The greatest party of the century was tonight. News across the city spread that Trez Luciano opened a new nightclub and it was beyond words. The most exclusive celebrities were invited and the world was eagerly waiting in long queues to get their chance to lay their eyes on the beautiful nightclub.

All wanted to be here. All except one.

Bone sat in the back of the car with King and Klaus in front of him. The couple wore matching black suits. The night was young and the entire pack was brimming with excitement. Through the Bluetooth in the car, everyone was sharing their eagerness to be out tonight. Regardless, Bone was happy for Trez and proud of his success for building himself a powerful status that many envied. Building another nightclub that would be worth all the buzz was not an easy feat, but if anyone could do it, it was Trez.

But parties like this weren't Bone's cup of tea, they were more King's style. Even when Bone was a butler for King, he never went to any of these parties, not even when Trez opened his first club.

He pulled on the collar of his shirt, feeling a bit nervous now that they almost reached their destination. He really didn't want to be at this party, but how was he supposed to decline when everyone begged for him to come with them. He didn't think anyone in the pack understood how weird it was for him to be out and about. He liked staying at home, preferably alone with a book and some wine, cheese and nothing disturbed the silence he worked so hard to achieve.

"That must be it," Klaus announced.

Bone looked out the window and saw not a nightclub but a massive stadium. The building was as black as the night sky, it almost camouflaged. However, there were over hundreds of lights flashing on the streets showcasing the club so that it was impossible to miss. Thousands of people swarmed the building and they were in awe as much as Bone was at the sheer size of this place. The new Underworld nightclub looked as if it was made for kings and queens and not mortals.

King parked the car in the reserved section and all of them got out. The rest of the Centauri pack joined them. Gabriel, River, Ryder, Vincent, Hunter, Hailey, Viola. Sabrina was too pregnant to come and Zoya stayed with her. Azura stayed back to guard the pack with her team while everyone was away. Bone was relieved that Sabrina and Zoya were home otherwise Ender would've been there all by himself. Bone made them dinner before he left, so he wasn't worried Ender would sleep hungry, even though the boy was capable enough to help himself.

"I'm so excited," Viola said as she stood in tall black stiletto heels that matched her short dress.

"Trez really out-did himself," praised Vincent who was in a crisp black suit.

River and Ryder were also in black suits, but no tie, just a loose silk shirt and buttons opened. They looked identical in every way so Bone was finding it hard to tell them apart, it was only until they spoke.

"There's way too many people," River pointed out.

"But security is tight," Ryder added. "I see at least twenty guards at the front door only."

"You didn't actually think Trez would mess around, did you?" Hunter remarked, as he stood in a dark-burgundy suit and a black shirt, that shaped to his large muscular body and immense height. Hailey stood with him in her own matching red dress, her hair loosely curled and left open.

"When are the others getting here?" King asked.

"They'll be here soon," Gabriel answered, as he put his cellphone away and stepped beside them. "Let's head inside." The air around him changed. He strode powerfully ahead leading them in a black suit, his eyes focused like he knew that they were people here who'd recognize them and paparazzi were going to go wild at their arrival.

Bone didn't know how Gabriel and the members did this every time they went out. Eyes were always on them and they were ready to show them why they were the élite. Bone stuck at the back behind Klaus as they made their way towards the nightclub. The music was pounding against the walls, Bone could feel it under his feet even outside on the pavement. Flashes of cameras went off and blinded him as he followed the pack up the fleet of stairs.

Just as they approached the door, security spotted Gabriel and opened the massive glossy black doors without hesitation. The nightclub opened up inside and Bone was left mesmerized. The structure was a seamless dome, black as night, mirroring the starry sky, it was a beautiful sight and he found himself lost in the beauty. The music got louder as they walked deeper into the grand dome. Thousands of people danced on the large dance floor. However, even in this massive crowd, people stopped dead in their tracks at the sight of Gabriel Centauri and his pack. Human or shifter, all knew who Gabriel was, they stared in awe at his presence and cleared his way no matter where he put his next step.

Bone thought that there was something dangerously comforting about a place that was so loud and chaotic, it even made him forget his own voice in his head. He simply walked alongside the group watching the entire space come to life with music and blazing lights cutting through the dark arena.

"Gabriel," a stern voice called out, it was Trez. He was dressed remarkably well in a dark suit, that gleamed like a black pearl under the chandeliers. His ebony hair raked back showing his handsome face and those piercing blue eyes.

Surprisingly, he had a small smile on his face, it was probably because the club was such a hit. Bone didn't doubt its success for a second, everyone loved the Underworld nightclub.

"Congratulations, Trez," Gabriel said as they shook hands.

Trez nodded. "Thank you for coming tonight," he said as he looked at everyone now. "I have your room ready on the upper level."

They crossed the floor and went up the black marble stairs to the private level above. Bone was behind everyone as a vast corridor appeared. Trez guided them to the far, right side that had a long hallway with other rooms. He opened the double doors and a huge lounge was presented, it was all black. The leather chairs faced each other around the room and there was a private bar with a bartender already behind it. The room was encased with this thick black glass, but it showed the level below and the music slightly hummed in the room. Honestly, Bone had never seen a nicer room in his life. Everything looked expensive and something that wasn't meant for people like him. This room was out of his league, he felt foreign here.

"This is amazing, Trez," Vincent exclaimed.

"It's definitely better than amazing," added Viola as she ran into the room with excitement.

"I'm glad you like it," Trez said with a satisfied smirk.

Everyone walked inside and immediately picked their seats to start drinking.

"The other packs will be arriving as well," Gabriel said to Trez.

"I will have them sent here," he answered.

King stepped in front of Trez. "You've come a long way," he praised.

"We all have," he said as he looked from King to Bone. "Enjoy the night." He left after closing the door behind him.

Bone sat on the plush seat and saw how the crowd on the floor below them was going insane with the music. Everyone seemed packed with energy, if only he could relate.

"Here, you look like you need it," Bone looked up at King who held a glass of whiskey for him.

"Thanks," he accepted the glass and definitely did enjoy it as much as he needed it to calm his nerves.

Soon after, the group started a poker game and Bone was dragged to the table. He didn't hold back for this game. Ryder, Vincent, Hunter, Klaus, Hailey and Viola all played, as Gabriel hung out with River and King with drinks.

The doors suddenly opened.

"Look what the cat dragged in," Ryder said.

The Iron Blood pack had arrived.

It was clear to Bone that this pack was as formidable as the stories that were told about them. The alpha, Isaiah Iron strode inside, dressed in a sleek black suit with his mate Ashley who looked beautiful in a hot pink strapless dress, that glimmered like stars. She matched Isiah's height with the long heels that were tied around her ankles and had butterflies too.

Beside them stood the beta of the pack, Lazarus Iron who was as scary as the glower on his face. His blond hair was tied up in a bun and he had a rugged beard, he was dressed in a grey pin-striped suit and his tattoos on show through the unbuttoned shirt. His arm around his mate's waist, Sophia was brimming with excitement as she stood in black heels and a black dress. Her brunette hair left open around her bare shoulders.

Ronin was another member and he was a cop before he joined the pack, it was rare to find true loyalty from a rogue wolf. Ronin was a strapping man who was handsome as he stood with a red suit on. But Isaiah not only had Ronin, he also managed to win Marcello Tricomi's loyalty too. Although, Zeiden had more of a hand in that. Marcello stood with his mate, both of them in steel-grey suits, holding hands and looked spectacular together.

"Holy shit-" Zeiden walked in first with excitement on his face- "this is epic!"

"It definitely is," Ronin agreed.

Isaiah and Lazarus walked past Zeiden as they went to Gabriel first. Marcello went to King and sat together. Sophia and Ashley joined Hailey and Viola at a different table away from the boys.

"Zeiden, Ronin," Vincent called out. "Good to see you guys." Zeiden and Ronin pulled a chair and came and sat at the table. The bartender was quick to bring their selected drinks.

"Some of you are missing?" Ryder said.

"Rosalie's pregnant, so she stayed home and Adrik wasn't going to leave her all alone," Zeiden answered. "The pups are with them and Justin had an emergency surgery, so he couldn't make it."

The conversation continued and Bone tried to pay attention, but as soon as the Centauri's mixed with the Iron pack, chaos was bound to happen. Everyone was chatting away to their heart's content. Bone shuffled the deck and kept the game going, since he stayed quiet most of the time. Bone looked over at King who was clearly fighting with Marcello, those two never quit. He was just glad that everyone was enjoying themselves, it was nice.

"You have no idea," Zeiden astounded. "Adrik is losing his shit. He's driving Rosalie crazy and all of us."

"Tell him to calm down," Ryder suggested.

Ronin gaped at him. "You tell that six-foot psycho to stop being protective," he said. "He'll cut my head off and feed it to his wolf."

All of them laughed. "I was like that too," Hunter shared fondly.

"We know," Vincent said grimly.

"You can't help but be protective," Klaus reasoned. "Cut Adrik some slack, you two."

"We try, Klaus," said Zeiden. "But I can't help bother him. He's too easy."

"Then don't blame him when he comes after you with a knife," Hunter remarked.

Zeiden touched his neck. "He'll definitely kill us one day," he looked at Ronin.

"I'm not that worried about Adrik," Ronin shared truthfully. "It's the one right there I'm scared of-" he pointed across the room at Lazarus who was sitting back legs-crossed with his brother- "he'll kill us the moment Sophia's pregnant and he won't even need a reason." All of them laughed again at Ronin and Zeiden's grim expression.

That was when the door opened. Alec and Vadik Waldorf walked into the room in matching dark suits and the same dominating demeanour, that made anyone back away from them in fear. The brothers exuded authority but that was to be expected since they were ferocious fighters that carried the tainted legacy of the Waldorf name. Bone heard that Alec and Vadik were working hard to restore their father's broken pack. The two men strode into the room and sat with Gabriel and the others.

"Vadik!" Zeiden yelled. "Come sit with us!"

Vadik got up and came to them, his different coloured eyes grew with interest when he saw they were playing cards. Bone had never seen eyes like that before; one was green and the other was blue. However, Vadik wore it well. He didn't seem like one to find his eyes something to be ashamed about or shy either. Instead, he had a powerful gaze that was terrifyingly alert and attentive.

"How are you doing, Vadik?" Klaus asked.

"Tired," he answered sternly.

"You look it," Ryder remarked.

Vadik glowered. "Do you want to die?" he asked.

"He does," Vincent answered.

"I was kidding," Ryder said with a chuckle. "It was a joke, man-"

The doors once again opened and the last guest of the night arrived. The Crimson North pack stood before them. Zachariah North ran a pack that was just as prestigious as the Centauri pack, he was an alpha who protected his pack. He was a dangerous man even though he looked like a charming gentleman in a suave blue suit, his dark black hair raked back stylishly showing his handsome face and devious blue eyes. His beta and brother Victor North stood with him looking formidable in all black. This man really was something else. His blazing blue eyes looked emotionless, almost bored with life. A woman walked past them over to the group of girls, it was Evangeline North who was mated to Zachariah. She was a beautiful woman in blue, her copper-red hair left open and she was smiling ear-to-ear as she ran to the girls, hugging each of them before she sat down on the chair.

Now, that everyone was here Gabriel did a quick toast to celebrate everyone's night out. They had some food served as well. Bone was quick to eat some dessert first before he shared a drink with everyone again. The party grew as everyone gathered together to talk and lounge. Honestly, it didn't even feel like they were at a nightclub.

Bone finished his drink before he got up and slipped out of the room to get some fresh air. A slight ache behind his eyes grew to the point that he wished he had an ice bag to cool it down. Quietly, he shut the door behind him and stepped into the hallway that was entirely black. The walls glistened like black wax and the floor was carpeted with golden embroidery. The path ahead and behind him were dimly lit with multiple chandeliers. He saw a bit of golden light peeking from the staircase in front of him. So, he avoided that spot and started strolling down the hall. He made it to a spot where the wall turned to black glass and it showed the club underneath. He felt as if he was in a fish bowl looking at all the people who seeked solace in the noise and chaos beneath him.

He could never seek peace here, it only filled that empty space in him. The emptiness that craved quiet and solidarity. This club took him to when he was in the cage because the guards loved loud music. They often arranged their own 'night-out' which meant that they blasted music, brought booze only to grab a few slaves and torture them for sport...

Bone's wolf sensed it first; the intense scent that turned the warm air into a stark void wafted straight through him. He stood to alert as he realized that someone was behind him and whoever it was had to be dangerous, because he spent far too many days in a cage for him not to know. He slowly turned.

In the hall, a tall man stood a few steps away. Despite the dim lights, Bone saw the man's arctic- blue eyes that were penetrating but strangely carried a deep sensual allure. They captured everything, even the little movement of when Bone stepped back trying to look for space between him and this mysterious man who held no sign of humanity on his face.

This man that stood before Bone was a predator. A man who got what he wanted and nothing could stop him. He was built powerfully, broad shouldered and rugged, the expensive suit he wore was perfectly tailored to his body. His shirt unbuttoned at the collar, showing his corded neck and the black tattoos inked across his bronzed skin.

Even from the distance between them, Bone sensed this man's wolf, it was like it walked with him and not hidden in his subconscious, like it was for most shifters. Both of them were commanding with their scent and demeanour, as if they didn't care what others thought and if they were scared then they needed to fuck off instead of wasting his time.

This man and his wolf weren't just anyone, especially since he was here in the VIP area of the club, thought Bone.

However, Bone knew power. The raw authority that clung to this man like a burning flame was something he never saw in his life.

A raging flame branded Bone and he sensed that overwhelming scent seeping into his skin like it compelled him to obey this man. This sensation, what was it? Bone wondered as he stared at this stranger. Why was he feeling this man's presence all the way to his bones, his soul, even his wolf?

Perhaps, this man needed to cross the hallway, he concluded. Bone stepped to the side and emptied the path for him, but the man didn't move. He tilted his head in an inquisitive way as he stared at Bone.

"Who are you?" The man's voice was guttural, commanding.

Bone swallowed the tightness in his throat. "No one," he answered solemnly. The man crossed the space and walked closer until he stood inches away.

Honestly, Bone didn't know what to do. He found himself backed against the wall staring into a pair of dark and dangerous eyes, that slowly sent a tantalizing chill down Bone's body. The chandelier above them allowed Bone to see the details of this stranger's face. Under the dim light, his eyes were as blue as the deep waves in the ocean and just as commanding but rigid. He had a shadow of a beard groomed and clean, it sculpted to his sharp jaw and cheekbones.

"You're a wolf," the man said.

Bone didn't let his wolf meet this stranger. But this man could see through him, which was unsettling. "I am," he told him.

He lifted his arm and planted his hand on the wall behind Bone caging him in. "That scent," he leaned in closer. "How can it be so sweet?" Bone inched back but his foot only hit the wall and there was no place to go. "Tell me who you are."

"No," Bone retorted sternly.

The man definitely didn't like that answer, his eyes flared at the defiance and Bone was almost afraid to see what he'd do to get what he wanted.

"Hmm," he straightened to his powerful height and stared down at Bone. "It won't be hard for me to figure out who you are." A hot chill went down Bone's body and his wolf stood to alert. "Standing here in the exclusive section of Luciano's club, you have to be someone important."

"I'm not," he said.

"Then you're an employee," the man stated. Book shook his head and the man's blue eyes flared with amusement and curiosity.

"I won't tell you who I am because I don't know who you are," Bone told him.

The man tilted his head and smirked. "We can change that," he said, "quite easily if you want."

"No, thanks," Bone said strictly.

The man raised a brow. "That's not the answer I want from you," his tone unyielding.

"Can you please move," Bone said, his voice shaking. "I'd like to go."

This man dropped his arm and put his hands in his pockets. "Your wolf is hiding from me, just like you are," he said.

Bone's eyes widened. "You can sense him?" he astounded. That was impossible for anyone. Bone's wolf knew how to conceal himself from everyone. No one could see Bone's wolf, it was impossible. What was going on?

The man's grin dropped and a ferocious gleam passed through his eyes that he focused on Bone. This tormenting pull between them, Bone wished he could escape from it because it chocked the air out of his lungs. This man's pheromones were powerful enough to consume Bone into a tsunami of angst. Even though he was able to leave, his body didn't move. He stayed against the wall as those deep blue eyes fell from Bone's eyes to his lips and then his neck.

Bone saw the hunger in the man's gaze and it was as if he could take Bone into a world he'd never been to before. This mysterious feeling worried Bone and he couldn't believe how his own body pulled towards something he knew he should fear.

Like the man sensed Bone's hesitation, his grin widened, it was wicked. He knew what he was doing and what power he held over someone. He knew he was handsome and he knew he was a dominant predator that could make anyone kneel willingly at his feet.

Bone fisted his hands, digging his nails into his palms to pull himself out of this man's control. He hated that he let someone do this to him. After years in a cage, he thought he trained enough to never let someone master him. But here he stood, in front of his blue-eyed stranger, ready to give up his will and surrender.

Finally, when he drew blood in his palms, he blinked and stepped away from this man. He rushed back to the Centauri room, not even looking back to see if that man left or not. But something told him that that man stayed until Bone disappeared from his hunting gaze.

Bone quickly entered the room and everyone were on their feet looking ready to go downstairs.

"Bone, you okay?" Klaus asked.

"I- I'm fine," he lied.

"We're going downstairs," he said. "Come on."

Everyone went downstairs as Bone searched and searched to see if that man was anywhere near them. But he didn't see him, which was a relief. That man was in the VIP lounge area and would likely stay there.

Bone stood with King at the round table as the girls ran off into the crowd on the dance floor. He got another drink as he watched Zeiden, Ronin joke around with Vincent and Ryder. Gabriel and the other alphas sat in the massive booth together, the music was too loud for Bone to hear what they were discussing. He tried to plug out the music and think about when they were leaving, when suddenly, a chill crawled down his body.

"King-"

That voice, Bone recognized it immediately.

King's eyes flashed with recognition. "Alister," he greeted as he stuck his hand out. Bone peeked down at the hand with the tattoos, which was the same one as earlier.

Wait, Alister? Bone knew that name. Alister Black, the alpha that was King's friend. Bone turned and saw the man from before walk up right next to him. He was smiling as he took his eyes off King and brought it to Bone.

"Trez told me you'd be here tonight," King said.

Alister shifted his attention back and it was like Bone could breathe again. "He didn't tell me you'd be here or your pack," he said.

Bone glanced up at Alister, his jaw was rigid and his nose straight, even his profile was scary. But it was like he sensed him, Alister looked at Bone who quickly averted himself. Alister's piercing gaze brought a fluttering sensation inside his gut and he stepped back a little towards King.

"You've never met, have you?" King began. "Alister, this is Bone."

Bone didn't know what was happening until he realized that King and Alister were both looking right at him.

Alister stuck his hand out in front of Bone. "It's nice to meet you, Bone," he said charmingly.

Bone took the hand only because King was looking. "It's nice to meet you as well," he said with a polite smile. "King's shared a lot about you." Alister stood with a captivated expression. Bone tried to get his hand away but Alister's grip tightened surprising him. He stared into the man's devilish gaze when his finger slid across the raging pulse on Bone's wrist, it revealed to Alister just how nervous Bone truly was at this moment.

"I'll introduce you to everyone, Alister," King said.

Bone jerked his hand away but the intense sensation lingered all over his skin. Since King took Alister to meet Klaus and the rest of the packs leaving him a few moments to gather himself.

What was he going to do? he thought as he nibbled on the peanuts in the bowl beside him. He never thought he'd react this way to anyone. What was going on and how should he stop it from ever happening again?

He didn't want to but curiosity got the better of him, he turned and looked over as Alister stood with King, Gabriel and the other alphas. Alister stood powerfully tall beside the other men, Bone never thought he'd meet someone just as scary as King. Although, as dangerous as Alister may be, Bone hadn't sensed evil from him.

"Bone," Klaus walked in front of him.

He tried to conceal his expression with a smile. "Yes?"

"Alister seems nice, right?" he said.

Bone stiffened. "Mm-hmm," he mumbled.

The girls all returned from the dance floor and Bone tried to hide himself into the crowd as Alister stood with them all now. Abandoning his spot, he went and stood with Zeiden, Victor and Ronin trying to get rid of that sickening feeling that those arctic-blue eyes were shadowing him.

"Yo, Bone, you feeling okay?" Zeiden asked.

Bone looked at him. "I'm fine-"

"You've been quiet this entire time," Ronin said then. "Is something bothering you?"

"No, no, I'm okay," Bone said.

"Are you sure?" Zeiden asked.

"Leave the man alone," Victor said indifferently, like he always was. "He's probably annoyed by your company."

Zeiden and Ronin gaped at Victor. "How could you say that?" Zeiden astounded.

Ronin put his hand on his chest. "That was really mean, Victor," he said. "Bone loves us."

"Tell him, Bone," said Zeiden.

"Er-" Bone was baffled on what he should say or do.

Victor's lips lifted up, that was the most of a smile he ever conjured. "Bone can't answer because he agrees with me," he boasted as Ronin and Zeiden started to argue back.

Bone wasn't sure when he should intervene, but just as he tried, the lingering sensation rung like a bell as he sensed eyes on him. He looked across the table and saw Alister ignoring the alphas around him and staring at Bone.

"What are you all fighting about now?" Vincent asked as he came over to them.

"Bone hates us," Zeiden announced.

Bone panicked and peeled his gaze off Alister to save the upcoming war in front of him. "No, that's not-"

"Who hates Bone?" Ryder remarked interrupting Bone.

"No one," Ronin answered quickly.

"So, what are you talking about?" Vincent said.

At this point, Bone didn't know how to stop anyone here and get them to listen to him. So, he just kept his mouth shut and sat down on the chair hoping to go home sooner rather later.