Second Assault — Bond And Treason — novel Chapter 14

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.

—Oh, no— quickly assures —. 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 the feeling in some fingers. I can't say for sure, Mr. Dalaras.

A trembling sigh escapes from my mouth before I can control it. Goddamn it. I know it's important and essential for an Omega to have his Alpha's help when injured, but it would simply be too risky for both of us if I took him directly to Magnus.

I might have spies on my tail right now, which would result in the discovery of my involvement and not only risk my life, but Xander's as well.

Besides, I have no 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 I possibly say? He'll probably tear my throat open before I can explain the complexity of the situation from start to finish.

Fuck, this whole mess just gets more and more complicated.

—What about...? — I stop for a few seconds, gathering the courage to finish the question —. His internal... injuries? — she inhales sharply and from the expression I can tell she's looking for the right words to express herself.

—They're better — assures with trembling voice —. Although, it has been a struggle to apply the treatment left by the doctor— sighs with exhaustion —. He doesn't like anyone to touch him, running away from my contact as if my hand was on fire. In the end, I proposed him to apply the cream himself, but he 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 of times, trying to comfort her.

—All right, Rosé. I 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 to talk to him now.

—Wait — says as if she just remembered something —.That's what I was missing, sir. He refuses to speak, he hasn't said a word, to anyone.

—Seriously? — 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 and who I am.

—Well, he did ask.

—Didn't you just tell me he hasn't spoken? — She rolls the eyes dramatically and lets out a heavy sigh.

—"I have no appetite"— I nod, pretending to think.

—I understand that, but you must feed yourself. The more you do, the faster you'll get back on your feet. Besides, our cook is very good, I assure you that everything there is very delicious — lowers the eyes and begins to write again.

—"How long will I be here?".

—I don't know yet, Xander — my answer doesn't seem to please him, as his frown deepens and the grip on the book tightens —. I know you want to go with Magnus, believe me, I want to take you with him too. But it's still too soon. I don't know if it's safe to move you out of here right now — his hand moves quickly, eager to show me the new message.

—"But what if you bring Magnus here? I truly need to see him".

I'm quiet for a few minutes, trying to think if that would be a good idea. Of course, it wouldn't be suspicious, after all, I managed to convince Magnus to finally do business with me, after so much insistence. But I don't know if I should take the risk, everything could be ruined quickly if we let ourselves be carried away by the impulse and don't act cautiously. I must have remained silent for a long time, because by the time I look up, another message is in front of my face.

—"Well?".

—I don't know, Xander — I take a deep breath —.It's too risky. There's too much that could go wrong. I don't want to put you at risk one more time — his eyes soon turn crystal clear and a tear slowly runs down his cheek, making my heart squeeze inside my chest.

His pain completely overwhelms me, I wish I could embrace and comfort him, but I am not sure that my gesture will be welcomed. He looks down and his hand now trembles more intensely, moving on the paper. He raises the notebook, the letters distorted and a bit crooked from the shaking take the breath out of my lungs so sharply that it is as if someone is hitting me directly in the center of the chest.

—"Please... I'll do anything you ask. I'll eat whatever you bring, I'll sleep all night without screaming, I'll take any pills you give me without complaining, but please... I need to be with him now, Angelo".

I read the note over and over again until he slowly pulls the book away, cradling it in his lap. The whole message immerses me in a deep sadness, but one sentence, in particular, catches my attention.

"I'll sleep all night without screaming". What does he mean? Did he have nightmares? Rosé didn't say anything about that. I must be sure to ask before I go. Although it wouldn't be surprising if he was now suffering from night terrors. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be in a situation like he has. My breathing is a little shaky and unsteady the moment I respond.

—Okay, Xander. Let me see what I can do.