Second Assault — Bond And Treason — novel Chapter 20

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.

—As long as it meets the requirements I've given you, it's fine. I'll put you in charge then.

—My baby boy will need something from here? — Lev's requesting. I think a little bit before answering.

The things that were bought for him that day are still 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... I smile.

—Yes, the ball of yarn on steroids.

A pair of hours later, I'm walking through the halls making sure everyone's working. Satisfied to see The Gang diligently doing their job, I walk down the stairs to the Arsenal.

Yaakov informed me that Fredek was not very happy with the decision I made regarding Reiji. He tried, by all means, to prevent his fate from being 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 I could change my mind.

By the time I arrive, I knock on the door to announce myself without receiving a response, so I take the knob and turn it to get in. The order for 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 sure he already knows.

—Fred — I start to say cautiously, closing the door behind me.

—Don't talk to me — he interrupts me sharply.

I sigh and 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 that way from now on.

—Come on, Fredek. Law of the ice again? — I'm complaining, the discomfort pounding on my tongue —. I thought we were past this stage.

—You're a fucking arrogant bastard! — turns abruptly in my direction, causing a small black object to fall to the floor. I just hope the fucking thing doesn't blow up.

—Fredek, stop it — I warn him rudely —. I don't expect you to agree with all my decisions, but I truly don't want to go through this every time.

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

—Well, what the fuck do you expect me to do?! — I yell at him without being able to control myself —. Oh, great Lord all-merciful! Tell me your great idea, say how bad I always do things and how I stink as a big brother!

—Fuck you — grunts between the teeth, jaws clenched. He turns around and keeps putting things into the boxes on the table, picking up the little black thing on the floor that thank God didn't explode, completely ignoring me.

«Fuck», my line of thinking is 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 three words, and I sensed that we were getting closer again, just like before my father died. And now it's all gone down the drain again.

—Fredek, listen to me...

—No, you listen to me, Alexei — he turns around again and points a finger at me, right in the center of my chest —. You didn't have to kill him, there are better ways to do things. You can't just go around shooting people every time they provoke you, Alexei. That's not how everything works in life!

—Fredek, you're not seeing the whole picture. There's a lot more behind this that you don't know — I try to approach but he moves away from me quickly.

—Then explain it to me! — screams and I'm only seconds away from losing my patience —. Tell me one valid reason why I should just fucking forget about this!

—He 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!

By the time my lips close, I'm breathing heavily and a thin layer of sweat slowly spreads over my body. Although, I can't register anything else but Fredek's stunned face at this moment.

His eyes are so wide open that his pupil seems ridiculously small and his Adam's apple is moving rapidly. He 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 and his life depended on it.

Unable to look at him any longer, I turn to face the wall with my hands on the waist, my head down, and desperately trying to swallow the thick knot in my throat. I don't know how much time we spend in silence until Fredek breaks it with his low, faltering voice.

—I'm sorry, Alexei — I'm about to leave when I hear him sobbing and the 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 know.

—It's not your fault, Fredek — I mumble wearily and still don't turn in his direction.