Ender's stomach lurched as he swallowed the wave of nausea down. He hid it well, but because he worked hard to keep himself from making a mistake that he didn't taste a single bite of his dinner.

All of it tasted the same but he forced it down without leaving anything behind. His palms were clammy with moisture but he was shivering in his sweater and socks. He had never worn such expensive clothes before, since he was only used to using rags to keep him warm or covered. However now he had a whole closet full of things to use. He sat in a cotton sweater that was soft and thick, his denim jeans were clean and a bright blue, his socks were white and smelt of lemons and summer fields.

It took him a while to remember that he wasn't in a cage anymore and that he was free along with everyone else. Zero had freed them- she saved them all. However, no one told him that living outside the cage would be harder. He wasn't able to have a conversation without freezing up. He couldn't find a place for himself no matter how hard he tried because he always saw that one flaw in him. He was filthy and impure. This pack that sat around him were a prestigious family who were famous. Even in his cage, he heard of the great Centauri pack and now to be amongst them made Ender sick to his stomach. He didn't belong here and once this pack knew what he'd been through and the things that were done to him, they wouldn't want him here either.

"Ender, Ender," his name was called repeatedly before he heard it.

"Huh?" Ender looked up and he saw Klaus looking at him. "Ye-yes?"

"Would you like some ice-cream?" Klaus asked.

Ender felt his body go numb. "No, I'm okay," he said.

Klaus smiled and sat down beside him with his own bowl that was full to the top with large scoops of frozen cream. Out of everyone here, this guy was the strangest. For some reason, Klaus stuck by his side even though it was clear that Ender didn't like it. He didn't understand what Klaus found so fun about this, maybe he thought it was charity work to help a kid like him.

Suddenly, a cold spoon touched his lips. Ender looked up confused and didn't know how to react. "Here, open up," Klaus said.

He did as he was told and Klaus pushed the spoon in letting the rich peppermint flavour melt down his throat.

"It's tasty, right," said Klaus with a cheeky grin.

Ender sat stiffly on the couch as Klaus continued to feed him because he didn't know how to stop him. Ender was a disease whose blood had been tainted, his body scarred beyond recovery. His birth was a result from abuse and his entire life went by seeing that abuse around him. He wasn't a kid who dreamed of rainbows and new toys or games. He was a damaged spirit who had lived in his nightmares to the point that he didn't know what reality was anymore. If they knew all this, it would make them sick with resentment for him.

Everyone was gathered in the large room, but all the voices were muffled to his ears. He didn't understand them or how they were having a fun time.

Why did Zero leave him here? She knew that he wasn't going to fit in with these people. Frankly, he felt trapped. He didn't deserve this warm house with these good people... Except, when Ender looked behind him there wasn't a way out because going back to his past would mean to walk straight into hell again. And if he did that, he knew he would die this time.

Eventually, the television was turned on and a movie began to play, which Ender never saw before. He liked that they turned the lights off and let him sit alone on the couch at the back. It allowed him to breathe and forget. He didn't look at the faces around the room and focused on the movie, letting himself overcome the sharp pain throbbing behind his eyes. Taking deep breaths in and out, he then finally calmed and thought that maybe he could live another day and see if any of it was worth anything.

Ender shrank back in the corner of the couch as another figure approached and sat beside Klaus, it was the man named King. He was a terrifying in the way he walked and talked. His towering height and grim tattoos were just like the ones the guards had in the cage fights. However, Ender noticed the strangest thing on such a powerful wolf, King had similar markings on his neck like Ender had. Maybe, he was mistaken because someone like King could never be taken to those cages. Only the weak were trapped there and it didn't matter how much one tried, no one could escape on their own.

Ender gathered his legs to his chest and thought that maybe he would warm up a little. He didn't understand why he was always cold and exhausted. He had a warm bed, food, water and even a bathroom all to himself. So, why did he feel like he was being sucked deeper into an endless void? He laid his head on his knee and forgot all about the movie or even the people beside him. Time passed and so did his wandering thoughts...

Suddenly, the lights flicked on and blinded him for a moment. He closed his eyes and blinked to get rid of the burn before he realized that the movie had finished and everyone was heading off to bed.

Ender slipped past them and disappeared up the stairs to the room he stayed in. The door creaked open and he slid inside closing it tightly behind him. Around him was a grand room with a four-poster bed that had fresh navy-blue sheets and the fluffiest mattress; it felt as if he slept on clouds floating away in the night sky. There was a large oak desk for him to use and even long bookshelves, that only had a few books he borrowed from the library. He had been reading and it was one of the few things he enjoyed here. The rug was made from dark brown fur and the hardwood floors was a dark chocolate. The walls were a dark blue and painted to mirror the night sky and the constellations he had been studying recently in class. Although the room was luxurious, but Ender's eyes always went to the right side of his bed where a lamp of the moon had been perched. No matter what happened Ender never turned it off since Klaus put it there.

Ender may have closed the door but he felt as if he was intruding here. This wasn't his, none of it was, so he didn't want to build the habit of being comfortable. Nothing here had his mark on it, he never put any memories. Just in case, if he had to leave and he would leave empty-handed like when he arrived.

A soft knock pulled Ender out of his thoughts. The door opened and Klaus appeared.

"You're not in bed yet?" he said.

"I was just about to," he muttered.

Klaus walked in and came up to the bed seeing the moon lamp brimming with an iridescent glow. For some reason, he always smiled when he saw the moon, Ender never understood why. He was itching to ask but never could gather the nerve. He was probably over-stepping his bounds, but he was curious to know how someone could smile that way at an object.

"You can take it back," Ender blurted out and he regretted it the moment his mouth opened. Klaus looked at him befuddled too. "You- you seem to like it, so you don't need to give it to me."

Klaus grabbed the edge of the duvet and pulled it back, he fluffed the pillows too. "I like it here with you," he said with a tender smile. "Now, come on, get in bed."

Ender scampered over to the bed. He didn't need any help, he was always efficient enough to do it himself since that's how it's always been. But not here, Klaus put him to bed every night and made sure to never skip a day, like it was the normal thing to do. But for Ender it was alien to him to be taken care of so much.

Klaus covered Ender with the blanket all the way up to his chin and then kneeled at his bedside. A quiet moment passed as Ender watched Klaus stroke his soft fingers through his ruffled hair. Ender never liked when someone touched him, but he could never stop Klaus and he didn't want to either. This touch that was kind and gentle was unfamiliar.

"This moon," Klaus began with his soft tone, it almost lulled Ender to sleep. "King got it for me when we went to the museum together, it was a lot fun because we saw a bunch of dinosaurs."

Ender's interest peeked. "Dinosaurs," he said.

Klaus caught his interest too and smiled. "Would you like to see some dinosaurs?" He jested.

Ender hesitated to answer.

"We'll go together next time," he promised. "We have a lot of places to explore."

Ender forgot many times that he was a kid, it didn't feel like that since he was on the brink of disappearing forever. He tore his eyes away from Klaus and turned to face the other side. He couldn't fall for his kind smile and warm voice, otherwise it would be too hard to separate.

Klaus smiled but he wasn't happy, instead his heart was being crushed. "Goodnight, Ender," he whispered.

Ender heard the door close behind him and the lights turn off too. It was only then that he felt the weight off his heart dissolve leaving him empty once again. He didn't know when he started to cry or how long he cried for, until he fell asleep and his nightmares turned his tears into silent screams...

Klaus lingered behind the door and he held his tears back as he heard the little boy's stifled cries. All Klaus wanted to do hold Ender until his pain subsided, but something chained Klaus back because he felt as if he didn't have the right to comfort Ender.

Who was he to help him? Klaus thought. Ender didn't even trust him and Klaus knew that Ender would never want anyone to see him in this state.

Klaus saw what Ender tried to hide from everyone. Why wouldn't Klaus see his pain, when it was the same pain King and Bone endured.

Klaus left the door and went to his bedroom with a throbbing ache weighing down on his heart. He walked into the room and saw the love of his life standing at the foot of their bed. Something broke inside Klaus and he gave up being strong in front of his mate. He never needed to fake a smile or hide his tears to King because his mate always protected him.

"You sure took your time," King's voice was amused, "I was getting lonely-" Klaus came up to him and King turned not in time to see his tears but he heard his mate crying- "Klaus, what happened?" It was clear from his stern tone, that he was alarmed. Klaus's tears soaked his shirt. "You're scaring me, Klaus," King's voice was dangerously grim. He put his arms around Klaus gathering him on his lap before he sat them on the bed. He kissed his head and held him as tightly as he could. "Who do I need to kill for making you cry?" he asked.

Klaus would've laughed at his joke, but instead he held onto King tightly. "It's Ender," his voice trembled. "I can see how much pain he's in, King. What do I do to make him feel safe with us?"

King ran his fingers through Klaus's hair. "That's not up to you," he responded. "Ender needs to heal on his own. We can't do it for him."

"I know," Klaus muttered. "But he won't let me hold him or help him. Am I doing something wrong?"

King's arms held Klaus with unshakable strength. "Being in cage fights is unlike any other trauma, Klaus. Ender won't heal in a few days... but he's still a kid... so there's probably still a chance to help him," King said.

Klaus leaned back and looked at King's sapphire eyes with heart-aching grief. "If helping Ender is the last thing I do then I'm going to do whatever it takes," he said.

King's lips lifted into a smile. "I know you will," he said. "If anyone can help that kid, it's you." King shifted them both and now he was luring his mate onto the bed, laying Klaus back onto the dark silk sheets. "Anyway, I think the last thing you do won't be with someone else," he grinned, "it'll be with me." Seeing Klaus laid back against all the black aroused King to the point of no return.

Klaus peeked a smile, but the slight strain between his brows was clear to King, that he was winding like a torrent with worries in his head. King did what he knew best. He leaned in trailing soft kisses over Klaus's smooth neck. He took a slow pace capturing what he always loved; his mate being in his arms.

The tender fragrance twisted into a fierce pheromone that told King that Klaus was aroused too. He ran his teeth over his jaw before his eyes locked onto Klaus's lips, that were adding fuel to his fire with wanting a taste. King anchored his weight with his arms, letting a moment pass with him just feeling Klaus's beating heart and his rhythmic breath. Fuck, this man was going to be the death of him. King never understood how someone as innocent as Klaus was erotic as fuck in bed. He was so glad no one touched Klaus before him, otherwise he would've committed a massacre- there would've been a lot of torturing first and then plain and simple slaughter.

"You're not going to kiss me?" asked Klaus.

King closed his eyes shut to control himself. "I think I might just die if I do," his voice was guttural.

Klaus softened King's heart when he laughed tenderly. He felt a hand on his back and his muscles stood to alert, they flexed from the tentative touch and all he could think about were Klaus's hands on him. King looked down into those emerald eyes, that were as bewitching as the first time he saw them and that felt like it was just yesterday.

King couldn't hold back any longer.

He locked his lips with Klaus and felt his breath being sucked out of his lungs. The hot sensation of Klaus's warm lips and his shy tongue exploited the darker needs from inside King.

King deepened their kiss and he loved Klaus's desperate moan when he couldn't resist giving in either. King fumbled with the man's belt and swore he was about to shred the clothes off him, but he tried his best not to rip anything. When the belt loosened, the black silk pants melted off and King ran his fingers along his thighs and over to his abdomen lifting his sweater out of the way. King's rough palms caressed his soft skin that was scorching hot and clean with no marks or tattoos unlike himself.

King broke the kiss and trailed over to his cheek brushing the tears away with his lips. "I don't like it when you cry," he whispered as he ran his teeth along Klaus's taut jaw. He whimpered underneath King and that was enough to tell him that Klaus's mind was far from his worries now.

King peeled off his husband's sweater and tossed it somewhere on the floor where all his other discarded clothes laid. King's strong thighs braced themselves between Klaus's legs holding them apart for him. Settling between that intimate space, King laced his fingers into his mate's golden hair lifting Klaus a little to meet his lips for another hot kiss. It was when Klaus was breathless from their kiss that King stripped him of his boxers. Laid bare for King, he felt his own erection strain against his jeans roaring for attention.

"Do you know how erotic you look right now?" King's voice was low but dangerously hard.

"Don't say that," he bemoaned. Klaus hid his face but the torture grew when he unintentionally exposed his neck to his ravenous mate.

Klaus was defenceless on the silken sheets, although he didn't even try to resist against King's rule. Maybe, it was Klaus's naivety that allowed King to do anything he desired. Well, that's not a problem when both of them were lost in ecstasy.

King fisted Klaus's shaft in his hard hand and felt him throb with pleasure. He kissed his chest where his heart was before his hungry eyes locked onto Klaus's neck. A reverberating sound released from King and he bit his lip painfully trying not to break loose on his mate. However, he couldn't resist when that lovely blush that coloured Klaus's cheeks a soft rose appeared and Klaus opened his eyes meeting King's gaze.

King licked up the sweetness of his mate's neck. The fragrance of his arousal got King and his wolf drunk and drove them wild. King stroked his hand up and down letting Klaus feel the climb of the release and he didn't stop until he would.

Klaus's hands gripped the sheets from the rush growing inside him.

King smirked at his mate. "Come for me, honey," he growled in his ear.

"I don't want to alone," moaned Klaus.

King was already at the edge of his own release so that wasn't an issue. And he knew from the way Klaus bit his bottom lip and the way his back arched, that Klaus was about to orgasm. But King controlled that too. He sucked the frail skin of his neck before he bit down marking Klaus as hard as he could and that exploded inside Klaus letting him release fiercely.

King licked the bite letting it seal. "We're not done," he warned.

King locked his lips with Klaus and taking the control over his breath for himself. He unzipped his jeans and let his own shaft free only to caged inside his mate's scorching hot body. Klaus moaned because he was already sensitive from the first release, but King turned that twisted pleasure into an agonizing storm which wasn't meant to be held onto, only freed. He desired more than anything to see Klaus orgasm again and again.

King didn't take it slow the moment he felt his mate tremble around his shaft. Klaus combed his fingers through King's hair and a chill crawled down his body.

"Fuck, Klaus, what do you do to me? I'm going insane," he moaned hotly before he kissed Klaus with urgency.

Biting and licking wherever he could he did. King rode out the release, but it didn't stop there because he hadn't calmed down and neither did his arousal...

It was after the third or fourth orgasm when King regained a bit of consciousness and caught sight of Klaus's battered state. King leaned back on his knees and stopped when both his wolf and Klaus's wolf had receded.

His marks covered every part of Klaus's pale skin and it licked a severely vile part inside King. But it had always been this way, King and his demons enjoyed tainting their Klaus with black letting him inside their darkness even for just a little bit.

King kissed Klaus's cheek. "You okay?" he asked softly.

Klaus's eyes closed on their own. "Hmm," he nodded at most to answer him.

King realized that his hands hadn't stopped their exploration. He always touched any part of his mate and if his lips weren't already on him, then they'd always tell Klaus how much he missed his body with his. However now, he needed to help his mate.

King got off the bed and went to bathroom. He kept the lights off so he wouldn't disturb Klaus's rest. King cleaned himself and zipping up his jeans again, he then wet a small towel and went to his mate. He cleaned off the remnants and picked up Klaus's clothes off the floor before he pulled the duvet over him.

King leaned down and kissed Klaus's head. "I'll be right back," he whispered not knowing if Klaus even heard him or not. But Klaus's little squeeze of his hold on King's hand told him he heard him loud and clear.

King raked his hair and closed the door behind him before he left for Gabriel's office to bring him the report on the mission he was assigned.

King knocked on the lone door where Gabriel moved his office from his bedroom because that was the place he didn't like being disturbed. King understood that like any other bonded wolf. The bedroom was sacred fucking territory.

"Come in," Gabriel's voice resonated from the other side.

King opened the door and saw a neat room with a seating area, that was comfy enough to host all the other Centauri pack enforcers. Gabriel sat at the other end of the dark desk with his fingers drumming on the table and his eyes searching through a few papers.

"You seem tense," Gabriel stated without even sparing him a glance.

King didn't know whether he should bring up Klaus crying about Ender, because when it came to Klaus's happiness (other than King) Gabriel was strict about it too. Nothing hurt Gabriel Centauri's baby brother and the whole fucking world knew about that.

King stood in front of the table. "It's nothing," he lied.

Gabriel's gaze lifted from over the papers and his amber gaze locked onto King. King knew that his poker face hadn't revealed anything, but this alpha was a tough sonofabitch to fool.

"There's only one reason you'd lie to me," he stated with an unsympathetic tone. "And if you don't want to get the shit beaten out of you, I suggest you tell me."

King rolled his eyes before he pulled the chair back and sat down. "Klaus is upset about Ender," he told him.

Gabriel leaned back in the chair. "Oh, so that's what this is about," he sighed.

"He's upset that he can't seem to get through to that pup," King explained.

"Cage fights aren't something you can forget in a day," said Gabriel.

"It's not," agreed King, remembering his eleven years in the very same place. "Only someone whose been in those cages can ever understand, otherwise it's impossible."

Gabriel's jaw grew rigid. "Then I think you found your answer," he said.

King knew exactly what Gabriel hinted at and he already decided that before he walked in here. King was going to have to intervene and help Ender for Klaus. That was the only way otherwise Ender wasn't going to let anyone into his heart. He just needed the right moment for that.

"Apart from this, isn't there something else we should discuss," said King.

"We're waiting for-" the door opened behind them- "speak of the devil."

King always found it odd how River Drakov moved without a single sound despite being six foot and built like a fricking machine. King always thought that Gabriel was more reasonable from the two because once River decided to kill someone there was no going back on that decision. Gabriel always planned for another game, but River only ever ended them.

"So, what'd you find on the dark side?" Gabriel jested as he poured them drinks.

"I got everything you wanted," said King. "The only thing I couldn't get you was a meeting."

River crossed his arms. "Who do you want to meet with now?" He looked at his best friend.

"An alpha-female whose been doing as she wants," alleged Gabriel.

King raked his hair back. "Look, I'm all up for uniting alphas around the city, but this time I think you should back off," he cautioned.

River cursed under his breath. "That just provokes him more," he retorted and King couldn't disagree.

"You know me so well," Gabriel fuelled River's temper with his cocky grin. "Besides, if I back off now, what does that say about me?" Gabriel shook his head. "No, we're going to do this."

"This alpha despises men," King confessed. "Hates them enough to kill them if they piss her off."

"And we all know how good you are at pissing people off," remarked River and he shot a cocky grin right back at Gabriel.

Gabriel tilted his glass back and enjoyed the dark flavour of the whiskey. King could tell that when this alpha was altering the plan in his head. He was the type of man who always measured his words before he spoke, even when he provoked someone. He calculated every move but that intelligence came with a risk and that risk was the danger that hung over them every day.

"Then the hunt begins," said Gabriel, his tone was unyielding.

"Are you ready for that risk?" King asked him.

Gabriel looked up at his right side where River stood with his rigorous posture that never faltered. "Risks come with the territory," he said.

"Whatever," King got up from the chair. He pulled out a small USB chip from his back pocket and put it on the table. "All the files on your target are in there. Have fun. I'm going to bed."

"Goodnight," wished Gabriel.

King looked between the two men and knew that neither of them were going to change their minds, so there wasn't any use fighting them about it. He'd just leave River to speak reason into Gabriel- if that was even possible. King looked at River's whose blue eyes were gravelly austere, they churned King's blood and alerted his wolf of imminent danger. He guessed it was because of Gabriel's unnecessary need to cause trouble that River looked pissed. River was like this through-out dinner too. However, that quality about the Centauri pack alpha wasn't new. More than anyone, River was probably used to Gabriel's mischievous nature. So, what was the real problem? he thought.

Nonetheless, it wasn't his place to meddle. He'd leave that to the man sitting on the chair who knew River better than anyone here.

King sauntered out of the room and went to his bedroom to the man who knew him the best. The lights were all off and he quietly closed the door behind him. He stripped off his clothes and got into bed with the only love of his life.

The stench of blood caused a sickening coil of nausea in his stomach, that was begging for food or even a drop of water. However, he knew better than to ask for anything in this cage. Calling for attention like that only lead to death or rape or sometimes both. And no one ever interfered in this place that only caused more problems and further mayhem.

Slave fighter 633 woke up and he didn't know what day it was or the month. He forgot how long he spent in this cage, some even said that he was born here by some woman who later died from blood loss or took her life they didn't know. Many of the guards joked about him saying that he was a killer from birth and he was perfect for these cage fights. However, he was too skinny and short to put up any good fights. The boy didn't understand how he was still alive because if a slave fighter didn't put up an entertaining fight then he was killed off. Maybe, it was just fate weaving a sick game by keeping him alive to see others die.

However, in this purgatory death was a regular occurrence. When someone died or was killed, no one batted an eye because it wasn't a surprise. And how many times was a person going to be shocked with every death, it'd drive them mad here. It definitely did something darkly twisted to his own mind and now he looked at a dead body like it was insignificant scrap on the ground. This had been going on for years... so many years.

There were many chances to let this all go by doing the unthinkable. Many other slave fighters committed suicide so they wouldn't have to face the harshness of this place. However, he wasn't as brave as them. He couldn't hold a blade to his neck or wrists and let all the life slip out of him when no one was looking his way.

The fighting rink was open for business and the loud music was enough to let the boy know, that cage dealers were here to pick the next contestants for tonight.

The boy hid in the corner of his cage hoping the darkness kept him veiled from the scornful eyes of the vengeful guards. He put his trembling hands over his mouth and held his breath so no one heard him and maybe they'd forget he even existed. However, his cowardice had a price and that was his friends. The cage next to his opened and slave fighter 134 was yanked out with the collar around his throat. This was the only fighter that helped the kids around here with their injuries. He was the only one that told them about his home, the boy never forgot those stories of warm summers and long walks through the fields in the countryside.

134 never retaliated when he was being taken to a cage fight. He always walked with his own two feet and held his head high. He was the one that never lowered his eyes when the guards spoke. Slave fighter 134 always had an answer to the guards, but they couldn't do anything to him since this slave was a prized champion here, the guards were less adamant on picking a fight with him. Although, when four or five guards ganged up on him, it was close to impossible to win the fight. The boy never understood why this slave retaliated in the first place, it wasn't worth it.

The loud voices above grew when they heard the announcement of slave fighter 134 coming to the arena. The music boomed so loudly that it rumbled the concrete floor and the pebbles shook from the vibrations. It was around now when most of the guards ascended to the top floor to enjoy the games too. Some relief grew in the rest of the slaves, but in the back of their minds they knew that they'd lose another friend tonight.

The boy looked around the dark hallway where all the cages were arranged in a straight line running all the way to the other end. However, the other side had no lights nor any doors, so he never knew if there were more cages beyond the little area around his own cage. His chains rattled when he shifted out of hiding and looked outside his cage. He didn't know what he hoped to find, but he was desperate for water.

Suddenly, a strident bang rattled the metal beams of his cage. The boy lurched back covering himself with his arms.

A guard appeared. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" he sneered as he banged the cage again and again like he wanted to disfigure it.

"No- nothing," the boy stuttered.

"Don't fucking lie to me!" he snarled.

The boy's eyes stung with tears. "I'm- I'm sorry, I just need some water," he trembled away hoping that he could disappear in his cage somewhere.

The man's eyes flared with rage. He felt the belt of his pants and grabbed the keys to his cage. The door swung open and he grabbed the boy by his collar, but the boy didn't have the strength in his legs to hold his own weight- even if he weighed less than a bird.

The boy was being dragged and he met the eyes of the other slaves; some were concerned and others didn't bother with him at all because it was like this every day.

"You nasty slaves have no fucking respect, that's why even Maya cursed you to this place," the guard seethed and it was then the boy smelled the liquor and tobacco.

"Please," his voice was weak as his throat choked in the collar. "I won't do it again." The man dragged him to the basin in the corner before he flung the boy into the barrel.

The guards large hand was enough to fit around the boy's entire throat. He lifted him off the ground, his small bloody feet dangling in the air as his throat crushed inside his neck. Tears stung his eyes and he clawed the meaty grip trying to survive. But it was no use.

The man dropped him to the floor again and the boy tried to run, but that angered the guard further. His meaty hands caught the boy and before the boy let out a scream, he was thrown into the barrel head first only to find himself in what he thought was water, but the disgusting smell and brown colour had to be liquor.

He didn't know how much time passed before his head was pulled out. The boy cried out and his lungs sucking in as much oxygen as they could.

"You like that?" the man laughed in his ear. "It's now the best quality booze with your young blood mixed inside with it." He licked his neck and face. "You should be glad I let you have a drink of this. You should thank me-" he waited near the boy's face for an answer he seeked, but the boy would bite his tongue off before he said anything now- "You fucking bitch." He dunked the boy's head back into the liquor.

The boy screamed, but no one heard him. His small legs thrashed outside the barrel, his knees bleeding and were bruised too. The guard pulled his head and dropped him to the ground. He laid lifeless and for some twisted reason the boy liked that his face was wet so the guard didn't see his tears.

The guard grabbed the chain and dragged the boy back to his cage. And what he thought was the end, only ended up being the beginning. The guard promised to come again to finish off this lesson but he needed a drink first.

The boy laid on the cold concrete and all he did was hold it in. He stopped crying, he didn't scream nor did he beg for mercy. He stared out into the small window that was barred and saw a glimpse of the night sky, there was a sliver of moonlight dancing on the wall.

Maya.

Did she forsake him? Was he so worthless that she didn't bother saving him despite all his prayers? When would someone come to fight for them? Who was powerful enough to defeat evil? No one, the boy believed. There was no hero in this world.

A shadow covered him and the boy knew the guard arrived to finish off his twisted desires. The boy heard the guard's belt buckle open and the boy knew it was time for his body to serve this ugly man. He hadn't even healed from the last encounter and now this man was going to wreck him again.

"You better serve me right," the guard demanded. "If you do then I'll be kind enough to feed you. You'd like that wouldn't you?" The man snickered at his own vile intentions.

The boy didn't look at the man, he couldn't otherwise he'd be afraid and he couldn't do that. He just waited for the cage door to open and for the hour to pass.

He waited... but for some reason the cage door didn't open.

The boy looked up and through the metal beams, he saw the guard stand still as stone with a stunned expression on his face. The boy didn't know what had happened, until blood oozed out of his beefy neck and mouth. The large body fell onto the floor and the head stayed in the air because a hand held it with a tight fist by the man's hair.

"Disgusting," a stern voice said before the head was tossed to the side.

A woman stood powerfully in front of the boy. She was dressed in leather, her hair black as night and her eyes shined like blue fire.

"Maya?" he whispered.

"No," she said. "My name is Zero."

He only noticed then that she was drenched in blood, but it didn't bother her at all. She bent down to the floor and grabbed the keys off the dead body before kicking it aside. She put the key in the lock and let the door swing open. He watched her take off his chains and pull them aside.

"What are you doing?" she said. "You can come out."

The boy stayed immobilized inside the cage, his eyes on her and his mouth unable to express anything. She got up standing to her powerful height and she looked behind her where all the other slaves stood.

"The front gates are open for you all to leave," she announced.

"But the guards?" a slave asked.

"They're all dead," she answered. "I made sure of that." She looked down at the boy in the cage. "I need you to get on your feet, kid. You have to make it out of here on your own now."

"What about you?" Another slave asked before the boy could.

"My work's not done yet," she said was she tilted her head back and looked to the floor above. "I still have to take out the trash upstairs."

She turned and walked away from them. The boy's eyes followed behind her until she vanished from the dark shadows that she emerged from. They were saved. Their prayers were answered...

A voice pulled Ender out of his memories. "Ender... Ender, wake up," a voice said. "You'll be late for school." It was Klaus.

Ender's eyes opened. He forgot that it was Monday again. The weekend passed with nothing eventful except he finished all the books he had collected.

Although he slept through the night, he wasn't energized at all. Instead, life was thin and the exhaustion made his body sore. Had he taken the blanket off while he slept, why was he freezing cold? His chest felt heavy and why were his clothes drenched? His head spun and he hadn't even lifted his head off the pillow.

"Ender, are you okay?" Klaus asked.

Ender saw Klaus bent over him and his emerald eyes were full with concern... again. "I'm fine," he lied.

Klaus frowned. "Your complexion is off and you've been sweating," he said. "You may have a fever, let me check-"

"Don't!" Ender smacked the hand away and retreated back. He was gasping for air that this cold room didn't offer.

Klaus brought his hand back. "I'm sorry," he said.

Don't apologize, Ender screamed in his head. Stop apologizing to me. I'm the one that's bad.

"I- I didn't mean that," Ender said quickly, but he didn't know how to tell Klaus that every time someone tried to touch him that he saw demons.

Klaus held a brave face, it was obvious. "No, it's my fault. I shouldn't have touched you without permission," he said. "If you're not feeling well then you can stay home from school today."

Ender shook his head. "No, I want to go to school," he said hoping Klaus won't take that from him. He never liked being at home in the quiet because the only thing that kept him company were his memories.

Klaus didn't approve and it was clear from the way his jaw went rigid and his eyes stared at Ender sternly. "On one condition," he said as he put his hands on his waist.

Ender stiffened with an icy chill crawling through him. "Condition," he repeated. He knew what that meant. Conditions were always given to slaves when they needed something and in return they had to sell their body.

"Yes," said Klaus. "Do you promise to eat breakfast and take a lunch to school today?"

Ender gaped at Klaus. "Wh-what?"

"You never take lunch and I want make sure you eat since you're not feeling well," Klaus explained.

Ender let out a breath, that he didn't realize that he held. Klaus hadn't noticed and he started to move around the room. He opened the curtains and arranged the table, even though it wasn't messy.

"Bone made us waffles and homemade cream to go with it. I think everyone is coming over to eat as well. They wouldn't let up on a chance to eat Bone's special waffles," Klaus told him as he rummaged through the collection of books Ender borrowed from the Centauri Institute's library.

Klaus went quiet and Ender looked up at him. "What are you doing?" he said. "Take a bath and get dressed."

Ender scampered off the bed and almost tripped over his feet just to get to the washroom.

"Do you want my help!" Klaus shouted.

Ender's cheeks reddened. "N-no," he replied.

"I'm going to lay out your clothes on the bed," said Klaus.

Ender heard Klaus wait by the door for a moment. He probably anticipated a response, but he didn't get any because Ender had no clue what to say at this time. He couldn't even believe that a person like Klaus existed. He was more than just perfect. Klaus was compassionate and he filled any room with his light no matter what. His eyes were pure like they never saw darkness before and for him to be so full of life, maybe it was true.

Ender heard Klaus's footsteps cross the room and he left after closing the bedroom door. Ender looked up at the large mirror that reflected his anxious expression, which undoubtedly mocked him of his cowardice.

Ender lowered his weak gaze avoiding his ugly reflection. He hated it more than anything. The scars on his frail body hadn't healed and weren't ever leaving him. The last memorabilia of his cage fighting days was tattooed like a scar around his neck as a reminder he was never free of his past. All his body ever reminded him was that he was infected by darkness.

Ender showered and tried to forget everything that was shutting him down again. He dried off with one of those fluffy towels Bone put here. He walked out and the steam of the shower swept into the room.

The sun was out and it was spilling all over the floor, bed and walls. Ender stood under the thick beams, but it wasn't warm since it was the winter light. He looked onto the bed where a white sweater was laid out, it looked soft and fluffy like a cloud. He didn't know what this fabric was or how it could resemble warm butter, and next to it was a pair of black trousers. The only thing missing was the thing that could hid his scars. He pulled out the old, black turtle-neck sweater and wore that as well. Ender piled on the rest of the clothes that Klaus chose for him. He then gathered his books before he left the bedroom.

From the top of the stairs, he always checked for how many voices had gathered in the kitchen and right now it was silent. He guessed no one had arrived for breakfast yet, which he was kind of glad about. These wolves were a bit chaotic when they got together and he was always confused what to do in the middle of it all.

"Going down?" a voice startled Ender.

He turned and saw Hailey standing with her flaming red hair curled around her and the bluest eyes he'd ever seen. She was wearing a glittery Christmas sweater and a skirt.

"I was- I was just- um," Ender stuttered.

Hailey smiled at him. "You're such a cutie," she said making him blush a deep red. "Come on, let's go together."

Hailey led the path down the stairs and Ender trudged along behind her. It was odd not to see her with her son Gideon or her mate.

Hailey must have seen his searching eyes. "Gideon is still asleep," she revealed. "You were looking for him, weren't you?"

Ender didn't know what to say. "Um- sorry," he hesitated.

She looked a bit confused at his apology. "I'm glad you're getting along with Gideon. He should have a reliable big brother," she told him.

Ender's heart sank. "I'm not sure if giving me that right is a good idea," he said.

"Why not?" Hailey frowned.

"What would people say?" Ender blurted out more than he intended. But he didn't see what he said as wrong. He was an outsider and he had no right to be anything for Gideon.

"Other people don't have any say on how I raise my baby," Hailey told him before she went to kitchen greeting Bone.

Ender followed behind her and he couldn't help but be perplexed. How in the world did these people think being with him was fine?

Ender put his bag on the seat near the door. In the large kitchen there was a round table where everyone sat if not in the dining room. And right now, it was arranged with a red and green table cloth with a round vase that had white roses. They flooded their warm scent around the kitchen that mixed well with the nutmeg and sugar. Ender eyed the soil and noticed that it was crumbling apart and they were looking for a drink this morning.

Ender looked over his shoulder at the man cooking over the stove. Bone was a severely stern man with light blond hair and blue eyes. His posture was held with a dignified flare and he never spoke out of line to anyone. He dressed in a suit no matter the time of day and he catered to roses in his suits too. He had an obsession with the white rose and the pack members made jokes about it all the time. However, Ender understood perfectly why Bone liked flowers. Flowers weren't ugly. They weren't ever going to twist their beauty and torture anyone. Bone saw solace in these flowers and Ender found himself being put to ease around the roses too.

Ender grabbed the glass off the table and poured bits of water into the vase around the strong stems of the roses. No one should be deprived of water or food, it didn't matter if it was a person or a plant, Ender believed that all things that existed should be taken care of.

"Thank you, Ender," Bone appeared with an apron over his prim suit and a smile on his kind face. "I was so busy that I lost track of time."

Ender put the glass down.

"If you don't mind, can you water the pots around living room too?" asked Bone. "While you do that, I will plate your breakfast. You are having some, right?"

"Um- yeah," he answered. "And I'll water the roses too."

Bone handed him a watering pot and sent him off. Ender knew that in the living room were where Bone put the most flowers. Ender went around the room to the tables where there were pots set up. He carefully poured a generous amount but was careful not to let any spill over. He liked being told tasks to do around the house, otherwise sitting and doing nothing just made him feel more like a burden than he already was.

It was the last vase in the room, when he noticed all the photo albums on the sofa. Everyone was looking through them on Friday and having a fun time reminiscing about them. Ender never had that. No one took photos of his childhood or of something memorable, it never occurred to him that nothing he ever went through was worth remembering. Perhaps, his memories were a bitter curse and he would rather get rid of them than keep them in pictures. He would like to take some now though. He'd take pictures of his books, the library and these roses and the woods surrounding the pack territory, even the lake.

Once he finished up this task, he returned to the kitchen. Klaus had returned and he was helping Bone and Hailey. Ender looked over to his seat when he found a space-themed lunch box next to his bag.

"Here is your breakfast," Bone said.

Ender sat down and Bone put a plate in front of him with freshly made waffles and loads of whipped cream on top with fruit chopped up into tiny bits.

"Thank you," Ender mumbled.

Bone smiled warmly. "I hope you enjoy them," he said and waltzed off to make a large batch for the rest of the family.

Suddenly, a glass appeared beside his plate and it was full with milk. Ender looked up seeing Klaus.

"Um-"

"The whole glass better be finished," Klaus said before he grabbed the lunch box and put it in Ender's bag too.

"Where's King, Klaus?" Hailey asked as she prepared a cup of coffee for herself.

"He's still asleep," answered Klaus. "You know him. He's not a morning person."

"I know but Bone's making waffles," said Hailey. "That's reason enough to get up."

"Trust me, King does not break his sleep for anything," Bone remarked fondly.

"Except for Klaus," another Centauri family member entered the kitchen. It was Viola Centauri. She was grinning at Klaus with her remark. "King wakes up if Klaus insists."

Hailey chuckled. "You don't know yet, Viola," she said. "Mates have a very persuasive way to wake you up. Isn't that right, Klaus?" Klaus blushed a shade darker than crimson and the girls laughed with Bone.

Viola was the only other Centauri that Ender found himself comfortable with other than Klaus. She was gentle but quite boisterous when she needed to be. She wasn't to be underestimated even if she was kind-hearted though; she was a Centauri. And right now, she was dressed smartly in a casual black suit. Her blonde hair that was the same shade as Klaus's was left open in natural waves. She never had makeup on, but right now, her eyes were heavy with shadow which framed her green eyes. A heavy red painted her lips and it was glossy too, Ender had no idea how she was going to eat breakfast or even drink water with that on. Viola was unbothered by it though, she drank her coffee and ate the waffles to her heart's content.

"Bone, these are amazing as always," she praised with her mouth-full.

Ender almost laughed at her. He continued to eat while his food was still warm. He finished off his milk and had cleaned off his plate before the others arrived though.

"Do you want me to get you more?" Viola asked him once she saw his empty plate.

"It's okay, I'm full. Thanks," he answered but he could definitely eat more.

Viola got up grabbing his plate and went to Bone who happily obliged to add another stack of waffles and cream with fruit. She came back and put the plate in front of him.

"You need to eat more, otherwise you won't grow as tall as me," she said.

Ender stared at her blankly not knowing what to do. But she already sat down and continued to eat. Klaus joined them too with his own plate full of waffles and it was Hailey came over to him with a jug.

"I'm fine," he fumbled. Hailey ignored his protest and filled up the cup with more milk before she sat down with them.

Ender awkwardly sat as the others discussed their day. By the time Ender got through half of his second plate the rest of the family arrived.

Hunter Centauri- the beta of the pack was a threateningly large man who could stop any wolf dead cold in their tracks. He didn't resemble Klaus or Viola, instead he had raven black hair and rugged amber eyes. He was packed with more muscle and roped like steel rods from every angle. Ender could believe that if Hunter stepped on his prey that it would definitely die in an instant. He carried his son protectively. Frankly, it seemed like the beta would murder any threat against his pup. Gideon Centauri was in high spirits being in his father's arms, but the moment his blue eyes spotted his mom he started to fret.

Hailey had already gotten to her feet and greeted her mate and son. Ender didn't know what to think of that, except that it must be nice. Having a bond like that must make anyone want to wake up the next day with a smile.

"Good morning everyone," Vincent Centauri arrived after with his expensive tailored suit and briefcase in hand. "The kitchen smells divine."

"Are you all ready to eat?" asked Bone.

Vincent put his bag down and was already by Bone's side watching how he made those perfectly shaped waffles and dollop of cream. Hailey seat down at the table with Gideon who got distracted with Viola and Klaus now. Hunter poured himself a cup of coffee and he always took it black.

Vincent came over with his plate. "Scoot over, kid," he held his charming smile and looked down at Ender.

Ender moved before he even thought about anything and almost fell off the seat. He pulled his plate over and his glass and settled beside Klaus.

"You look nice," Vincent said.

Ender waited for the reply to whoever Vincent spoke to, but none came. Ender looked up and it seemed all eyes were on him.

"He does, doesn't he," added Viola. "Looking quite smart in that sweater."

Ender blushed and was about to tell them that he didn't pick it, that it was Klaus's doing.

"He looks smart because he is smart," Klaus intervened.

Ender looked up into those proud green eyes. No, he wasn't smart at all. He could barely form words to express himself to others, that wasn't smart at all.

"Good! Everyone's here," Sabrina, the alpha-female arrived. She was overflowing with excitement. "I have to ask you guys something."

Everyone looked up at each other and then at her with blank expression and confusion.

"What's wrong, Sabrina?" asked Viola.

"Is everything okay?" asked Hailey.

"Yeah, everything's fine, don't worry," Sabrina reassured. "Yesterday, I was able to get into contact with my old friend through Helen who is a real miracle worker I tell you. So, I wanted to invite her over for dinner. But I wanted to ask all of you first to see if that's okay?"

"You don't need to ask us," said Vincent.

Sabrina put her hand on his shoulder. "I do since we all live in the same house and I don't want to be a bother," she said. "So, what do you say?"

"We don't mind, Sabrina," said Hunter. "If this friend is special to you then she's important to us."

"Couldn't have said it better," added Klaus smiling at her.

Sabrina clapped her hands together. "You guys are the best," she beamed.

"Did you let Gabriel know?" asked Vincent.

"I did last night," said Sabrina. "But he wasn't the problem, it was convincing River."

Bone came up with a plate full of waffles. "Sabrina, breakfast," he ushered her to sit down and eat.

"Thank you, these look delicious, Bone," Sabrina smiled at him.

"They taste delicious too," Viola pointed out with another mouthful.

"I'm sure River came around though, right?" said Vincent.

"He did after I pulled the baby card," said Sabrina.

They all laughed around the table, but for some reason they felt a bit bad for the guy, since he was probably emotionally blackmailed into feeling guilty.

"He's a strict wolf and always has been," Hunter pointed out.

"I know, that's why I told him before I arranged anything," said Sabrina.

"The man needs to loosen up," added Vincent.

"How's he supposed to do that when he has to deal with your stupidity all day?" remarked Viola.

Vincent glared at his sister from across the table. "You should be glad you're sitting next to our nephew, otherwise I would've fought you for that," he retorted.

Viola snickered with Hunter. "What're you going to do? Hit me with your briefcase," her voice oozed sarcasm.

"My Gucci could kill you," Vincent retorted surprising Viola with that.

"You two, cut it out before someone gets hurt," Klaus stepped in.

Ender always wondered how Klaus was the youngest. He really felt like their older brother. Bone even joined the group with his plate and began to eat as Viola and Vincent entertained the group with their bickering.

"What are you two fighting about now?" That single voice hushed all of them up.

Ender's heart dropped and all the air left his lungs when he felt the presence of the alpha enter the kitchen. Gabriel Centauri stood powerfully with his immense height and broad shoulders. He was dressed like his pedigree approved of in an ebony suit with a black shirt and tie. Gabriel's jaw was sharp and tough that was held in a tight lock like his stern lips. Everyone felt the immeasurable weight of his fierce eyes that were golden under the light of the sun.

"Nothing-" both Viola and Vincent said dropping all pretences in front of their big brother.

Ender really didn't like being in the same room as Alpha Gabriel. There was a terrifying pheromone that clung to that man, which made Ender yield every part of himself. Ender concealed his secrets well, but when this alpha looked his way it was impossible to be composed or even comfortable.

Ender looked to his side for an exit. He had already finished eating, so it was perfect time to get up and leave. He grabbed his plate and glass and got off the chair to go to the sink. He reached over to the sink on his tippy-toes to wash his dishes; it was the least he could do to pay for his stay here. However, when a shadow loomed over Ender. His hand froze which held the sponge.

"You'll dirty your sweater like that," said Gabriel. He reached over and turned the tap off.

"I'm sorry," he muttered and kept his eyes averted.

Ender didn't see Gabriel's expression, but he was sure that he was frowning. "There's nothing to be sorry about," his tone was strangely gentle. "It's almost time for school, so you head out. We can clean up here."

Ender wanted to hide in a box and never come out because he couldn't move his own two feet.

Suddenly, a soft fragrance bloomed through Ender. Klaus had appeared beside him with his school bag in his hand. Somehow Gabriel left to the table then but because of that Ender was finally able to let out a breath.

Ender moved out of the way and to the foyer where he grabbed his jacket, scarf and hat. Klaus was quietly standing beside him. Ender sat down on the bench to lace up his winter boots.

"Do you want anything special for dinner tonight?" Klaus asked.

Ender shook his head. "Anything you or Bone make tastes good," he answered before he realized what he said. He looked up at Klaus and he was smiling.

"I'll see you at home later," said Klaus handing him his bag. "Have fun."

Ender fisted the straps of his bag as he stood in front of the doors looking up at Klaus. "Thank you," he said, before he turned and left the house.

During the whole walk over to the large Centauri Institute building, Ender pondered over and over again about what his relationship was with Klaus or with anyone in that house. Was he a pack member or was he just a person who was dropped off at their door? Although, no matter the answer it didn't change the fact that Ender was and always would be the outsider.