Second Assault — Bond And Treason —

Friday, April 12th. Magnus Mansion. Meeting room, 2:25 p.m.

ALEXEI

—I don't have to say that now more than ever we have to be on our guard, do I? — I make sure to observe everyone in the room when speaking, they're all there except Fredek, which I find strange. The situation has become more delicate with the last altercation we had, we can't risk dropping our vigilance.

—What do you expect us to do? — Nikon is the first to intervene.

—For now, I want you to pick up everything you need, we'll move to Oriol's facility for a while.

—With all the men? — Adrik questions.

—Yes, we'll need full security, as well as the equipment. I need Jackson and Sasha to take care of that as soon as possible.

—Derek's there, Magnus — Yaakov's informing me after checking a message on his phone.

—Good —I reluctantly accept. I certainly didn't want to leave Xander alone in that house, but an organization can't operate without its leader, and I mustn't neglect my responsibilities at this time, now that a war has been declared.

Xander didn't like the idea of me having to leave either, so he locked himself in the bathroom for a long time without letting me in. By the time he came out, his eyes were red and swollen, but eventually agreed as long as it was for hours, not days. And that's precisely what I'm going to do.

To my relief, the bond is now completely active.

Already the effect of the suppressors they made him take are out of his system and the communication between us can happen without any problem... That is, if he were willing to talk. I thought that via our mind bond he would, but he didn't. Things weren't at all what I expected. Instead of words, he uses images.

It's a little confusing if you don't know the thread of the conversation, but I got the hang of it fast, thank goodness. Afraid to leave him alone, I sent Derek along with four of my best men for his protection. I still don't completely trust Angelo, he's family to fucking Dimitri. Can you blame me?

—Lev, I need you to please make sure everything is properly packed and safely transported to the trucks. You have a good eye for that.

—Yes, Alex. No problem.

—I don't know how long we'll be staying in Oriol, so make sure you don't forget anything.

—It's a pity there's no swimming pool at that headquarters — Nikon says with honest disappointment —. I love the way a certain person's swimsuit looks — wagging the eyebrows suggestively and jokingly nudging Adrik in the side.

—Fuck, behave yourself. Will you? — Adrik tries to tell him quietly, although we all hear it perfectly. I roll my eyes, ignoring them as best I can, as I take a sip of the whiskey in front of me.

—What shall we do now with the lack of a programmer? — My cousin leans over and puts the elbows on the desk —. Do you want me to get one here or at Oriol?

—That's right, Alex — Lev seconds him —. Now, without Reiji, we need one — he's silent for a moment while biting his lower lip nervously —. And well... I doubt Xander can do it, right?

Yes, as soon as I arrived, I told them the good news and the bad news, leaving out the most important details.

I just explained the injuries, the trauma, and Angelo Dalaras' involvement in all of this. The sensitive part was between me and Yaakov.

That is why my decision to temporarily move the organization to Oriol's facility, and the way I am ordering things done, will make protection there three times as effective as it is here.

I will spare no effort, time, or money now that I have Xander with me again, under my wing and I will not allow myself to fail. Not again.

—Definitely not — I say, sharp and firm —. We'll leave Xander out of this and as far away from this situation as possible. He's suffered enough.

—So. Here or there? — Yaakov asks again.

—Wherever, as long as he knows how to do the job and is someone we can trust.

—I know someone — Adrik steps forward, taking the phone out of his trouser pocket —. He's not as talented as Xander, but he's quite competent. He was in the army for a couple of years and learned a few tricks. I can call him if you want, his name is Serge.

it meets the requirements I've given you, it's fine. I'll put you in charge

will need something from here? — Lev's requesting. I

packed, so it would only be a matter of putting them on the truck and that's it. I will need his toiletries, the computer and other electronic equipment and...

of

making sure everyone's working. Satisfied to see The Gang diligently doing their job, I walk down the stairs to

sealed, even going so far as to threaten Adrik, but in the end, it was unavoidable. It was an order that had to be carried out, and there was no way

the quick transfer to Oriol came, as he is packing everything he considers necessary to take in boxes. He doesn't even turn around to see who he is, although I'm

— I start to say cautiously, closing the door behind

me —

run a hand through my hair, frustrated at his attitude. Yes, I was sure he would not agree with my decision, but I am also confident that no matter what I do, he will always judge me. It has been that way since Yurik's death and I fear it will be

Fredek. Law of the ice again? — I'm complaining, the discomfort pounding on my tongue —.

abruptly in my direction, causing a small black object

you to agree with all my decisions, but I truly don't

screams, clutching the hands in fists at his side —. You shouldn't have done it! What the fuck were you thinking?!

control myself —. Oh, great Lord all-merciful! Tell me your

teeth, jaws clenched. He turns around and keeps putting things into the boxes on the table,

completely limited right now. I'm angry, yes, but I'm also worried. Ever since Xander showed up, I felt like there was a little progress in the relationship between me and my brother. He was starting to talk to me more, answering my questions in more than

listen to

me, right in the center of my chest —. You didn't have to kill him, there are better ways to do things. You

picture. There's a lot more behind this that you

me! — screams and I'm only seconds away from losing my patience —. Tell me one valid reason why I should just

was raped! — The words are rushing out of my mouth —. The motherfucker of Dimitri raped him again! Okay?! — now I'm the one clenching fists and screaming uncontrollably, spitting out the harsh reality —. Is that what you wanted to hear?! Well, there you go, goddamn it!

slowly spreads over my body. Although, I can't register anything else but Fredek's

reaches out with one hand, blindly looking for the table, and when he finds it, he holds on to it as if his body had lost all strength

hands on the waist, my head down, and desperately trying to

sound makes my feet feel like they're inside cement blocks —. I could... I could have done something that day. I could have... Shit, I don't

I mumble wearily

around. He is sitting on a stool, twisting the fingers of his hands on the lap, his head falling between his shoulders and thick, abundant tears

am doing, I am rushing at him, holding him tightly in my arms, feeling his shoulders tremble with

is your fault, okay? — I whisper and he shivers, still crying and wetting my shirt with tears —. All this got out of hand and if there's anyone to blame, it

the face with a scowl between his eyebrows and sips through his nose —. What are you talking about?

my duty to protect and care for him. Letting him work for me wasn't a good way to go, let alone have such dangerous enemies. I was incompetent and negligent... I should have done

kidding me? — amazement seeping through his crying —. Alex, you practically sent a squad that day. There was no way of knowing something like that would happen. You did everything right, just like the others. Only that Dimitri was better

well — my voice is low and hesitant —. I just hope Xander feels the same way — suddenly, Fredek puts his trembling hands on my face, hollowing

— the warmth and determination in his eyes is so deep that I don't doubt a word that came out of his mouth. I smile, because it's better than crying, and I pull him back

grown, in my eyes he will always be that bright

— I whisper and it feels good to be able to say those words to him after so much tension between us —. I've never stopped loving you. You're my brother, I've always tried to do my best for you, even though sometimes I know I'm failing and I have a shitty mood — we both laugh while we're still holding each other —. I'm sorry for all the pain you've suffered, I'm sorry I wasn't closer to you after Dad died,

eyes are watery again —. I know it wasn't

that's been there for years. I always remained powerless to believe that Fredek blamed me for Yurik's death and although it was my mistake not to approach him and try to

were released

and leave a small kiss on his forehead. He smiles at me and rushes to wipe away the rest of his tears with the back of the hands.

—Yes?

Magnus. Where are

he has some things to

It's getting late.

— I hang up, say a quick

XANDER

back yet and I've had to deal with Derek's bad

to see him, I didn't think my Alpha would send him out to keep an eye on me, but I'm glad

the best when he tried to