Alister stood all by himself in his study, it was dark around him except for that one lamp that was illuminating in the corner. But his focus wasn't on the time or the shadows that surrounded it. He was entirely too lost in the ring that he held between his fingers. A golden band that carried a rectangular jet-black diamond with a small golden crescent moon resting at the centre of the stone. This ring was an heirloom, which was passed down in this family for generations once the firstborn found his or her mate.

His mother wore this ring when she was married into the family. And she had kept it safe in the family vault until it was his turn. After talking to Bone in the forest and they had the plan to go on a date tomorrow, Alister came up here to take the ring out of the vault. The reason was because he would give Bone this ring tomorrow.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door behind Alister.

"Come in," he answered.

It opened and Ragnar walked into the room.

"We're all heading off," he informed. "Did you need anything before I left?"

Alister faced his friend with a smile on his face. "No," he said.

Ragnar raised a brow. "You know, your mood swings are giving me whiplash," he remarked.

Alister found himself smiling with his teeth. "Bone is taking me on a date tomorrow," he told him.

Ragnar noticed the family ring in Alister's hand. "So, is that why you're smiling like a goofball?" he said.

Alister didn't even take offence to that. "I'm going to give him this ring on the date," he told him.

Ragnar seated himself on the arm of the chair and there was a despondent tone around him. "Bone told me his truth," he confessed out of nowhere.

Alister wondered what truth he spoke of regarding Bone. Until, his stomach dropped and he felt the icy ache in his chest. "What did he tell you?" he said sternly.

Ragnar's topaz eyes filled with a sense of maturity that aged him. "He told me his past," he admitted, "of how he was a slave."

Alister straightened to his full height. "Bone doesn't share that truth casually," he said. "What did you do?"

Ragnar winced. "I may have dug up information on him," he mumbled.

"Ragnar," Alister growled slowly. "If you weren't my friend, I would have killed you for this."

Ragnar raked his dark hair back. "I know, I get it," he held his hands up. "I told Bone everything and apologized as well."

Alister bit down on his molars trying to remain calm. "You should be glad my mate is more compassionate than me," he said.

Ragnar smirked. "That's why I spoke to him first," he said. "Bone is a good guy. I trust him after he saved your life and ours."

"Why did you dig into him then?" Alister crossed his arms.

"I was trying to protect you," Ragnar said. "But I can see now that there was no need."

Alister slumped against the table. "Why didn't Bone tell me," he mumbled.

"He probably didn't want to stress you out," Ragnar said. "Besides, I'm glad he didn't. That way, I could tell you myself."

Alister sighed. "Next time, if you want to know anything, just come to me," he told his friend.

"There won't be a next time," Ragnar said. "I understand now why you are in love with Bone. He's special and he's unbelievable kind despite what he's gone through."

Alister's blood turned cold as he recalled the truth of his mate's past. "You don't know the half of it, Ragnar," he answered as he shut his eyes and saw the scars on Bone's back that he revealed long ago.

"I've only ever heard tales of cage-fights," Ragnar said.

Alister had been to those organizations a couple of times. But he had never thought anything of it because it didn't concern him. Except, fate twisted such a game that Alister found the one he loved in those cages. This whole time while Alister ignored everyone's pain when his own mate was sitting there waiting to be set free.

"Fuck," he growled. He's messed up so many times, he's lost count at this point.

"What?" Ragnar sensed his friend's dark mood.

Alister shook his head. "I used to go to those cage-fights," he said. "And the entire time, Bone was there within my reach but I had no idea. I could have saved him."

Ragnar cursed under his breath. "There's no point in tormenting yourself over it now," he suggested.

Alister felt his heart ache in his chest. "Bone is everything to me, Ragnar," he told him with a tone that had never been so vulnerable before.

Ragnar held his friend's gaze. "Then we protect him and show him that we have his back no matter what because he's part of the pack," he assured.

Alister's grip tightened on the ring. "You're right," he said feeling a little relief. "Thanks."

Ragnar stood to his feet. "I'll see you tomorrow," he said. "Get some sleep."

"I don't know if I can," Alister admitted since he was already anxiously anticipating what will happen on their date.

Ragnar chuckled. "You're crazy," he said as he left the room and shut the door.

Alister looked out of the window and saw the thick clouds festering in the dark sky, yet the crescent moon peeked out here and there being a tease, just like Bone. This game of figuring out his mate's thoughts was driving him insane. He wasn't sure how long he could last.

Perhaps, tomorrow on the date, Bone intended to reveal his heart to Alister. This was probably the reason he asked him to dinner. Alister filled with hope and found himself wishing for time to go faster. Everything could change once Bone took the next step in their relationship.

Alister glanced down at the ring and wondered that if giving this heirloom would help guide them. He remembered the relationship his parents had and how cold it used to be in this house. There was never a doubt that his parents weren't real mates. They were in a business proposal and that's all that mattered to them. His mother was strict but she was righteous and so was his father. They cared about their legacy which was their children and the pack. Alister wasn't resentful or hateful at all. He understood them and for the longest time thought that their way of life was correct.

But when he laid eyes on his mate. He never went back. Alister didn't even understand how his parents didn't display passion, longing, the ace to touch and love one another when that's all Alister had his mind on. Bone was the light in Alister's dark soul. Nothing could change that.

Time passed and Alister finally left the study to return to his bedroom that was empty. He wished for Bone to be here but that wasn't possible yet. He freshened up and put on a pair of slacks before he got into bed. But he tossed and turned until he grew agitated and kicked the blanket off. He reached out to the side where Bone laid last night and ached for his return. The soft scent of Bone still lingered on the sheets and he breathed it in deeply, trying to capture the scent. He was intoxicated as his body hardened with the need to hold his mate in his arms. Fuck, he couldn't take it anymore. All he could smell was Bone in his own bed. Alister was afraid that he wasn't going to get any sleep tonight.

A sigh released from his lips and he closed his eyes only to feel like he was drowning in the grim silence around him. Unable to take it anymore, he got out of bed and went to the door attached to his own. He grabbed the golden brass knob and pushed it down before the hinges creaked in the silence. The dark room was revealed and the cold air filled the space around him. His eyes immediately went to the bed. However, his stomach dropped when he saw that it was vacant.

"Bone?" he called out but there was no answer.

Alister searched the area and no one was here. Even the sheets were clean and orderly as if Bone hadn't even gotten in bed. He rushed out of the room and into the hallway, but it was hollow and quiet.

Alister ran down the corridor and barged into his brother's room. Archer was fast asleep on the large grey bed.

"Archer!" Alister yelled. "Archer, wake up!"

Archer jolted awake and got up revealing his bare torso. "Are we under attack?" he said groggily.

"Bone isn't in his room," Alister told him.

Archer raked his tousled hair back. "What do you mean he's not in his room?" he said as he quickly got up out of bed and grabbed his gun from the drawer.

"I went to check on him and his room was empty," Alister revealed. "It looked like he hadn't even come back to sleep."

Archer sighed. "Did you check the library before you bothered me?" he asked.

"Why would he be-" Alister stiffened when realization hit him. Bone must be in the library. "Good job-"

"Get out of my room-" Archer chided angrily for being disturbed.

Alister ran out of the room and rushed to the third floor of the castle. He jumped two steps at a time before he made it to the door. He pushed it open and barged into the library where he saw Bone fast asleep on the couch. A book was open on his chest and Frost was resting on his legs.

"Thank God," Alister sighed in relief as he slumped against the door. He didn't know what he would have done if Bone had gone missing.

Leaving the door, he took a single step and Frost woke up, lifting this head. Alister put his finger to his lip indicting to stay quiet. Frost stayed on the couch and laid his head back down.

Alister came around the seat and looked at Bone who had his eyes closed, his breath steady as he inhaled and exhaled. The couch was large enough for him to lay down too, which was one of the reasons he chose it. He just never thought that the opportunity would arise so quickly.

Ignoring the instinct inside him that warned him to keep his distance for Bone's sake, he laid down next to his mate and rested his head on the pillow. Frost jumped off the couch and laid down on the floor letting Alister to spread his legs out.

The fire was small in the hearth, but the bit of golden light flickered over Bone's features. Alister ran his finger down the curve of Bone's golden brow towards his soft lashes. It was entirely too tempting to be this close yet so far. He was an art piece that Alister possessed all to himself.

Alister snuggled closer, hooking his leg over Bone's legs before he wrapped his arm around him too. The silence of the library didn't even bother him anymore because he had who he wanted in his arms. Everything felt so strange in a surreal way. He remembered the time when this place was still being built, that he dreamed of spending time here with Bone. And now, it was all coming true.

He breathed in the soft fragrance of his mate's scent and wished he could put it in a bottle and keep it.

Suddenly, Bone shifted and he made a slight sound. Alister faced him and his mate had a grim frown between his brows. He reached up and slid his thumb across the frown, it easily relented and Bone eased on the couch.

What was he dreaming about? Alister wondered. He didn't want Bone to think of his terrible memories. Pressing closer, he hoped that he could protect him even from his haunting memories.

"I'm here, Bone," he whispered. "I'll always be by your side."

Bone's head turned in his sleep and he was facing Alister now. He couldn't help but smile as he felt his mate in his arms.

Alister wasn't even sure when he fell asleep, but when he finally had, he felt nothing but peace.

Blood. The dark scent of blood made Bone's stomach twist in knots. He looked around the dark cavern and recognized the poisonous air, pulsing silence that drove the weak mad. This place was hell and it tested every single captive until they had only two choices left; kill or be killed. Bone remembered all the nights he had to face that test and made the immoral choice each time.

However, when he was so used to the scent of blood, why did it make him sick this time? He glanced down at the wet liquid coating his hands and it was crimson. He was tainted and he felt disgusted. Bone recognized this scent though, it was abnormally familiar. Suddenly, it hit him. This blood belonged to Alister.

He turned to move, when his foot bumped into something and he looked down. Alister laid before him on the cold, hard ground with a knife in his chest. Bone gaped at the sight and he felt his legs buckle under him. He fell to the floor beside his mate and reached over to him with his bloody hands.

Bone called out his mate's name with a numb desperation in his tone. But there was no response. Was this all his fault? There was no much blood and his mate's body was as cold as ice. This couldn't be real. Alister was a strong alpha of a pack, there was no way he could be killed.

Bone reached down and cupped his mate's face. He tried to get a response but there wasn't any. He didn't know what to do as he felt sick. What was going on? Was this just a nightmare or was this real?

Everything was closing in on Bone and he felt the tears streaming down his cheeks as he gathered his mate in his arms. The blood pooling around both of them. There wasn't a world where Bone could be left without Alister. He'd lose himself completely because for once, Bone finally desired more for himself.

However, was this the price of his selfish desire? Did he not deserve happiness, that's why the goddess took it away so quickly? He held Alister in his arms and prayed that this wasn't real because if it was then, he chose death as well.

Suddenly, Bone jolted away as if the nightmare itself shoved him out the illusion. He was crushed against something in a tight space. He opened his tired eyes trying to recognize where he was right now. Staring up at the chandelier, he remembered that he was in the library last night. He must have fallen asleep here. Bone moved to get up when he saw the giant six-foot alpha right next to him with his strong arm and leg sprawled over him. No wonder he felt as if he was being smothered. Alister was practically on top of him, since the couch was too narrow to fit both of them. Bone lifted his head and looked around the room for Frost, but the wolf had gone off somewhere.

Bone sighed as he wondered what he should do now? He glanced at Alister's face and studied how those sharp features had softened while he slept. The scowl that he usually held while he was awake was gone. Bone hesitantly reached up, but he froze right before he could touch his mate's parted lips.

He only had one word in his mind as he stared at Alister. Temptation.

Bone stiffened when he recalled his dream from moments ago. What if it were to come true? he thought grimly. He finally laid his fingers against Alister's lips and felt how soft they were. That nightmare only brought focus into Bone and allowed him to understand just how important Alister was to him. He needed to keep him safe and protect his mate from any danger. That was his undying duty and silent promise.

He put his hand down and breathed in his mate's dark pheromones that was always comforting. Bone always considered that any wolf who let their pheromones out was being arrogant and brutal, since this scent was used to disarm any lower-ranking wolf. Back in the cage fights, many of the security guards used their pheromones to subdue young wolves into submission. It was merciless and cruel, he never forgave any alpha for this choice of action.

But once again, Alister had proven to be another exception to this rule. Bone admired this dark fragrance as if his own body called to it. He couldn't resist it at all as it wrapped around him, consuming him in every way possible. The darkly spiced oak and whiskey was intoxicating even this early in the morning. Perhaps, it was because they were all alone at the crack of dawn with nothing else around them, that Bone was completely enraptured by the scent. He couldn't pull away nor could he resist breathing it into his body.

Bone realized that Alister's thigh was tightly pressed between his own legs and he tried to get free, but it was going to be impossible without waking this grumpy alpha up. He stayed in his spot but he reached out again and touched Alister's cheek, poking him and when he groaned in his sleep, Bone pretended to sleep again. When he saw it was safe again, he'd open an eye and poke his mate again. But even then, Alister was still deep in slumber. The man really was a hibernating wolf with no care of time or space.

Bone turned slightly and inched closer to the warmth of his mate's body, that felt comforting in the cold crisp draft of his library. The blood from his nightmare flashed in front of his eyes and his body filled with screaming agony. He leaned down and snuggled into Alister's arms, unable to keep himself away from him. This nightmare was a blessing and a curse. It reminded Bone that time was precious and he couldn't waste it. But it also showed Bone everything he feared in a single moment.

Suddenly, the arm around Bone tightened and Alister pressed their bodies tightly together. Bone's arms where crushed against Alister's bare chest while he felt every single part of him along his limbs. They were melting into one another and Bone couldn't breathe.

"Alister," he whispered.

"Hmm," he responded.

"Are you awake?" Bone said and wondered if they should get up.

"No," Alister replied.

Bone bit back his laugh. "How are you responding if you're still asleep?"

"Shhh," Alister mumbled, "just a few more minutes."

Bone relaxed in his mate's arms as he rested his head against his chest. The sensation of his mate's bare skin was foreign but strangely comforting. He saw the small scar that started from Alister's collarbone down to his heart. Bone ran his finger down the pale length wondering how this happened. Why did his mate have to get hurt? It was maddening.

Unable to resist, he leaned in and laid his lips on the scar as if he wished for the scar to disappear and cause no more pain to his mate.

The arm around his waist flexed and he felt something rigid pressing against his stomach. Bone looked up and Alister was staring at him with this mysterious look in his dark, arctic-blue eyes. He didn't know what came over them, but he was taken into a fierce kiss that Alister instigated.

He felt as if he was being devoured by a ravaging beast that would consume everything it desired. Bone succumbed to the pleasure coursing through him. Alister pressed closer, their bodies joined together and Bone moaned into his mate's lips as he felt the hard ridges of his muscular form. But Alister deepened the kiss and sucked on Bone's tongue the moment he had the chance. Everything around them disappeared and it was only them in the world.

"Fuck, Bone," Alister growled as he broke the kiss to breathe but he came back for more.

The kiss continued. Alister raked his fingers into Bone's hair and tilted his head back further, so they could deepen this connection. The dark pheromones around them swirled into a storm and it was entering Bone's body, rendering him defenceless and open to be taken by this beast.

Alister twirled his tongue along Bone's and then caressed him as if he was a piece of candy ready to be eaten. Bone didn't know what to do as he found himself completely surrendering to this pleasure. This always happened when he was near Alister. Before him, Bone used to hate the touch of another person because of everything he had to endure in the cages. But Alister changed all that. Or perhaps, it was only Alister who was exempted from this rule.

The kiss broke and both of them stared into one another's eyes seeing their own reflection, that clearly showed how vulnerable they made one another.

Alister leaned in and kissed Bone, this time a lot more softly. He was slow and sweet, taking his time as he drew Bone out of his shell. Alister then bit down on Bone's bottom lip, the slight jolt of pain was masked with the prick of pleasure that ran through him. He let out a moan and tried to contain himself but it was impossible.

Suddenly, Alister pressed his hips into Bone and he recognized the hard ridge against his stomach. But he wasn't afraid nor was he revolted. Instead, he was curious and wished to see what drove his mate wild in heat.

Alister broke the kiss and sucked in a sharp breath. "Er- sorry," he grumbled as he realized what he had done. "I should go-" he tried to move away.

Bone moved instinctively when he grabbed his mate's waist, holding them tightly together.

Alister's eyes that were almost black with the desire pumping through him had widened. "Bone?" his tone was surprised.

"Stay," Bone whispered huskily.

Alister drew out a shaky breath as he braced himself on top of Bone, he spread his legs as he steadied himself between them and kept their bodies close. "Do you even know what you're asking for right now?" his tone was dangerously quiet.

Bone swallowed the nerves in his body. "I do," he whispered.

"If you did, then you wouldn't make this mistake," he replied grimly.

It wasn't a mistake, Bone thought. "Are you going to let me touch you?" he asked in return.

Alister met his gaze and his eyes were hard as stone. "If you do, then I might not be able to stop," he warned.

But Bone already knew that. He ran his hand down Alister's bare chest towards his chiselled abdomen, he sensed every single ounce of muscle flex under his palm before he grazed his fingers along the band of his pants. Flashes of his past in the cages sparked in front of him, he couldn't control it. The nights where he had been assaulted by the guards tormented him even to this day.

However, as he laid under Alister, both of them completely defenceless and vulnerable, he had nothing to fear. His hands didn't waver nor did his desire. He wished to touch Alister, to feel him lose control and be the reason behind it. Alister wasn't those guards. Alister was kind, he was honourable and his mate.

Bone's fingers hooked onto the band and Alister was as rigid as a mountain above him. After everything he's been through in the cages, Bone was well aware of what needed to be done in order for someone to feel pleasure. He pulled the band lower when Alister leaned down and locked their lips in a kiss.

Bone shut his eyes as Alister grabbed his wrist and guided him further down, his hand suddenly grazed against his hard, thick shaft. He moaned against his mate's lips as the heat of his cock spread through Bone's palm. Alister guided him further down the length and it was endless. Bone quivered as he memorized the size. It was practically a weapon. But he wasn't going to lose the game he instigated. Bone ran his palm up the length before he tried to wrap his fingers around the thick girth.

Alister let out a dark grunt. "Slowly," he whispered.

Bone couldn't breathe as their lips lingered inches apart. He tried to focus on his hand that gripped the cock. He needed to ensure that Alister felt pleasure, if this was satisfying him. He slowly went down rubbing it to get harder in his hand. But he was quickly distracted when Alister kissed down his neck as if he was losing himself to the desire pumping through him. He couldn't focus on what he needed to do when he was the one being swept away in the heat of this moment.

Suddenly, Alister put his hand over Bone's and he held his cock with him. He took over and rolled his hips into their hands.

"Damn it, Bone," he growled darkly, "you're driving me crazy."

Bone felt his cock throbbing in his hand. "Does it feel good?" he asked.

Alister grumbled a curse. "I think I might die," he confessed.

Bone glanced down at their joined hands and caught the glimpse of his mate's shaft. It was large, throbbing with need as if it'd burst any second. He licked his lips and bit down on it as something strange bloomed inside himself too. The arousal was like a flaming-hot fire that awakened and spread through his body. Unable to resist, he used both his hands now and wrapped them around his mate's thick erection. He knew that this would help Alister feel good more.

Alister cursed and he stiffened on top of him. "Bone," he growled.

He held the heavy cock as he rubbed the length as it grew wet in his hands from the liquid pouring out of Alister. This was something that Bone never experienced, it was strange and beautiful all at the same time. He watched this powerful alpha who protected hundreds of people succumbing to the most primal urge and only in front of Bone. His heart filled with a need to continue giving him pleasure.

Using a bit of strength, he felt devilish when he picked up the pace. Alister buckled above him and his dark hair fell over his blazing blue eyes. Bone did it again and again, drawing out the arousal that could destroy them both in this heat.

"Tighter," Alister grumbled.

Bone tightened his grip as he was told, when suddenly, Alister thrusted into the hands surprising him. But it was erotic to witness his mate take his pleasure simply by using the hands wrapped around his monstrous cock.

Alister dropped his head on Bone's shoulder as he continued to thrust into his hands that held the heavy length. The hole between his fingers became the place that was continuously assaulted, but Bone ached just to see it for himself. He wished he could be the one that could feel everything and never let anyone else near Alister. Was he being too greedy? Because it was addicting.

The couch under them creaked but neither of them cared.

Bone held his mate's cock for as long as he needed because he was lost in this sensual moment, that was only for him and him alone.

"I'm going to come, Bone," Alister whispered. "Do you want me to stop?"

Their eyes locked and Bone drowned in his mate's dark gaze that never once hid the truth. "No," he answered huskily.

Alister claimed Bone's lips for a kiss. The kind of kiss that made one forget their own name. It was desperate and ferocious. Their teeth clashes together but Alister still didn't slow down. He lost his composure as he devoured Bone despite being the one about to have an orgasm. Bone's grip toughened on the shaft between them as his tongue was being caressed sinfully. This pleasure, this hungering need was something Bone never experienced before. He always thought that sex was a disgusting thing. But this changed things. Alister always showed Bone the truth behind everything in life he ever came to doubt.

Bone whispered his mate's name and he felt his orgasm burst through him and make a mess on his shirt. The hot liquid covered his hand and Alister fell on top of him, taking deep breathes as if he was unable to find oxygen in the room.

Alister was the one that moved first as he lifted and saw the mess. He moved without warning and since the couch was too small, Bone tried to catch him but it was futile. Alister slipped and fell to the floor, landing on his back in a loud thud.

"Are you okay?" Bone astounded.

Alister laid between the couch and table with a stunned expression before he began to laugh boyishly, it was adorable. Bone gaped but he couldn't help himself when he smiled down at his mate.

"I've never seen you laugh like that," Bone said.

Alister appeared younger, almost carefree for once. "Yeah, I've never fallen off a couch before," he admitted as he got to his feet.

Bone got up too and took off his sweater because he had another shirt on underneath, so it didn't matter. He wiped his hand and guessed he'd just throw the sweater out, since it was sullied. Suddenly, the realization of what they did washed over him and he felt the heat in his cheeks bloom. Did he really just help Alister reach an orgasm in the library. Oh god, what was he thinking?

"Alister, I-" his lips were sealed when he found himself in another kiss. Alister was kneeling between Bone's legs and he was being forceful with his enchanting lips, that knew just how to distract Bone from all his thoughts and words.

Alister tilted his head to the side and the kiss deepened. This time Bone was also aware of what his mate liked as he caressed back slowly. This embrace was heavenly, almost too pure to be tainted by any kind of evil.

Alister pulled away. "You didn't forget that you're taking me on a date tonight, did you?" he asked.

Bone gaped. He completely forgot about all that. What was he supposed to do? He didn't really have the chance to think about anything the moment he woke up next to Alister.

"I'm looking forward to it," Alister got to his feet.

Bone looked up at him as their eyes held this magnetic allure that could never be broken once met. "What if I disappoint you?" he asked.

Alister grinned down at him. "Look at the start of our morning," he said teasingly. "You've got nothing to worry about."

Bone couldn't help but feel embarrassed.

"Come," Alister ushered Bone onto his feet. "Let's go to our rooms before my brother find us both gone."

Bone left with Alister and they went to their rooms. But before he entered, he faced his mate. "What were you doing in the library anyway?" Bone asked him.

"When I didn't find you in bed last night, I came looking for you," Alister said.

"Oh," Bone mumbled.

Alister went inside his bedroom first and he shut the door.

Bone entered his own and he left to freshen up and throw his sweater out.

Does that mean Alister came to his room last night hoping to talk? he wondered. Bone bit his lip as memories of what they had done in the library flashed in his mind.

"You've done it now, Bone," he told himself. What was Alister going to think? He wasn't trying to coax him or anything.

Bone groaned and he stripped out of his clothes before he showered under really cold water. But even that icy temperature wasn't enough to make him forget what he had caused. And later tonight, he would have to face Alister for their date.

Bone gasped. What if Alister was hoping for something after their date? He didn't know what he'd do if they managed to even make it to a bed. Bone laid his hands on the shower wall in front of him and hung his head under the water. But as he closed his eyes, he remembered the way he held his mate's cock in his hands and brought him to a climax. This heat reverberating through him was foreign and completely perplexing.

How could a single man cause such a reaction inside Bone?

Alister Black was dangerous. He was proving that even Bone could do things that he never thought he was capable of before. Now, Bone understood his friend King and his obsession with his mate. Bone was quickly becoming the same way. All this time, he judged King for being ruthless in desiring his mate. But deep down, Bone had done the same when he didn't want to leave that library, because a part of him wanted to keep Alister all to himself, where they could be all alone.

Bone's body ached and he felt arousal shifting through him. He's never once gotten an erection, but it felt possible now. He was changing. His body was in a state of dark bloom. What was this new change in him going to unleash?

Bone slammed his hand on the water, shutting it off before he got out and dried off. He went to the closet and got dressed in a pair of clean, tailored trousers and a t-shirt. He put on his shoes when he heard a knock on the door.

"Come in," he said.

The door opened and it was Alister. He stood powerfully in a dark-charcoal grey suit that showed his pedigree and a completely different side to him than the one in the library.

"I'll see you tonight at eight," he said with a smile.

Bone's heart fluttered in his chest. "Tonight, at eight," he verified.

Alister's smirk was wicked, it was hotter than the sun. "Bye, baby," he said before he left for work but his presence lingered for Bone to feel through the rest of the day. 

To read chapter 10, it has already been posted on my Patreon. So, you don't have to wait a whole week again. Become a member today and unlock tons of exclusive chapters on all your favourite characters too.

patreon.com/TheDarkNovelist