Second Assault — Bond And Treason —

Thursday, April 11th. Angelo Dalaras' Country House. 6:15 a.m.

Something felt different that morning. Alexei, his mind still in the haze between sleep and consciousness, frowned in surprise even with the eyes closed. The smell around him was different. It smelled of pine, lavender, and a hint of freshly cut grass. It was not the usual silence that his ears caught, but the singing of happy birds, noisy cicadas, and what seemed to be a playful dog in the distance.

But there was something that felt good. It sensed right, like that's where he belonged, like his organism was demanding him for more contact... There, with his partner in the arms. «Perfect», he thought, feeling the body heat that his little Omega shared, the rich fragrance of cinnamon and chocolate that his body releases, the softness of his skin and the flawless rhythm of his chest, under the palm of his hand, as it climbs up and down in parsimony while his lungs work for air.

His eyes opened, allowing him to get a glimpse of his partner's still-sleeping face. He looks much better than he did the night before. The dark circles under the eyes have disappeared, the skin appears healthier, and even the hair has regained some of its shine and silkiness. Very slowly, wishing not to disturb his sleep, he pulled the sheet aside to assess the rest of his body, relieved to realize that the other wounds have also almost completely disappeared.

The only persistent ones have been those on the wrists and ankles. He imagined it was because they were so deep and had crushed and abused the flesh so badly, but to his relief, it was not something that could not be eradicated as long as he continued to feed the Omega with blood. Even better was to feel like the wall that was preventing the connection of the bond was gradually disappearing. Xander's emotions were growing inside Alexei and he was now able to convey his own.

The thoughts were still a little blurry, but it was only a matter of time before the suppressors lost their effect entirely. Xander stirred and his eyelids fluttered, opening his deep blue eyes and smiling towards his Alpha, who returned the look full of tenderness and love, of the one that only he was able to provide.

—Good morning, kitty — his voice was still deep and raspy from sleep, but that didn't stop him from transmitting the joy in his chest at that moment.

Xander smiled and huddled even closer to him. He wrapped one arm around the Alpha's waist and the other on the neck, letting a tender kiss on the chest, just above Alexei's heartbeat.

—Do you feel better? — he asks, quietly rubbing Xander's back, sinking the face into the shiny strands of black hair. A simple nod was the response, but he was still relieved that his partner was now much better.

That was the only important goal for him now, to be able to repair any broken pieces in Xander's emotions, put things in their place, and do the best to bring him back to happiness.

Xander tilted the head back to look at him. He placed one of his hands on the firm cheek of his Alpha and closed the space that was missing so that their lips could meet.

The kiss was slow, sweet, sincere and yet the passion and desire made its presence felt. Alexei knew very well that it would take a long time for Xander to be able to give himself back to him without suffering physically or being tormented by the memories of those dark moments. But he was willing to wait as long as necessary.

Though that doesn't mean the excitement wasn't there, especially when Xander's sweet taste made him drunk with lust. Before he could do anything out of place, he gently parted, leaving a brief kiss right on the tip of his button nose.

—Come, kitty — he stood up, feeling the cold of the wood under his feet —. Let's go take a bath.

Xander nodded, smiling he got up too and followed his Alpha to the confines of the shower once more. Before opening the tap, Alexei turned to him and looked at the small devices in Xander's ears, who lowered his unsteady gaze to his feet.

—We have to get some that are waterproof, kitty — rubbing his fingertips against the BTE's —. I don't like how vulnerable they leave you every time you have to take them off.

Xander nodded, still with the head down, feeling a little uncomfortable and sad. He knew Alexei didn't like his disability, but there was nothing he could do to change that aspect of his being.

— capturing the sadness through the bond, placed a finger under his chin, urging him to raise the head

and down

of thoughts crossing his mind —. It's just that I'd rather have you wearing them at all times, being aware

smiling, left a sweet kiss on his

about you that I don't love. So stop creating crazy things inside that head with an IQ of one hundred and forty-seven. Okay? —

touches his chest at heart level, then does the same with Alexei's, finally extending the palm to feel his heartbeat, in a silent "I love you too".

to speak, but he loved that

smiled and gently removed Xander's earplugs, leaving them on the side shelf filled with shampoo and conditioner

small devices back in his ears, a new change of clothes for each was diligently placed on the bed. He imagined that it must have been Rosé

same thing much more calmly. Once they were both ready, Alexei held his Omega hand

his mouth to turn to water.

start to feel suffocated, need to leave or get sick in any other way, you tell me without hesitation. Okay? — Xander nods in response —. Good. Remember that I'm here for you — promises quietly, as he gently holds him in the arms and puts a gentle kiss on his forehead —. You're what I need to keep going, the love of my life, my support. You're the

head back and his Omega's eyes are wide open and clear from the tears that

to chase them away and still refusing to speak, he just smiles sweetly and nods, before placing a small kiss on

just like yesterday, Yaakov and Angelo are sitting at the table with Rosé handling the kitchen utensils. Xander lets go of his hand and rushes to help her, though trying to stay at a safe distance. He still refuses

him, folding the newspaper he was reading in half

he... — Yaakov gestures toward Xander —. He looks

taking a seat at the table —. Last night, just before

me, he says everything's fine over there, so you don't have to worry. Although there's still the question of what we'll do about... — lowering the level to

nose in frustration while Yaakov moves uncomfortably in the seat. Reluctant to look up, he still does, and

organization, nothing of importance — still felt that he couldn't trust Angelo completely, so he reserved the true nature of the matter —. What do you

said she wanted to see me. In fact... —

get up from the table, go into the kitchen and give Rosé a couple of directions. At that moment Xander approaches, leaving a hot cup of coffee and a plate with a couple of

—Thank you, kitty.

to Angelo once Xander walks away again towards the kitchen —. We should talk privately as soon as you have time, Magnus. There's something I have to tell you — his cousin nods and out of the corner of

doubt to consult Rosé, I'm sure she'll take care of you as you deserve.

the calf under the table, receiving a low squeal of

and Alexei finish their breakfast without major inconveniences and in complete silence. When they

you outside — Yaakov quietly announces to him before heading for the

doing the dishes. He walks towards him, gluing the chest to his back, and leaves a gentle kiss on his neck. Xander tenses for a few seconds, stopping all movement, until he realizes that this is his partner. He smiles and