They survived this attack but would their luck run out the next time? Bone thought as he sat in the car with Alister.

Bone sat anxiously on the seat since his suit was sullied in blood and dirt which could stain the expensive leather in the car. He wasn't entirely sure why he wasn't in the car with King so he could go home. Instead, Alister took him and they were driving away from Centauri territory. Alister told King that he'd drive Bone home and of course King didn't raise any questions letting them leave together.

"Are you dropping me home?" he asked.

Alister didn't take his eyes off the road. "But aren't you hungry?" he asked instead. "I'm starving."

Bone bit back his laugh. "I can cook you something," he offered.

Alister glanced at Bone, his dark blue eyes flamed with interest. He stepped on the gas and drove speedily down the road.

Bone fidgeted with his thumbs as he recalled what happened in the library before they were attacked. Perhaps, he had given in to the pulsing desire in him to be with Alister, but he confessed how he truly felt for the first time. He told Alister that he'd try to be his mate. He'd give this relationship a chance even if it may not be destined to work out. Bone promised that he'd heal for them, but how certain was that resolve. Could he forget his past and move on?

As the silence grew and he staggered in this darkness, his body remembered the electric sensation of Alister's kiss. He didn't know that his body could ever respond this way. For a long time, Bone forgot the sensation of skin against skin because he feared it. However, with Alister, those sick thoughts were erased and all he sensed was the warmth and strength that protected him. He understood that Alister wouldn't hurt him or use him for his own benefit.

Except, like a plague that spread violently, Bone feared that Alister would demand for more and he wouldn't be able to give it. What if it's too hard and he can't have sex or needs space alone? What if Bone disappoints Alister's standards and refuses to mate?

Something touched Bone's hand. He flinched as his eyes shot down; it was Alister's hand on his, he looked at Alister who was still driving.

"I can practically hear your thoughts," Alister said with a chuckle. "What's got you so worked up, baby?"

Bone watched as Alister laced their fingers together. "Nothing," he mumbled.

He contemplated for a minute before answering with a stern; "Hmm." Alister's brows furrowed and the muscle in his jaw ticked,

Bone's heart skipped a beat and he tried to breathe normally but it wasn't working around this particular man. He couldn't respond or even form a proper sentence when he was under Alister's spell. It was true that Bone lied and that he was worried about a lot of things, but how was he supposed to articulate those thoughts to someone like Alister.

They finally arrived at the underground parking-space from the last time he visited this penthouse. Both of them got out of the car and went to the elevator. They walked in and as it climbed higher and higher, Bone stayed in the corner of the metal box and observed Alister leaning against the wall. There was something playfully devilish about the way, his long legs were crossed at the feet and his arms too. The elevator doors pinged open and Alister led the way out. Bone followed to the door and a simple fingerprint released the lock.

At the other side of the door sat the powerful wolf waiting, it surprised Bone at first but he couldn't help smiling. The wolf stood onto his legs and briefly sought out Alister's attention before he passed along and stared up at Bone.

"Hi, Frost," Bone beamed and bent down onto his knee. The wolf licked his cheek and ear and rubbed his thick furry neck into Bone's touch.

"You can freshen up in my room," Alister said. "Frost, come on, get off him." He patted the wolf's big body out of the way.

Bone chuckled as he watched the hound padding off towards the living-room. They both went upstairs to the bedroom and there was a cold draft in there with all the lights off.

"Here-" Alister appeared with a fresh pair of clothes- "meet me downstairs once you're done."

Bone gave a little nod and Alister shut the door behind him when he left. He walked into the bathroom, switching the light on as he faced his appearance in the mirror. His suit was completely ruined, it was torn and the splatters of blood turned brownish-red. He quickly stripped and showered, cleaning off the blood from his body and hair. He waited under the warm spray of water, letting it fall down his entire body. Flashes of what happened today appeared in front of his eyes. He killed again, mercilessly and without a shred of hesitation. The cage days weren't in the past after all, he thought grimly.

Turning the water off, Bone got out and dried off with the towel before putting on the black slacks and the wool navy-blue sweater. He was grateful for the sweater since he was cold in this huge penthouse, that had the air-conditioning turned up to mimic the Arctic.

Bone left the room and went down the stairs, the tiles cold under his bare feet. He was joined by Frost who was sitting alone at the bottom of the stairs. He followed the wolf who guided him to the where Alister was already. The kitchen was spacious and all black with hints of blue. The stainless-steel appliance stood out against the dark colours, it was lovely.

"Wine?" he asked without even turning around.

Bone faced Alister who stood in all-black. "Um, sure," he replied.

Frost made himself comfortable by the entrance of the kitchen, sitting on the ground with his head on his arms and he fell soundly asleep. Alister handed Bone a glass of wine.

"What do you want to eat?" Bone asked.

"Anything is fine," Alister answered. "I'm not a picky eater."

Bone drank the wine as he opened the fridge and saw various meats and vegetables laid out orderly within each section. Alright, he knew right away that he was craving stir-fry chicken when he saw bell-peppers and mushrooms. He grabbed the vegetables he'd need and the chicken breasts out of the drawer. He laid it out on the table and asked Alister to procure a knife, cutting-board and separate pans. Bone washed the vegetables and cut the meat into bite-size before setting it onto the hot pan to fry into crispy perfection. Once, that was done, he cut up the bell peppers, mushrooms and onions and threw them into the next pan to sauté with sauces, adding the spice and sweetness all into the pan.

Within twenty minutes or so, Bone had plated the food and took it to where Alister sat at the table in the kitchen.

Alister refilled their wine glasses and Bone sat down to eat with him. "You cook just like you fight," Alister said.

Bone looked up with his mouth full. "Huh?"

Alister smiled. "You're just as focused when you fight and when you cook," he said.

Bone swallowed the bite of chicken. "It takes the same amount of concentration," he responded remembering the people he killed.

Alister continued to eat and carry the conversation easily.

Bone lost himself as he watched Alister eat and enjoy the food to the fullest. He knew that it was simple dish and Alister probably ate the finest of cuisine around the world, but he still happily ate what Bone cooked and even praised the taste.

"Are you going to tell me what you were worrying about in the car?" Alister asked as he put his wine glass down.

Bone didn't want to worry about anything right now. "Maybe later," he said. "Why don't you tell me about yourself. I hardly know anything about you."

Alister's lips lifted into a charming grin, like he was impressed by Bone's change of topic. "What do you want to know?" he said with a calm tone.

"Anything," Bone insisted. "Do you have family?"

"I do," Alister answered. "Three brothers, all younger than me. I would say they're a handful but they'd argue with me if they were here." Bone smiled at him remembering the Centauri pack and the handful that Gabriel has to deal with on a daily basis. "My parents passed away a few years ago."

"I'm sorry," Bone said.

Alister shook his head. "We weren't close," he admitted. "What about you?"

Bone stiffened in his seat. "I don't have any blood relations," he told him. "But now, King and the whole Centauri pack are my family." Klaus, Ender, the kids from school all flashed into his head.

They finished eating and he took the dishes to the sink. He learned that Alister never evaded anything that was asked of him. He answered Bone truthfully about everything and remained calm even when Bone refused to be open.

"Would you like dessert?" Alister asked as he refilled the wine glasses.

"Okay," Bone answered.

Alister walked out to grab his phone and called someone to bring them something. He finished cleaning the kitchen. Alister told him to leave it, but out of habit, he quickly settled the mess before Alister returned with a plate in his hand. He carried a tart with sliced strawberries layered on top, with a dollop of cream.

Alister brought over the plate where Bone stood by the island table. He handed Bone a fork and they both took a bite of the tart, which was an explosion of sugar in his mouth. The sweetness of the strawberry cream and the crunch of the crust was perfection, the sliced fruit on top was a bit tangy but it was the best addition.

"Do you like it?" Alister asked.

Bone nodded. "Don't you?"

"It's too sweet for me," he scrunched his nose.

Bone didn't understand how someone could think dessert was too sweet, it could never be too sweet. Alister laughed at Bone's baffled expression when he reached his hand out and swiped his thumb on Bone's lips, he licked off the bit of cream of his thumb. Bone's heart skipped a beat and he stared at Alister who leaned against the counter rather than facing the dessert, he faced Bone with eyes that gleamed with a dreamy mischief.

"Here," Alister said.

Bone snapped out of his head and looked at the fork in front of him that had a bit of the tart on it. He looked at Alister confused and then at the fork he held. He assumed that Alister wanted him to take the offering. Bone leaned down and put his lips around Alister's fork and took the bite for himself. He did that another time before Alister put the fork down and dipped his finger into the cream and lifted a strawberry on his forefinger. He brought it to Bone's lips and didn't say anything, but his arctic-blue eyes were daring like he tested if Bone would succumb to the challenge.

Bone didn't really know what trap he was falling into, but nothing in his body hesitated. He leaned in, his gaze on Alister watching curiously, as he put his lips around Alister's finger. Bone put the strawberry and cream into his mouth before letting Alister's finger go free. He didn't really taste the fruit or cream because his focus stayed on the man in front of him.

Alister's gaze darkened over Bone. The same spiced scent from the time they shared in the library today returned and filled the kitchen, it seeped into Bone's body and he was lost to the primal hunger.

Alister straightened, stepping closer leaving inches between them. Bone trembled under his mate's gaze. "I didn't think you'd do that," he said.

"You wanted me to," Bone whispered.

That answer seemed to please Alister. He put his arm around Bone before he sealed their lips in a heated kiss. A kiss that made Bone forget how to breathe. A kiss that stole his very being and made him weak in the knees. He gasped against Alister's mouth as he caged Bone against the counter, not moving his lips and he kept him under his control. Bone didn't know when he opened his mouth, but Alister took advantage and deepened the kiss. His slick, hot tongue caressed Bone like he was memorizing his taste. Bone's body buckled and he wouldn't be standing right now if Alister didn't have his strong arm around his waist.

"You taste sweeter than the strawberries," Alister moaned against his mouth.

Bone tilted his head back letting Alister move in closer, which he gladly did. His mouth was hot and skillful. Alister braced his leg between Bone's and parted them further apart. Their hips and chests were pressed tightly against one another, that it was clear that both of their hearts were hammering against their bodies. Bone gripped Alister's biceps that were rigid under his touch. He didn't understand this dark sensation that crept into him. He wasn't a possessive man and neither was his wolf, yet both of them stood here promising that they claimed Alister for themselves.

Bone coyly caressed his tongue back along with Alister and let himself feel this for the first time. He succumbed to this hunger. He wouldn't fear it today and he wouldn't remember his tormented past. He kissed back and pushed all his fears aside. Bone hadn't thought it was possible for him to want someone this way. He feared intimacy because it repulsed him. But there was nothing repulsive about this kiss. Alister guided him through it, allowing Bone to explore on his own and lead the kiss when he was confident enough.

An ache ran through Bone when he discovered that he wasn't afraid of Alister's touch. A warmth spread through taking all the pain away and he was lost to this beautiful blossom that grew inside his broken heart.

Bone pulled back trying to breathe as his heart raced in his chest and he was losing the grip on himself. Alister reached back only to grab more cream onto his fingers and swiped it over Bone's lips. He locked their lips again and Bone moaned into the man's mouth. The softness of the cream melted between them and it was nothing compared to the heat of Alister's tongue and mouth. Bone tasted the cream and he preferred Alister's taste so much more.

Alister's hand collared Bone's nape and his thumb caressed the pulse in his throat that innocently gave away his racing heartbeat. Bone had his hands in one spot, but something urged inside him to touch more. He craved to touch Alister's dark hair or perhaps his tattooed neck too.

Like Alister had read his mind, he guided Bone's hand himself and put it on his neck. Bone gasped as his hand felt electrified by the hot skin of his corded neck. Bone pushed closer and almost lost himself to this very moment. He couldn't grasp his senses even if he tried to tell himself to stop and control himself. He ran his fingers gently through Alister's hair near his ear and Alister growled deep in his throat. The sound shot down Bone's body and turned him into a flaming hot mess.

Abruptly, there was a sharp knock on the door.

Bone's eyes snapped open and he pulled away. "What-"

Alister held him tightly against him. "Ignore it," he said.

But someone knocked again and again.

Alister growled a curse as he leaned his hands on the counter behind Bone. "Why do we keep getting interrupted?" he said gravelly.

Bone was kind of glad for the interruption, otherwise who knows what they would have ended up doing in this kitchen together.

"You should answer it," he said softly.

Alister didn't move as he stared at Bone's lips. "I really don't feel like it," he answered. "But if you kiss me then I might."

Bone didn't fall for the hint of charm and innocence that Alister feigned. "Just go," he said as he pushed Alister off him and towards the door.

Alister smirked with laughter swimming in his eyes as he left to open the door. Bone heard voices right away of another man who stepped inside.

"Why didn't you call that you returned?" The man sounded pissed. "You know I hate when you pull that shit with me."

"I was busy," Alister answered calmly.

"I don't care," the man said.

Bone never heard anyone speak to Alister that way before.

"What happened at the party?" The man asked.

"I can't explain it right now," Alister said.

Their voices were getting closer, Bone thought. Before he could move to another room or go upstairs to give the gentlemen some privacy, Frost came up to him and sat in front of his legs that he couldn't move. Alister returned to the kitchen with the guest following him closely. He was tall and wore a leather jacket over his broad shoulders. His dark hair was raked messily and he had stark grey eyes that were piercingly alert. He stopped dead in his tracks as he saw Bone in the kitchen.

"Bone, meet my brother, Archer," Alister introduced.

Bone stared at the man who resembled Alister more and more.

"This is-" Archer gaped at his brother and then at Bone- "your mate." His grey eyes also saw how Frost was sitting between them.

Bone smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Archer," he said.

Archer raked a hand through his hair and then straightened his height. "Yeah, likewise," he said. "I wouldn't have barged in if I knew you two were together."

"Smart of you," Alister remarked.

"Shut up, I'm still pissed at you," he growled back. "How could you go to a party without a security detail. I warned you a million times and you still act like this."

Alister rolled his eyes at him. "My brother is head of security," he told Bone. "As you can tell, he takes his job very seriously."

"He's not wrong," Bone mumbled apologetically.

Alister and Archer both gaped at him.

"Thank god someone has sense around here," Archer astounded.

"Don't feel good that he took your side," Alister said to brother as he stared at Bone.

"What happened at the party?" Archer asked.

"I'll talk to you tomorrow," Alister said.

Archer grumbled a curse. "Fine, but don't you dare try to avoid it tomorrow," he said.

"I won't, now get out," Alister said.

Archer had the same look as Alister- they almost looked like twins with the grumpy expression. "Bone, let's get a drink some time," he said dropping the grim look and smiled boyishly now.

"Er- sure," he said without even thinking about what he was getting himself into.

"Archer," Alister called out dauntingly like he was warning his young brother that he should get out now.

"I'm going, I'm going," Archer held his hands up and left the penthouse.

"Your brother resembles you quite a lot," Bone shared.

"He's a pain in my ass," Alister said making him laugh.

He looked at the clock on the wall which was inching close to midnight. "I should head home," he said.

"Stay the night," Alister suggested.

Bone patted the wolf's head that came up to his hip, the soft fur was thick under his palm. "Is that what you want?"

"Frost does too," Alister baited. "Don't you, Frost?" The wolf made a gruff sound and pressed closer to Bone's legs rubbing his head against him.

Bone chuckled and gave in.

They went upstairs to the bedroom and Alister closed the door behind them, trapping Bone into the room that was cold and dark. Frost curled up by the foot of the bed and soundly went to sleep. The windows must have been left open because the curtains swayed slightly to the breeze. Bone went to the side of the bed he used last time and sat down on the soft mattress. Alister stripped off his shirt and dropped it on the chair by the window. Bone quickly looked away at the sight of Alister's chiselled body and the dark tattoos inked across every part of his skin.

"Do you need to be at the library tomorrow?" Alister asked as he removed his watch and set it aside on the table.

"No," Bone answered as he lifted the duvet and slid under it with his back turned against Alister. Everything in his body was on alert as he sensed Alister walk around the room doing who knows what.

He heard rustling behind him with the steady rhythm of Alister's breath. Bone tried to focus on the pattern in front of his eyes which was on the wall, but a shiver crawled down his back when he sensed Alister come close to the bed. The cold air entered the duvet when it was lifted and the mattress sank as the weight of the man's bulky body slid onto it. Bone stiffened and tried not to move at all hoping that Alister guessed he was already asleep.

Bone shut his eyes tightly and found himself unable to breathe.

Suddenly, a strong arm circled around Bone's waist, his eyes snapped open and he was pulled across the mattress and his back hit Alister's chest. Bone laid stiffly with his head on Alister's arm and his body pressed against the hard muscles of the man's trained body.

Alister sighed heavenly. "God, you smell good," he whispered, his voice close to Bone's ear.

Bone trembled at the softness in Alister's voice when he spoke. "I won't be able to fall asleep like this," he mumbled.

"You were in my arms last time you stayed over and slept perfectly fine," Alister said.

Bone slumped against Alister's arm that was secured like a metal brace around his waist. "I get nightmares," he shared. "I could hurt you."

"You hurt me," Alister bemused. "I'd actually let you try, it'd probably turn me on."

Bone gaped and looked back at the man who had a smirk on his face despite that his eyes were shut. "You're insane," he said.

Alister chuckled and opened his eyes, the blue was almost black in the dark. "You know at some point you're going to have to tell me what you're so afraid of?"

Bone pulled away and sat in front of Alister. "You want things from me, but what if I can't give them to you," he said.

Alister leaned up on his elbows. "What are you trying to say, Bone?"

"What if I can't have sex with you?" he blurted out.

Alister sat up against the headboard, his naked torso gleamed under the light of the moon as his legs were spread out on the bed. "Have you tried having sex with anyone after getting out of the cages?" he asked sternly.

"I can barely handle the touch of my own skin," Bone said bitterly. "What do you think?"

"Do you hate it when I touch you?" Alister asked.

Bone lost himself to his mate's eyes. "No," he spoke without realizing.

Alister smiled softly. "Then we can keep trying until you feel safe with me," he answered. "Besides, from the way you respond to my kisses, I know you can do much more."

"And if I disappoint you?" Bone asked, his eyes stung with the truth of his words piercing his heart.

"Impossible," Alister said.

"But-"

Alister shook his head. "You're perfect in my eyes," he told him. "I just need you to trust me and let me lead you."

Bone sighed and nodded. "Where will we live?" he asked then. "You have a pack and I have mine."

"You can come with me or I can move the pack here," Alister said after considering for a mere second.

"You'd do that," Bone said. "I thought you hated the city."

"I do," Alister said. "But you take priority over my needs."

Bone shook his head. "No, we're equals. I don't want you compromising anything for me," he said.

Alister smiled and raked his hair. "It's your decision," he responded. "I'll go anywhere with you."

"What if in a year's time you think that this is all a waste of time and want to leave," Bone said.

"And what if by then you fall in love with me?" Alister retorted. Bone's heart ached as he stared at his charming smile. "Don't stay in the darkness anymore, Bone. It'll only destroy you."

"You have an answer for everything, don't you," Bone muttered as he pushed his hair back.

Alister grinned with that smug look in his amused eyes. "I told you already," he said, "I can do anything you want. I'm your mate."

Bone heard those words and for the first time, he felt himself content and assured that he'd give himself to this bond. "Thank you for answering my worries," he admitted. "And I do trust you more than you think."

"That's all I need," he answered.

"Okay," Bone unbuttoned his shirt and exposed the column of his neck. "You can mark me." This was probably one of those rare times that he saw astonishment on Alister's face. "What is it?"

Alister's expression was indistinct. Bone wondered if he made a mistake, when suddenly, Alister shifted and closed the gap between them. Bone shut his eyes and had a feeling it'd be over quick. Perhaps, he should have asked King what marking felt like, so he would be more prepared.

Bone flinched at the sudden caress of Alister's lips against his neck.

"You want me to mark you?" His tone was deep and primal.

Bone nodded. "I thought you wanted that too," he said.

Alister's arms wrapped around his waist. "I do," he said. "But I never thought you'd ask me like this."

"Did I make a mistake?" Bone asked.

"No," Alister's lips smiled against his neck. "I just almost ripped off your clothes and was going to destroy your body."

Bone stiffened. "Is that how marking works?" he asked.

"I'm not sure," he said as his tongue and teeth softly nibbled up Bone's neck. "All I know is that my wolf and I both want you on this bed, spread beneath us, willing and yearning for us to mark you."

Bone shivered at the hot sensation that crept through his body like a tempted flame. "Oh," he mumbled breathlessly. 

Alister reached and buttoned up Bone's shirt again. "You're not ready yet," he said.

Bone stared at his curiously. Ready for what? he wondered.

Alister got out of bed. "Get some sleep," he said with his back turned and he left the bedroom alone.