Second Assault — Bond And Treason —

Kitchen of the New Facilities, 3:25 p.m.

FREDEK

I should be happy. Yeah, I should be very happy. Xander's finally back, my brother and I have managed to work things out after many years apart, and I've finally found my partner... Or is it the other one? Or is it both? Oh, my God! I don't understand a damn thing that's going on.

Before this morning, I was clear about what I had to do, had a horizon, steps to follow so that I could, at last, be with the Alpha of my dreams, and perhaps, in the future, have many puppies. To live in a nice house in the country, to get out of the organization, and have a normal life. But now... Now what? All those fantasies have vanished into thin air since he showed up. Ever since his gaze connected to mine, my legs wavered and my world turned upside down. Angelo Dalaras.

What's this supposed to mean? Derek's not my bonded partner after all? But if he isn't, then my body shouldn't have reacted the way it did when I first met him, or shouldn't be in my thoughts constantly, or I wouldn't dream about him every time I go to sleep. I don't understand. I'm stuck in a limbo with no hope of getting an answer to help keep my sanity safe. I don't know what I need to do. Do I keep trying to win Derek over, or do I let Angelo court me? At least he seems genuinely interested.

Derek gives me a bunch of confusing signals. During the time that Xander was kidnapped, he remained indispensable at my side, offering me the shelter my soul longed for and the protection I required. However, whenever there was even the slightest chance of a breakthrough, he would immediately step aside, totally frustrating my attempts. It hurt every time that happened, and the advice Xander gave me was the impulse and the initiative to keep trying, but now, I just don't know... I don't know if it's worth it.

When I hurried out of the meeting room to avoid being questioned about something that I did not know the answer to, I ran straight to the new arsenal. It was a relief that neither Xander nor Alexei followed me, because honestly, I have no head for dealing with anything or anyone now. And if it weren't for the fact that after hours without touching food my stomach wouldn't demand it with a roar that even I was surprised, I would still be there bathing in my unsolved sorrows and riddles.

—What's the matter with you, boy? — Mrs. Ewa, the cook, asks me with concern, patting me on the shoulder, pulling me out of my reverie —. You've been sitting there for half an hour and you've barely taken a couple of bites out of that sandwich.

I look down at my plate and realize she's right. I don't even remember taking that couple of bites in the first place. I let out a heavy sigh, unsure of what to say, or if I want to do it.

—Would you like to tell me about it? Maybe I can help you — the good woman smiles at me, and even though I try to smile back, I know that it probably came out more like a deformed grimace.

—I don't know — I sigh again —. Even I don't understand the situation I'm in.

—Well, tell me about it then — by taking a seat next to me on the kitchen isle —. Sometimes talking about our problems is better than keeping them quiet.

—It's just that it might surprise you once I tell you. Seriously, it's not something you'd hear every day.

—Boy, this old lady has managed to see a lot of things in this place over the years — says, pointing a thumb at herself —. There's nothing you can tell me that will surprise me — her confidence gives me a little comfort —. Now, what is it?

—Well — I start, although I'm not quite sure how I'm supposed to continue —.It's just that, a few days ago, I met someone, he and I had this sort of... Connection.

—Continue.

that tingling in my body, his smell drove me crazy and I couldn't stop thinking about him for a

with a hand to encourage me to continue, I run a hand over my frustrated face and wet my lips as they suddenly

almost desperate too, it's like he was... I mean — I babble uncontrollably, old Ewa

utter any more words

it is — her serene expression, with a gentle voice, while I almost choked on my tongue —.

spread my eyes a little wider, they'll pop out of my head —.

like I'm joking, kid? — Even the corners of her mouth don't move when she sees me with a firm, severe expression —. I'm completely serious, I'm almost a hundred and thirty years old. My father used

— She nods —. So, what happened? —

a she. A beautiful, pretty girl with dimples on her cheeks, one of the most precious in my pack — suddenly her countenance becomes dark and distant —. The two Alphas fought each other to claim her, which is understandable, no Alpha would expect to have to share

has been created in my throat, although,

fell on the hands and her voice dropped a little —. As a result, the girl suffered a

seconds of silence,

how much her other partner tried to encourage her. And one day it just... It stopped beating — the breath stayed halfway down my neck and a cold shiver ran through my body from

I don't get to be with

likely. The bond created between an Omega and his Alpha, or his Alphas for that matter, is sacred. There's nothing that can break it, nothing that can undo it. If you reject or refuse to be with either of them, you will be so sad and miserable that your animal side will not be able to withstand the misery. It's

going to do now? — my trembling, unsteady voice. I close the eyes and sink the face into my hands as I feel her patting

me to decide, only you can do that — brings the chair closer to me and puts one arm around my shoulders —. The cards are laid, it's up to you to choose your fate. Just remember that it's your life and your happiness that's at stake. You shouldn't think

struggling to

my... What's going on? — I

Don't you begin to smother the boy, you chattering cockatoo. Let him be —

calling me that! — Lev accuses her, crossing the arms over his chest with a slight pout —. I'm a peacock. Is that so hard to understand? — He looks at me again, and his voice becomes softer

the cook mumbles in annoyance, rolling her eyes before turning around to commence

Lev. I'm

the chair previously occupied by Mrs. Ewa and points at me accusingly —. Tell me what's wrong with you, don't make me tie you up and inject you with my special truth serum recipe.

complexity of the situation. By the time I finish, I imagine that this is