Second Assault — Bond And Treason —

Tuesday, April 9th. Angelo Dalaras' Country House, 12:00 p.m.

ANGELO

—Is everything ready? — I question, pointing to the tray full of food on the kitchen counter. I've tried to keep a low profile since I succeeded in getting Xander out of that place, where he was kept in such degrading conditions. I don't think Dimitri will suspect me, but you never know.

I'm well aware of how cunning and perceptive my cousin can be. But I never thought that a member of my family, of my blood, could commit such an act of cruelty to another person, especially someone as fragile and delicate as Xander King seems to be. I sent him as far away from the city as possible.

Once we were out of Dimitri's reach, I made all the necessary arrangements for him to be transported safely to my country home outside of town. I couldn't stay with him there, though. It was important to pretend that I was not involved and behave as usual, attending meetings, not canceling any commitments, and interacting with my family members, however despicable they may be. My father wasn't the best man in the world.

Being the brother of Dimitri's father, they shared the brutality and satisfaction of being ruthless with their enemies, taking many innocent people along if they saw it necessary or simply because they wanted to. I always hated him. He has been dead for two years now, being poisoned inside his own home when an infiltrator broke into the facility. We were never close and I certainly didn't bother to go to his funeral.

That's why I use my mother's last name, plus I didn't wish to be compared to the methods of torture and the dirty and treacherous methods of "work" commonly used by the Zhukovskis. Yeah, I can't claim to be a saint either. Although, I don't want to leave this world known as a heartless and bloodthirsty being. No, that's not how I want to end up at all.

So when I saw Xander tied up, hurt and practically clinging to life by a thin thread, I couldn't resist doing something to help him, knowing full well that I'm putting my own life in danger. I made sure that my assistant, Rosé, took care of everything he needed, even if I would like to personally take charge of anything he might ask.

However, I know I can trust her. She's always been there for me when I needed her most. I took advantage of the fact that I have a couple of hours today without any commitment to come by and check on Xander, but the news I get, even though expected, doesn't make me happy at all.

—Yes, Mr. Dalaras— she sighs with pity —. I just hope he has more appetite today. He hasn't wanted to eat much since you brought him here, even though he's so weak — she gives me a little insecure glare before continuing —. We have focused on healing the wounds under your guidance, but he needs to regain energy. If he doesn't eat...

—How are his injuries progressing? — I grimace, remembering the deplorable state he was in.

The wrists were practically in shreds and the ankles were in a similar state. He had several bruises on the torso, thighs, and back, staining his white skin in shades of green, purple, and yellow. One eye was tightly closed due to swelling and the lips were very dry, as well as covered with dried blood. I was so scared when I saw him up close for the first time, I didn't think he'd survive. And I honestly admire that he held on to life the way he did.

—The bruises are almost completely gone. The eye is much better too, he can open it completely, although the skin is still a little sensitive — she bites her lower lip, nervously —. But the wrists and ankles... are a different case.

—Is he that bad? — I ask concerned.

—. They're healing properly, but I'm afraid they'll leave scars. Perhaps, if he could feed on his Alpha, the recovery would be more effective. At this rate, he might lose

it. Goddamn it. I know it's important and essential for an Omega to have his Alpha's help when injured, but it would

my tail right now, which would result in the discovery of my involvement and not only risk my life,

notion of the reaction Magnus will have if I suddenly show up at his door with a half-dead Xander in my arms. What could

this whole mess just

for a few seconds, gathering the courage to finish the question —. His internal... injuries?

does it only in the bathroom, locking the door — swallows several times, her next words murmured in pain —. Sometimes I hear his moaning through the door. It's... It breaks my heart, Mr. Dalaras — lowers the eyes and blinks several times, trying to control the crying. I pat her on the shoulder a couple

appreciate everything you've done. I'm sorry to put you under such a responsibility, but I couldn't trust Xander to anyone else — I smile at her, getting the same gesture back —. I'll try

what I was missing, sir. He refuses to speak, he hasn't said a word, to

— The amazement is reflected in my expression —. I thought that by now he would know even my license plate number — Rosé gives me a strange look and I hurry to clarify —. I mean, I thought he would be intrigued to know where he is

he did

She rolls the

leather diary, with a pencil tied by a thin string —.

think it's because of something from birth, or because his vocal

fingers, the nervousness floating on the surface again —. I think it's just the trauma

once he finds out — just thinking about Magnus's reaction already gives me goosebumps —. But for now, we must make sure he doesn't do anything crazy and that his energies are restored. It doesn't matter that he doesn't eat, keep delivering food, so that when he finally gives in to what his stomach demands, he will have

—Yes, sir.

me have that notebook — I point it out and she hands it to me —. If this is the only way to communicate with him, I want to make sure I'm ready —

time we arrive, Rosé opens the door for me and gives me a soft smile before retiring, leaving Xander and me alone. He's sitting up, with the back against the bed, and looking at me cautiously, a little scared too, underneath his eyelashes. He looks much better than when I first brought him, though you can still see the ravages of the wounds and the

and black pants that appear giant on him. I imagine that Rosé had difficulty in getting clothes that fit his size

scare him. Though it doesn't help, he quickly

bed —. I won't hurt you, I promise— I smile, hoping that trust will start to grow between us —. I just wanted to see how you

I can see how his shoulders

the notebook in my hand and leave it on the bed next to him —. Rosé told me