Steam rose from the multiple grills, as pack members devoured the deliciously seasoned barbecue by Klaus himself for the night. Everyone loved a good, hearty platter of Centauri style barbecue and if someone didn't then; they were either lying or they had come to love it after the first bite of the primed ribs that were juicy and scandalous. The jalapeño sausages with extra cheese melted over top were aa game-changer too and Klaus loved making them.

Once everyone had their fair share of food, Klaus urged Sabrina, Lazarus and Vadik to go eat while the food was still hot. They left, but Bone hadn't because he was perfectly fine eating while standing beside Klaus. Leo and Dante were great helpers after they finished eating too. They made sure that every table had what they needed and Klaus didn't need to worry about anything.

As he was focused on the grills, suddenly lips met Klaus's cheek and he knew right away it was King. "Aren't you going to eat?" King asked as he lazily leaned next to Klaus.

"I'm not that hungry," replied Klaus.

"That happens when you're cooking," said Bone as he stuffed a big chunk of sweet and sour pork into his open mouth.

King raised a brow at his butler. "Apparently not to everyone," he muttered making Klaus laugh.

Leo came over with an empty tray. "More sausages and beef needed at table 13," he said as if he worked at a restaurant and not his home.

Klaus laughed at the boy's charm. Leo held the tray steady as Klaus filled it up with more of what was needed. "Don't fall," he warned the kid.

Leo rolled his eyes. "I never fall," he muttered smugly. "I can't say anything for Dante though."

Dante frowned making Leo laugh brightly. "Can I get some smoked-ribs and chicken legs?" he requested of Klaus.

Klaus sent Leo first, so the boys wouldn't collide together in the rush. Dante didn't need any warnings or cautions from Klaus, because Dante knew how to take care of himself and his buddy Leo without getting in trouble. Klaus watched the two boys navigate through the tables and it seemed his little helpers weren't just great students, but excellent waiters too.

"Bone, can you take over?" King asked as he grabbed the hot tongs from Klaus's hand.

"Yeah, sure," said Bone as he moved to position in front of the grills.

"Huh?" Klaus before he knew was being pulled to the side near two private chairs.

"Enjoy yourself, Klaus," said Bone. "I got it."

Klaus looked up at King befuddled. "But I'm not hungry," he said. King didn't hear him or ignored him was more like it.

"Sit," ordered King and Klaus reluctantly sat down on the wooden chair.

He crossed his legs on it and sat in front of his mate. It seemed like they never had a quiet moment until now, which was nice. Klaus watched King as he prepared a platter of meats, some veggies and lots of meat. He grabbed a fork and then sat with Klaus. King dipped the chicken pieces into hot spicy sauce and then brought it to Klaus's lips. Klaus looked at the bite before he looked up at King's sapphire eyes, that were lovable but stubborn. Klaus knew that the only way to get out of this situation was to be a good boy and listen.

Klaus opened his mouth and ate the chicken piece, that had the perfect crunch to it. "Maybe a bit more salt next time," he muttered his suggestions as King continued to feed him. Klaus knew that he could fully well grab the fork and plate to eat himself, but when was he ever going to get a chance to have King feed him.

Something in King's blue eyes worried Klaus. "What's wrong?" asked Klaus.

"You're really good with kids," he said. "And I realized that we can't have any."

Klaus bit back his smile. "I don't need any," he said as he reached for another bite. "I'm too busy taking care of you anyways."

King laughed. "Who's taking care of who?" he asked as he held the fork to feed Klaus. "I'm not good with kids, so I guess it works out fine."

"What are you saying?" said Klaus. "You did great with Leo, Dante and the rest of them."

"Those pups are too full of themselves," scoffed King.

Klaus fixed the collar of King's denim jacket. "Has it ever occurred that they actually like you?" he professed.

King frowned. "Not really," he admitted as he fed Klaus a sautéed broccoli.

Klaus didn't notice at first since he was so busy being fed, but when he saw Ryder being thrown across the field, he shook his head and knew right away what was going down. The annual Centauri brawl meant the ruthless competition had begun.

"Here we go again," Klaus sighed.

King frowned. "What happened?" Klaus motioned behind him and King turned to find a group of wolves wrestling in the middle of the field. "What the hell?" he sounded very confused.

"Klaus! Klaus!" Bone appeared panicked as he scampered over the Klaus's side, his blue eyes bewildered. "Your pack is fighting! I look away for one second and the twins are ripping each other's head off!" Bone saw Klaus's blank expression as he merely grabbed the plate from King and continued his meal. "You don't seem to be panicking," he pointed out, clearly as confused as King was too.

"This is normal," said Klaus as he watched River's wolf beating up Ryder and Vincent. Viola and Azura had joined the fight too; it was clear that the girls were having just as much fun by beating the crap out of Ryder and Vincent.

"Killing each other is normal," astounded King.

"They're only playing with each other," Klaus said that too fast because River's colossal wolf hurled Ryder against the tree. They all winced by the aggression. "Well, they are playing. No one ever got badly hurt."

"Just when I thought your pack couldn't get any stranger," remarked King.

Zeiden appeared holding his niece. "King," he called out. "Gabriel wants to talk to you."

"About what?" asked King.

"He didn't say," said Zeiden. "But he said that if you don't come to him in the next five minutes, that he's going to fight you on the field and you won't like the outcome."

Klaus laughed. "You better run, King," he nudged his mate onto his feet. "He's scary when he's angry." King rolled his eyes and already looked exhausted by the tedious task.

"Your brother really knows how to test my patience," King remarked to Klaus.

Klaus grinned up from his plate. "But you're going to listen regardless because you do it for me, right?" he asked.

King sulked as he regarded Klaus who was quite chirpy. King mumbled something under his breath and went off with Zeiden, back to the house where Gabriel probably was with Zero.

Klaus finished eating everything on the plate, when they joined the other pack members near the benches. They finished eating and everyone had cleaned the tables. The fights continued and many of the lost or won, but all of them had fun, which was what mattered at the end.

Klaus was lounging on the benches, both of them had finished a good chuck of the taffy bars. Throughout the half an hour, Bone who had been very quiet; it was like this ever since the fights started. King still hadn't returned from the house, so Klaus couldn't ask him about what happened to Bone. So, he tried to get the answers himself.

"Are you okay?" asked Klaus.

Bone's pale blue eyes seemed fragile just as much as thin glass would. Bone hadn't uttered a sound and it wasn't because he was trying to be rude, but because he couldn't find his voice.

"Bone," Klaus used a low, soft tone. "What's wrong, buddy?" Klaus searched Bone's eyes for the answer, but all he got was vulnerability and seclusion.

A shattering misery that looked tortured to the point of no return had screamed at Klaus merely by looking into Bone's eyes. Klaus's heart ached for the sadness he saw in Bone, he didn't understand and he was getting worried for Bone. Then it clicked when Klaus saw the fights on the field. Klaus remembered the amount of times that King told him how hard the times in the cage fights was for him and for Bone. Those memories had resurfaced and were haunting Bone once again.

Klaus moved fast. He pulled Bone away from the group and took him near the school kids who were carving pumpkins. "It's okay, Bone," said Klaus. "You're safe now." Bone's eyes finally had some realization fester in them. He looked up and met Klaus's gaze.

"Klaus," his voice came out in a shaky breath.

Klaus smiled in relief. "Yeah, it's me," he said. "You blanked out there, buddy."

Bone's legs gave out and he took a seat on the closest bench. His head fell into his hands and he seemed exhausted, like the memories he relived sapped the life out of completely.

"I'm sorry, I should've known that this would be hard on you," said Klaus.

Bone shook his head. "This rarely happens to me," he told him. "I don't know why-"

"It's fine-" Klaus crouched down- "don't think about it now."

Bone looked at Klaus, a sorrow pooled out from his small smile. "Sorry, I concerned you," he croaked.

"No, don't say that," whispered Klaus. "I'm here for you, Bone. Always will be." Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed through Klaus's heart. He stiffened and if Bone hadn't grabbed him, he would have fallen over.

"You okay?" asked Bone.

Klaus looked up in fear. "King!" he got to his feet and ran to the house. Klaus rushed onto the porch where he found King standing alone staring blankly at the fight on the field. "Don't look," exclaimed Klaus. King heard his voice and looked his way before he was knocked back by the force of Klaus's hug. "Don't look if it hurts," he said as he tightened his arms around King.

"What are you talking about?" asked King as he hugged Klaus back.

"This reminds you of your cage fights, doesn't it?" he said more than asked because he knew what pain he felt earlier.

King braced. "How'd you know?" he was stunned.

Klaus pulled him closer. "I'm sorry it hurts you," he said. "I'll tell them to stop."

King's arms prevented Klaus from pulling back and stopping the pack this instant. "This is fine too," he breathed in taking in the fresh air and Klaus's scent as he hugged Klaus closer.

Klaus didn't know how much time passed when King spoke again.

"You know, staying embraced like this is truly a dream come true," whispered King. "But if we stay like this for another second, I'm going to take you to your bedroom."

Klaus pulled back and frowned at him. "I was trying to comfort you," he said.

"And I love you for that," King's eyes gleamed with fascination, "but I always have wicked intentions when it comes to you, Klaus. You should know this by now." Klaus sulked and went inside the house, King followed with a smirk playing on his lips.

"I need a cupcake," mumbled Klaus. "Comforting you is hard work." Klaus unpeeled the black wrapping on the vanilla cupcake, that had purple icing and small ghost candies on it.

King chuckled. "It's not that hard," he jested. "You, preferably naked and locked in a room with me would do the job nicely."

Klaus almost choked on the pastry. "You know, that's still hard work," he struggled to speak. King quickly handed him a glass of fruit-punch.

King leaned on the table closing the space between their faces. "You still didn't answer my question," his tone was stern, low and very curious.

"What question?" asked Klaus as he put the glass down.

King tilted his head. "How'd you know to come to me just now?" he tested, his brows furrowing and his jaw tightened.

Klaus looked into his sapphire eyes. "I felt it-" he put his hand over his heart- "in here."

He didn't really understand himself what he had meant when he told King that, because Klaus didn't know how he knew himself. The sharp pain that ripped through his heart that moment was a warning that his mate was in trouble; it had to be since Klaus had given up his heart in this mating. He had fallen madly in love, which could be the only explanation behind how he knew that King was hurting.

King straightened, a gloom seeped into his formidable blue eyes. He circled the table and stood in front of Klaus, he put his arm around Klaus and hugged him close. "Don't ever leave me," he said with a wretched but strong tone.

Klaus put his arms around him too. He would've promised King that he'd be by his side until eternity, but something held his tongue. Maybe it was fear or something much darker that Klaus hadn't healed from yet.

Klaus pulled away. "Eat a cupcake," he goaded holding his half-eaten cupcake up at King. "And don't go outside until everyone is done. I'm going to go get Bone."

"Bone?" asked King as he grabbed the pastry from Klaus's hand. "What happened to Bone?"

"He reacted the same as you," said Klaus, his frown returning. "I helped him before running to you."

King put the cupcake down. "Where is the man?" he asked.

"Over at the pumpkin carving station," answered Klaus.

"No, I'm right here," Bone's voice interrupted them.

"Bone," King and Klaus crowded the man near the front door. Klaus was glad to see that Bone's colour had returned and the light in his eyes too. "Are you okay?" asked King, and Klaus was surprised but glad to hear the concern in King's voice.

"I'm doing better now," said Bone as he walked past them into the kitchen getting a drink of the fruit-punch. "Carving a pumpkin with Leo and Dante helped me out."

Klaus's ear perked. "Leo and Dante?" he inquired.

Bone nodded, as he drank the beverage delightfully. "They carved pumpkins with me," he said when his voice went quiet and he stared down at the glass. Klaus and King shared a concerned look before Bone spoke again; "You have some remarkable students, Klaus. Truly, I've never met a group of kids like that before. I can see that you have a great influence over them."

King straightened. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked more sternly, looking into Bone's eyes for the truth.

Bone nodded. "I'm fine," he said. "What about you?"

King looked over his shoulder to Klaus and smiled. "I'm fine too," he said.

This incident was definitely a bad one, but something good came out of this too, thought Klaus. He realized just how much these two needed each other. However, Klaus now had a tougher task at hand. He had to convince both King and Bone to join the Centauri pack. Otherwise, this would get a bit difficult for everyone, especially Klaus who'd have to choose between his pack or his mate.

It was reaching around ten o'clock when everyone shifted into the house. All the pack members gathered into the living room and kitchen. The weather had gotten pretty cold outside and most of the pups had returned to their homes with their parents. The older students were still lounging around the benches and bonfire, some mated pairs sat near the bonfire too.

Klaus hadn't realized when the alphas had gathered in the living room with their betas. The air thickened from the tension around them and now the real discussion was about to begin, which was the main reason they all gathered tonight. Klaus joined them too and usually he would've stood near his sister, but now, King had already reserved him a spot next to him. The both stood together as the seats were occupied by the other mated couples.

Isaiah sat with Ashley who was cradling Evelyn on her lap, and his pack members stood next to him. Alec and Vadik were standing near the fire and both of them had crossed their arms looking pretty grim if anyone asked. Zach was sitting with Evangeline and Dimitri was barely awake on Victor's lap, Klaus was sure that any moment, his small head would drop onto Victor's chest and he'd pass out from all the fun he had today.

Hailey was sitting with Hunter and Viola was with them too. The rest of the Centauri pack members were gathered around Gabriel who was sitting with Sabrina. They were all lounging across from Klaus and the one standing in front of all of them was Zero.

"So, I heard that Marcello is our next target," Zachariah broke the silence first.

"You heard right," confirmed Gabriel.

"Target, as in we're going to end his nightmares by putting him in the grave?" asked Lazarus.

King laughed a little at that but no one saw except Klaus. "Oh boy," King mumbled grimly.

"Why are you always in a mood to kill?" Zeiden teased his brother.

"There is something wrong with him," mumbled Vincent. They all laughed and Lazarus glowered further like he was perfectly fine planning a murder in front of his niece Evelyn.

"As in we're going to get him on our side, Lazarus," corrected Gabriel.

"Marcello?" astounded Isaiah. "You want him on your side. Are you serious?"

"Do you need to ask," remarked Alec. "Have you ever seen Gabriel make a joke before?" Isaiah had to agree and Gabriel rolled his eyes.

"What's the point in all this?" asked Isaiah.

"He's a rogue, Gabriel," said Lazarus, agreeing with Isaiah. "Marcello won't be any use to you. He'll probably send us more body bags than good news."

"I'm not trying to get Marcello on my side because I think he'll be useful," said Gabriel.

"The why are you bothering yourself with him?" asked Hunter, when his daunting gaze turned to King and Zero. "He's clearly dangerous and he's already hurt two of our wolves."

Klaus wanted to know what Gabriel would say, but he stayed quiet. Gabriel's eyes went to Zero who had her back to them. But Klaus could see her profile from where he stood and Zero's face showed no emotion; in fact, that was what worried Klaus so much. She looked almost peaceful as her eyes surveyed the kids sitting outside on the benches near the bonfire.

"I don't think it's smart going to Marcello either," believed Zachariah.

Klaus didn't say anything, but he thought everyone was being a bit too harsh towards Marcello. Not that Klaus trusted the man either, he almost killed King and Zero. However, over the years, the one thing Klaus learned was that everyone had a story behind why they did what they do. Klaus needed to know if everyone here was willing to learn Marcello's story. And right now, standing with his mate, it didn't seem like everyone was on board with Gabriel.

"Maybe, we should reconsider our options," suggested Alec. "Is there anyone other than Marcello we can recruit?"

"No, I want him," affirmed Gabriel.

"Why?" King asked, his sudden voice surprised the group and even Klaus didn't expect King to speak in this matter.

Gabriel got to his feet and paced over to the front of them. "I know that all of you understand how hard it is to ask for help," he said. "Just like Marcello, each and every one of you came to me once and I reached out. So, let's help him. Together."

"Marcello's not asking for help though," rebuked Isaiah. "I've met the man once and he's very content where he is."

"No, he's not," said King. "Marcello's not the facade he puts up. It's fake, all of it."

"But he's done shady shit over the years, King," countered Lazarus. "Stuff that even we didn't do to this day."

"Then we stop him," alleged Zachariah. "Before he causes more harm. Let's think about friendship later."

"I'm still stuck on why we're wasting our time on him," remarked Alec. "I don't want to save someone who doesn't want to be saved."

"And I don't want to fight a useless battle for no reason," chided Isaiah.

Amongst the voices that were arguing at this point, Evelyn cried out and moved her face towards Ashley. Zero caught it just as much as Klaus had. Ashley cuddled her pup closer and Zero saw that small motherly instinct in Ashley to protect her pup from harm. The voices hushed and grew quiet simply from the pup's cry.

Zero crossed the room, holding her arms out. "Can I?" she asked Ashley politely. They had never seen it before, because it felt impossible for a woman like Zero, but she got down on one knee in front of Ashley.

"Of course," said Ashley, before she passed Evelyn to the safest arms there could possible exist- apart from the pup's parents.

Everyone watched as the smile on Evelyn's face grew. Zero smiled down at the baby and kissed her head. It felt as if Zero had blessed the pup, like she was a guardian angel watching over Evelyn.

Zero got to her powerful height, she held the pup with an arm and caressed Evelyn's soft red cheek. "This is who we fight for," Zero proclaimed. "Protecting the pups and giving them a safer world. A world without men like Marcello making wrong choices merely because they are lost."

"Let's help Marcello from making those choices again," added Gabriel. "We're the only ones that can do it."

They all shared a look before they gave in. Klaus knew that no one could reject once Gabriel had a planned a crusade and if Zero joined too, then it was impossible to resist.

"Only for you, Gabriel and Zero," said Isaiah. "I swear, if it was anyone else, I would've killed them by now."

Gabriel smirked. "That's reassuring," he said.

Zero passed Evelyn to Ashley. "She's a beauty," she whispered. "Alright, I should head home."

"We should too," said Zachariah, getting to his feet. "It's a long drive home and if you want to meet tomorrow then we all need sleep."

"You could just crash here for the night?" suggested Sabrina. "God knows we have the room."

"Good idea," Gabriel chimed in. "There's no need to go back to your homes then meet here again in less than nine hours."

"Are you sure?" asked Isaiah.

"Yeah, it'll be fun," said Gabriel.

"We have tons of extra guest bedrooms," added Klaus. "I can get them ready for all of you."

Gabriel patted Klaus. "Thanks," he said as he moved between the alphas and discussed how to go about tomorrow's plans.

"Seems like I have to wake up early again," drawled King as he glowered.

Klaus chuckled. "Waking up early isn't all that bad," he claimed, as he made his way over to the stairs. King followed too as Klaus made the rounds to all the rooms. He opened the windows and checked all the drawers for spare towels, brushes and other necessities.

Gabriel appeared in the hall and approached King at the entrance of the door as Klaus was in the room. "Klaus, where's the projector? Sabrina's asking for it."

Klaus's ears perked inside the bedroom. "For movie night?" he asked.

"Yeah," Gabriel answered.

"It's in the garage," said Klaus. "In a blue box on the first left shelf as you enter."

"Okay, thanks," said Gabriel. Klaus made it out of the room before his brother left.

"Are you setting it up in the house?" Klaus asked.

"I don't know," said Gabriel. "The girls thought it'd be fun to do it outside, I think."

Klaus nodded. "Set it up outside, there's more room," he told him and he was just about to leave to relay the message, but King stopped him.

"You planned this," stated King. "Didn't you?"

Gabriel raised a brow. "I don't know what you are talking about," he said.

"Er- planned what?" asked Klaus. "Movie night?"

"Meeting me first," clarified King. "Then knowing that Marcello would attack you." Klaus stiffened and he faced his brother who stood quite strict with no sign of acknowledgement.

"I admit that both of you were my target," said Gabriel, his golden gaze was scarier in the darkness of the hall. "But even I can't play god," he said. "I couldn't plan for coincidences."

King frowned. "Coincidence?" he inquired. "What are you talking about?"

Gabriel looked at Klaus, his brother always had a resilient expression whenever he looked at his younger siblings. He was unmovable, entrenched like the roots of the forest that kept their entire pack safe.

"I didn't know that the key to saving you was my brother, King," asserted Gabriel.

Klaus looked at King who was simply lost in Gabriel. "And you knew I wanted to be saved?" asked King.

"Of course, I did," said Gabriel, "because the loneliness I saw in your eyes was the same one I saw in Marcello."

"Why are you doing this?" King asked, with a bit of force in his voice. "Why are you helping people like me?"

Gabriel put his hand on King's shoulder. "Because I don't want people making the wrong choice simply because they're alone," his voice resonated in Klaus and he was sure that it cut through King too.

"Some people suffer too much pain to let it go, Gabriel," said King. "And the wolves downstairs know that."

Gabriel grinned, his eyes flashed feral. "There wasn't anyone I met to this day, that didn't want to saved," he said. "I was saved once too." King gaped, but Klaus already knew what Gabriel spoke of with such passion. "You lose your way a lot in our line of business, King."

"I know," King sighed tiredly.

"I did too," said Gabriel, his eyes met Klaus's excepting to see sadness, maybe shame, but Klaus never showed those things to Gabriel because he didn't deserve it. Klaus only showed pride and love to his brother. "But I was showed a better way to help our kind. And Zero was the one who did that for me."

"Zero," said King with a hint of surprise.

"She could've killed me for the shit I was doing," said Gabriel bluntly. "But she chose different. She chose to make me a better person."

King smirked. "Someone told Gabriel Centauri what to do?" he astounded. "She did the impossible."

Gabriel laughed. "She's known to do just those," he said fondly. "Zero saved me for a reason. Now, I save those who need my hand and not the end of my blade."

Gabriel left them standing in the hall. King didn't move for a good while, as he stared in the direction that Gabriel had walked away. Klaus didn't bother him, he simply left King as he checked the rest of the bedrooms.

"Hopefully, Gabriel can get Marcello to understand," said King as Klaus returned.

Klaus grinned. "He got into King Vitiello's head and heart," he revelled. "I think Marcello will be pretty easy."

King raised a brow. "Oh really," he said. "You still don't see the scheme your brother played. He used you to get to me."

"That's fine," Klaus shrugged a shoulder. "My brother would never lead my astray."

"Some faith you have in him," said King.

"And I can see that same faith I have in your eyes too," believed Klaus. "You have faith in him too."

"I do not," rebuked King as he sulked.

Klaus laughed. "Yeah, sure buddy. Who are you trying to fool?" he pushed King down the hall and took him to watch a horror movie outside.

Seats were set up near the bonfire, everyone had picked a spot and snuggled under a warm blanket with their friends or mates. Viola and Azura had set up the projector on the field and the pack's favourite horror movie was picked. The second instalment of the famous Conjuring played through the field. Klaus loved this movie and he'd seen it a thousand times, but it never got old.

King wasn't too keen on it, but Bone had found his new obsession. The man was munching on salty, buttered popcorn on his own seat, with his blanket, which was nice to see. Klaus unwrapped a tootsie lollipop and enjoyed the cherry flavour with much gusto.

King lounged on the chair with Klaus, they had put the blanket on their legs and a bucket of popcorn for themselves to share. King enjoyed the popcorn and seemed unimpressed by the movie, but Klaus enjoyed it so he was excited with Bone.

Most of the kids around the chairs screamed half the time during the possession scenes. The entire Iron pack was very confused by the movie and needed answers to their many questions, because they didn't understand it. Ashley was left explaining the entire movie to them that she couldn't enjoy it.

Dimitri even enjoyed the movie and he claimed that he wasn't scared, but he stayed snuggled between his parents through the whole movie. Victor enjoyed the movie since his eyes never left the screen, just like Vadik and Alec who were impressed as well. And nothing needed to be said about the Centauri pack because they always enjoyed a good horror show any time of the day.

Half-way through the film, King moved onto his side and faced Klaus. "Are you scared?" teased Klaus as he watched the little girl in the movie throwing knives at the family.

King's eyes were closed, but he was wide awake, listening to Klaus. "Nothing scares me," he said arrogantly.

"Then watch the movie," dared Klaus.

"Mmm, I rather watch you," his blue eyes lifted and he stared directly at Klaus. "Stop licking that lollipop if you want to stick through the rest of the movie," whispered King. "Otherwise, I'm going to show you an R-rated movie upstairs-" Klaus froze next to King- "or I can show you right here."

"No!" Klaus exclaimed before he was shushed by the kids close to them, whose eyes were glued to the large screen and their small hands stuffed in piles of popcorn.

King chuckled. "Stay quiet or we'll get caught," he whispered hotly as he moved closer to Klaus on the seat.

King's soft lips glided over his and took control like he always had done. His mouth tasted of the intoxicating flavour of beer that made Klaus feel even more drunk on his incredible kiss. King pulled back after a quick moment that felt like a lifetime to Klaus. They were gasping for air and befuddled over this secret kiss in front of the entire pack even though no one saw them, but still, Klaus tried really hard to keep himself composed.

Klaus stumbled over his words which made him even more exasperated, he bit his bottom lip. "You like seeing me lose my mind," he murmured gruffly, but King laughed delightfully. Finally, he let them enjoy the rest of the movie although Klaus's heart was racing the entire time.

The movie ended just before midnight, and everyone began packing their things almost immediately after the credits ended. Bone stood up from his seat and stretched vigorously, and so did, Klaus.

"No matter how many times I watch that movie I still love it every time," said Viola.

"Me too," Vincent and Ryder spoke at the same time.

"I still don't understand what the hell just happened," astounded Lazarus. "So, was that old man evil or not?"

Zeiden huffed. "Weren't you watching the movie, brother?" he shook his head.

Ronin put his hand on Lazarus's shoulder. "The old man was being controlled," he told Lazarus.

"He was being controlled?" asked Isaiah. "Who the fuck was controlling him?" His entire pack sighed.

"We're going to watch this movie again when we get home," said Lazarus.

"That's a good idea," voiced Ashley as she laughed at them.

"We should get to bed," said Gabriel. "I'll show you all to your rooms." The members from the other packs followed Gabriel.

Klaus looked at his side. "Why don't you head inside first, King," he said. "I have a few things to do before I come."

"Are you sure?" King frowned. "I can wait with you."

Klaus shook his head. "Take Bone to the room next to mine too," he added. "Freshen up and I'll be with you in a minute."

Klaus waited until King and Bone were out of the view, so he knew it was safe to talk about the next task at hand. The kids around the pack were tasked to clean up the mess, and they gladly helped out. Most of the pack members went to sleep by now. And thankfully, the space had been cleared out in minutes.

"Hailey," Klaus called out. She turned and faced him. "Did you prepare what I asked for?" he enquired.

Hailey smiled. "I did the moment you called me this morning," she said. "I put it in the fridge."

"Thanks," he smiled. "And do we have spare candles?"

"I think so," she said. "Try the pantry, maybe."

Klaus hugged Hailey. "Thanks," he said and ran inside first. He moved around Hunter and Vincent to the fridge. He spotted the white box at the back and pulled it out.

"Ooh, what is that?" asked Vincent.

"It's a cake," said Klaus as he pulled out the round vanilla cake onto a plate. He rummaged through the drawers to gather a knife, matches, a plate and fork and a few candles.

"You know, I still feel bad for not wishing King for his birthday," said Hunter.

"I told you, he's not comfortable yet," said Klaus. "But don't worry, I will get him used to our rowdy group in no time."

"You better," said Vincent, "because next year I want to celebrate his birthday on Halloween." Vincent made his way towards the front door.

"Where are you going?" asked Hunter, Klaus was curious too but he was busy arranging the small cake on the plate, that was barely the same size of a hand, but it was what he asked for from Hailey.

"I'm going to chill with Ryder at his place," said Vincent. "It's too crowded in the house for me."

"Oh, okay," said Hunter, straightening his back. "Just make sure to come on time tomorrow."

Vincent waved his hand and went to the cabin near the lake where River and Ryder shared twin cabins together. Hunter and Hailey left to their room as well after Klaus thanked Hailey for the cake on such short notice, and she had done a remarkable job. Klaus adored the little Halloween ornaments that Hailey decorated the cake with. In the middle was written 'Happy Birthday' in purple cursive as white ghosts floated around it and orange pumpkins smiled up at him. Hailey had outdone herself with Klaus's request, she truly was remarkable.

Klaus grabbed everything he needed and went to his room. "King?" he called out but the bedroom was empty. Klaus worked fast then, he put the cake on the counter, lit the candles and then ran to Bone.

"Bone!" he called out when he opened the door.

"Yeah," Bone poked his out from the bathroom.

"I need you to come with me right now," urged Klaus.

Bone frowned. "Is everything alright?" he asked.

"I don't have time, come on," hurried Klaus. He grabbed the butler's hand and took him back to his own room. The lights were all off, so Bone saw the candles dancing on the cake right away. He looked at Klaus confused.

"I wanted to celebrate King's birthday," whispered Klaus.

Bone's eyes saddened. "Master doesn't like to celebrate his birthday," he said.

"I know," Klaus said. "But we're going to change that. And we're going to start with a little party in here with just us."

The bathroom door opened and King sauntered into the dark room. His brows furrowed when he saw Bone and Klaus standing in front of the cake, that he didn't know about.

"You two look suspicious," remarked King as he rounded the bed and stood in front of them. "What's wrong?" he looked at Bone and then narrowed his gaze on Klaus.

"Don't look so scary," rebuked Klaus. He beamed up at his mate. "We have surprise for you." Klaus moved to the side and presented the cake. "Happy Birthday!" he announced cheerfully.

King didn't smile nor did he show any expression. "I told you that I don't like my birthday, Klaus," he said.

Klaus's smile didn't falter. "You think I like my birthday any more than you do?" he retorted. King's eyes filled with regret as he stared at Klaus with a lot of agony. "My birthday wasn't even allowed to be celebrated for as long as my father lived with us. But that didn't stop Gabriel and my siblings from buying me a cake and wishing me."

King's eyes fell. "But you at least had them during those hard days," he said. "I never had anyone to tell me that my birth was ever special. I was alone-"

"Not anymore-" interrupted Bone. "I'm with you and now you even have Klaus."

Klaus clapped his hands together. "Let's start off small," he said. "Blow out the candles, cut the cake and let only us wish you."

King looked between Bone's hopeful eyes and then Klaus's positive, assured eyes that never faltered for even a second when it came to their happiness.

"Fine," King gave in to their request.

Bone stifled his laugh. "You really can't say 'no' to him," he stated. "What an interesting turn of events."

"Don't get cocky," King reprimanded Klaus.

Klaus grinned as he brought the cake up in his hands. "Make a wish," said Klaus. King blew out the candles way too quickly. "You were supposed to make a wish!" exclaimed Klaus.

King turned. "No wish compares to how you make me feel," he claimed. "I don't need anything anymore. I just want you." Klaus smiled at King.

"What flavour is the cake?" asked Bone who was already holding the knife and handing it to King.

"I asked for vanilla," replied Klaus. "Hailey made it for us."

"If she made it then I'm sure it'll be delicious no matter the flavour," remarked Bone and they both agreed. "Sire, the knife. Please do us the honours by celebrating your birth." King shared a smile with Bone.

King took the knife and cut a small slice. Klaus used the fork and placed the slice on another plate. He positioned the fork on the plate and handed it to Bone.

"You go first," said Klaus.

"Are you sure?" asked Bone, hesitantly.

Klaus nodded. "You were the one who helped King before me," he said. "You're his family, I'm just his mate."

Bone's blinked and then smiled. "Thank you," he said as he grabbed the plate and fed a big chuck of the vanilla birthday cake to King, who took it without complaint. But Bone didn't stop there, he dipped into the cake again and brought a piece to Klaus, surprising him. "You belong to my family now too," he said. "Sire is lucky to have you and so am I."

Klaus took the fork into his mouth and ate the bite, which probably tasted delicious, he couldn't tell, since he was trying so hard not to cry in front of them. He took plate and fed King some more cake and then made sure Bone got some too.

"I'm sorry I didn't prepare any gifts," said Klaus. "I didn't have that much time."

"Next year," said King. Bone and Klaus looked at one another. "You can get me something next year."

"So, this means that celebrating your birthday is official?" asked Klaus.

King grinned. "If that's even a thing, then yes. It's official," he confirmed and kissed Klaus's cheek before he hugged Bone. "Sorry for causing you so much trouble over the years. And I think it's time for you to call me, King and not master. I never was, Bone."

Bone shook his head. "It's no trouble... King..." he drew in a breath and put the plate down, covering his face and his eyes from them. "Congratulations!" he wished before he ran out the room leaving King and Klaus confused.

"I never understood that man," mumbled King.

Klaus smiled and understood Bone very well. "So, did I impress you?" he asked.

King stared at Klaus puzzled. "Huh?" he asked Klaus to clarify what he meant by that.

"You said that you were a hard man to impress," explained Klaus. "Did I manage to impress you?"

"You impress me every time, Klaus," King replied with a grin on his handsome face, that appeared even more dangerously alluring by the darkness in the room. "Watching you wake up, looking at me with those emerald eyes. Seeing you smile; seeing you happy always impressed me, Klaus. You don't need to worry about that with me. I love you, remember?"

Klaus lost his breath away. "Whoever said that King Vitiello wasn't romantic was very wrong," he remarked.

King smirked. "I just got an idea for my birthday present," he said.

Klaus titled his head. "Oh, what is it?" he asked.

"Not what. Who," said King. He closed the space between them.

Klaus's smile dropped when he realized the feral need in King's sapphire gaze. "Your birthday is over in the next twenty minutes," he warned.

King grinned slyly. "Oh, don't worry about the time-" King slowly backed Klaus to the bed- "I can do a lot with you in just twenty minutes."

"This isn't playing fair," Klaus's legs hit the bed.

King's eyes were showing his cunning plan. "I never played fair," he whispered and Klaus knew that better than anyone. "You should just pray that you can last through this till the end."

Klaus's heart thundered in his heart and he couldn't see anything past King. His lips inched closer and King made sure to get his birthday wish.