Second Assault — Bond And Treason — novel Chapter 8

Saturday, April 6th. The Mansion Arsenal, 10:40 a.m.

FREDEK

I haven't been able to sleep. No matter how hard I try, no matter how much I toss and turn in bed, no matter how much I force my eyes to be closed, I can't fall asleep. The image of Xander being kidnapped keeps repeating in my head, and the fear that something might happen to him is burning deep in my bones. I should have done something.

I should have acted and tried to at least help him at that moment when he needed me most. But fear paralyzed me in place and I did absolutely nothing. All around me was chaos, death, and despair. My eyes caught the shattered glass on the floor, the dents created by bullets in the walls and cars, bodies falling lifelessly on the asphalt, people screaming and running around, trying to protect their lives, and Xander... Being hit in the head and dragged away from our protection by two men.

I should have moved then. Alexei had insisted years ago that I learn to handle weapons and hand-to-hand defense, but training is useless when fear takes over in such a situation. I tried to regain control and react, but it was no use. Completely in vain. Now my friend is missing and my brother devastated.

I was shocked by the words Derek said that day. I've always known that his feelings for Xander are deep and complicated, but I never imagined that it would be to the point of confronting my brother, knowing full well what could happen to him. Fortunately, Alexei has not yet done anything to "put him in his place", but I know him and I am certain that this will not stay that way. And I won't lie, it hurt.

I was hurt to witness his reaction and the things he said. I realize that they have known each other for years, but I also believe that his words were not those of a mere friend. They meant more to him, and Alexei noticed that too. I finish assembling the small explosive device in my hands and lean back against the chair, stretching my stiff neck in several directions until I manage to loosen the knots a bit.

Needless to say, the atmosphere at The Mansion has been the most tense and hostile I have ever felt. Everyone is on edge because of my brother's mood and the lack of an Omega with enough conviction and strength to control the emotions of such a large group of shapeshifters. Xander was happy with the job. Me? Not even close. I can only deal with a small group and juggling so I don't feel overwhelmed. I take a deep breath and stand up and walk out of the arsenal.

I've spent the last four days eating and sleeping here, going back to my room just to use the bathroom. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to choose isolation, but if there's one thing Alexei and I are alike, it's that we both need time with ourselves before we can face the world.

I start walking and before I know where my feet are leading me, I'm standing in front of his office door. Soon a weight is placed on my shoulders and I feel suffocated. It takes me a moment to figure out that these are the emotions that Alexei is conveying and that my Omega side is doing its best not to be affected.

I grab the doorknob with my trembling hand and open it. The office is in complete darkness and the image I perceive of my brother leaves me frozen for a few minutes. He is sitting in the chair, with a hand on the desk and a cigarette about to extinguish between the fingers. His eyes are fixed on a blind spot in the office and I don't think he has noticed me yet.

He seems... Destroyed. Like he's got all the weight in the world on his back and I haven't even taken a closer look yet. I subtly knock on the door to get his attention and when his face turns towards me, I can see the surprise he has in finding me here.

—Come in — mumbles with severity, according to his cold and distant countenance. I close the door delicately and approach, taking a seat in front of him —. How are you? — he asks, extinguishing the flame of the tobacco in the ceramic ashtray.

I should be the one asking that question, but I don't need to ask it, since I can see the answer perfectly. Up close, I can assess his condition much better. Though he wears a suit, his hair is disheveled, the beard is several days old, and huge dark circles under the eyes stain the features of his face with purple tones which, even when exhausted and deprived of sleep, are still intimidating.

—I'm sorry, Alexei — I whisper, ignoring the question. My voice is shaky and high-pitched —. I should have done something, but I couldn't. I froze. I didn't know what to do...

—Please, Fredek. Don't go there — I feel the tiredness in his countenance and he transmits to me the agony that I know he must be going through —. I appreciate your words, but I am more thankful that you are safe. I don't know what would become of me now if you too... — his mouth suddenly closes and his jaw tightens.

—Okay— I quietly concede, trying to distract him from his tormenting thoughts —. We will find him, Alexei. We're all working on it, and we won't give up until we finally bring him home— I smile slightly, he looks at me and remains silent for a moment before answering.

—I don't even know where to begin — he admits, more exposed and vulnerable than I've ever seen him —. The bond between us is getting weaker and weaker, and I'm getting more desperate every day — he leans back, resting his back on the chair, and I notice how he blinks several times, pushing away the moisture in his eyes —. And now there's also the matter of the infiltrator, who, despite all Adrik and Yaakov's work, they haven't managed to find.

—What about Reiji? Have you investigated him yet? — He opens his eyes wide with amazement, though it is no secret that the gesture is difficult for him because of exhaustion. His eyebrows arched in confusion.

—Why should we investigate Reiji? He's been working for me for years, Fredek.

—I know, but I thought you were going to check up on absolutely everyone. And considering the trouble Xander had with him, I thought...

—Wait — he stops me, raising a hand abruptly —. What problem are you talking about?

—You don't know? Didn't Xander tell you?

—What? Tell me what, Fredek? — suddenly stands up and approaches me, his patience waning by another unstable degree —. What the hell are you talking about? — Damn it, so Xander didn't tell him. Why? The same day his heat came up, he told me he was gonna discuss it with Alexei, but then...

—Well, he and Xander argued with you. You truly didn't know? He told me he'd explain it to you— he shakes his head several times and gestures at me, instructing me to continue —. Apparently, Reiji confronted him, saying that he wasn't good enough to be your Omega, that you would use him until you "scratched the itch" — I simulate the quotes with my fingers —. And then you would get rid of him — I pause because I'm startled by the deep growl coming from Alexei's chest —. Hey, his words, not mine. He's in love with you or something.

—Fuck!— turning his back on me, walking around the office, looking pretty upset —. Why didn't Xander tell me any of this?

—I don't know. Though it happened the same day he went into heat. Maybe that's why.

Alexei's been quiet for so long, I'm starting to get nervous. He walks around, head down, hands on the waist, and breathing heavily. His emotions are making my Omega suffer from submission, so I force myself to talk.

—Do you think Reiji had anything to do with it? — I stand too, watching him closely —. I mean, he was very upset that day, but I don't know if Xander's reaction is enough of an indication to suggest that Reiji is part of all this.

—I don't know, but sure as hell I'll find out.