Siena was a beautiful city in Italy. The sun was high up in the clear blue sky shining on the grand architecture of Piccolomini Library. Bone finally visited this monumental beauty that was built for the gods to experience. The castle stood proudly in its glorious form with the gates left open for people to visit the books and the lay their eyes on the extravagant interior. He'd been here for two weeks now, exploring the city and relishing the food.

He wasn't alone though. King, Klaus and Ender came with him. Along with them, Leo, Dante, Jake, Levi and John followed with Jaxx who kept Ender company. Bone had to admit that spirit in these boys could fill this city with waves of warmth. They had fun no matter where they were and it was nice to be around. It was as if Bone could be this way too and no one would judge him.

They were outside the library at the market buying souvenirs. Everyone dressed for the warm weather were busy looking at the stalls that were sealing all sorts of crafts and handmade trinkets. Bone wasn't ready to leave the library yet, so he left alone to explore the massive halls that were empty for him to explore.

On his own now, his thoughts drifted. It had been six weeks since he last spoke to Alister. He hadn't returned like he promised when he said that he'd be finished his business in a week. There weren't any calls or text between them either. Bone wondered if something happened to him and he was in danger. Or perhaps after reading the letter, Alister changed his mind about the mating. But Bone's gut told him that wasn't the case.

Walking through the great arched halls, he viewed the tiled ceilings that were painted to mirror angels and the divine the humans believed in for centuries. The white walls carried over him into a beautiful coved ceiling which was high above everything else. The old books were under glass cases for their protection.

Bone wandered further down the library into a garden in the back. The sun shined on the huge green hedges and wide meadow. He didn't know this place had a garden. He leaned on the ledge and stared out into the wide space where there was a fountain.

He was about to return when his phone rang, it was Klaus. He quickly answered. "Hello."

"Where'd you go?" Klaus asked as the ruckus of the boys spilled through the phone.

"I'm still in the library," Bone answered. "There's a garden here."

"Oh, really, I didn't know that," Klaus sounded surprised and looked like he was about to ask more when Leo's eager voice shouted at the back. "The kids are getting hungry. We're about to go get some pizza otherwise I fear they will eat my head. Do you want us to wait for you?"

"I'm heading right out," Bone said. "Just-" he stiffened when a familiar scent carried through the air towards him. The darkly spiced fragrance that had the allure of whiskey, it intoxicated him.

From the corner of his eye, he caught a black wolf running behind the tall hedge on the other end of the garden.

"Don't wait for me, Klaus," Bone said as his eyes focused on the movement. He hadn't realized when his own feet started going down the stairs and towards the garden. Klaus's voice muffled into the phone and it must have cut on its own.

Bone followed the trail of the scent and wondered how it was possible to sense it here. There was no way, but he didn't give up. Through the maze of dark green hedges that were trimmed perfectly, he found himself in the centre where there was a large fountain and a few benches. The sun danced over the water, it appeared as if tiny little diamonds floated on top. Perhaps, he was mistaken because there was no one here.

Bone turned to leave when a pair of strong arms wrapped around his waist. "I caught you," that dark voice slithered down his body.

He turned and saw Alister before him, it was almost unbelievable. He had so many questions and was going to ask them too, but for some reason, his mouth didn't open. The soft sensation of the sun on his back and Alister's arctic-blue eyes immobilized him. He couldn't utter a sound nor move away because he felt that if he had then this apparition could vanish with it. However, that scent wasn't a figment of his imagination. The way its depth and darkness wrapped around Bone proved that Alister was really standing here. He wore a navy-blue suit like this colour was his to own, his dark hair raked back exposing his handsome face.

Alister's hand lifted and he touched Bone's cheek. His eyes that were dark seemed to lighten to a radiant blue under the golden rays of the sun. Bone found himself lost within that strong gaze.

"It's really you," he managed.

Alister's lips lifted into a smile. "Miss me?" his tone a wicked tease.

"What took you so long?" Bone asked.

Alister's grin dropped and he inched closer, their legs brushed against one another. "I'm sorry," he said. "I tried to get back but there was too much to do."

"Then what are you doing here?" Bone tried to get free of his hold, but it was impossible. The man was a brute who had too much strength.

"Luring my innocent mate out of library so we can be alone," Alister said as his rough hand inched lower to the small of Bone's back and pressed their hips together.

Bone steadied himself by holding onto Alister's arms. "To do what?" he asked timidly.

Alister's sinful gaze dropped from Bone's eyes down to his lips. The gleam darkened with intent like he was ravenous for all these weeks away from each other. He leaned in, their lips inches apart. They hadn't even touched yet everything in them had already surrendered to each other. Bone found himself being lured, he couldn't stop as a dangerously dark urge passed through both of them.

"Come to Dakota, come home with me," Alister's voice was sensual and smooth, it caressed Bone's heart like a sensual whisper.

"Yes," he answered.

Alister locked their lips together in a heated kiss that took his breath away. Bone stood here, vulnerable, yet strong. He knew it sounded bizarre, but there was something about being in Alister's arms that allowed him to feel safe. Bone deepened the kiss and leaned closer, taking in his mate's powerful scent and allowing their bond to strength even further.

They don't know how much time passed before they pulled apart.

A phone rang and it was Bone's. He answered and it was King this time.

"Did you two meet yet?" King asked.

Bone looked up at Alister and figured that these two planned this surprise. "We did," he answered.

"We've got pizza for the both of you," King replied then. "Hurry up and get your ass here."

Bone cut the phone and looked up at his mate. "Hungry for pizza?" he asked.

Alister chuckled because he heard King too. "Sure," he said and kissed Bone again.

"Hold on, is Frost here too?" Bone asked once he remembered that he'd seen that black wolf.

Alister blew out a sharp whistle and Frost appeared with a light run, but soon charged for Bone. He bent to the ground and let the big, black wolf smother him with his heavy form.

"He missed you," Alister said.

Bone ruffled the dark fur and smiled. "I missed you too," he said to the pup.

"You missed him and not me?" Alister questioned.

Bone got to his feet. "Come on, Frost," he said ignoring the brooding alpha. "Let's go eat some pizza."

"Bone," Alister called out, "Bone!"

Bone bit back his laughter and hurried on his way, as Alister followed him with a grim look on his face.

He supposed that this was the start of something new. He was going to North Dakota with his mate who controlled a pack of his own. Adventure, he thought happily. He wondered if he could plant his white roses there. Bone turned and faced Alister. This was his future now. Roses or not, he'd grow with Alister and blossom until their bond was in full bloom.