Second Assault — Bond And Treason — novel Chapter 19

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.

—Xander, look at me — capturing the sadness through the bond, placed a finger under his chin, urging him to raise the head and connect the gaze with his —. Remember what I told you yesterday?

A slight up and down movement was his response.

—Good, because if you think that the fact that you are deaf is a problem for me, you are wrong — said the Alpha, as if he had read the line of thoughts crossing his mind —. It's just that I'd rather have you wearing them at all times, being aware of your surroundings. That's why we have to get you better ones. Okay?

Xander leaned on the tip of his toes and smiling, left a sweet kiss on his lips, nodding again once they separated.

—I love you, kitty. There's absolutely nothing 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? — with a mocking tone, getting a little chuckle.

Xander 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".

Now, Alexei didn't like his partner's reluctance to speak, but he loved that special, intimate way of expressing how much they loved each other.

He smiled and gently removed Xander's earplugs, leaving them on the side shelf filled with shampoo and conditioner bottles, so they could start bathing.

When they came out twenty-five minutes later and the Omega with the 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 who left them there, or at least he hoped so.

He quickly dressed and put on the shoes, watching Xander do the same thing much more calmly. Once they were both ready, Alexei held his Omega hand between his larger hand and led them both out of the room and into the kitchen.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and rolls flooded his lungs, causing his mouth to turn to water. He stopped before entering the dining room and turned to look at Xander.

—If at any time you 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 other half of my heart, Xander — whispers right in his ear.

He tilts the head back and his Omega's eyes are wide open and clear from the tears that threaten to come out.

But he blinks rapidly to chase them away and still refusing to speak, he just smiles sweetly and nods, before placing a small kiss on his Alpha's lips.

—Okay, now let's go — Alexei takes his hand again and leads them both to the dining room —.Good morning — announces, and 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 to let anyone else touch him other than Alexei.

—Good morning, Magnus — Angelo greets him, folding the newspaper he was reading in half and smiling at him.