Second Assault — Bond And Treason —

Kitchen of the New Facilities, 3:25 p.m.

FREDEK

I should be happy. Yeah, I should be very happy. Xander's finally back, my brother and I have managed to work things out after many years apart, and I've finally found my partner... Or is it the other one? Or is it both? Oh, my God! I don't understand a damn thing that's going on.

Before this morning, I was clear about what I had to do, had a horizon, steps to follow so that I could, at last, be with the Alpha of my dreams, and perhaps, in the future, have many puppies. To live in a nice house in the country, to get out of the organization, and have a normal life. But now... Now what? All those fantasies have vanished into thin air since he showed up. Ever since his gaze connected to mine, my legs wavered and my world turned upside down. Angelo Dalaras.

What's this supposed to mean? Derek's not my bonded partner after all? But if he isn't, then my body shouldn't have reacted the way it did when I first met him, or shouldn't be in my thoughts constantly, or I wouldn't dream about him every time I go to sleep. I don't understand. I'm stuck in a limbo with no hope of getting an answer to help keep my sanity safe. I don't know what I need to do. Do I keep trying to win Derek over, or do I let Angelo court me? At least he seems genuinely interested.

Derek gives me a bunch of confusing signals. During the time that Xander was kidnapped, he remained indispensable at my side, offering me the shelter my soul longed for and the protection I required. However, whenever there was even the slightest chance of a breakthrough, he would immediately step aside, totally frustrating my attempts. It hurt every time that happened, and the advice Xander gave me was the impulse and the initiative to keep trying, but now, I just don't know... I don't know if it's worth it.

When I hurried out of the meeting room to avoid being questioned about something that I did not know the answer to, I ran straight to the new arsenal. It was a relief that neither Xander nor Alexei followed me, because honestly, I have no head for dealing with anything or anyone now. And if it weren't for the fact that after hours without touching food my stomach wouldn't demand it with a roar that even I was surprised, I would still be there bathing in my unsolved sorrows and riddles.

—What's the matter with you, boy? — Mrs. Ewa, the cook, asks me with concern, patting me on the shoulder, pulling me out of my reverie —. You've been sitting there for half an hour and you've barely taken a couple of bites out of that sandwich.

I look down at my plate and realize she's right. I don't even remember taking that couple of bites in the first place. I let out a heavy sigh, unsure of what to say, or if I want to do it.

—Would you like to tell me about it? Maybe I can help you — the good woman smiles at me, and even though I try to smile back, I know that it probably came out more like a deformed grimace.

—I don't know — I sigh again —. Even I don't understand the situation I'm in.

—Well, tell me about it then — by taking a seat next to me on the kitchen isle —. Sometimes talking about our problems is better than keeping them quiet.

—It's just that it might surprise you once I tell you. Seriously, it's not something you'd hear every day.

—Boy, this old lady has managed to see a lot of things in this place over the years — says, pointing a thumb at herself —. There's nothing you can tell me that will surprise me — her confidence gives me a little comfort —. Now, what is it?

—Well — I start, although I'm not quite sure how I'm supposed to continue —.It's just that, a few days ago, I met someone, he and I had this sort of... Connection.

—Continue.

I couldn't stop thinking about him for a single moment. It was something really special — I smile

a gesture with a hand to encourage me to continue, I run a hand over my frustrated face

I mean — I babble uncontrollably, old Ewa looks at me so intently that I begin to get more nervous than I

unable to utter any more words and a little surprised by her calm reaction while I'm

Yes, it is — her serene expression, with a gentle voice, while I almost choked on my tongue —. These are quite peculiar cases, they don't happen

shuts like a fish, I'm sure if I spread my eyes a little wider, they'll pop

I'm completely serious, I'm almost a hundred and thirty years old. My father used to be the shaman of my village and when I was a child, I

So, what happened? — Genuine

dimples on her cheeks, one of the most precious in my pack — suddenly her

that has been

dropped a little —. As a result, the girl suffered a lot, and despite the fact that she still had one of her partners around, her misfortune

few long seconds of silence, though I don't want to hear it, I need

no matter how much her other partner tried to encourage her. And one day it just... It stopped beating — the breath stayed halfway down my neck and a

you saying that if I don't get to be with

or his Alphas for that matter, is sacred. There's nothing that can break it, nothing that can undo it. If you reject or refuse to be with either of them, you

God, what am I going to do now? — my trembling, unsteady voice. I close the eyes and sink the face into my hands as I feel her patting me again. Soon the tears begin to appear

you can do that — brings the chair closer to me and puts one arm around my shoulders —. The cards are laid, it's up to you to choose your fate. Just remember that it's your life and your happiness that's at stake. You

it is a complete, extensive, and complex labyrinth from which I am struggling to find my way

ready, sweetheart — his voice cheering, I hear his footsteps coming closer and closer —. Let's start with my... What's going on? — I raise my eyes

youngest of the Magnus — Mrs. Ewa strokes my hair slightly and gets up —. Don't you begin to smother the boy, you chattering cockatoo. Let him be — her tone

peacock. Is that so hard to understand? — He looks at me again, and his voice becomes softer —. What's the matter, baby? Why are you

go again — the cook mumbles in annoyance, rolling her eyes before turning

Lev. I'm

Ewa and points at me accusingly —. Tell me what's wrong with you, don't make

and resign myself to telling him everything, but without going into too much detail, just what is necessary for him to comprehend the complexity of the situation. By the time