. I stepped towards her, putting my arm on her shoulder "Just stay by my side all right? I won't let him pull off something stupid, I promise." I assured her. Her body relaxed a little, and she stood up to greet them.

We laughed as Traxx's and Elliot's jaws dropped. Traxx let out a possessive growl, sweeping Ria off her feet, spinning her around.

"All right! Enough cave man!" She grabbed his shoulders, smiling happily.

"Beautiful." He whispered, looking into her dark eyes. I swear I never saw Ria blush before, but now her cheeks were pink. When he put her back on the floor, she planted her hand on his. "Are we going or not?" She cast us an impatient look over her shoulder.

I sensed Samantha's fear as Liam ogled her with a starved look on his face. Almost like she was a piece of raw meat. She walked so close to me, we were almost touching. I grabbed her hand, encouragingly squeezing her.

I felt her body tense as Daniel came around the corner with two blondes under his arms.

He whistled as he saw us "You owe me each at least one dance ladies." He grinned at us, stopping next to Traxx.

"You leave my woman out of it." Traxx growled at him.

"I am not anyone's woman, you dumbass!" Ria punched Traxx in his shoulder, glaring at him with irritated expression.

Traxx ignored her, continuing to scowl at his competition.

I rolled my eyes at their childish behavior, pushing through "Let's get over with this, shall we?"

Samantha was acting like my shadow, not leaving my side. I knew she had no combat skills, so she couldn't defend herself against a warrior like Liam.

I noticed how he openly stared at her legs, licking his lips. His arm fell to his side, brushing her exposed skin on her tight. She jumped in surprise, swatting his wandering hand away.

"Keep your hands to yourself or I swear I will break your every finger!" I spat at him, pushing him away from her.

He stepped so close to me our noses almost touched "You think I am afraid of you?" He smiled at me, his disturbing owlish eyes boring into me "Korina." He said slowly like he was tasting my name.

I was taken aback by his malevolent expression. His lips curled into a wide smile, exposing his crooked teeth.

I involuntary shuddered, disgusted by him.

"Liam!" Kellan glared at him "Behave yourself or else..."

Liam's back curved, reacting like a frightened animal. He took a step back, with fear evident in his eyes. He looked at Kellan like he wanted to strangle him and he spat on the floor the second he turned his back on him.

"Creep." I whispered to Samantha as we shared a look.

The dance was happening in the middle of the commons. The place was cleared out, tables and chairs pushed to the side of the massive chamber. All the lights were dimmed, creating a romantic atmosphere.

We all sat down together, choosing a bigger table that fit us all. Every single table had glasses and a bottle of champagne on it, prepared for a toast.

The room was already half full with people enjoying themselves, chatting and pouring drinks. Music was quietly playing in the background with some overly eager pairs already spinning on the dance floor.

"I am going to grab us some water. Coming?" I nudged Samantha, whose back was so straight and stiff it looked almost painful. She nodded eagerly, grabbing my hand.

We pushed through the crowd making our way to the bar.

"He is revolting." She shuddered "I can't believe I said yes to him."

"He is an evil piece of shit!" I spat, grabbing two bottles of water "He is not touching you again." I spun to look into her eyes but collided with Yannik's hard body instead.

His eyes widened as he assessed me, his look slowly wandering all over my body, burning me everywhere his eyes landed.

You've got to be kidding me.

I sent him a hard stare "Do you mind?" I tilted my head, indicating for him to move.

"Of course. Excuse me." He said, but he didn't move right away. He slowly leaned over me, his eyes locked on mine. He caged me against a bar, his body tight against my own.

My breath hitched as I could hardly remember how to breathe properly. Damn him. "Move." I said with my voice low, my eyes dangerously narrowing.

He lifted a bottle of water for me to see "Just came to grab this." He said, still looking at me intently.

I grabbed Sam's hand, still glaring at him as we went by. I was so confused by his mixed signals, not knowing what he played at.

His dance partner, Illiana was already at our table, happily chatting with Sanna and Elliot. Did she know what a bastard her boyfriend was? He was apparently no better than Daniel when it came to women.

I sat down between Sam and Kellan, with Kellan already holding a bottle of whiskey in his hand, ready to fulfill his promise. Yannik and Illiana sat directly opposite of us and I inwardly cursed at the thought of looking at Yannik the whole night.

"Excuse me, my friends!" Our heads snapped in the direction of Maximillian's voice. He was standing on the stage with a microphone in his hands. The room suddenly erupted in whistles and cheers, clapping loudly.

He cleared his throat "I warmly greet you here at our 487 anniversary of Division 10!" He nodded at us, smiling widely as we clapped. "I would like to thank all of you because every single one of you is a special piece of the puzzle that holds this organization together. You are not just my coworkers or trusted friends, but also my family. I couldn't have done this without your help. So please pop the champagne and raise your glasses!" He laughed, raising his own glass as he looked at us nodding "To us! And to our family!"

The sounds of popping lids filled the room, happy laughter and cheers echoing around us.

"One more thing! I would also like to thank two of our new additions to the family, Korina, and Yannik! Thank you for your hard work!" He looked at me, smiling affectionately. I raised my glass to him, returning his smile.

Cold liquid trickled down my throat as I drank, warming my insides.

DJ turned up the music yelling: "Come on now! All the pairs to the dance floor!" We all laughed as we saw Maximillian being pulled by the insistent mage girl, dancing all around him, shaking her hips with overreacted movements.

"I am not nearly drunk enough for this." Kellan groaned, grabbing his whiskey.

"Oh come on it's not that bad!" I grabbed his hand, pulling him behind me. He took a deep swig before he let me drag him to the dance floor.

Sanna, Elliot, Traxx, and Ria were already dancing, moving so gracefully every human would assume they had to be professional dancers.

"I really suck." He confessed, his hand running through his blond hair.

"I am not an expert either." I said, still pulling him behind me. I did have a few lessons in the past, but nothing major.

He awkwardly stopped in front of me, shaking his limbs like he was suffering some kind of seizure. I covered my mouth, trying to hide a laughter bubbling inside of my chest.

"What?" He stopped, looking at me with annoyance.

"Nothing, you are absolutely brilliant. Just continue please." I bit my lip hard, trying not to laugh at him.

He started again and my eyes teared up as I strained to control myself. I turned around, looking at the crowd. Every single pair danced elegantly.

"You know what? To hell with this!" I unfastened my stilettos, putting them beside me. I put my hands in the air, imitating his moves. I laughed so hard, I was crying. I inwardly thanked Ria she put the water-proof mascara on my lashes, if not I would look like a raccoon by now.

Even though the music was slow and romantic, we jumped around like crazy. He held my hands, spinning me around in a circle. I leaned back as far as I could, trusting he wouldn't let go of me. I enjoyed the speed, air tousling my hair. And I loved how carefree I felt in that moment.

I still kept my one eye open, watching over Sam who sat at the table with Liam downing Kellan's liquor.

"Ok! Let's speed this up, people!" DJ shouted "I am dedicating this song for the eager pair in the back!" He pointed to us and Kellan's face became red with embarrassment. We started to dance again, making ridiculous faces as we shook our hips, completely out of rhythm. Ria and Traxx danced by, laughing loudly at our stupidity.

"What on earth are you two doing?" She said, covering her mouth.

"Freestyling." I shrugged, not really giving a damn if everybody was starring.

Yannik was looking at us. Bent low he clutched his stomach, laughing hard.

"Well, I am glad we can amuse others." I said bitterly, ducking as Kellan clumsily spun me around. We clashed, our heads smacking together. "Ouch!" I said, rubbing my forehead.

"This is terrible!" He whined "I suck at this!"

"I can't watch this disaster anymore." Daniel appeared behind us, shaking his head. "You two are terrible."

"Thanks, man, I appreciate it." Kellan nodded, smirking at him.

"Can I jump in?" He stepped closer to me, wrapping his hand around my waist.

"Sure, no problem! Go ahead! I need a drink anyway." Kellan dragged his feet behind him, sitting at the table with the others.

"May I?" Daniel smiled at me, offering me his hand.

"Go easy on me, I don't really do slow dancing." I laughed quietly.

"I figured that much." A wolfish grin spread on his face as he pulled me closer. One of his hands was on the small of my back, the other gently holding my hand. And suddenly we were dancing. He spun me fast, dipping my body low. I couldn't even imagine that slow dancing can be such a rush. We waltzed around the room with him leading so effortlessly, I felt like we were flying.

"See, you can dance." He grinned, dipping me low, my hair almost touching the ground.

"Thanks to you." I lifted my eyebrow at him.

"Ah, don't be so modest." He said, spinning me under his arm.

"Ok, I think a need a drink. You are a tyrant." I accused him, my head spinning from how fast we were moving.

"Does this mean we need to squeeze the dance lessons into your busy schedule?" He said, leading me back to the table.

"Don't you even think about it!" I stabbed my finger at him, my eyes boring into his.

He laughed as he let go of me, hugging his two dance partners who eagerly jumped on his lap.

I tried to avoid looking at Yannik, but I failed miserably.

His face was not so amused anymore as he scowled at Daniel, his face positively terrifying. I didn't understand that guy one bit. His mood swings were painfully annoying.

I tried to ignore him, turning to Samantha.

"You ok?" I put my hand on hers, making sure she felt safe.

"I don't think he would dare to touch me when you guys are around." She whispered, stealing a glance at Liam. He occupied himself with a bottle of whiskey, taking large sips.

"Just don't go anywhere. I don't trust him, especially not when he is drunk." I clasped her hand tight.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Yannik offering a hand to Illiana "May I have this dance?" I heard him say quietly.

"Absolutely." She grinned, pulling him to the dance floor. I fully expected him to be as bad as Kellan was. Boy was I mistaken.

He wasn't as elegant as Daniel, but he moved with such raw masculinity that was even sexier. I couldn't deny how handsome he was. He wore a white shirt, with his sleeves rolled up. On top of that, he had a gray west and a similar cravat under it. He wore fitting grey jeans that hugged his buttocks deliciously.

And yet again I was a hopeless creep. I should really get a grip and stop obsessing about him already.

I watched them laugh together, enjoying themselves and

I felt sick to my stomach. "Want to grab some wine?" I asked Sam, suddenly craving something stronger.

"Absolutely, I can't sit here another minute." She muttered, following me. "I'm going mad."

"You can always dance with Kellan." I mused, looking back at her.

She hungrily grabbed the wine, taking a sip right out of a bottle. "I can't wait for this to be over."

"Wow, slow down! You really don't want to be drunk around him." I put my hand on the bottle, stopping her.

"Do you really think he would try something? He's a coward." She said dubiously.

"He's a coward, you got that right. But there's also something evil about him. So yes, I am sure he would." I narrowed my eyes, looking at Liam, who was still drinking at the table.

"Hey girls!" My blood froze as Illiana joined us, taking our bottle. "Are you enjoying yourselves ladies?" She wiggled her eyebrows, laughing.

"Immensely." I said bitterly and her head jerked back to me, looking at me curiously. I cursed myself and the lack of control I had over my mouth. She probably didn't even know about Yannik and me. "So." I started, already knowing I would regret my next words. "How long are you two together?"

"Who?" She looked at me dumbly.

"You and Yannik of course." I said with annoyance.

She narrowed her eyes at me, studying me for a second "I get it now." She giggled.

"I really don't know what you find so amusing." I said, glaring at her. I knew she was nothing but friendly to me in the past but jealously raged in me, completely taking over my feelings.

But that doesn't mean I had the right to act like an idiot.

"We are family Korina." She laughed out loud.

"Excuse me? How? He said he didn't have any family members or friends here." My brows drew together in confusion.

"We are distantly related." She shrugged "I am a daughter of his stepmother. I never lived with my mother, so we didn't really know each other before he left for Earth." She sighed "I had some family problems, so I decided to leave as well. I didn't even know that Yannik was at Central so that was a coincidence. But I was glad to have someone of the same race with me. He became my mentor, but we didn't get along. He didn't trust me and he was right not to, mainly because of my prejudice." She sighed regretfully "You probably already know we have a caste system, so I shamefully admit that I looked down on him. He was lower than a slave to our family." She stopped talking for a second, glancing at where he sat "He helped me through a lot since he came here and I don't know how he could forgive me for the words I've said to him." She gulped, turning away "My brother died last month. I loved him dearly and I wouldn't survive this without Yannik by my side."

I listened in horror. I was an idiot. "I am so very sorry." I whispered "My deepest condolences." I said, lowering my head.

"Thank you." She nodded at me, offering a small smile. "So dear God no, he is not my boyfriend. Besides, he is not really to my liking. I prefer delicate blondes, with breasts." She smiled widely, sneaking a glance at Sam.

"Oh!" My mouth was wide open as I just stared at her.

"That was the main reason me and my family didn't see eye to eye."

"Wow. Forgive me please, I simply assumed-" I started, lifting my hands in front of me.

"Don't worry about it." She waved me off "So." She hesitated, turning to Samantha "Want to dance?"

"You and me?" Sam looked at her with an odd expression.

"Sure my lady." Illiana gave her best seductive smile, offering her a hand.

"All right." Sam said hesitantly, looking at me wide-eyed. I watched as they joined the other dancers, disappearing into the crowd.

This whole situation was so ridiculous. I let out a hysterical laugh, partly from relief, partly because of the absurdity of it.

But there was still the part when he said that our kiss was a mistake, that I wasn't good for him.

I headed back to our table but stopped short when I saw only Yannik, with others gone. I turned around seeing Kellan and Liam at the bar, talking intently, arguing about something. I wanted to run like a coward, hide before he could notice me, but it was too late for that. His eyes found mine, and I had no choice but to join him. I walked painfully slow, stalling for as long as I could. I sat as far away from him as I could, glowering at him with a grim expression.

He looked at me, his eyes full of regret and pain. "Korina?" He said gently.

I considered ignoring him, but that would be childish and stupid. "Yes, Yannik?" I said and kept my eyes trained on the dance floor, watching Ria and Traxx.

"Can we please talk?" He begged, leaning forward he folded his hands on the table.

"I thought there was nothing to say." I looked back at him.

He buried his face in his hands "Just please-" He sighed "Please." He repeated, his voice barely audible.

"Then talk." I shrugged, looking away.

"About what I've said in the gym... I didn't mean it Korina." He told me, his expression heartbroken.

"Oh right. The part that I am not good for you or that you don't want to be friends with me?" I turned to him, anger boiling in me "Look I understand. If you don't want to be around me, just say it."

"No." He said sharply. "It's just what I did, it was stupid. I was afraid that I would lose you after that. So I ran."

Stupid. So he thought it was a mistake. "We could've just talked about it. Instead, you pushed me away and ignored me after that." I felt devastated. If it wasn't for Sam, I would probably just leave.

"So what exactly do you want Yannik?" My eyes flickered to his.

"Our friendship. I miss it Korina. I never had someone I could trust completely." He watched me with his green eyes, willing me to give in.

Of course, that was what he needed, someone to trust to stand by him. "What about the next time you decide that this is a bad idea?"

"You can trust me Korina. That thing in the gym... It won't happen again." He assured me.

That thing. I almost laughed as I got an overwhelming urge to slap him. "So why cornering me before?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

He was stunned for a second, not knowing what to say. "I..." He lowered his face, staring at his hands with an awkward expression. "I needed to talk to you, but you weren't alone."

That didn't answer my question.

"Sure we can be friends Yannik. Best buddies even!" I released a breathy laugh.

He slowly stood up, walking towards me. He kneeled beside me, looking upwards into my eyes. "I deserve your hate. I understand." He nodded sadly.

I let my head fall backward and I closed my eyes. "I don't hate you Yannik." Far from it. "But I do admit, you've hurt me."

I felt his hand on mine and my eyes opened abruptly.

"What a fool I am." He whispered.

"You are." I agreed, but my eyes were now smiling.

"Korina? Do you have a problem?" Daniel appeared beside me, staring at Yannik with a murderous look on his face.

Yannik suddenly pulled his hand away from mine. He stared at Daniel with dislike as he stood up, walking back to his chair.

"No problem Daniel. Everything is fine." I assured him, smiling.

"I hope so. We wouldn't want this night to end on a bad note." There was an obvious threat in his voice, directed at Yannik.

Yannik stopped abruptly, turning around "Are you threatening me?" He said with a dangerous voice.

Daniel edged closer to him "I would be more careful if I were you, Karani." A slow smile appeared on Daniel's face.

Yannik moved fast and his fist would unquestionably land on Daniel's face if I wouldn't interfere. I pushed Yannik away, my hands firmly planted on his chest. "Are you two insane?" I looked at them, bewildered. "I appreciate your help Daniel, I really do. You stood by my side whenever I needed you. But please, let me solve this myself."

He nodded, casting Yannik one last dirty look. "Korina." He said "Just don't come crying to us when he hurts you again."

I watched him in stunned silence, only turning back to Yannik when I couldn't see Daniel anymore.

"He is very protective of you." He said darkly.

"He is my best friend." I shrugged, seeing him smirk.

But then his smirk was gone, replaced by worry "I swear on my life that I won't hurt you again. And I will earn back your friendship if it's the last thing I do." He cupped my cheek, turning my head towards him.

Damn you and your starry eyes.

"I've tried to earn your trust Yannik, but it has to go both ways."

"You are the only real friend I ever had, I am not losing you." He softly whispered "Can I ask you a favor?"

"You are pushing your luck here." I warned him.

"Will you please dance with me?" He said pleadingly, still touching me.

I was truly weak around him. "Fine. I give you five minutes, nothing more."

He laughed quietly, taking my hand into his, entwining our fingers. He led us to the dance floor, slowly placing his arms on my back, pulling me closer.

I put my hands around his neck, looking into his eyes. He looked conflicted about something, his expression full of despair.

"What is it?" I asked, intently studying him.

"I just wish that..." He shook his head, looking away.

I stared at him, fixated on his eyes "What?" I urged him on.

"Nothing." He smiled, but his eyes told me a different story.

I wanted to ask him what he meant, but my body suddenly froze when I saw Liam. He was cornering Sam, slowly stalking her, his expression wicked. She was pushed into a corner, begging him to leave her alone. Other pairs danced around them, completely unaware of what kind of monster he was. I cursed myself for not noticing she was in trouble. I was too obsessed with my own selfish preoccupation with Yannik.

"Korina?" Yannik said with concern "What is wrong?"

I ignored him, pushing past him I hurried to reach Liam, who was already tracing a finger on Sam's dress, edging towards her breasts. She was shaking hard, her eyes full of horror and unshed tears.

I grabbed his hand, snatching it away from her body.

"Wasn't I making myself clear before?" I growled with a low voice as I neared my face to his. His breath was revolting, reeking of alcohol and rotten flesh. I clutched his wrist, pressing as hard as I could. His eyes widened in pain when he heard a crushing sound, indicating that I followed through with my threat.

He leaned even closer to me until our noses almost touched "Bitch." He growled. "You will get yours. All of you will!" He released a crazed laugh, his owlish eyes filled with hatred. "They will come for you, tear you apart piece by piece and I will be there to relish that glorious moment." He giggled, putting his free hand over his mouth.

"I don't know what could've gone so wrong, that you became this monster, Liam. But get this, Maximillian will catch you, before you betray us any further." I warned him, grasping his broken hand tightly.

His head fell backward as he barked out a bitter laugh "You are so foolish, little demon! So naïve!" He looked back at me, licking his dry lips "I pity you! How very wrong you are, they will never catch me." He spat at me, his foul breath rolling my stomach.

Suddenly Daniel and Kellan were right behind him, pushing his head towards the floor. They seized his hands, twisting them behind his back. "You are done here Liam you hear me?" Kellan yelled. "I am ashamed to call you my friend!" He jerked him upwards, dragging him away from us.

"You are no longer considered part of this family. And you can kiss your warrior title goodbye. You're done." Daniel watched him in disgust. "You can take him in the cell. I'll talk to him later." He nodded at Kellan.

I heard Liam laughing loudly, not even struggling "As if I care about the stupid title!" Kellan smashed him across the face, knocking him out with the single blow.

"Please forgive me." Said Kellan miserably "I shouldn't have let him drink this much.

"Just get him out of my sight, before I change my mind and finish him off right here!" Daniel snarled. Kellan nodded obediently, throwing unconscious Liam over his shoulder.

"Are you all right?" I hugged Sam, who stared blankly at Liam, her face ashen with shock. She cowered closer to me, clutching my hands.

"What happened?" Yannik and Illiana rushed to our side, their eyes darting from Kellan to Sam.

"He harassed Sam." I nodded towards Liam's motionless body, slouched over Kellan's back.

"Bastard!" Illiana's mouth was pressed together tightly, her eyes blazing with anger.

"We'd better get her back to her apartment. I will stay with her and I am sure Ria and Sanna will join me." I gently nudged Sam, offering her a comforting smile.

"Can I come with you?" Illiana bit her lip, begging me with her eyes.

"Of course, the more the merrier, besides I will feel safer with all of you there." I saw Sam smile at Illiana, holding out her hand for her.

"I will accompany you to the door." Yannik said with a stern voice that left no room for a protest.

Ria, Sanna and Illiana walked beside Samantha. Girls already put her in a better mood as I heard her chuckling quietly.

"I think Illiana likes Sam." I smiled, looking at Yannik under my eyelashes.

"I believe she liked her for quite a time now." He looked up at the laughing girls in front of us.

"Sometimes it would be lovely if we really could learn to love someone who is more suitable." I barely whispered, looking at Sam.

His eyes narrowed as his head turned to me "Yes, it would." He seemed angry and hurt as I looked up at him. "But it's always like this. Bad guys always attract good girls, it's unavoidable." He said bitterly.

Not all of them, I wanted to say so badly, but instead, I just nodded.

"I don't know what they see on Daniel." He grumbled, looking away.

"Daniel? I don't know." I said honestly "He is handsome I suppose and a good friend." I could understand why women loved him. But for me, he just wasn't Yannik.

"Right." He shoved his hands in his front pockets, a deep frown clearly visible on his face.

"Stop scowling Mr. Cranky." I laughed "What do you have against Daniel anyway?"

Corners of his mouth quirked up as he fought a smile "Mrs. Goody two shoes."

"How am I good? I am a badass demon! Besides, I kicked your ass the last time." I said grinning. My cheerful mood suddenly vanished as I saw his uncomfortable expression.

"Can't we just forget about that whole incident please?" He stopped in the middle of the corridor, looking at me.

"Sure." I shrugged. I hated myself for not having more courage to just tell him what I really felt. But I was also afraid I would lose him as a friend.

"Thank you." He said, relief washing over his face. "We are here." He tilted his head to the girls, who patiently waited for us, holding the door for me.

He lifted his finger for them, indicating to wait a second longer. He caught me by my hand "Will I see you tomorrow?"

"You have my number." I said, not really looking at him anymore.

He edged closer to me "I will contact you." He promised.

"Oh, Jesus Christ!" Illiana yelled, rolling her eyes. "Yannik let the poor girl breathe, will you?"

He cast her a dirty look, taking a step backward. "Keep out of other people's affairs."

She laughed at him, waving him off "Come on Korina!" She urged me in.

I turned away from Yannik "I guess we'll see each other tomorrow then." I didn't look back as I entered Sam's apartment, shutting the door quietly behind me.