Bone awakened before dawn.

He had already freshened up and made himself a darkly roasted coffee before he made it up to the third floor of the castle. There was excitement buzzing through him as he walked to the library and garden that Alister gifted him. The move from the Centauri pack was difficult when he had to leave his library and garden but being here now surrounded by books and roses made it a whole lot better. He didn't even know that this was what he required to feel comfortable, yet Alister did and he must have worked so hard to prepare all this in time.

Bone opened the door and stepped into the cozy nook of the castle where books surrounded him and a smile creased his lips. The dark oak shelves and the leather chairs around the fireplace brought ease into his body, releasing the tension that had built around his stiff neck. He walked over to the chair and touched the leather remembering last night when he sat here reading to Alister. A desire pricked his heart that he could spend each and every night that way.

He turned and saw the glass doors to the greenhouse. Bone strode over and opened them wide before stepping into the garden. He didn't notice last night but he saw a work table on the right-hand side, that had equipment arranged orderly. There were aprons, gloves, watering utensils and others necessities, which was great because then he didn't need to go into town and purchase it all himself.

Bone viewed the white roses against the dark green hedges and wondered if Alister took care of all these flowers himself. He doubted that since Alister must be busy with pack work. Someone else must be in charge of this greenhouse. He took into account the flowery apron on the rack and guessed it belonged to the caretaker.

He remembered back home that he left his roses in Cherry Brighton's care. She was adamant to learn and he was happy to show her. She was also in charge of replacing him at the library at the Institute, which was a relief too. He didn't want to leave that precious place unguarded or left in the hands of someone incompetent either.

Bone grabbed the watering-can and filled it up with the hose on the side. He lifted it up once it was full and walked over to the first row of roses. He poured the water, that sprinkled out of the nozzle directly where the bushes began in the dark rich soil. The sweet fragrance surrounded him and he adored the pure blossoms, that were nothing but innocent. The white rose showed him just how beautiful life could be on the planet where heinous deeds took place day and night. He stared at a rose and he felt that the darkness was far, far away from him.

Yet, for some strange, magical reason, he viewed the white petals of the delicate flower and saw his mate. Bone drew in a shaky breath. This sensation in his chest was surreal and it only ever occurred whenever he thought of Alister. The kiss that they shared here in this garden lingered on his lips and he felt himself drowning.

How was he going to contain his heart? he wondered.

This pounding in his chest was immeasurable; he couldn't understand it. Was this how every other wolf felt when they met their mate? He didn't have an answer but he's seen his friends who have found their mates and they were absolutely feral for each other. Even his own friend, King Vitiello who he served as a butler for once had been appalled by the notion of a mate before he met Klaus Centauri. Bone still remembered the night King returned home after his encounter with Klaus and he realized that he was in love.

Bone never thought that he could feel that way about someone because of his past. But that changed when he met Alister. It was as if Maya, their goddess specifically sent them to one another because they completed each other in a way that nothing else could.

He glanced down at the white rose and felt as if the dark stem, those leaves and thorns were him. But the white, pure petals were Alister who had nothing but honour to his name and led a life that was remarkable. Bone saw himself in those thorns and the stiff stem that grew from the soil. If he was dark, then Alister was light.

This was why he told him not to tell the pack members yet of their bond. Bone wished to connect to the pack before they learned of anything, because what if they didn't accept him. He knew that it was likely to happen since he had a tainted past. His life was nothing to be proud of and he wished to keep it a secret.

Except, secrets weren't the best way to begin any new relationship.

Bone returned to the hose and filled up the basin with more water before he returned to the next spot by the glass window, when suddenly, he heard the door opening at the front. He turned to see if it was Alister who arrived. However, it was a woman who went straight to the table. She was dressed in a pink and red dress with white sandals and her golden-blonde hair had been left open around her slender shoulders.

Bone put the basin down and came over to her when he saw her bright green eyes. She jolted and let out a gasp from not being the only person in the greenhouse.

"You scared me," she put her hand on her hammering heart.

"Sorry," he said regretfully. "Are you a member of this pack?"

"Yes, I am," she smiled at him. "And you must be Bone."

It surprised him that she knew who he was without any introduction needed.

"I'm Poppy Greene-" she extended her hand out. "I was in charge of taking care of the greenhouse for your arrival."

So, Bone guessed it right when he thought that someone must be taking care of this garden. He accepted her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Poppy," he smiled back.

"It's my pleasure," she still kept shaking his hand. "I have been super excited to meet you. You are very handsome."

Bone's cheeks burned bright red. "Er- I wouldn't say that," he mumbled.

"Like prince charming," she said happily. "Do you like the garden?"

"I do," he said brightly. "You did a wonderful job."

Poppy beamed at him. "I wanted to do my best since Alister talked very highly of you," she said.

"It shows," he said. "The garden is beautiful."

They were still shaking hands.

"Oh, sorry," she let him go. "I babble when I get nervous."

Bone laughed. He didn't know much about this girl, but he knew that they were definitely going to get along.

She grabbed her apron and put it over her dress before joining him to water the other side of the roses. "So, you used to live with the Centauri pack, right?" she asked him.

"I did," he answered.

"What was that like?" Her eyes full off curiosity. "Everyone knows that the Centauri pack is basically royalty."

Bone couldn't disagree with her. "As highly as they are regarded in the world, they are kind and fun people," he told her. "But they protect each other no matter what and that was always commendable."

Poppy was captivated. "And have you met the Centauri family?" she asked.

Bone nodded. "I used to live with them," he said.

She almost dropped the water can from her hand but she managed to catch it before it spilled all over her. "Y-you used to live with them?" she astounded.

"Yeah," he chuckled because it sounded even surreal to him.

"Wow," Poppy was in awe.

"Have you always been part of the Black Crescent pack?" Bone asked her.

"Yup," she answered. "Born and raised in this pack."

"Is that how Alister found you to be the florist?"

"I actually don't know how he figured out that I was a florist," Poppy said. "I've never spoken to him until recently to be honest."

Bone frowned as he saw the bit of embarrassment on her face. It didn't take a genius to understand that the dynamic in this pack was a lot different than the one the Centauri pack had. The wolves here must not be close to Alister even though he offered protection and security.

"But I was glad when he asked me to take on this job," Poppy said then. "I love flowers and I was getting bored of my other job."

"What were you doing before this?" he asked.

"I was an accountant, it paid the bills," Poppy said with a sigh. "But my heart and soul has always been dedicated to flowers. I had a part-time job at a flower shop in town." She put the water can down and turned to pick up some dead leaves. "Alister approached me to build this garden and he told me he'd pay off my school debts. I couldn't decline and quit my jobs to pursue this full-time."

Bone smiled as he walked up to her. "You seem happy," he said.

"Oh, I love it," Poppy beamed. "Soil and flowers are all I care about."

"Me too," he said. "And books."

Poppy and Bone chatted away about books and flowers while he picked some blooming roses to de-thorn the stems and organize a bouquet. Poppy helped him as she asked more about the Centauri pack and his adventures with them. He told her that he was a librarian there and she was fascinated to hear that they had an Institute. Bone was hesitant to tell her about his past in the cages, so he just kept that part to himself like he usually did.

"Poppy, would you mind if I asked you to show me the pack territory today?" Bone asked her.

She smiled with her green eyes. "I would be delighted, Bone," she said. "I am the perfect guide."

Bone chuckled. "Thanks," he said.

Poppy put the scissors down then. "Why aren't you asking Alister?" she said. "He is your mate, right?"

Bone gaped at her. "Er- well,"

Poppy grew stern. "Did I say something wrong?" she said softly.

"Did he tell you that we're mates?" Bone asked.

"No, he didn't have to," Poppy said. "His dedication to building this garden was enough to let a girl know."

"Do other members of the pack know too?" he asked.

"I didn't tell anyone," Poppy said. "Besides, the wolves in this pack keep to themselves."

"Oh," he mumbled. Bone put the last rose into the greenish-blue vase and saw the array of white roses that surrounded the dark green leaves and stems. He would take it downstairs.

Suddenly, an alarm went off and Poppy pulled out her phone.

"You don't even know where two hours go by when you're having fun," she said.

"Are you leaving?" he asked as he got up.

"I will be back in the afternoon to check on the garden," Poppy said.

He nodded.

"Why don't I take you on a tour of the pack after breakfast?" Poppy asked as they both cleaned off their hands and equipment by the sink.

"Do you want to have breakfast together?" Bone asked as he wiped his hands on a towel, but then he noticed Poppy's wide eyes.

"Er- eat here?" she said.

"Yes," Bone said.

"In the castle?" she said.

Bone laughed. "Yes, Poppy," he told her.

"None of the pack wolves are allowed to roam the castle," Poppy said. "I just come here to work."

"Why not?" he asked knowing that in the Centauri manor, all the wolves were allowed to enter no matter what.

Poppy shrugged her shoulders. "That's just the way it is around here." She stepped into the library and he followed.

Both of them walked down the stairs over to the second floor and then the first floor while he held the vase. Bone insisted that she'd stay to eat with him, but she wasn't comfortable breaking the rules. So, he took her to the door as she stepped out where the sun basked over her appearance now that it had risen.

"I'll see you later," Bone said.

Poppy smiled. "It was nice meeting you," she said. "I feel like I made a friend."

Bone knew the feeling. "Me too," he said.

Poppy waved before she went down the stairs and he shut the door.

Bone turned and saw the majestic castle. He gathered that life here was different from what he was used to being around. This pack operated on different rules and he needed to learn them all if he was going to live here.

Well, for now, he needed to make breakfast because he was starving and he was sure that Alister and his brothers were too.

Heading off in the direction of the kitchen, Bone placed the vase on the table before he pulled out ingredients from the fridge to prepare a large breakfast spread. He had bacon, eggs and pancakes cooking on the stove as he cut strawberries on a massive plate and washed some green grapes too. There were oranges as well, so he made some freshly squeezed juice with them.

"How are you such a good cook?"

Bone turned at the voice of Archer and he was followed by Aero. Both brothers were walking into the kitchen, their eyes gleaming at the array of food.

"Good morning," he greeted them.

"Morning is better than good now the you're here," Aero said. "Everything looks delicious."

Bone smiled. "Dig in, it's all for you," he said.

Archer grabbed a piece of bacon and put it in his mouth. "Marry me," he said.

Aero nudged his brother playfully. "Be careful that Alister doesn't hear you," he warned.

Archer shrugged at the concern. "Alister doesn't wake up this early," he said.

Bone glanced at the clock and it was eight o'clock. "When does he wake up?"

"Around ten, sometimes much later," Archer answered.

Bone put more pancakes on a plate when Atlas arrived. He was in a pair of shorts, his torso bare but covered in a sheen of sweat, that darkened the tattoos all over him. Holding his phone that were connected to headphones, he went over and opened the fridge pulling out an icy-cold water bottle. Bone guessed that he probably just finished working-out.

"Hungry?" Bone asked him as he put down a large plate of pancakes.

Atlas glanced at Bone with his dark-blue eyes. "Yeah, thanks," his tone was rigid but low.

Bone let the brothers sit together as they ate the pancakes. He made himself another cup of coffee as he took a seat with them. He saw a black wolf padding into the kitchen then.

"Frost," he smiled as he bent down and greeted the pup. "Are you hungry?" The wolf licked Bone's hand in response. He knew what to give him because he used to take care of Zoya's pup back home. He saw some pieces of steak and cut up pieces to feed him.

"You should go wake him," Aero prompted then.

Bone looked at him.

Archer choked on his bite. "You want to send Bone to wake up our brother?" he said as he drank some juice.

"Yeah," Aero said. "Alister won't hurt Bone."

Archer was still choking on the idea of going to go wake up his brother.

"That's a bad idea," Atlas added on the side.

"Is he really that merciless in the morning?" Bone asked them.

"Total demon," Archer said.

"No, he's more like a wolf who hasn't eaten in three days," Aero corrected.

Bone laughed but the brothers were holding rigid expressions that meant they were serious.

"I doubt he'll do anything to you though," Aero said.

Bone would hate for Alister to miss breakfast and wondered that if he should go poke the wolf who was beastly in the morning. But he already had to deal with someone quite similar to that once. He remembered King and those tough mornings where he had to get the man out of bed. Alister couldn't be worse than King, could he? Well, there was only one way to find out.

Bone got up from his seat.

"If he tries to kill you, just scream and we'll come save you," Archer assured.

He saw the three brothers' apprehensive expressions before walking out and heading towards his mate's room. It's not that Bone was afraid of Alister that put the hesitation in his steps, but the fact that he's never seen Alister defenceless before. He walked up to his own bedroom and saw the door right next to it. Bone stepped in front before he knocked thrice, but as expected, there was no answer.

He decided that he'd just test his luck and opened the door himself. Stepping into the dark room, the curtains had been drawn, so there wasn't much light coming from anywhere. But there was a single ray of golden sun that peeked out from between the drapes and it was cutting through the dark. He shut the door behind him before he turned and saw the large bed. Bone distinguished the figure under the duvet and he couldn't see much else.

Bone took a few steps closer, trying to be as quiet as possible in the silence of the room. The only thing he could hear was the steady breath from his mate. He leaned forward and saw Alister's dark, tousled hair on the pillow and his arm resting above his head.

He couldn't help but smile as he realized that Alister wasn't completely in control of everything. He wasn't even aware that Bone was in the room and able to see him with his guard down.

He strode closer to the bed, Alister laid out under the duvet and he wondered what would happen if he touched him.

The method that worked on King was a loud alarm clock and that almost got Bone shot a few times. It was a brutal battle in the morning when he was a butler for that man. However, after King mated Klaus, it was always fascinating that King complied so easily to his mate's whim. But he never understood how that came to be, it was a strange miracle.

Bone glanced down at his mate before he walked over to the drapes and pulled them apart, letting in legions of light through the windows.

Alister grumbled in his sleep, his brows furrowed before he pulled away and turned from the light on his face.

Bone couldn't help but laugh a little. He came back over to the bed that was swimming in sunlight. How should he wake his mate up? he pondered. Should he call out to him? He wasn't even sure if that would work.

"Alister," he said gently. "I made breakfast." The man didn't move muscle, which wasn't surprising.

Bone came around the bed and sat next to his mate, that was when he noticed that his dark brows were still furrowed. He reached and touched the crease, letting it release calmly. He couldn't help himself when he ran his fingers through his dark hair, the strands were soft and thick.

"Alister," he whispered softly because he felt that if he didn't remind himself that he was really here, then he'd think this was a dream.

The man truly didn't budge from his sleep, it was even worse than King.

Bone bit his lip before he felt a bit daring. He leaned down and laid his lips on Alister's cheek, the stubble of his beard felt rough against his mouth, but he still gave him a soft kiss. He wasn't even sure if the alpha felt it in his deep sleep or not.

Suddenly, Bone's hand was seized and he gaped down at his mate's arctic-blue eyes.

"Y-you were awake," he tried to jump back, but that was impossible once Alister had his grip on him. He grabbed Bone and pulled him down to the bed, forcing him to sleep next to him.

Bone was as stiff as a board as he laid next to Alister who had fallen back asleep. But his strong arm was braced around his waist and holding him tightly.

"Alister," he called out.

Those arctic-blue eyes opened again. "Dream," he grumbled. "It's always a dream."

Bone's heart ached in his chest. "Do you think you're dreaming?" he whispered as he touched his mate's cheek. There wasn't anything he could do, but he didn't wish to remove himself from these strong arms either.

"Bone," Alister mumbled in his sleep. "Don't go."

He shut his eyes, drawing in a shaky breath. "I won't," he whispered.

Suddenly, he felt warm lips on his throat and he stiffened, his eyes snapped open as he realized that Alister was kissing him. But it didn't even seem like the man was even awake, he still thought that all of this was a dream.

Bone stayed quiet, biting his lip as he clutched the silk sheet under him. He wasn't sure why he laid here and endured this strange sensation, but he couldn't find himself to pull away. Bone desired to stay here and let himself be devoured. The lips on his neck were tantalizing, they were as if fire scorched his skin and left a mark that burned under his body and into his blood. He was left consumed in this dark, dangerously powerful need and it was bewildering.

Alister's hand trailed down Bone's torso over to his waist. He shifted off his side and leaned over Bone, his dark blue eyes hazed as if he was lost.

Bone's lips parted as he sucked in a breath as he saw how the sun carved the dignified lines of Alister's face. The high cheekbones, straight nose and those tempting lips that never once spoke harshly to Bone. He reached up and laid his fingers on them, Alister instinctively kissed the pads before he took one between his teeth and bit down. Bone flinched but it wasn't because he was afraid. There was a deep arousal that ignited in his soul that oozed out of him like smoke, engulfing them inside the dark together.

"Alister," Bone whispered.

Alister's eyes flashed. "Say it again," he rasped. "Say my name to me."

Bone saw his reflection in the pools of sapphire of his eyes, but this was the first time the image didn't bother him. "Alister," he spoke gently.

Alister made a satisfying sound that was like a deep growl. He lifted off Bone, his muscular arms supporting him as he revealed his bare torso chiseled with muscle and tattoos. However, that was when Bone noticed that the man wasn't even in a pair of slacks. He quickly looked away and stared at the wall by the bed.

How did he not realize sooner that Alister could be naked? Bone groaned to himself.

"Don't look away," Alister said.

Bone tried to suck in a breath but it was impossible when he was on this bed, that smelt like Alister dark pheromones and nothing else.

"You- you're-" Bone closed his eyes because he couldn't even allow himself to say it. He was a hopeless case.

He felt Alister's fingers circling his hand and he dared to open his eyes, but he made sure to keep his gaze locked onto to his mate's dreamy eyes. Alister lifted Bone's hand and brought it over to his chest, he placed it down, his palm was warm against his hot skin but he could feel the powerful rhythm of his heart.

Bone sucked in a sharp breath.

Alister closed his eyes and his expression darkened as if the hand on him was causing grave torment. Bone tried to pull away because he didn't want him in pain. But Alister refused to let him go, so he wasn't sure what to do. Instead, Alister slowly glided their hands down towards the carved abdomen, the dark ink covering the scars.

"Alister," his own tone became a growl itself.

Alister's eyes were like twin flames; hot and dangerous. He stopped their hands right above the scripture tattoo in a foreign language. Bone was grateful because any lower and he would have been in trouble.

"Even in my dream, you're shy," Alister pointed out.

Bone stared at him. "How many times have you dreamed of me?" he asked.

"Every night," Alister answered darkly. "Every night, thoughts of you plague me."

Bone's eyes widened as his heart felt like it was going to explode inside him. "I- I'm sorry," he mumbled.

Alister dropped their hands before he bent down and brought their faces close together. "You should be," he whispered. "I'm a mess."

A laugh escaped from his lips, he couldn't help it. If Alister thought that he was a mess, then Bone was a disaster walking around.

Alister leaned down, his eyes fascinated as he trailed down to Bone's smiling lips. "It's unfair how beautiful you are," he said.

Bone shuddered as their bodies pressed together and Alister laid his lips over his mouth. The kiss was electric, it jolted down Bone's body and he forgot about everything around them. The sun was out but it wasn't even close to the heat seeping out of Alister right now. He tilted his head, deepening the kiss. Bone held onto him, his hands felt the muscles of his back flexing under his palms. He couldn't breathe, his mind scrambled and he was being pulled closer and closer to giving into the dark arousal blooming between them.

Suddenly, Alister came to a halt and his entire body turned as stiff as a statue. "Bone," his tone was rigid.

Bone blinked as he saw recognition in his arctic-blue eyes. "Good morning," he said.

Alister gaped down at him. "Y- you-" he studied the position they were in before he jumped off the bed and raked his dark, tousled hair out of his eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to wake you up," Bone kept his eyes averted.

Alister quickly grabbed a robe and covered himself. "Who put you up to this?" he growled. "I know it was Archer."

Bone had the need to defend those brothers. "No, I came on my own," he assured. "I just didn't expect you to-" do everything they just did in this bed.

Alister grumbled a curse. "Did I hurt you?" his tone lashed with concern.

Bone shook his head. "No," he assured. "I would've stopped you even if you had tried."

Alister covered his face before he griped the bridge of his nose. "Next time, just punch me in the face if I pounce on you in my sleep," he grumbled.

"I won't punch you," Bone said. He had other methods that could disarm a person without it getting violent.

Alister stood in his dark robe, his bare feet planted on the rug as he tried to find the words. "I'm sorry if I pushed you too far," he sighed.

Bone sat on the bed as he faced him. "You didn't," he answered because he found no need to keep that truth hidden since it was probably clearly written on his face.

Alister didn't seem relieved though.

"You should freshen up," Bone got to his feet. "I made breakfast and your brothers are already eating."

Alister's eyes seemed lost. "You've only been here a day and you're already taking care of everyone," he said. "Thank you for helping my brothers."

Bone smiled. "Even Frost is downstairs before you," he jested. "Come on, get ready."

Alister went towards the bathroom door. "Don't leave," he said. "I'll be quick." He disappeared behind the door and Bone heard the shower turn on full-speed.

And Alister was swift, Bone had just finished cleaning up the bed sheets and setting them perfectly straight, fixing the pillows before Alister stepped out of the bathroom in robe, a towel drying his dark damp hair. Bone busied himself with the arrangement of the pillows as Alister went to his closet and stepped into the separate room.

He waited by the bed for a few moments before Alister stepped out in a dark t-shirt that clung to his muscular body like skin and a pair of dark trousers. His hair had been raked back and the scent of forest pine body-wash clung to him.

"Let's go," he held his hand out.

Bone went over to him and accepted the hand. Both of them went downstairs to the kitchen where Frost, Aero, Archer and Atlas were still eating. Alister joined the midst of his siblings and they greeted him as Bone took a seat on the tall stool to finish his own breakfast.

The moment Alister moved away to the coffee machine, Archer leaned in. "Did he try to kill you?" he asked.

Bone glanced at his mate who was ruffling Frost's head and waiting for his coffee to finish being poured into the cup. "No, it seems I was immune," he said because death wasn't his concern. The next time he approached Alister in bed, it might lead to him being devoured in a whole different way.

"Wow," Archer astounded as he sat back. "That's not fair."

Aero laughed. "He just doesn't like us," he said to his brother.

"Look at him," Archer glowered at his brother. "Total menace."

"I heard that," Alister grumbled as he grabbed his mug.

"You were supposed to," Archer retorted.

Alister joined the group at the table and sat down. He ate a full plate of pancakes and Bone noticed that he liked maple syrup a lot, that it practically drenched each bite he took yet he preferred his coffee black. He was learning more and more while being so close to him.

"If I'm going to be cooking for us, is there anything you guys don't eat?" he asked them.

The brothers exchanged a look before they answered cheerfully that they ate pretty much anything and everything, and they didn't have any allergies either. Bone took that into account and would arrange dinner accordingly.

"Are you really going to keep cooking for us?" Aero asked.

"You don't have to if it's a bother," Archer said.

Bone shook his head. "It's nothing like that," he shared. "I like cooking for the people I care about." He got up from his seat and took his plate to the sink to wash, so he wasn't able to see the surprised look on the faces behind him.

Suddenly, the doorbell went off and Bone realized that it must be Poppy.

Bone shut the tap off and darted to the door. He went and opened it and Poppy stood with a smile.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Yeah, I-"

"What's going on?" Alister appeared, his tone intimidating that Poppy stepped back, straightening her posture. "Poppy," he greeted her and she smiled nervously.

Bone faced his mate. "I forgot to tell you that Poppy is going to give me a tour of the pack territory," he said.

Alister's frown darkened his expression, so it was clear that he didn't approve of this plan. "I will have Archer show you the pack," he said sternly.

"Archer already has too much on his hands," Bone said. "I'm fine with Poppy being my guide."

Alister's jaw tightened and he didn't seem pleased at all. "Fine," he gave in. "Call me if anything happens."

Bone smiled. "Sure," he said wondering if Alister forgot that he knew how to fight as well.

"I'll take good care of him," Poppy assured her alpha.

Alister gave a curt nod.

Bone should probably grab jacket. "Hold on, Poppy," he said. "I just need something to-"

Alister had stepped to the side and opened the small closet by the door where he pulled out a wool coat. "Here," he said. "Wear this, it'll keep you warm."

Bone took it and put it on. "Thanks," he said before he stepped out of the castle doors. "I'll see you later." He waved and Alister's eyes brightened under the sun.

Poppy and Bone walked down the stairs together and he didn't know when Alister closed the door behind them.

"I don't know how you can even talk to him," Poppy said then. "He's really scary."

Bone understood her because that's how he felt when he met Alister for the first time. "He's harmless once you get to know him," he shared.

Poppy laughed. "Harmless," she astounded. "I don't think anyone in the pack has ever used that word to describe our alpha before."

Bone wondered what could be done for the pack to help them understand that Alister wasn't a threat to them.

"Alright," Poppy was back to her cheery self now that they were away from the castle. "I am your official tour guide for the Black Crescent pack."

Bone chuckled at her enthusiasm.

They walked down the dark, green field over to the tall trees and it was beautiful. The forest was full of life, the crisp and cold breeze ruffled the leaves that were turning orange and red with the glow from the warm sun. There was a kiss of morning mist across the ferns and bushes since it was still early. He spotted chipmunks, squirrels and some deer too. Every leaf on every tree shined, it brought the wolf from within his core to the surface to run through the land.

"This pack was founded in 1814 by the notorious alpha, Lycan Black," Poppy said. "He was known to be a ruthless but fair leader."

Lycan Black, Bone noted the last name and immediately knew that it was Alister's ancestor. That meant that his family has been running this pack for a very long time. It was impressive.

"This pack started off as a small group of wolves who descended from the northern mountains," Poppy explained as they followed a clear trail through the woods. "My great-grandparents were also in this pack, then my grandparents, parents and then me."

"That's amazing, Poppy," Bone said. He didn't have such a lineage that could be documented so far back.

"Thanks, it's something my parents were very proud of," Poppy chuckled. "Now, let me introduce the Crescent forest where the pack resides." She presented a massive field beyond the trees where there were a bunch of cabins around the area and loads of people roamed around freely.

Bone smiled at the sight and recognized that this was the beauty of a pack. Being together and enjoying the company of their kin, so they didn't have to hide their powers from anyone.

"We have about two hundred families residing here," Poppy said.

Bone gaped. "That's more than the Centauri pack," he said.

Poppy was surprised to hear that.

Bone spotted the group of pups running around, some in their human form and the others were small wolves jumping in mud. He wished he could have brought something sweet for them. Chocolate-chip cookies always worked the best with pups. Hailey Swan taught him that.

They walked together and Bone greeted a few people. Poppy was quick to introduce him as a new member of the pack, since he told her he wished to keep his bond with Alister a secret for now. Everyone was happy to meet him and joined along the tour. They shared more information of the pack and little secrets of their mysterious but scary alpha. Everyone respected Alister, but they also feared him enough to keep their distance.

A bunch of pups came rushing up to Bone and told him that there was a creek they all loved to play. Bone tagged along and Poppy did too. All of them walked over to the small body of water that had rocks under it. He adored the sight and the cool touch of water when he dipped his hand in it. The pups had already shifted into their wolf form and were jumping around. Poppy had to stop them from splashing water on Bone. But thankfully with the jacket he had, he was able to stay warm.

He noticed the half bridge on the side of the creek and a few men were working together to build it. "What's going on there?" he asked.

Poppy looked in that direction. "Oh, the enforcers are building a bridge for the pack wolves, so we can cross the creek safely," she answered.

Continuing with the tour, Poppy took Bone over to the large waterfall at the back of the forest and it was a beautiful sight. But she warned him that this was a rough terrain and not to come here, since he was still new to the territory and it could be unsafe. He followed after her as they walked over to the cabins and she showed her own home. Poppy invited him for a drink.

Before they even stepped inside, he noticed the beautiful, purple and pink dahlias planted in front of the house near the stairs creating a border. She kept her home clean and it definitely matched her buoyant personality. The walls were covered in detailed wallpaper and bright colours. She had a pink couch and a table that replicated a slab of wood with a pearl finish. Even her fridge was a soft blue that matched the cabinets.

"You have a beautiful home, Poppy," Bone said as he took a seat and spotted the photo on the table. It was a couple, smiling with their arms around Poppy.

"Thanks," Poppy said. "Do you want lemonade or tea?"

"Lemonade," he said.

She opened the fridge and grabbed a jug that was full to the brim. She poured some of that into two tall glasses before joining him on the couch. He grabbed the cup and took a sip, that was refreshing after being in the forest.

"Are these your parents?" he asked.

Poppy glanced at the photo and a sadness appeared in her eyes. "Yeah," she smiled as she took a sip from her glass.

It didn't take him long to realize that her parents must not be with her any longer. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"No, it's alright-" Poppy intervened. "My parents passed away a few years ago."

Bone didn't know how own parents, but he was sure that pain must be hard to endure. "They raised an exceptional daughter," he said.

Poppy beamed at him with a radiant smile. "I'm so glad I met you," she said.

Bone lifted his glass to her. "Me too," they clinked the glasses together. "Hey, do you want to help me win the pups over?"

Poppy chuckled. "I think they already adore you," she said. "They like anyone that plays with them."

"I think I have something that might work even better," he said as he put his glass down.

Poppy stared at him. "What?"

"Cookies," Bone answered. 

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