The sun was brimming joyfully in the clear blue sky, that was a pleasant surprise after yesterdays' grey clouds and thunderous storms. Although, everyone had risen early this fine day to get to work, even King's butler had ironed the clothes, swept the floors and raked the leaves off the porch, but there was no sign of movement in his master's bedroom nor the guest bedroom.

Klaus had woken up to feeling uncomfortably warm and snug. He didn't even need to open his eyes to know that the sun was directly over him. The bright golden light burned right through his closed eyelids and forced him to turn his head away. In that instant, Klaus's sleep broke and he remembered everything from yesterday.

Klaus tried his hardest to move his limbs, but he couldn't. Klaus slumped down in defeat when he opened his eyes and gawked at the sight. King Vitiello was wrapped around Klaus, sleeping peacefully and shirtless using Klaus as a teddy bear.

"King," he called out, "it's time to wake up." Klaus didn't even know why he tried, this man was impossible to wake up any time of the day.

Klaus looked around the room and spotted a black clock on the table beside him; in glowing red numbers it told Klaus that it was nine o'clock sharp. Klaus was terribly late for the Institute, but he knew that Viola should have covered it for him with a supply teacher.

Klaus turned his attention back to the wolf sleeping on him. King had his strong arm locked around Klaus's stomach and King's leg was stretched over Klaus's legs too, holding him captive as if he'd run for it in the middle of the night. Klaus dazedly remembered that King snuck into this room and joined Klaus in bed. Klaus didn't bother making a big deal about it because he figured that King needed to be with someone after what he'd been through last night.

Klaus still didn't forget the look in King's eyes when he had slaughtered all those men in the alley. He had never seen anything quite like that before, not even from Hunter or Gabriel. King had a streak of malevolent in those eyes; a wickedness that had seen terrible things and had harboured them to remind King that nothing was pure in this world. Klaus felt like that once too when his father lived in the same house as him. But that changed when Klaus decided to live past his trauma and abuse. Although, King had decided something entirely different for himself.

Klaus turned onto his side and faced King who hadn't made a single impression that he was awake or even remotely aware of his surroundings. Klaus took his hand out from under the duvet and skimmed his fingers down King's cheek, that had a light morning stubble. Klaus's heart fluttered inside his chest and he gave into the deeper desire, that urged Klaus to stay in King's arms a little longer. Klaus harmlessly snuggled closer to his mate, inhaling that fiery scent that King adorned so effortlessly.

Suddenly, King's arm tightened around Klaus and he forcefully pressed their bodies together. "That really turned me on," muttered King.

Klaus jerked back. "You were awake," he was stunned.

"No," answered King lazily. "But I woke up to the feeling of my mate snuggling into my arms."

Klaus blushed, but didn't move away. "It was cold," he muttered though it was a lie; Klaus was hotter than the sun right now.

King's eyes were still closed but he was smiling. "I'm at your service then," he pulled Klaus closer and contently sighed as if he could fall back asleep under the sun, like a lazy house cat.

"Are you feeling better now?" Klaus asked after some time. King hummed and stayed tightly embraced to Klaus. "I hope you don't beat yourself up over what happened yesterday," he continued to his silent mate who was oddly a great listener. "Those men attacked us, so it wasn't your fault what actions you had to take to keep us safe." King didn't say anything; Klaus wasn't even sure if the man was awake or not. "My brothers did the same too," he confessed. "I grew up with a family that's used to bloodshed. So, don't think that I'll get worried-" King stiffened then, but Klaus still kept going- "I've bandaged many wounds for my siblings and I'll do them for you too," Klaus promised.

King opened his eyes revealing that electric blue, which shined like the sea under the sun's rays. "It doesn't bother you that I'm your mate?" he asked.

"No, why should it?" responded Klaus. "I liked you from the moment Sabrina told us about her best friend in that orphanage. What you did for her won all of our hearts."

King's eyes gleamed and he hugged Klaus. "If I had known that one day I'd meet someone like you," he said, "I would've made better choices."

Klaus's lips lifted into a warm smile. "I think you should make good choices regardless," he sounded like the teacher he was all day, every day.

"Where were you all my life?" King asked. "I never knew that I needed this, needed you." King suddenly shifted from his side, moving over Klaus, pinning him to the bed. King loomed on top of Klaus. "You've taken my heart and made it yours when I never even knew that I had one to give."

Klaus studied his mate's face that was nothing but genuine. "You don't give yourself enough credit," he jested. "You're just a big old softie who glowers at everyone scaring them away, but it wasn't enough to scare me."

King grinned. "Is that so?" he replied, as he got up from Klaus and sat back on his knees. Klaus was quick to follow too.

Klaus nodded, as he pushed back the black strands that fell over King's forehead and into his mischievous eyes. "You know, we're late, right?" he asked as they sat facing each other.

"Late for what?" asked King idly.

"I have a day job that beckons," said Klaus.

King looked out the balcony window. "It's still early," he stated. "I think we can take a shower, have breakfast and some coffee."

Klaus did feel the hunger the moment he thought about French toast and some bacon. "Okay, let's hurry," he said as he got off the bed. "I need to head to my class and you need to-" Klaus looked back only to find King slithering back into bed. Klaus laughed and pulled the duvet away, shocking King.

"Only you, Klaus," he grumbled. "If anyone else had done that, I'd kill them."

Klaus chuckled. "What did I say about good choices," he prompted.

"I know, I know-" King got up- "No killing unless the person deserves it."

Klaus laughed all the way into the shower. Who would've thought that King Vitiello would have a sweet, humorous streak inside him. Klaus quickly brushed his teeth, which surprised him that he had a spare toothbrush, soaps, even a razor. Bone really was a remarkable friend to King and his loyalty to serve King was irrefutable.

After his shower, Klaus grabbed the towel that smelt of lavender meadows and wrapped it around his waist, letting the water from his torso soak into the cotton fibres. He swiped his hand across the fogged-up mirror and saw that he didn't need to shave, since there wasn't any stubble. Instead, he grabbed the hair-dryer that was also kindly left for his use and turned it on to dry his hair quickly.

"I brought you clothes," said King, appearing behind him.

Klaus looked into the reflection of the mirror where he saw King leaning against the doorframe. "Thanks," he said. "What about you? Don't you have work?" Klaus only asked that because King was still dressed in black slacks and just a grey silk robe, that reached the floor near his bare feet. Although, from the aftershave aroma and body-wash, King had undoubtedly freshened up too.

"I do," said King. "But I still have time before I head out."

Klaus shut the hair-dryer off and joined King near the door. He grabbed the shirt and pants that were still on metal hangers; it was a crisp black shirt and a pair of black trousers. King moved away to let him get dressed. Klaus worked quick to put on the clothes, that smelt of fresh linen and faint cologne. He closed the bathroom light after he stepped out completely clothed and ready for the day.

"I was thinking of making French toast with bacon and cheese," Klaus shared as they both left the room and descended the stairs.

"Anything you make tastes divine," said King.

Klaus went to large kitchen that was empty, like the rest of the house. "Where's Bone?" he asked as he didn't spot the stern butler.

"Probably admiring his roses," answered King idly as he went to the coffee machine before anything else.

Klaus looked out the arched kitchen window and definitely spotted Bone hunched over smelling the roses. "Where did you find someone like Bone?" he bemused.

King looked up from the mugs he was pouring coffee into. "I didn't," he answered. "Bone found me." Klaus grew interested and looked at King to tell him more, which King did. "I killed Bone's tormentor in the cage fights we both were stuck in."

Klaus visibly stiffened. "How long were you and Bone in the cage fights?" he asked.

King passed one of the mugs to Klaus. "One day felt like eons," he said grimly, his eyes darkening into harsh storms. "So, I lost track after eleven years."

Klaus grabbed the warm mug relishing the warmth it gave as he felt the chill of King's past shudder through him. "How'd you get out?" asked Klaus.

"Eleven years teaches a lot to a fighter like me," said King. "I took my time studying the organization, the people, the roads." King turned away drawing in a deep breath like he needed to lift a weight off his chest. He slipped onto the stool near the counter. "I've seen many other fighters try to escape, but they always returned in a body bag. So, I knew I couldn't take any chances. Then I realized, that all the fighters were just was desperate as me, so why not use them to my advantage. It took me awhile but I made myself a team..." King's hollowed eyes drifted off and so did his voice, like he remembered the rest in his head.

"Bone was one of them," said Klaus.

King nodded. "We were seven," he said. "Only four walked out." Klaus knew it was Bone and King, then who were the other two. King read his thoughts easily and spoke up. "Trez Luciano and his brother Axe were with me too."

"I didn't know Trez and Axe were in these fights too," said Klaus.

"They're private people," King shrugged. "No one knows about their past or even lineage."

"No one knows about yours either," added Klaus.

King smiled coldly. "I don't have anyone," he looked at Klaus bleakly. "No one behind me or ahead. No blood to call my own and no home to return to either. Maybe that's why so many died in vain in those cage fights, because they all wanted to go home. But for me, in those eleven years my home was that cage. That's why I was the best fighter with the most bidders, because I wasn't desperate to escape. Instead, I took full advantage and learned everything I could before getting my freedom. Only the captives that had family were scared of bullets and wounds. When there was no one to shed tears for me, I never got scared." King's hand gripped the mug that his knuckles turned white. "I'm an orphan and I never forgot that."

Klaus bit back the sting in his eyes as his throat choked him from breathing. "I'm sorry," he managed in a small voice. "I didn't mean to make you remember what's so hard for you."

King chuckled at Klaus's melancholy expression. He got up from the stool and stood in front of Klaus, his sapphire eyes filled with the gentleness that Klaus was used to seeing and loving.

"My pain is nothing compared to yours," said King. "Looking at you, I know that getting abused from strangers is better than getting hurt by your own blood, that was supposed to protect you."

"Still," said Klaus. "I don't like it when anyone is hurt by a stranger or by blood."

King put his hands around Klaus's nape, tilting his head back to face King. He softly laid his lips, connecting them together, a heated blaze that slackened Klaus's legs and sent a powerful rush through his body. Klaus allowed King to deepen their kiss, sending them both into an oblivion that wasn't recoverable.

Klaus wanted to kiss him and kiss him badly now. He entangled his eager fingers through King's silky dark hair and fisted it surprising King. Klaus pulled his strong body closer and forced their lips to lock again. The blistering heat just made them reach for each other more and feel their bodies yearn for each other. King bit Klaus's lip and then the storm ended with them gasping for air to save them from the chaos in their minds and hearts.

Out of breath and befuddled by the desperation, Klaus didn't know what came over him. They stared at each other for a long moment, only feeling their bond and hot breathes mingle together.

"What was that?" said King breathlessly.

Klaus couldn't help but smile. "I'm surprised too," he mumbled and moved towards the fridge, but King blocked him, except Klaus was too shy to look into those blazing blue eyes.

King moved towards and Klaus and caged him against the counter. "You really know how to fix someone's mood," he jested.

"I have never kissed someone to fix their mood before," said Klaus, which was the truth. He hadn't ever felt the urgency he felt with King with anyone else ever before.

King grinned as he locked eyes with Klaus. "Well, it worked on me," he said and bent down to do it again.

Suddenly, the back door opened letting a gust of cold air burst inside and calm the heat between Klaus and King.

"Good morning," said Bone as he joined them and closed to door to stop all the cold air from coming inside.

Klaus peered over King's shoulder with a big smile. "Good morning, Bone," he greeted. "I hope your roses are well."

Bone beamed back the moment his roses were mentioned. "They are exceptionally spirited today," he replied to Klaus. "Fully bloomed and smelling like paradise itself."

King moved to the side, but not too far from Klaus. "Don't excite him too much, Klaus," warned King, "or else he won't stop till nightfall."

Klaus laughed. "I was actually going to ask him for a lesson," he revealed surprising Bone and King. "I want to plant flowers around the house back home too. Our old butler used to do it, but he lives with my-" Klaus froze before he mentioned his father, but when he noticed that Bone and King caught his hesitation, he quickly shrugged it off- "I hope you can teach me some time."

"I would love to," said Bone eagerly. "What would you like for breakfast this fine morning?"

Klaus joined Bone. "I was thinking of making French toast with bacon and cheese," he said.

"I will get right to it," said Bone.

"Are you sure?" asked Klaus. "I can make it if you have other pressing tasks to do."

Bone shook his head. "Oh, no, no, I am at your service," he actually smiled at Klaus and it was a sweet cheeky one. "Please, take a seat. I'll have it done."

Klaus didn't argue and took a seat next to King. They both sat comfortably as they watched Bone work efficiently around the black, modern kitchen to make a scrumptious breakfast. In the back of Klaus's head, the kiss they shared still played like a movie on repeat. He couldn't help but crave more and being so close to King, it was hard to resist so much. Klaus was sure that if Bone hadn't walked in when he had, then nothing would have stopped King or Klaus from continuing. However, Klaus had to admit he was bit afraid. He'd never done this before, and for someone like King who's definitely more experienced wasn't as unsettled as Klaus.

Bone had quickly toasted fresh bread on a buttered pan, that had crispy bacon sizzling over the oil and the cheese melted over the hot bread too. He used a spatula and flipped the two pieces together, toasting each side to a golden crunch, before he flipped it onto a white plate and cutting it in half. King refilled their coffee cups and they enjoyed breakfast together- Bone ate with them too after King insisted.

Klaus admired the bond these two had. It was honour in both of them that drove them to protect each other. No wonder they both successfully escaped the cage fights together, thought Klaus.

Bone may be stern and stiff, but he was kind and a simple man who knew nothing but loyalty towards King. Klaus knew all about loyalty, the good kind and the bad. Klaus understood that Bone was returning the favour for when King helped him, but to Klaus it seemed as if now Bone just followed King because they were family.

Earlier, King had called himself an orphan, someone who had no one to cry or pray for him. However, sitting in this warm kitchen that smelt of butter, cheese and sunrise, King wasn't alone anymore. Klaus and Bone both looked to King as an important piece in their lives. Klaus missed his chance to tell King that, but he guessed he had his whole life now making sure King or Bone never felt alone again.

Klaus was in a rush after he had eaten breakfast and enjoyed coffee whilst listening to Bone and King bicker about their garden.

"Thank you for breakfast, Bone," said Klaus as he rinsed his plate and mug.

"You're welcome," replied Bone. "It's nice to cook for people other than my grumpy master over here." King glared at Bone proving his point.

Klaus wiped his wet hands on the dry cloth. "I have to go to the Institute now," he said looking at King. "Will you be alright?"

King raked his tousled hair, that had dried from his shower this morning. "I just have a meeting with someone," he said idly. "You don't need to worry, I'll be fine."

"Still, I don't want you going out alone, especially after what happened yesterday," said Klaus.

"Bone will be with me," replied King.

"I was actually going to practice doing some baking today," said Bone, but then King stared at him. "But I guess I'll postpone my little venture."

Klaus looked down at his watch that told him it was ten o'clock. Klaus grabbed his keys and his clothes, that had been washed and ironed gratefully by Bone. But Klaus didn't change into them, he covertly liked wearing King's clothes.

King got up too and joined Klaus as they both went to the front door. King leaned his hand above his head on the door frame looking devilish in all silk, especially since he was shirtless and his tattoos gleamed under the shining sun, not to mention his sculpted... well, everything. Klaus wasn't even sure if King was flesh and bone, it seemed all carved out of ivory marble.

Snapping out of his thoughts. "I'll be at school the entire day," Klaus told King.

King nodded. "I'll probably come by to work with Gabriel later today as well," he said.

Klaus released a breath. "Okay, good," he said. "I'll see you then, I guess."

"When will you have lunch?" asked King.

"Er- probably around noon," answered Klaus. "Why?"

King shrugged a shoulder. "No reason," he said. "You have fun at school."

Klaus smiled warmly. "And you stay safe," he reminded. "If anything happens, call me first."

Amusement swam in those ocean deep eyes. "I will call my mate before anyone else, promise," King grinned hotly.

Klaus drew in King's scent and literally forgot anything else he wanted to say before he left. "Bye," he said curtly but he didn't move.

King titled his head. "I don't want you to go either," he said softly.

Klaus's heart galloped. "I think I'm starting to understand Gabriel and Hunter more now," he said. Suddenly, a phone rang and Klaus frowned. He took out his cell that was ringing and saw that Gabriel was calling. "I have to get this-" he said to King before he answered. "Hello?"

"Hello, Klaus," Gabriel's deep voice streamed through and so did River and Sabrina's voice behind him.

"Yes, brother, what is it?"

"Is King with you?" he asked.

Klaus looked at King who was simply watching Klaus on the phone. "Yes, he is."

"I sent someone to keep him protected," said Gabriel. "I don't want King walking the streets alone, so make sure to tell him not to behave recklessly."

"Who'd you send?" Klaus asked looking up at King who was now staring at the front gates of his house. Klaus turned and it was a woman on a motorcycle. From the long black hair and stern face, it was Azura.

"Azura will be guarding King," said Gabriel.

Before Klaus could speak, the voices behind Gabriel grew. Klaus recognized the group of voices shouting at the back. Vincent and Ryder were bickering with River, Sabrina and Hunter about some party plans for Hailey's baby shower during Halloween.

"Okay, Gabriel-" his voice was cut off again with more shouting. "I'm going to-" once again his crazy family started.

Gabriel growled. "Will you cut it out! I literally can't hear Klaus!" he bellowed loud enough that Klaus pulled the phone from his ear and even King raised a brow. Klaus didn't hear the rest of Gabriel's scolding, but after that their family members definitely quieted down.

Klaus smiled at King embarrassed by his crazy family. "They're not normal," he admitted and King chuckled as he let Azura through the gates.

"Anyways, what were you saying, Klaus?" asked Gabriel after he calmed down.

"Er- I forgot," Klaus admitted. "It doesn't matter. I'm coming home and I'll tell King you sent Azura to keep him safe-" Klaus looked at King who was listening.

"Good, I'll see you at home then," said Gabriel and then he cut the phone.

"I don't need a bodyguard," King objected a moment after.

Klaus put his phone in his pocket. "You can try telling Azura that yourself," said Klaus.

A tall, strict woman who was dressed in black leathers climbed the stairs. She left her motorcycle parked beside Klaus's car and her silver eyes were hidden behind sunglasses. Azura joined them at the front door and smiled at Klaus first.

"Good morning," her husky voice was impressive all on its own.

"Hi, Azura," Klaus beamed back. "Gabriel called right now and let us know about everything."

She laced her hands behind her back, straightening her defined posture and even through the dark shades, the men felt her intense glower. "I will protect you with my life," she declared. "You don't need to worry about anything."

Klaus chuckled at King's stunned expression. "I'll see you two later," he said. "Have fun, you two!"

Klaus climbed down the stairs and went to his car. Even though, he didn't show it, Klaus was nervous to leave King by himself after Marcello's thugs attacked them. But he knew, that Azura was one of the best fighters Gabriel had and she wouldn't let anything happen to King.

Driving through the open gates, Klaus caught a glimpse of King letting Azura into the house but he had stayed back on the porch. Before Klaus turned the car onto the road, he saw those sharp blue eyes lost in thought as they stared at Klaus's car leave the manor behind him and leaving King behind too.

King had met his fair share of mercenaries, assassins, psychopaths, sociopaths and anything in between during his dark ages. But hardly anyone matched the intensity of the woman sitting next to him in his car. Azura was a tall, confident female who had a fierce wolf from what King could sense simply by looking at her. She had alert grey eyes that glistened like silver coins under the sun; they were watchful and eerily patient as if everything around her moved at a slower pace. Her pale skin contrasted against her peculiar black hair, that had to reach her hip when it was opened from the high pony-tail.

In the car as King drove down Brooklyn streets, he looked to the passenger side where Azura sat rigidly, but not because she was uncomfortable, that's just the way she sat anywhere.

"So, you just follow anything Gabriel asks of you?" questioned King.

"Yeah, what's wrong with that?" she retorted with a husky voice.

"Even a tedious task like this?" he countered.

Azura looked at him with a frown. "Nothing my alpha orders is tedious," she answered.

King didn't understand packs for this one reason. How could wolves willingly follow a person and their orders just because of a title. King knew that he could never do that, that's why he never joined any pack for that matter.

"I don't know, seems pretty ridiculous to me," he said.

"What's ridiculous to you is honourable to me," said Azura. "You may think that I'm following just mere orders, but I'm not stupid."

Azura played with the thick-signet ring on her forefinger. She had a look in her blinking silver eyes which warned King that she had drifted off into her memories. "It was five years ago, when I showed up at the Centauri gates covered in blood... that wasn't my own-" the air in the car thickened with the feral scent of her wolf- "I had no memory," she said, "only that I knew my name was Azura."

King knew he had opened a terrible wound for her. "I didn't mean to-" he began.

"Instead of being shunned away-" she interrupted sternly, forcing him to listen to what he had mistakenly instigated. "Gabriel had opened the front gates and brought me into his home. He didn't ask for the answers to questions that I didn't understand or know. I merely said my name and he accepted me, knowing fully well that I could've brought danger to him and his pack," she said. "What you call orders, I call loyalty. Loyalty to the alpha who fed me, clothed me, trained me and showed me that I wasn't some lost wolf with no home."

King saw the pain in her eyes and heard it in her voice.

Azura looked out the window. "When Gabriel brought me to his house that night, I was covered in blood, all skin and bones with hollowed eyes that were foreign to everything," she drew in a harsh breath. "But you know what your mate had done-" like the moon had risen in the day, Azura smiled luminously- "Your mate was half my age, he walked out from the other room and put a warm blanket over me," Azura's voice deepened. "You know what he said to me that night," Azura's silver eyes blinked at King; "he told me that I was family now and that the Centauri pack always protects their family."

King's heart ached but a smile played on his lips. "It's no surprise that Klaus had done that," he muttered as he recalled Klaus's face in his head.

"I owe my life to that pack," alleged Azura. "Protecting Klaus's mate is an honour that I am proud to fulfill, because the most I can do and have been doing for them doesn't even compare to how they saved me. Now, next time you want to judge a Centauri wolf, be careful because we're not like other packs."

"You'd follow Gabriel to death, wouldn't you?" bemused King.

Azura laughed for a good moment. "I'd follow that man to Hell and back," she said. "Death is nothing for me because I am not afraid of something that I already experienced once in my life."

"Gabriel's lucky," King muttered and he took a left turn on the street.

"When I showed up at their door, I already died once," she shared. "But I was reborn as a stronger wolf and Gabriel gave that to me. So, I would happily give my life for him. Don't underestimate my loyalty to my alpha."

King snickered. "Damn, you Centauri wolves are one heck of a pack."

Azura grinned then too. "If you think I'm crazy then you haven't seen River's loyalty to Gabriel," she said. "River and Ryder were the first two wolves that had pledged their allegiance to Gabriel at a very young age. They never once betrayed their alpha and they were the ones who helped Gabriel secure the throne he sits on now."

King shook his head. "Does anyone not love that man?" he derided.

"Oh, Gabriel's had his fair share of enemies," she said. "Although, they all run scared when Gabriel decides to take action against them."

"Gabriel doesn't seem to be the revenge type," alleged King because Gabriel hadn't done anything to King when he almost killed Gabriel.

"He's not, only until you fuck with his pack that he begins to play with the enemy," said Azura proudly.

"I believe he's quite diplomatic, your alpha," commented King.

Azura smiled like she knew a sly little secret. "That's what he wants you to believe," she mumbled. "Gabriel is the alpha that makes you bow with the fear that your head might get cut off, you just don't know when."

"Were you scared when you met him?" he asked.

"No," she said curtly. "I was fucking terrified except strangely mesmerized by him too."

"That's not strange at all," King admitted.

Azura smiled staring at him. "You're right, it's not," she said. "Hmph, interesting."

"What is?" he asked.

"You're not so bad," Azura decreed. "Very well, I accept you as Klaus's mate. Welcome to the Centauri pack and now you are my fellow comrade."

King gaped at her. "Wh- what?" he astonished.

"Good for you. You passed my test," she praised.

"You're all insane," King said that about the entire pack.

Azura chuckled like she was proud. "Well, you're going to marry into this crazy pack," she boldly foretold, "and let me tell you, there is never a boring moment."

King shook his head. "You can say that again."

They arrived at the corner coffee shop on Brooklyn Fifth street. The large bricked building had massive windows and since it was around eleven o'clock, the rush at the cafe was minimal. King parked the car on the side where other cars passed and bikers cut through the easy traffic too. Usually, King would avoid gathering at a local coffee shop and just meet his friend at his club, but when Trez Luciano wasn't at his club, he was at this cafe.

King and Azura crossed the street and entered the cafe, where normal civilians were scattered in the booths or the circle tables. They either faced their partners or looked at their phones, King ignored the crowded areas and scavenged for his friend.

In the last corner table that faced the large arched window sat the owner of the Underworld nightclub. Trez was leaned back in the metal chair, legs crossed at the knee and he wore a gun-metal grey suit. His brother sat in the chair next to him, he was drinking his coffee from a white mug and his long black hair had been tied back. Trez and Axe looked almost identical with their sapphire blue eyes, silky black hair, muscular builds and a striking attitude, that warded off any trouble that came looking for them.

"Do you want any coffee?" Azura asked as she eyed the menu.

"A dark roast," King answered since she asked.

Azura held her hand out. King looked at her blankly. "I didn't bring any money," she said. King laughed and took out his wallet and gave her twenty bucks. Azura nodded in approval. "I'll be with you in a second, so you can talk to your friends in private," she smiled.

"Thanks," he said. King cut through the tables and came to his friends. "A cappuccino really doesn't suit you, Trez," he mocked. Axe was the first to spot King and he was the first to respond for his brother.

"Why did you want to meet us, King?" Axe asked sternly.

"Is that really how you greet an old friend, Axe," King mocked. He took the open seat and unbuttoned his suit's jacket to relax a little unlike these two.

"Aren't you going to invite your friend?" asked Trez.

King turned to look up at Azura who was standing at the front cashier ordering coffee. "My new friend isn't to be trifled with, Trez," King crossed his legs.

"Trifling with people isn't my Achilles heel, it's yours," retorted Trez.

"Touché," King sighed dramatically. "Funny you mentioned that because that's exactly what I'm here for."

Trez froze just before he reached for his coffee cup. "What'd you do now?" he grumbled.

Before King answered, he noticed Trez's right hand that was badly busted up around his hard knuckles. "I need to know where Marcello Tricomi is," King requested after.

"Don't ask me this, King," said Trez. "You know that I have peace with Marcello and once that peace is broken, all hell breaks loose."

"He tried to kill me-" Trez gaped at King.

"Who hasn't tried to kill you," remarked Axe. "We even tried, multiple times."

King smirked. "Oh, the good old days," he spoke of the cage fights against these two, which was a field day for King. "Trez, I don't care of what Marcello did to me. But he tried to hurt my mate, so Marcello came knocking at my door and disturbed my peace," said King and Trez stiffened.

"Mate?" stated Trez then a grin grew on his lips. "Now, it makes sense why a Centauri wolf is with you."

King looked back to where Azura stood and surveyed the area around King. "It's a long story," he said.

Trez looked at his brother then put his coffee cup down. "Marcello is a real-estate tycoon and business man who donates to charities, builds hospitals, hotels and condos," said Trez. "But underneath that facade is a lethal drug lord who runs the gangs in New York. Marcello isn't an easy target, King."

King leaned back and stared at his friend. "His location, Trez," he said.

"He lives in a penthouse on Madison avenue, he owns the whole building," Trez informed. "I would advise to proceed with caution with whatever you're going to do, King."

"I would tell you my colourful plan," jested King. "But I don't want anything traced back to you."

Trez scoffed. "If you were concerned about my safety, you wouldn't have even have asked me of this in the first place," he said.

King rolled his eyes. "Why do you think I called you out in broad daylight?" he retorted.

"Yeah, because who's going to believe that two men like us would be discussing murder plans about Marcello Tricomi over coffee," remarked Trez.

King grinned. "Exactly."

Azura came with two cups of coffee. She looked at Trez and Axe. "It's good to see you two," she said. "I hope you're well."

Trez blue eyes weren't cold or heartfelt, instead they were simply polite like the business man he was all the time. "Thank you for your concern," he said. "How's Gabriel doing these days. I heard he even married."

Azura didn't flinch or smile or show even the slightest impression that she was impressed. "Alpha Gabriel is as busy as always," she answered, "and his mate is safe and happy, which is the only thing that matters to her pack." Azura turned on her feet and made her way outside the cafe.

King bit back his laugh. "I think you struck a nerve in her, Trez," he said.

"These Centauri wolves were always too noble for me," said Trez. "They're undying loyalty for their alpha confuses me."

"I thought the same too," said King. "But I was wrong. The wolves that follow Gabriel are nothing like the wolves we've met through our days in cage fights."

Trez and Axe both stiffened at the mention of cage fights. Their fiery blue eyes showed the horror of those day like it was still fresh and that they still lived in those horrid cages.

"I can't believe my ears," scoffed Trez. "You're defending Gabriel Centauri."

A smile grew on King's lips as he drank his darkly roasted coffee, that was surprisingly very good. "I can't believe what times we've come to either," he said.

Trez titled his head. "So, apart from the gang lord business you got yourself into," he said, "what's this about a mate?"

King's smile broadened. "I don't know what to tell you," he drew in a breath.

"Is it one of the Centauri's?" Axe asked keenly.

"The youngest, Klaus Centauri," answered King.

Axe and Trez gaped at each other than at King. "How'd Gabriel allow that to happen?" astounded Trez.

"I didn't give the man a choice," retorted King feeling a bit irritated. "And you'd be surprised, my mate wasn't one to back down just because his family didn't approve of me either."

"I noticed the bonding scent, but there's no mark on you," said Trez suspiciously.

King sipped his coffee hiding his sulk. "I'm still working on that," he muttered.

Trez gaped at King. "This is a first for you," he said. "You usually never care for your partners and do whatever pleases you. What's different this time?"

"I don't want to hurt him," King said softly.

Trez's eyes warmed and he gave one of those rare smiles. "I'm happy for you," he said. "A mate is a blessing and our goddess knows that you deserve them."

King scoffed at that word from Trez who's a dutiful worshipper, unlike King. "I only got one blessing from your goddess," he said and thought of Klaus, his mate, "and Klaus was all I needed from her."

"Still as cynical as ever," said Trez. The rigid manner appeared in Trez again. "What will you do with Marcello, King?"

"I'm just going to have a friendly discussion that probably involves me bolting him to a chair," said King mockingly.

Trez shook his head. "Be careful," he warned. "Marcello's men are everywhere and they aren't scared of the cops or any other authority around here."

King's glare was enough to scare those rats scurrying around Marcello's feet. As they enjoyed the rest of their coffee, King told Trez everything there was to tell about this past couple of days. From the day he met Klaus, to the Institute, museum and amusement park trips, the attack in the alley and even the sweet kisses shared in between.

"Okay, okay," Trez stopped King mid-story. "Your good mood is starting to freak me out."

King grouched. "That's rude," he muttered. "Anyways, what happened to your hand?"

Trez looked down at his busted knuckles, from the wounds that looked a day old. "Some men weren't cooperating," he sighed. "So, I had to use another method of persuasion."

King laughed at his friend. "You are a scary bastard, you know that?" he shook his head. Suddenly, King's phone pinged and it was Azura. The amusement dropped from his face and his friends noticed the change in him too. "What's wrong?" he asked sternly after the answered the call.

"You better come outside," said Azura, clearly out of breath.

King bolted out of his chair and made his way out of the cafe. He rounded the corner and found Azura standing over three bodies that were sprawled on the floor.

"What the fuck happened?" asked King.

Azura turned on her side and looked at King like he had three heads. "They decided to hug the floor," she remarked. "What do you think happened, you idiot, I got attacked."

King rolled his eyes. "I meant how?" he said.

"Marcello sent more men to kill you," answered Azura as she fixed her leather jacket.

"How do you they're Marcello's men?" Trez asked as he joined them with his brother.

"They told me before I snapped their necks," she smiled chirpily.

King shook his head. "We need to get this mess cleaned up," he said pulling out his cellphone.

"It's fine, King," said Trez. "Axe and I got it from here. You two need to get going before more show up."

"Er- can't do that," said Azura. "Klaus is on his way here."

"You called Klaus?" astounded King.

"No, he called me while I was being attacked and he heard the screams," said Azura, she looked slightly embarrassed by her actions.

"Trez, get rid of the bodies," asked King of his friend. "I can't have Klaus freaking out over this." Trez, Axe and Azura were fast to work.

King didn't even realize the panic or maybe it was relief in him, that made his heart flutter knowing that Klaus had dropped everything to come to him.

Trez called more of his men from his club and they took the bodies in black bags, in a van without a single person noticing any suspicious activity, although nothing could be more suspicious than men like them standing in an alley drinking coffee, with dead bodies slugged in the back of a van.

In matter of minutes, King didn't even need to turn to know that Klaus had arrived. A car door had closed with a hard slam and that honeyed pine scent washed over King from across the parking-lot. King's lips lifted in secret smile, he tried to contain himself but he just couldn't.

King turned and saw Klaus standing beside that white sport's car his mate cherished so much. Klaus still had the clothes King had given him this morning, and for some reason that delighted King further. The loose-fitted black shirt looked delectable on Klaus's perfectly chiselled body and the pants showed his strong thighs and long legs. King desired to run his fingers through Klaus's golden wind-swept hair, that was perfect no matter what time of the day.

Klaus took off the sunglasses and his emerald green eyes were revealed. King was so used to seeing Klaus smile and relaxed, but right now, Klaus looked angry and damn was it hotter than anything King had ever seen.

"Now I get why you like him," Trez suddenly spoke up beside King. "He's just your type."

King glared at his friend. "Put your eyes back in your head," he bit out. "Only I get to look at him."

Trez laughed, he literally laughed at King. He patted King's shoulder. "You, my friend, are a goner," he said.

King wanted to grab Trez by the throat and strangle him. "I hate you," he glowered.

Trez didn't stop snickering. "Did you tell him that you love him?" he asked mockingly.

King pulled Trez back into the alley away from Klaus, so he wouldn't hear them. "Can you please shut that mouth of yours before I unleash my bodyguard on your ass," he growled.

Trez put his hands up in defeat. "I've just never seen you like this before," he said. "And I think it's funny to see the man everyone wanted, falling in love with a guy like Klaus."

King couldn't argue with that. "Just keep quiet," he said.

A cough interrupted them, it was Klaus who firmly stared at King and then at Trez. King froze and he wanted to kill Trez right now.

"Hi, Klaus," said King. "This is-"

"I know who he is-" Klaus interrupted. His eyes barely stayed on King before he looked at Trez. "It's nice to meet you, Trez."

"Likewise," bemused Trez.

Klaus moved past them and went to Azura who was talking to the men that had locked up the dead bodies in a van. As much as King admired Klaus's broad shoulders from the back, he needed to know why Klaus had swiftly ignored him, he didn't even smile at King. But King had to admit, anger looked good on Klaus, it brought a roughness around Klaus that reminded King of Gabriel and Hunter.

King marvelled that Klaus wasn't just a simple teacher, he still had the blood of a Centauri after all and they were known for their ruthless attitudes. Although, King never expected that he'd be on the receiving end of it, especially from Klaus.

Trez patted King's shoulder before he went to Axe's side. "We should get going," said Trez.

"Thank you for cleaning up the mess," said Klaus.

King approached carefully and stood next to Klaus, he merely glanced at King with his green eyes and then faced Trez and Axe.

"No problem," said Trez and then he turned to King. "Be careful, Marcello's not an easy target."

King looked at his side to Klaus. "I'll be fine," he told his friend. "Thanks for meeting me."

Trez, Axe and their team left the cafe leaving King standing with Klaus and Azura. King didn't know what to say to Klaus or how to break the crackling silence between them.

"We should head back too," instructed Klaus strictly. "Azura, call Gabriel and tell him that we're on our way."

"Can I buy another cup of coffee first," said Azura. "Mine dropped when the asshole shoved me into the wall."

Klaus's eyes scanned every inch of Azura's face. "You didn't get hurt, did you?" he asked with a frown between his brows.

"I will be welcoming a few bruises tomorrow," she held her ribcage.

Klaus's jaw tightened. "Let's buy you a coffee and head home."

"Sounds good with me," Azura cracked the kinks in her neck before she sauntered into the cafe again.

Before Klaus could follow, King grabbed his hand. "You're mad," he stated. "What's wrong?"

Klaus briefly looked at King and then looked at the street. "I'm not mad," said Klaus.

King tilted his head. "You haven't been able to look me in the eyes properly this whole time," he said. "I'd say that you're definitely mad."

Klaus straightened. "I'm not mad," he said sternly. Klaus stepped forward and pressed King against the wall. "You merely managed to scare the fuck out of me and cut my life by ten years." Klaus left King stunned against the brick-wall.

King ran after Klaus and into the cafe, but he couldn't grab Klaus and kiss him here, so he simply glued himself to Klaus's side.

"Did you eat lunch yet?" Klaus asked them.

"Nope," said Azura.

"Buy some bagels and get me a coffee too, Azura," said Klaus handing her his wallet, then he turned and sat at the only table that had sun streaming directly on it.

"Buy me a slice of chocolate cake too," King asked of Azura and she looked at Klaus.

"He likes vanilla more," she whispered.

King grinned. "Vanilla then," he said before he went to the table. King sat in front of Klaus, the table was fairly small so King wasn't too far from those beautiful green eyes and handsome face.

"I'm sorry I worried you," King broke the silence.

Klaus's eyes softened and he looked at King warmly. Finally, thought King. "Do you know how fast I drove here when I called Azura and heard she was in a fight," said Klaus. "And then I make it here and you're laughing away with your friend."

King raised a brow. He purposely locked their eyes. "Did it make you jealous?" he asked bluntly. "Seeing me with someone else."

A deep frown creased Klaus's face, his jaw clenched tightly and his scent had darkened enough that King smelled it without a doubt. Jealousy.

"If we weren't in public, I would've showed you that there's no reason to be jealous," said King haughtily.

"I wasn't jealous," Klaus sulked and looked out the window. The golden sun washed over him and his green eyes glowed under the warm light.

King fixed the golden lock that had fallen over Klaus's forehead. "You're so cute when you're jealous," he jested.

"Here we go," said Azura as she brought the two cups of coffee, two bagels and a slab of decadent vanilla cake. She grabbed her cup and bagel but didn't sit down.

"Where are you going?" asked Klaus.

"I'll be in the car," she said as she looked at King. "You two, enjoy." Azura bit into her toasted bagel and left them to their own accord. King was going to have to buy this woman a gift, she was wonderful.

Klaus turned the white mug and drank his coffee as he enjoyed his bagel. But he still didn't talk to King.

"What's really bothering you?" asked King as he studied his mate from his seat.

Klaus didn't answer for a long moment, like he was trying to convince himself of the war in his head. "How many?" Klaus asked suddenly.

King tilted his head. "How many of what?" he requested.

"You know..." Klaus hesitated and King caught on.

"I don't do relationships, Klaus," said King sternly. "And I never did."

"Still, there should be a number of people you went out with," said Klaus.

King put his cup down. "It's better if I don't say," he said. "But my sexual history wasn't a secret to the world. I'm more curious about you-" King noticed the change in Klaus, as he shifted in his seat- "Have you ever dated before me?"

"If you didn't give a number, why should I?" retorted Klaus.

King didn't budge because he needed to know how many touched his mate before he could. "How many were there, Klaus?" he insisted.

Klaus blushed uncontrollably. "No one," he mumbled.

King couldn't hide the surprise on his face. "Ever?" he asked.

Klaus shook his head and looked away from King. "Now, you're making me all self-conscious," he said. "Maybe, I should date someone before mating with you to get some experience."

King gaped and almost dropped his cup of coffee. "No, you won't do such a thing," he said. "I'll give you all the experience you need."

Klaus blushed even further. "What are you saying with such a serious expression," he muttered over the rim of his coffee cup.

After Klaus had finished with his bagel, King pushed the plate with the dessert sitting on it towards Klaus. His mate's green eyes glimmered as he eyed the treat and although he hesitated, he quietly grabbed the fork and ate the vanilla cake with the rest of his coffee. Occasionally, Klaus lifted the fork towards King, and as much as King didn't like dessert, he just didn't have the heart to deny Klaus. King knew that Klaus was feeling better now and his mind had lifted off the thoughts from the attack earlier.

King really couldn't see anything past Klaus. He even forgot his past and all his own history of whatever the fuck he was doing over the years, because it didn't even compare to how he felt with Klaus. And now, he just found out that Klaus never dated anyone. They may have been attacked but this was a great day.

More than ever, King needed to mark his innocent mate and he was going to do it very soon, because nothing mattered to King as much as Klaus did. Sitting together, drinking coffee and letting each other see parts of themselves no one saw before, was an impossible dream to King, but now he was living it with Klaus who also felt like a dream.