It was late at night when Alister finally arrived home from work, which took longer than it should have. Meetings just kept running longer and longer, people just wouldn't let him leave and it was infuriating. Now, that he was back. Ragnar parked the car and the men were exhausted and eager to return home too. Alister dismissed them and he left for the castle with Archer next to him.

"I'm starving," Archer groaned as he stretched his neck to the side. "I wonder what Bone made for dinner."

Alister checked his watch that indicated it was close to midnight. Everyone was probably fast asleep by now. They entered the house and Frost woke up near the fireplace. He trudged over and greeted Alister with rubbing his head along his legs before he left to sleep again. Both of them went to their rooms. Alister walked up to the door and wondered if Bone would be here or in his own room. He grabbed the handle and turned the knob down, pushing it open when he saw his mate sitting at the couch with a book open in his hands.

Alister sucked in a breath as his eyes raked down his mate who was sat in one of his black silk robes, the lapels had fallen open revealing his pearly white skin and since his legs were resting on the table, they were bare and barely concealed. He whispered a curse under his breath. Shutting the door behind him, he made sure to lock the damn thing.

Either Bone was as gullible as Alister knew him to be or Bone was being a flirt with his deliberate provocative appearance.

"You are home," Bone said as he saw him.

Alister's heart throbbed in his chest. "Yeah," he said as he walked over to the sofa.

Bone shut the book on his lap. "Are you hungry?" he asked. "I can bring you something to eat-"

"No-" Alister reached over and laid his hand on Bone's cheek. "Everything I need is already here."

Bone's lips parted as he sucked in a breath. "Y- you should freshen up," he said as he looked away bashfully.

Alister bit his lip hiding his smile as he pulled his hand back only to grab the knot at his throat and unravel the silk tie. "Why aren't you asleep?" he asked. "Were you waiting for me?"

Bone stammered. "I was just reading and lost track of time," he revealed.

Alister lifted off the sofa and rested his weight on his knee as he loomed over Bone. "Is that why you chose to wear one of my robes," he said wickedly.

Bone's eyes widened and he looked away but the blush on his cheeks was enough to drive Alister wild. "It- it has your scent on it," he said then.

Alister stiffened as his fingers dug into the cushion of the sofa. "If my scent is what you want, then I'll make sure to cover you with it tonight," he whispered as he leaned down and their lips met in the middle, but he didn't forget their little game. He pulled back and Bone opened his eyes, confused by the change.

Bone licked his lips before he bit down on it, which only enticed Alister further. "Are you really going to make me ask?" Bone said knowing the wicked gleam that brightened his mate's dark blue eyes.

Alister nodded. "It's easy," he seduced as he leaned down and laid his lips on Bone's bare chest. "Ask me nicely, sweetheart."

Bone's eyes flashed revealing the wolf inside him.

Alister smirked. He pulled the tie off his neck and seized Bone's wrists, tying them tightly together surprising the man.

"Wh-what are you doing?" Bone said. "Untie me."

Alister grabbed the tight knot and pushed Bone's arms above his head. He ran his hand down Bone's body before he took hold of the sash tying the robe together. "Do you really want me to untie you?" he asked.

Bone whimpered as he struggled on the couch under him. "Alister-"

He opened the sash revealing Bone's throbbing erection. "Your body has always been so much more honest with me," he said teasingly.

Alister got up from the couch and pulled Bone onto his feet, taking them to the massive bed where he could spread his mate out and devour every single part of his delicious body. He kissed down his chest before he wrapped his lips around the throbbing shaft. Swallowing the length down his throat, it was tight and fucking sexy as hell. Bone's hands that were tied raked into his hair and he couldn't breathe. Alister used his tongue, licking the base all the way to the tip and his mate's hips buckled while the heels of his feet dug into the bed.

Alister gripped the length in his hand, holding it tightly as his own erection pressed against his pants. He felt as if he could burst any second. All the heat from his body radiated as if he was on fire. His heart pounded in his chest and he ached to break his mate apart.

The savage wolf emerged from within and both of them consumed Bone. Dark pheromones swam around the room, filling it with a sensual fragrance that could seduce any innocent soul. Bone writhed on the bed, his hips rolled as Alister took him deeper down his throat. This sight was fucking beautiful and Alister memorized each moment.

"Untie me," Bone whimpered. "I want to touch you."

Alister's eyes flashed as he watched Bone but he wasn't going to untie him until he got him to orgasm. He pushed his head further down before he pulled the length out, caressing it with his tongue and lips. Bone cried out in pleasure that was agonizing. The black robe was draped over his body and Alister fucking adored it on him.

"Alister," Bone moaned. "Stop- I'm going to-" he tried to move as his body blazed with arousal.

Alister didn't let him pull away as the urge to find his release drew near. He continued to torture him with everything he had. Just when it was impossible to resist, Alister kept his mouth where it needed to be as Bone came down his throat. Fuck, it was hot as hell to be here right now.

Bone slumped against the bed as he finished riding the wave. Alister pulled away, licking his lips while he drank the sight of his mate's naked but trembling body.

"We're not done," his tone was coarse.

Bone's blue eyes flashed with desire and wicked trepidation. Alister kneeled between his mate's legs as he rocked his hips forward, pressing his hard cock into him that he was completely aware just how much he was turned on right now. He ran his hands down Bone's thighs while their eyes stayed on each other. But through the haze of blue, Alister caught the sight of Bone's timid wolf. He couldn't help but smile.

Alister tore off his jacket, dropping it on the floor somewhere before he unbuckled the belt and took it out of the loops. Unzipping his trousers, he pulled down his boxer's and revealed his throbbing cock that was aching and begging to be inside his mate.

"Fuck, I've been aching for this all day," Alister tried to take a breath but even that was impossible with the way things were going.

His mind was being consumed and he couldn't think straight. All he could see was Bone. All he could feel was Bone. All he could want was Bone. He ran a hand down his thick length before he pressed the head of his cock into his mate's hole, that was tight and hot. He growled a curse as he gripped his mate's hips and rolled into him. Bone moaned and he spread his legs further, knowing that Alister would need space.

Alister crept over his mate's body, his eyes blazing with arousal that they probably looked unfamiliar and animalistic. But he couldn't take his gaze away from Bone who was flushed and glowing, even in the dark room. He grabbed his mate's tied hands by the wrist and pulled them over his head, gripping them tightly as he inched into him. The act was selfish, it was harsh but Alister craved to be the only one that could control Bone's orgasms, like his life depended on it.

The only thing Alister missed was the taste of his mate's lips. He needed to do something to break this bet hanging over them.

Alister trailed his lips down Bone's neck. "My cock is buried inside you," he whispered, "do you feel every inch of it, Bone." His mate moaned and pulled his head to the side since he was embarrassed. "I wish I could stay inside you forever." Alister licked his ear and bit the lobe before he turned Bone's face to see those blue eyes. He ran his thumb across the man's lips. "The only thing that would make this moment perfect would be your lips on mine."

Bone's lips parted and he sucked in a breath. "Take what you want," he said.

Alister neared closer, so their lips were inches apart. "Ask me to kiss you," he said. "Ask me, Bone otherwise I won't be able to breathe."

Bone whimpered and he reached up to kiss him but Alister pulled away teasingly. "Kiss me, please," he cried out.

Alister slammed their lips together and the kiss took their breath away. Both of them clawed at the other to get closer, deepen this kiss that was as hot as flames. He pushed his tongue between those lips and wrapped it around Bone. The sensation of caressing their tongues was like fire and silk gliding over one another. Alister pumped his hips into Bone, his cock gliding in and out of him with the ravenous desire to burst. Everything built up to the point of no return. He pounded into his mate, consuming him like a savage as he kissed him endlessly.

Both of them were at the brink of breaking and Alister was the one that shoved them off the cliff when he broke the kiss and marked Bone's neck savagely. They came hard and he pumped his hips until he was fully empty.

Alister slumped down on his mate and Bone held him. He could hear Bone's heart pounding against his ear as he rested on his chest. But the hunger returned the moment he saw his mate's blazing blue eyes. Alister caressed his mate's cheek before he turned him over onto his knees, his wrists still bound and he thrusted into him hard. Bone smacked his hand on the wooden headboard for support while Alister pounded his cock in his hot channel. There was nothing else on his mind other than to consume his mate and mark him all night long.

By the next few hours, Alister managed to strip off the rest of his clothes and untie Bone's hands. He made sure that each time they ached for a kiss that Bone begged for it. But whenever he hadn't given in, Alister ensured to show another way they could fuck shamelessly.

Frankly, he wasn't sure how long he stayed buried inside Bone but it wasn't long enough. For so long, he yearned for this moment and now that it was in front of him, there was a visceral fear that it'd disappear. He couldn't lose Bone, it'd kill him. And whenever Bone caught whiff of Alister's fear from his vulnerable eyes, he would gently guide him into a kiss that would make Alister forget everything.

"I love you," Bone whispered.

Alister was on top of Bone, his cock hard inside his body. "God, Bone, my love for you is imbedded in every part of my body," he confessed. "How do I show you that?"

Bone turned them over so he was on top of him, his body cascaded over him and he wrapped his arms around him. "I already see it," he alleged. "In your eyes when you look at me. In your hands when they touch me. In your smile when you-" Bone's eyes blurred with tears- "say my name."

Alister grabbed his face and pulled him down for a kiss. A kiss that was vulnerable and soft, it made them defenceless to one another, which was how they always were with one another. They were two souls that had been restrained their whole life after dealing with the strict rules of this world. But with each other, nothing else mattered. They had each other and they knew how to be gentle. Bone thought that Alister saved him, but it was the other way around. Alister wasn't even breathing before his mate.

Bone took over and rode Alister, arching his back and taking the entire length inside him like it was nothing. He filled the room with his scent and he made sure that it seeped into Bone's skin. The man still wore the robe and Alister used it as leverage while he thrusted his hips into Bone, even though he was on the bottom.

Bone looked down at him, his eyes blazing. "I can feel you so deep inside me," he brushed his hand against his stomach.

Alister gaped as he felt the tip of his cock with Bone's hand. "Damn it, Bone," he growled as he flipped them over and pushed Bone down on the bed, his hand seized his mate's throat in a tight grip before he pounded into him. Fucking until they were raw with desire and blind from sinful need. His eyes fell on the red marks that were scattered between his mate's thighs, which he proudly left.

Both of them were consumed to the edge and they couldn't even control it when they came together, blinding them from the strength of each wave that pulsed through their bodies together. Alister emptied inside him and wished he could get this man pregnant and own every inch of him.

"You're mine, Bone," Alister growled darkly. "All of you is mine." He loomed over him before he paused before his mate's lips. "I will always want you with every morsel of my soul."

Bone's eyes softened and he laid his hand on Alister's cheek. "I never thought that someone as damaged as me could have a mate," he confessed. "But you changed everything for me. I love you, Alister Black. And I will protect you with my life."

Alister kissed his palm and held their vows in their hearts for the rest of the night they spent entangled in each other's arms.

In the morning, Bone was at the Red Crescent castle with Poppy and Alice trying to map out how this building would be designed to fit a school. They needed space for classes, cafeteria, the library and the gymnasium. Many things were going to be needed and there was a lot that needed to be done. But Bone was confident that they could do it. Atlas and Aero had joined as well, helping out with general details and logistics on how the pack enforcers would be able to get this done. Ragnar had a constructor sent who was able to map out an entire spreadsheet with possible designs.

The day was busy and chaotic. Around noon, Bone invited everyone home to eat lunch. Poppy and Alice were reluctant but Aero insisted, which quickly the ice between the wolves. Everyone walked out of the castle over to the other one across the field. Archer met up with them at the front door.

Atlas held it open as they all strode inside. Bone asked them what they wanted to eat and everyone voted for mac and cheese.

However, just as Bone entered the kitchen, his eyes went directly to Alister who stood with a cup of coffee in his hand while talking to Ragnar. He was casually leaning against the counter, his legs crossed by the feet where Frost was sitting too. Bone couldn't help but remember last night. They both did from the way their eyes locked. All night Bone had been entirely consumed by his mate. The things they did to one another was sinful to even think about in the daytime.

Suddenly, Poppy slammed into Bone who had frozen in his tracks and then Alice bumped into her, that caused Aero to crash into all of them. They toppled over but Alister caught Bone before he could fall. Atlas grabbed the others while Archer laughed and steadied Alice.

"Careful," Alister whispered.

Bone's eyes widened and he blushed from embarrassment. "Er -right," he chuckled before he straightened and turned. "Everyone alright?"

"Why'd you stop out of nowhere?" Aero asked.

Bone couldn't answer that he had gotten lost in his mate's eyes. "Well- I-" he didn't know what to say that wouldn't get him in trouble.

"You'll know when you have a mate," Alister chimed in.

Bone's eyes widened at the implication but the others stood confused. They didn't understand what their alpha had said because none of them had a mate.

"How's the planning for the school going?" Ragnar changed the subject.

Bone was relieved. "It's going great," he said and the others agreed. "But I don't know when we'll be able to start renovations?"

"As soon as possible," Alister said then.

Bone was surprised since there was so much to do. "There's still a lot to plan," he said.

"And you will get everything you need," Alister answered.

Bone looked at Poppy and Alice. "We have a lot of work ahead of us then," he mumbled.

"We can do it," Poppy assured and Alice gave a supportive smile.

"We're here to help too," Aero chimed in.

Bone smiled and realized that it could all be done if he had his friends and his pack. It felt strange admitting that fact, but it also felt as if a weight lifted off his heart. "I'm lucky to have you all as a pack," he said then.

Everyone in the room gaped as they stared at him.

"Wh-what?" He looked at all of them. "Did I say something wrong?"

"This was just the first time you called us your pack," Archer answered.

Bone couldn't help but laugh. "I'll make sure to say it more often then," he said before his mate wrapped his arms around him. He looked up at Alister who was smiling ear to ear.

"We're happy to have you, Bone," Aero cheered as he ran into the hug and wrapped his arms around Bone.

"Get off him," Alister chided.

Archer ran in to join the hug. "You can't get rid of us now, Bone," he said. "We're the obsessive type."

Bone laughed as he felt all the arms crushing him.

"I would join but I'm not a hugger," Ragnar said.

Atlas grumbled in agreement and stood on the side with Poppy and Alice who were just as stunned to see the infamous Black brothers be emotional. It was strange for them, but Bone was used to it by now. These brothers were stubborn and boisterous but they had a pure heart and strong will.

Eventually, Bone sent everyone off from the kitchen so he could prepare lunch. Poppy and Alice were with him, they are discussing details of the school while cooking. Since they stayed here and ate with them, it had gotten rowdier with so many wolves hanging out here.

Bone adored the sight of all the wolves who were honourable and followed Alister. Each of them had their strengths and they weren't shy to give their opinion either. He looked at all of their faces and realized that he could spend his entire life here, because he belonged with them. His eyes drifted over to Alister who was lounging in a chair. For once, Bone didn't feel like he was in another cage. This home that Alister gave him granted Bone freedom.

After lunch, Poppy and Alice left to go home.

Bone was sat in the living-room with Frost while he was lounging by the fire. He needed to go check on the roses before he did anything else. Archer, Aero and Atlas were sitting with him too. Each of them doing their own thing but quite comfortable together.

"Since all of you are here, I need to tell you something," Alister said as he stood before them.

"We already know that you're getting married to Bone," Archer remarked making the others snicker.

Alister crossed his arms. "It's about the banquet at the Star Night pack," he corrected.

Bone frowned. "Banquet?"

Alister nodded. "Selene is hosting a party and she's invited all of us," he said.

The brothers groaned.

"Do we need to go?" Aero said.

"Yes," Alister answered.

Bone had heard of the Star Night pack that was led by Selene Starling. He didn't know much, but it was a prosperous clan and the leader was righteous. There weren't any titillating tales about that pack in particular, which was good because it meant that the wolves were protected, unlike some around the world.

Atlas stood to his feet. "Brother, I'm not going," he said.

Bone saw the shift of apprehension in Alister's eyes.

"I understand," Alister said.

Atlas walked away and left the house.

"Atlas always gets to bail," Aero groaned as he laid down on the couch.

Bone got to his feet and joined Alister. "Are you sure it's safe to leave pack territory?" he asked.

Alister turned and they walked towards the stairs together. "I think it should be fine," he assured. "And Selene is an ally to our pack. There shouldn't be any threat of danger."

Bone climbed the stairs. "Why do you think Atlas doesn't want to go to the party with you?" he said.

"Atlas has always been an unsociable wolf," Alister answered. "And I don't want to force him either."

Bone nodded. "Then I guess we can keep each other company," he mumbled.

"What are you talking about?" Alister said.

Bone faced him. "I'm going to stay home," he replied.

"No, you're not," Alister retorted. "You and I are going to the banquet together."

Bone's brows rose. "Really?"

"Yes," Alister stepped closer and touched Bone's cheek. "I want to introduce you to all the other alphas in the city as my mate." He reached down and lifted his hand with the ring. "I didn't give you this to keep you hidden, even though it's a tempting notion."

Bone couldn't help but laugh. "If it's what you want, then I'll come with you," he said and it would give him the opportunity to meet all the other leaders in this city.

Alister laid his lips on his knuckles.

"Get a room!" Archer's voice boomed through the hall and Aero's laugh came next.

Bone gaped and Alister glared at his brothers before he stuck up the middle finger at them. He shook his head and walked off to go the garden to check on the roses. Alister ran after him and Frost followed too. All of them settled in the library while Bone watered the roses as the sun shined through the glass pavilion above him.

As the water sprinkled over the petals of the roses, Bone remembered the secret Atlas shared with him in confidence. He wondered if that was the real reason that he didn't wish to attend any formal gathering.

Bone glanced at Alister who was ruffling Frost's furry head. What was he going to do when he found out that his father lied to him about Atlas's birth? Would Alister be angry or hurt? Bone wasn't sure, so he understood why Atlas was afraid. This secret could break what they knew to be true all along.

Bone turned away and stared down at the roses hoping that whatever step Atlas took, that it wouldn't harm the bond the brothers had.

Suddenly, an arm gently wrapped around his waist and he felt this mate's lips on his neck.

"We're all alone but you're completely distracted," Alister said.

Bone leaned into his mate. "I was just thinking about your brothers," he said.

Alister pressed closer, so his strong chest was sturdy behind Bone and offered a comforting support. "Did they do something to offend you?"

"No," he said right away. "I'm just glad they have you protecting them, like you protect me."

"I'll always protect you," Alister whispered as he kissed him again.

Bone chuckled. "How are you supposed to do that while slacking from work?" he retorted. "Does Ragnar know you're hiding here?"

"If you won't tell anyone then no one will know," Alister jested as he teasingly bit Bone's neck making him yelp from the jolt of pleasure that shot through him.

"They're going to think I'm at fault for harbouring you from them," Bone retorted as he turned and faced him.

Alister's eyes were alluring. "You are at fault," he said as he leaned down and tilted his head back by putting his finger under Bone's chin. "I don't want to spend a moment without you."

Bone shuddered in his mate's arms while under his gaze. "Does that mean I won't be able to finish watering the roses?" he remarked.

Alister chuckled. "I wouldn't dare get between you and your roses," he said as he held his hands up and stepped aside.

Bone managed to finish up and clean the garden. The banquet was tomorrow and all of them were going to go together. He had a tuxedo ready for the occasion but something didn't feel right about all this. However, he's always been the type to worry a bit too much. He was sure with Alister and the other boys that everything would go smoothly. Besides, they were headed to another pack's territory which had to be safe and secure.

After dinner, everyone went to the game room and played a round of billiards. Bone didn't even know that they had an entire room dedicated for that, there was even a poker table too. Archer poured them all drinks. However, that was when Bone's phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket only to see his friend's name on the screen.

Bone stepped out of the room and answered right away. "King," he said. "Are you in trouble?"

"No," his friend replied. "I just missed you."

Bone's heart throbbed in his chest. He walked down the dimly-lit hall and took a seat on the steps. It's been a while since they spoke and he couldn't believe that King called him first. "Is the pack driving you crazy?" he jested.

King groaned. "I swear, you were the only sane one here," he voiced. "They are killing me. Killing me!"

Bone chuckled. "Are you sure?"

King sighed. "Fine, I'm sure I drive them crazy too," he admitted.

Bone could see his friend in front of him as they spoke. "I've missed you," he shared.

"How is it over there?" King asked. "Do you need anything?"

"No," Bone answered. "Everyone here has been very kind and accepting."

"They are lucky to have you," King said.

Bone would not have believed that two months ago. But now, he really did believe that he felt like he belonged here.

"You sound happy," King believed. "Happier than I've ever heard you."

Bone's eyes stung as he felt his friend's soft tone. "I know now how you feel, King," he said as the tear fell from the corner of his eye. "My mate really did heal the scars buried so deep they had made me hollow."

King drew a shaky breath. "I told you, didn't I," he said.

"I thought I didn't deserve it," Bone shared. "Alister, this pack, this family. Everyone feels like they are my own."

"I know, Bone, I know," King assured.

Bone wiped the tears down his cheeks. "It's all because you saved me from that cage," he acknowledged.

"I didn't do anything," he retorted.

Book shook his head. "Alister may have healed me, but you are the reason I survived."

King chuckled but it sounded sad. "What am I going to do with you, buddy?"

Bone chuckled back. "Come visit me," he said. "Bring Klaus too."

"They've all been dying to visit you," King shared. "Klaus, Leo, Dante and the others."

"Come for the wedding," Bone said.

King laughed. "Wedding!" he astonished. "Oh, how the tables have turned!"

"Shut up," Bone sniffled his nose while he was being teased.

"Well, I'm glad I called," King said. "I can stop worrying about you now."

Bone smiled. "Thank you, King."

"Don't get sentimental on me," King retorted.

Bone smiled as he held his friend's bond in his heart. "There's something else."

"Uh-oh," King remarked.

"Alister's been targeted twice by an enemy pack," Bone revealed.

"That's not surprising," King said. "Hold on, did you get hurt?"

"No," he assured. "But I'm worried about the council here. They don't seem keen on Alister being in charge, especially now that he killed an alpha already. Rafe Reynold."

King sighed. "I'm glad he's dead," he revealed.

Bone frowned. "You knew him?"

"Yeah," King said "We ran into one another once. Let me just say, not a fan."

Bone shook his head. "I'm worried others will try to attack Alister again," he said.

"That's the life of an alpha, Bone," King said.

"I know," he said. "And I will do whatever I can to protect my mate."

King's smile was felt through the phone. "It's nice to see this side of you," he said.

"What side?"

"Possessive," King said.

Bone's heart leaped as he agreed with his friend.

"Do you need my help?" King offered then.

Bone raked his hair back. "Thanks, but I think my pack has it handled," he said.

"Alright, I'll see you soon then," King said. "Good night."

"Good night," Bone said.

They cut the call but Bone sat on the steps for a while just lost in his thoughts. Until, the door creaked open and Alister appeared, he took a seat on the step next to him.

"Is everything alright?" he asked.

"King called," Bone answered.

Alister searched Bone's eyes and he saw that he had been crying. "Why are you sad?"

Bone shook his head. "Happy," he corrected.

Alister smiled. "I can always take you to visit if you miss them?"

"I think they're going to come here," Bone told him.

"Great," he sounded sarcastic.

Bone laughed since he knew how chaotic the Centauri pack wolves could be.

"I think my wolves might learn some bad habits if they hang out with Centauri pack too long," Alister voiced.

"Oh, they definitely will," Bone said.

"That's not reassuring," Alister grumbled.

Bone laughed before he leaned his head down on his mate's shoulder while overlooking the castle. Both of them didn't fill the silence with words but instead soaked in the bond that welded their souls together.

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