Second Assault — Bond And Treason — novel Chapter 34

Friday, April 19th. New Facilities Kitchen, 4:32 p.m.

XANDER

—Stop pouting, baby boy — Lev pats me on the shoulder and continues to cut the onions —. You know well that when Alex makes a decision, there is no force in this world to change his mind.

—But he should have consulted me first, Lev! — I stop wagging the sauce and turn to face him —. I'm not painted on the fucking wall, it was something we both had to talk about before he even considered the possibility.

Yes, I'm angry. No, I'm furious. Yesterday, I did nothing but stay in our bedroom after he left to meet with Yaakov. I took the opportunity to tidy up a few things and play a long game with Cooky, since I've been a bit distant from him.

When Magnus came back, with only a few hours to the evening, I asked him about the progress of the mission and that's when he told me that he will also be part of the teams that will invade Dimitri's mansion.

Let's just say, my reaction was not the most cheerful and passive of all. And considering Magnus isn't the quiet type, well... The argument was pretty ugly. I stormed out of the room and ended up asking Lev for shelter, getting Yaakov to sleep on the couch in their bedroom. I haven't spoken to Magnus since.

—I know, you're right — adds the onion rings to the sauce and mixes it up —.But try to put yourself in his shoes. He's our boss, baby boy, and I'm sure he wants to take revenge on Zhukovski for... — his gaze deviates from mine —. Well, you know.

—And that's exactly what I want to avoid! — I run a hand through my hair, frustration eating me up —. Lev, I just want this whole nightmare to be over. I understand that Dimitri has to be stopped and I know that everything you've told me is true, but... I'm scared — my eyes are starting to blur from the tears I've been holding back —. What if things don't work out? What if someone else dies? — sighs and holds me by the shoulders.

—I'm scared too. Just the thought that something might happen to Yaak... — his words fading away, but then quickly denies with the head —. But that's his job, baby boy.

That's what they've prepared for over the years, and believe me, they're very good at what they do. It doesn't mean that there won't be risks and I know that's not what you want to hear, but we must trust them and pray that everything goes well.

—If only that would ease the burden on me, Lev.

—I know it doesn't. But for now, we have to settle for that little comfort — smiles, winks at me and turns to keep stirring the sauce. My thoughts drift away, and I stay so long in them, that I do not notice when Mrs. Ewa returns from the greenhouse.

—What are you thinking about, boy? — she pinches my cheek playfully, and I smile, though not very eagerly —. If you frown more, your eyebrows will end up joining together.

—Nothing, just a few things — she doesn't seem convinced, but doesn't insist.

—And you, chatty cockatoo? I hope you haven't stopped moving that sauce — she warns Lev, moving him away from the pot to confirm. He lets out a heavy sigh and rolls the eyes in the most dramatic way I've ever seen.

—There we go again with the cockatoo thing — he crosses the arms over the chest.

—Ah, but you don't deny that you are chatty — the old lady laughs and then empties the basket full of herbs and spices on the counter.

—What good will that do me? If I can't get you to stop calling me a cockatoo, I'll certainly not succeed in getting you to stop calling me that. I'm beginning to resign myself to it and I won't even complain next time.

—Wow, I never thought this day would come — the woman opens the eyes big in surprise —. I was sure you'd be demanding it until the end of my days.

—Don't worry, Mrs. Ewa. I'm sure his sudden maturity will only be temporary — Lev gives me a murderous look and I burst out laughing.

—You're supposed to be on my side and not laugh at this old lady's quips — accuses me.

—This old lady will kick your ass if you let the sauce burn or get lumpy, so get to work — Lev rolls the eyes again, but he still obeys —. And you, little one. What's that sweet smell I detect in you? — My eyebrows are furrowed, puzzled. I don't understand, I haven't detected any change in my scent.

—What do you mean?

—That you smell different — approaches her face a bit to me and sniffs —. Yes, your smell has changed.

I look at her a bit confused, I have no idea what she means.

—Uh... Well, I think it's because I'm wearing one of Magnus' shirts — yesterday, when I left the room, I barely had time to grab a pair of pants. I didn't bother to change his shirt for one of mine —. It must be his smell you're picking up — she seems to consider it for a few seconds, until a slow, strange smile appears on her lips.

—Yes, maybe that's it — and without further ado, she spins around and goes on with her business, leaving me even more confused.

We managed to finish dinner after two more hours. A huge banquet was ready and properly covered to keep it from getting cold. I had no idea how much work Mrs. Ewa had to do every day, although it was to be expected, as she has to feed all the henchmen and employees of the organization.

Lev always comes to help her, but in addition to him, Magnus hired a pair of twins to be her assistants. One is called Cheslav and the other Gavrel, although they are usually very quiet and do not get involved in our conversations. Just as we were about to serve, the kitchen door opened and someone came in who I hadn't expected to see yet.

—Hey, Xander — Fredek smiles at me, though he looks a little embarrassed.

—Fred! — I squeal, and then I jump up and hug him. He laughs and reciprocates, we last a few long seconds like this before finally separating —. I'm so happy to see you. I didn't think you'd abandon your little love nest yet — I poke him with my finger on the side and a blush spreads across his cheeks.

—Angelo had to go home and Derek was called by Yaakov to give him directions on the mission.

—You're not going, are you?

—Not a chance. Derek would kill me and I don't even want to think about Angelo's sermon — waves a hand like scaring away a fly. Where have I seen that before? —. So I'll save myself the drama and stay here.

—Wow, but look who's here! — Lev comes towards us with his arms extended and hugs Fred —. I'm glad to see you in one piece and it's a relief that you're not limping.

—Don't start with your perverted jokes, Lev — Fredek rolls the eyes, but smiles —. Better tell me how things have been going around here. What did I miss?

—Not much, really — Lev shrugs —. Tomorrow's the big day, I'm still as handsome as ever and Xander's upset with Alex.

—Are you mad at him? — questions in confusion —. Why?

—Because the idiot is going with Yaakov and the others tomorrow, and he didn't even bother to ask my opinion first.

—To be perfectly honest, I expected that — Fred raised his hands, stopping me after realizing that I was about to reply —. But I agree that he should have consulted you first.

—He's an idiot — I cross the arms over my chest, unconsciously pouting.

—I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose, Xander. It's just that, uh, my brother's not used to giving his reasons to anyone — sighs —. Years of being the boss have made him that way. Just try to talk to him calmly. You don't want him to leave tomorrow and you guys are still mad, do you?

—No — resigned, I nod. He's right, after all —. I don't want to. It's true, I must talk to him — at that moment, Mrs. Ewa walks beside us with a big tray full of cutlery. She was going to walk past, but suddenly stops, sniffs the air around us, and smiles.

—Another one with a different smell — her smile widens and looks at the three of us —. Soon, the good news that we all needed greatly will appear. Then, I will make sure to prepare a huge feast, you will see — turns and goes back on her way, humming a song animatedly. The three of us look at each other in surprise and wonder if age is already catching up with her. 

ALEXEI

—I'm starting to get fucking dizzy — Yaakov's complaining —. Stop moving now.

I try, but I can't. I keep walking around my office like a caged cat. I haven't spoken to Xander since yesterday and the anguish of knowing if he's still angry is driving me crazy.

I know that I acted wrong and that I should have told him before making a decision, I truly tried to apologize, but between screams and insults, I ended up losing my temper and exploding. And now, thanks to my tantrum and not being able to keep my big mouth shut, I haven't seen him all day and the need to hold him in my arms is almost unbearable.

—Didn't Lev say anything to you? — I inhale a drag of the cigarette in my fingers and keep walking around the office.

—For the hundredth time, no — rubs his temples, like he's got a headache —. Stop being so childish and go talk to him — sighs annoyingly —. Apologize or maybe you'll have make-up sex and that's it.

—Yeah, right — I snort —. As if it was that easy. You don't know Xander's temperament. If you think mine's bad, you have no idea what he's like when he's angry. He even threw one of the lamps at me!

—Really? — asks in astonishment, though he soon bursts out laughing —. The kitten has claws, thank goodness he's not intimidated by your shitty mood — laughs again, wiping the tears from the corner of the eyes.

—You're supposed to be here to make me feel better, not to put me further into misery — I scold him, giving him a murderous look.

—Sorry, buddy, there's nothing I can do about it. This is something you both need to work out.

—I know — I take another hit and finally sit down in my chair, smashing the cigarette in the ashtray —. But I don't know where to start. I know I acted badly, but I didn't expect him to react that way.

—This can't be easy for him, Magnus — leaning on the desk with the elbows —. Get in his place, we're about to face our worst enemy, who's a powerful mobster and did a lot of damage to him in the process. We'll be risking our lives tomorrow, I imagine he's just afraid something might happen to you — I was going to respond, but then I hear a gentle knock at the door.

—Come in — I announce, the door opens slowly and Xander appears, looking cautiously and a little nervously. Although I'm surprised to see him, I'm glad he came.