Bone was glad that Alister chose a quiet restaurant for this dinner rather than an extravagant place or something that was too chaotic. They arrived at a beautiful diner that was dimly lit with golden retro beams of lighting and there were private booths sectioned off into their own personal area. Although, it didn't go unnoticed that there were men in suits stationed around the restaurant inside and outside. Bone spotted at least three right around the entrance door and about four on the roof. These men definitely knew Alister when he arrived because they gave a slight nod to him. Bone figured these men worked for Alister, it wasn't a surprise. He probably had a flock of bodyguards at all times.

Immediately upon Alister's arrival, a waiter escorted them to a private area that was deeper in the building and no one else sat around here. The booth was made from luxurious black leather and a heavy oak table sat between them. Bone took a seat and Alister sat in front of him. The low light above them illuminated just enough that they could see each other but nothing around them.

The waiter brought menus but Bone just told Alister to order whatever he preferred, and he gladly did. The waiter walked off with the order and brought two glasses of wine to their table. Bone noticed how orderly the waiter worked around Alister. They were prompt and clean and didn't speak unless spoken to. The raw authority that clung to Alister influenced everything around him. No matter where he went everyone saw him as a dangerous man and respected him, because his name alone invoked fear and obedience.

Bone didn't know how to feel about that. As he sat across from Alister, he didn't feel fear or anxiousness. But there was this heavy weight that captured Bone's focus which was fixed only on Alister. He couldn't control the way he followed even the slightest movement Alister made. Bone studied how he moved with such calculated precision that it was just as unnerving as it was fascinating. He never saw Alister hesitate or stammer; if he wanted to do something then he was focused to complete the task perfectly. Even grabbing the glass of sparkling water off the table was done with such an elegant demeanour.

"You're nervous," Alister stated.

Bone was pulled out of his thoughts as he was staring at Alister's arctic-blue eyes. "A little," he admitted.

"Why?" he asked.

Bone drew in a shaky breath. "Probably because I don't know how you will react to what I'm want to tell you," he said.

Alister raked the short layers of his hair back. "Can you do something for me?" he asked.

"Yes?" Bone stared at him curiously.

"Forget for just this little time that I'm your mate or an alpha of a pack or even King's friend," Alister said. "Open yourself and speak from the heart and I will do the same." Like a soft wave washed over Bone hearing those words, some of the angst that weighed on him was removed.

"Alright," he said.

The waiter returned with their food. Earlier, Bone wasn't very hungry, but now, seeing the sizzling piece of steak on a plate, hunger churned in his stomach. He grabbed the knife and fork eager to try how this restaurant seasoned their meat. He easily cut through the beef that was tender and practically melting off. He took a bite and the soft meat turned to juices of flavour with a tinge of spices and butter.

"It's good, isn't," Alister bemused as he watched.

Bone gave up a smile. "It is," he agreed and continued to eat happily, even the wine was perfect. He didn't admit it out loud but Alister deserved the credit where it was due because the food was delicious.

"It's nice to see you eat," Alister said.

Bone looked up from his fork. "I usually don't come to restaurants and only cook at home," he shared.

A grin played on Alister's lips. "You cook?"

"A lot," Bone chuckled because he believed he cooked more than what was considered normal.

"You must make something for me then," Alister said as he grabbed the wine glass.

Bone smiled over his fork. "Any allergies?" he asked just in case. Alister shook his head in response. "For your donation to the library I will make something for you."

"How long have you worked at the Centauri library?" Alister asked.

"Since King mated into the pack," Bone said. "I didn't know it was something I could do until Klaus offered it to me." Bone looked down at his pale hands that were scarred with his past. He always thought he'd stay a slave no matter what happened. Yet, here he was. So much had changed in a flash.

"What is it?" Alister asked.

Bone looked up vacantly. "Nothing-"

"You turned pale," Alister said. "Tell me."

Bone's grip tightened on the fork and knife. He really didn't know how to put it without being a bit too blunt. "I was born as a slave in the cage fights," he said.

"Same as King," Alister said.

Bone shook his head. "King was smuggled there," he told him. "I was born in it. Since I could walk, I was forced to do many heinous things. Things you could not even imagine."

Alister linked his hands together and put them in front of his chin, his arctic eyes focused and rigid as a glacier. "Is this what you've been afraid to tell me?" he asked.

Bone put the utensils down and faced him. "I've been a slave longer than I've been out in this world, Alister," he said. "I don't know much about who I am, but the blood in my veins is that of a slave too."

"Then that means you also escaped with King?" Alister asked with a frown between his brows.

Bone didn't understand why Alister wasn't leaving at this very moment. He should want to get away from Bone and not ask more. "Ye-yes," he answered. "King arranged an escape with me and a few others."

"Trez and Axe Luciano," Alister said. "I am aware of that. King never told me about you."

That's because Bone was a shadow and he liked it that way. "How did you meet King?" Bone asked.

Alister straightened his posture that was already stern and rigid. "I sponsored him," he answered.

Bone's blood went ice cold and something crawled down his spine. "That means you supported cage fights?"

"I didn't support them," Alister corrected.

"Why were you there?" Bone asked.

"Halo took me," he said.

Bone didn't understand at all why Alister was acquainted with someone like Halo. Alister seemed to have some honour and dignity unlike anyone from the Red Fang pack. "Your friendship with Halo is a mystery to me," he said.

Alister laughed curtly. "My father was Halo's friend when he was alive," he said. "Halo and I had a business pact."

"So, for business you went to see cage fights with him," Bone said. "That sounds even more peculiar."

"Let me make it clear, Halo wasn't a friend. I just couldn't have him start a war with my pack after my father died. And I never supported cage fights. I only helped King because he reminds me of myself. He fought with everything he had. So, I knew I had to get him out of there. If I knew you were there too, I would have burned the place to the ground," Alister explained justly.

"So, you only intervene when it involves you," said Bone.

"It's just business, Bone," he said.

"Many who were beaten, raped or killed heard that excuse," Bone said. "It doesn't work on them." He believed that humanity and business should stay far away from each other.

"You're right, I'm not perfect. Yet, here we are, having to make a decision about our lives," said Alister.

A decision. King asked Bone earlier today to make a decision for himself. But Bone didn't know what he wanted or needed. He only knew that he was lost in a deep and dark hole. He faced Alister across this table, nothing around them except the dim lights and each other. However, in the shadows crept black demons crawling their way to Bone. They put their long scaly hands on his body and reminded him with their hissing voice how ugly and broken he was and he wasn't worthy of being here. The cage appeared in front of his eyes.

Suddenly, Bone's eyes blurred as he tried to take a breath. Ice pricked his skin and he felt a chill crawl down his entire body. He couldn't move as his past latched onto him dragging him into their domain, like always.

Bone didn't realize what was happening until he found himself storming out of the restaurant and outside of the building trying to get some fresh air into his lungs. He collapsed against the brick wall in the alleyway and held his chest as it ached and pounded heavily. God, what was he thinking coming out here and trying to achieve something? He shouldn't forget that he was a cripple with a broken body. He was raped and beaten, and on top of that, he was a murderer himself. Who was he to judge Alister for being friends with Halo? Bone was nothing, he was nobody.

"Bone," Alister's voice surprised him.

"I'm sorry," Bone tried to speak, "I'm so sorry."

"Stop apologizing," Alister said softly as he blocked Bone from the alley. "You did nothing wrong."

"You don't deserve this," Bone said. "I'm a mess. I'm dirty and ruined. You don't-"

"Shhh-" Alister caged Bone within his arms.

Bone stiffened within his bulky arms, but finally as he took a breath, the soft caress of Alister's pheromones managed to slide into his lungs and ease the icy-cold poison infecting his body. Bone shut his eyes tightly trying to focus on Alister's calm breath despite Bone's panic attack.

"I still have the rose you gave me," Alister whispered.

Bone's ears perked. "You do?" His voice croaked.

"I didn't know whether to water it or not since it was cut from the root?" Alister said. "You need to teach me some basics of plant-care."

"It was just a gift," Bone mumbled. Honestly, he thought Alister would throw it away.

"It wasn't just a gift," Alister whispered. "You gave it to me. I needed to preserve it."

Bone opened his eyes then and looked up at Alister who's already watching him. "Why are you like this?" he astonished.

Alister smirked. "Because I know that when someone is in pain they don't need judgement," he said.

"I'm sorry for ruining dinner," Bone sighed.

"Don't worry about it," Alister reassured. "You matter more."

Bone slouched against the wall and felt the tension leave his body. "I should go," he said.

Alister didn't move, he kept his arms firmly on the brick wall behind them and traced Bone's face with his focused gaze. "I want to kill everyone that hurt you," he seethed. A feral hatred appeared in Alister's eyes and he seemed to darken with carnal intent, like he could slaughter anyone who got close to them with his bare hands.

"Alister-"

"You're mine, Bone," his tone was dark and hushed. "You can run from me, but I'm a wolf, your wolf. I'll find you."

Bone and his own wolf stared at Alister. They couldn't understand this man and his determination. "Even with how I am now," his voice choked on him.

"No matter how you are, all of you is made for me," Alister said as his hand caressed Bone's cold cheek as soft as a feather.

Bone felt himself melt into his touch rather than shrink away. Why was it like this? he wondered. Why with Alister did he forget himself and surrender when everything in him denied to do that in the past? A shimmering desire begged Bone to yield to Alister and let him do whatever he wished because he knew deep down they'd be safe.

Alister grabbed Bone's hand and took him back to the car. He opened the door and waited until Bone climbed inside. He did get in and Alister rounded the hood and got in himself. He turned the ignition on and Bone wondered where they were going now because it wasn't towards the Centauri pack territory.

The drive was quick and they arrived outside a massive skyscraper. Alister parked the car underground and got out of the car and so did Bone. He was curious about where they were but followed Alister nonetheless, their hands still joined. Alister pressed the button to an elevator that was massive and made out of marble and velvet with lot of mirrors. Bone watched as Alister clicked the square button and they arrived at the tip of the skyscraper in seconds. The doors pinged open and Bone followed him out onto a long luxurious hallway.

"Where are we?" Bone asked as they stood outside a black door.

"My place," Alister answered. He placed his thumb on the knob and it chimed before it flashed green and unlocked.

Alister pushed open the door and a huge penthouse appeared. Bone walked inside with him and the interior was lush with state-of-the-art furniture and appliances. The entire floor was white marble gleaming like diamonds and shards of gold flickered in the lights. The foyer opened up to expose a modern living-room and grand fireplace with the kitchen on the other end. Every wall was painted a sapphire blue, even the molding was the same rich colour. There was a staircase leading to the second floor. Bone was mesmerized but pondered over why Alister brought him here.

They walked into the living-room that had a velvet navy-blue couch to match the walls and dark furniture when Alister's phone rang.

"Make yourself at home," Alister said as he pulled out his phone and stepped aside to answer it.

Bone was left to his own accord but didn't really know what to do. He didn't sit down nor did he look around. He stayed stiffly at the entrance of the room, when suddenly, he noticed a black shadow move across the other side of the room. Bone tracked the movement and wouldn't have noticed it if he hadn't spotted a pair of silvery-blue eyes, that looked like frost on glass and were watching him curiously. A massive wolf stepped out from behind the chair and stood before Bone with his head held high and his white fangs peering out, as he stalked closer to investigate the new person in the house.

Bone understood the wolf's aggression. There was a stranger in his master's home and would likely fortify to guard against any pending danger. Although, Bone was anything but dangerous to this wolf or Alister.

Bone knelt down onto the plush rug near the fire and let the wolf come to him willingly. The wolf was guarded at first, smelling the air and kept his eyes glued to Bone. He treaded closer, his gigantic paws held sharp claws that indented into the rug. He reminded Bone of Zoya's pup, both vicious and grumpy but with a few treats would lighten him up.

Bone leaned closer and put his hand on the wolf's neck. The wolf suddenly sat on his rump and his tail rhythmically started patting against the ground, moving side to side quickly. Bone ran his fingers through the thick black fur, giving him the occasional ear-rub that Bone knew felt good for him. The wolf stuck his pink tongue out and licked Bone's hand as he shifted closer. Bone couldn't help but smile and wished he had a treat to give to this charming wolf.

"Bone, you-" Alister appeared in the doorway with a surprised look on his face as he saw them together.

Bone moved to get on his feet when the wolf didn't let him. He patted the wolf's head and got to his feet with the wolf by his side.

"He's never done that," Alister said.

Bone smiled at the wolf when he padded over to Alister's side and sought his attention now. "What's his name?"

Alister ruffled the fur on the wolf's head. "Frost," he said. "I rescued him when he was a pup and he's been by my side since."

"He's lovely," Bone said.

"Right now, he is," Alister said. "I don't know what's gotten into him. He usually bites first before behaving." Bone chuckled while remembering a few Centauri wolves who were exactly like that. "But, it makes sense now that I think about it." A charming smile played on Alister's lips as he stared at Bone.

"Why'd you bring me here, Alister?" Bone said.

Alister crossed the room and Frost followed along his side and both of them stopped before Bone. "I didn't want to leave you back at the restaurant," he said coolly. He put his arm around Bone's waist and guided him effortlessly to the velvet sofa.

"Frankly, I thought you'd leave the moment I told you my past," Bone confessed as he sank pleasantly on the plush seat.

Alister sat beside him with Frost at their feet. "Why would you think that?" he asked.

Bone was befuddled he even asked. "Because I was a slave, Alister, that should be reason enough," he retorted.

"For others, maybe," Alister raised a brow, "but not for me."

"Why?" Bone said.

"Perhaps, I see the innocence in you," Alister answered. "Or I see the way you crave life and the way it brightens your eyes. You have desires but don't know how to achieve them. I can give that to you. All I want to do is lay the world at your feet."

Bone didn't really understand why Alister was this way. How can someone be so giving to a complete stranger? Bone was a slave who was abused, he was tainted yet Alister didn't see him that way. Innocence, Bone thought. What innocence did Alister see in Bone when all of that was killed ages ago.

"You're not going to let this mate thing go, are you?" Bone said.

Alister grinned like the sly wolf sitting next to him. "I never give up on what I want," he stated.

"And you want me?" Bone still didn't get it.

"I crave you," Alister spoke each word with a heavy weight to his rigid tone. He leaned back staring with those exceptionally blue eyes that mirrored a dangerous possessive streak.

Bone got up from his seat, both Alister and Frost turned their attention at his apprehensive shift of his mood. "You don't understand," he alarmed. "I was a slave, Alister. Things were done to me and I did things that can't be erased."

"I know, Bone-"

"No, you don't-" Bone snapped and regretted it because Alister didn't deserve such a harsh manner.

Bone didn't know any other way to prove his words other than to show Alister the truth. His hands trembled but he summoned the bit of courage and stripped off his shirt, turning his back to Alister exposing the scarred tattoo on his back that had his slave number etched into his skin. He knew the eight hundred and eight was marred into his skin and was clear for Alister to see. Nothing was hidden anymore.

The room fell into a grim silence that strangled Bone. He sensed when Alister got to his feet and stepped behind him.

"I was given this number at birth," Bone said although his whole body crawled with hundreds of prickling needles. "I didn't grow up with loving parents or a safe house. All I knew were the bars of a metal cage that kept me locked with the promise of pain for eternity. I didn't try to run nor did I try to fight when-" his voice broke like the way his heart did all those years ago. "I never fought against what was done to me. You see, those guards beat it out of you. They torture, rape and mangle every ounce of hope in your body until there's nothing but a corpse left." Bone flinched when a finger brushed against the number between his shoulder blades. "Dreams, adventure, life, I don't know what any of that means because I was never allowed those things in that cage. Sometimes, I believe that perhaps Maya wished to test me but I failed. I wasn't strong enough to stay faithful and I'm not strong now. I just get on by every day with no reason anymore." Bone put his shirt back on and turned to face Alister.

He stood with a hard and indistinct expression of his face.

"The scars on my body should show you that I'm not worth your time," Bone said as he looked away from the man's sapphire stare. He confessed as much as he could about his past, but there wasn't a sense of ease anymore, instead he felt a heavy weight on his chest and his knees lost their strength.

"Okay," Alister said.

Bone blinked and stared at the man. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Okay to telling your truth tonight," he clarified. "Okay to understanding your decision." Alister stepped closer, closing that hint of space between them. "Come with me," he said gently before leading them to the stairs onto the second floor.

They crossed the hall towards double doors before Alister pushed one opening allowing them access into the room. Bone stood in a huge modern bedroom, that was dark since all the lights were off. The only stream of light came through the ceiling high windows, it allowed beams of moonlight to shine on the hard-oak floor.

Bone stiffened and turned gaping at Alister. "Wh-what-"

"You're sleeping here tonight. I'll drop you home in the morning," Alister said as he shut the door and circled around him towards a closet. "The bathroom's right here, you can freshen up." He handed Bone a towel and pyjama set.

"Why are you doing this?" Bone asked.

Alister swiped a hand through his dark hair and towered over Bone. "No more questions, baby," he said. "Use the bathroom and come to bed." He opened the door on their right and let Bone enter alone.

Eventually, Bone complied and showered. He put on the blue pyjama set on that had to be made from pure silk. He couldn't wrap his head around Alister Black. The man was turning out stranger than King himself, and that was a big feat.

After washing up, Bone stepped out of the bathroom turning off the white light and he was consumed in the dark again. He looked around the great room and spotted Alister by the sturdy oak desk, he was looking over something on a laptop before he heard Bone and looked up. Alister wasn't in the clothes from earlier, he was in a dressing robe with slacks and his hair fell over his eyes. He appeared younger almost boyish now.

"Done?"

Bone gave a small nod. Alister walked up to him and took him to the huge bed that had silk navy-blue sheets and a black headboard made out of plush leather. He lifted the duvet for Bone and waited until Bone got the message loud and clear, that there was no escaping this. But Bone didn't fight it either, he got under the blanket and laid stiffly on the cool bedsheets and rigid mattress.

Bone's eyes tracked as Alister rounded the bed and stripped off the robe as he went to the other side. Alister laid down beside him and Bone was utterly befuddled over what was going on right now. But as both of them laid out beside each other, Bone found himself slowly being lulled to sleep by the darkly spiced fragrance and the hum of the breeze washing over the penthouse. Bone's eyes naturally closed as exhaustion swept over him and he only hoped he'd make the right decision.

At one point in the night, Bone wasn't sure if he was dreaming or not but he heard Alister's gentle voice; "I will have you, scars and all, because you were born just for me." Bone felt a strong arm lace around his waist before being drawn into a comforting warmth, that he never felt before.

Strangely, the nightmares didn't chase him tonight.